Why Ed Oliver didn’t play with the first-team during spring practices

[HOUSE]

The Buffalo Bills didn’t play 2019 top-ten pick Ed Oliver with the starters during spring practice, but it may not be a cause for concern.

When the Buffalo Bills selected Ed Oliver at No. 9 overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, many assumed the team got their long-term starter at defensive tackle. As a player many compared to Aaron Donald due to his tenacity, aggressiveness, and fleet-footedness, he’s expected to be a difference maker. But, the Bills aren’t giving anything to him.

During rookie minicamp, Oliver was a starter on the defensive line. The same can’t be said for veteran-infused camps and OTAs, as head coach Sean McDermott placed the talented Jordan Phillips as the starter alongside Star Lotulelei during spring practices. Oliver and second-year Harrison Phillips took the second-team duties. Immediately, this caused concern; but it may not be just.

Oliver was dealing with an injury that limited him in practice, a partial reason for his “demotion.” However, the real reason may not be because of an ailment; rather, it’s the coaching staff.

Head coach Sean McDermott, along with defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier has built a certain brand of football in Buffalo. Where general manager’s Brandon Beane’s phrase du jour is “the process,” similar to the Philadelphia 76ers famous, lengthy rebuild, the coaching staff’s may be “nothing is earned.” There is no better example of that than Oliver and his second-team status.

Oliver is the most talented defensive tackle the Bills have; that’s obvious, he’s a freak of nature. But he hasn’t yet earned playing time in Western New York. The idea of placing Phillips, a bit of a second-round bust, proves that. If Oliver wants to win the starting job, he’ll have to do it himself.

 

https://buffalowdown.com/2019/06/19/buffalo-bills-why-ed-oliver-didnt-practice-with-the-first-team/

Edited June 20, 2019 by HOUSE

[BruceVilanch]

I think he will be fine. I think it's interesting they said Harrison is "a bit of a second round bust." 

 

*i'm dumb, just realizing they meant Jordan.

Edited June 20, 2019 by Jeetz1231
I'm dumb

[HOUSE]

2 hours ago, Jeetz1231 said:

I think he will be fine. I think it's interesting they said Harrison is "a bit of a second round bust." 

 

That would be a nice little poll to place on the board.

 

Is  Jordon Phillips a Bust?  Good luck with that....lol

 

..

Edited June 20, 2019 by HOUSE

[papazoid]

rookie rituals....earn respect first.

 

he will be starting by the regular season

[artmalibu]

Everything is earned with the Bills.  

[CSBill]

On 6/20/2019 at 5:50 AM, Jeetz1231 said:

I think he will be fine. I think it's interesting they said Harrison is "a bit of a second round bust." 

 

I think they meant, "Jordon Phillips"--do they ever fact check themselves?

 

Regardless, I think anyone who has paid attention to the Bills the past two years knows this is a non-issue with the way they rotate their d-linemen. All four will receive just about equal playing time, whether called 1st or 2nd team. In their system, being labeled 1st team is probably more of an honor than status.

 

Oliver's ego may take a small hit, but he'll be seeing plenty of action once the pads go on.

Edited June 21, 2019 by CSBill

[GunnerBill]

32 minutes ago, Jeetz1231 said:

I think he will be fine. I think it's interesting they said Harrison is "a bit of a second round bust." 

 

They didn't mean Harrison Phillips. They are clear that Harrison has been on 2nd team with Oliver. 

 

The man who has been taking first team reps at 3 tech ahead of Ed Oliver is Jordan Phillips. Who was a 2nd round bust before landing in Buffalo. 

 

Nothing to see here though. The only one of their picks they have ever inserted straight into the 1s during spring practices in 3 years to my memory is Tre White. 

[Boca BIlls]

Is it sad that some writer thought it needed to be explained?

[HOUSE]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

They didn't mean Harrison Phillips. They are clear that Harrison has been on 2nd team with Oliver. 

 

The man who has been taking first team reps at 3 tech ahead of Ed Oliver is Jordan Phillips. Who was a 2nd round bust before landing in Buffalo. 

 

Nothing to see here though. The only one of their picks they have ever inserted straight into the 1s during spring practices in 3 years to my memory is Tre White. 

 

LOL, not true

#1 I didn't know Oliver was injured during OTAs

#2 Phillips is a bust?

#3 Many so called experts have already named Oliver the starter.

#4 My smiling avatar is well worth your time...

 

 

 

 

..

Edited June 20, 2019 by HOUSE

[Cripple Creek]

Aside from Edmunds is there a rookie who was the day one (OTA) starter? I know that the sample size is small, maybe Tre'Davious?

Just now, HOUSE said:

 

#1 I didn't know Oliver was injured during OTAs

 

yes, I had flashbacks to Lawson's rookie campaign

[GunnerBill]

6 minutes ago, Cripple Creek said:

Aside from Edmunds is there a rookie who was the day one (OTA) starter? I know that the sample size is small, maybe Tre'Davious?

yes, I had flashbacks to Lawson's rookie campaign

 

Tre was. I am not sure Edmunds was, was he? Maybe he was but I thought he only took over as the starter in min camp.

