Jerry Hughes emerging as the defensive leader we so sorely need?

[jimmy10]

A bit in the Bills Buzz email this morning got me thinking about this (quoted below). Could Jerry be settling into that post-Kyle, post-Zo leadership vacuum on the defensive side of the ball we’ve all been talking about?
 

I know he’s been a bit of a wildcard personality in his career with us and there’s no love lost between him and the zebras. (I had to laugh at the holding call he did draw, where he was basically mauled to the ground. Like, ahh, so that’s what it takes for #55 to finally get that call.)
 

From today’s Bills Buzz:

 

What was less evident to viewers was the impact Hughes had on the sideline. Frazier lauded the defensive end's attitude during the tumultuous first half and talked about how Hughes has actively filled the leadership role previously occupied by Kyle Williams and Lorenzo Alexander.

 

"I was so encouraged by Jerry yesterday," Frazier said. "Early in the game, we had fell behind. Jerry was so positive and encouraging his teammates on the sideline. I remember saying to myself, 'Man, that's what you need out of one of your star players who's a leader.'

Edited October 27, 2020 by jimmy10

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

8 minutes ago, jimmy10 said:

A bit in the Bills Buzz email this morning got me thinking about this (quoted below). Could Jerry be settling into that post-Kyle, post-Zo leadership vacuum on the defensive side of the ball we’ve all been talking about?
 

I know he’s been a bit of a wildcard personality in his career with us and there’s no love lost between him and the zebras. (I had to laugh at the holding call he did draw, where he was basically mauled to the ground. Like, ahh, so that’s what it takes for #55 to finally get that call.)
 

From today’s Bills Buzz:

 

What was less evident to viewers was the impact Hughes had on the sideline. Frazier lauded the defensive end's attitude during the tumultuous first half and talked about how Hughes has actively filled the leadership role previously occupied by Kyle Williams and Lorenzo Alexander.

 

"I was so encouraged by Jerry yesterday," Frazier said. "Early in the game, we had fell behind. Jerry was so positive and encouraging his teammates on the sideline. I remember saying to myself, 'Man, that's what you need out of one of your star players who's a leader.'

 

I believe he held a players only meeting for the defensive line as well.  Good to see.  

[PaattMaann]

he's been a leader here for years. He is only seen negatively by fans who don't really know what they are seeing on a football field. 

[BillsMafi$]

Too bad he’s not the long term solution 

[jimmy10]

1 minute ago, BillsMafi$ said:

Too bad he’s not the long term solution 

Neither were Zo or Kyle at the point in their careers when they were the leaders. Maybe it’s more of a natural elder statesman type role than long term solution. 

[Royale with Cheese]

What if Hughes just goes nuts and becomes the biggest terror on defense in the NFL....and wins the defensive MVP?

 

[MJS]

6 minutes ago, PaattMaann said:

he's been a leader here for years. He is only seen negatively by fans who don't really know what they are seeing on a football field. 

Hughes used to get hot headed every game and take stupid penalties and mouth off to the refs. I don't agree that he has been a leader for years. He has been a decent player for years, but not necessarily a leader.

 

But he had a good game, so that's good.

[Rocky Landing]

I do believe he's been a leader. I believe he's the longest tenured player on the team.

 

 

Edited October 27, 2020 by Rocky Landing

[WEATHER DOT COM]

I hope he's a leader this year against teams other than the Jets. 

[DrDawkinstein]

Funny you have him "settling into" the leadership position... in what will likely be his last season as a Bill.

 

But whatever gets us through this season, since Edmunds clearly isnt ready to lead the Defense yet as he has his own job to worry about.

16 minutes ago, MJS said:

Hughes used to get hot headed every game and take stupid penalties and mouth off to the refs. I don't agree that he has been a leader for years. He has been a decent player for years, but not necessarily a leader.

 

But he had a good game, so that's good.

