Fan Friday 2-10
Tags: Anthony Spencer, Buddy Nix, Chris Hairston, Courtney Upshaw, Demetrius Bell, Fan Friday, pass protection, Pierre Garcon, Robert Meacham, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Vinny Curry
Let’s get to another week of your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net. Keep them coming!
1 - Hi Chris,
Thanks, as always, for your helpful, informative coverage of our team. Setting injuries aside, it appears to me that the Bills have a potentially powerful offense. But no matter how good an offense is, it will not overcome a weak defense—note the Packers. Consequently, although I’d love to see the team improve at left tackle, I think it would make the most sense to focus the draft (and free agency) on acquiring a real pass rusher, help at linebacker, and perhaps a defensive back, with a good wide receiver as another priority. My belief is that if you dramatically improve the defense, given the potential excellence of Williams, Dareus and Kelsay, the team has an opportunity to go to the playoffs. I don’t suggest disregarding offensive tackles, but the priority, I think, should be on the defense. I’d appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.
Pat Courts
CB: I think the Bills front office has made it clear that improving the pass rush is the top priority this offseason. Where they choose to address it is the question. It could be free agency or the draft or both. The price for a proven pass rusher in free agency can get cost prohibitive pretty quick, but there might be a free agent or two that makes sense.
A guy I think would make a lot of sense is Dallas’ Anthony Spencer. Not a guy that’s going to cripple your cap like Mario Williams or possibly even Cliff Avril knowing there will be a line of teams knocking on his door. Spencer is coming off a down season, but has pass rush ability and would likely benefit with a move back to weakside DE in a 4-3 defense instead of OLB in a 3-4 (where he played in Dallas).
That’s where Spencer lined up in college at Purdue and would likely welcome an opportunity to play there again. Without production through the roof the past couple of years he might also be reasonably priced.
So I would anticipate that Buffalo will have that need thoroughly addressed by the time the draft is over and done with in late April.
2 - Hello Chris,
I listen to all of you radio appearances and appreciate all of your coverage on the website and just want to say thank you.
My question is: How you feel about Buffalo taking a guy like NO’s Robert Meachem or NYG’s Domenik Hixon in Free Agency? I see a relatively moderate price tag and a lot of upside. My rationale being that the Bill’s love small price tags that could return big dividends and there is also a proven track record that comes along with them. Other guys I like are INDY’s Pierre Garcon or Anthony Gonzalez who have a little size and hustle to them. INDY is rebuilding so I think we could get them relatively cheap. What are your thoughts? Do you think any of these could be a possibilty in the offseason?
Nick W,
Hammondsport, NY
CB: I think the biggest upside comes with Garcon and as such he’ll command the biggest price tag. Now Colts owner Jim Irsay has publicly stated that Garcon and Mathis are two of their free agents that they intend to re-sign. Knowing Reggie Wayne is probably out the door at 33-years old, Garcon could be enticed by that knowing he’d be the top target in Indy. Of course he also might be playing with a very talented, but nevertheless rookie QB. Does he want to go through a growing pain year?
Garcon can run and is freakishly strong on the ball, fitting Buddy Nix’s description of needing a guy that’s open even when he’s not open. Best of all he’ll turn 26 just before the 2012 season. So I’d put him at the top of your list. What I like best about him is he had 70 catches last season without Manning.
Meacham offers the most speed. He runs a 4.4 flat and has 20 touchdowns over the past three seasons. That’s a pretty good number knowing Drew Brees spreads the ball around. He’s got the size the Bills are looking for at 6’2” 217. It’s just hard to definitively say he could take a leap in production as the team’s number 2 in Buffalo. That being said I think he’s a worthwhile risk and would welcome the chance to be a weekly number two instead of fighting to be the number three in New Orleans.
Domenik Hixon is a guy I’m not a big fan of. Only runs a 4.7 and is coming off a major knee injury. He might be even slower now and isn’t a physical guy on the outside. Anthony Gonzalez is another smaller guy. Super smart, but can’t stay healthy.
3 - Chris,
Last year most of the draft gurus were predicting that the Bills would draft the top rated outside linebacker, Von Miller. This year its OLB Courtney Upshaw. How does Upshaw compare to Von Miller?
LeeD
CB: Upshaw’s game is totally different than Miller’s. Miller is a pure pass rusher whose game is based on speed and quickness. Upshaw’s game is all power and strength. He’s not slow, but he’s not going to blow past guys off the ball. He’s going to drive them back into the QB or knock them on their wallet. Miller is probably more athletic, but Upshaw is a better all-around player in terms of playing the run and the pass.
Some teams even think he could be an OLB in a 3-4. I think that might be possible on the strong side, but I think he can handle DE in a 4-3 even though he’s only 6’1” and change. He’s just so thickly built I think he could hold up at the line.
4 - Hi Chris,
Really enjoy your coverage of the team. My question is: how much better do you think Fitzpatrick can be if he had more time in the pocket? The line played well this year, but I’m convinced the lack of sacks was more due to Fitz’s ability to get rid of the ball quickly. Is improving at LT a higher priority than another stud WR (assuming Stevie stays)?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Ryan
Ramsey, NJ
CB: Thanks for the kind words. With respect to protection for Fitz you’re right, Chan Gailey’s offense is largely a timing attack. Oftentimes Fitz would get rid of the ball in less than two seconds by design. I think Chan likes using Fitz’s ability to diagnose defenses quickly to their advantage and get the ball in the hands of the playmakers as quickly as possible.
Now I suppose if you added a true deep threat to the passing game in free agency this offseason the team might be more inclined to further solidify the left tackle spot to improve protection that much more to allow more time for those deep routes to develop.
I asked Buddy Nix about whether he feels he has a defined answer at left tackle knowing Bell and Hairston flip-flopped all year due to injury. This was his initial answer, and his answer to my follow up question.
“Demetrius Bell has got all the tools. He’s got the good feet. He’s a good athlete. He’s what you look for at left tackle. The problem with Demetrius is injuries. He started the first four games for us and gets hurt. He missed eight and comes back and plays three and he ends up hurt again. He was rehabbing last year the whole year couldn’t practice all week. All those things enter into it.
“Chris Hairston I think can be a really good left tackle. He’s a rookie. It’s going to take him a little bit. He got some good experience this year. So we at least have a couple of possibilities at left tackle and those are the two. With his length and all that with Chris Hairston, he’s a smart guy and can be a left tackle and play over there and be serviceable for us. Demetrius it remains to be seen. We’re going to try to re-sign him. He’s up.”
Follow up question: Will those two options keep you from seeking a better option there?
