Inside The Bills

Chan doesn’t rule out carrying 4 QBs

Bills head coach Chan Gailey is in a unique circumstance regarding the quarterback position. His starter is Ryan Fitzpatrick and his number three remains Brad Smith. The number two QB question lingers with Tyler Thigpen, who knows the offense, but has struggled with consistency; and the newly acquired Tarvaris Jackson who doesn’t know the offense very much at all. With the season opener in 13 days Gailey couldn’t rule out carrying four quarterbacks to start the season.

“You never know,” said Gailey. ”We’re going to do what’s best for the team, I know that, and it’s not going to be an easy call whatever direction we have to go.”

When asked if he’s comfortable carrying four quarterbacks, Gailey wasn’t certain.

“I’m comfortable with doing what’s best for the team and I don’t know what that is today,” Gailey said. ”So let us make that decision later on.”

That decision will have to come by 9 pm on Friday night when the roster must be reduced to 53 players. Tarvaris Jackson is only supposed to play a few snaps at best in the Bills preseason finale at Detroit. It’s unlikely to be enough to give the Bills any sense of comfort that he’ll be able to finish a game in Week 1 or 2 should Ryan Fitzpatrick succumb to injury.

“You’ll have to make a decision,” he said. ”I’ve never been in this situation so I can’t tell you how I’m going to do it. We’ll evaluate it and do the best we can and it won’t be easy.”  

If the Bills do feel they need to keep four quarterbacks at least early in the season, it will take a spot away from another position to get to 53. Bills GM Buddy Nix said earlier in the day that you “probably can’t keep four.”

How many QBs will Bills carry now?

Final roster cuts are on Friday, when the team must trim their roster to 53. Quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brad Smith are locks for the roster. Now in light of the trade to acquire Tarvaris Jackson one wonders if all four quarterbacks might be carried on the opening day roster for the Bills.

The reason why is with Jackson so new to the Bills offensive system, it might be hard to ask him to effectively execute the offense in two weeks time should there be an injury to Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1. It may very well force the Bills to carry all four quarterbacks on their roster to make sure they have a signal caller that can execute all aspects of the offense in a very important division game.

That being said, the offensive coaches had Brad Smith working with the quarterbacks up until last week when he moved to receiver with the sole purpose of having Smith know enough of the offense to get them out of a game if there were injuries suffered at quarterback.

Fan Friday 8-24

Two preseason games to go before the real thing. Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net and @ChrisBrownBills.

1 - Hi Chris,

I would like to cover two points: Obviously, I am aware of the Bills big splash in free agency, and their very good draft. Although the Bill’s pass rush appears to be very potentially awesome, I am a little concerned about their run defense. Yes… I think highly of Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus, but what happens if the opponent can get huge chunks of yardage between the tackles? That is another Bills problem where an issue may or may not be solved. 

Secondly, regarding wide receiver: If Stevie Johnson goes down with an injury, who would be his replacement? Would David Nelson become the replacement? This is why the Bills should have signed Robert Meachem; they would have had a legitimate insurance policy in the scenario I had just mentioned. In a previous Q+A with you, your points were valid regarding not signing Meachem, since he demanded a salary close to Stevie’s, and this would potentially lead to internal conflict about number 1 and number 2 receiver.

Tony, Ormond Beach, Fl

CB: Personally I believe Buffalo’s run defense is going to be much improved. All the hype has been about how much the pass rush is going to take a jump this season, but with Kyle back in the fold, the interior run defense is extremely solid. When you consider that the backup DTs are Dwan Edwards and Spencer Johnson there’s reason to believe that there will be zero drop-off when those two rotate in.

Concerning Stevie Johnson, should injury strike Donald Jones would probably be the primary replacement in a pro set (2 WRs). If it’s a three-wide or four-wide set, Derek Hagan would line up in Stevie’s ‘X’ receiver position with Jones as the flanker or slot with Graham the opposite outside WR in a four-wide look (minus Stevie).

2 - Hey Chris, every year there is a numbers game involved in cutting to the final 53.  The interesting battle to me is D-line. We know the 4 starters with Mario, Marcel and Kyle and Anderson. My question is how many more do you expect them to keep? With Kelsay, Edwards, Johnson, Carrington, Troup, Heard, etc, it sounds like someone who played a lot last year will be cut this year!

CB: I’m afraid that will be the case. The starting four are locks as well as Kelsay. Edwards and Johnson I believe are also safe. I think if all holds to form, Kyle Moore will be the team’s fourth end. So that’s eight defensive linemen. If they keep a ninth I believe it’ll be a defensive tackle, so it comes down to Carrington, Heard and Troup.

3 - Chris,  
Do you think Thigpen, Vince Young & Brad Smith will all be on the roster week one?  Also,  I’m sure the Bills would prefer a roster spot go to a long snapper/OLB rather than just a long snapper, so I’d like to know if you think Batten has a shot at winning the long snapping job? 

Pete Howell
Fairport  

CB: No, they all will not be on the roster. Brad Smith is a lock as the #3 QB. Chan Gailey said as much. Vince Young currently has the edge on the #2 QB job, but it will either be Thigpen or Young that will be moved off the roster. In an ideal world a long snapper can do more than just long snap, but a majority of the teams in the league have a specialist just to long snap.

The Bills have a very, very good one in Garrison Sanborn, who just signed a contract extension this past offseason. Danny Batten has tried long snapping here and there, but no one on this roster right now is going to unseat Sanborn as the team’s snapping specialist.