 

That doesnt mean he hasnt held any sway with his team mates and young players. I also believe players look more towards the production, and less at stupid penalites (they all hate the refs), than us critical fans do. They spend so much more time together, they see way more than just a Personal Foul which was most likely BS anyways.

[billsfanmiamioh]

Glad he’s doing something. He was invisible until this past week. 

[TN Bills Fan]

I noticed that Hughes sat quite a bit in the first half.  I think they may have determined he is no longer as effective as an every down LB.  He was more effective  with a little less playing time.  They also had him lined up on the other side more, and running more stunts.  

[Cubanmist]

It was the Jets! Let’s not get too carried away. He was a ghost against all other teams played thus far.

[NewEra]

32 minutes ago, PaattMaann said:

he's been a leader here for years. He is only seen negatively by fans who don't really know what they are seeing on a football field. 

This.

9 minutes ago, DrDawkinstein said:

Funny you have him "settling into" the leadership position... in what will likely be his last season as a Bill.

 

But whatever gets us through this season, since Edmunds clearly isnt ready to lead the Defense yet as he has his own job to worry about.

 

That doesnt mean he hasnt held any sway with his team mates and young players. I also believe players look more towards the production, and less at stupid penalites (they all hate the refs), than us critical fans do. They spend so much more time together, they see way more than just a Personal Foul which was most likely BS anyways.

Production and work ethic.  Year in year out, we’d hear how Jerry would be dominating practice while setting an example for the kids of how to practice and how to work. 
 

but he yells at refs

[Matt_In_NH]

If he gets a 15 yarder that hurts us in this game.........this team needs to NOT shoot themselves in the foot this week.

 

Seriously, he has calmed down a lot with the stupid penalties but he is also not as dynamic as he was a few years ago....Then again neither am I.

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

Jerry Hughes is the only guy with any ability on the D line that can at least talk the talk. The only problem is that I don't think Hughes is a leader type of player. Hughes knows what his job is and he does it for the most part. Hughes lets his play on the field do the talking but I don't think he is the Leader type. 

[NewEra]

7 minutes ago, TN Bills Fan said:

I noticed that Hughes sat quite a bit in the first half.  I think they may have determined he is no longer as effective as an every down LB.  He was more effective  with a little less playing time.  They also had him lined up on the other side more, and running more stunts.  

He’s a defensive end, not LB.

 

Which is “the other side”?  He’s been playing the majority of his snaps this season on the left.  He and Addison primarily played the right side for both of their careers. It appears that Jerry is better than Mario on the left, so he’s been playing a position he hasn’t played much of during his career.

 

switching sides seems simple, but if you’ve only played one side for the last several years, the muscle memory is much different.  The exact opposite.  

4 minutes ago, Call_Of_Ktulu said:

Jerry Hughes is the only guy with any ability on the D line that can at least talk the talk. The only problem is that I don't think Hughes is a leader type of player. Hughes knows what his job is and he does it for the most part. Hughes lets his play on the field do the talking but I don't think he is the Leader type. 

Based on what?  He’s always talking, always encouraging. He gave up his position for the betterment of the team. He gets mad.  Leaders can’t show negative emulation?

[Fr. Jerk]

I dig Mr. Hughes, ya hurd?

 

[PaattMaann]

46 minutes ago, MJS said:

Hughes used to get hot headed every game and take stupid penalties and mouth off to the refs. I don't agree that he has been a leader for years. He has been a decent player for years, but not necessarily a leader.

 

But he had a good game, so that's good.

 

that has nothing to do with him not being a leader of the team

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

24 minutes ago, NewEra said:

He’s a defensive end, not LB.

 

Which is “the other side”?  He’s been playing the majority of his snaps this season on the left.  He and Addison primarily played the right side for both of their careers. It appears that Jerry is better than Mario on the left, so he’s been playing a position he hasn’t played much of during his career.

