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Tag Archives: Marshawn Lynch

Gailey on Lynch

Posted: February 25th, 2010 | Chris Brown
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Chan Gailey was asked about Marshawn Lynch’s future with the club and the Bills head coach indicated that he likes what he sees from the running back on tape.

Now complete with player evaluations, Gailey offered the following on Lynch.

“Marshawn is an excellent football player,” said Gailey. ”The guy made All-Pro a couple of years ago. He’s extremely talented, can catch the ball, can run it, can run with power, can get on the edge. He’s a very good footbvall player.

“I hope we are able to take him and use him and we’re fortunate to have a couple of guys that are good football players at that position. We need to build off of them.”

When asked if Lynch fits into the kind of culture Gailey is looking to cultivate on his club he responded as follows.

“I don’t know,” Gailey said. ”I’ve not had a chance to meet him. He hasn’t been back in town so I haven’t had a chance to talk with him. I hope I get a chance to do that here shortly. I don’t know that answer. I haven’t met with him and talked with him yet.”

One thing that is clear is Gailey wants to have two capable backs on his roster.

“I think it takes two quality guys to get you through a season,” he said. ”We’re finding out in our league that the players are getting so much bigger and faster and stronger that the collisions are bigger every year and it takes a couple of guys to be able to get you through a year.”

Lynch to appear on ESPN special

Posted: February 1st, 2010 | Chris Brown
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At the start of Super Bowl weekend (Friday) Bills RB Marshawn Lynch will appear on a unique ESPN program called Sports Science.

The 30-minute Sport Science special will feature Lynch and other NFL players in four football-based experiments. The show stars Santonio Holmes of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Marshawn Lynch of the Buffalo Bills and Matt Willig, who recently retired from the NFL.

The experiment in which Lynch is involved will test whether a running back can generate as much power as a diesel engine. According to the show preview it’s man versus machine in this experiment.

To get an idea of what the show is like, check out the episode when Trent Edwards was on to see if his release was faster than a quick draw gunslinger. Pretty cool stuff.

Performed in the Sport Science Laboratory, led by Dr. Cindy Bir of Wayne State University and host John Brenkus bring the world’s top professional athletes together with cutting-edge technology in state-of-the-art scientific facilities to test the limits of human athletic abilities and challenge popular assumptions about athletes.

The show airs Friday, Feb 5, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Fan Friday 12-11

Posted: December 11th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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The snow has been flying late this week in Buffalo. Crazy wind and at least a foot of snow in most places. But we still bring you Fan Friday as always here on the Inside the Bills blog. As always you can email your questions to AskChris@bills.nfl.net.

1. Hi, Chris,
With the talent level the Bills have at running back, why don’t they have Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson in the backfield at the same time? They could pound opposing defenses continually, and keep our defense off the field. This would take pressure off of the QB, and maybe put the Bills in position to win more games. The offensive line as it stands right now, is having issues pass blocking. Just a thought…
 
Tony Falzone, Daytona Beach, Fl

CB: There has been more of this in recent weeks, but not a ton more. I think that set presents a lot more options for the Bills offensively and also affords better pass protection with both Lynch and Jackson back there. We’ll see if there are more snaps with that look over the final four games, but I agree it has a lot of potential for an offense that has struggled all season.

2. Chris,

I know it’s very early in the process, and I keep hearing the Mr. Wilson wants to hire a GM to hire a coach (you could probably say how true that is better than me,) but I had a couple of names I was hoping to get your feedback about for a potential new coach.

1. Brian Billick: While I don’t know how well he actually knows quarterbacks like he claims– I do know he won the Super Bowl with the Ravens, and even when they struggled before he was fired, they played great defense. He seems like he wants to get back to coaching, and I wouldn’t mind seeing him in Buffalo.

2. Russ Grimm: He was a finalist for the Pittsburgh and I think Arizona job as well, before Whisenhunt was hired– so I get the impression the guy has something management likes. He’s a firey presence that helped change the culture of the team in Arizona in a VERY short time period…exactly the kind of change Buffalo needs. Also, the guy has an o-line background, and ours desperately needs work.

