Could Cody Ford be the key to the offense improving this year?

[HappyDays]

I don't understand all the focus on the offensive line this offseason. The o-line was perfectly fine last year. I always thought bringing back the exact same starters was the best move. Elite o-lines are extremely rare these days. You can't have an awful player at any spot but just about every team has a mediocre player somewhere on their line. The best coaches know how to compensate for that weakness. The Chiefs were really the only team to give us consistent pass rush trouble last year and by my own eyes that was more because of scheme than talent.

 

The easiest way for our offense to improve next year is to add a home run threat/x-factor in the draft. There are plenty of options. Karadius Toney, Travis Etienne, Rondale Moore, Elijah Moore, Kenneth Gainwell, Anthony Schwartz... Right now we don't have a player that can get the ball in space and take it to the house.

[DCofNC]

2 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

I don't understand all the focus on the offensive line this offseason. The o-line was perfectly fine last year. I always thought bringing back the exact same starters was the best move. Elite o-lines are extremely rare these days. You can't have an awful player at any spot but just about every team has a mediocre player somewhere on their line. The best coaches know how to compensate for that weakness. The Chiefs were really the only team to give us consistent pass rush trouble last year and by my own eyes that was more because of scheme than talent.

 

The easiest way for our offense to improve next year is to add a home run threat/x-factor in the draft. There are plenty of options. Karadius Toney, Travis Etienne, Rondale Moore, Elijah Moore, Kenneth Gainwell, Anthony Schwartz... Right now we don't have a player that can get the ball in space and take it to the house.

Yeah, a real X factor is a need.  We have several playmakers, but not on a Tyreek Hill/ Kelce  type of level.  Nobody is really a “fear factor” for the other team.  Diggs caught a lot of balls, but didn’t really make you fear him IMO, McKenzie looks like maybe he could be a Hill type, but didn’t get any looks after shredding Miami, RBs are a joke, TE is too, though Knox could be that guy if he would just catch the ball first. Josh is a problem on the move for sure, but you don’t really want your franchise trying to do it all, that’s how you end up with injuries you can’t afford.

[Eastport bills]

16 hours ago, DCofNC said:

I for one don’t believe returning the same team that got smoked by a team that got better is the key to winning a SB.  Then, I got thinking, Ford will be back, this is a big bad mofo, who is known for road grading.  Does his experiment at RT being over, allow him to move inside and do what he does best?  Just straight up maul people and open holes for the running game.  Could he be the key to the run game getting on track and adding the dimension the O really needed last year? 
 

The passing game SHOULD be better, Sanders is at least a reasonable replacement for Brown, even if only from an availability standpoint.  One would hope the TE does more this year.   I expect a little more from Davis this year, Hodgins had a good camp and obviously, getting healthy for everyone would help.  I’m looking for some additions in the draft as well.  Also, Josh should take a few steps forward, so one would expect the passing game to be better. 
 

If the run game can come on, this team could be a LOT to handle.  I’m hoping Ford might actually be that missing link.

Ford got abused as a tackle, and he better be an upgrade at guard because I thought Mongo was the type of physical O-lineman we needed. I guess they have to put Ford out there because of where they drafted him. Now the running game needs a dynamic, hard nosed back, unlike Singletary, who's soft and took a big step backwards. Bring in an Etienne or Harris and even with the OL from last year, this offense will be tough to deal with. Every team needs to lose like we did to take the next step. We will be right there again, guaranteed. 

[HappyDays]

4 minutes ago, DCofNC said:

Yeah, a real X factor is a need.  We have several playmakers, but not on a Tyreek Hill/ Kelce  type of level.  Nobody is really a “fear factor” for the other team.  Diggs caught a lot of balls, but didn’t really make you fear him IMO, McKenzie looks like maybe he could be a Hill type, but didn’t get any looks after shredding Miami, RBs are a joke, TE is too, though Knox could be that guy if he would just catch the ball first. Josh is a problem on the move for sure, but you don’t really want your franchise trying to do it all, that’s how you end up with injuries you can’t afford.