4 - Hi Chris,

I have heard rumors about Vince Young running the wildcat this year. Could you potentially see Coach Gailey install a wildcat offense that Vince and Brad run together?  

Thanks,
Joe

CB: I don’t think I would trust your sources. That’s not to say they couldn’t be on the field at the same time knowing one of Brad Smith’s roles is as a wide receiver, but within the scope of the Wildcat? I don’t see it.

5 - Chris:

I’m a life-long Bills fan living in New England.  Over the last 10+ years, this has been more of a challenge of hearing it from Pats fans with their team’s success, and the Bills lack of winning.  As of last year, local Pats fans have been harping on me that the Bills and Buddy Nix made the wrong move in paying Fitz too early after a little success with the big contract, and that the Bills won’t go far with him because he proved he wasn’t good after receiving the contract and going 2-8 once he was paid.

Now as a true Bills fan, I hope/trust that last year’s finish of 2-8 wasn’t an accurate finish to portray with Fitz is all about.  I try to explain to the non-Bills fans that due to injuries/lack of depth, a weak defense (adding pressure to Fitz & poor field positions), and the questionable rib injury Fitz took in week 8 – these are all reasons as to why the team and offense flopped after the hot start.

I have to figure that Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey know more than we all do and that they felt at the time that Fitz was the real deal before week 8 of last season when they gave him the big pay day, and that he
is the real deal going forward.

Chris, do you think he’s the real deal?  Is he worth the contract he has?  Do you think a couple seasons from now the whole league will look back and applaud Buddy and the organization for locking Fitz up in 2011 with this deal?  Will I and other Bills fans finally be able to say to everyone else ‘I told you so’?

Doug Glassman
Waltham, MA

CB: First, if you take a look at his contract it’s commensurate with quarterbacks in the middle tier of starters in the league. So I believe too much is made of the size of the contract. Second, I think fans and outside observers get blinded by the interception total and understandably so, it led the league.

But despite the second half swoon, Fitz still finished 6^th in the NFL in completions, 9^th in completion percentage, 10^th in touchdown passes and 11^th in passing yards. He also had a lot to do with being the least sacked quarterback in football getting the ball out so quick.

He was also 11^th in pass plays of 25 yards or more last year. The names of the QBs ahead of him in that category? Brees, Brady, Rodgers, Stafford, Rivers, E. Manning, Romo, Newton, Dalton, Ryan.

With another year in Gailey’s offense, a quarterbacks coach that should improve his accuracy and a receiving corps with which he’s wholly familiar with I believe Fitzpatrick can be a top 10 quarterback in this league.

Brad Smith dressed for WR

Bills QB/WR Brad Smith looks like he won’t be handling much quarterback duty in practice today.

Smith is not wearing his red QB practice jersey. Instead he’s got his white WR jersey on.

Head coach Chan Gailey indicated during training camp that much like the spring practices that Smith would be shifting over to wide receiver in practice eventually.

Abilities of Fred, C.J. & Brad to impact WR

There are many outside observers that believe that the Bills will carry six receivers on their final 53-man squad. Granted, there is a good deal of capable talent on Buffalo’s roster right now, but there is a compelling reason not to carry more than five as well.

Having the multi-faceted Brad Smith and the extremely versatile Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller would seem to reduce the need to carry an extra wideout despite the fact that three-wide and four-wide sets are commonplace in Chan Gailey’s offense.

“Well, those factors do impact our decision,” Gailey told Buffalobills.com. ”They give us more wiggle room. Both Fred and C.J. have shown they can split out wide and be effective lined up as receivers, and we saw what Brad could do last year when pressed into that role. So yes, their abilities will have an impact.”

Right now based on reps in practice the top five receivers appear to be Stevie Johnson, Donald Jones, David Nelson, Derek Hagan and T.J. Graham.

Brad Smith on Wildcat

Buffalobills.com had a chance to talk with Brad Smith a day after the first Wildcat installation plays went in at practice early this week. Smith is excited knowing there’s far better preparation to execute elements of that package this year as opposed to last.

“We got a good start on it, some things that coach has put in, and like any other play in any other scheme you’ve got to work on it so it was good to get it in and get the guys moving and get the timing down and everything so it was good for us,” said Smith.

Last year with the NFL lockout, Smith was signed as a free agent right as training camp opened and had to wait a week by rule before he was allowed to practice. It compromised the degree to which they could make use of Smith in the offense last season.

To this point Smith has lined up solely as a quarterback and kick returner as well as the signal caller on punt team. But eventually Chan Gailey says Smith will also line up at receiver.

“We want to keep giving him quarterback,” said Gailey. “He’ll be the third quarterback going into the season so he’s got to know the offense to finish a game. So we’ve got to give him enough where he’s comfortable, about as comfortable as he can get taking as many limited reps as he’s taking. We’ve got to get him that before we take him to receiver.”

Rogers is lead kick returner

The team’s first official depth chart is out and there’s an interesting pecking order on kick return.

Second-year cornerback Justin Rogers is listed as the team’s top kick returner with Leodis McKelvin second and Brad Smith third on the depth chart. While it may be surprising to some knowing part of the reason Smith was signed as a free agent in 2011 was for his kick return abilities, the bottom line is Rogers outperformed Smith last season when he was inserted into the role late in the season.

Rogers averaged an impressive 28.7 yards a return with 13 total on the season and a long of 57 yards.

Smith on 15 returns averaged 18.8 yards with a long of 28.

C.J. Spiller averaged 23.8 yards a return, but only had 6 attempts all season. Leodis McKelvin averaged 21.5 yards a return on just two attempts.

