Fan Friday 2-17
Tags: 4-3 defense, Bob Bicknell, Chan Gailey, Curtis Modkins, Dave Wannstedt, Fan Friday, Kirk Morrison, Shawne Merriman, Top 10 Performances of 2011
Less than a week before the NFL Combine. Make sure you keep your laptop locked on Buffalobills.com for wall-to-wall coverage from Indy beginning on Thursday morning. Now to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Hey Chris,
My question is in regard to Kirk Morrison. I thought he was an above average to good NFL linebacker in Oakland, then what happened? That was only 2 years ago, he’s not even 30, and now he can’t sniff the field? And if it was the Bills system more than his level of play, why has he not been talked about at all as an option in the new 4-3 defense that is expected to be installed more often next season? I believe his contract is up, but I haven’t heard or read his name once.
Thanks again,
Dan
Fredonia, NY
CB: Morrison had a tough time getting on the field for a couple of reasons. First, he was signed days before the season opener so he had some catch up work to do. By the time he was fully adjusted to the scheme Kelvin Sheppard had begun to emerge and locked down the ILB spot alongside veteran Nick Barnett.
What’s going to be interesting is with the defense switching to the 4-3 I think he’s going to be a consideration for the strong side linebacker position. Talking to Coach Wannstedt he did express a desire to get Morrison re-signed. I think he’s capable of backing up Sheppard in the middle while also competing for a starting role at SLB.
2 - Hi Chris,
You do a good job covering the Bills. I do want to ask why the management wants to change from a 3-4 back to a 4-3 when they have spent two seasons drafting the personal for the 3-4? I do not see this as a step forward, but rather a waste of the investment in players they have taken the last two years. Shawne Merriman did not work out, but could be an answer to the pass rush problem.
As a coach I had to change my defense year to year because my players were not always suited to what I did the year before the current season. I made changes in how I played a defense to suit the players I had and schemed to make them more effective.
The Bills right now have players that could play both even and odd front looks effectively given the chance to develop and having all the players able to play. Maybe a more aggressive defense with
good technique containing the outside ( setting the edge ) and new wrinkles, which should come with our new defensive coordinator, will make it all work without a mid rebuilding change of plan.
A suffering fan in Arizona,
Max F. Stolzenberg, Jr.
CB: I think to characterize the defensive change as a prompt to rebuild is misguided quite frankly. The Bills played with four down linemen a good deal of the time, but I’ll let Dave Wannstedt explain.
“We played last year about 65-percent of our snaps in nickel personnel, where we actually had four down (linemen) in the game with their hand in the ground. No matter if we had five defensive backs or six defensive backs it didn’t matter,” said Wannstedt. “The point was, if you looked at us, we were doing a lot of things that there’s carry-over within the 4-3 scheme.”
I think there are a lot of players that offer scheme versatility on Buffalo’s defense. Chief among them are Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams, Shawne Merriman and Chris Kelsay. Williams and Kelsay have already played most of their careers in the 4-3 with the Bills. Merriman has never played in the 4-3 in the NFL, but might benefit from dropping into coverage less as a true rush end and is underrated as a run defender.
Torell Troup played defensive tackle in a 4-3 in college and Alex Carrington played defensive end in a 4-3 at the collegiate level. Spencer Johnson was signed in free agency by this team when they were still playing a 4-3 front under the previous coaching regime.
Sheppard played MLB in a 4-3 at LSU and Nick Barnett is more than capable of playing weakside LB in a 4-3. So I don’t really see a rebuilding plan here. I think most of the pieces are scheme versatile enough to hit the ground running with this scheme.
3 - Hey Chris,
I have a few questions about the 4-3 defense we may run under Wannstedt. If your remember that last time we were a full 4-3/cover 2 defense Byrd had 9 interceptions, now I was wondering how a 4-3 defense differs from a 3-4 as far as secondary scheme goes because in 09 it seemed like we had way more interceptions then in ’10 and ’11. Also i assume that we will target a nice pass rush DE in the draft and that Kelsay will move back to DE also but who will be the DT I also assume that it will be Dareus and Williams with Johnson and Troup that 3rd and 4th but where would guys like Carrington go?
Thanks Chris,
Josh Hubert, Syracuse NY
CB: I think most of your assumptions are right, although Dwan Edwards might be the other defensive tackle alongside Troup in the rotation. I think a guy like Carrington has to prove he can put pressure on the passer at the end position. He did that at Arkansas State as an end in a 4-3 front (21.5 sacks). As far as the secondary is concerned not a whole lot changes going from a 3-4 to a 4-3. The coverages are largely the same, though the means by which they disguise some looks might be different.
I don’t know that you can tie Byrd’s success as a rookie to the scheme. Personally I think Byrd’s best season was 2011. I felt his all-around game was as good as I’ve seen it. He’s not just a takeaway guy, he’s shown he can be more than that.
4 - Hey Chris,
I remember you mentioning that one of the best things the current Bills management has done is to build the front lines. I was just wondering if the Bills found that the best player available in the first round was a DT like Devon Still from PSU, would they consider drafting him and moving Dareus to DE like Haloti Ngata has done at times for the Ravens? Do you think they would draft the DT to continue getting depth at DT? Or would they go to the next best player not at DT?
-Chris
CB: The way the Bills operate is they take the best player on the board when they’re on the clock. If there are a couple of players of comparable value and one is at a position of need then they’ll take the player at the position of need.
Devon Still by the way is trumped at the DT position by some underclassmen. Most scouts I’ve spoken with maintain that Michael Brockers from LSU, Jerel Worthy from Michigan State and Dontari Poe from Memphis are all superior to Still.
5 - Chris:
I always enjoy your interviews and film breakdown with the coaches in your top 10 series. I was wondering if you see a time where Coach Gailey will turn over the play calling to Offensive Coordinator Curtis Modkins, and exactly how much is Coach Modkins involved with the game planning and game day decisions? What are your thoughts on Coach Bicknell being on the radar for other teams as Offensive Coordinator and eventually getting interviews for Head Coaching Positions? I believe he may be on many teams short list soon.
Thanks
Joe
Blasdell
CB: Thanks for the kind words on our Top 10 Performances of 2011 Series. We enjoyed bringing it to you and for the dedicated fan it’s a great way to get some film room insight from Buffalo’s coaching staff. Our last installment of the series will run this Tuesday.
As for play calling duties Chan Gailey when he was hired did say he would eventually hand off those responsibilities to Curtis Modkins, but I don’t think he’s there yet. I think once Gailey feels as though his offense is a smooth running machine week in and week out, only then might he turn over the reins.
With respect to coach Bicknell, it would not shock me if he started drawing interest around the league for OC positions. Knowing he was a successful offensive coordinator in NFL Europe it would not surprise me at all.
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.
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).
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 1-13
Tags: 2012 NFL draft, Fan Friday, injured reserve, NFL free agency, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Stevie Johnson
Time for your weekly questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net. Enjoy the holiday weekend Bills fans!
1 - Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for keeping us continuously updated. I have a question regarding Fitz: I still think he can be a top 10 QB — he reads things quickly, unlike some of our past QBs who perhaps had better physical attributes. But he has to be more consistent and cut down on the turnovers. To me, a top QB knows when to throw the ball away and go on to the next play, especially on 1st or 2nd down. I don’t recall EVER seeing Fitz do this. Do you know whether it is something that has been brought up to him, or whether they work on it in practice?
Thanks, Ray P.
CB: You’re right Fitz rarely throws the ball away, but in the words of Chan Gailey it’s a fine line that you walk with your quarterback. You want him to be aggressive, but you also want him to understand when to pick his spots. I think later in the season when Fitzpatrick’s interceptions became more numerous he was trying to compensate for the loss of talent around him. It’s my contention that he felt he had to try and make more plays. That led to him taking more chances in the passing game than he had earlier in the season. Eventually it’s going to come back to bite you. Like Buddy Nix and Gailey have both said, if they surround him with a deeper talent base and build a better defense on the other side of the ball, it will help to take the playmaking burden off of Fitz, thereby making him a more efficient and less turnover prone QB.