“We’re going to draft a tackle if we can. If there’s one there is what I mean. If there’s one there that we think can play we’re going to draft a tackle. You can never have too many tackles. You can move a guy, now you can have exceptions to this, but it’s easier to move a guy from tackle to guard than guard to tackle obviously. So we draft tackles, we’re in pretty good shape at guard and center.”
5 – Chris,
First off great work covering our Buffalo Bills in the offseason. Every year you do a supreme job of getting information to Bills fans all over the nation and for that, thank you. My question is regarding the nature of our first two picks in the upcoming draft. I understand our primary need is to draft a player who can help our pass rush which I couldn’t agree with more. I agree with it so much that i was wondering what is the possibility of the Bills addressing their pass rush needs in both the first AND second round. I have been doing scouting of my own on defensive prospects and have seen Vinny Curry, DE from Marshall showing up on alot of up and coming lists. He is a fine physical specimen who has a whole college career of success (albeit in the FCS) and seems to have a tremendous upside. I think its safe to say if he was in the BCS he would be a first round pick. So Chris what do you think of Vinny and the possibility he last until the Bills second round pick.
Thanks So Much, GO BILLS!
Taylor – Gillespie, IL
CB: Glad you enjoy our coverage of the team. Thanks for your readership and viewership. Vinny Curry had a good week at the Senior Bowl. He’s a high motor guy with good strength and power. I don’t see him as all that different from Courtney Upshaw in terms of skill set, he just isn’t quite as powerful as Upshaw.
The knock on him is he doesn’t have the elite speed to beat NFL tackles around the corner with regularity so some teams don’t see him as a true RDE. A lot of scouts are projecting him to left end because he’s strong enough to hold up over there and offers enough pass rush ability to be productive down the line.
Some do have concerns that his pass rush repertoire is limited, which is what drops him to a second-round prospect. But if he tests well at the Combine he could move into the top half of round 2 because you know what you’re going to get from him every snap.
Draft board getting set
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, Buddy Nix, Chuck Cook, Doug Whaley, NFL Combine
The college scouting staff has arrived at One Bills Drive this week as they begin preparations for the NFL Combine at the end of the month as well as the 2012 NFL draft.
During this time, Bills GM Buddy Nix, Asst. GM/Director of Player Personnel Doug Whaley and Director of College Scouting Chuck Cook spearhead the process of setting up a preliminary draft board prior to the Combine. It will take up to two weeks to have it completed as the scouting staff pours through player reports and the other pertinent information gathered through the course of the past college season.
Each player will be assigned a grade and slotted accordingly on the draft board, horizontally by position and vertically by round.
2012 cap projections
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel took a look at every team’s 2012 cap situation to assess their potential participation in free agency, albeit with some words of caution in how they reached those figures. In any event they put teams in three categories, possible big spenders, working on a budget and tightening the belt. Here’s a look at where the Bills fit in.
Buffalo based on their cap figures were listed under the working on a budget category. The paper made a safe estimate in assuming the cap to be around $124M keeping in mind that $5M must be set aside for one’s draft choices, more if a team has more picks, which the Bills do (9 right now). Here’s what was written as well as the NFL clubs that are in the same boat.
WORKING ON A BUDGET
Teams that aren’t up against the cap, but need to make smart moves to avoid trimming a ton of players and salaries.
Jacksonville Jaguars $107,270,274
Buffalo Bills $108,426,522
Seattle Seahawks $111,742,430
San Diego Chargers $111,960,165
New Orleans Saints $113,358,069
Philadelphia Eagles $113,964,694
Baltimore Ravens $115,670,281
Minnesota Vikings $116,078,422
Houston Texans $116,306,676
Miami Dolphins $116,636,173
Indianapolis Colts $116,773,288
Green Bay Packers $118,001,169
Arizona Cardinals $118,787,639
Bills GM Buddy Nix said last month that they intended to be aggressive where they could in free agency for the three or four needs they believe need to be addressed.
“I’m not limited except by the cap,” said Nix. ”Nobody’s ever told me you can’t do this or you can’t do that. There’s a lot of things that go into it that I’m sure you guys know but one of them is, and the thing that I ask our cap people, Jeff Littman and Jim Overdorf, the thing I ask them is if we sign this guy for this amount, then is it going to cost us this player and this player and that’s kind of the way I try to make my decision is, are we going to be able to keep the core, important guys or are we just going to get this guy and can’t get anybody else?
“Listen, I want to win. That’s what I came here for, that’s what I want to do. I want to do whatever I can to help that along. And I’m saying there’s a lot of us involved. We’ve got a lot of good people in personnel and a lot of good help and we’ll use all the resources and then make the best decision we can.”
Fan Friday 2-3
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, A-Turf, Buddy Nix, compensatory picks, Courtney Upshaw, Fan Friday, Luke Kuechly
Super Bowl XLVI is just a couple of days away, but Bills fans are focused on other things. Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Hey Chris,
Love your work. I was just wondering if you had insights about a player like Luke Kuechly? I have never seen a linebacker diagnose so many plays in such a big time conference. I imagine that when we pick @ 10 this kid might slip to us. I know Buddy mentioned a lot but what do you think?
CB: Thanks for the kind words. Kuechly is a heck of a linebacker no doubt about it and in terms of the overall player rankings he is largely considered a top 10-15 talent. Kelvin Sheppard is marked down as the starting MLB in Buffalo’s new 4-3 defense. I’d expect Nick Barnett to play on the open side (WLB) where his athleticism can be maximized. If the Bills believe Kuechly is capable of playing a strong side linebacker role in a 4-3 he could be a consideration. I’m not sure he is a consensus Top 10 talent in the eyes of NFL scouts however, due to his lack of elite athleticism.
There’s no denying Kuechly’s instincts and impressive productivity, but if his upside in the eyes of scouts is limited by his athleticism he might not be worthy of a top 10 pick for the teams that are picking in that area. We’ll see if we can get a gauge on what the Bills think of Kuechly’s upside in the coming weeks.
2 – Chris,
I read your Fan Friday blog today and with regards to your answer about the Bills seeking a proven play making receiver in FA instead of the draft I am curious if you believe that they will actually attempt to reel one in?
The Bills are not going to get into a bidding war and I completely understand why. The only 3 guys in free agency that fit the description given by Nix are Colston, Bowe, and Jackson. All others are NOT proven play makers and definitely do NOT match the open when covered analogy that Nix used.
I can see the team putting a big offer out to Bowe and Jackson and saying take it or leave it and whichever one signs the team takes or if they both say no thanks then looking to the draft to fill the need.
This brings me to my next point. Given the fact that the drop off between Blackmon and Floyd is not that great could you see the Bills drafting a receiver at 10 if a “big play making” receiver was there? I have no clue what the tape that coaches and scouts shows about the top pass rushers in this class but judging from my opinion from what I have researched there is not a clear pass rusher that belongs in the top 10, in fact I don’t see one that should be a top 15 pick. Thank you for taking the time.
