Inside The Bills

Fan Friday 2-24

Here’s the special NFL Combine edition of Fan Friday with your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net. Sorry it took so long, but we’ve been a little busy out here at Lucas Oil Stadium. Let’s get going.

1 - Hi Chris,

If Riley Reiff drops in the draft or Jonathan Martin was available when the  Bills pick at 10, Could you see the team addressing the left tackle spot instead of more pressing needs on defense?

I think the Bills would potentially have one of the best young O lines in the league when healthy if that was the case, and the infrastructure in place to build a strong offense. A common theme with this lost decade + of losing is the weak play of the offensive line.

Love your Work 

Regards
Matt 

CB: Thanks for the kind words. I think there is a distinct possibility that the Bills go offensive line in round one at offensive tackle. There could be a couple of options for them there at 10 and you’re on the money with Reiff and Martin.

I was particularly impressed with Martin after hearing him address the media Thursday here in Indy. He worked under a blue collar coaching staff (Harbaugh) that ran a pro-style offense at Stanford. He’s just so broad shouldered it looks like he’s wearing shoulder pads when he doesn’t have any on. He’s a solid pass protector and I like his finish.

The Bills are talking to Demetrius Bell, who I think they believe can handle the left tackle position, but his injury history is likely a concern. So I think tackle at 10 is realistic. Also I get the sense that the elite pass rusher the Bills would covet is not on their board at 10, meaning there isn’t someone of top 10 value at that need position in their opinion. That would only reinforce the possibility of an OT being taken there.

2 - Hi Chris
 
Big Bills fan from Dorset, England, love all the updates and news you provide us
 
People have been saying we need a speedster in the WR ranks, Im unsold on Clowney, if he hit FA would the Bills look to Desean Jackson at all?
 
Also what do you think of and where would you put Vinny Curry of Marshall, i think he could be a good pick for the Bills and maybe he could fall to the second round, if we got Couples at 10 and Curry in the 2nd round that would be solid wouldnt it?
 
Matt
Dorset, England

CB: All indications from the Eagles are that DeSean Jackson would be franchised if a long term agreement can’t be reached. At age 25 they don’t want to lose him for nothing knowing he has value on the open market.

Either way I don’t see him as the type of receiver the Bills are targeting. Yes, they want a deep speed threat, but they also want that receiver to have some measure of physicality to him (a bit bigger than Jackson).

I think a sleeper free agent for that kind of role might be Robert Meacham the New Orleans free agent.

3 – Chris,

I know Stevie wants to stay in Buffalo and I know Nix wants him back, but what is the status of renewing his contract? Also, are the Bills aiming for Vincent Jackson? With him and Stevie, we could actually be a contender.  How are Fred and C.J. going to share time? Is it going to be like the Saints’ backfield with a lot of good ‘backs who just switch every down?  And finally my biggest concern- this season, the league was predominately run by QB’s and defense. The bills have a QB but no healthy defense. That being said, can the bills make a smart #10 first pick and take Upshaw or Coples and not take an OT. -andrew marshall.

CB: Rapid fire answers. There was progress on a new contract for Stevie made here in Indy on Friday. How close is it is tough to gauge right now. Wanting Vincent Jackson as well might be a lot to ask, but the latest is the Chargers aren’t going to franchise him. His the size, speed addition that could work, whether the dollars do is another story.

As for Fred and C.J., Chan Gailey said there will be instances where they’re on the field at the same time and C.J. and Fred will also split out wide in certain down and distance situations. The way Chan put it is he wants to keep them both fresh while also making full use of their talents.

With their #10 pick, I’m not convinced they’re going pass rusher there, you can read more about that on the home page Saturday, which could mean pursuing a free agent pass rusher.

4 – Chris,
The Bills need a SAM right now badly. As well as a rush DE. We didn’t see much of Morrison and all his 4-3 experience has been at MLB, do you think the Bills would consider he or even a FA like Stephen Tulloch at SAM. I was shocked Tulloch only got a 1 year deal but adding him to Shep and Barnett would be nice if he can transition to outside because it seems the coaches don’t think Sheppard can be anywhere but in the middle.