Rogers was an accomplished return man in college at the University of Richmond. As a freshman he served in a return role ranking third in the nation in kick return average (30.4). As a senior he led the Colonial Athletic Association conference in punt return average (12.4) and set the CAA record for kick return yards in a career, most notably passing Brian Westbrook on the all-time list.

The plan for Brad Smith

To this point in training camp it’s been nothing but quarterback work for Brad Smith. In the spring workouts Smith was a quarterback for about half of the OTA practices, then in the last week switched over to wide receiver. Head coach Chan Gailey indicated that a similar plan will unfold for Smith here at training camp.

“Like we did in OTAs we took about the first six or eight practices and worked him strictly at quarterback,” said Gailey. ”Then we’ll start to work him at receiver and start the Wildcat package later on. We’ll have all that going for him at a later date. But being the third quarterback he needs to know how to do the base offense, the two minute stuff and all that. So he has a lot of work to get ready at quarterback before he starts that other stuff.”

Gailey wants to ensure that should the unthinkable happen and both the starting and backup QBs go down in a game that Smith is capable of finishing a game for the team. Knowing Smith is getting a limited number of reps at quarterback in the team setting it’s probably going to be a little while before he puts a white jersey on and lines up at wideout.

Fan Friday 7-13

Less than two weeks until training camp. Hard to believe it’s almost here. Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net. And keep sending them in. I usually get to everyone eventually.

1 – Hi Chris:
Do you think the Bills will carry seven wide receivers for the regular season? They are very deep here, and based on competition, I would say that maybe Naaman Roosevelt and Derek Session do not make the final roster. What are your thoughts? 

Tony, Ormond Beach, Fl
CB: I do not think they keep seven wide receivers. As I outlined in our Top 25 Questions until training camp series, I foresee the coaching staff keeping just five with a couple on the practice squad. I don’t dispute that it is a talented group, but in each of the past two years Chan Gailey and his staff have kept just five receivers. The main reason last year being that Brad Smith as the third quarterback can also serve as a wideout. This affords them some wiggle room at the position. Plus with talents like Kamar Aiken, who still has practice squad eligibility they can keep a reputable talent there if needed due to injury.

Six receivers (not counting Smith) is a remote possibility, but seven will never happen.

2 – Chris –

Hoping you might post this “question” (and your response) in your “Fan Friday” blog on bb.com.  I continually find fellow Bills fans bemoaning the presence of DE Chris Kelsay on the roster.  Kelsay has become a lightning rod of sorts — many fans believe he has underperformed, they don’t understand why he was extended by Nix, and they feel as though he should be a roster cut.  I’ve grown tired of defending him myself, so I hoped you could give the perspective of the organization as to why they believe Kelsay is a valuable piece of the puzzle.

Thanks as always for your contributions,

Eric Haase
Durham, NC
Bills Season Ticket Holder since 1990

CB: I think the reason Chris Kelsay doesn’t garner the respect of some Bills fans is because they pigeon-holed him as a pass rusher. Kelsay is not a pass rusher by trade. He’s said it himself. He’s a well-rounded defensive end that when given an opportunity can log some sacks (see Week 16 vs. Denver last season). But his game is predicated on being good at everything. Not elite, but solid. His leadership both in his work ethic and what he says in that locker room carry weight as well.

The fans with whom I’ve spoke over the years that aren’t a big fan of Kelsay’s, almost all of them say he doesn’t get enough sacks. I’m confident the misperception of him as a pass rusher from the time he came to the team in 2003 is where a lot of this disappointment in his game is rooted.

3 - Hi Chris,               

It was fun getting updates on how the players are doing in the OTAs and being excited about the upcoming season.  One player I hadn’t heard anything about is Fendi Onobun.  How is he doing?  I thought it was great when we acquired him as there have been a number of athletic basketball players that have become really productive as tight ends.  Do you see him figuring into the Bill’s plans?  Thanks.

Cliff

CB: Onobun is an athletic talent no question about that. The problem is the game is still very new to him coming from a college basketball background. As a result the nuances of the game do not come naturally to him yet. The coaching staff is eager to work with him and develop him, but I would expect him to reside on the practice squad this fall.

4 - Whats up Chris?

Thanks for the weekly insight, but I have a two part question with us drafting T.J. for the other side for Stevie how is he looking so far? Does look like he will have a chance to start opening day? & last I know Stevie gave Stephon his props & corner was 1 of our weaknesses last yr, so how does Stephon & Aarron look so far & could either have shutdown capabilities?
Thanx Chris          

Draper Jackson Memphis,TN

CB: T.J. has definitely made progress. He made more plays in the passing game as OTAs came to a close and ran into spring minicamp. That being said I want to see how he handles things when the pads go on in training camp. It’s a different game against physical corners when the pads are on and closer to what Graham can expect out there on Sundays.

In fact Aaron Williams and Stephon Gilmore would out muscle him for the ball in the spring. Now that they’ll have a chance to work normal contact on him within five yards it’ll be interesting to see how he handles all of it. Training camp and preseason will tell us a lot about what to expect.

Williams and Gilmore looked very good in spring practices. I think those two will only benefit when the pads go on knowing both have a physical style to their play on the corner. It wouldn’t shock me if both wound up being the starting outside corners come Week 1.