3. Pete Metzelaars: I know Pete is relatively green… but he was a blink of Tom Moore’s eye from being the OC in Indy this year before he and Mudd decided not to retire. Also, I get the impression that just the timing of some of the early 90’s Bills going into the HOF these past years, that the Bills and its fanbase are reconnecting with those teams. What better way to do it than to bring in one of the pieces that got us there? At the very least in an OC capacity.

I could be wrong, but I can’t imagine any of these guys commanding the kind of money the Cowhers or Shanahans of the world do… so maybe they’d be a fit here?

I’m curious to know your thoughts

Matt
Farmington, NY

CB: I think Billick and Grimm are worthwhile candidates. Grimm would certainly put attention where it’s needed on the offensive line. Heck with Grimm at the helm they may draft a tackle before a QB, which I’m not opposed to. The Dolphins showed that could work drafting Jake Long and then Chad Henne. Cleveland had the right idea too with Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn. Quinn is actually playing a bit better of late.

As for Metzelaars I think he is too green for a head job. Wouldn’t mind making him an assistant on this staff, Frank Reich as well for that matter. I think Cowher and Shanahan are unfortunately long shots at best.

3. Hey Chris,
Are the bills done with Trent? Why go back to Fitz again? I think you go with trent, for better or worse, to see if he’s your franchise guy, your thoughts?
thanks,
Ryan
CB: I’m afraid that ship appears to have sailed. Players have made no secret even to the media that they prefer having Fitzpatrick in there. No doubt they made those preferences known to the coaching staff as well. So my feeling is Trent will remain the backup for the rest of the season barring injury.

I don’t think there’s any question that Edwards is physically superior to Fitzpatrick, but Fitzpatrick is more willing to take chances in the passing game and he has seen the whole field better when he’s been in there. As to whether Trent is still considered franchise material, I think that’s a determination that may also have been made already, but under a new regime that’s always subject to change. Time will tell.

4. They had a crowd of 51,000 people. We could have sold 70,000 in Ralph Wilson stadium, w/ the large majority cheering loudly for our (undermanned) Bills.

I’m no marketing guru, but how is this putting more money in the franchise’s pocket? Simply because it’s guaranteed money? We haven’t made the playoffs in 10 years and we still get near sellout crowds for most games in Buffalo. The players have repeatedly said the fans support gets them pumped up.
  
Given the 3 tepid performances so far in Toronto, including the preseason game, it’s hard to see that we are expanding our fan base playing there. The Canadian fans may enjoy seeing the NFL, but they are hardly there to cheer on our home team.

I was pretty skeptical of the idea in the first place. I don’t think it has helped the Bills as a team, or the franchise, or even (cynically) Ralph Wilson himself.  Help me out, Chris. What am I missing?
 
Pete
Gilbert, AZ

CB: The Bills sold the Toronto Series to the Rogers group for $78 million. It equates to $9.75M per game, which is almost double what the franchise pulls in for a regular home game, and far more than that for a preseason game. So that’s a major revenue benefit, which is important in the league’s big market/small market climate right now.

If 2010 goes off without a salary cap, which is looking more and more like reality, this regionalization effort will be more important than most fans realize. It will continue to help to keep the team financially competitive.

Though it may be hard to see how the games in Toronto are helping the fan base, 15% of the season ticket base is from southern Ontario. And figures show that number is now increasing thanks to the team’s annual presence in Toronto.

Believe me when I tell you the decision makers for this franchise understand that it’s a bitter pill to swallow for Bills fans that respect the franchise’s tradition and home field advantage with respect to the 12th Man. But this is a necessary step to keep the team financially viable and competitive in a league where the ‘haves’ are continually trying to make life more difficult for the ‘have nots.’
The Toronto Series helps to keep the team financially viable, while staying in Buffalo.

