HOUSE Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 (edited) Wade is too old and he isn't on the roster.. Edited May 19, 2020 by HOUSE 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machine gun kelly Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 I don’t understand the fascination. He’ll be lucky to make the practice squad. Roberts by many accounts is the best return man in the NFL and can sub in as WR if needed due to injuries, etc. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rochesterfan Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 4 hours ago, Logic said: Take it easy, Francis. First, no one said anything about dumping Roberts. You pulled that idea out of thin air. Second, as difficult as it is to learn to field punts, I’d be willing to bet any amount of money that learning to play the running back position from scratch and learning an entire offensive playbook are more difficult feats. In truth, Wade will likely never make an NFL roster. My contention is simply that trying to teach him a special teams specialty gives him a better chance than having him try to learn an entire offense. But by all means, Blow things out of proportion and get upset. Who is upset or blowing anything out of proportion. All I am saying is that there is no way that I see - that the team would keep 2 players on the roster that can not really contribute on offense (as per your contention that it would be easier to learn special teams than RB). Therefore, the contention that he can return kicks, but not be ready to play the RB position would mean you have really look to dump Roberts (a guy that has been All Pro and was just in the Pro Bowl last year as an alternate). I agree that I am not sure Wade ever makes an NFL roster - especially as he still has a roster waiver for this year - but the best chance for him to make a roster long term is to continue to learn and grow at the RB position. Taking time away from that to teach him how to return punts seems like a counter productive measure. Returning Kick-offs is a whole other story and he may or may not be good at that as his Rugby training could enter into the instincts needed there, but I just do not see a reason to waste time trying to figure that out with a guy on the roster that does this at a high level already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSBill Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 This all reminds of one of Wade Phillips best lines when he coached here: "We don't have returners, we have punt catchers." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardhatharry Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 You just can't make this stuff up... I wonder who will be the next "Greatest Bill to never play a game" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nucci Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 11 hours ago, buffalojedwardo said: I know we have Roberts but why not let the guy compete back there? how do you know they're not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brianmoorman4jesus Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 5 hours ago, buffalojedwardo said: Giving someone a shot and totally writing someone off are two different things. I can’t be the only one to not be impressed with Roberts. Also all pro and pro bowl are two different things. He was also a substitute. https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-returner-andre-roberts-name-first-team-all-pro-safety-jamal-adams-gets-seco Believe me, I know they are different. He was an All Pro the year before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/bills-t-j-yeldon-more-competition-for-final-roster/ Yeldon and Singletary are the two best receiving options in the RB room, but Yeldon isn't much of a special teams player, which should ensure a spot goes to Taiwan Jones. In the end, it might come down to a battle between Yeldon and ex-rugby star Christian Wade for one of the team's final roster spots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Otreply Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 (edited) So far the Wade thing is turning out to be more a PR thing for the league than anything else, not that any of us would mind if he turned out to be a good player, but I get the feeling it’s 99% PR for over seas consumption. I don’t think the Bills would have taken him on if not for this league initiative. Edited May 13, 2020 by Don Otreply Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 make it stop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mountain Man Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 2 hours ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said: https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/bills-t-j-yeldon-more-competition-for-final-roster/ Yeldon and Singletary are the two best receiving options in the RB room, but Yeldon isn't much of a special teams player, which should ensure a spot goes to Taiwan Jones. In the end, it might come down to a battle