2 - Hey Chris,
Just one question. With the season now coming to an end for Buffalo I believe one of the topics on most Bills fans minds is our free agents and none seem more important than Stevie Johnson. Do you see any scenario where Stevie doesn’t get re-signed? He seems very adamant about staying here and it would seem crazy for the Bills to let him go.
Thanks again for all the good work! GO BILLS!
Korey
Ashville, NY
CB: Thanks for the kind words. I think the Bills recognize their quarterback is a better player with Johnson on the roster and I think Johnson realizes he’s a bona fide number one receiver here, which might not be the case in several other places. I’m going to remain optimistic that a deal get done especially in the wake of Buddy Nix’s comments this week that the end zone issues are behind them.
3 - Hi Chris,
Many thanks for keeping Bills fans informed over the course of the season. Your insight into many of the happenings often clears up things for those of us on the outside. Look forward to receiving your continued reports as this season comes to an end and we move into 2012. With that in mind what do you see the Bills going for in the early draft rounds? I expect them to continue to build on the defense as well as continue to get “bigger” in the draft. Also any free agents you feel they may go after?
Again many thanks.
Bryon B.
Plattsburgh, NY
CB: Glad you appreciate our coverage of the team on Buffalobills.com. Early rounds I see the Bills addressing their pass rush in the form of a defensive end because I’m of the belief that the defensive scheme will lean more heavily toward the 4-3. I see offensive tackle getting addressed early along with outside linebacker and cornerback.
4 - Chris,
Thank you for keeping us “Texas” folks updated on our Bills! Do you think that with the early season success, that free agents are more apt to sign with Buffalo? Will Buffalo have to continue the trend and pay above market value? It seemed that several of the newer veterans did some politicking to get other free agents to think about signing with the Bills. Your thoughts on this?
Seeing hope for 2012.
Kevin S. in Keller, Texas
CB: I could see the early season success being used as a selling point on behalf of the club. Chan Gailey tells it like it is to prospective free agents when they come and visit. He doesn’t sugar coat things. Players appreciate straight talk instead of ‘pie in the sky’ propaganda. Though the final record did not show it I think the Bills can convince some free agents that this team is on the upswing.
You’re right that Shawne Merriman did successfully recruit Nick Barnett and Kirk Morrison. Hopefully there will be others.
I think the Bills still view free agency as a process by which they can supplement their roster to fill holes. It’s not seen as the primary means of building a team. Knowing that’s the case I anticipate the Bills may make one notable impact signing along with a couple of tier 2 free agent type acquisitions. Buffalo’s front office typically does not like to get into bidding wars with other NFL clubs to sign players. They target specific players, contact them early in the process and hope to get a deal consummated as quickly as possible before other suitors come calling.
5 - Chris:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of putting players on Injured Reserve especially late in the year? I am curious as to why the Bills didn’t put certain players on IR late in the year when they knew the player/players were unable to play the rest of the year?
Thanks!
Joe Badaszewski
Blasdell
CB: You’re right that Kraig Urbik and Demetrius Bell, who both suffered knee injuries (torn meniscus), remained on the active roster for the final week of the season. With one game to play however, the need to subtract three players from the active roster and place them all on injured reserve to put it simply was unnecessary. Buffalo I-R’d TE Mike Caussin who had an even more serious knee injury and promoted OL Mike Jasper from the practice squad.
The Bills had a starting O-line at New England in Week 17 of Hairston, Levitre, Brown, Rinehart and Pears with Sam Young and Jasper on the bench. You usually only dress seven linemen for a game at the most anyway, so there was no need to I-R them with one game left in the season.
Fan Friday 1-6
Tags: 4-3 defense, Fan Friday, Fred Jackson, hurry up offense, Ryan Fitzpatrick
Alright Bills fans, the offseason is underway. As a reminder Buddy Nix is scheduled to address the media on Monday. We’ll have full coverage for you on Buffalobills.com. Now to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 -Hey Chris,
I hate that I’m looking at the draft already but what do u think is the most important position we should be looking at in the upcoming draft and if RG3 was available could he be drafted by us?
CB: I think with all the momentum that Robert Griffin III is entering the draft process with he’ll be long gone when the Bills pick 10th. A lot of prognosticators have him pegged for Cleveland at 4th overall. I’m not convinced he’s a fit for that West Coast offense knowing he makes very few plays in the pocket. I think the Bills should stay the course with Fitz and get a pass rusher first at 10 and go from there. If not then an end the debate left tackle prospect that starts from day one.
2 -Hey Chris,
Thank you for your time and dedication in all you do for us Bills fans.
My question is in regards to the 3-4 defense vs the 4-3 defense for the Bills moving forward. As most are aware, in order to run a successful 3-4 defense it is imperative to have a great NT and a pass rushing OLB that can consistently get to the QB. While we have the former in Dareus, we lack the latter, which is arguably the hardest to find, whether it be FA or the draft. In addition, with Kyle Williams being our best defensive player, while certainly adequate due to his tenacity, he is not an ideal fit for the NT or 5-tech positions.
With that said, it occurs to me that the 4-3 defense affords the Bills to have both great defensive tackles on the field, in their ideal positions, at the same time. Furthermore, it would seem to me that it would be easier to find a 4-3 DE (ie Quenton Coples or Whitney Mercilus) than a 3-4 OLB, that may take longer to teach how to play the position.
If the Bills were to make the transition at this stage, in my opinion I don’t think there would have to be too much a tranformation, personnel-wise, because #1- the Bills run out of 40 fronts quite often, and #2- unlike the Tampa 2 defense that was run under Dick Jauron, which required smaller faster players, this new 4-3 defense would take on a more traditional form where bigger bodies are used (which is mostly what we have now).
I just feel that the 3-4 defense requires so many solid linebackers, of which we clearly do not have. The strength of the 4-3 defense, however, is the defensive line, where the Bills have plenty of solid depth and talent.
My question to you is, wouldn’t it make sense to focus on the strengths of the defense instead of constantly searching and hoping you find what you are looking for?
Thank you again,
Matt, Kingston NY
CB: A well thought out query. All I will say is that with Wannstedt now the defensive coordinator I’m pretty confident you’ll get your wish. And if it does come to pass I would envision Merriman as a pass rushing DE with a draft prospect or two on the way in as well.
3 - The Bills teams of the early 90s that went to 4 straight Super Bowls had great success with the “hurry up” -or “no huddle” offense, as devised by Ted Marchibroda and run by Jim Kelly.
Fitz does seem a bit laid back -slow on the draw. I don’t see why Gailey won’t try it.
Lee D
CB: They did try it in the season finale and it worked quite well against a leaky Pats defense as they rolled up 21 points in the first quarter.
The reason they didn’t turn to it more in the 2011 season was because their defense was so subpar. When you run a hurry up or no huddle offense you need to have at least a decent defense because you’re going to go three-and-out on occasion. Even if you score you’re scoring quickly and putting your defense back out there that much faster and at times for more possessions per game with that offensive approach.
Knowing Buffalo’s defense this past season set a record for most yards given up in a season in team history, imagine if you sped up that process and put the defense out there even more with a hurry up attack? Doesn’t sound all that wise to me.
I do think Fitz is good in that style of attack, but until the defense has proven itself as an improved unit then it’s not a prudent approach on offense.
4 -Chris,
I know that Freddie is seeking an extension to his contract that runs out after the 2012 season. What do you think the chances he gets extended, say 2 years on top of next year, more guaranteed $ or signing bonus? Do you feel he is worth that? I know he is a young 30, but you know what they say about running backs over 30. It seems he and CJ would make a great combo for the next few years, I just don’t know if I see it happening. If you factor in Fred’s injury, I think it makes it more difficult. The NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league and I don’t see our front office taking the risk.
If they do offer an extension, what do you think the $/#’s should be? What’s fair in your mind? And…will CJ “share” more reps or be relegated back to a back-up? He looks too explosive to be kept off the field.