5. Chris,
Do you see the Bills keeping Perry Fewell around after the season is over?  I like a lot of Bills Fans, like his attitude and think he will be a great loss on the Defensive side, and the same goes for Bobby April. What do you think?
 
Thanks,
Bill
Frederick, MD

CB: I do think both Fewell and April have a lot to offer, but a new head coach generally likes to bring in his own people. I think April has the resume to be offered a job on the staff, no matter what head coach comes in, but I doubt he will take it. It wouldn’t surprise me if April felt passed over for the interim head coaching job, especially with Assistant Head Coach as part of his title under Dick Jauron.
It’s my belief April will be moving on after this season is over, and make no mistake it would be a great loss.

As for Fewell, unless a new coach coming in is a big believer in the Tampa-2 scheme he too is likely to be looking for work elsewhere. It sounds cruel, but these men know its part of the business. I like what Fewell has done in his stint as interim head coach, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the organization determines that they have to wipe the slate clean and turn the page on all that is associated with the Dick Jauron era.

Jackson still lead back

Posted: December 4th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Marshawn Lynch had some good looking carries on the drive in which he scored on a 15-yard run, but according to interim head coach Perry Fewell, Fred Jackson is still the lead back.

Fewell was asked why Lynch did not get more carries after averaging 10 yards per rush on six carries (60 yards).

“We ran the ball 23 times and passed it 24 times,” said Fewell of Thursday night’s game. ”Fred is still our featured back. We’re just trying to get our playmakers the football. It wasn’t a conscious effort to not give Marshawn the football. We felt like Fred could run behind this scheme a little bit better at that particular time.”

Jackson finished the game with 13 carries to Lynch’s six. For more on why the decision was made to make Jackson the featured runner in Buffalo’s offense you can examine some more interesting statistics on the two backs at Buffalobills.com.

Lynch update

Posted: November 25th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Marshawn Lynch was out on the practice field with his teammates Wednesday.

He appeared to be full go coming off his shoulder injury in Sunday’s game. He was running routes and catching passes over his head. So he moved well and didn’t seem to show any limitations.

We’ll get the official report from interim head coach Perry Fewell in his afternoon press conference scheduled for 2:45 pm.

Lynch injury update

Posted: November 23rd, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Interim head coach Perry Fewell provided an update Monday on RB Marshawn Lynch, who left Sunday’s game in the first half with a shoulder injury.

“Marshawn Lynch, he’s feeling much better today,” said Fewell. ”We’ll see (Tuesday) how he feels and continue from there.”

Lynch was labeled day-to-day by Fewell. Having him available for Sunday’s game is critical as Buffalo has just one healthy running back on the roster in Fred Jackson along with fullback Corey McIntyre. If Lynch’s shoulder does not improve quickly enough, the Bills may have to sign another running back.

RB Bruce Hall is on Buffalo’s practice squad.

DT John McCargo, who sustained a calf injury Sunday, is also listed as day to day.

Injury update

Posted: November 22nd, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Eric Wood suffered the most serious injury, but three of his teammates also suffered injuries.
Guard Seth McKinney suffered a knee injury and did not return. DT John McCargo suffered a calf injury. And Marshawn Lynch suffered a shoulder injury in the first half and did not return.

We’ll have updates on their status for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins when Perry Fewell holds his Monday press conference though he did say McCargo, Lynch and McKinney are day to day.

Marshawn’s 3rd annual Turkey Drive today

Posted: November 22nd, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Family and friends of Bills RB Marshawn Lynch, will be hosting their 3rd Annual Family First Turkey Drive at Lynch’s old high school Oakland Tech on Sunday Nov. 22, starting at 3 pm Pacific time.

They will be handing out the FREE turkeys on a first-come, first-served basis in the front of his former high school. If you’re on in the Oakland area join his family and friends as they present his vision of giving back to his community.

Along with the free turkeys, Salvation Army will be on hand to provide snacks and drinks for the all of the families at the event. They will also be taking donations. There will also be live music and give away prizes for those in attendance.