CB: The Bills have been in contact with Kirk Morrison about being an answer at SAM backer. It makes sense from the Bills perspective because he could also back up Shep in the middle. My guess is Morrison wants to consider other options on the open market, so I’m not certain he’ll just blindly return to the Bills after finding it hard to get on the field last season.

Tulloch is more of an ILB so I don’t know that playing SLB is necessarily a fit for him. He’s a little on the short side to play out there (5’11”).

5 - Chris,

As you know Marcus Easley has been dealt a rough hand since being drafted by the Bills. Has he fully recovered from his illness and will he have a shot at making the Bills No. 2 receiver? Or will he compete at all? At face value, he has at least the proto type body (6’4) of a big receiver that the Bills need in the red zone. Not only could he contribute to a much need depleted receiver core, if he secures one of the WR positions, they the Bills could devote their draft to other areas of need. So I am hoping Bills fans can see what potential Easley has a big receiver and we will have one less area to address with our draft picks.

William Aiken, Schenectady, NY

CB: Easley has been medically cleared to resume his football career. He’ll be back on the field this spring with no limitations as far as I understand it. Now the Bills aren’t counting on him despite the fact that they’re eager to see what he can bring to the offense. He is the prototype size, speed combo that they want opposite Stevie Johnson, but since the first two seasons of his career have been washouts it’s hard to count on him. That’s why they’ll seek other options to add to the competition pool.

Fred Jackson update

Bills GM Buddy Nix was asked about the progress on a new contract for Fred Jackson.

Appearing on TSN Radio in Toronto, Nix confirmed that a contract offer would be extended to Jackson at some point prior to the opening of training camp this summer.

“I told him personally that we were going to offer him an extension on his contract and try to get it done before camp next year,” said Nix of their face-to-fact meeting last fall. ”Obviously he’s got to agree to it, but the offer will be there.”

Health update on Fred, Wood, Kyle

Bills head coach Chan Gailey provided a progress report on the health of arguably three of the best players on the team that all wound up on injured reserve in 2011, Fred Jackson, Eric Wood, Kyle Williams.

“Fred Jackson has been completely cleared at this point,” said Gailey. ”He was given a clean bill of health a week or two ago. Eric (Wood) is still in rehab. Kyle (Williams) has not been given 100 percent clearance to go yet, but he’s getting closer and closer. He’s been around the facility and it all looked good. He’s very happy about it. I know that. He feels a lot better about it.”

Jackson is the only lock to be on the field for OTAs in May as he told Buffalobills.com two weeks ago that he was back at it.

“The itch is there,” he said. ”I’m ready to get back, but at the same time I know I have to pace myself because I don’t want to go out there and burn myself out before I get into training camp. It’s something I’ll take my time with but I’m definitely ready to go.”

Top 10 Honorable Mentions

With our Top 10 Performances of 2011 series coming to a close today, we thought it would only be appropriate to list some of the performances from this past season that received honorable mention status and narrowly missed being a part of the series.

2011 Honorable Mention Performances
Brian Moorman Wk 4 at Cin (8 punts 413 yds, 51.6 gross, 40.5 net, 2 inside 20, long 65)
Bryan Scott Wk 1 at KC (8 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 1 QB hit)
Fred Jackson Wk 2 vs. Oak (15-117, 2 TDs, 2 rec. 23 yds)
Fred Jackson Wk 6  at NYG (16-121-1 TD rush, 5-47 rec.)
Stevie Johnson Wk 2 vs. Oak (8-96, 1 TD)
Stevie Johnson Wk 3 vs. N.E. (8-94, 1 TD)
George Wilson Wk 3 vs. NE (10 tackles, 1 INT)
George Wilson Wk 4 at Cin (12 tackles, 1 INT)
George Wilson Wk 8 vs. Wash. (9 tackles, 1 INT)
Jairus Byrd Wk 3 vs. NE (12 tackles, 2 PBUs)
Nick Barnett Wk 8 vs. Wash. (10 tackles, ½ sack, 1 QB hit)
Terrence McGee Wk 6 at NYG (11 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 PBUs)
Ryan Fitzpatrick Wk 12 at NYJ (26-39 264, 3 TDs)
C.J. Spiller Wk 16 vs. Den (16-111-1 TD rush, 2-27 rec.)
Leodis McKelvin/Justin Rogers Wk 16 vs. Denver (McKelvin sets PR record, 80-yd TD, Rogers 33.7 KR avg.)