Jim
CB: I think your free agent targets are on the money and I do believe if any of them make it to the free agent market March 13th (not sure any of them will) then the Bills will likely make their best offer and see if anyone is interested.
As for the pass rushers in the draft at the top of the board I think there’s a good chance that Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw would be there at 10 and I believe he’s worthy of that pick. There might be a couple of other considerations (Melvin Ingram), but the choices are admittedly limited.
That being said I’m not convinced Buffalo would take a receiver that high. Yes, Floyd is probably the second best WR in the class after Blackmon, but he does have somewhat of a diva label on him and has an injury history as well as a DUI charge from last March. There’s no denying he’s a playmaker, but those are a lot of issues for an NFL club to iron out and feel good about to make him a top 10 investment.
Chan Gailey always talks about adding players of high character to his team, and he’s a man of his word so I’m not sure Floyd is a fit.
3 – Chris,
Looking more into the injury situation and that the Bills led the league in I-R designations, has Buddy Nix looked into the A-Turf Titan playing surface that currently only the Bills have installed? It would seem that possibly a FieldTurf or Sportexe surface would be a better alternative as a lot of the teams that have been successful with less injuries such as New England, the Jets, or Baltimore have these surfaces installed. Up until last year Rogers Centre also had FieldTurf. Thanks for all the updates you provide Bills fans around the country.
Larry in Tucson AZ
CB: I don’t believe the turf is the culprit here. Terrence McGee, Donald Jones and Fred Jackson all went down in the span of a quarter and a half in Miami on grass. All three were lost for the season. Eric Wood tore an ACL on Field Turf in Dallas without any contact. So I don’t think you can make that connection. It’s the brutality of the game that led to most of Buffalo’s injuries in my opinion.
4 – Chris,
Since Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey arrived in Buffalo, they have been steering toward a 3-4 defense. Yes they play quite a bit of a 4-3 defense, but their draft picks have been geared toward the 3-4 defense. After two years of drafting players like: Torrell Troup, Kelvin Sheppard, Alex Carrington, Marcell Dareus and acquiring players like Shawne Merriman and Nick Barnett all for playing the 3-4 defense. If Dave Wannstedt goes back to the 4-3 defense, is that NOT going to set us back a few more years, until we start drafting and acquiring more 4-3 personnel??? And where does that put these players that I have mentioned???
Thanks
Devoted Bills FAN
Don,
Norwalk, CT
CB: Don, your question is very valid, but Buddy Nix already addressed this issue so I’ll let his comment handle your question.
“The guys we drafted this past year, Marcell Dareus can play in any defense,” said Nix. “Aaron Williams, he’s going to play no matter what you do. Kelvin Sheppard can play in either defense. Da’Norris Searcy he’s going to play in either. All of our defensive draft picks this past year would fit either defense. As an outside backer you want a guy 6’4” or 6’5” 255 or 260. In a 4-3 those guys are defensive ends. If he’s that size and he can rush the passer he can play in either one.”
Those are the exact measurables for Shawne Merriman so I would anticipate that he too would fit as a defensive end, and let me remind you that Merriman is very, very underrated as a run defender. Torell Troup played in a 4-3 at Central Florida and knows the scheme well. Carrington played in a 4-3 at Arkansas State at end. Nix and his personnel department knowing how much hybrid defense is played week to week in this league made a point of getting scheme versatile players. And because of that the defensive front should not suffer a setback.
5 – Hi Chris,
I enjoy your coverage of the team very much. My question for you is do the Bills still have a draft pick left this year from the Lynch trade and what did they get for Lee Evans? Also it seems like they should be in line for a compensatory pick of some kind this year for Poz. Ok, thanks again for all the info!!
Mike G.
Nunda, NY
CB: Thanks for the compliment. The Bills got a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft for Lee Evans from Baltimore. As for the Lynch trade it was a conditional sixth-round pick that could become a fifth-round pick. From what I understand the chances are good that it will be a fifth-round pick, but because it is a conditional agreement, those conditions agreed upon by the two clubs must be confirmed by the league as being satisfied. That has yet to happen.
With respect to a compensatory pick for the loss of Paul Posluszny that should happen. I would anticipate a fifth or sixth-round pick knowing the size of Poz’s contract has a lot to do with the unknown compensatory formula that the league employs. Buffalo did not have a free agent signee that came remotely close to Poz’s $45M deal with Jacksonville so I’d expect Buffalo to get one for losing him.
So breaking it all down the Bills will have nine picks and should get a 10th as a compensatory (round to be determined). Here are the rounds of the picks we know they have assuming the pick from the Lynch trade is a fifth, though the league has not confirmed it. (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7).
Wannstedt’s defense keeps it simple
Bills defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt, who is transitioning his unit to a base 4-3 front, has had success on the defensive side of the ball throughout his career because he’s kept things simple and let the talent on his side of the ball just play. It’s an approach that Bills GM Buddy Nix, a former coach whose experience was rooted in defense, subscribes to as well.
“To me having coached defense for years and that doesn’t mean I know everything about it, but if you can keep things simple and keep it basic where guys play hard it leads to more consistency,” said Nix. ”If you’re having to think and play defense you’re usually a step late. I think some of that will help us (under Wannstedt). We had too many missed assignments, and I’m not blaming anybody. We also didn’t have good enough players at some positions.”
Nix is right, to have a simple scheme work well you need quality talent. The success of Tony Dungy’s simple but successful ‘Tampa 2′ scheme was having players like Warren Sapp, Ronde Barber and Derrick Brooks and later in Indy it was Dwight Freeney, David Thornton and Bob Sanders. So the Bills still need to boost the level of talent on the defensive side of the ball with a pass rusher high on the list, but this new direction is a welcome one on the part of the players and the front office.
Fan Friday 1-27
Tags: Buddy Nix, Courtney Upshaw, Dave Wannstedt, Dwayne Bowe, Fan Friday, Mario Williams, NFL free agency, Quinton Coples, Reggie McKenzie, Vincent Jackson
Another set of questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net to answer as the draft and free agency become more and more the focus with each passing week. Let’s get started.
1 - Hey Chris,
I have heard several rumors that Dwayne Bowe would like to be reunited with Chan Gailey. Any thoughts on Buffalo being so far under the cap trying to sign Bowe and/ or Stevie or even going defense and making a run a pass rusher that we desperately need like Mario Williams
Regards,
D. Fischer
Rochester, NY
CB: Just rumor at this point. It’s only natural to see Bowe or San Diego’s Vincent Jackson linked to the Bills as potential free agent targets. NFL personnel men just like anyone else in any other line of work prefer to go with what they know, and Chan Gailey knows Bowe from being his offensive coordinator in Kansas City. Similarly Buddy Nix knows Vincent Jackson from his time in San Diego’s front office.