Although Lynch will not be attending since he’ll be playing against the Jaguars, a personalized note will be given out with each turkey from Lynch to explain how important Oakland is to him and why he chooses to hold the Turkey Drive each year.

Last year, Lynch and his family gave away over 200 turkeys to help families have a happier Thanksgiving.  “Last year was great,” said Lynch. “Giving back is very important to me and I am going to continue to give back here in Oakland because this community means so much to me.”

Most Bills surprised by Jauron dismissal

Posted: November 18th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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After talking to several players in the Bills locker room Wednesday, it’s clear that most of them were caught off guard by the firing of Dick Jauron on Tuesday. Here’s a run down of player reaction to Jauron’s termination.

Lee Evans
“I think it was for everybody pretty shocking to learn about it and just to see how it all came about. We don’t necessarily know all the reasons behind it, but right now it is what it is.” 

Aaron Maybin
“I was pretty surprised when I heard about it, but obviously they made a decision and that’s the direction they chose to go and we as players have to make those adjustments.”

Kyle Williams
“It’s always hard. Coach Jauron, they drafted me here. I think if you ask anybody in here they’ve got the utmost respect for him.”

Jairus Byrd
“I was surprised. I didn’t even know. I was getting my hair cut and people were texting me and coach got fired and I was taken back. I don’t know. This is my rookie year so I’m still learning and I’m learning with a new coach. Taking it all in stride I guess.”

Terrell Owens
“What’s new? Number one, that’s the nature of the business and obviously you never want to see a coach get fired, a player get released, but that’s just the nature of it and you just have to- within 24 hours you deal with it. I reached out to Coach (Jauron) and thanked him for the opportunity, for allowing me to play here and play under him and I wished him well. So at this point, you just have to move on.”

Ryan Fitzpatrick
“I can tell you that everybody in the locker room respected Coach Jauron. In the highest regard everybody thought of him, almost as a father figure just in terms of the way he went about his business, what he expected from us and the respect that he gave us.”

Marshawn Lynch
“Yeah. Been here with him for three years and I took some time to try and you know meet him and really build a relationship with him and then on our off day to turn on the TV and see that he’s gone. Just got to keep pushing.”

Andy Levitre
“I wasn’t expecting him to go as soon as he did. But we haven’t been playing to the best of our ability. I kind of saw it coming. I didn’t want him to leave. He’s a great coach. I wanted him to stay, but it’s a cut throat business and I don’t have any control over what happened.”

Lynch, Stroud autograph signing

Posted: November 2nd, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Marshawn Lynch and Marcus Stroud will be in downtown Buffalo late this afternoon for an autograph signing.

Both Bills players will be signing at the New Era flagship store on Delaware Ave. from 5-6pm.

Run game is the ticket

Posted: October 9th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Buffalo’s run game has to be the ticket this Sunday against the Browns. It’s been one of the team’s relative constants on offense.

Fred Jackson has been very productive and is the main reason the team ranks seventh in yards per carry average (4.8) and rushing yards per game (110.8). Add in the fact that Marshawn Lynch has averaged 100.5 rushing yards in two career games versus the Browns and you can see where the Bills should have some success offensively.

Cleveland’s defense was considerably better against the Bengals last week holding Cincinnati without a first down on eight straight possessions in the middle of that game, but the fact remains they are still 31st in the league against the run allowing almost 177 rushing yards (176.8) per game.

Fan Friday 10-9

Posted: October 9th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Gotta get a win this week. No ifs, ands or buts. Let’s get to your questions. And send your future questions to AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1. Hi Chris, while watching the Bills game, I noticed that the four times that Trent Edwards tried to reach Terrell Owens they were mostly deep balls. Why didn’t they use Owens underneath? Like in a run and catch play? He is very dangerous when utilized in this fashion.

I understand that teams are limiting the deep ball, but the Bills could have went to both Owens and Evans underneath, and turned in huge gains in each situation. Obviously, it is the receivers job to catch the ball regardless of the play, but I think the Bills are using Owens the wrong way. What do you think?
 
Tony, Daytona Beach, Florida.