 

switching sides seems simple, but if you’ve only played one side for the last several years, the muscle memory is much different.  The exact opposite.  

Based on what?  He’s always talking, always encouraging. He gave up his position for the betterment of the team. He gets mad.  Leaders can’t show negative emulation?

Alexander and Talley were leaders right out of the gate, it was just ingrained in their DNA. I'm sorry if I don't see that with Hughes. 

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

If Hughes can get a few more productive years here, he can be one of the all time Bills. He’s been around a bit now. He’s got decent numbers. Was a great trade. I’d love to see him get a few more 9-11 sack seasons. Get him into that all time bill area

[Just Joshin']

39 minutes ago, TN Bills Fan said:

I noticed that Hughes sat quite a bit in the first half.  I think they may have determined he is no longer as effective as an every down LB.  He was more effective  with a little less playing time.  They also had him lined up on the other side more, and running more stunts.  

He is a DE.  If you don't know what position he plays how can you evaluate it properly?

[DrDawkinstein]

9 minutes ago, Call_Of_Ktulu said:

Alexander and Talley were leaders right out of the gate, it was just ingrained in their DNA. I'm sorry if I don't see that with Hughes. 

 

Huh?

 

We picked up LorAx in his 11th season in the NFL. He spent his early days being cut in camp or on practice squads.

 

11 minutes ago, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

If Hughes can get a few more productive years here, he can be one of the all time Bills. He’s been around a bit now. He’s got decent numbers. Was a great trade. I’d love to see him get a few more 9-11 sack seasons. Get him into that all time bill area

 

He'll have to restructure to stay on the team next year, and especially into the future.

 

[badassgixxer05]

I think Jerry read some of my posts about him last week. He was playing pissed off!!! I must admit, i really really liked it... Now lets see some more of that Jerry!

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

2 minutes ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

Huh?

 

We picked up LorAx in his 11th season in the NFL. He spent his early days being cut in camp or on practice squads.

 

So are you saying a leader has to have Bruce Smith type skills to be a leader? I thought Lorax with us was just a solid player. 

[DrDawkinstein]

Just now, Call_Of_Ktulu said:

So are you saying a leader has to have Bruce Smith type skills to be a leader? I thought Lorax with us was just a solid player. 

 

No, Im saying he wasnt a leader "right out of the gate" in his career. He couldnt be while he wasnt even making teams.

 

Unless you are only counting his time with the Bills, and then yes, I expect an 11 year vet to provide some leadership skills. But maybe it took him 11 years to get there. Especially considering his best playing days were in Buffalo.

 

But Hughes is only in year 10, so he's ahead of LorAx on that timeline.

[eball]

I'll ignore the lazy "it was only the Jets" responses and say that a leader is a leader -- they don't pick and choose when to lead.  Maybe it just suddenly hit Jerry that he wasn't going to let the defense sulk because he knows his days as an impact player at DE are numbered and this team gives him the best opportunity he's ever had to chase a championship.

 

Whatever the case, I'll take another three and a half months of 4th quarter Jerry.

[WideNine]

The refs hate Hughes.

 

As long as he is cheering on the sidelines.... 

 

If it was after a defensive play on the field standing over a QB I always feel there is about a 50/50 chance he will get an unsportsmanlike penalty.

 

He has not backed down much at all in that running feud, and I still see him getting dragged back while chirping at the zebras.

 

I get it, he has not been treated fairly by Rivera's cabal.

 

I like his exuberance, but Jerry is an emotional player that needs calmer heads around him. Lorax and Williams rarely took a selfish penalty.

 

Nothing against his contributions on the field and sideline. Lord knows the boys have needed a spark.

 

 

[AlCowlingsTaxiService]

He had A game against A terrible team .... at this point, that’s all it is. 

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, Call_Of_Ktulu said:

Alexander and Talley were leaders right out of the gate, it was just ingrained in their DNA. I'm sorry if I don't see that with Hughes. 

