Rapid Reaction - 10 Observations About Last Night's Game

[ChevyVanMiller]

Rapid Reaction - 10 Observations About Last Night's Game

 

10) It turns out I may have been a bit premature in predicting the demise of EJ Manuel in a Buffalo Bills jersey. The third year pro responded to his surprising start by having his best game ever in the NFL. He was 7/8 for 170 yds with 2 TDs and a perfect 158.3 passer rating.

 

There's a small chance that the Bills will try to deal him to another club while his stock is the highest it's been since his dramatic comeback win over the Panthers during his rookie year, but it seems more than likely that EJ will be on the 53-man roster come September 13th.

 

If you'll pass the salt, I have a fedora that I need to choke down.

 

9) Speaking of QBs, what do you make of a game where 7 QBs played and 6 of them finished with a passer rating over 100? The one that didn't? Two-time Super Bowl winner and probable future hall-of-famer Ben Roethlisberger.

 

The Bills passers went a combined 30/33 for 386 yds and 3 TDs.

 

I heard one guy next to me at the stadium tell his kid, "This is what it was like during the Super Bowl years."

 

8) Kid's Day was a rousing success. I had the great pleasure of being on the field before the game and it was great to see so many kids in Bills colors smiling from ear to ear. The future fandom of the team is in good hands.

 

11 year-old Baylee Morrison from Macedon, NY sang the National Anthem and man can that little girl belt it out. Some of you may have heard her sing before Sabres games. Don't be surprised if she goes on to have a big musical career.

 

7) Is Fred Jackson an ageless marvel or what? That first drive was a beautiful reminder of just how good number 22 was and still is. I don't know what the replay ref was looking at on the long run. From my viewpoint in the stadium in looked clear that FredEx got the pylon cleanly, but he dove it in 2 plays later, so no harm, no foul.

 

By far the loudest cheers of the day were for Fred during the pregame Stampede. His Hulk TD celebration never gets old. Here's hoping number 22 is a big part of the offense this season.

 

6) It was quite a scare when Stephone Gilmore went down early in the game. Rex said in the presser that he didn't expect it to be a problem for the opener, which is great news indeed.

 

I don't know if Gilmore is good enough to have an island named after him, but I'm pretty sure that Rex and Dennis Thurman at least expect "Gilmore Pennisula" to get some play nationally.

 

5) Hey anybody remember that Marcus Easley was once a pretty highly touted wide receiving prospect? In recent years number 81 has developed into a demon on special teams, but there was a time when the 6' 2" 4th rounder out of Connecticut was thought of as being the answer to Buffalo's perpetual red zone threat defincency.

 

Yesterday, Easley caught 6 balls for 42 yards and helped move the sticks time and time again. He probably won't see the field much as a WR once the real bullets fly, but it is a comfort to know we have such a gamer at the 6th wide receiving spot on the roster.

 

4) Austin Willis we hardly knew ya. The rookie WR wasn't on the roster long enough to even be included in the official Gameday publication. The shot he took from Pittsburgh safety Jordan Dangerfield looked bad and I see an injury settlement/waived in young Mr. Willis' future.

 

I tell ya, the kid go no respect.

 

3) There were two plays in the 1st quarter where Manny Lawson was lined up with Steelers slot receiver Markus Wheaton. I watched Manny closely on both plays and he chucked Wheaton at the line and hung with him in short coverage.

 

Big Ben threw elsewhere in both instances. I don't know if it was a mistake in coverage by the Bills D or if Thurman is putting a lot of trust in a 10-year LB to hang with a speedy young receiver. It bears watching in the regular season.

 

2) If I have one concern after a beatdown like this one it is just that the QBs aren't getting any playing time with the top receivers. The reserves surely shined, but many of them will either be out of the league in two weeks or riding the pine.

 

How much does it mean that Watkins, Woods and Harvin aren't getting quality minutes to build a rapport with whichever QB starts against the Colts? Hopefully, not much, but time will tell.

 

1) Okay, so who won the QB competition? Rex said after the game that he will make the decision on Sunday, but won't announce it to the media.

 

If it was me wearing the HC hat I would go with Tyrod. I'd base the decision on the fact that all of the QBs threw the ball well - much better than was expected after the early dismal training camp reports.

 

T-Mobile brings an element with his legs that the other two simply do not possess.

 

It will be an interesting call by Rex. Whichever way he goes, just pray that he gets it right. With the right guy behind center this is a playoff team.