All that being said both of those players fit the description that Nix gave at his season wrap-up press conference. Both are the kind of receivers that are “open even when they’re not open.” They’re both big wideouts and their timed speed is almost identical (Jackson-4.51 to Bowe-4.52), which ironically is right where Eric Moulds timed out during his career.
Would I be shocked if Buffalo made a play on one of them in free agency? No.
I would be shocked however, if both of them made it to free agency. The absence of both players in their respective offenses would be crippling to their quarterbacks. As much as GMs A.J. Smith and Scott Pioli may not want to get into the stratosphere with respect to a long term contract for their top receiver, the way the league is headed they’ll need to bite the bullet.
It’s a passing league, and if your offense lacks a go-to guy you’re sunk.
As for Mario Williams, he’ll probably be available after the production that Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed provided Houston in the absence of Williams after his season-ending pectoral muscle tear. The two combined for 17.5 sacks.
Williams injury history the past two seasons is a bit of a concern so investing heavily could give some teams pause, but it’s not likely. It’s hard to argue with his ability and with the likelihood of the Bills moving to a 4-3, I think he’s a better fit for that system than Houston’s 3-4. I just see a bidding war for Williams and that’s something the Bills typically aren’t a part of.
I think the Bills may add a free agent veteran pass rusher, but I don’t see it being Williams. The highest ticket pass rusher I could see the Bills possibly, and I stress possibly, pursuing is someone more like Cliff Avril if he somehow makes it to the market. In the end, I think the Bills address their pass rush in the draft, and early.
2 – Hey Chris,
This new GM for the Raiders, Reggie McKenzie, I only know one “football” Reggie McKenzie—the Bills O-lineman from the 1970’s. Is this the same guy???
Thanks!
Matthew S. Kerr
Dayton, OH
CB: No, it’s not former Buffalo offensive lineman Reggie McKenzie. He was a former 10th round pick out of Tennessee by the Raiders and played for seven seasons in the NFL as a linebacker. He played for the Raiders (85-88), Cardinals (89-90) and 49ers (92).
3 - Chris,
You have had two years now to watch Buddy Nix and his approach to the draft. While it is always a fluid process during the actual draft because you never know who the teams ahead of you are going to select, do you have a sense that the 1st round selection this year will be a “pass rusher” as opposed to say an offensive tackle or wide receiver?
And do you see Buddy’s first “pass rusher” pick to be a defensive end vs an outsider linebacker?
Bills’ fans all seem to have their favorite pick whether it is Nick Perry, Whitney Mercilus, Melvin Ingram, etc. Do you have a player you like as a defensive end “pass rusher” for the Bills?
Thanks for all you do Chris. Hope you are enjoying the ‘off-season’.
Tim N.
CB: If the right pass rusher is there at 10 the Bills will draft a pass rusher, provided they do not land a high ticket one in free agency beforehand. If the pass rusher is taken 10th overall it will be one that can play defensive end in a 4-3 in my opinion.
I prefer Courtney Upshaw at 10 myself. I do like Ingram, but I’m not certain he can be a 4-3 defensive end and that uncertainty, if the Bills brass shares it, doesn’t make him a proper value at 10. Mercilus is a one-year wonder so there’s a boom or bust risk there that I don’t see the Bills taking at 10. Perry is a 4-3 defensive end, but I think he has to have a really good workout at the NFL Combine to have a chance to move past Upshaw on the board.
Coples is clearly the best of the bunch in terms of pure talent, but he’ll go no later than 7.
4 – Hi Chris,
With Wannstedt now running the defense, I wanted to ask about the front seven situation. Assuming the Bills decide to predominantly go with a 4-man front, as most people think they’ll do, I was wondering about what that would mean for our linebacking corps. Do you think we’d have to add a couple of typical 4-3 linebackers to adjust to that system (namely on the strong and weak side)? Do you think we have enough linebackers presently on the roster that could easily fit those new roles? Or would they prefer to go with just 2 linebackers and play nickel most of the time?
Thanks Chris,
Paul
Toronto
CB: I’m anticipating that they’ll add a 4-3 SLB in free agency to start on that side. I think it’s hard to say what Wannstedt’s preferences would be with respect to guys like Sheppard and Barnett in terms of who mans the MLB spot. I’m going to go out on a limb and say Barnett, because of his athleticism and cover ability, is the best fit for the weak side LB position, which should put Sheppard in the middle. Moats, Batten and Chris White will battle for reserve roles in all likelihood. Shep and Barnett would also be the nickel backers as I see it, unless Bryan Scott is re-signed to serve in one of those roles as he did last season.
5- Chris:
With your background and knowledge as a former Bills Beat Reporter for radio and now working as Lead Journalist for Buffalobills.Com, what can you tell the fans to help us stay optimistic that the 2012-2013 Bills will actually challenge for a playoff spot next year? What is the organization (top to bottom) doing differently from past Bills Administrations that indicate the team is actually going in the right direction, because with each passing year of losing records and missed playoffs it becomes more and more difficult to accept what we are told by Bills Management.
Thanks
Joe, Blasdell
CB: If I had to pick one specific thing that the Bills current management is doing differently than they have in the past it’s investing in the lines. Previous front offices either did not invest in the lines enough or missed badly on their investments (e.g. Mike Williams, Derrick Dockery, etc.) with the exception of Eric Wood and Andy Levitre in 2009 draft.
The investments made under Buddy Nix have been good ones and most of them haven’t broken the bank (e.g. Dwan Edwards, Kraig Urbik, Erik Pears, Chad Rinehart). And how refreshing was it to see them draft Marcell Dareus third overall last season?
I think the Bills stand a good chance of investing in the defensive line again this year in the form of a pass rushing defensive end. So although the wins have not been there to this point I think we can all agree that the lines on both sides of the ball are noticeably better.
Not ideal yet, but significantly better and likely to see more improvements this offseason (offensive tackle, defensive end). It’s that approach that encourages me that the winning is on its way because it all starts up front.
Fan Friday 1-20
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, Brad Smith, Buddy Nix, NFL free agency, Stevie Johnson
Fan Friday 1-20
Time for your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net. Not surprisingly the draft questions are increasing in number. Let’s get to it.
1 - Chris,
It seems as though everyone has a different idea of what the Bills biggest needs to address in the upcoming draft are. It seems like they are all over the board. I have bought into the theory that Fitz is the future, he just needs healthy O-linemen and receivers which I believe can be addressed in later rounds of the draft. I also believe that our corners are very good but being left to cover for way too long without having an imposing pass rush. Dareus was a great add but one man can’t do it all. What do you think the chances are of the Bills getting Quinton Couples in the 1st & Brandon Jenkins in the 2nd is, and do you think that those adds would fix/help the defensive issues?