CB: I think there’s some merit to your suggestion. We actually saw Owens and Evans targeted more on some intermediate routes in the preseason. Both of Owens receptions in the Hall of Fame game were short and intermediate throws that Owens turned into first downs after the catch. Knowing the protection has been spotty of late I’d be all for letting Owens and Evans gain the extra yards after the catch instead of trying to get it on one big throw.

 
2. In watching each one of the bills games I notice the DB’s playing at least 7-10 yards off from TO and Lee, what would be so hard to stand and throw the ball to them on the back shoulder as they come off the ball. I watched closely to see if they were being baited and were going to run out a LB or DE but in at least 6 of the times nothing happened. I also noticed that Lee and TO mostly run down the side line and haven’t been curling or skinny post ….. nothing. I can’t believe this is the whole arsenal they have established for 12 mill per year. Every team with a stud receiver finds a way to get them the ball…. 
Thanks 
Terry

CB: I don’t deny that it’s been frustrating to watch. Much like the answer above, I’m not opposed to giving Trent the option to check to a ‘now route’ when he sees single coverage outside and the cornerback is playing off Evans or Owens. Take two steps back from center and throw them the ball to them right at the line of scrimmage and let them make a defender miss to get yards after the catch. It’s a much higher percentage throw and gets Evans and Owens involved quicker.

 
3. Chris,

Do you see the Bills looking to Jackson to return kickoffs more now that Lynch is back?  Parrish seemed to struggle against the Saints though he was better against Miami. With McKelvin out the return game has looked weak.  Any other thoughts on others that could return kicks if Jackson doesn’t?

Thanks,
Dan

CB: Jackson was out there with Parrish on a few kick returns in Miami, but as you pointed out Parrish fared better against the Dolphins. If the team does decide to go in another direction Jackson is an option as is Xavier Omon who has done kickoffs. I also think an intriguing option would be rookie Ellis Lankster who returned kicks and punts in college at West Virginia and was a JUCO All-American returner.

 
4. Due to the recent scoring struggles we have had and the addition on Lynch back to our offense, do you see us using some type of situational wildcat offense?  To me, a backfield of Jackson and Lynch would be extremely lethal.
 
Best regards,
Ryan Korchinski

CB: I’d be surprised if it becomes a prominent feature, but with the struggles they’ve had I don’t see why they couldn’t turn to it for a series or two. I’d have Fred Jackson in the quarterback role (Ronnie Brown), with Marshawn Lynch as the move back (Ricky Williams role). Roscoe Parrish was also utilized in the QB role in training camp having been a former HS QB. We’ll see.

 

5. Chris,
With McKelvin going down, that leaves McGee, Florence, Corner, Youboty, and Lankster.  Do you think Lankster will be seeing any action this week?  Will he even be on the active roster?
-Chris, Rochester

CB: He was active, but did not play on defense last week against the Dolphins. He’s basically the 5th corner now with McKelvin on I-R. He’ll play on special teams depending on numbers each week. I wouldn’t mind seeing him on kick returns. He’s got potential there I believe.

Fan Friday 10-2

Posted: October 2nd, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Already at the quarter pole mark of the season. Gotta get a win this week and get off the AFC East schneid. Let’s get to your questions.

 
1. Dear Chris,

I’m wondering who’s available at the middle linebacker position to replace Paul Posluzny while he’s out for a few weeks? Marlon Greenwood and some other quality free agents are available or will the coaching staff allow Marcus Buggs to handle everything Poz was tasked with?
–
Michael T. Licata

CB: I don’t see the Bills going out and picking up another linebacker knowing they’ll get Poz back around midseason. But here’s a short list of guys that would make sense for the Bills should they decide to go in that direction in my opinion.
Derek Smith, Dontarrious Thomas, Rocky Boiman (versatility inside/outside)

 

2. Chris,

Do you think there would be a way that the All Access shows such as the ones with you and Tasker and the Thurman Thomas show could be put on the website for us that don’t live in the area to be able to watch??