Thanks,
T.
CB: I’m pretty confident the front office will take care of Fred and sooner rather than later. He’s grossly outperformed his current contract. More importantly he’s the heart and soul of the team. If you don’t do right by the most respected guy in the locker room it’s going to cost you more in there than it will in the team’s wallet.
I think you’re not far off with your guess. I’d expect a two or three year extension on top of current deal with some good faith up front money to show appreciation for what he did this past season when he was a league MVP candidate before getting hurt. Fred’s injury was also a fractured fibula, something one can easily come back from. Cracked bones are a lot better than torn ligaments.
I believe C.J. will be worked in a bit more, but I still see Fred as the feature back in 2012 with C.J. getting his extra touches out wide as a receiver. He impressed me out there and he’s at his most dangerous in space anyway.
5 -Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for keeping us continuously updated. I have a question regarding Fitz: I still think he can be a top 10 QB — he reads things quickly, unlike some of our past QBs who perhaps had better physical attributes. But he has to be more consistent and cut down on the turnovers. To me, a top QB knows when to throw the ball away and go on to the next play, especially on 1st or 2nd down. I don’t recall EVER seeing Fitz do this. Do you know whether it is something that has been brought up to him, or whether they work on it in practice?
Thanks, Ray P.
CB: I think Fitz fell victim to a number of things this season. Loss of talent due to injury, a deterioration of his mechanics in the middle of the season and the pressure to make more plays when key playmakers were lost to injury.
All that being said you are right that Fitz rarely throws the ball away. He doesn’t take a lot of sacks because of it (he was the least sacked starting QB in the league this past season), but he did throw the most interceptions (23). Though I can think of 5 INTs off the top of my head that came off tipped passes, it’s still too many. Part of that was forcing the ball, part was inaccuracy (e.g.: Giants game) and part was receivers not making a play.
When Fitz feels supported by a successful ground game or when the team is up on the scoreboard he generally takes less risk. At least one of those things was not happening during the seven-game losing streak and it put more pressure on him to make things happen. Fitz is at his best in a balanced offense. If they have to lean too much on the passing game that’s where he sometimes gets in trouble.
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.
Fan Friday 12-23
Tags: David Nelson, Fan Friday, Roscoe Parrish, Shawne Merriman, Stevie Johnson, uniforms
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you Bills fans. Though what we’ve seen on the field of late has been disappointing hopefully you have family and good health to be thankful for. Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Chris,
Happy Holidays and a great 2012 to you and yours!
I have concerns about the receiving corp next year. A playmaker opposite Stevie has got to emerge. Have the coaches seen enough to make them think Brad Smith could be that guy, or do you think we need to invest a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a potential no. 2 WR?
Also, you’ve stated that Gailey places a high value on Roscoe Parrish’s abilities, and that you expect Roscoe to stick. I, however, believe that David Nelson has truly earned the slot receiver spot. I’d hate to see David lose playing time, he will only get better. Will the coaches simply hand over the slot receiver role to a healthy Roscoe?
Thanks so much,
Kenny in Indiana
CB: First, I believe that receiver considerations in the draft will be predicated on what happens, or doesn’t happen, with Stevie Johnson and a new contract. If he’s re-signed then they’re not using a pick that high on a receiver. I’m not sure Brad Smith is considered to be that guy though he has had some nice performances.
I think this organization still has faith in Marcus Easley as a future #2, but I’d be willing to bet they invest in some insurance be it the draft or with a second-tier free agent, again assuming Stevie is back with a new deal.
As for the Parrish and Nelson debate I believe they’re mutually exclusive. The Bills most popular formation on offense is the 4-by-1 set. When everyone was healthy it was Nelson and Parrish as the two inside receivers. I think that’s an ideal pairing as Chan and the offensive staff see it. Their skill sets are dramatically different, but both are very effective. Having them both on the field makes the other one more dangerous.
So I see it not as a competition, but a combination that can be lethal.
2 – Hey Chris,
Why is it that coach Gailey is still calling plays for the offense? He stated in his press conference just after he was hired that he would take care of it for a while and then hire someone to call plays. Please remind him of his own comments so I can start watching the Bills again.
Thank you.
Lou Carey
CB: With all due respect Lou, I think you’re misconstruing what coach Gailey said at that press conference. In addressing his play calling duties at the press conference in which he was hired, Gailey said he would “eventually” hand those duties off to a coordinator (not a new hire by the way) and that would presumably be Curtis Modkins. However, in speaking to him about that very issue at the beginning of this season I got the sense from coach Gailey that he wants to turn the team into a playoff team first before discussing any personal duties he might be willing to relinquish.
Suffice to say that until he has this team in a position where he feels it’s suitable to delegate duties he won’t do it.
3 – Hi Chris,
I’ve seen some articles lately about Kyle Williams, Roscoe Parrish, and Marcus Easley as they work back from injuries. What is the lastest on Shawne Merriman? Is he making progress and can we expect to see him back in a Bills uniform next season?
Thanks,
Jeff
CB: I just spoke off the record with Shawne this week. He’s hesitant to discuss his rehab because he doesn’t want to get everyone’s hopes up about his play until he’s actually producing on the field. He felt bad about how everything went down this season after he showed glimpses of what he can be for this team in the preseason only to have to shut it down midseason with little regular season production to show for his efforts. I respect that approach so we agreed to address his rehab sometime early next calendar year.
Merriman, who is already jogging on a treadmill, had his Achilles repaired (it never ruptured) shortly after he went on I-R and was given a four-month rehab prognosis similar to that of Kyle Williams. He said that he would be good to go come spring workouts so we hope to catch up with him at that time.
I think a lot of fans have the misconception that Merriman won’t be back next season, but he’s still under contract number one, and number two he should be as healthy as he’s been in three years when he is back. Finally the Bills have no other proven pass rush options on their roster as they head into the offseason and rank last in the league in sacks.
4 – Chris,
It is VERY clear that we need a better pass rush. Do you feel OBD believes that Shawne Merriman can return to form or because a healthy Merriman would make our D much better at every level. If not our #1 pick has to be an OLB in my opinion.
Steve
CB: I think the Bills believe that Merriman has a good chance to return to form, but with Buffalo having the ability to address that position more heavily in this upcoming draft I expect them to fortify the position with youth as well. Merriman’s absence in the second half of the season showed just how much they are lacking at the OLB position in terms of a player that can provide a consistent pass rush. So I think they address that position with talent in the draft and perhaps a second tier free agent with a history of proven success.
5 – Chris,
Great job as always with you covering the Bills!
My question is: Will the Bills ever use Blue pants with their away jerseys?
Thank You,
Francis Novoa
Indian Rocks Beach, FL
CB: Thanks first for the kind words. With respect to Buffalo’s uniform I have heard nothing to indicate that the mythical blue pants that have seemingly enraptured the Bills faithful concerning the team’s uniform will come into existence for the 2012 season.
I realize there were prototypes out there in cyberspace and it wouldn’t shock me if they existed in the initial concepts of uniform design. But to my knowledge at this point we’re looking at white pants only moving forward. If for some reason that changes I’ll be sure to pass it along.
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.
Fan Friday 11-25
Tags: Brad Smith, C.J. Spiller, Fan Friday, Fred Jackson, Live Blog, pass rush, Shawne Merriman
Well Bills fans this week’s game will determine what the last five weeks of the regular season will be about. Everyone knows what a win and what a loss will do for Buffalo down the stretch. Let’s hope for the best and get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Hey Chris,
What’s going on with the offense? CJ Spiller & BRad Smith were brought in to provide a spark on offense and aren’t being used as well as they should be. There’s only so much Fred can do, we should’ve been utilizing our 3 possibly 4 headed rushing attack against a jets D that’s not good against the run and the cowboys aren’t the team they’re hyped up to be. I’m a faithful bills fan since the 80′s but I can’t stand to watch this team on tv anymore
As always thanks for all the work u do, and GO BILLS!!!!!