Big play Bills

With the new statistical measure ‘toxic differential’ gaining popularity in determining an NFL team’s success, we thought we’d take a closer look as to just what players were providing the big plays for the Bills this past season.

There are some obvious candidates, but here are the players that turned in all of the 20-plus yard plays in the run and pass game for Buffalo in 2011.

Players with plays of 20 yards or more in 2011
1 . Fred Jackson (18)
2. Stevie Johnson (13)
3. David Nelson (7)
4. Naaman Roosevelt (7)
5. C.J. Spiller (6)
6. Scott Chandler (4)
7. Brad Smith (3)
8. Donald Jones (2)
9. Derek Hagan (2)
10. Kevin Brock (1)
11. Ruvell Martin (1)

It’s not surprising that Jackson had the most 20-plus yard plays on the season. Even though he only appeared in 11 games in 2011 he still seemed to have at least one big play every time out. Perhaps the most impressive though is Naaman Roosevelt, who probably had significantly fewer snaps than Scott Chandler, David Nelson and C.J. Spiller. Yet Roosevelt was tied for third most plays of 20+ yards.

Fred staying in town

Bills RB Fred Jackson, who is patiently waiting on a new contract with Buffalo, is going to be in town for just about the rest of the NFL offseason.

There will be a few short trips made here and there with his wife, but other than that Jackson is going to be training in Buffalo this winter and spring

“Yeah I’m going to be here the whole time,” Jackson told Buffalobills.com.

Last offseason with the lockout keeping players away from One Bills Drive the players organized some workouts of their own. Knowing OTAs won’t get going until mid-May at the earliest, Jackson said there is a chance that some of the offensive players could get together again this offseason prior to formal team workouts.

“I talked to Fitz about that after we did it last year and we liked it,” said Jackson. ”We may do something. There’s always a possibility. I know guys like to do it and felt we got something out of the work we put in. There’s nothing set in stone, but it’s always a possibility.”

The players feel the time they spent working on their own away from the team facility last offseason served them well at the start of the 2011 season when they sprinted out to a 3-0 start.

Dareus on leadership

While injuries were largely chalked up as a main reason for Buffalo’s slide out of playoff contention in 2011, Marcell Dareus said it was the leadership they lost to injury that perpetuated the slide which went seven games.

“The locker room felt different,” Dareus said in a SiriusXM NFL Radio appearance Thursday. ”I can’t even explain it because I had never been through it. We tried to keep that fire going, but without our leaders in there like Kyle Williams. When he got hurt he went back home and he wasn’t there and then Fred Jackson went down. Those are our two captains and when those guys were gone it made it harder.”

Ryan Fitzpatrick called Jackson the heart and soul of the team, so his loss took a lot out of the Bills in terms of talent on the field as well as emotional leadership. Sensing a void in leadership, Dareus became more vocal himself down the stretch including some pre-game speeches.

When asked about whether he intends to take on more of a leadership role in 2012, Dareus didn’t shy away from it.

“I’m going to try my best,” he said. ”I lead by example, but with our captains down I felt like we needed a voice of reason in the room. So I stepped up and did the best I could for whoever was willing to listen and whoever was willing to follow.”

Fred makes All-Joe Team

Fred Jackson was Buffalo’s lone representative for USA Today’s All-Joe Team for the 2011 season.

The All-Joe Team is a honor for “first-rate players that get second-rate recognition.” Here’s what they wrote about Fred.

Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills - Buffalo really went downhill after he broke his leg in Week 11. Unheralded product from Division III Coe College averaged nearly 140 yards from scrimmage.

The running back contingent for the All-Joe Team was made up of all AFC rushers with Miami’s Reggie Bush and Houston’s Ben Tate also on the squad.

5 Bills make PFF All-AFC East team

Five Bills players have been named to the Pro Football Focus all-AFC East team.

PFF named Fred Jackson and Andy Levitre on the offensive side of the ball with Nick Barnett and safeties Jairus Byrd and George Wilson earning safety honors for the division. Here’s what they wrote about all of them.