 

Diggs definitely made defenses fear him, the problem is he was the only skill player they had to game plan around. The Chiefs took advantage of that by taking him away as an option and forcing Allen to look elsewhere. Elite offenses have more than one option. The Chiefs obviously have Hill and Kelce, and even Hardman while not an elite all around WR he does have elite speed. The Bucs have an embarrassment of riches on offense. The Packers have Devante Adams and Aaron Jones. We were the only team out of the final 4 with one game changing offensive skill player. If we want to keep up with them we need at least one more.

[Pokebball]

11 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Diggs definitely made defenses fear him, the problem is he was the only skill player they had to game plan around. The Chiefs took advantage of that by taking him away as an option and forcing Allen to look elsewhere. Elite offenses have more than one option. The Chiefs obviously have Hill and Kelce, and even Hardman while not an elite all around WR he does have elite speed. The Bucs have an embarrassment of riches on offense. The Packers have Devante Adams and Aaron Jones. We were the only team out of the final 4 with one game changing offensive skill player. If we want to keep up with them we need at least one more.

Defenses focused on Allen and Diggs, obviously.  Allen and Diggs were able to make Beas, Brown and Davis relatively good options as well.  Why these 3-5 playmakers didn't make others look and perform better is the problem that needs to be solved in order for the Bill's offense to perform better.  If we want or expect the Bill's offense to produce more/better, it's gonna have to come from the TEs and RBs, and to the extent necessary, the OL necessary to assist that.  This said, I would argue it might be more realistic to find improvement in our defense rather than in our offense.  Mgmt doesn't have unlimited resources to address all of it.  Which should be the priority?

[Arm of Harm]

9 hours ago, No_Matter_What said:

Missing link vs the Chiefs was coaching and mentality.

 

Agreed. The single most important thing we needed against the Chiefs was better coaching/better mentality.

 

That said, there's also room to improve some of the players on this team. During the regular season the OL did well at pass protection, not so much in run blocking. In the postseason the OL did poorly in both pass protection and run blocking. The two weakest spots on the OL are both OGs. If the Bills wanted to improve the OL, adding an OG would be the obvious place to start.

 

But as others have pointed out in this thread, there are certainly other needs on this team as well. The defense could use a good pass rusher, a good 1 tech, an improvement at #2 CB, and possibly a LB/S hybrid to cover TEs. The offense could use another weapon, whether it be a TE or a speedy WR to groom for the future. There's also room to improve at RB.

 

By no means am I suggesting that the Bills should be locked in on an OG at #30, to the exclusion of all their other needs. But, I am saying that if the best OG available at #30 is a significantly better football player than the best player available at the other positions I mentioned, they should go with the OG.

Edited April 3, 2021 by Arm of Harm

[Buffalo716]

3 hours ago, Eastport bills said:

Ford got abused as a tackle, and he better be an upgrade at guard because I thought Mongo was the type of physical O-lineman we needed. I guess they have to put Ford out there because of where they drafted him. Now the running game needs a dynamic, hard nosed back, unlike Singletary, who's soft and took a big step backwards. Bring in an Etienne or Harris and even with the OL from last year, this offense will be tough to deal with. Every team needs to lose like we did to take the next step. We will be right there again, guaranteed. 

Ford doesn't have The brute strength to be a road grading guard

 

he was drafted in the second round to be a grow grading tackle , because he can bully smaller ends

 

He can't bully 320 lb defensive tackles

[machine gun kelly]

2 hours ago, DCofNC said:

Yeah, a real X factor is a need.  We have several playmakers, but not on a Tyreek Hill/ Kelce  type of level.  Nobody is really a “fear factor” for the other team.  Diggs caught a lot of balls, but didn’t really make you fear him IMO, McKenzie looks like maybe he could be a Hill type, but didn’t get any looks after shredding Miami, RBs are a joke, TE is too, though Knox could be that guy if he would just catch the ball first. Josh is a problem on the move for sure, but you don’t really want your franchise trying to do it all, that’s how you end up with injuries you can’t afford.

Huh?

 

Diggs caught a lot of balls?  He had the most receptions and the most yards in 2020.  Either you’re trying to tweak Bills fans, or you don’t understand football.  He had an oblique injury and every other target except a TE who drops balls, and a RB who was not explosive so they keyed on Diggs in one game.  The entire league and pundits know Diggs was amazing last year except you.