between Yeldon and ex-rugby star Christian Wade for one of the team's final roster spots. Or Antonio Williams. Who was suggested by Bleacher Report. He is a special teamer RB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbb Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 5 hours ago, HOUSE said: Wade is too old and he isn't on the roster...there has to be a better option He's more a punt catcher, too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T master Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 14 hours ago, Brianmoorman4jesus said: We have one of the best, if not THE best KRs in the league. But let’s replace him with a guy that has barely even played football. I don’t understand why Bills fans, are always obsessed with these underdog stories. Like Duke Williams. The guy isn’t even going to make the team. We have awesome WRs now, but there will be 20 threads this offseason about a player that’s on the fringe of making the league. A guy like John Brown that had an incredible season last year...no talk. Duke Williams, hero. We have 2 young RBs that could easily be the strength of the offense going forward...nobody talks about them. Rugby player that might not even understand the rules of Football: savior. Now our all pro return guy needs to be replaced by him. It's just the mind set of being a Bills fan always considered the under dog, always given no respect from the so called "Experts" around the NFL we as fans have always done it . Fred Jackson, Stevie Johnson, Duke and many others that have come through Buffalo that have become fan favorites there are so many the have come & gone that for what ever reason the Bills fans just gravitate to because of their back story I'm very surprised that Levi Wallace hasn't been one of those adoptions by Bills fans given his path to the NFL . I believe that if your a Bills fan rooting for the underdog weather it be our team or a player on the team will always go hand in hand !! GO BILLS !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Says Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 On 5/12/2020 at 8:15 PM, Peace Frog said: With a slew of talented receivers that could also be the return man, who knows if Andre Roberts even makes the team. Which if these receivers can replace Robert's as kick returner? None of them have ever been featured returners,have they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColoradoBills Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 I like Andre Roberts but let's not get over the top about his play. Last year there was 38 punter returners with over 10 punt returns. Roberts was ranked 17th at just under 8 yards per return. At best he is an emergency WR and taking up a roster spot for PR is a tough sell unless you are tearing the position up. I have him penciled in on making the roster again this year but I don't think he will be returning punts next year for the Bills. There is a reason that he has been on 5 different teams in the past 5 years. This has nothing to do with Wade but it would be nice for Roberts to get back to something close to his numbers the previous year of 14 yards per return. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&year_min=2019&year_max=2019&season_start=1&season_end=-1&pos[]=qb&pos[]=rb&pos[]=wr&pos[]=te&pos[]=e&pos[]=t&pos[]=g&pos[]=c&pos[]=ol&pos[]=dt&pos[]=de&pos[]=dl&pos[]=ilb&pos[]=olb&pos[]=lb&pos[]=cb&pos[]=s&pos[]=db&pos[]=k&pos[]=p&draft_year_min=1936&draft_year_max=2020&draft_slot_min=1&draft_slot_max=500&draft_pick_in_round=pick_overall&conference=any&draft_pos[]=qb&draft_pos[]=rb&draft_pos[]=wr&draft_pos[]=te&draft_pos[]=e&draft_pos[]=t&draft_pos[]=g&draft_pos[]=c&draft_pos[]=ol&draft_pos[]=dt&draft_pos[]=de&draft_pos[]=dl&draft_pos[]=ilb&draft_pos[]=olb&draft_pos[]=lb&draft_pos[]=cb&draft_pos[]=s&draft_pos[]=db&draft_pos[]=k&draft_pos[]=p&c1stat=punt_ret&c1comp=gt&c1val=10&c5val=1.0&order_by=punt_ret_yds_per_ret Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibum Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 (edited) I don't see why he couldn't be a great return man. Can he beat out Andre Roberts for a roster spot? Maybe not, but the dude is a world class, veteran professional athlete and mature adult who has dedicated his life to learning American football. He's got lightning reflexes, speed for days, an incredible instincts as a runner in space (and not just as a runner, but as a ball carrier). People in here are equating the kick return to building a nuclear submarine, but it's not that big of a stretch for a guy like Wade. He has a better chance at success than people think. Edited May 14, 2020 by skibum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artmalibu Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 late to the party, but wouldnt it be crazy if they havent seen him field kicks already? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeding Bills Blue Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 On 5/12/2020 at 8:04 PM, Brianmoorman4jesus said: We have one of the best, if not THE best KRs in the league. But let’s replace him with a guy that has barely even played football. I don’t understand why Bills fans, are always obsessed with these underdog stories. Like Duke Williams. The guy isn’t even going to make the team. We have awesome WRs now, but there will be 20 threads this offseason about a player that’s on the fringe of making the league. A guy like John Brown that had an incredible season last year...no talk. Duke Williams, hero. We have 2 young RBs that could easily be the strength of the offense going forward...nobody talks about them. Rugby player that might not even understand the rules of Football: savior. Now our all pro return guy needs to be replaced by him. Duke can go to the practice squad - teams are more likely to poach foster off the practice squad i think. We'll see what happens with Hodgins too - but Duke/hodgins/foster are all looking like PS candidates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeding Bills Blue Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 11 hours ago, ColoradoBills said: I like Andre Roberts but let's not get over the top about his play. Last year there was 38 punter returners with over 10 punt returns. Roberts was ranked 17th at just under 8 yards per return. At best he is an emergency WR and taking up a roster spot for PR is a tough sell unless you are tearing the position up. I have him penciled in on making the roster again this year but I don't think he will be returning punts next year for the Bills. There is a reason that he has been on 5 different teams in the past 5 years. This has nothing to do with Wade but it would be nice for Roberts to get back to something close to his numbers the previous year of 14 yards per return. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=single&year_min=2019&year_max=2019&season_start=1&season_end=-1&pos[]=qb&pos[]=rb&pos[]=wr&pos[]=te&pos[]=e&pos[]=t&pos[]=g&pos[]=c&pos[]=ol&pos[]=dt&pos[]=de&pos[]=dl&pos[]=ilb&pos[]=olb&pos[]=lb&pos[]=cb&pos[]=s&pos[]=db&pos[]=k&pos[]=p&draft_year_min=1936&draft_year_max=2020&draft_slot_min=1&draft_slot_max=500&draft_pick_in_round=pick_overall&conference=any&draft_pos[]=qb&draft_pos[]=rb&draft_pos[]=wr&draft_pos[]=te&draft_pos[]=e&draft_pos[]=t&draft_pos[]=g&draft_pos[]=c&draft_pos[]=ol&draft_pos[]=dt&draft_pos[]=de&draft_pos[]=dl&draft_pos[]=ilb&draft_pos[]=olb&draft_pos[]=lb&draft_pos[]=cb&draft_pos[]=s&draft_pos[]=db&draft_pos[]=k&draft_pos[]=p&c1stat=punt_ret&c1comp=gt&c1val=10&c5val=1.0&order_by=punt_ret_yds_per_ret And after wade catches a punt and fumbles will we re-think the decision? Also - 10 punt returns is a bit of a small sample size (a little over 1/2 a return per game). Not to mention PR's are largely blocking related. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColoradoBills Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 2 hours ago, dneveu said: And after wade catches a punt and fumbles will we re-think the decision? Also - 10 punt returns is a bit of a small sample size (a little over 1/2 a return per game). Not to mention PR's are largely blocking related. Wade's chances of making the team are slim to none. I think Roberts probably stays one more year to catch punts and return kicks. My main point was that PR is not a big part of the game anymore and Andre was a bit of a disappointment compared to what he did the year before. I used 10 punts to get somewhere around a figure for 1 PR man per team. The fact is that most punts are not returned. Fair catches, kicks OOB, kicks into the end zone and kick in bound not fielded are the usual result of a punt. Andre only had 28 returns all season which was 5th in the league. FWIW I ran the numbers for 15 or more punts and there was only 24 players that made the list. Andre was 11th on that list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 On 5/12/2020 at 7:54 PM, CaptnCoke11 said: Wade will be heading back to England soon ...no harm keeping him around...…….. .."He signed a reserve/future contract with the Bills on 6 January 2020.[21] On 27 April 2020, Wade was given a roster exemption as an international player for a second season.." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoBills808 Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 On 5/12/2020 at 1:57 PM, Logic said: I've been saying this since he got here. The odds of him truly contributing on offense enough to gain a roster spot for that reason seems incredibly low. As such, and given the skillset needed to be a successful rugby player, why has he never been given a shot as a returner? It seems like it would be VASTLY easier to learn than the entire offensive playbook, and it would give him a better chance of actually making the roster.The only thing I can think of is that maybe he's not good at fielding kicks. Otherwise, it seems like a real waste to not let him try his hand as a returner. You really earned your username w/this one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logic Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 29 minutes ago, GoBills808 said: You really earned your username w/this one Lol. I specifically meant catching the ball out of the air, but your response was fair. ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeding Bills Blue Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 1 hour ago, ColoradoBills said: Wade's chances of making the team are slim to none. I think Roberts probably stays one more year to catch punts and return kicks. My main point was that PR is not a big part of the game anymore and Andre was a bit of a disappointment compared to what he did the year before. I used 10 punts to get somewhere around a figure for 1 PR man per team. The fact is that most punts are not returned. Fair catches, kicks OOB, kicks into the end zone and kick in bound not fielded are the usual result of a punt. Andre only had 28 returns all season which was 5th in the league. FWIW I ran the numbers for 15 or more punts and there was only 24 players that made the list. Andre was 11th on that list. Yeah - there's potential for big plays there but for the most part you just want someone who will secure the ball, move forward, and who knows when to fair catch and let something go. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCockSportif Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 I don't get the love for Wade. I really don't. Unless he's lights out during TC (assuming there is one) and during games, I find it hard to believe that he's going to stick. He's like the Da'Rick Rogers (a "diamond in the rough" WR pickup if I recall) of RBs. It would seem that the Bills finally have the luxury to pick their spots, and I would be absolutely astounded if Wade was one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 Why would we replace a pro bowl special teamer with an unknown right when this team is about to make a playoff push? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
without a drought Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 I could see Wade returning to play rugby before returning kicks for the Bills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChasBB Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 Just let the guy compete - fairly - for a spot on the team. If he earns a spot, keep him. If he doesn't release him. But there is no need to pre-judge. I, for one, want to see him given a genuine opportunity to make the squad in any capacity that makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgewaycynic2013 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 On 5/13/2020 at 10:38 AM, bbb said: He's more a punt catcher, too. Bum's son > Buddy's sons. * Who finally got Wade to wear headphones?! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbb Posted May 16, 2020 Share Posted May 16, 2020 7 hours ago, Ridgewaycynic2013 said: Who finally got Wade to wear headphones?! I've wanted to know the answer to that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cripple Creek Posted May 16, 2020 Share Posted May 16, 2020 On 5/12/2020 at 7:50 PM, buffalojedwardo said: I know we have Roberts but why not let the guy compete back there? Phillips is like 72 years old. That's a broken hip waiting to happen if you ask me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryland-bills-fan Posted May 16, 2020 Share Posted May 16, 2020 (edited) On 5/14/2020 at 9:38 AM, dneveu said: And after wade catches a punt and fumbles will we re-think the decision? Also - 10 punt returns is a bit of a small sample size (a little over 1/2 a return per game). Not to mention PR's are largely blocking related. Folks, rugby IS an open field running game. Because you can't block, they lateral the ball 4-5 times a minute at least. They learn how NOT to fumble the ball. They can not tackle low, so the defenders try to whack the ball out. When a rugby player gets trapped, they kick the ball downfield a long distance to gain field position and the other team has to track the ball, catch it cleanly and return. I would guess this happens 30-50 times a game. Rugby is an excellent training ground for kick returns. Edited May 16, 2020 by maryland-bills-fan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
first_and_ten Posted May 16, 2020 Share Posted May 16, 2020 On 5/12/2020 at 8:04 PM, Brianmoorman4jesus said: We have one of the best, if not THE best KRs in the league. But let’s replace him with a guy that has barely even played football. I don’t understand why Bills fans, are always obsessed with these underdog stories. Like Duke Williams. The guy isn’t even going to make the team. We have awesome WRs now, but there will be 20 threads this offseason about a player that’s on the fringe of making the league. A guy like John Brown that had an incredible season last year...no talk. Duke Williams, hero. We have 2 young RBs that could easily be the strength of the offense going forward...nobody talks about them. Rugby player that might not even understand the rules of Football: savior. Now our