CB: First, I did not see Jenkins on the list of underclassmen that declared for the draft this year, so to my knowledge he’s not even an option. As for Coples, with the Bills likely to play more of a 4-3 front under Dave Wannstedt, I think Coples would be a good fit for Buffalo’s defense. Watching some of his tape it doesn’t look like he’s very explosive, but he’s somehow around the quarterback a lot. He’s not a guy that closes space quickly, but once he gets a hand on a passer they rarely escape. Most draftniks see him as top 10 worthy. Whether the Bills do remains to be seen.
2 - Hi Chris,
Assuming that Steve Johnson is not retained, and the Bills have to search for a replacement, I have a list of free agent wide receivers that I think the Bills may consider. Just a few names: 1. Marques Colston, 2. Dwayne Bowe, 3. Vincent Jackson, 4. Pierre Garcon, 5. Eddie Royal, 6. Robert Meachem. There is a huge list that I have, but these are just a few names. Are the Bills going to delve into the draft for a replacement? It seems that they would want a veteran receiver that could step right in. They should draft another vertical threat wide receiver too, but first things first. If Buddy Nix is all about improving this football team, then shouldn’t they be more proactive instead of reactive. What are your thoughts? Looking forward to your answer.
Tony, Daytona Beach, Fl
CB: I think that’s an awfully big assumption you’re making on Johnson. I’m optimistic that the two sides will reach a deal. I also believe there’s a chance that the Bills additionally consider another proven playmaker at wideout. I’m not certain it would be one of the names you’ve listed, but Bowe and Jackson have ties to the Bills with Gailey having coached on the Chiefs staff when Bowe was there along with a couple of his assistants and Jackson obviously has familiarity with Buddy Nix.
Remember the Bills do not often get into bidding wars for free agents and most of the players you’ve listed will be in demand. But Nix has said they want to add another big receiver. Bowe and Jackson would be my top choices. We’ll have to see if the Bills feel the same way.
3 - Hi Chris,
It doesn’t matter to me if you wanna put this on the fan-friday, or if you just reply back to my e-mail, I just want an answer please. With that said, I believe our #1 pick without a doubt at #10, has to be a big physical wide reciever.
I understand we have good depth, and a great receiver in Stevie Johnson…but even Stevie isn’t a big physical receiver. I watched every game this season, and I don’t know how many times we tried to throw it over the top, and it just didn’t work…very few times. I understand that Donald Jones was suppose to be the speedy guy…but he’s still not a big physical guy, none of them are…
We need someone like a megatron, or an Andre Johnson., and I believe that would put our receiving rotation, and depth over the top. I know Blackmon from OSU would be perfect, but I understand he will probably be selected by the time we get to the 10th pick….What about Floyd from notre dame, or the receiver from Baylor?
And I’m sure there are a few more. I also understand Easley should be back and healthy, and I’m looking forward to him. Our guys are still smaller, I know we have speed, but we need big bodies for fitz to just throw it up, and spread the field for those quick guys…It’s so obvious that we need that more than anything. I got so sick of watching them run and throw slants and crosses, too easy for defenses.
Almost every throw in the last game against the patriots looked like a crossing pattern. I think we have enough talent at every other position that, we should use our first pick on that reciever, and go from there, if not….I’ll be pretty disgusted.
I hope you take the time to read this, and understand what I’m saying. Thank you, and have a nice day.
Dustin, Indiana.
CB: I’m of the opinion that receiver will be addressed in free agency. Like I said in the above response the Bills sound like they want another proven option at wideout to pair with Johnson outside. Drafting a receiver offers no proven solution though Blackmon looks to be the type that can contribute early. My inclination is receiver will be addressed in free agency with someone that’s proven themselves. So with that in mind addressing receiver early in the draft is unlikely as I see it.
4 - Hi Chris;
Do the Bills have a Draft Philosophy,ie: Need or best available?
One could argue, whichever they followed in the past,do the opposite! Seriously though, our major needs seem to be LB, DE,OT, and WR. Who can really say ??? is the top ten player in the draft. We have bypassed many good players over the past 10 years, because they weren’t worthy of a top 10 or 15 pick. With the new collective bargaining agreement, you don’t mortgage the future if you error. Could we identify 4 or 5 players who meet our needs, and take one, when our turn comes?
I put my vote in for Blackmon from OK State for WR., and Hunt #92 from SMU for DE, at 6″8″” and 295, what an upside! I haven’t seen anyone to date for OT or LB.
I’ll be watching next year to see if we bypass them, what impact they make for their teams. Isn’t following the draft great? I’m glad I don’t get paid to choose the right players!
CB: Buddy Nix has stated that their draft approach is you take the best player on the board. The only exception is if there are two players that are pretty close in overall grade and one is at a position of need they would take the player at the position of need.
As I’ve stated above, this offseason free agency will come before the draft not after (as was the case last year with the lockout). I think it’ll be a lot clearer come early April what Buffalo’s primary needs are entering the draft because they’ll likely have addressed some positional needs in free agency.
5 - Hey Chris!
I was wondering about a statement that Buddy Nix recently said concerning drafting a Quarter back if there is one worth drafting. Does the coaching staff not see potential in developing Brad Smith into a #2 QB? It would be great if Coach Gailey can add an extra wrinkle in the wild cat where Brad throws the football. I believe he only did it once this season in the chiefs game. Is he not capable of throwing an accurate football? If we can make some plays in such a system, then that would make more defenses game plan for more. There is only so much you can do in a week and such a wrinkle can add to the teams success by making opposing defenses incapable of narrowing down strategies. Why waist a draft pick on a QB if Brad Smith has the potential? Is it always the case that Buddy will draft the best available player or we he make an exception and draft to need? Sorry for all of the questions but Bills fans want to know, even the one’s from California.
Best,
Stephen A. Naetzker
CB: I’m going to leave this one to Buddy Nix, who stated the following concerning Brad Smith’s future here with the Bills as far as his role is concerned.
“I think it’s exactly what we thought when we brought him in here. Brad can be a difference-maker if you use him in the right way. I think his versatility is the biggest thing about him and what makes him the most important. We were going along there and running the Wildcat with him and had that in and if you’d look, when our third-down efficiency dropped off was when we had to move him to wideout full-time. So it made it a lot harder. He’s good at that. He can do that, he can be your fifth or sixth wideout, he can be a good special teams player. I’m glad we’ve got him, great guy to have.”