Edited August 30, 2015 by ChevyVanMiller

[maryland-bills-fan]

Could we package Cassel and a wide receiver for some quality offensive line depth? Or a 2-3 type draft pick to build that for next season?

[GunnerBill]

Could we package Cassel and a wide receiver for some quality offensive line depth? Or a 2-3 type draft pick to build that for next season?

 

When was the last time a team packaged players in an NFL trade? It happens on Madden.

[ChevyVanMiller]

When was the last time a team packaged players in an NFL trade? It happens on Madden.

 

You're absolutely right, but it is a shame it doesn't happen in the NFL. Multi-player trades are one of the best things about the NBA.

[Doc]

Good points but Easley wasn't a highly-touted WR prospect. He was a 4th rounder out of UCONN.

[section122]

Rapid reactions... 12 hours later haha

 

10. I'm an admitted ej fan and it was great not only to see him perform but also to see him rise to the challenge. He was lights out throwing darts yesterday.

 

7. I'm gonna miss hearing about Coe college every game. It has become such a staple! However that was the slowest 41 yard run maybe ever. One of the best parts of acquiring shady is fred will not need to over work his body. Hopefully he can go out with a playoff win to end his career.

[ChevyVanMiller]

Rapid reactions... 12 hours later haha

10. I'm an admitted ej fan and it was great not only to see him perform but also to see him rise to the challenge. He was lights out throwing darts yesterday.

7. I'm gonna miss hearing about Coe college every game. It has become such a staple! However that was the slowest 41 yard run maybe ever. One of the best parts of acquiring shady is fred will not need to over work his body. Hopefully he can go out with a playoff win to end his career.

Maybe I should have called this one (Not So) Rapid Reaction, but I didn't get home from the game until after 9 pm and had some family commitments, so I got it done as soon as possible.

[BarleyNY]

Could we package Cassel and a wide receiver for some quality offensive line depth? Or a 2-3 type draft pick to build that for next season?

Getting anything at all for Cassel is just wishful thinking. Nobody would want him on his current deal. Trading a WR that's going to get caught up in a numbers game here for an OL in a similar situation elsewhere has merit. The problem is that there are a lot more WRs with potential on bubbles around the league than there are offensive linemen in that situation. Doesn't hurt to try and find such a trade though.

[truth on hold]

Lol really going out on a limb saying "more than likely" EJ makes the team

[judman]

Lots of players slipping on the field yesterday from both teams. Bad shoes or bad turf?

[qwksilver]

-xgbk,/'36+

`wry3

[ALLEN1QB]

I like the idea of using multiple quarterbacks during the game kind of like yesterday. I know that it hasn't worked in the past for other teams but it just might with this one. Can you imagine the nightmare of having to prepare for three quarterbacks

Edited August 30, 2015 by ORTON1QB

[VanCity]

I like the idea of using multiple quarterbacks during the game kind of like yesterday. I know that it hasn't worked in the past for other teams but it just might with this one. Can you imagine the nightmare of having to prepare for three quarterbacks

I thought about that too. Such an irregular practice, but given the present QB stable, maybe not so crazy? I'd love to hear what wiser men than I have to say about this.

[MarkAF43]

Rapid reactions... 12 hours later haha

 

 

7. I'm gonna miss hearing about Coe college every game. It has become such a staple! However that was the slowest 41 yard run maybe ever.

Now how fast or slow a run takes is a problem? Man some people can't be happy, it always has to be "yeah it was nice, but". Can't we all just enjoy the fact that it was a really nice play?

[purple haze]

Now how fast or slow a run takes is a problem? Man some people can't be happy, it always has to be "yeah it was nice, but". Can't we all just enjoy the fact that it was a really nice play?

You're 100% correct; some people can't be happy. But the answer is no because that human nature trait always bobs its head...

 

But Fred did what Fred has always done. It was great to see him rise up to another challenge. Fast or slow, the ball got down the field.

[ChevyVanMiller]

Lol really going out on a limb saying "more than likely" EJ makes the team

The "more than likely" references my previous statement that there is a slim chance he could be traded, otherwise he's on the team.

[Physicsman]

Lots of players slipping on the field yesterday from both teams. Bad shoes or bad turf?

Definitely the turf! Even one of the referees slipped just before a play began. I think it was roughly the same spot Manuel slipped which led to the sack.