I live in the Nashville, TN area now after being in WNY for 25+ years and would like to see these shows.
I know that the uploading/downloading would take a great deal of time, and maybe an impossibility, but it sure would be nice.
Thanks a lot and keep up the good work.

Tom Howes
 

CB: We do put them on the team website. Here’s the link where you can find them every week.
http://www.buffalobills.com/media-lounge/videos

On the left side of the page is a listing of the different video programs we offer. Click on All Access for those shows and on the Thurman Thomas tab for that show. We break the show up into different segments so it does not take too long to load. Enjoy.

 

3. Hi Chris,
Since we know Fred Jackson is capable of handling a starting role, is there any chance the Bills trade Marshawn Lynch for a Tackle or draft pick?
Omon seems capable of handling a back up role plus the Bills are already talking to Free Agent RB’s. What do you think?
Thanks,
Mike

CB: I don’t see the Bills doing this. Most teams in the league like having two capable backs to share the workload. Dick Jauron is fiercely loyal to Lynch and with good reason. The guys always plays hard and doesn’t go down easy.
If you trade Lynch away you’re leaving yourself a bit vulnerable at running back in the event that Jackson goes down with an injury. Omon shows promise, but he’s not Lynch.

 

4. Chris – Buffalo’s signing of Jamom Meredith from the Green Bay practice squad prompted this question.  What are the rules for an NFL team signing a player from another team’s practice squad?  Was Buffalo required to give prior notice of its intent to Green Bay before making an offer to Meredith?  If so, did Green Bay then have an opportunity to keep Meredith, such as by moving him to its active roster, within some specified period of time?
 
- Bill

CB: Signing practice squad players are a lot like signing free agents. Teams that covet a practice squad player on another team contact the agent and begin negotiations to sign him to an NFL contract that puts him on an active roster (practice squad pay is considerably less).

Sometimes agents call the original team to give them an opportunity to promote them to their own 53-man roster, but in most cases the agent just completes the deal with the team interested in putting the player on their active roster. The original team is none the wiser until the signing is completed.

 

5. Hey Chris,
Since Fred is doing awesome and Marshawn is coming back do you see the Bills putting in any Wildcat plays to keep them both on the field? If both Fred and Marshawn are running to the same side on an option play who the heck would you cover as a defender! Maybe they develop the plays now and don’t show the Wildcat until they need to surprise a team in the playoffs.
 
What do you think?
Mark
Evergreen, CO

CB: I don’t think the Wildcat is necessary to keep both of them on the field. I anticipate seeing Fred Jackson split out wide more as a receiver, which they did a lot of during the spring. I also think in time we could see a split backfield with both of them back there giving the team a ton of options.

Buffalo, like all NFL teams, has a handful of Wildcat plays, and if you remember when they ran some of that last season Fred Jackson was the ball handler. I don’t know if he’s the guy this year because Roscoe in an option in that formation as well being a former high school quarterback.

Jackson to see more of the work this week?

Posted: September 30th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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With Marshawn Lynch now off suspension the big question has been what kind of workload Marshawn Lynch will be getting this week in his return to the lineup. Bills offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and head coach Dick Jauron seem conscious of easing him in knowing he hasn’t been exposed to contact in almost a month.

“A lot of it for me will have to do with how he feels at the end of the work week,” said Jauron. ”I can’t anticipate that he’ll feel any differently than wanting to go. And that’ll be good because Freddy has been so good and Freddy is not a surprise, but it would be nice to even out this thing, get Marshawn back into the mix, have them play off each other. It’s a really positive thing for us, it’s great to have him back.”

Jauron indicated that if they were successful running the ball and ran it 30 times it’d be nice to split it down the middle, but in his first week back it might be a bit less.

“(We’ll) probably bring Marshawn (Lynch) along slowly to let him get back into it physically. But those guys (Lynch, Jackson) are some of your better players obviously offensively and some of the groupings with both of them are very good for us. But I don’t know where or how long it’ll take before we get there, but we’re just glad to have Marshawn back. I think it’ll help us down the road keeping both of those guys fresh.”