5 - Chris,

Last season, I felt that the plays called in the Bills wildcat formation were predictable and unimaginative. Now that we have added a more talented QB in Vince Young to the wildcat formation, do you foresee the Bills using this package more often in ’12 and with Young in there do you predict that he will be throwing the ball more from that position as well. I don’t have the numbers but it seemed that Brad Smith’s arm was never utilized in the wildcat thus giving the Bills’ opponents a lame, predictable and ineffective offense. Will Young provide the wildcat offense with more plays throwing the ball. Chan seemed to have no confidence in Brad Smith’s ability to throw the football.

Thanks for your diligent and thorough coverage as we impatiently wait for this anticipated season to begin. 

William
Schenectady, NY

CB: The reason the Bills Wildcat package looked so limited last year was because the Bills could not sign free agents until a week before training camp. It prevented the Bills from fully incorporating Brad Smith’s talents into the offense because without spring practices like OTAs and training camp there was no forum to experiment with plays and effectively evaluate what he can and cannot do. Chan often lamented that fact during training camp.

Now with a full offseason Smith will again be the featured Wildcat QB and it’s my contention that he will throw more. Here’s a quote from quarterbacks coach David Lee for you to chew on regarding what they were trying to get out of OTAs and minicamp with respect to Smith’s capabilities.

“Every day the script for him is at the end of the OTAs determine what he does best,” said Lee. “What are Brad’s four best passes from empty? What are his four best passes with six-man protections? We’re trying to find out what he does best right now.”

Presuming they gathered that information in the spring practices the coaches will now install what they feel gives them the best chance for success in that package during training camp and make use of it with Smith at the right times during the season. Make no mistake, Smith is the Wildcat QB.

Fan Friday 6-22

1 – Chris,

Are we assuming Kyle Williams will be his old self? Most players don’t return to form until 2nd yr after major injury…what say u?

Steve

CB: Williams’ surprise participation in OTAs and minicamp can only be taken as an encouraging sign. I think a lot of fans forget that Williams (and Shawne Merriman for that matter) did not rupture his Achilles. He only had to have it repaired. The rehab on such a surgery is 4-5 months. By camp he and Merriman will be 8-9 months removed from surgery.

After seeing Williams in action in the team setting the past month, though his reps were only 5-10 a day, I’m encouraged that you’ll get the old Kyle Williams come training camp, the preseason and the regular season. The sudden burst off the ball was there and knifing through gaps was evident. Get ready.

2 - Hey Chris,

Thanks so much for your daily updates on Bills mobile, one of my favorite things to wake up to! Anyways, I need to ask about the running back situation. Fred recently signed a contract extension, I know this, but when will Spiller be the official starter and get his chance? Even though Fred had a breakout year, I think people tend to forget Spiller was a top ten pick, and I feel as if were completely wasting away his talent.

CB: Chan Gailey has been asked this question in one form or another often. Spiller certainly showed he’s ready for primetime with his performance over the last six games in place of an injured Fred Jackson. As good as C.J. was I think you’re forgetting that prior to the game that Fred got hurt he was first in the AFC in rushing and third in the league, third in the NFL in yards per carry average (5.5), had the second-longest TD run of the season at the time (80 yds) and was 5^th in the league in receiving yards for running backs with the second-highest yards after catch average among RBs in the NFL (12.8).

In terms of total scrimmage yards he was second only to Matt Forte, who had him by 15 yards at the time (1,391 to 1,376).

You don’t toss that production aside because you have a top 10 draft choice on your roster. Chan Gailey and his offensive staff know they have to get both players on the field a lot and get them both involved in their attack. This is where having a veteran offensive play caller and designer is an advantage.

I think you’ll see a good number of split backfields with both Jackson and Spiller out there simultaneously. I think there will be a good amount of pre-snap motion with either Fred or C.J. motioning out of the backfield and lining up somewhere else. And while game to game the amount of work each of them get might not be in perfect balance I believe come season’s end, barring any injuries, that both will be integral components in the offensive production.

Coach Gailey has told me it’s impossible to keep everyone happy with the amount of touches they get, but his focus is doing what’s best for the team to win games.  What that translates into could change week to week based on the opponent and based on player performance. Just know as a fan you’ve got a good situation no matter which one of them has the ball in their hands.

3 - Chris, 

With the drafting of TJ Graham, do you expect Marcus Easley to be a factor in the Bills passing game?

And what are his chances of securing the position of the Bills No. 2 receiver? 

William Aiken
Schenectady, NY

CB:  I think Easley’s situation certainly wasn’t made any easier by the addition of Graham. Graham is clearly the fastest wideout on the field. It’s not even close by my eye. He’s very, very explosive. That being said he’s still trying to master the base concepts of the offense.

He was however, given a ton of reps with the first unit through the spring workouts for a reason. They want him out there to stretch the field vertically. I just think when the pads go on it may prove to be harder for Graham to make plays consistently because he may get knocked around a bit.

I still believe that Easley has the best physical skill set of the entire receiving corps for the outside receiver role they’re trying to fill opposite Stevie Johnson. That doesn’t mean I don’t think there are other players on this roster that are capable of holding down that job (see: Donald Jones). I just believe if Easley can put it all together he’s the clear choice out there at 6’4” 225 pounds and running a 4.4 40-time.

He clearly impressed the coaching staff in OTAs and minicamp because in minicamp Easley was given more reps with the first unit.

He plucks the ball out of the air, rarely body catches, can make plays with DBs hanging on him or in traffic. Really the only thing that has stopped him is his body (injury, medical condition). Having three years of exposure in this offense will be an asset, but he’s got to get through camp healthy and not miss time.

I’m confident if he does that he’ll be right in the mix for that outside job opposite Stevie.