 

if you want to say we need more explosive targets ok.  I’ll agree with you.  A faster more explosive RB, ok.  A speed WR who is not hurt after the first few games in Brown, ok, but don’t denigrate one of the most impactful targets in the NFL.  It’s just not that easy to find a Kittle, Kelce, or Hill.

[BADOLBILZ]

9 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I think it was speed and athleticism. We have a lot of guys who have maximised their talent and are smart, consistent football players. But you can't always compensate for that explosive athleticism with smarts. More than positions I want our first 2 picks in particular to be high end athletes. Ideally one on each side of the ball. 

 

 

Yeah last season they were missing that one guy on both sides of the ball.

 

This year might be different but their approach to team building has been a little different than KC's...........the Chiefs have aimed high athletically in the draft and went out of their way to keep the controversial Tyreek Hill and paid big for the likes of Clark and Mathieu and Sammy Watkins.........and enough of those decisions have panned out that it causes big matchup problems for a team like the Bills.

 

 

[billsfan89]

3 hours ago, HappyDays said:

 

Diggs definitely made defenses fear him, the problem is he was the only skill player they had to game plan around. The Chiefs took advantage of that by taking him away as an option and forcing Allen to look elsewhere. Elite offenses have more than one option. The Chiefs obviously have Hill and Kelce, and even Hardman while not an elite all around WR he does have elite speed. The Bucs have an embarrassment of riches on offense. The Packers have Devante Adams and Aaron Jones. We were the only team out of the final 4 with one game changing offensive skill player. If we want to keep up with them we need at least one more.

The WR corps was banged up which killed the game for the Bills offense. Beasley and Brown were banged up going into the playoffs, Davis got hurt during the Ravens game and Diggs got dinged early in the KC game. When teams were double teaming and taking away Diggs Josh was able to get Beasley, Davis, Brown, Mac and others involved. But against KC almost all of those guys were hurt and less effective.

[machine gun kelly]

17 hours ago, Buffalo716 said:

Ford has the ability to be a road grading tackle. He struggled moving DTs off the spot with their size 

 

He can bully DEs, not DTs 

 

He won't be bullying DTs in the run game

716, he’s 329, was rated in 2019 as one of the worst RT’s in the league, but played Guard his whole life.  Do you’re homework as the avg. Guard is 312 lbs..  took me three minutes in research.  He also was rated by the team is the best option in the beginning of the year at LG.

 

I don’t know what leads you to believe he’s not powerful enough at Guard.  He doesn’t have the hands and skills to play tackle.  As I mentioned before, he is much more of a road grating interior lineman than a tackle.  You’ll find out this year.  It doesn’t mean anything until they get through camp as hell compete against Bates and Boettger.  I’ll bet you a whole plug nickel (whatever that means as it’s my dads phrase) he’ll be in place to potentially be our LG.

 

Now I do not think he is miracle answer at all.  That’s silliness, but he should help the line.

 

[Buffalo716]

48 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

716, he’s 329, was rated in 2019 as one of the worst RT’s in the league, but played Guard his whole life.  Do you’re homework as the avg. Guard is 312 lbs..  took me three minutes in research.  He also was rated by the team is the best option in the beginning of the year at LG.

 

I don’t know what leads you to believe he’s not powerful enough at Guard.  He doesn’t have the hands and skills to play tackle.  As I mentioned before, he is much more of a road grating interior lineman than a tackle.  You’ll find out this year.  It doesn’t mean anything until they get through camp as hell compete against Bates and Boettger.  I’ll bet you a whole plug nickel (whatever that means as it’s my dads phrase) he’ll be in place to potentially be our LG.

 

Now I do not think he is miracle answer at all.  That’s silliness, but he should help the line.

 

It's just my opinion. I watched every single snap of him of his Oklahoma career

 

He was a better tackle than he was a guard. He was barely on the draft radar as a guard, then he got moved to tackle where he was actually able to maul people 

 

He turned into a fringe first round prospect because of his freakish athleticism for his tackle play.. his raw strength numbers getting negated at guard in the NFL imo ... iirc only 19 reps on the bench

 

And I'm not saying he's a good tackle in the NFL.. he's not.. he's closer to being a bust because he's going to be an average guard 

 

He was supposed to be a freakishly athletic tackle , and now guard is a fallback, where imo he will be average

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 3, 2021 by Buffalo716

[BillsCuse]

18 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

The offense doesn't need to get better. 