Chris Nogas
CB: Well you’ll see a lot more of C.J. now with Fred out for the season (broken fibula). The one plus is we’ll really be able to gauge C.J.’s progress here in his second season as he’ll be carrying the load for the last six games of the season. When young players get an opportunity like this it can also accelerate their improvement, so going into next season Spiller may be better equipped to do more, much like David Nelson did this year after playing a lot last season.
2 - Chris,
What are Nix and Gailey going to do about the utter lack of a pass rush? When the “D” does nothing to stop the opposing quarterback, it makes Fitz think he has to go out there and win the game himself. Is it too late for the pass rush to get fixed, either by new blood on the roster or shuffling around who we now have?
Thanks,
Kenny in Indiana
CB: I think the pass rush is going to be a tough thing to fix because the team does not have a proven pass rusher on the roster. Danny Batten, Antonio Coleman and Arthur Moats are nice young prospects, but they’re far from proven. Without a proven pass rusher that opponents have to account for they can spread their protection evenly across the front and the opposing quarterback rests a bit easier.
DC George Edwards has tried to mix in some blitz packages through the course of the season and some have worked (See: Philly game) and some have not. But until they get a proven pass rusher on this roster Edwards will be forced to create pressure with extra rushers and that leaves them vulnerable in coverage at times. It’s risk-reward at its highest level.
3 - Hi Chris,
First off, thank you for all the updates and info…it really means a lot to those of us outside the Buffalo area.
I know a lot of people have written off Shawn Merriman but as a true Bills fan, I can’t help but have hope. Have you received any updates on Mr. Merriman? Has he had surgery? If so how did it go? I realize that it’s very early, but is there a prognosis for his future in the NFL?
Thanks again,
James – Wheaton MD
CB: It’s hard to blame those fans that doubt Merriman will ever be the same. They’ve haven’t seen his old form in a few years, and this year ended much like the others in recent years on I-R. Surgery was successful. He did not rupture his Achilles, but he did have his Achilles repaired. Whether he has a rehab as long as those players that rupture their Achilles I do not know. Suffice to say it’s going to take several months before he’s doing football related work again. When we get an update we’ll pass it along.
4 - Hey Chris, will you be doing the live blog again Sunday? Once again no Bills on TV here in Danville, Va. Thanks a lot. Hope to be chatting with you on blog soon.
Garry Cross
CB: We’ve got the live blog up every game day on Buffalobills.com so if you’re somewhere in the U-S where the game is not broadcast we can help you out with a running play-by-play and a fan forum where you can ask me questions during the game and converse with one another. Just check the home page right before the game starts.
5 - Chris,
Once again thank you for the website being stationed out in San Diego CA its hard to keep updated on my beloved Buffalo Bills. I am pat of the Bills Backers San Diego club and we all watch the game. Today Mr. Andre Reed showed up and he said the bills are playing with no heart and they look dull. I couldn’t agree more I love my Bills but i’m getting tired of always watching them lose. My question is why have we been abandoning the run game? Fred Jackson get so little touches. But when he does get the ball he makes it happen. The team has even said he is our play maker so why not give him the ball more?
Thanks again Chris.
Jeremy
CB: It’s very hard to disagree with your point. Yes, the last two games got out of hand quickly, which often leads offensive play callers away from the run game. My argument against that at least these past two weeks is there was no rhythm to the passing game, so why not use the run to help move the chains?
Fred only got seven carries against the Dolphins and that game was a two-score game at the half. Now that Fred is out for the season I wouldn’t anticipate the Bills leaning on the run game as much when and if they’re behind by two scores or more on the scoreboard. But I think there’s merit to sticking with the run a bit longer even if you’re behind on the scoreboard when the passing game is out of sync. Perhaps if the run game can at least get you a couple of first downs a rhythm can be established.
Fan Friday 11-18
Tags: compensatory picks, Fan Friday, George Wilson, injured reserve, Josh Nesbitt, Marcus Easley
Couple of big division games here these next two Sundays. Time to fire up another edition of Fan Friday, with your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net. And since I won’t be back with you until next Friday have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
1 - Chris,
Given the recent shortage of WR’s on the team, I can’t help but think about Marcus Easley, wishing he was playing. Can you give us an update on Marcus? How is he doing and have they found anything out as of yet? I know that it may simply be a personal issue that he and/or the team doesn’t want to put out there, but there are plenty of fans thinking of him.
Thanks,
Dave
CB: Unfortunately I can’t. I just spoke to Easley on Thursday and he is choosing to keep his medical condition private. He would not say whether the condition is career threatening or if he’ll know at some point in the future whether he will be fit to play football. Obviously the hope is that he’ll be able to play again. I think his size and speed could be put to good use on the outside. It’s just unfortunate because by this point in the season it wouldn’t have shocked me if he had earned a starting job.
2 - Chris,
During our great start to the season everyone thought the Bills would eventually fade and return to their rightful spot as a mediocre team.
I’ve seen it said on TV and posted online that the Bills are due for “market correction”. What can this team do to prove everyone wrong and
show that they really are an elite team?
Rob
Salt Lake City
CB: I don’t think it’s going to be easy. Unfortunately the depth of the team has been challenged by injuries, and if you remember Bills GM Buddy Nix was trying to calm everyone down after the fast start saying staying healthy was the key to keep things going. As the rigors of football have claimed two of the team’s best linemen for the season in Kyle Williams and Eric Wood along with some other key players (Roscoe Parrish, Shawne Merriman) with still others in and out of the lineup it’s going to prove difficult to sustain or re-gain the level of success they had earlier this season. I think they’ll still win games, but winning three in a row or four out of five is going to be much more difficult.
3 - Chris,
I suppose there are bigger concerns for the Bills and Bills fans right now, but an article about Josh Nesbitt that was linked to on buffalobills.com got me to wondering again about something I wanted to ask you back when the season began. I was intrigued that the Bills decided to keep Nesbitt on their practice squad, but to switch him from quarterback to safety. I guess they didn’t think he had enough quarterback skills to make it at this level, but saw enough general football skills to keep him around? And who’s idea was it to try the safety position? Even with all the guys coming and going on the PS as the season progresses, he keeps hanging around. Do you think he has a legitimate shot at being an NFL safety some day?
Bob in Orlando, FL
CB: Right now I think it’s too early to tell whether Nesbitt can be an NFL safety. I do know that the guy is an athlete. If George Wilson cannot go on Sunday, Nesbitt is likely to be active and see some time on special teams. He was an option QB at Georgia Tech, but has some experience as a defensive back so I believe that’s where the idea started.
4 - Chris,
The Bills “lost” Donte Whitner and POZ through free agency to other teams. Compensatory picks are sometimes awarded to teams that have a net negative loss of free agents. I know the formula to calculate compensatory picks is a bit esoteric, but do you think the Bills might have a shot at a compensatory pick higher than a 7th rounder?
I understand you start with the players and the round they were drafted. Lost [Donte (1st rounder) + POZ (2nd rounder)] – Gained [Brad Smith(4th rounder)] = Comp. pick
Then the NFL committee factors in things like playing time, production, etc. Love to see the NFL award the Bills a 5th…….we need all the picks we can get!
Tim Neville
P.S. Correct me if I am wrong, but I left Nick Barrett out because he was waived before the Bills signed him.
CB: You’re right that the Nick Barnett signing would not count in calculating whether the Bills had a net loss of free agents. However, I believe Tyler Thigpen would count toward that total. If so it might be an even two-for-two. That being said the two contracts signed by both Thigpen and Smith don’t add up to what Poz got from Jacksonville (6-$45M). Whitner’s deal was comparable to Thigpen’s.
So while the Bills may not have sustained a net loss of free agents, Poz’s contract size present a good argument that the Bills lost better free agents than it acquired, which would also qualify them for a compensatory pick.
Last year three clubs (Oakland, Seattle and New Orleans) each received a compensatory pick even though they did not suffer a net loss of compensatory free agents last year. Under the league’s formula, the compensatory free agents lost by these clubs were ranked higher than the ones they signed (by a specified point differential based upon salary and performance).
