LabattBlue Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 Was our OL so good last season that the same 5 are coming back again? Pass blocking often looked like a jail break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 Looks like 4/5ths of the OL is set to return as is. Only RT is a question mark. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunderingsquid Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 I would love for them to go OT in the 2nd but that's just me. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby Hooks Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 10 minutes ago, LabattBlue said: Was our OL so good last season that the same 5 are coming back again? Pass blocking often looked like a jail break. Can’t upgrade every position. Biggest thing you can do for an oline is give them time to gel and grow together as a unit. Would we love to add an all-pro RT? Of course, but all teams have weaknesses and if ours is this oline with one more year of experience, I’d say we’re doing pretty darn well. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phxbacker Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 Hopefully adding Diggs helps the OL a bit. Maybe stop some of the wild blitzing Josh faced? I would like to see some investment there in the draft since no help came from FAs. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rock'em Sock'em Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 (edited) Curious, which of these guys are projected to be below average starters this year? 2019 PFF grades enclosed (yes, the folks at PFF may not be the most accurate graders). I personally think continuity is the way to go. IMO, Ford should develop. Dawkins (73) Spain (55) Morse (66) Feliciano (64) Ford (52) PFF Player Grading Scale: 100-90 Elite, 89-85 Pro Bowler, 84-70 Starter, 69-60 Backup, 59-0 Replaceable Edited March 20, 2020 by Rock'em Sock'em 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WMDman Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 continuity is a BIG part of Oline play so i expect the line to play better 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 I’d like to see at least one upgrade on the OL. I get the continuity argument, but you don’t lose much in that respect with one upgraded position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincec Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 They need to bring in a veteran T to compete with Nsekhe and Ford. What is the status of LaAdrian Waddle? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan_34 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 37 minutes ago, LabattBlue said: Was our OL so good last season that the same 5 are coming back again? Pass blocking often looked like a jail break. Yeah- they were pretty good. They will look better when JA gets the ball out quicker. 3 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangarang Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 (edited) I’m still convinced that Ford at RT is going to be a problem. McD had Nsekhe split reps with Ford for a reason and let’s not forget that for a long time last year it seemed like we could only get TD drives going with Ford on the bench. Edited March 21, 2020 by Bangarang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 39 minutes ago, LabattBlue said: Was our OL so good last season that the same 5 are coming back again? Pass blocking often looked like a jail break. It also often looked like he was having a sammich before deciding to pass, like it was a still picture of a statue instead of live. Granted, they had issues with blitzes. Who doesn’t? 5 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBuff423 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 I disagree that OL was a big or consistent issue. What I saw was a remarkable difference between Josh’s first year when it seemed he couldn’t even set his feet before he was being mauled or forced to move and this year there seemed to consistently be 2-3 seconds for him to make the read and throw. More than that is asking a lot and much less is where we were the year before. RT was an issue but I believe Ty made that side look much better and he’s back this year along with Ford being given time to get better and I have to believe that since Beane traded up to get him and was excited to get him, they have confidence in his ability to hold his position. Long story - short, I trust this FO. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 I think we are bringing back Waddle and we are rolling with what we have Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wppete Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 I think Cody Ford is going to have a solid year next year at RT. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan89 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 The offensive line was OK last year. Keep in mind non of the 5 starters last season had played together before and Ford was a rookie. I think with improved consistency by simply having a season under their belt playing together and Ford playing better in year 2 (Ford came on stronger as the season ended.) I think overall the O-line will improve as they are all under 30, deep (Ty, Long, and Bates all solid backups), and Ford will be much better. I get wanting to improve the O-line but offensive line play is heavily tied to playing together and this unit will be returning from a decent season. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rc2catch Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 17 minutes ago, billsfan_34 said: Yeah- they were pretty good. They will look better when JA gets the ball out quicker. That’s my thinking on it as well. They had some lapses but Allen isn’t doing them any favors rarely taking a dump off pass or hot read or anything on blitzing plays. Add in the fact we can’t execute screens and it causes some ugly pressures. He was hovering over what 3.5 seconds holding the ball last season? I don’t have the advanced metrics of it but I think he lead the league both seasons in time holding the ball before release. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 (edited) 49 minutes ago, billsfan_34 said: Yeah- they were pretty good. They will look better when JA gets the ball out quicker. While this is true it's also true that JA will look better when the OL gives him more time. There were flaws in both areas. I'm not a huge fan of PFF and I think their grades for our OL are a little harsh but it is true that we don't have elite/PB level talent up front. Building a Super Bowl team, you probably want 2 elite/PB caliber offensive linemen and then a few solid starters. Right now I'm hoping continuity makes the OL better. This is only the second year together for this group of starters and OL Coach Bobby Johnson. Cross my fingers - we'll have healthier starters this year too. But I'd love to see the Bills pluck an OL superstar out of the draft. Edited March 21, 2020 by hondo in seattle 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magox Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 I’m ok with rolling with the same line again. Continuity on the offensive line is a typical hallmark for good offensive lines. Ford was a rookie and most rookies struggle at the tackle position. I think they will improve upon last year 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 (edited) Keeping the same OL will prove to be Buffalo's best move this off season. .. Edited March 21, 2020 by HOUSE 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaw66 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 1 hour ago, thunderingsquid said: I would love for them to go OT in the 2nd but that's just me. They did that last year. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobChalmers Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 (edited) 29 minutes ago, BigBuff423 said: I disagree that OL was a big or consistent issue. What I saw was a remarkable difference between Josh’s first year when it seemed he couldn’t even set his feet before he was being mauled or forced to move and this year there seemed to consistently be 2-3 seconds for him to make the read and throw. More than that is asking a lot and much less is where we were the year before. RT was an issue but I believe Ty made that side look much better and he’s back this year along with Ford being given time to get better and I have to believe that since Beane traded up to get him and was excited to get him, they have confidence in his ability to hold his position. Long story - short, I trust this FO. I believe you are confusing the rise from among the worst O-Lines in the NFL (2018) to average unit in 2019 and thinking they are actually good. They were not good last year - they were mediocre. They still need to get better. 2 minutes ago, Shaw66 said: They did that last year. (draft an OL in the 2nd round) They should probably do it again. Edited March 21, 2020 by BobChalmers 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaw66 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 9 minutes ago, Magox said: I’m ok with rolling with the same line again. Continuity on the offensive line is a typical hallmark for good offensive lines. Ford was a rookie and most rookies struggle at the tackle position. I think they will improve upon last year Clearly what McBeane think. No free agent help yet, and the #1 pick gone. They're betting on continuity and improvement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaw66 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 3 minutes ago, BobChalmers said: I believe you are confusing the rise from among the worst O-Lines in the NFL (2018) to average unit in 2019 and thinking they are actually good. They were not good last year - they were mediocre. They still need to get better. They should probably do it again. Do it again and you will get the same result. That's what you get at that level. Ford may or may not grow into a good pro, but you're probably not getting a rookie starter who is much better. Possible, but it's a bad bet. You're right. The line was mediocre. They're counting on Ford improving and they are counting on the line growing together as a unit. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloHokie13 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 1 hour ago, thunderingsquid said: I would love for them to go OT in the 2nd but that's just me. I like the OT from St John in the 3rd 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 The OL last year was FAR better than the year before. We will be better yet simply due to experience and continuity. FA is not over, and the draft is yet to come. We WILL add more talent, whether that be a starter or depth. Either way, we are better for it as a team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddo Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Even if there re no actual additions, I hink the FO has a certain mount of belief that the line will improve for the following reasons. Firstly, the all important continuity. As others have pointed out, last season was the first time those guys had played together. Secondly, I think that staying healthy will be something that will help - especially on the RHS. Last season, undoubtedly most (not all) of the line problems were on the Right. Some of them were due to a rookie learning curve, but there were a fair few that can be related to injury issues. Nsekhe was out at times, and it appears that Ford was carrying an injury also. When Morse missed time, it tended to be Feliciano who filled in for him, which also changed the RG position. Little wonder then, that things occasionally went pear shaped on that side of the line. Ford is likely to improve from his rookie year, and he did show distinct signs of improvement generally, later on in the year. Re-signing Waddle should help both with competition, and having another vet who can step in when needed. In effect, as he missed all of last season, he's a 'new' addition, yet one who knows the system. Giving Allen more weapons, is likely to help them too. Diggs is a genuine #1 WR, and I'm anticipating the addition of a bruising RB to complement Singletary. While I wouldn't be surprised to see a draft pick thrown into the mix - although I don't think it will be our 2nd round pick - I'm not too concerned about the O-Line as it stands, for the reasons outlined above. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethan in Cleveland Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 I like Ford at RT. OT takes years to develop now. Nsekhe was not much better and Ford improved as the year went on. I'm fine with this starting five. After the moves made in FA I probably would take Edge, OT, RB, DE, P in that order in the draft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob in STL Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 (edited) I can see them drafting a developmental OT in later rounds. One with tools but needs coaching up and better competition. OR maybe they like a guy in round 2? I think they are banking on Ford improving. Why wouldn’t they? They traded up to get him. If not, then aTy starts. Someone mentioned the presence of Diggs. He will definitely help the OL by reducing the jail brake blitzing we saw. Edited March 21, 2020 by Bob in STL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubes Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Continuity is key. I think the line did okay for most of the year, the problems (IMO) came primarily when teams blitzed. We'll get better at that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 1 hour ago, Rc2catch said: That’s my thinking on it as well. They had some lapses but Allen isn’t doing them any favors rarely taking a dump off pass or hot read or anything on blitzing plays. Add in the fact we can’t execute screens and it causes some ugly pressures. He was hovering over what 3.5 seconds holding the ball last season? I don’t have the advanced metrics of it but I think he lead the league both seasons in time holding the ball before release. It seems like you’re talking out of both sides of your mouth. You claim Josh leads the League 2 years straight holding the ball too long, but you also seem to be purposely omitting that Allen is often Houdini back there, evading rushers from everywhere while keeping an eye downfield. We didn’t run a lot of screens, true, but when we did they were great -think Washington and Baltimore playoff game. I’m in the camp that year 2 together and a healthy sophomore season from Ford are the reasons Beane isn’t chasing new vets. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 1 hour ago, billsfan89 said: The offensive line was OK last year. Keep in mind non of the 5 starters last season had played together before and Ford was a rookie. I think with improved consistency by simply having a season under their belt playing together and Ford playing better in year 2 (Ford came on stronger as the season ended.) I think overall the O-line will improve as they are all under 30, deep (Ty, Long, and Bates all solid backups), and Ford will be much better. I get wanting to improve the O-line but offensive line play is heavily tied to playing together and this unit will be returning from a decent season. Add in too that Morse the center, making all the calls didn't play at all till opening day. And they were doing a lot of juggling all pre season. One thing that I think hurt Fords development last year was moving him back and forth between guard and tackle. For a rookie in particular that likely hurt, maybe a 5 year vet can handle that. If someone inside gets hurt, use one of your interior back ups, but leave Ford alone! I do think they will draft a lineman fairly high too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cal Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 2 hours ago, LabattBlue said: Was our OL so good last season that the same 5 are coming back again? Pass blocking often looked like a jail break. They were average at best...but Allen will get the blame if it doesn't work out for some reason 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
947 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Keep in mind that Feliciano & Ford were playing hurt for much of the season & needed surgery after. Morse wasn't right for much of the year too. Our OL is better than they showed last year. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turk71 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 2 hours ago, billsfan_34 said: Yeah- they were pretty good. They will look better when JA gets the ball out quicker. They weren't pretty good. Get the ball out quicker? Josh was tied for last in the league in pocket time at 2.3 secs. Time from snap til pocket collapse. The Bills run blocking was near the bottom in power runs(need a yard), stuff rate (stopped for no gain or a loss), and they were no better than average in other run blocking categories. That's not nearly good enough. Continuity can help improve to a degree but more talent is needed imo. I consider the offensive line to be a critical part of a consistently good offense and find it puzzling it was not one of the priorities in free agency. Especially so considering Bulaga and Glasgow signed for similar $ as they gave to Vernon Butler to be part of a rotation. Still a lot of time for things to change before the season starts. If they are feeling good about the same 5 improving considerably then so be it, I will hope for the best. With an arm like Allen's and the downfield threats they have I would like to see him have the time in the pocket to make the most of it. 53 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said: I like Ford at RT. OT takes years to develop now. Nsekhe was not much better and Ford improved as the year went on. I'm fine with this starting five. After the moves made in FA I probably would take Edge, OT, RB, DE, P in that order in the draft. If it takes years to develop a rt now shouldn't he be learning behind a veteran tackle instead of being expected to start as a rookie? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaw66 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 4 minutes ago, Turk71 said: They weren't pretty good. Get the ball out quicker? Josh was tied for last in the league in pocket time at 2.3 secs. Time from snap til pocket collapse. The Bills run blocking was near the bottom in power runs(need a yard), stuff rate (stopped for no gain or a loss), and they were no better than average in other run blocking categories. That's not nearly good enough. Continuity can help improve to a degree but more talent is needed imo. I consider the offensive line to be a critical part of a consistently good offense and find it puzzling it was not one of the priorities in free agency. Especially so considering Bulaga and Glasgow signed for similar $ as they gave to Vernon Butler to be part of a rotation. Still a lot of time for things to change before the season starts. If they are feeling good about the same 5 improving considerably then so be it, I will hope for the best. With an arm like Allen's and the downfield threats they have I would like to see him have the time in the pocket to make the most of it. I think they feel they can live with what they have, but they almost certainly will bring in competition. Someone is going to get pushed. I can't imagine anything else. Maybe a 2nd or 3rd round pick, maybe a free agent. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan89 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 45 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said: Add in too that Morse the center, making all the calls didn't play at all till opening day. And they were doing a lot of juggling all pre season. One thing that I think hurt Fords development last year was moving him back and forth between guard and tackle. For a rookie in particular that likely hurt, maybe a 5 year vet can handle that. If someone inside gets hurt, use one of your interior back ups, but leave Ford alone! I do think they will draft a lineman fairly high too. It also doesn't help that they yo-yoed him with Ty, now I think putting Ty in was the right move as Ford was not cutting it the first two thirds of the season. But from a developmental standpoint that's not going to help. That being said I do not think that they draft a lineman in the first 3 rounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turk71 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 15 minutes ago, Shaw66 said: I think they feel they can live with what they have, but they almost certainly will bring in competition. Someone is going to get pushed. I can't imagine anything else. Maybe a 2nd or 3rd round pick, maybe a free agent. I agree. I think they will definitely draft a lineman and possibly acquire one through a trade or fa, maybe trade Star for one. There might be cap casualty castoffs worth looking at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prickly Pete Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 3 hours ago, billsfan_34 said: Yeah- they were pretty good. They will look better when JA gets the ball out quicker. Ha, JA is already making them look good with his running ability. I think JA is doing more for them, than they are for him. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanC883 Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 3 hours ago, thunderingsquid said: I would love for them to go OT in the 2nd but that's just me. same here. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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