4 - Chris,

Shawne Merriman says he has never felt better coming of surgery for his Achilles injury.  Considering how he was a force with San Diego when he was healthy, could he be a sleeper factor in the Bills’ newly revamped pass rushing attack?

Mike in Rochester

CB: After what we saw in OTAs and minicamp I think you can be encouraged that Merriman is as close as he has ever been to his former self when he was terrorizing quarterbacks all over the league and a three-time Pro Bowl talent.

Now there’s still another bridge to cross in training camp when the pads go on, but nothing in the spring workouts gave any indication that he could have a setback. His first step burst has been impressive and his power game looks to be back as well. We’ll know more when the pads are on and the football gets far more physical, but the arrow is pointing up right now on Merriman’s outlook for the first time in a long time.

5 - Hey Chris,

First off thank you very much for all the great Bills coverage you provide us loyal Bills fans every day. My question to you sir is about the QB position and how you think it might pan out. With the signing of Vince Young do you think that Brad Smith will stay listed as a QB?

I would think that Vince Young having the same kind of running QB wildcat potential, and if he wins the QB 2 job I can see it making sense to have him run the packages that were originally designed for Brad Smith allowing Brad to focus on WR/KR and be listed there on the depth chart, relegating Thigpen to the QB 3 roster spot, it’s an intriguing situation and was hoping to get your thoughts, thanks again. 

Sean Clemens
Las Vegas, NV

CB: Appreciate the sentiments. Chan Gailey made it clear that Brad Smith is his third quarterback and will run their Wildcat package. So Vince Young is essentially in a quarterback competition with Tyler Thigpen for the #2 job going into camp.

Through the last week of OTAs and minicamp Young and Thigpen rotated in and out with the second unit and I anticipate that to be the case when we all get to training camp as well. So although Young is athletic Smith is the better option for that Wildcat package.

Backup QB a two horse race

It was largely assumed already, but Bills head coach Chan Gailey effectively confirmed that Buffalo’s backup quarterback competition will be a two man competition.

In talking about the team’s plans for Brad Smith, Gailey locked Brad Smith into the number 3 quarterback role as a multi-faceted Wildcat threat.

“He’ll go into the season, unless something major changes which I don’t foresee, he’ll be the third quarterback so he’s got to have enough quarterback knowledge to get you out of a game,” said Gailey of Smith.

That leaves Vince Young and Tyler Thigpen in direct competition with one another for the backup quarterback job behind starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. Since Thigpen has returned to the practice setting from his strained abdominal muscle he has seen more of the snaps with the second unit, but Young has rotated in.

Wildcat to be installed soon

Bills head coach Chan Gailey knows with Brad Smith on his roster he’s not going to keep other NFL coaches in the dark about having a Wildcat package in his offense. But with a full offseason to install and experiment with the package using Smith, something they could not do last offseason due to the work stoppage, Gailey sees value in having it as a part of the offense.

“We still plan to use it,” he said. ”We had to get out of it last year when Brad had to go play wide receiver for a time. You don’t have time to work on that all the time. But when we had it we thought it was a viable option for us during the course of a ball game. So we’re going to keep it. We’re going to keep working with it and the better Brad gets at quarterback, now he’s a threat to throw it and run it and that helps your Wildcat.”

That’s part of the reason Smith spent more than two-thirds of the OTA practices at quarterback over the past three weeks.

Brad Smith back at WR

Brad Smith was lining up exclusively at quarterback and in all the QB meetings here at Bills OTAs… until now.

Smith is now lining up at WR, a position where he spent most of his time the second half of last season.

The QB/WR actually lined up at WR for the first time in OTAs Thursday. He admits adjusting to WR this late in the game is a challenge.

“It’s different,” Smith told Buffalobills.com. “It’s a whole other skill set and a whole other way of thinking. But like I said I come out and do the best I can with the opportunities that I have. It’s different though, but it’s cool.”

Fan Friday 6-15

OTAs wrapping up today with only mandatory minicamp left before the break. Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.

1 - Chris,

With all the attention the Bills off-season moves garnished (and deservedly so), I feel the Bills special teams are getting overlooked.  I was hoping that you would provide some insight on what you see the Bills doing with the gunners?  I am really intrigued at the prospect of having Leodis McKelvin on one side and Ron Brooks on the other.  McKelvin looked outstanding in the latter part of the year as a gunner and I read Brooks performed very well as a gunner in college.  With that kind of speed and athleticism on the outside I would think the Bills would see a lot of fair catches on punts (even Moorman would have a hard time “out kicking his coverage”).

Thanks
Bill

Displaced Buffalonian in Santa Barbara, Ca

CB: In the OTA setting players like McKelvin and Brooks have been focusing more on defense than anything else, though McKelvin has been in the rotation as a punt returner with C.J. Spiller and Justin Rogers.

Some of the gunners that I’ve seen line up to this point have been Kamar Aiken, Naaman Roosevelt, Ruvell Martin and even David Nelson. Now Roosevelt and Nelson are two players I don’t anticipate seeing out there come the season. They’re probably just being used as bodies for walk through type drills because none of them are running 40 yards down the field live in OTAs.

I could however, see Aiken and Martin as a part of the competition at gunner. I think your suggestion of Brooks is a good one, but we’ll have to see how he handles things when the pads go on and the play gets a lot more physical. But no question he can fly. Other candidates that I would put in the gunner category are David Clowney, Prince Miller and Isaiah Green.