I think that could happen for the Bills next spring based on Poz’s salary and performance. Of course Oakland, Seattle and New Orleans were the last three compensatory picks awarded at the bottom of the seventh round, so that’s where I’d expect the Bills to be given one as well in 2012.
Also remember, last year the league also handed out 11 additional compensatory choices to the teams with the worst records in 2010. The rules state that the number of compensatory picks must equal the number of teams in the league (32). So if the regular compensatory picks distributed falls short of that number the figure is reached by giving compensatories to the teams with the poorest won-loss records. Buffalo got one of those last spring, which they used on Mike Jasper. Hopefully the Bills don’t qualify for that again this offseason, if you know what I mean.
5 – Chris,
I have three other I/R related questions: Earlier this season I read that one of the many reasons that the Colts have kept Peyton on the roster rather than put him on I/R is so Peyton would get paid his full contracted salary for the 2011 season.
1) I thought players got their full salary if they went on I/R since the players are under contract, isn’t that true? (unless they work a deal with the team to separate from the team and get released from the I/R list )
2) If players on I/R don’t get their full salary, while they stay with the Bills to play for them again next season, what type of % of their salary do they get while on I/R.
3) Do salaries being paid to players on I/R remain part of the salary cap or do they come off the cap and fall under another type of classification?
CB: First, players do not get their full salary when they go on injured reserve. The percentage to which their pay is reduced is dependent upon the player’s contract. Typically, younger players see a larger reduction in pay than veteran players and higher draft choices see a smaller reduction in pay, but it’s on a case by case basis.
The players that go on injured reserve still count towards the cap. Obviously with the salary number reduced there’s some relief provided, but NFL clubs must give themselves wiggle room so they can absorb the contract of the new player to replace them on the active roster.
Fan Friday 11-11
Tags: 3-4 defense, Chan Gailey, Fan Friday, Free agency, Michael Jasper, penalties
First, a salute to all our veterans on this Fan Friday. Thanks for your service. It does not go unappreciated. Now on to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Why are the Bills not throwing the ball down field? They would open up the run game with some long pass plays. Even when they have a 3rd and 5+ they are throwing 2 or 3 yard passes. Teams will be looking at this and reacting if the Bills don’t strech the field.
B. Gately
CB: While I don’t deny that the Bills do have a lot of faith in their receivers to get yards after the catch, you also have to remember what this offense is designed to do. It’s an anticipation offense built on timing to neutralize an opponent’s pass rush. I’ll let Chan Gailey explain in his own words.
“Really that’s our offense, getting the ball out. It doesn’t matter who we play we’re trying to get the ball out. If the team had three sacks on the season we still are going to run our offense. We understand problems and issues, but we’re trying to get the ball in somebody’s hands to make the play.”
Now that doesn’t mean the Bills won’t go deep. Heck they went deep on Darrelle Revis for the longest pass play of the season against the Jets Pro Bowl corner to Stevie (52 yards). But if you’re expecting the Bills to air it out 10 times a game it’s not happening. A half dozen maybe, but not more than that.
2 – Hey Chris,
Through all of the early success for the Bills this season, one of the factors that seems to be flying under the radar is the lack of penalties. I’ve followed their games closely and, compared to recent years, this team seems to attract less penalties. If so, I’m sure it’s attributed mostly to coaching – but is there some other factor that goes into it? Perhaps a mental focus that wasn’t there in previous years amongst the players or maybe they’re just becoming more solid in their fundamentals? Just curious. Go Bills!
Thanks,
Mark V.
Lancaster, OH
CB: Buffalo has 44 penalties at the midseason mark so they’re averaging about 5.5 penalties a game, which is good. Chan Gailey detests unforced errors, so it is a big focus in the practice setting with the players. I think with most of the players being in the second year of the offensive and defensive schemes helps as well. They’re less worried about their execution so they’re more focused on snap counts and such.
3 – Hi Chris,
Do you know if the team has even considered giving Mike Jasper a shot on the D-line, especially with Kyle going down?
JerryCB: Jasper has been switched to the offensive line since he was added to the practice squad and there’s no need to switch him to defensive line. Buffalo has some depth at nose tackle with Torell Troup and Kellen Heard both capable players in addition to having Marcell Dareus, who can also play the nose. Add in the fact that the Bills have a pair of defensive tackles on their practice squad in Jay Ross and Lionel Dotson and they have options should they get shorthanded due to injury.
5 - Hey Chris,
With the signing of FITZ where exactly are the Bills in terms of the salary cap? Also, after the Bills re-sign and extend Stevie and Freddy how many of the other Bills free agents do you see us also keeping? Bell, Pears, Chandler, Parrish, Lindell, and Urbik (restricted) are among the biggest names. Do Bell’s and Parrish’s injury problems make them expendable?
Bryan
Grosse Ile, Mi
CB: If you wanted me to guess which players would be re-signed first I would lean toward Erik Pears and Rian Lindell. I’m not sure if Lindell’s injury complicates things, but those contracts would presumably be easier to complete than those of Jackson and Johnson. I don’t see Jackson getting done until the offseason knowing he still has another year left on his current deal. Johnson is probably going to have to wait until the offseason as well. I heard they spoke at the beginning of the year, but were far apart and haven’t spoken since. So regrouping at the end of the year seems more likely. Bell is a tough call. I think the staff and organization really likes Hairston and wouldn’t be surprised if they choose to tab him as the new left tackle as early as next season, which could leave Bell looking for other options, but that’s just a guess on my part at this point.
Fan Friday 10-28
Tags: Aaron Williams, Fan Friday, Kirk Morrison, pass rush, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Torell Troup
The Bills Toronto Series resumes on Sunday at the Rogers Centre. I’m encouraged about this one knowing Chan and his staff has had two weeks to prepare. Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Hi Chris,
With the way our defense is playing very well, as in takeaways, keeping us in games, playing very hard and more, we still rank very low ..26th/29th against the opp. pass/rush. Why do you think that is? I’m trying to figure out if it’s because the defense is still meshing, or do we have a lack of talent somewhere or not the right size players yet? And my last question is, if the draft was today which position do you see as our biggest need or an upgrade to be made? Yes, I know it is early however at the beginning of the season I could find endless spots including depth I thought we needed, now how the team is playing and everyone doing pretty well, I can’t see too many spots that need help except maybe WR and that is because of injuries only, not because of a lack of talent.
Thank you for your time
-Showtime. GO BILLS!
CB: The problem is pass rush. Buffalo is not getting enough consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. We’ll see if George Edwards and his defensive staff have come up with some new schematics to help the players be more effective in that area, but there is no real proven pass rusher on the roster. Merriman was the only one and he wasn’t the same with his Achilles problem and is now on I-R.
With that in mind it’s the answer to your second question as well. Buffalo needs a pass rusher off the edge that opponents have to game plan for, so I’d have that at the top of the list with respect to the draft next spring.
2 - Chris,
What can Bills fans expect from Torell Troup this season? With the possibility of Kyle Williams missing games, this is the perfect opportunity for Troup to stand up and demonstrate that his value as a high draft pick was justified. Also, if the Bills haven’t done so already, they should look into treating Troup’s lingering lower back pain with acupuncture. It may be an unconventional method however, as someone who suffered from LBP myself, I know how effective acupuncture can be when more traditional means fail. Hope you continue to appear on Rodger Wyland’s Big Board Sports. You are a wealth of knowledge of the Bills’ operation.
William
Schenectady, NY
CB: Thanks for the kind words. With respect to Troup he’s had two different issues with his back. Without getting into details, the first problem has been remedied and he’s told me the second problem will eventually dissipate as well. He still doesn’t look full speed to me in practice, but he insists he will get better with time. Knowing that it’s hard to predict just what they’ll get from Troup this season. If he does in fact get back to 100 percent I believe you’ll see a much improved player. He worked his tail off this offseason and looked very good in the early stages of training camp. If he gets back to that kind of play he’ll be making plays with regularity at nose tackle.