The defense needs to get better.

I agree they looked a little rough at times last year, but Im personally not too worried about it.  McD turned around Rex's mess very quickly and they were a top unit up until last year.  I think they will get it back together this year even though I do think their pass rush still needs help.

[3rdand12]

20 hours ago, machine gun kelly said:

Ford should be an addition to the running game, but doesn’t mean he is the missing piece.  He has been a natural LG forever, and the idea at RT, was foolish.

If he earns the LG position ? he will finally have the time and continuity to focus on his craft.

He does have some very good run blocking skills moving D line men and finding the next level.

Feel he might surprise finally.

[Pags24]

Ford hasn't proven himself yet.  I hope he improves his play this year and emerges... but so far even when healthy he's been average at best.  I'd rather have Bates in there at guard.  I don't know why bates doesn't get more PT.

[BillsVet]

1 hour ago, BADOLBILZ said:

Yeah last season they were missing that one guy on both sides of the ball.

 

This year might be different but their approach to team building has been a little different than KC's...........the Chiefs have aimed high athletically in the draft and went out of their way to keep the controversial Tyreek Hill and paid big for the likes of Clark and Mathieu and Sammy Watkins.........and enough of those decisions have panned out that it causes big matchup problems for a team like the Bills.

 

Last year Brady had the best skilled talent surrounding him in his career and needed it.  Russell Wilson's public spat prompted Seattle to re-sign Tyler Lockett despite Metcalf set to cash in big soon.  KC, as you note, is pursuing elite athletes who create matchup disadvantages and Buffalo had better get on board soon. 

 

Yet, McD and Beane seem comfortable running very similar personnel and schemes in hopes it'll finally defeat KC or the elite teams.  There's still the emphasis on rounding out their defense to run McD's inflexible scheme.    Maybe they draft a WR who can fly and present the deep threat missing, but that's a moderate gamble in a rookie to do so.  

 

Doing the same old conservative things and not surrounding your QB with elite talent is gonna sink some teams before seasons even begin.  This year it might become obvious that the offense needs an injection of more skill than what some think is already above-average.      

Edited April 3, 2021 by BillsVet

[BADOLBILZ]

2 hours ago, machine gun kelly said:

716, he’s 329, was rated in 2019 as one of the worst RT’s in the league, but played Guard his whole life.  Do you’re homework as the avg. Guard is 312 lbs..  took me three minutes in research.  He also was rated by the team is the best option in the beginning of the year at LG.

 

I don’t know what leads you to believe he’s not powerful enough at Guard.  He doesn’t have the hands and skills to play tackle.  As I mentioned before, he is much more of a road grating interior lineman than a tackle.  You’ll find out this year.  It doesn’t mean anything until they get through camp as hell compete against Bates and Boettger.  I’ll bet you a whole plug nickel (whatever that means as it’s my dads phrase) he’ll be in place to potentially be our LG.

 

Now I do not think he is miracle answer at all.  That’s silliness, but he should help the line.

 

 

 

The weight doesn't mean anything without leverage.    He plays tall.......like a tackle.......and low man wins inside.   He's not been a good tackle OR guard.

[In Summary]

Buffalo has had their share of excellent guards (McKenzie, DeLamielleure, Jim Richer, Reuben Brown, Incognito) and this is the collective standard I'll judge good guard play by regardless of differences in the modern game.   Able to physically and/or technically beat their opponents on a consistent basis.  Ford - perhaps too slow footed and off-balance to be a tackle, and underwhelming at guard.  He would have to take a big step (think Allen year 1 to year 2) to justify starter talk. 

[biggerdaddynj]

The FO has too much invested in him

being more than just OK—they traded up and told us he was an OT unlike everyone else ... and I believed them.  They had so much credibility.  
 