6 minutes ago, HOUSE said:

 

#2 Phillips is a bust?

 

Jordan Phillips? Yes. He was a bust in Miami that is why they cut him and he ended up on the Bills.

[billsfanmiami(oh)]

Where general manager’s Brandon Beane’s phrase du jour is “the process,” similar to the Philadelphia 76ers famous, lengthy rebuild, the coaching staff’s may be “nothing is earned.” 

 

Sorry to be the grammar police but, what a horribly arranged sentence. Also wouldn't it be “everything is earned” or “nothing is given”? 

[Cripple Creek]

5 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Tre was. I am not sure Edmunds was, was he? Maybe he was but I thought he only took over as the starter in min camp.

 

Edmunds was, so if White too then this is a teeny tiny bit of a story.  The other 2 first round rookie defenders started from day one.

[CEN-CAL17]

It doesn’t matter in McDs scheme. Yes he must prove himself. I’m sure it’s being used to ground Oliver some to... but it all depends on the game plan, who the Bills are playing.... obviously against a more pass happy team you’ll see Oliver getting a majority of the snap over all the DTs.

 

At the end of the year Oliver leads the DTs in on field percentage. Maybe the entire DL.... I just hope he keeps a level head and becomes a leader in the next year or two

[GunnerBill]

4 minutes ago, Cripple Creek said:

Edmunds was, so if White too then this is a teeny tiny bit of a story.  The other 2 first round rookie defenders started from day one.

 

Yea. White definitely did. It is at least somewhat interesting - I agree. But certainly no reason for concern. 

[CEN-CAL17]

3 minutes ago, Cripple Creek said:

Edmunds was, so if White too then this is a teeny tiny bit of a story.  The other 2 first round rookie defenders started from day one.

I think there is a mental game being played here....  Tre and Edmunds both are modest mostly laid back guys, guys that know their place. 

 

Ed Oliver is very head strong, almost arrogant. He’s respectful but can be an “in your face” guy too. Trust me, Ed Oliver doesn’t care he’s a rookie. But he’s gotta learn his role on the team, on the field, in the locker room etc.... that’s gonna ground this kid and help him be part of the process and help him slowly adapt to the level he’s at now. Vs thrown him the keys to the lambo.

[Hatszel]

Also with White and Edmonds we were devoid of any talent at those positions they needed to start right away the "bust Philips" is competent at least.   

 

[Nanker]

Obviously Oliver is obviously a bust already as obviously he hasn’t produced obviously a single sack yet. Obviously. 

[Tenhigh]

Nothing is earned?

 

[blacklabel]

I'll tell ya why, cause he a bum! Bust! Worst pick ever. Beane should have ten pounds of guacamole thrown at him on his way out the door. Fire everyone!

[Mc1320]

Articles like this are just lazy filler for sites like this to keep the clicks coming when there isn’t any news to report.

[T master]

I think it is a good thing that he is on the second team injury or not ! When i heard he had a bit of a blow up with his coach in Houston & had some motivational problems i was hoping that he wouldn't be a prima donna wanna be we don't need that !! 

 

McD & Frazier need him to know even though he is a talent that he has to earn his playing time like every one else & that nothing is given to him . If they do just insert him into the first team that would go along with the thought process that every one that plays gets a trophy & they don't need that !! 

 

If he is half the g guy they think he is (& i do too) then he will show his true colors & be the guy !! The only players that should be put on the field are guys like Bruce when he came out those type of players that did what he did in college & go 1st over all need to be on the field ASAP because they are instant impact players !! 

[MJS]

I wasn't aware that there was concern over this. This article makes it seem like fans are freaking out about this, but I haven't seen a single shred of evidence to support that.

[Chris from Rochester]

Maybe Phillips had a good offseason and we will have a good problem on our hands ?

[row_33]

4 hours ago, Boca BIlls said:

Is it sad that some writer thought it needed to be explained?

 

that's the writer's job, usually well paid for doing this kind of useless stuff

 

far worse that people spent 15 minutes crafting excuses on here

 

[Lurker]

LOL!   With all due respect, just because it's a hyperlink, it's not anything worth reading.   Should every opinion and thought of TSW posters be given individual URLs so they'll seem more "knowledgeable" and "insightful."...

 

 

Edited June 20, 2019 by Lurker

[Alphadawg7]

This isnt really a mystery.  Beane said Oliver will have to earn it, and so mystery solved.

 

They already had Jordan and Harrison there, 2 guys they like.  So they were not going to just hand Oliver the starting reps yet until he proved himself.  Tre and Edmunds were different because there were not really guys who could start ahead of them and were both going to be needed as starters out the gate.  

 

But I am pretty sure early in camp Oliver will start getting some first unit reps and probably get his first chance to start in the 2nd preseason game as I expect Jordan to likely start the first one.  

 

Nothing to worry about, unless he comes out and shockingly struggles, Oliver is almost certainly going to be the starter come week 1.

[MJS]

4 hours ago, row_33 said:

 

that's the writer's job, usually well paid for doing this kind of useless stuff

 

far worse that people spent 15 minutes crafting excuses on here

 

Excuses for what?