If not, then I think we’re looking at a situation where he’s a rotational player giving Kellen Heard a break as long as Kyle Williams is out of the lineup.
3 - Hi there Chris,
I’m just going to come out and say it, no beating around the brush. Our Buffalo Bills have the best hair in football. You can tell that many members of the team take extreme care in their hair. What saddens me is that there are quite a few members of our team that used to have long, beautiful, rock-star like hairdos (Steve Johnson). . . Are any Bills thinking about growing back their locks? Or maybe team beards? Dumbledore/ZZ Top beards?
Thanks,
Brenning Greenfield (Crozet, VA)
Canisteo, NY
CB: I do know that Andy Levitre is working feverishly on a Fu-Manchu mustache, but beyond that and Fitz’s beard, which is supposed to go the distance this season, I’m not aware of any specific hair growing commitments on the part of the players, though Kellen Heard has been growing his for a year a half. He keeps it trimmed though. Erik Pears is growing his beard out. I’ll investigate though to see if there are any others.
4 – Hey Chris,
What’s going on with Kirk Morrison? Why is he not getting any playing time? Also how much longer is Aaron Williams expected to be out for?
Thanks,
Clayton from Buffalo NY
CB: Hopefully you saw my story on Aaron Williams’ progress in his return from a chest/shoulder problem earlier this week. He believes he’s about two weeks away from playing in a game which puts him at the Dallas game.
As for Morrison, he’s strictly a reserve player. He’s an inside linebacker and he’s behind Nick Barnett, Andra Davis and Kelvin Sheppard on the depth chart right now. A good player, but doesn’t have as much time in the system and the playing time is going to Shep and Barnett right now.
5 - Hi Chris!
This old timer has been shouting “Go Bills” since being transfered to Buffalo in ’61 (our second year). I live now in Gainesville, Florida. I have a comment and a question.
I hope the younger fans appreciate the website in general and BDC in particular. In the Super Bowl years fans had to wait for detailed information until “Shout” magazine arrived–sometimes as much as eight days after a game. Great job, Chris.
Could you give us an insight into what happens at One Bills Drive after a Sunday game? We know that Tuesday is an off day with practices the rest of the week, but what do the players, trainers, and coaches do on Monday? What time do they all report? How long are they there? What is the routine; what takes place?
Best, Bill Laney — ( 51 years a faithful fan )
CB: Basically on Mondays, injured players or players that are nicked up get treatments in the training room. Players watch game tape from Sunday’s game with their position coaches and are graded on their performance. Then coaches go over corrections with them. There is also some light conditioning work that’s done with the strength and conditioning staff to stimulate blood flow, which helps get the soreness out of the body sooner rather than later. That’s pretty much it. Thanks for the kind words.
Fan Friday 10-14
Tags: Bills in Toronto Series, Erik Pears, Fan Friday, Fred Jackson, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Stevie Johnson
Big road game at the Meadowlands Sunday. Both teams a bit banged up. Survival of the fittest type game. Now to your questions, which can always be submitted to AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Hey Chris,
Very excited about how well the Bills have been playing recently. In light of the relatively consistent play of Fitzpatrick and Johnson, are the Bills taking a “wait and see” approach to their contracts, or have discussions been ongoing? They certainly have the cap space this year for big signing bonus checks. In talking with Fitzpatrick and Johnson, is there any reason to think that either one is not interested in staying with Buffalo after this season? Keep up the good work on the blog!
Eric
CB: I do believe that both Fitz and Johnson want to be here long term. They’re both smart enough to know they’ve got a good thing going here on offense with coach Gailey, and the team is being built to be successful for the long haul. Of course money is always the ultimate factor in these negotiations, which makes it unpredictable. I do believe that both players will be re-signed by the Bills in due time. Talks are ongoing with the Fitzpatrick camp at this time.
2 - Hi Chris,
Do you know if there are any contract negotiations going with Fred Jackson? I realize that his contract isn’t up for a couple of years, but he is seriously under paid, and given his age, he may not have that many more years in him. It seems to me that the Bills should re-negotiate it to one more fitting his elite status. They did it with Kelsay when he didn’t need a new contract, let’s do it for Fred who is exactly the class player that we want. It would send a very strong message that the Bills treat their players right.
Joe
CB: The Bills known full well how important Fred is not only to the success of the offense, but the collective psyche of the team. As Ryan Fitzpatrick said himself Fred is “the heart and soul of the team.” His production is undeniable. I just think at this point in time there are expiring contracts for other important players that put players like Fitz and Stevie Johnson higher on the priority list right now. Rest assured that Fred is on the radar as he had a productive meeting with Bills GM Buddy Nix this past week.
3 – Hi Chris,
Of course, a lot of people are comparing this team to the 2008 Bills because of the fast start. This time around I feel like there’s much more promise than the 2008 team, but what are some of the key differences you see between the two teams?
Thanks for all the great news & commentary!
Aaron Bangerter
Salt Lake City, UT
CB: Great question Aaron. The biggest difference is how potent the offense is now in comparison to 2009. In 2009 the team finished 30th in offense and was the worst in the league at converting third downs and the worst offense in football when it came to scoring touchdowns in the red zone.
To give you an idea, in 2009 the Bills scored 12 touchdowns in 38 trips to the red zone. In just five games this season the Bills have already scored 15 touchdowns in 20 trips to the red zone, and rank first in the league right now. So they’ve already outscored the 2009 team’s red zone touchdown production. The defense in 2009 was just as good at taking the ball away as they set a team record with 28 interceptions that season, but could not stop the run ranking 30th in run defense.
In my opinion the coaching staff top to bottom is superior to the ’08 staff.
Perhaps the biggest difference is the mental toughness of this year’s team. The 2009 team could not rebound when things went wrong after their 5-1 start. When they fell behind on the scoreboard in individual games or things went wrong there was never a counter punch. That is no longer the case. The 2011 Bills are more resilient, more mentally tough and do not give in for anyone or anything.
4 - Any word on Erik Pears? I know the offensive line as a whole is playing GREAT but they never seem to mention how Pears has come in and played well from what I’ve heard.
CB: Pears has more than held his own on the right side at tackle. He’s a veteran that knows the tricks of the trade. He did an excellent job on Jason Babin last week, as he neutralized the league’s leader in sacks (7). His experience is a good complement to a young, up and coming group across the rest of the front.
5 - Hey Chris,
First off, just want to say how much I appreciate all the work you do for the fans and keeping us updated with all the Bills news.
Last year a few Bills players were in Toronto the week before the game at the New Era hat store. Living in Toronto we don’t get a lot of chances to actually meet the players, so it was a great experience. I was just wondering if you knew if they were planning on having another event like the one last year, and if they are which players would be there.
Any insight you might have on this would be very much appreciated. Thanks again for everything you do.
Dave Bearss
CB: Good news Dave, there will be another event this year at New Era in Toronto. The date of the event is Oct. 24th. Check back at Buffalobills.com for updates on the event including a start time and what players will be on hand. I’m hearing there will be more details on it in the coming week.
Fan Friday 10-7
Tags: Bruce Hall, Captain 'C', David Nelson, Ed Wang, Fan Friday, Felton Huggins, Jon Corto, Marcus Easley, Torell Troup
Big one at the Ralph on Sunday with the Eagles flying in. The only certainty is it’s going to be a very entertaining game. Now to your questions, which can always be submitted to AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 – Chris,
First of all, I think I speak for the entire Bills fan base when I say thanks for all you do with the website, continuously updating the fans with excellent Bills coverage throughout the week…
My question is: Why isn’t David Nelson ever mentioned as a potential perimeter x or z receiver in the Bills’ system? With his 6’5″ 215 lb frame, I was surprised he was not more of a consideration after Marcus Easley went down, especially after the past few weeks’ performances and perhaps even prior to that. He is a big target with soft hands and good route running ability. Does he lack the speed necessary to get down the field? I believe he ran a high 4.4 to mid 4.5 40 time at the combine, isnt that considered somewhat average? On a side note, I think Kamar Aiken has a bright future ahead of him given the opportunity. I was worried he wouldn’t be signed to the practice squad, great signing.