Running Back: Fred Jackson, BUF
One of the best backs in the league, Jackson finally got his due for years of excellent display as the Bills caused some noise early in the season. A real shame his year ended prematurely, as his ability to elude tackles had him on course for a big season. Still, he finished second in our Elusive Rating for running backs.

Offensive Guards: Andy Levitre, BUF and Brian Waters, NE
What, no Logan Mankins? Well, the Patriots’ left guard may be as talented as any, but his performances this year have been largely average, being outshined by his aging teammate. Over in Buffalo, it was something of a travesty that Levitre had to play both center and tackle at times because of a spate of injuries. It disrupted the kind of year that was turning into something worthy of All-Pro consideration.

Linebackers: Jerod Mayo, NE, Karlos Dansby, MIA and Nick Barnett, BUF
Yes, the Jets are missing out here with Bart Scott not versatile enough and David Harris being too poor in run defense … yes, we said that and we’re sticking to it. Mayo has received some criticism in this, arguably his best year, where he seemed to excel in the Patriots new defense. While Nick Barnett hasn’t quite looked like the player he was in Green Bay, he’s still made plays, while Dansby was a key cog in the Dolphins second half of the season renaissance.

Safeties: Jairus Byrd, BUF and George Wilson, BUF
Byrd, our All-Pro Second Team Free Safety was always making this team as he put together his best season to date. He’s partnered by his Buffalo teammate Wilson, who never reached the levels of his breakout 2009, but did enough to hold off the challenge of … well, there wasn’t a serious challenge.

Fan Friday 1-6

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 10^th. A lot of prognosticators have him pegged for Cleveland at 4^th 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.

Fred latest to back Stevie return

Appearing on the Bills new flagship station WGR Sportsradio 550 Thursday morning, Fred Jackson was the latest Bills player to appeal for the return of Stevie Johnson in 2012.

“I think everybody on our offense wants Stevie back,” Johnson told the WGR Morning Show. “He was a great playmaker for us. He was one of the weapons that we counted on week in and week out. I know Fitz would definitely like to have him back. I would like to have him back. He was Fitz’s favorite target. We would like to have him back and that’s the plan to hopefully get him back. Those guys in the front office make all those decisions. I know he wants to be back, but it is a business. I’m sure he’ll see what happens, but he’s a huge part of this offense. He makes me better as a player and he makes Fitz better as a player and he’s a great weapon for us.”

He hasn’t had the opportunity to do so, but Jackson said if he had the chance to voice his opinion on Johnson’s importance to the team he would make them known.

“It’s something that I haven’t done,” he said. ”If I had the opportunity to give my opinion, I definitely would. He’s a tremendous player for us and I would go to bat for him. I don’t think there’s one person on this team that wouldn’t go to bat for him.”

With respect to Johnson’s touchdown displays that got him in hot water Jackson insists that Johnson is a hard worker and a very coachable player.

“He’s a tremendous teammate,” said Jackson. “The touchdown celebrations do put him in the spotlight, but that’s something that can always be fixed. I’m sure they’ll be a real deep discussion with Coach Gailey if he comes back about it. He’s always been a very coachable player so I don’t think that will affect him too much at all. I think he’ll take what tutelage Chan gives him on that and I don’t think it will be a major problem for him at all.” 

Jackson told reporters earlier in the week that he had spoken to Stevie about his display that got him benched in the season finale, but said if Coach Gailey put it on Jackson and the other offensive leaders to ensure that Johnson stayed in line, he’d be willing to handle that responsibility.

“It’s definitely something I’d have a conversation with him about,” Jackson said. ”This is a game and we’ve got to have fun while we’re playing, but we can’t hurt ourselves as a team with penalties like that. He always comes to me when he has something on his mind. I always talk to him. He’s like a little brother. So I’ll tell him, ‘Hey have fun, but at the same time realize that you can’t do things that’s going to hurt us as a team.”

Jackson said nothing has begun on renegotitating his contract with the club, but he did say he started his NFL career in Buffalo and wants to finish it here. It’s anticipated that Jackson and the club will be able to come together on a new agreement sooner rather than later. For the entire interview you can go to WGR550.com.