Same thing goes with Edmunds.  They won’t do anything with him either that would undermine their anointment of him as stud for years to come.  And, I believed them too.    

[Putin]

Im more concerned with our high draft picks like Oliver and Edmonds to start producing this year , Ford could be easily replaced in the second or even 3rd round this year , I hope will bring some competition for both guards position 

Edited April 4, 2021 by Putin

[Richard Noggin]

On 4/2/2021 at 9:40 PM, thenorthremembers said:

The only thing that matters is if Josh can either repeat last year or get better. 

 

(Sorry if others have replied to this post already; I'm reading through the thread in order 27 hours later because I work too much.)

 

Anyways, I'm sure you realize that there are 10 other Bills on the field with Allen on every play, and coaches calling plays for them...so the QB's success can be greatly helped or hindered by myriad factors. 

 

You're not wrong in boiling it down to Josh Allen's production. It's just that personnel decisions, play-calling, and the on-field execution of his teammates--within the scope of the specific plays, packages, and situations--HEAVILY influence "his" results. 

 

Football is the ultimate team sport. SO many interrelated moving parts on every play.

[Richard Noggin]

I seem to remember film analysis on a youtube channel (maybe Cover-1?) of our running game woes in the early part of 2020 when Ford was still in at LG, with much of the blame assigned specifically to the guards. I think Winters was in at RG for most of it (due to Mongo's injury). Before being injured, Ford was having serious issues executing the scheme, If I'm remembering accurately. 

 

For him to suddenly be an average or above average NFL guard would be a major boost to the Bills offense. He has yet to be that. Here's to hoping he takes a BIG step forward.

[Arm of Harm]

44 minutes ago, Richard Noggin said:

I seem to remember film analysis on a youtube channel (maybe Cover-1?) of our running game woes in the early part of 2020 when Ford was still in at LG, with much of the blame assigned specifically to the guards. I think Winters was in at RG for most of it (due to Mongo's injury). Before being injured, Ford was having serious issues executing the scheme, If I'm remembering accurately. 

 

For him to suddenly be an average or above average NFL guard would be a major boost to the Bills offense. He has yet to be that. Here's to hoping he takes a BIG step forward.

 

I remember that film analysis as well. They showed Ford getting beaten on a number of running plays, thereby spoiling the plays. He wasn't the only culprit, but he was one of the most prominent.

[Green Lightning]

On 4/2/2021 at 10:53 PM, Maybe Someday said:

Having Ford back healthy will surly help but offense wasn’t as much of an issue until all of our WRs had to play through injuries. 
 

If our D line can’t put any pressure on the QB then we’ll have a hard time beating KC. I really hope AJ can make an impact this year. 
 

D line hasn't improved. It will be our Achilles heel. Against good teams we will continue to get pushed all over the field in the run game and routinely give up 3rd and long while our rush can't get it done. 

[dave mcbride]

16 hours ago, BillsVet said:

 

Last year Brady had the best skilled talent surrounding him in his career and needed it.  Russell Wilson's public spat prompted Seattle to re-sign Tyler Lockett despite Metcalf set to cash in big soon.  KC, as you note, is pursuing elite athletes who create matchup disadvantages and Buffalo had better get on board soon. 

 

Yet, McD and Beane seem comfortable running very similar personnel and schemes in hopes it'll finally defeat KC or the elite teams.  There's still the emphasis on rounding out their defense to run McD's inflexible scheme.    Maybe they draft a WR who can fly and present the deep threat missing, but that's a moderate gamble in a rookie to do so.  

 

Doing the same old conservative things and not surrounding your QB with elite talent is gonna sink some teams before seasons even begin.  This year it might become obvious that the offense needs an injection of more skill than what some think is already above-average.      

Stefon Diggs is without a doubt an elite talent. It’s not even arguable. He has literally been one of the most uncoversble receivers in the league a few years running, and the advance stats prove it.

[BADOLBILZ]

7 hours ago, dave mcbride said:

Stefon Diggs is without a doubt an elite talent. It’s not even arguable. He has literally been one of the most uncoversble receivers in the league a few years running, and the advance stats prove it.