Nix not against drafting a QB
Bills GM Buddy Nix knows predicting what falls into your lap in the NFL draft is virtually impossible. That’s why when asked if he would draft a quarterback this spring he wouldn’t rule it out.
“Maybe so, yeah,” he said. ”If there’s one there at the right time, I don’t mean that to be that vague an answer but yeah, we’d take one.”
One is not expected to be there at the right time in the first round, especially with some notable underclassmen returning to school for their senior seasons. Moreover Buffalo has more pressing needs at other positions anyway.
New QBs coach sees team on rise
It’s not often that a veteran assistant coach like David Lee willingly takes a vacant assistant position after an NFL team has had a couple of sub-.500 seasons, but Buffalo’s new quarterbacks coach believes the Bills are poised to take the next step in 2012.
“Chan Gailey has been a successful head coach everywhere he’s been,” said Lee. ”His teams have always moved the football really well. Being able to coach under him was the difference in my decision to come to Buffalo. I believe the Bills are a team on the rise and will continue to improve. I’ve known Buddy Nix for a long time since our coaching days in the SEC where he was a fantastic defensive coach. Everyone on the coaching staff believes in Chan and Buddy. That was very evident on my visit to Buffalo, and I’m excited and proud to be the Bills’ quarterbacks coach.”
Brad Smith’s future
The Bills were happy to add Brad Smith to their roster via free agency last offseason, but didn’t have the time to properly incorporate him into their offense with the abbreviated amount of time prior to training camp. Looking ahead Bills GM Buddy Nix tried to outline where Smith will best be able to help Buffalo’s offense.
“I think it’s exactly what we thought when we brought him in here,” said Nix. ”Brad can be a difference-maker if you use him in the right way. I think his versatility is the biggest thing about him and what makes him the most important. We were going along there and running the Wildcat with him and had that in and if you’d look, when our third-down efficiency dropped off was when we had to move him to wideout full-time. So it made it a lot harder. He’s good at that. He can do that, he can be your fifth or sixth wideout, he can be a good special teams player. I’m glad we’ve got him, great guy to have.”
With a full offseason to design more things within the offensive scheme for Smith his impact is likely to be more noticeable in 2012.
Nix on Easley
As we reported last month Marcus Easley will be able to resume his playing career after an unexpected medical condition sidelined him for the 2011 season. Here’s where Buffalo’s front office stands on Easley moving forward.
“Marcus has had the worst luck. I’ve tried to stay away from him, I’m afraid it will wear off on us,” said Nix jokingly. ”His problem’s been completely solved. They said it would not recur again. So we don’t know what we’ve got. We know he’s talented, we’ve always thought he was. He’s a really big, strong, guy, he’s 225 pounds who can run. He ran a 4.40. He can run after the catch, we haven’t had that much. But to answer your question we’ve got to see what we’ve got.”
Nix said the club, assuming they re-sign Stevie Johnson want to acquire another big receiving threat. That’s likely due to the jury still being out on Easley’s ability in games that count, and the fact that he was unavailable his first two NFL seasons.
Nix on Bills top 3-4 needs
Bills GM Buddy Nix wasn’t shy at all about discussing Buffalo’s top 3 or 4 positional needs in his Monday press conference.
“(Assuming we’re) signing Stevie, we still could use another big time receiver,” said Nix. ”On offense we could use another offensive tackle. Defensively, I would say the priority would have to be pass rushers, defensive ends, pass rushers, one, maybe two. You can never have enough corners, We would like to add two corners whether it’s through free agency or the draft. We also at some point need another linebacker. Now we’ve got Chris White, Kirk Morrison is up. I don’t know what will happen with him. We need another linebacker. We’ve got some guys that are tweeners, I’m talking about Moats and Batten, those guys will get a shot at LB.”
Nix said the offensive tackle would come in the draft provided the right one was there at the right time.
Buddy presser today
Bills GM Buddy Nix will be holding his season wrap up press conference today (Monday) at 11 am. We’ll have full coverage here on Buffalobills.com.
Nix and Bills CEO Russ Brandon met with Mr. Wilson in Detroit late last week for their assessment of the 2011 season and plans for the 2012 offseason.
Nix’s schedule this week
Tags: Buddy Nix
Bills GM Buddy Nix spoke briefly on Monday advising the WNY media that he’ll be commenting on anything and everything in a week. He’s reserving comment now because he has a lot of people he needs to meet with and speak to over the next week. Here’s how his schedule lays out.
Monday – speak individually with players
Tuesday – meet with the coaches and individually with Chan Gailey
Wednesday – personnel meetings (Pro and college personnel staffs)
Thursday – personnel meetings (Pro and college personnel staffs)
Friday – annual season wrap up meeting with Mr. Wilson
Fan Friday 12-30
Tags: 4-3 defense, Antonio Coleman, Buddy Nix, C.J. Spiller, Chan Gailey, Fan Friday, Kamar Aiken, Kyle Moore, Mike Jasper, Robert Eddins, yards per completion
Happy New Year Bills fans! As always I’ll be on the live blog here on Buffalobills.com during the Bills-Pats season finale, so join me during the game for observations, questions and comments. We’re up right before kickoff. Now to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 – Chris,
I would like your thoughts on some of these concerns I find to be “holding” Buffalo back if you will.
Second, with Dareus providing a nice push in the middle of the line, could that help sway our current 3-4 back to the 4-3? Our run “D” is still stale, and with the likes of Williams and Dareus in the middle, teams would very much struggle to establish an effective running attack on us.
Thanks again for all you do for the BILLS!!!!!!
Dan, FL
CB: I wouldn’t be surprised if it were up for debate this offseason by the coaching staff. The thought of Williams and Dareus alongside one another in a 4-3 front is intriguing. Of course without a proven pass rushing right defensive end on the roster it’s a hole that would absolutely need to be filled to pull it off.
I also think figuring out the linebacker situation would be next. Nick Barnett is more of a 3-4 inside linebacker, but in a 4-3 he’d presumably have to be outside (probably weak side) at 230 pounds. Problem there is if Merriman makes a successful return and from what I know the odds of that are better than most believe, then you take a strong run defender out of the equation there no matter who you sit down. Sheppard would likely be the MLB in that front and the strong side would again be a position to be filled, though Moats would at least have the size to play there at 252 pounds.
Buddy Nix said two years ago that you don’t want to be flipping back and forth. You want to commit to something eventually, and he indicated committing to the 3-4 was the plan. Plans can obviously change, but they’ve drafted the past two years with the 3-4 in mind. We’ll have to see if any of that changes moving forward.
2 - Hi Chris,
Thanks for taking our questions.