Fred on Stevie’s TD display

Bills RB Fred Jackson spoke to Stevie Johnson since he was benched for his touchdown display and had the following comments on the whole situation.

“You know, he was told the next time we get a penalty like that we’d be sat the game,” said Jackson. ”I don’t think he meant anything malicious by what he did, I think he was just wishing everybody a Happy New Year. But at the same time, he got a penalty for it and it hurt the team. So I think Chan did what he said he was going to do and I think everybody in the locker respects what he decided to do. I think Stevie obviously said he would take it back if he could. I don’t think anybody has any hard feelings toward him. We all have his back and we want him to do better in making those type of decisions and I think he will.”

 With respect to Jackson’s personal conversation with Stevie, Jackson said Johnson told him he wished he could take it back.

“I had a conversation with Stevie and it was something he told me,” said Jackson. ”Like I said, it wasn’t something he was doing to be malicious. It was just another touchdown celebration that he had.”

Jackson at Blvd Mall tonight

Fred Jackson is going to be signing autographs at the Boulevard Mall in Amherst this evening (Dec. 19th) between 6-8 pm.

Fans will receive a limited-edition Fred Jackson lithograph, created by artist Ron Bailey, which Jackson will autograph along with one additional item of your choice for $70. Pre-sale tickets will be available to purchase online ONLY for $60 from December 1 through December 16. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Kids Escaping Drugs Campaign.

Fred to appear at Blvd Mall

Fred Jackson is going to be signing autographs at the Boulevard Mall in Amherst on Monday evening (Dec. 19th) between 6-8 pm.

Fans will receive a limited-edition Fred Jackson lithograph, created by artist Ron Bailey, which Jackson will autograph along with one additional item of your choice for $70. Pre-sale tickets will be available to purchase online ONLY for $60 from December 1 through December 16. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Kids Escaping Drugs Campaign.

Here’s a look at the lithograph.

Fan Friday 12-9

Alright Bills fans, four games to go and playoffs are unfortunately looking to be off the table as I’ll explain below. The offseason questions I’ve been putting off the past month or so are now free to be submitted to AskChris@bills.nfl.net since we’ll be dealing with those issues sooner than any of us had hoped.

1 - Hey Chris,

I’m just wondering if the Bills win some these games do you think they can get back in the hunt?

Thanks,
Kori

CB: Unfortunately it’s pretty unlikely. The AFC East division title is a lost cause with New England at 9-3. At 5-7 the Bills are not mathematically eliminated, but three teams ahead of them for the Wild Card, Jets (7-5), Titans (7-5) and Bengals (7-5) are all teams that beat the Bills in head-to-head matchups. So were they somehow able to pull even with any of those teams they would lose out on tiebreaker. It’s really a shame how this all unfolded after Week 8.

2 - Chris,

Can you break down Justin’s development during the season? People liked him in the draft and now he is starting to play. His size to be an issue, but in the long term could he ever start? McGee was also small. He has looked good in the nickel and has gotten time over Corner and Leodis. Could he “bulk” up and be a starting corner or is he boxed in being a situational DB.  

Thanks, 
Josh 

CB: Rogers is an athletic, speedy, quick cutting cornerback that is best suited for work in the slot. Ideally he’ll play at 190 pounds and retain that weight through the season, something he’s had trouble doing this season. All rookies struggle with that.

McGee isn’t tall, but he was thickly built (208 lbs), which enabled him to be physical with receivers and in run support. Rogers isn’t afraid to get in on the action, but he’s admitted he has to get stronger.

He’s a smart, heady player that anticipates well and recognizes time and score in games. Secondary coach George Catavolos thought he could be the surprise of the draft class. I think there’s another level or two for Rogers to reach. As he fills out and gets stronger in his first NFL offseason of training he’ll be better equipped to muscle up on receivers when necessary, but I hesitate to say he can be a full time boundary corner. I think we all need to see more.

3 - Hi Chris,
With Fred Jackson on IR what happens to his contract negotiations? Assuming he fully recovers from his injury, it would be good to go into next season with that issue settled.

Also, any update on Steve Johnson’s contract? I would think that his value may have dropped after the Jets game.