2 – Chris,
Am I beating a dead horse wondering what Merriman’s role will be?  Has he ever played in a 4-3 defense?  My football knowledge only goes so far, (not very) but I don’t see him being able to play OLB in a 4-3. So It would seem their options are, play him at DE as part of a rotation, use him like Dallas used Charles Haley, or release him.  I’m wondering about a forth option, playing him inside at MLB.  What does his future look like to you?

Pete Howell
Fairport

CB: I think the Bills are hesitant to give Merriman a prominent role coming off of Achilles surgery. As such I anticipate that he’ll be a part of the team’s nickel pass rush package and other pass rushing personnel groupings. Basically I expect him to be a situational pass rusher to start the season and if he shows he can take on a bigger workload he might begin to factor in more on run downs. It’s truly and wait and see situation. And no, he’s not a middle linebacker.

3 – Chris,

Dorin Dickerson would be the perfect short yardage / red zone RB with his size and speed. I wonder if that could be in the works?

CB: Dickerson is going to be used as an H-back if he makes the squad. I think he’s done very well in these OTA practices to carve out a niche for himself in this offense. He’s at least given the offensive staff something to strongly consider as a new option in their offense as a ‘move’ tight end/H-back. At 227 pounds however, he’s not a short yardage guy.

Your best short yardage player on this roster is Fred Jackson, who can earn a yard just about whenever you need it.

4 - Hi Chris,

A lot of fans are worried about the #2 WR spot.  We have several guys that can play over there.  I think we missed on that spot this offseason as far as getting that big guy that is not covered even when he is covered, but I think we are still ok and can work on that in the coming years.  I do like the drafting of Graham.  I could see a bunch of guys playing there, but I think the main guys will probably end up being Easley, who looked great last preseason and Brad Smith who played really well during the season.  My question is how do you feel about the #2 WR spot, and these guys going forward and also do you think Brad Smith would be willing to go to WR full time?  Would the coaches like that or do they want him for wildcat plays only?  Also do you think Jones will shift inside now to the slot to share time with Nelson now that Graham is here as well?   

Thank you for your time

 -Showtime.
CB: Unfortunately for Brad Smith I don’t foresee a full time role for him anywhere. He could factor in at wide receiver, but not as a full time #2. I think his presence in a Wildcat type package at QB will be expanded.

The main candidates I see for the number 2 receiver job, removing primary slot receiver David Nelson from the equation are Donald Jones, Marcus Easley and Derek Hagan. I believe unless Easley grossly outperforms Jones and Hagan it will eventually be a two-player race. Jones being the incumbent from last year stands a good chance of remaining in that role.

I do believe long term that Easley offers the best physical skill set for what they want outside opposite Stevie Johnson, but he has to deliver on a consistent basis for that to happen.

The offensive staff wants to be able to move Jones around, particularly inside as the second slot receiver opposite Nelson in the four wide sets. So there will still be opportunities outside for guys like Easley and Hagan.

It’s certainly going to be one of the most intriguing position battles in camp.

5 - Hi Chris,
How many receivers do the Bills plan on keeping on the roster for the start of the regular season? Obviously, you have Stevie Johnson, David Nelson, T.J. Graham, Marcus Easley, Derek Hagan, and Ruvell Martin. Will another one be in the mix? As always, looking forward to your response.

Tony, Ormond Beach, FL

CB: I think six receivers are a lock for the roster knowing how much Buffalo makes use of the four wide sets. In your listing you omitted Donald Jones, who will make this team barring a complete collapse in training camp. There’s an outside chance that seven receivers are kept if the position numbers allow it, but I’m not anticipating that. I think they keep a couple on the practice squad in the event of injury and keep six.

Fan Friday 5-18

Just one draft choice left to sign for the Bills in WR T.J. Graham. Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net for the latest installment.

1 - Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled about the Mario Williams signing. I think if he can stay healthy, we get the Fitzpatrick from the first half of the season, and the rest of the team stays reasonably healthy (which, however, has unfortunately been a problem in recent years), this team can win 9-11 games next year and challenge for a Wild Card spot (I still think they’ve got a ways to go to catch the Patriots for the division crown). Especially since their schedule doesn’t appear to be especially challenging. However, I am worried about Williams’ health. He of course missed almost all of last year after landing on injured reserve in Week 5 after he tore his pec on a play where I’ve watched it a million times and I’m still not quite sure how he hurt himself, and he also missed the last few games of the previous season. Although I don’t believe he missed any time before that in his career, from what I’ve heard it sounds like he was still often playing through injuries, and sometimes it would effect his play negatively. Is he starting to wear down? How concerned should we be about the injury risk of our prized free agent signing? 

Thanks,
Jack

CB: For those that don’t know Williams tore his pec while sacking Jason Campbell. The injury required surgery to repair the damage and as a defensive lineman playing with a torn pectoral muscle is pretty much impossible. Aside from missing 11 games in 2011, Williams has missed a grand total of three others in his six-year career. So he’s been available on game day for 82 out of 96 games.

Perhaps what’s most important to note is the guy is more than willing to play hurt. That was made obvious in 2010. He had a hernia injury that he played with from the start of the season and didn’t shut it down until Week 15, missing the final three games of the season. Oh and by the way he still had 8.5 sacks playing with a hernia.  

At age 27 Williams is entering his prime. His body is not breaking down.

2 - CB,

What is the outlook for Mike Jasper?  Will the big man see the field or remain on practice squad? He is certainly an interesting/intriguing player. 

Regards,
Dan
CB: For Jasper there is more competition on hand. Already behind vets like Kraig Urbik, Chad Rinehart and Andy Levitre on the depth chart, Buffalo also draft C/G prospect Mark Asper and have Colin Brown, Jake Vermiglio and Keith Williams, who are on par with Jasper at the guard spot.