While Jauron indicates a 50-50 split, Van Pelt seems to indicate less at least for this week. It’s hard to ignore how much success Jackson has had with 425 yards from scrimmage in three games, but Lynch is not someone you keep on the sidelines either. It will be very interesting to see how the workload is divided, knowing the staff, like many others in the league, is cautious about overworking either one of them.

Lynch still not on the 53-man roster

Posted: September 28th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Even though Marshawn Lynch has completed his three game league-imposed suspension, he is still not on the team’s 53-man roster.

Buffalo has filed a request with the league for a three-day roster exemption. This is sometimes a request by teams for players that are coming off suspension. So on Thursday the team will need to move another player off the roster to make room for Lynch at which point he’ll be added to the active roster.

Marshawn doesn’t care who #1 back is

Posted: September 28th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Marshawn Lynch addressed the media on his first day back from suspension at One Bills Drive Monday. And he succinctly answered the question everyone was expecting. Whether or not he cares who is the team’s #1 running back. Here was his answer.

“No I do not,” said a subdued Lynch.

Lynch claimed he’ll be ready to go come Sunday in Miami. He praised his teammate and good friend Fred Jackson for the job he did in his absence. How the two will be used remains to be seen, but in light of Jackson’s production it’s likely to be a 50-50 split.

Fan Friday 9-25

Posted: September 25th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Heading into Week 3 with a big defensive test for the Bills in Drew Brees and company.

1. Hey Chris,
 
If Maybin’s play becomes deserving of a starting role, can you foresee the coaches moving Schobel to left DE and inserting Maybin in at right DE?
 
Thanks
Tom

CB: I don’t see that happening any time soon. The good thing about Maybin is he told me he feels equally comfortable coming off the right side as the left side. And Bills VP of College Scouting Tom Modrak said he feels he can come off both edges effectively as well. Also I don’t think it matters all that much which side you put Maybin on. Just because he’s fast doesn’t mean you put him at RDE. In fact you may want to put him on the left side where the less talented of the opponent’s two offensive tackles is lined up.

 
2. Chris,

After watching the Thurman Thomas show on bb.com I was wondering what station that is on? I live in PA and have direct tv…. do you know how I can get some of the local bills stations so I can watch these shows? a few years ago it used to be empire sports…. I never get to see much of the in depth interviews with all the different guys…. let me know when you get a chance….

Thanks
Chris

CB: Here are the listings for Steve Tasker’s All Access show and the Thurman Thomas show. If you can’t get one of these regional affiliates you can always view the segments to these shows on Buffalobills.com in the media lounge (http://www.buffalobills.com/media-lounge/videos).

Bills All Access
 Day  Time  Station
Saturday 12:35 a.m. WTVH – Syracuse (CBS)
Sunday 12:00 a.m. CW-WHAM – Rochester (ABC)
Sunday 12:05 a.m. WBNG – Binghamton
Sunday 11:30 a.m. WKBW – Buffalo (ABC)
Sunday 12:00 p.m. WHAM – Rochester (ABC)

The Thurman Thomas Show
 Day Time  Station
Saturday 1:05 a.m. WTVH – Syracuse (CBS)
Saturday 11:35 p.m. WBNG – Binghamton
Sunday 12:30 a.m. WHAM – Rochester (ABC)
Sunday 10:30 a.m. CW – WHAM – Rochester (ABC)
Sunday 11:00 a.m. WKBW – Buffalo (ABC)

 

3. When Lynch gets back, what do you think about running him and Fred in the backfield every play? With our super wide outs and their talents, wouldn’t that just drive defenses nuts? Omon makes a great reliever to spell the backs!
Murph

CB: I think that Lynch and Jackson will in fact be seen on the field at the same time when Marshawn’s suspension ends on Monday. How much remains to be seen, but Alex Van Pelt has mentioned that he’s open to putting them both on the field at the same time. I think Jackson will be used as a receiver at times in those situations, lined up wide. But a split backfield is also a possibility and you’re right that will be a lot to worry about.