 

The usual suspects will try to demand otherwise but as great as Diggs is at shaking coverage...........he becomes mortal after he catches the ball.    The Bills do not have that other kind of guy.   Obviously,  with the emphasis so many fans have on waterbugs in this draft,   most at least realize that they could use a game breaker opposite Diggs.

Edited April 4, 2021 by BADOLBILZ

[Matt_In_NH]

Josh Allen making minor improvements will be way more impactful.  

[Mat68]

Coming out he was one of the top guards with OT ability.  Imo Felicano and Ford a guard gives the Oline a nastyness to the run game.  They didnt get to see what the run game looks like with Mongo and Ford pulling and knocking heads.  Sounds bad with how people remember him at OT.  Ford at guard could be a linch pin in the oline.

[HOUSE]

[This is an automated response]

 

No

[dave mcbride]

3 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

The usual suspects will try to demand otherwise but as great as Diggs is at shaking coverage...........he becomes mortal after he catches the ball.    The Bills do not have that other kind of guy.   Obviously,  with the emphasis so many fans have on waterbugs in this draft,   most at least realize that they could use a game breaker opposite Diggs.

He literally had the greatest season by a Bills receiver in franchise history, and I include Moulds’ 1998 season here. He is also likely the primary reason why Allen’s completion percentage skyrocketed upward — he is practically always open. Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth!

[BADOLBILZ]

9 minutes ago, dave mcbride said:

He literally had the greatest season by a Bills receiver in franchise history, and I include Moulds’ 1998 season here. He is also likely the primary reason why Allen’s completion percentage skyrocketed upward — he is practically always open. Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth!

 

That's a good example..........the NFL of 1998 was a much different league..........but that year Moulds was an absolute beast in YAC.

 

In 1998 Moulds averaged over 20 yards per reception.

 

Last year Diggs averaged 12 yards per reception.

 

Moulds never played anywhere near that level again but it remains the most explosive, dynamic season I've ever seen from a Bills WR.

 

Before you talk any more about Allen's completion % or the relative catch % rates...........Tua Tagovailoa finished 29th in the NFL in completion % last season........he would have lead the league with that figure(64%) in 1998.

 

Still, Diggs is a great player and ONE big playmaker for the Bills........but great after the catch he is not.   

 

You may not think that the current team needs more speed at WR...........a guy that can make people miss or a guy who is just great at getting over the top......... I think the general consensus after the Chiefs game was different.

[BillsShredder83]

On 4/2/2021 at 10:44 PM, machine gun kelly said:

716, he’s, 6’4”, and 329 lbs.  Yes he can and is what he’s done his whole life.  I respectfully disagree with you.  He’s more than powerful enough against DT’s.

 

Guard and Tackle are such different positions.  With a natural Guard, they are used to contact on the first step.  Tackles especially on pass pro deal with a different type of athlete.  They naturally need longer arms, a different bend, and are moving the DE’s in a much different manner.  DE’s like Von Miller and even Hughes can be smaller, faster, and takes a different skill set to block.  So many people don’t understand the differences between the two roles.  I’m not saying you at all.  It is rare a guy can play multiple roles.  They are built for one vs. the other.  Even Center is very different than a G.  That’s one reason guys like Feliciano are not common who can be proficient at both G and C.

Honestly thats a good breakdown, its appreciated.  What would you say the main differences are between G and C?

[Buffalo716]

3 hours ago, BillsShredder83 said:

Honestly thats a good breakdown, its appreciated.  What would you say the main differences are between G and C?

 

4 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

That's a good example..........the NFL of 1998 was a much different league..........but that year Moulds was an absolute beast in YAC.

 

In 1998 Moulds averaged over 20 yards per reception.

 

Last year Diggs averaged 12 yards per reception.

 

Moulds never played anywhere near that level again but it remains the most explosive, dynamic season I've ever seen from a Bills WR.

 

Before you talk any more about Allen's completion % or the relative catch % rates...........Tua Tagovailoa finished 29th in the NFL in completion % last season........he would have lead the league with that figure(64%) in 1998.

 

Still, Diggs is a great player and ONE big playmaker for the Bills........but great after the catch he is not.   

 

You may not think that the current team needs more speed at WR...........a guy that can make people miss or a guy who is just great at getting over the top......... I think the general consensus after the Chiefs game was different.