In addition Jasper has to work harder than most to keep his weight in check, so he’s battling competition and his own weight. We’ll see how he looks in OTAs coming up, but it’s going to be an uphill battle considering who is in front of him on the depth chart.

3 - Chris,

How does Aaron Williams figure into the competition? Can he be a starter? Is Gilmore going to play opposite of him eventually? Thanks!

Chris in Binghamton

CB: Yes, Aaron Williams can be a starter. In fact I envision him taking over the starting left cornerback role. I talked to him about it just this week, which I touched on in my Friday story on Buffalobills.com. That partly due to the fact that Terrence McGee coming off a patella tendon injury is still working his way back.

As for Gilmore he’s the odds on favorite to land the right cornerback job. Top 10 picks are expected to be on the field early and play a lot.

4 - Hi Chris,

With a complete off-season this year what type of impact does the team expect from Brad Smith?  I believe Coach had stated it would take him some time to integrate Brad Smith into the offense.  Will the Wildcat still have an impact in the NFL or has it’s time passed? 

-Justin Siegel
Louisville, KY

CB: You’re right Coach Gailey did feel with a full offseason that he would be able to incorporate more plays into the offense to take advantage of Smith’s talent. I think the Wildcat package will represent a good part of that, especially with QBs coach David Lee on board now. He was the assistant that brought the Wildcat from college to the pros as an assistant in Miami.

So if there are variations to implement off the straight Wildcat the Bills coaches will have them drawn up for Smith. The only question is how much of a presence will Brad Smith plays have in the game plan week to week?

A lot of that could depend on the opponent more than anything else.

5 - Hi Chris,

Thanks for all the off-season updates.  I was wondering if the Bills have pursued Marcus McNeill as a candidate to fill the hole at LT.  He’s definitely a proven LT in this league and his size fits the Buddy Nix prototypical offensive lineman, plus I think he drafted McNeill.  At this point I was wondering if it is problem with the cap space or if the staff thinks Hairston can step in and protect Fitz for a whole season.

Thanks,
John in Fredonia
CB: I wouldn’t be surprised if Bills GM Buddy Nix, who did have a hand in drafting Marcus McNeill, was monitoring McNeill’s health this offseason. He’s had back and knee problems and missed half the season last year with a neck injury. That’s giving teams pause in pursuing him because coming out of college he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal column.

His agent claimed that McNeill was cleared by a back and spine specialist in mid-March, but teams will want to use their own doctors to make their own assessment.

If Chris Hairston and Cordy Glenn struggle mightily at left tackle in the preseason, I suppose McNeill could surface as an option if he was still on the market. But it’s hard to pin down whether he is too great an injury risk to sign.

Is Young a wildcat option?

Vince Young is now on board after agreeing to terms with the Bills Friday. By most accounts his workout was impressive in terms of his passing accuracy and touch with receivers he had not worked with prior. But the comment by GM Buddy Nix leads one to believe that this addition could be more about Young’s legs.

Nix made the following comment when it was announced that Young had agreed to terms.

“He brings with him some unique physical abilities that most are aware of and that will make the competition interesting,” said Nix.

Both Tyler Thigpen and Brad Smith are mobile quarterbacks with Smith being the team’s wildcat option quarterback. Could Young offer wildcat potential as well? He certainly seems athletic enough to be worthy of consideration.

Head coach Chan Gailey does value mobility in his quarterbacks, but who earns wildcat duty might prove to be the most interesting part of the quarterback competition behind Ryan Fitzpatrick on the depth chart.

Why are they forgetting Brad Smith?

As speculation begins about where Tim Tebow might be traded, just about every national writer has Buffalo listed as a team that should consider acquiring him. The problem is they’re forgetting about a guy on Buffalo’s roster that already does what Tebow does and more.

SI.com’s Peter King is one of many national writers to list Buffalo along with Miami and Green Bay as landing spots that make sense for Tebow. Here’s what he wrote.

Call to Courage event next Sat.

The 11^th Annual Call to Courage Awards Breakfast will be held a week from today on Sat., March 24, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Buffalo, NY, from 9-11 am. Every spring for the past ten years, former Buffalo Bills quarterback, Frank Reich, who engineered the “Greatest Comeback in NFL History”, hosts the community sports breakfast event, which is sponsored by the Buffalo Pro Ministry of Athletes in Action.

Reich will present the 2012 Call to Courage Award to Cleveland Browns Tight End and former Super Bowl Champion while with the New England Patriots, Ben Watson. Also scheduled to be in attendance are Bills Wall of Famer Steve Tasker and Bills QB/WR Brad Smith.

Special speaker at this year’s event will be former Ohio State Head Football Coach Jim Tressel, who is currently the Vice President for Student Engagement for the University of Akron.

Three finalists have also been selected for the Western New York High School Call to Courage Leadership Award. The three finalists include:

Pat Walch, 18-year old senior defensive back, LB and tight end from Wilson Central High School

Mike Grimaldi, 17-year old offensive lineman from North Tonawanda High School

Erik O’Neill, 18-year old senior running back and defensive back from St. Mary’s High School

All three nominees have met the criteria of not only being a great student athlete, but also exemplify outstanding character, commitment and leadership on and off the field.  They are leaders academically in the classroom, in their home and in the community and honor God in everything they do and have answered the Call to Courage.

The Call to Courage Awards Breakfast is open to the public. Tickets are $40 each and a table of ten is $350. For ticket information call 716-559-1800 or find us on FACEBOOK at aiabuffalo.              