[Doc]

At the very least, I'd like to see Taylor hold for extra points and field goals.

[negativo]

Good observations by the OC. I'd like to add these"

1. Let's hope Carpenter's kicking issues are resolved soon. Having an automatic PK is huge for a team looking to win with defense, special teams and a ground/pound running game.
2. After the draft, I pegged O'Leary to be a huge sleeper but he never woke up. Gragg has clearly outplayed him. Practice squad time for Nick.
3. What impresses me most about Tyrod is his patience and accuracy in the pocket. His running ability was as a given. He's gonna be a star.
4. Love how EJ has played, but that bounce pass on 4th down without pressure is a reminder of why he can't be trusted as our starter.
5. Cassel has done nothing to shake his "Meh" status. I see no reason to start Captain Checkdown II.
6. Darby had one of those days, but that'll happen to a rookie. Don't let it fool you...he'll be a star in this league.
7. Bryce can start packing his bags as soon as Karlos returns.
8. Has there ever been a more fragile NFL player than Marquis Goodwin?
9. Roman could be one-and-done as OC. If this game is any indication how good our offense will be this year he'll be a HC somewhere else next year.
10. That 33 yard PAT gonna come into play this season; especially in December.

[Doc]

 

Good observations by the OC. I'd like to add these"

1. Let's hope Carpenter's kicking issues are resolved soon. Having an automatic PK is huge for a team looking to win with defense, special teams and a ground/pound running game.
2. After the draft, I pegged O'Leary to be a huge sleeper but he never woke up. Gragg has clearly outplayed him. Practice squad time for Nick.
3. What impresses me most about Tyrod is his patience and accuracy in the pocket. His running ability was as a given. He's gonna be a star.
4. Love how EJ has played, but that bounce pass on 4th down without pressure is a reminder of why he can't be trusted as our starter.
5. Cassel has done nothing to shake his "Meh" status. I see no reason to start Captain Checkdown II.
6. Darby had one of those days, but that'll happen to a rookie. Don't let it fool you...he'll be a star in this league.
7. Bryce can start packing his bags as soon as Karlos returns.
8. Has there ever been a more fragile NFL player than Marquis Goodwin?
9. Roman could be one-and-done as OC. If this game is any indication how good our offense will be this year he'll be a HC somewhere else next year.
10. That 33 yard PAT gonna come into play this season; especially in December.

 

The pass was deflected ever so slightly.

[boyst]

You forgot the OL played pretty much like crap all night. Incognito is our best OL followed by Glenn. Miller looked a bit shaken and unable to keep up as Pittsburgh was bringing it from all over the place and usually right down his throat. Wood at OC got pushed around too damn much.

[negativo]

You forgot the OL played pretty much like crap all night. Incognito is our best OL followed by Glenn. Miller looked a bit shaken and unable to keep up as Pittsburgh was bringing it from all over the place and usually right down his throat. Wood at OC got pushed around too damn much.

 

[boyst]

 

Definitely. I am disappointed in what I saw from our starting OL against Pittsburghs less then stellar DL.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

Green Bay has to be desperate for one and possibly two wide receivers. Love to help 'em out.

[Kelly the Dog]

You forgot the OL played pretty much like crap all night. Incognito is our best OL followed by Glenn. Miller looked a bit shaken and unable to keep up as Pittsburgh was bringing it from all over the place and usually right down his throat. Wood at OC got pushed around too damn much.

All four quarterbacks had terrific pockets to throw out of all day long, especially EJ against the ones. Fred said that every reporter in the room at his press conference could have run through that hole the line opened up on the first play of the game, and then we scored from the one on nice blocking up front and an easy dive. We gave up one sack maybe? And EJ slipped. Really don't know what game you were watching there, bud.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

 

Good observations by the OC. I'd like to add these"

1. Let's hope Carpenter's kicking issues are resolved soon. Having an automatic PK is huge for a team looking to win with defense, special teams and a ground/pound running game.
2. After the draft, I pegged O'Leary to be a huge sleeper but he never woke up. Gragg has clearly outplayed him. Practice squad time for Nick.
3. What impresses me most about Tyrod is his patience and accuracy in the pocket. His running ability was as a given. He's gonna be a star.
4. Love how EJ has played, but that bounce pass on 4th down without pressure is a reminder of why he can't be trusted as our starter.
5. Cassel has done nothing to shake his "Meh" status. I see no reason to start Captain Checkdown II.
6. Darby had one of those days, but that'll happen to a rookie. Don't let it fool you...he'll be a star in this league.
7. Bryce can start packing his bags as soon as Karlos returns.
8. Has there ever been a more fragile NFL player than Marquis Goodwin?
9. Roman could be one-and-done as OC. If this game is any indication how good our offense will be this year he'll be a HC somewhere else next year.
10. That 33 yard PAT gonna come into play this season; especially in December.