Best Regards,
Go Bills!
Ryan
Rochester, NY
CB: Nelson’s best spot is in the slot. He’s a great mismatch inside because of his size. Outside you need a receiver that is faster and more physical, and Donald Jones has a skill set better suited for that. Nelson is a smooth route runner and knows how to find the holes underneath. He seems to benefit from having ‘two-way go’s’ as a slot receiver, which means he can break his route off inside or outside on the defender. Outside receivers don’t have that option lined up close to the sideline.
I do agree with your thoughts about Aiken. I think there is certainly potential there and he would be an outside receiver option down the line.
2 - Chris,
I was wondering about Troup and his timetable. I know he has been limited in practice and that is good progress, but I wondering if there was an update.
Thanks again for all you do and has anyone ever told you that you ask really long questions? Just an observation not a critique.
Sincerely,
Andrew F. Browne
CB: Troup’s lower back situation is something he’s dealt with in the past unfortunately. He worked on his core strength relentlessly all offseason in an effort to lessen any strain on his back, but the stiffness resurfaced at the beginning of the year and is now back again.
I don’t know if there’s a solution to eradicating it, but Troup is doing everything he can to make it a non-issue as far as playing on Sundays. I don’t know if it’s going to be a chronic condition that plagues him the rest of his career, but it is concerning.
And yes, I am long winded. I try to cut questions shorter, but it never seems to happen. Not sure why I choose to give a preamble.
3 - Hi Chris,
I was just wondering if you can explain the captains’ C and the significance of the stars underneath – some are solid, some are not.
Also, where has the pass rush been? It doesn’t seem like they are getting much pressure on the QBs they faced so far this year. Can Dareus and Williams be that Suh-type player for us up the middle? Can we get there with the blitz; we haven’t been doing it much this far?
Thanks,
Pat (Oakville, ON)
CB: The stars under the captain’s C represent how many years a player has been a team captain. Each year they are a captain is represented by the number of stars that are gold underneath the ‘C’. There are only four stars under the ‘C’ so if a player has been a captain for more than four years, like Brian Moorman, the ‘C’ is turned gold as well.
As for the pass rush, the Bills had a bit more success against the Bengals, but getting home with four hasn’t proven very fruitful. Part of the reason was the first two weeks against last year’s top two rushing offenses, the focus was the run game. Against Brady and the Patriots they chose to drop 7 into coverage and get hands in the passing lanes knowing getting to Brady rarely happens. But you’re right it has to be more productive moving forward.
4 - Hey Chris,
Could you tell me what’s wrong with Easley? I was really hoping to see him play this year. Also how is Merriman’s shoulder?
Thanks , Dale
CB: I actually saw Easley in the locker room on Thursday this week as he was in to pick up a few things. He spoke at length with Bryan Scott, and afterwards I asked him if he would mind talking about his condition, which forced him to go on injured reserve.
He said he’d prefer to keep his situation private, so I chose to respect that because it’s certainly his right. Whether he changes his mind down the road remains to be seen, but we’ll try to revisit it if Easley’s view on his situation changes.
5 - Hi Chris.
What happened to Bruce Hall, Jon Corto, Felton Huggins, and Ed Wang? The last time we saw Bruce Hall, he was carrying the ball over the goal line. Then he was placed on IR. Were these really season-ending injuries, and if not, why not just release them? Does anyone know what happened to these guys? What also happened to Robert Eddins, for example? Was it really a season ending injury or something that would likely nag him for a few weeks?
CB: Corto, Hall, Huggins and Wang were all waived-injured when the final 53-man roster was assembled. They had injuries, but were not going to be on the 53-man roster so they were waived. Once they cleared waivers the reverted to Buffalo’s injured reserve list where they currently reside now.
Robert Eddins was in a similar situation, but if memory serves asked for a release from injured reserve, which was granted thereby making him a free agent.
Players with injuries that won’t last the season often do this to have an opportunity to latch on with another NFL club once healthy.
Fan Friday 9-30
Tags: Chan Gailey, Fan Friday, Roscoe Parrish, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tyler Thigpen
3-0 looking to go 4-0 in Cincy. Let’s see if the boys can keep it rolling. Keep sending your questions to AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Chris,
In looking at the changes in the roster since Chan has taken over it looks like almost every position player can either line up at different spots or play more than one position. Brad Smith can play QB,KR, and some WR. Every O-Lineman can swing around and most DB’s can play n the box or go deep into coverage. Who besides Fitz is locked into one position? Can you explain his thinking? Are they losing talent for versatility? How is he maximizing the roster?
Thanks,
Josh
CB: Chan and his staff like players that are versatile because it affords the staff more flexibility and also provides better depth without tying up as many roster spots. Even at receiver, all of the wideouts are required to know all the positions. This enables them to line up anywhere in the formation on any given down making it harder for opposing defenses to match up.
With the possible exception of their offensive tackles, they also like having offensive linemen that can play two positions, knowing they only like to dress seven linemen for a game.
The only other players really locked into one position are probably Shawne Merriman and the tight ends, though the tight ends factor in on special teams. So versatility helps with game plan and depth. Pretty valuable.
2 - First I would just like to thank you for how you keep us updated on everything Bills. My question is, have you heard anything about signing Fitzy long term and was Thigpen’s contract future starter money or normal backup money?
Thanks, Jimmy in Hamburg
CB: To my knowledge talks are ongoing with Ryan Fitzpatrick and the team. As for Thigpen he signed a three-year deal, but not for starter money.
3 - Hey Chris,
First, thanks for always keeping us fans well informed. I was watching the KC game and I saw one of their safeties blitzing Fitz, and I started wondering, with coaches being able to communicate with QBs during the game, are they able to speak to Fitz while the play is happening? Are they able to warn him mid play of a blitz? Or is the audio shut down once the huddle is broken?
Aaron
CB: The communication is shut off with 15 seconds left on the play clock. It’s rare that a team breaks the huddle in time for a quarterback to get up to the line in time to be counseled by a coordinator through the radio headset.
4 - Chris thanks for all your great inside news for our Bills. I check your column several times a day even in the off season. The O-line didnt give up a sack. The one thing that bothers me is I dont see Fitz looking off the safeties. I haven’t seen any pump fakes, or rotating to the other side of the field. I know I cant see everything going on from tv, or even at the games, but it appears he commits to one side of the field on a given play. It doesn’t take away from the terrific job he is doing, and the success the Bills are having. Just something I have noticed. Please tell me the films prove different.
Thanks Gary
CB: Gary, I’m afraid watching the game on TV is betraying you. Fitz does a great job of looking off the safeties. Sometimes he does it so quickly off the snap that perhaps you don’t see it. TV viewing doesn’t cater very well to observing this trait in Fitz’s game, but he is very, very good at it. I would recommend you look up our Top 10 Performances from 2010 in the media center at Buffalobills.com and look for Fitz’s game against Baltimore or Cincinnati and you’ll see how he freezes the safeties in those games. Believe me he’s good at it.
5 - Chris,
Do you think it is time for the Bills to part ways with Roscoe Parrish? I like him as a player, but he just cannot stay on the field. I don’t think the Bills are losing anything by going with David Nelson full time in the slot. What are your thoughts?
- Chris in Binghamton
CB: I’m not going to deny that he’s been battling injuries of late with his last two seasons finding him on injured reserve. He’s not a big body, but he is dynamic and pretty tough for an undersized player.
I agree that the team loses very little in terms of production in the slot with David Nelson in there because he’s just as big a mismatch as Roscoe, just in a different way.
I just know that Chan Gailey values Roscoe’s talents, so I’d be a bit surprised if they cut ties with him.