Since Spiller has been starting, I don’t understand why we give up on the run game so early. A good example would be the Miami game. Spiller had about 90 yards on only 12 carries. Early on in the game he had about 50 yards including 2 carries where he gained about 40 yards and scored a TD. The Bills seem to give up on running the ball when the game was still in play, but after passing took over we had 3 INT’s and another Loss. I realize when you get way behind you need to go to the passing game but the Bills give up on the run way too early. What do you think?
Bob Hammond
Rochester, NY
CB: Chan has been asked about this more than once by the media and I think the answer is simple. Coach Gailey told me earlier in the year they’re a team that uses the pass to set up the run. Their most popular formation is the 4-by-1 set (4 WRs, 1 RB) though they’ve worked in more two tight end sets in the second half of the season.
That is what their identity is so when they fall behind by more than a touchdown on the scoreboard they have no qualms about airing it out.
I’m in favor of seeing more run game knowing how successful the O-line has been this year in opening holes for the backs this season. Combine that with the fact that Jackson was almost unstoppable this season and the emergence of C.J. down the stretch and you wonder if there might be some consideration for a change in offensive philosophy in 2012 though I wouldn’t count on it. I get the sense that the Gailey and his offensive staff feel the run game is so successful because the passing game sets it up. In talking to Gailey he seems to feel if they just get the passing game a bit more consistent they’ll really be rolling, much like they were early in the year.
3 – Chris,
Hi, thanks for keeping us all updated on everything Bills. My question isn’t Bills related but just a general football question. Why do they keep the stat of Yards Per Attempt instead of Yards Per Completion?
Thanks,
Jimmy in Hamburg
CB: They do keep that statistic, it’s just not commonly listed on most quarterback stat lines. Here is the list of the top 10 QBs for yards per completion through Week 16 (prior to this weekend’s games).
1 – Matt Schaub – 13.93
2 – Tim Tebow – 13.91
3 – Eli Manning – 13.69
4 – Carson Palmer – 13.66
5 – Aaron Rodgers – 13.54
6 – Kevin Kolb – 13.39
7 – Cam Newton – 13.2
8 – Michael Vick – 12.96
9 – Tom Brady – 12.96
10 – Ben Roethlisberger – 12.81
For the record Fitz ranks 30th at 10.88 per completion, but because this is commonly not a statistic relied upon to determine QB effectiveness you often do not see it listed. An example of how it’s not an accurate factor in determining QB play is the fact that Drew Brees ranks 24th in this category.
4 – Chris,
With the season winding down, will the Gailey put some of the untested players in as trial to see what they can do. Most of the drafted rookies have played well, but Aiken hasn’t seen any targets at WR. The team picked up Sam Young but he has been inactive most games. In terms of pass rush, Eddins looks fantastic in the preseason and with the release of Coleman, could he be elevated and given a chance? Same goes with Kyle Moore. Most Bills fans would like to see Jasper but he might still be raw.
Thanks,
Josh – Los Angeles
CB: As you probably saw this week, Mike Jasper was elevated to the active roster. I think if he sees time on the field it will probably be in goal line or field goal barring an injury at the guard position. Kamar Aiken could possibly see time with Brad Smith not expected to play this week, but Derek Hagan has been getting more reps of late.
Robert Eddins is still on the practice squad and unless there’s an injury at tackle I don’t anticipate seeing Sam Young either. Kyle Moore did get a lot more playing time last week.
5 - Chris
The team has made some interesting moves onto the roster and practice squad in the last few weeks. They’ve added several TE, a 3-4 DE and waived Coleman.
What do you think is the driving factor for Whaley & Nix behind these moves? Are these driven by injuries/current needs or do you see these guys as players they want for next year? If so – when do the contracts expire for these recent additions (will they be F/A this offseason)?
The DE move and waiving Coleman seemed odd – given we seem to have plenty of DL and no pass rushing OLB. Are there no 3-4 OLB prospects on other team’s practice squads (like Pitt or GB)?
thanks
Tim from Syracuse
CB: I think at this stage of the game the Bills are probably taking a look see at some players they had interest in and want to see what they can do in live games. I believe that was the motivation behind Kyle Moore getting more time on the field this past week. Most of the others have been precipitated by injury.
Most of the contracts of the recent additions expire after this season. However, a few of them are exclusive rights free agents, which make it rather easy for the Bills to re-sign them if they so choose. Some of the younger players can also be re-signed as future free agents, which is done in January to retain those player rights and add them to their offseason roster.
Fitz not worried about QB drafted
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, Buddy Nix, Chan Gailey, Ryan Fitzpatrick
If the Bills were to draft a quarterback this coming spring, it’s not something that Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to worry about.
When posed the question Tuesday Fitz said his only focus is improving his own play because what the Bills do in the draft is beyond his control.
“It’s just something I can’t worry about,” said Fitzpatrick. ”Just like last year I wasn’t worried about hem drafting a quarterback. I’ve sat down with Chan. I’ve talked to Buddy. We’re trying to get this thing going in the right direction right now. It’s a lot of different things. But the thing I can control right now is me playing better. It’s something I have to do, it’s thru practice, it’s through the communication with the guys in the film room and just going out there and doing it.
“For me my main focus and the thing I’ve learned since I’ve been in the NFL is you have to be able to put all your thought into what you can control. I can’t control any of that, all I can control is making sure my guys are where I want them to be, making sure I’m putting the ball where I want to put it and making sure everybody’s comfortable with whats going on. For me it’s been a process this year. I think I’ve learned a lot and grown a lot and hopefully these last two games we can end it on a good note.”
Question on drafting QB early
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, Buddy Nix, Chan Gailey, Ryan Fitzpatrick
As the 2011 season winds down for the Bills the media is already begin to focus more attention on the 2012 NFL draft. Head coach Chan Gailey had a pretty pointed response when asked if the team would consider drafting a quarterback in the first round.
“You can talk to (Bills GM) Buddy (Nix) about that kind of stuff,” said Gailey. ”But I don’t believe that’s anywhere in the thought process.”
Now it’s unclear whether Gailey meant it’s not part of the thought process because there are three games still left in the regular season or it’s not part of the thought process in terms of an early draft need. I would tend to believe it’s the former. Either way based on Gailey’s comment on Monday that he has no questions about Ryan Fitzpatrick as his quarterback, that is probably a more telling answer.
Fan Friday 12-2
Tags: Buddy Nix, Chan Gailey, Fan Friday, Fred Jackson, injured reserve, long snapper, pass rush
Welcome home Bills. Haven’t played at the Ralph in a month! Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 – Chris,
I am really concerned about the linebackers and DB’s. Even though they have a lot of turnovers they look very inadequate in coverage. Nick Barnett is the only linebacker that shows up consistently, and the pass coverage is awful for a team that is supposed to have some good back end players. Is this a scheme problem or are we not talented enough? Turnovers are great but you still have to defend the pass! They’ve played like they were afraid to get beat instead of playing like they are trying to win.