 

What's a real problem is that we need a kick-off specialist. We could use that spot for one of these good depth players.

 

Of course the season hasn't started but watching Taylor perform in the pocket makes RGIII stick out like a sore thumb as a scrambler who can't learn pocket presence.

 

I kinda hope Roman is a strong one-and-done candidate because his offense so excels that we go deep into the playoffs.

 

Darby IS a major concern, at this point, as a starter. Every team will go after him and though he should improve, it may really cost us.

[boyst]

All four quarterbacks had terrific pockets to throw out of all day long, especially EJ against the ones. Fred said that every reporter in the room at his press conference could have run through that hole the line opened up on the first play of the game, and then we scored from the one on nice blocking up front and an easy dive. We gave up one sack maybe? And EJ slipped. Really don't know what game you were watching there, bud.

I just didn't like what I saw.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

You forgot the OL played pretty much like crap all night. Incognito is our best OL followed by Glenn. Miller looked a bit shaken and unable to keep up as Pittsburgh was bringing it from all over the place and usually right down his throat. Wood at OC got pushed around too damn much.

What game were you watching?

[BillsFan-4-Ever]

Funny thing within this past week or 2 in some of the national media - The Bills don't have a QB and will finish 4th in the AFCE.

 

On ESPN radio this morning I heard the guys saying the Bills have 3 QB's and what a great thing it is.

 

---------------------------------

EJ Manuel started Saturday's game, playing the first two drives and then re-entering the game in the third quarter. He finished 7-for-8 passing for 170 yards and a perfect 158.3 quarterback rating. Overall for the preseason, Manuel went 20-of-30 passing for 358 yards.

 

Tyrod Taylor completed 12 of 13 passes for 122 yards, leading the Bills on 80- and 78-yard touchdown drives, including a 20-yard touchdown run of his own. Taylor completed 24 of 31 passes in the preseason for 236 yards.

 

Matt Cassel played two drives Saturday, completing 6 of 7 passes for 38 yards. He finished the preseason 13-of-15 passing for 83 yards.

 

Ryan said he assumes that Manuel, Taylor and Cassel will all make the Bills' cut to 53 players next week "unless something else happens."

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/13541230/rex-ryan-decide-starting-quarterback-sunday-not-make-decision-public

Again how funny is it that some people here clamor for QB's who have a lot of passing yards and TD yet want TT who has zero passing TD's.

 

Team point for point the EJ led offenses have more TD's scored. Could it be because EJ had more playing time? or that there is something there not being recognized.

 

Yes it is preseason ergo if it applies to 1 QB it applies to them all.

Edited August 30, 2015 by BillsFan-4-Ever

[BuffaninATL]

Good points but Easley wasn't a highly-touted WR prospect. He was a 4th rounder out of UCONN.

doesn't matter what round he was drafted in or that it was UConn. You're right about him not being a highly-touted WR prospect, but if that's the route you want to take, why don't you go after our starter @ RT while you are at it. Guys who have potential and who are correctly drafted as prospects have a good shot at development & production with the right teaching/coaching. Apparently this is happening here.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

You forgot the OL played pretty much like crap all night. Incognito is our best OL followed by Glenn. Miller looked a bit shaken and unable to keep up as Pittsburgh was bringing it from all over the place and usually right down his throat. Wood at OC got pushed around too damn much.

 

Boyst, usually respect your POV but sorry, I can't see it. I grant I didn't watch the entire game, but what I did see, I saw a pretty clean pocket and QB with time to go through their progressions.

 

Typically, 89% completions and 330 yds passing on our top 3 QB and "crappy OL" play are not things that go together - one of these things does not belong in the description of yesterdays game

[JESSEFEFFER]

 

Good observations by the OC. I'd like to add these"

1. Let's hope Carpenter's kicking issues are resolved soon. Having an automatic PK is huge for a team looking to win with defense, special teams and a ground/pound running game.
2. After the draft, I pegged O'Leary to be a huge sleeper but he never woke up. Gragg has clearly outplayed him. Practice squad time for Nick.
3. What impresses me most about Tyrod is his patience and accuracy in the pocket. His running ability was as a given. He's gonna be a star.
4. Love how EJ has played, but that bounce pass on 4th down without pressure is a reminder of why he can't be trusted as our starter.