Fan Friday 9-23
Tags: Alex Carrington, Donald Jones, Fan Friday, Marcell Dareus, NFL auction, Shawne Merriman, Stevie Johnson
2-0 vs. 2-0 on Sunday. Big AFC East matchup with the Patriots. Many are expecting a shootout. We’ll see what happens Sunday. Now to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 - Hi Chris,
I’ve been watching since the preseason on nfl.com’s preseason live and one thing I’ve noticed about the Bills secondary is a lack of making plays on the ball. It seems they’re content to just be close to the receiver and rarely turn their head and get their hands up. Do you think it’s just rust from not being tested much when they couldn’t stop the run or do they have some deficiencies in the secondary? Of course when they did turn their heads and make plays the refs called interference every time vs the Jags. With the way these refs are acting it’s going to be a two hand touch league pretty soon.
Dan
CB: In talking to some of the guys in the secondary they feel their positioning is sound defensively when defending the pass. They just have to commit to make more plays on the ball, so I think your observations on the whole are accurate. I don’t think it has anything to do with not being tested much with teams running on them so much last season. It’s a good group back there and I think with a little more help from the pass rush forcing errant throws they should get that turnover figure to increase more like what it was in 2009 when they were second in the AFC in takeaways.
2 - Hi Chris,
If Shawne Merriman goes down with an injury that causes him to lose significant time, are the Bills going to use Alex Carrington to fill the spot? Also, what happens if Stevie Johnson goes down with an injury? Who would be the go to guy then? Donald Jones? These are serious contingencies that would impact the Bills season. What are your thoughts?
Tony, Daytona Beach, Fl
CB: This is a timely question in light of Stevie Johnson’s nagging groin injury. If he’s forced to sit out a week or two to rest his groin ailment, I’d anticipate Jones stepping into the number one role with a collection of wideouts filling the number two spot on the other side. That would include Ruvell Martin, Naaman Roosevelt and possibly practice squad player Kamar Aiken (6’2” 213).
With respect to Merriman, I think Carrington and Spencer Johnson could be part of that replacement equation, particularly on run downs, with Danny Batten stepping in on passing downs.
3 - Chris,
I love that Buddy/Chan have made the Bills a much more physical team than Jauron. Can you compare the opening day rosters for Jauron’s last team vs this year and give average size per position. I have been very tired of watching the Bills get physically beat especially on defense.
Thanks,
Kevin
CB: While I can’t give you average size for the 2009 squad, I can tell you that Buffalo’s current roster this year has 16 players that are 300 pounds or more. That’s the highest number of 300 pounders on a roster in the league this season. Their average team weight is 252 pounds and change, which is also a league high.
4 - Hey Chris,
I was wondering if it is possible to purchase a bills jersey with the 9/11 patch or the actual patch itself through nfl.com or buffalobills.com
Thanks, Dave G
CB: I’ve been told that teams at different times will be making their jerseys with those patches available at the site http://www.nflauction.nfl.com/. Unfortunately there is no set schedule on what teams will make their jerseys available. All proceeds go to various charities for those jerseys. I guess you’ll need to check back at that site frequently to keep tabs on what’s available and when. Sorry that’s the best I can do.
5 - Chris,
A friend showed me this video on YouTube of Marcell Dareus lifting a car and we’re in disagreement on if it’s real or fake. Can you track down Marcell and ask him. Here’s the video I’m referring to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL5rJ40HUKU.
Thanks,
Mitch (Webster, NY)
CB: Marcell is mum on the situation. All he would provide is a smirk. I know one thing, I wouldn’t park your vehicle anywhere close to his truck. He’s not a big fan of inching his way back and forth to get out of parking spots!
Fan Friday 9-16
Tags: David Garrard, Donald Jones, Fan Friday, Naaman Roosevelt, Ruvell Martin, Tyler Thigpen
Alright, Week 1 was a good one. Hopefully another ‘W’ Sunday for the home opener. Let’s get to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 – Chris,
Buddy and Chan often use the phrase “get bigger” can you explain what they mean football wise. They have let smaller sized players go. All their TE and OL seem to be tall strong blocking types. Aaron Williams is a big corner. Does they view this on ever position? How does big translate onto the field. Have big guys doesn’t mean they are great athletes or even good football players. I understand the 3-4 needs players with more bulk. Can you explain the football philosophy on both offense and defense?
CB: There really isn’t a whole lot of football philosophy here. It’s more physics if you want to know the truth. Mass times acceleration equals power (my physics teacher would be proud). Buffalo’s offensive and defensive lines lacked mass and thus power. Both Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey saw their men in the trenches getting pushed around way too much last season and felt they had to get bigger. They are now. Eric Wood is 20 pounds heavier than the departed Geoff Hangartner. Scott Chandler is 272 pounds.
Marcell Dareus is 35 pounds heavier than Marcus Stroud. Alex Carrington added 23 pounds of muscle to his frame and Torell Troup added 10 pounds of muscle. Kellen Heard goes 340. The linebacking corps is bigger as well. It’s all about holding up against the run on that side of the ball and you need guys that are big enough and talented enough to stand their ground. That’s really all it is.
2 - Hi Chris, just wanted to know if you know what Donald Jones’ time was in the 40-yard dash? Lee Evans was a burner, and if the Bills are hoping to replace Evans, they better hope that one of those young receivers can at least be a speedy as Evans was. If the Bills lack a vertical threat, the opposing defenses will not respect our passing game as much. I will look forward to hearing your answer. Tony, Daytona Beach, FL
CB: Coming out of college, Jones was clocked at 4.49 in the 40. That’s above average speed and a player like that is capable of making plays downfield. Eric Moulds ran a 4.51 coming out of Mississippi State, and you remember the downfield plays he made in his career with Buffalo. Evans ran a 4.41.
3 - Hey Chris,
What’s the deal with Ruvell Martin making the team who had maybe a week of exposure to the offense and Naaman Rosevelt who has had several years of exposure? I think Bills fans would like to know more about the particulars in choosing Ruvell Martin over Naaman Rosevelt.
Best,
Stephen A. Naetzker from Rancho Cucamonga, Ca
CB: Truth be told, it was a bit of surprise to those of us that follow the team. Not because Ruvell isn’t capable, but because he had only been with the club a week. But head coach Chan Gailey said he was consistent in the time he was here, and sharp as a tack picking up the system. He’s also 6’4” and 212 pounds. So he does offer a bit more size than Naaman (6’0” 201).
Ultimately, I think what helped him most was his performance as a gunner on the punt coverage team. Yes, Naaman offers special teams ability as well, but mostly as a kick returner and Buffalo has kick returners in Brad Smith and C.J. Spiller. So Martin offers more on coverage teams, which is where they needed more help. I don’t know that it was the deciding factor, but it definitely played a role in the decision.
In any event Roosevelt is on the practice squad and I’d expect him to be a call up should there be a long term injury at receiver.
4 - Chris, How do some of the players with limited stats or star power like Robert Eddins, Donald Jones, Arthur Moats, Justin Rogers, David Nelson, Kamar Aiken, and Danny Batten hit the scouts radar screen. Only Nelson played at a big school. Since these guys don’t have high ceilings, combine stars but seem to be very motivated football players. Can you shed some light on how these guys separate themselves from “camp bodies” and how they are found.
Thanks!
Go Bills
CB: There are advance scouting services that NFL clubs participate in collectively like BLESTO. The scouts working for BLESTO (who also sometimes work for NFL clubs simultaneously), put together the initial work on the junior prospects the year before they enter their final collegiate season. The size of the school matters little. They scour the country and the big fish in the small ponds are found just as readily as the top talents at big programs. Once they’re on the radar it’s up to the individual NFL clubs to follow up and make their own assessments as to whether the prospect is worthy of draft consideration or consideration as an undrafted free agent signing.
5 - QB David Garrard has been released by the Jags. Is he a better option than Thigpen? Thanks, David W.
CB: I don’t see David Garrard interested in being a backup quarterback for an entire season. I think he’s looking to land somewhere, where the possibility of starting sooner rather than later is real, and Fitz is the entrenched starter in Buffalo.