I think diggs is good after the catch in the modern NFL 

 

He is no Eric moulds after the catch.. who as you refer to was a beast 

 

He was Absolutely a physical freak

 

[machine gun kelly]

9 hours ago, BillsShredder83 said:

Honestly thats a good breakdown, its appreciated.  What would you say the main differences are between G and C?

In many ways shredder, the center has to be very smart and having great coordination,  he has to be able to snap both directly to the QB or shotgun, his body is in a far different position than a guard.  Sure they are both in a three point stand, but he has to snap which changes body positioning, make call outs to line prior to the snap, and is the QB of the line.  If it’s a pulling play, meaning he drives with the LG and LT to the left whereas the RG and RT pulling to the right to create a cut back line for the RB is just a small example.  Morse is an excellent pulling center.  The G more times than not is on an island.  The RT is usually pushing to the outside and driving to the right.  Lastly, when the Guard and Center stunt, meaning the RG moves to the left and the C moves to the right as a confusion to the opposing defensive line is organized more by the center.
 

This is one of the reasons I like Ford for LG.  Feliciano at RG is smart.  He is very bright and can handle players on his own. Ford can simply maul people on the left and I believe he can do that.  
 

With all that said, I need more coffee so I’m sure others can speak more to the topic.  I was a RB, and LB in football, but coached the defensive line when my sons were younger.

[BADOLBILZ]

8 hours ago, Buffalo716 said:

 

I think diggs is good after the catch in the modern NFL 

 

He is no Eric moulds after the catch.. who as you refer to was a beast 

 

He was Absolutely a physical freak

 

 

I'm not saying Diggs is not good after the catch..........but he's not great at it and he IS great at getting open.

 

That 1998 season was crazy for Moulds.     He topped it off with 240 yards receiving in their lone playoff game against Miami.     That remains the best WR season in Bills history, IMO.  

[Coach Tuesday]

I don't think Ford makes it to 2022 on the Bills' roster.  Once he fails to win the starting job in early September the writing will be on the wall.  He's going to wash out.  He's just not very good.

[Slippery Rubber Mats]

On 4/3/2021 at 10:38 PM, biggerdaddynj said:

The FO has too much invested in him

being more than just OK—they traded up and told us he was an OT unlike everyone else ... and I believed them.  They had so much credibility.  
 

Same thing goes with Edmunds.  They won’t do anything with him either that would undermine their anointment of him as stud for years to come.  And, I believed them too.    

Bills fans sometimes lol.
 

Maybe they still believe in them? Just throwing that out there lol. You accuse them of anointing them too early, and you are implying they aren’t good too early also. 

[BADOLBILZ]

12 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said:

I don't think Ford makes it to 2022 on the Bills' roster.  Once he fails to win the starting job in early September the writing will be on the wall.  He's going to wash out.  He's just not very good.

 

I hope you are wrong and he proves to be a solid LG.........but I can also pretty easily envision that scenario..........he certainly wasn't the prospect Beane thought he was getting.

 

Being that most OL coaches will say that few OL players are any good before they've had 3 years in the league maybe now Ford is ready to take a big step.........but it's hard for me to ever justify drafting an OL early who isn't equipped to handle the LT position.

 

If you draft a RT only, guard or center early they need to start playing at a high level immediately to justify the investment.   They are positions that can otherwise be manned proficiently by modestly paid UFA.  

[Coach Tuesday]

7 minutes ago, Tuel Time said:

Bills fans sometimes lol.
 

Maybe they still believe in them? Just throwing that out there lol. You accuse them of anointing them too early, and you are implying they aren’t good too early also. 

Or maybe they’re coming to terms with the opportunity cost of their mis-evaluations and they’re doubling down on trying to be right?  Trading up for Ford cost the Bills a much better player at a premium position in Metcalf.  They then traded away Wyatt Teller a few months later, likely figuring that Ford would, at worst, be an upgrade at guard.  That’s TWO All Pro players the Bills passed on/expelled for the sake of Cody Ford.

 

The problem isn’t Bills fans.. 

Edited April 5, 2021 by Coach Tuesday

[Solomon Grundy]