Wow. That's basing a lot of conclusion on a TIPPED PASS!

1. Cassel has done nothing to shake his "Meh" status. I see no reason to start Captain Checkdown II.
2. Darby had one of those days, but that'll happen to a rookie. Don't let it fool you...he'll be a star in this league.
3. Bryce can start packing his bags as soon as Karlos returns.
4. Has there ever been a more fragile NFL player than Marquis Goodwin?
5. Roman could be one-and-done as OC. If this game is any indication how good our offense will be this year he'll be a HC somewhere else next year.
6. That 33 yard PAT gonna come into play this season; especially in December.

 

[NoSaint]

Lawson will be in coverage. Pettine used him a lot, and he did well. If you remember the game he missed where Hughes filled the role, the saints ate him alive with stills and graham. You'll not remember a similar situation with Lawson healthy.

[BuffaninATL]

 

Good observations by the OC. I'd like to add these"

1. Let's hope Carpenter's kicking issues are resolved soon. Having an automatic PK is huge for a team looking to win with defense, special teams and a ground/pound running game.
2. After the draft, I pegged O'Leary to be a huge sleeper but he never woke up. Gragg has clearly outplayed him. Practice squad time for Nick.
3. What impresses me most about Tyrod is his patience and accuracy in the pocket. His running ability was as a given. He's gonna be a star.
4. Love how EJ has played, but that bounce pass on 4th down without pressure is a reminder of why he can't be trusted as our starter.
5. Cassel has done nothing to shake his "Meh" status. I see no reason to start Captain Checkdown II.
6. Darby had one of those days, but that'll happen to a rookie. Don't let it fool you...he'll be a star in this league.
7. Bryce can start packing his bags as soon as Karlos returns.
8. Has there ever been a more fragile NFL player than Marquis Goodwin?
9. Roman could be one-and-done as OC. If this game is any indication how good our offense will be this year he'll be a HC somewhere else next year.
10. That 33 yard PAT gonna come into play this season; especially in December.

 

 

I'd like to go one step further and either trade him in a package to someone who needs a veteran clipboard holder/game mgr/checkdown artist, or cut him outright to save the $$ . Have you all seen enough from Simms to justify keeping him as the 3rd QB? Just trying to get creative but realistic here.

 

My worst fear is that the wrong decision is made to go with Cassel and there is a fan revolt b/c everyone here knows that would be a complete squandering of talent.

[Doc]

doesn't matter what round he was drafted in or that it was UConn. You're right about him not being a highly-touted WR prospect, but if that's the route you want to take, why don't you go after our starter @ RT while you are at it. Guys who have potential and who are correctly drafted as prospects have a good shot at development & production with the right teaching/coaching. Apparently this is happening here.

That's all I was saying. He's made his mark as a ST'er and might finally be coming around as a WR.

[BuffaninATL]

Guys/gals:

 

off topic - today is my birthday and I would like to say how much I enjoy commiserating on all things Buffalo with you. I have met (virtually) some great people on this Board and you have enriched the quality of my life immensely around a team and a city we all love & our proud of.

 

May we all live to see a BB Super Bowl winner in our lifetimes to result in the greatest party of all human history.

 

[negativo]

I watched the game and did not see a deflection of EJ's missed 4th down pass. It just looked like a doink. If anyone has a replay showing otherwise I'd love to see it.

[NoSaint]

That's all I was saying. He's made his mark as a ST'er and might finally be coming around as a WR.

Realistically, I'd guess no. But if we only dress 5 and have an injury he's likely as good as most 6th wrs while offering exceptional special teams play

[Direhard Fan]

EJ should be the starter and tyrod the backup with the potential to come in when we are in the red zone. Could be a great mix. Can't play two QB's. They need one to be a leader and one to scare the other team when he comes in. EJ will do fine. Give him the reins and he will shine.

[The Jokeman]

Green Bay has to be desperate for one and possibly two wide receivers. Love to help 'em out.

I looked over their roster and if they'd be willing to part with JC Tretter I'd make a move. Yet it may be asking too much so might have to settle on a 6th Round pick.