Alexander and Talley were extraordinary leaders.  Hughes is not that

[Kwai San]

2 hours ago, MJS said:

Hughes used to get hot headed every game and take stupid penalties and mouth off to the refs. I don't agree that he has been a leader for years. He has been a decent player for years, but not necessarily a leader.

 

But he had a good game, so that's good.

 

Agree with this one.  I know a former NFL Umpire - he worked the SB.  He said Jerry would get frustrated and mouth off like crazy and didn't let up.  It lead to nit picky flags which further drove him crazy....my bud says they tried to work with him but it was like trying to put out a fire with gas.  Hopefully maybe Jerry has calmed down a bit.

[billsbackto81]

2 hours ago, Cubanmist said:

It was the Jets! Let’s not get too carried away. He was a ghost against all other teams played thus far.

Nothing like going up against the worst O line in the NFL to get your rep points back up. I like Hughes and thought the addition of Addison would have freed him up more for more rush opportunities but that has not been the case.

[I'm Spartacus]

If Hughes is taking on a leadership role, he needs to have a serious talk with Edmunds!

Looks like the Bills over-hyped Edmunds. Maybe Jerry can coax some better play out of him(?)

[MJS]

4 hours ago, PaattMaann said:

 

that has nothing to do with him not being a leader of the team

Absolutely it does. Leaders don't do that.

[formerlyofCtown]

8 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

What if Hughes just goes nuts and becomes the biggest terror on defense in the NFL....and wins the defensive MVP?

 

Is that what Adam Gase would be like if he was Bipolar.

Edited October 28, 2020 by formerlyofCtown

[King Allen of New York]

According to advanced stats (ESPN's pass rush win-rate, PFF grades), among edge defenders, Hughes ranks at the top of the league--and this was before the Jets game. 

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29939464/2020-nfl-pass-rushing-run-stopping-blocking-leaderboard-win-rate-rankings

 

According to posters, and a lot of Bills fans, Hughes has been "invisible."  Sooo . . . which is it?  Has Hughes been very good and the rest of the d-line has been bad, or are the gut shot eye test game reactions from fans accurate?

 

Below from a certain site that people don't necessarily like when it comes to grading certain QBs . . .

[Simon]

8 hours ago, eball said:

 

Whatever the case, I'll take another three and a half months of 4th quarter Jerry.

 

That's funny; the phrase 4th qrtr Jerry has popped into my head a few times this week.

I think he might be on his last legs as an effective starting DE in this league but I can absolutely seeing him having the kind of season where he's not real noticeable for long stretches but suddenly starts making impact plays in the 4th qrtr of tight games.

[Mr. K]

Best trade in the last 20 years. Kelvin Sheppard for Jerry straight up.  I think he is running out of juice personally but he is and has been one of the most impactful players when he is on. 

[NewEra]

8 hours ago, Kwai San said:

 

Agree with this one.  I know a former NFL Umpire - he worked the SB.  He said Jerry would get frustrated and mouth off like crazy and didn't let up.  It lead to nit picky flags which further drove him crazy....my bud says they tried to work with him but it was like trying to put out a fire with gas.  Hopefully maybe Jerry has calmed down a bit.

Maybe he’d stfu if they called holding more than once every 3 years. 

1 hour ago, King Allen of New York said:

According to advanced stats (ESPN's pass rush win-rate, PFF grades), among edge defenders, Hughes ranks at the top of the league--and this was before the Jets game. 

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29939464/2020-nfl-pass-rushing-run-stopping-blocking-leaderboard-win-rate-rankings

 

According to posters, and a lot of Bills fans, Hughes has been "invisible."  Sooo . . . which is it?  Has Hughes been very good and the rest of the d-line has been bad, or are the gut shot eye test game reactions from fans accurate?

 

Below from a certain site that people don't necessarily like when it comes to grading certain QBs . . .

The proof is in the puddin.

 

The haters will continue to hate though