Astrobot Posted July 24, 2006 Share Posted July 24, 2006 From Bills' Website article on veterans who might be on the hot seat: Sam Aiken - His outstanding cover ability on special teams is what has made him a fixture on the Bills roster. But with the receiving corps as deep as it's ever been Aiken could be in trouble if special teams contributors like George Wilson and Andre Davis show more consistency in the passing game. Rookie free agent Martin Nance also poses a major threat to Aiken's job security. Joe Burns - Every year Burns is on this list and every year he beats the odds because he's willing to do any and all of the dirty work. Whether it's busting up a wedge on kickoff coverage, lead blocking for a tailback or carrying the ball himself, Burns is always ready for the call. Having a history with Steve Fairchild helps too, but with the running back position deep and Jon Goldsberry closing the gap in special teams ability, Burns will have to continue to demonstrate his fearless on-field attitude. Ryan Neufeld - Neufeld's versatility is what has kept him in the league. He can be the 'move' tight end, he could play 'H'-back, he can play fullback in a pinch, he can cover on special teams and he can long snap. However, with more talented pass receiving options at tight end like Robert Royal and Kevin Everett, Neufeld must have his best camp to hang around. Jeff Posey - After playing in a defensive system that took advantage of his strength at the point of attack, the new pursuit-oriented system doesn't make the most of his skills. That's why he faces a legitimate challenge from a smaller, quicker player in Angelo Crowell for his strong side backer role. And if some of the other young linebackers begin to emerge he could really be pressed for a roster spot. Jonathan Smith - He was fortunate to make the roster last season after a subpar training camp. With veteran return man Andre Davis on the roster and the emergence of Nance this past spring, Smith must put together his best camp to date. Bobby April would love to use him more in the return game, but he must show he can contribute consistently in the passing game on offense for that to happen. Troy Vincent - The 15-year veteran is still a ballhawk. The new system could give him more chances to make plays on the ball, which he must do if he's to keep young upstarts like Rashad Baker and Ko Simpson on the bench. Baker looks ready to emerge and if Simpson can put himself on the fast track in Perry Fewell's system, he could convince the staff that he can fill a backup role as a rookie. Coy Wire - With the addition of veteran Matt Bowen and top pick Donte Whitner, the strong safety spot is crowded with talent. Wire may not be able to rely on his special teams prowess to hold down a roster spot with Bowen possessing similar special teams talents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill from NYC Posted July 24, 2006 Share Posted July 24, 2006 Aiken. He is literally great on STs imo, and he is a wideout who is not small. I would rather have Aiken on the Buffalo Bills Football Team than Roscoe (the itsy-bitsy spider) Parrish. Jmo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oneonta Buffalo Fan Posted July 24, 2006 Share Posted July 24, 2006 Aiken and Wire both are great on special teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rico Posted July 24, 2006 Share Posted July 24, 2006 Aiken. Burns isn't going anywhere either. The others all have someone to take their place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted July 24, 2006 Share Posted July 24, 2006 Based on your list, Vincent. I believe he'll be on the team along with 1 or 2 others you have listed, but I would put Vincent as a lead pipe lock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
/dev/null Posted July 24, 2006 Share Posted July 24, 2006 Until its certain that Takeo has recovered from his injury, I'd keep Posey Vincent is another possibility, but I see Simpson taking his job later in the season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LevysEraII Posted July 24, 2006 Share Posted July 24, 2006 Do I HAVE to keep one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILLS4LIFE Posted July 25, 2006 Share Posted July 25, 2006 Aiken,because hes a good ST player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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