[formerlyofCtown]

6 hours ago, T master said:

I think it is a good thing that he is on the second team injury or not ! When i heard he had a bit of a blow up with his coach in Houston & had some motivational problems i was hoping that he wouldn't be a prima donna wanna be we don't need that !! 

 

McD & Frazier need him to know even though he is a talent that he has to earn his playing time like every one else & that nothing is given to him . If they do just insert him into the first team that would go along with the thought process that every one that plays gets a trophy & they don't need that !! 

 

If he is half the g guy they think he is (& i do too) then he will show his true colors & be the guy !! The only players that should be put on the field are guys like Bruce when he came out those type of players that did what he did in college & go 1st over all need to be on the field ASAP because they are instant impact players !! 

Oliver will show you he is an instant impact player.

[KD in CA]

6 hours ago, MJS said:

I wasn't aware that there was concern over this. This article makes it seem like fans are freaking out about this, but I haven't seen a single shred of evidence to support that.

 

If there is somewhere fans freak out more than here.....I don't want to know about it.

[Lurker]

2 hours ago, KD in CA said:

 

If there is somewhere fans freak out more than here.....I don't want to know about it.

 

https://hfboards.mandatory.com/forums/buffalo-sabres.18/

[3rdand12]

12 hours ago, Tenhigh said:

Nothing is earned?

 

i stopped and had to think upon that very phrase as well.

 perhaps

 nothing HAS been earned would be better ?

3 hours ago, formerlyofCtown said:

Oliver will show you he is an instant impact player.

That's the plan isn't it

3 hours ago, KD in CA said:

 

If there is somewhere fans freak out more than here.....I don't want to know about it.

WTF did you just say to me  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 just kidding of course KD

 luv ya

 

 

[Ol Dirty B]

10 hours ago, row_33 said:

 

that's the writer's job, usually well paid for doing this kind of useless stuff

 

far worse that people spent 15 minutes crafting excuses on here

 

 

You think all these bloggers are well paid? 

 

Lol.

[CommonCents]

Different ways to motivate different individuals. I hope they get this one right. Has the talent but he might be a head case. 

[JoPar_v2]

2 hours ago, Ol Dirty B said:

 

You think all these bloggers are well paid? 

 

Lol.

 

And this is just a literally who? on a freaking Fansided fanblog who read a few quotes from the coach and pecked this out. I’d be surprised if this kid is paid at all. This is sub-Bleacher Report **** that should be blacklisted from linking.

 

To be fair, the kid got dogpiled for being a terrible writer in his comments and he took it like a champ.

[Ol Dirty B]

2 hours ago, JoPar_v2 said:

 

And this is just a literally who? on a freaking Fansided fanblog who read a few quotes from the coach and pecked this out. I’d be surprised if this kid is paid at all. This is sub-Bleacher Report **** that should be blacklisted from linking.

 

To be fair, the kid got dogpiled for being a terrible writer in his comments and he took it like a champ.

 

These guys don't make squat. I think it's more about networking, building a resume, or a passion project.

 

I have no idea why anyone would think these guys are well paid. They aren't. 

 

Not trying to take anything away from them, I just didn't understand that post at all.

[H2o]

Personally, I think Harrison Phillips and Ed Oliver will be recognized as one of the most formidable duo's of young interior linemen in the league by season's end. I expect Star and Jordan to be mainly in rotational roles. This defense is gonna be outstanding barring injuries to key players. 

[Max Fischer]

23 hours ago, billsfanmiami(oh) said:

Where general manager’s Brandon Beane’s phrase du jour is “the process,” similar to the Philadelphia 76ers famous, lengthy rebuild, the coaching staff’s may be “nothing is earned.” 

 

Sorry to be the grammar police but, what a horribly arranged sentence. Also wouldn't it be “everything is earned” or “nothing is given”? 

 

About to make this comment as well.  The whole article is poorly written clickbait. Yes, I fell for it. 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

On 6/20/2019 at 4:13 AM, Cripple Creek said:

Edmunds was, so if White too then this is a teeny tiny bit of a story.  The other 2 first round rookie defenders started from day one.

They did but there was no one else on the roster that was even capable of starting at CB and MLB. It doesn’t matter. DL is always heavily rotated. It doesn’t matter who starts. He will see about half the snaps.

3 hours ago, H2o said:

Personally, I think Harrison Phillips and Ed Oliver will be recognized as one of the most formidable duo's of young interior linemen in the league by season's end. I expect Star and Jordan to be mainly in rotational roles. This defense is gonna be outstanding barring injuries to key players. 

Pump the breaks on Harrison. He hasn't shown anything so far. He doesn't have size/strength to replace Star and the penetrating ability he showed at Stanford was nonexistent last year. He will see the least number of snaps especially if they play Lawson inside from time to time like they did last year year late in the season.

[K-9]

Ed Oliver is gonna do his share of schlepping luggage for veteran players, as well as not be first on the depth chart initially.  Is this writer really that clueless about time-honored rites of passage for players in the NFL? Slow news day I guess.