Again thanks.
Bob Hammond

CB: I suppose Jackson’s injury could impact contract negotiations in terms of length of a new deal. NFL clubs are always leery of handing a long term deal to running backs that are 30-years old or older. Fred is 30 now. The big money handed to Shaun Alexander in Seattle, only to see his production plummet gives every NFL team pause when it comes to re-signing a back to a long term deal. What seems to be understood is that Jackson has outperformed his contract and needs to be more properly compensated.

As for Stevie Johnson it sounds as if the two sides will address the issue in the offseason. I’m not so sure that the Jets game hurt his value. Yes, the touchdown antics were a sign of immaturity, but no other NFL receiver has scored a TD on Darrelle Revis and no other receiver has eight catches on him. 11 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown in two games on Darrelle Revis is production you’d like to have on your team knowing you’re facing the Jets twice a season. I don’t know who else on Buffalo’s roster or in the league for that matter is capable of doing that.

4 - With George out, Merriman, Kyle, Wood, Lindell & Freddy on IR, Who are the leaders in the locker room. It looks to me that it is Barnett on Defense and David Nelson on O

Steve in Corning

CB: On defense you’ve got it, it’s Barnett, but with George back he’ll certainly help in that area. On offense it’s Fitz all the way.

5 - Chris,

I think this season turned around 180 degrees after the first Jets game. Rex Ryan’s “D” seemed to provide the blueprint for defending the Bills timing-pass attack, and Buffalo has yet to rebound. My beef is this: the Jets had the benefit of the bye week to prepare for Buffalo.

Chris, divisional games are far too important for a division rival to have an extra week of preparation for us. Remember when the Patriots recently had a streak of 4 or 5 seasons where they had their bye to prepare for the Bills? That’s just not a level playing field. Is this something that the NFL Competition Committee could look at changing down the road? Have you ever heard of coaches or GMs agreeing with me on this? I just really feel that teams should not have their bye week scheduled before a divisional contest ( unless BOTH teams involved have the bye that week ).

CB: I think your point is very valid. Division games are too important to saddle one team with a bye week edge over the other. Knowing they cluster teams during a span of eight weeks they could certainly bye an entire division in a given week and then match the four of them up in a pair of division games coming off the bye. That would seem to be the simplest solution. Even if the schedule would not allow a pair of division matchups coming off the bye just make sure no one faces a division opponent off an extra week of rest.

I haven’t heard of coaches or GMs discussing it much, but I’ll bring it up to Buddy Nix and see what his thoughts are on it. Those games are too important and any coach would tell you the extra week of prep helps.

Fan Friday 12-2

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.

3 Bills high in Pro Bowl voting

We’re in the home stretch for fan ballots to be cast for the Pro Bowl and three Bills are still among the leaders at their respective positions.

Ryan Fitzpatrick ranks third among AFC quarterbacks with almost 343 thousand votes, trailing only Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady.

George Wilson is second among strong safeties in the AFC with close to 120 thousand votes behind just Troy Polamalu.

And Nick Barnett is third among AFC inside linebackers, but Houston’s Brian Cushing is hot on his heels in fan voting, so be sure to get your votes in. Fans can cast as many ballots as they like right at Buffalobills.com.

As a side note, Fred Jackson, who was among the top 10 vote getters as of three weeks ago, had a vote total that would still place him among the top 5 at the RB position for the AFC even though he’s been removed from the ballot since going on I-R.

NFL Films feature on Fred

An NFL Films feature on Fred Jackson will be airing on ESPN2 this afternoon.

The feature is scheduled to air at 2:30 pm as part of NFL Films presents.

Fred not eligible for Pro Bowl

As recently as two weeks ago Fred Jackson was among the leading vote getters for the Pro Bowl, but now that he’s been placed on I-R the Pro Bowl is off the table.

Buffalobills.com confirmed with the league office that I-R’d players are not eligible to participate in the Pro Bowl that same year.

Fred Jackson’s name has since been removed from the fan ballot at NFL.com, and presumably will not appear on the coaches or players ballots when they vote in mid-December.

Jackson likely would’ve been completely recovered from his broken fibula in time to play in the annual all-star game if selected.

Fan Friday 11-25

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.