Fan Friday 3-16

With major free agent moves rolled up in the Mario Williams signing we’ll be looking more toward the draft for big additions, especially at pick 10. There could be a minor signing or two, likely one of Buffalo’s own FAs. We’ll see. In the meantime let’s get to your questions at AskChris@bills.nfl.net.

1 - Hey Chris,

After seeing Brad Smith pick up more than a handful of 3rd and short conversions early in the season last year, it seems as though the offense scrapped that formation because of the lack of depth at the WR position and need for smith to line up there (and reducing  wins dramatically).  Are the Bills planning on using the “wild bill” formation again for short yardage for the upcoming season.  Also after showing lots of potential at the outside receiver last preseason, is Marcus Easley healed and ready for this season? 

Thanks, Lou

CB: I believe that Brad Smith’s role in the offense will be expanded. Chan Gailey often lamented the fact that with free agency crammed into a two-week span right before training camp opened that there was no time to incorporate Smith’s talents into the offense.

You’re right he was pretty effective converting short yardage situations as the Wildcat QB and I would expect that is still a part of the offense. It’s possible he could line up at wideout at at times, but as long as the receiving corps stay healthy I believe Buffalo’s offensive staff have some other ideas in mind.

As for Easley, he’s one of those receivers that’s likely to allow Smith to focus on running plays from the quarterback position at times than receiver. He’s medically cleared from his condition, which has been effectively medicated and all indications are that he’ll be ready for spring workouts.

2 - Chris:

What do you think of Michael Brockers, DT, LSU?? Is he good enough size wise and speed wise to convert to DE and be the answer to the Bills need for Pass Rusher??

He could be the surprise answer to this very important need, rushing the passer…..  How does he look at the Combine??

Tim in TN, Go Bills

CB: He’s strictly a DT. He’s not capable of moving outside to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense, which is what Dave Wannstedt is running. He’s also a young player coming out early and needs some development. He has a ton of potential and will probably be a top 20 pick, but he is not an end. Ran a 5.36 at the Combine.

3 - Hey Chris,
 
First of all thanks so much for answering the fans questions its really nice to know everything that goes on with the Bills.  With that i wanted to know that if the Bills had plans to add a QB to the roster before trianing camp? also if the Bills get the pass rusher they want  as a free agent and bring back Stevie, is there any way they trade up for RG3? i heard the Bills interviewed him at the combine and was just wondering if it was possible to get what looks like a great player in RG3? 
 
Thanks so much again,
Josh Syracuse, NY

CB: Buddy Nix said drafting a quarterback is always possible because you can never predict if the right one for the value on the board at the time is going to be there. Yes, they visited with RGIII, but trading up to get him is not going to happen per Nix. Buffalo’s GM doesn’t like to part with picks and you saw the king’s ransom Washington coughed up to move up there. The Bills also interviewed Brock Osweiler so there are going to be several QB possibilities in the draft. The question is, does the right one for the Bills show up on the board when they’re on the clock? That’s the only way it happens.

4 - Hey Chris, 

Sitting at number 10, I feel we will have a lot of options, not only in the pass rush department , but at tackle, receiver and corner as well. Any of those positions offer some pretty appealing players. I know it’s impossible this early to say what will happen, but who has caught your eye in Indy this week? I hear the receiver crop is pretty deep out there.

Thanks for your time and keep up the great work!

Kyle in PA
CB: I think there’s good value at offensive tackle at 10. Iowa’s Riley Reiff and Stanford’s Jonathan Martin could both be on the board at that time and I think offer good value at 10. I don’t believe there’s good value at 10 for the pass rush, which may explain why the Bills pushed so hard to land Mario Williams in free agency.

Assuming LSU’s Morris Claiborne is off the board prior to the 10^th pick I don’t see good value at 10 at cornerback. Wide receiver is a possibility, but it’s hard to know if the Bills believe a prospect like Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd is worthy of the 10^th pick in terms of value.

The receiver crop in the draft is deep, but there aren’t many speed merchants. Big-bodied players, but not many that run exceptionally well. That’s why the value at the position is between rounds 2 and 4.

When I was at the combine I was very impressed with Martin the OT. I wouldn’t mind them taking him at 10^th overall.

5 - Chris,

What is the talk about Bryan Scott? I think he is a big part of the team. Not only on the field, but off the field as well. He is a great role model and would love to see him re-signed by the team. Do you have any insight on this. 

A huge bills fan from western ny
CB: No question Bryan Scott played an important role for the Bills in their nickel package last season and is a model citizen off the field. Buddy Nix told me earlier this week that the team made him an offer, but had not heard back from Scott’s camp. He’s a free agent now. Scott has told me that Buffalo is his home as he sees it so he’d obviously like to be back.

I wonder if the Bills new 4-3 defense changes his value to the club defensively. Though Dave Wannstedt said he wants LBs that can run. In the nickel package Scott could still play an important role. I think the Bills want him back, just at their price.

The other Mario recruiters

There were a slew of people from the Bills family that participated in the recruitment of Mario Williams and his fiance’ Erin this week along with the likes of Jim Kelly.

Bills VP of Community Relations Gretchen Geitter and Brad Smith’s wife Rosalynn spent time with Mario’s fiance’ to bring her up to speed on the finer points of the Buffalo region to reassure her that an enjoyable lifestyle exists in Western New York. Williams’ fiance’ has spent her entire life in Houston, so delivering on that front was important in getting the Williams deal done as well.