Thanks, Dale
Tillsonburg, ON.
CB: While I will agree that the coverage saw a noticeable drop off against Dallas, I felt it was better against Miami, but slipped due mainly to mental mistakes against the Jets. I believe there are a few things at work here.
First and foremost the pass rush is non-existent. This forces Buffalo’s defensive backs to cover longer, which makes their job more difficult.
Second, the last two weeks Buffalo has had three rookies in the secondary for extended portions of the game. In their nickel package they’ve got Aaron Williams, Da’Norris Searcy and Justin Rogers.
Their lack of playing time in the NFL and together under live fire has compromised the consistency of the coverage down in and down out. All three of them will get better with each passing week, but we’ve seen some growing pains and without a pass rush it’s not making the job any easier.
2 - Chris,
Maybe a stupid question but why don’t they look into the long snapper as the center.. seems like they have similar tasks. I know the communication situation is different but he can obviously snap..
thanks for the work you do.
Eric
displaced bills fan in AZ
CB: I think it’s a very valid question actually. For some reason the long snapping job became a specialized role. The long snap is unquestionably more difficult and does require a lot of practice to keep accuracy and proper velocity consistent. That being said I don’t see why a center or even backup center could not have the time to get enough work in to be a good one.
For some reason quality long snappers are pretty hard to find. I recently overheard Bills special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven speaking with one of Buffalo’s players. The player was telling him how at the Division II college level there aren’t many good long snappers and how they just usually have a guy that can chuck it back there. DeHaven responded (tongue in cheek) as follows.
“There aren’t too many good long snappers at this level. There are some long snappers in this league that shouldn’t be doing it.”
Fortunately Buffalo has a quality long snapper in Garrison Sanborn.
Thanks for the kind words.
3 - Hey Chris.
I don’t want to sound pessimistic but I got to call a spade a spade and say that the Bills will be looking at next season because chances are this one is a wrap with the immense injuries and lack of depth the team has on the o-line, wide receiving corps and cornerback.
With that being said the bills were quick to sign Fitz after the couple games he performed admirably. Would Fred Jackson not be a major part of the puzzle that the bills are trying hard to complete but haven’t for the past 10 years???? Do you feel they aren’t willing to pay him the money it looks to me he deserves and this is another cost saving move by management????? Thanks for all the great coverage you do Chris and here’s to hoping the bills get it right in the upcoming off season.
CB: First, thanks for the kind words. Fred Jackson put up undeniable numbers and listening to Chan Gailey I’d be shocked if the team didn’t make efforts in the offseason to get Jackson an extension. He’s currently signed through the end of the 2012 season, but that contract is something I think everyone would agree he has outperformed. To what degree? Well that’s up to the Bills management to decide.
I expect the Bills to do right by Jackson. Fred had a face-to-face meeting with GM Buddy Nix about six weeks ago and was encouraged by what came out of that meeting. Here’s what Fred said when asked about his thoughts on getting a new contract.
“I felt like I did as much as I could,” he said. “That hopefully will just take care of itself. It’s not something I’m going to worry about right now. I put faith in Buddy and that’s all I can do. He’s a man of his word so I’ll have faith in him and see what happens.”
I think it would be hard for the Bills to not extend Jackson’s contract to some degree. He’s not only the offensive MVP for this team, but his performance was among the league leaders in several categories including yards after the catch and the guy is a running back! Add in that this guy is the heart and soul of this team and if the organization does right by him it would also do a world of good in the locker room. If an organization takes care of a player that performs and lays it all out there on Sundays it serves as a powerful message to the rest of the players on the team. Especially one as respected as Jackson.
4 - Chris,
I enjoy keeping up with the Bills, through your column. In the games that I have been able to watch this year, it seems that Fitzpatrick doesn’t have a very strong arm. Is this something that can be strengthened and provide him with more arm strength?
Frustrated fan in Keller, Texas
Kevin S.
CB: Thanks for the kind words. With respect to Fitz’s arm strength, Chan Gailey has confirmed that it is a strong enough arm to make all the throws necessary in his offense. Is Fitz’s arm an Elway arm? No, but few are. What makes Fitz so successful is his ability to diagnose and anticipate allowing him to get the ball out quicker thereby getting the ball there usually just as fast as the rocket arm passers.
I think Fitz has struggled with short stretches of inaccuracy (see Miami game). Fact is though that he’s second in the AFC in completion percentage behind Tom Brady, so I don’t know that you want to criticize a quarterback that has a pretty good shot of going to the Pro Bowl.
5 - Chris
After years of watching the Bills suffer players going down on IR, can’t the league eliminate Injured reserve? If and when a player is healthy let him come back. It is ridiculous that players like Fred Jackson, Roscoe Parrish cannot come back and contribute. Also can the Bills question why a compensatory pick cannot be given for a player like Marcus Easley where by no fault of the player or the team, we lose a draft pick and his contribution?
Thanks Travis
CB: I think the rules for injured reserve will not be changed until and if the league goes to an 18-game regular season. Then I would anticipate an injured reserve where a player would be eligible to return in six weeks or so. The decision on Fred was a tough one because if by some miracle things fall right and Buffalo qualifies for the playoffs, he’d likely be ready to play the second weekend in January.
Compensatory picks for a player lost to a medical condition is not going to garner any support as I see it. Luck of the draw is the response I’d anticipate from the league and its owners.
Midseason award for Nix
Tags: Buddy Nix
Bills GM Buddy Nix and his personnel department have done a lot to turn around the team’s roster in less than two years time. With Buffalo’s 5-2 start he’s getting recognition for those efforts.
Sports Illustrated’s Don Banks named Nix as his Midseason Executive of the Year. Here’s what he wrote.
EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR: Buddy Nix, Buffalo general manager: Nix hired Chan Gailey last year, drafted defensive tackle Marcell Dareus this year, and has built a talented offense around lightly regarded players such as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, running back Fred Jackson, receiver Stevie Johnson, tight end Scott Chandler and receiver David Nelson. The Bills have responded with a breakthrough season so far, and are 5-2 and tied with New England for first in the AFC East.
Nix: It always came back to Fitz
Bills GM Buddy Nix admits that young quarterback prospects were strongly considered each of the past two years by himself and head coach Chan Gailey, but in the end Fitzpatrick was seen as their best bet for success.
“Both drafts since I’ve been here we’ve looked hard at the quarterbacks and I’ve been to see every one of them,” said Nix. ”But Chan and I always came back, after Ryan got to be the starter to, this guy is the best guy for us. It’s been good and I think it’ll just get better.”