 
4. Chris,
Is there any chance that Maybin will be used as a linebacker since Poz is out and the back ups are weak? I think he may be fast enough but how long would it take to learn the responsibilities?
Wayne

CB: I don’t see this happening. The only way I see Maybin being used at the linebacker position is if he’s used as an additional pass rusher in obvious passing situations. Taking one of your most athletic pass rushers and moving him further away from the line of scrimmage hurts your team more than helps it as I see it. I also think Keith Ellison has performed well in the first two games at both the strong side and nickel ‘mike’ LB spots, and Buggs held his own last week.

 
5. Hi Chris, Now that Paul Posluszny is injured, and probably out for six weeks or more, wouldn’t it be smarter to put Kawika Mitchell in the middle? Mitchell is 253 pounds, and 6′ 1″, Marcus Buggs is 223 pounds, and 5′ 10″. Not to diminish the abilities of Buggs, but Mitchell has a lot of savvy, and not to mention size. I think Marcus Buggs would be better suited to be a weakside linebacker. The middle linebacker is the centerpiece of the unit, and Poluszny was the leader. Wouldn’t most teams now view this as a weakness, i.e., running the ball up the middle more? Trying to make plays over the middle? Tell me what you think. I will look forward to hearing from you.
 
Tony Falzone, Daytona Beach, Florida.

CB: Your idea has merit. Mitchell did play MLB for the Chiefs early in his career and performed well there. However, most coaching staffs usually try to avoid changing two positions for the sake of one. In other words, by plugging in Marcus Buggs at MLB for Poz, only one position on defense is affected. If you moved Mitchell to the ‘mike’ LB spot then you have to fill Mitchell’s weak side spot with someone else and you’ve changed your starting defense at two positions.

Most coaches prefer continuity. I respect your point about MLB being the more important position, but they see this approach as the least disruptive to the defense. From that perspective it makes sense, but there’s an argument for both sides.

SI.com sees tough RB decision ahead for Bills

Posted: September 24th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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SI.com’s Don Banks sees a difficult decision coming up next week for head coach Dick Jauron concerning his running backs.

With Marshawn Lynch set to return off suspension Monday, Banks openly wonders if Jackson’s big time production through the first two games will force Dick Jauron and his coaching staff to keep Jackson in the lineup as the starting RB.

When Jauron was asked about it Wednesday he indicated it’s not something he’s going to think about until after Sunday’s game.

“I think I’ll think about it after this week,” said Jauron. “We’ve said all along we’ve felt like we have more than two (running backs). We love Marshawn and we love Freddy and Xavier (Omon) has done a nice job for us. So here we are. Marshawn is not here right now.”

Fred keeping in touch with Marshawn

Posted: September 23rd, 2009 | Chris Brown
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Fred Jackson, who won the Northtown Automotive game ball as voted by the fans after every Bills win, received an interesting question from one of the Bills fans that voted for him this week.

Jackson was asked if he has kept in touch with Marshawn during Lynch’s three-game suspension.

The Bills current feature back said he has kept in touch with him by phone.

“I call him every day,” said Jackson. “He’s been busy doing his thing, staying focused. He’s working out two times a day, so we’ll be excited when we get him back next week.”

Missing Marshawn

Posted: September 9th, 2009 | Chris Brown
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The Bills locker room already has a different feel to it with Marshawn Lynch not there to lighten the mood.

Bills RB Fred Jackson admitted that Lynch is already missed by his teammates since his league-imposed three-game suspension began last Saturday.

“He’s a great guy to be around and a character unto himself,” said Jackson. ”He kind of lightens the mood of practice. Without him out on the field yelling at Kyle (Williams) and Marcus (Stroud) and getting them all riled up, it’s just some of the things we miss. Even in the running back room with him cracking a joke every five minutes you miss things like that, but he’s still with us and we’re still playing for him.”

Lynch is eligible to return to the club on Monday Sept. 28.