all pro return guy needs to be replaced by him. Couldn't agree more. And You might be right about the two running backs. Although I think it's more likely given the wide outs the Bills have, that this team will be very well balanced. The only thing that could hold this team down is Josh Allen. I do think he will have a great year though (hoping) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QLBillsFan Posted May 16, 2020 Share Posted May 16, 2020 Punt returner not likely. KO maybe but he would have to beat out a seasoned vet in Yeldon who while not on ST has value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SydneyBillsFan Posted May 17, 2020 Share Posted May 17, 2020 (edited) On 5/13/2020 at 11:09 AM, Logic said: Pardon my ignorance, but....WHY exactly is there "no way" he can return punts? Because in the rugby codes, the position which generally fields deep, high kicks in a similar fashion to an NFL punt returner is the fullback. Wade, if I recall correctly, was a centre and/or winger. Wingers can and do return kicks - but nowhere near as much as fullbacks. Centres do not return kicks. On 5/13/2020 at 11:19 AM, Buffalo716 said: I'm not going to say he can't do it but the probability isn't high KR and the space involved actually may feel more like Rugby to him but PR will feel like a foreign object Dudes screaming down on you at 20mph and you need to catch it and make the first guy miss who is probably within 3-5 feet of you running 20 mph when you field it You honestly gotta be a bit nuts to do it in the NFL This is NOT an uncommon scenario in the rugby codes, FYI. Edited May 17, 2020 by SydneyBillsFan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo716 Posted May 17, 2020 Share Posted May 17, 2020 9 minutes ago, SydneyBillsFan said: Because in the rugby codes, the position which generally fields deep, high kicks in a similar fashion to an NFL punt returner is the fullback. Wade, if I recall correctly, was a centre and/or winger. Wingers can and do return kicks - but nowhere near as much as fullbacks. Centres do not return kicks. This is NOT an uncommon scenario in the rugby codes, FYI. I don't doubt that seeing I don't watch much rugby But the style of the sport and how they get things done are just vastly different I don't recall many 70 yd set kicks in rugby with a blocking scheme tho I could be wrong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryland-bills-fan Posted May 17, 2020 Share Posted May 17, 2020 ww.youtube.com/watch?v=QiU46cO3J-M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SydneyBillsFan Posted May 17, 2020 Share Posted May 17, 2020 3 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said: I don't doubt that seeing I don't watch much rugby But the style of the sport and how they get things done are just vastly different I don't recall many 70 yd set kicks in rugby with a blocking scheme tho I could be wrong The blocking component is the big difference because blocking in rugby is illegal. But broken-field kick returns against staggered, rushing defences are part and parcel of the game. IMHO, his ONLY realistic shot at an NFL roster is as a KR/PR. Running back is too complex for a rugby player. Heck, he would be better off as a WR than a RB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mountain Man Posted May 17, 2020 Share Posted May 17, 2020 59 minutes ago, SydneyBillsFan said: Because in the rugby codes, the position which generally fields deep, high kicks in a similar fashion to an NFL punt returner is the fullback. Wade, if I recall correctly, was a centre and/or winger. Wingers can and do return kicks - but nowhere near as much as fullbacks. Centres do not return kicks. Absolutely correct. Whilst you get some versatility in rugby union positions with some players more than you do in the NFL. They are still relatively unique skill sets and exactly as you say, a full back is the one position comparable to kick returner. Needing to return long distance kicks.Wade as a wing may occasionally have got some, but not many and it's not what he was known for for. He was a line breaking runner. The one guy back in the day who could have made a great NFL returner is Jason Robinson, he was dual code so used to changing rules. 46 minutes ago, SydneyBillsFan said: The blocking component is the big difference because blocking in rugby is illegal. But broken-field kick returns against staggered, rushing defences are part and parcel of the game. IMHO, his ONLY realistic shot at an NFL roster is as a KR/PR. Running back is too complex for a rugby player. Heck, he would be better off as a WR than a RB. Let's be honest, his only realistic role in the NFL is as an ambassador. He could be useful marketing for the Bills in the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
major Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 At first I thought you were asking for Wade Phillips as the return man? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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