SB Nation - Brad Butler

Identifying the "crux players" on Buffalo's roster

Brian Galliford — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:00:30 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

Two weeks ago - a day before the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Dick Jauron, in fact - we here at Buffalo Rumblings took a look at the core players of Buffalo's roster. The idea behind the post was to identify players that, based on their contract status with the franchise, are very likely to survive a regime change at One Bills Drive.

We'll recap the fruits of that labor quickly after the jump, but the purpose of this post is to take that exercise a step further. With the core players out of the way, it's time to look at the players that I'll term "crux players" - guys with flexible contract situations that will define a new regime's focus on re-building the Bills.

Core player recap
We named 17 current Bills as "core players," splitting the group up into vested veterans, young players with promise and role-playing veterans awaiting new roles once the regime change is complete. Of those 17 players, we defined a solid 9 as starting-caliber, a further six as fringe starters, and two as reserves. Here's that breakdown:

Starters: RB Fred Jackson, WR Lee Evans, G/C Eric Wood, DE Aaron Schobel, DT Marcus Stroud, LB Kawika Mitchell, CB Terrence McGee, FS Jairus Byrd, P Brian Moorman

Fringe starters: TE Shawn Nelson, OT Brad Butler, OG Andy Levitre, DE Aaron Maybin, DT Kyle Williams, CB Leodis McKelvin

Reserves: C/G Geoff Hangartner, DT Spencer Johnson

Keep in mind that all of these players are currently under contract through the end of the 2012 season. That means that, if each plays to the end of their contract, they'll be in Buffalo for another three years. The fact that each player has at least three years left on his deal at least ensures that they'll be part of the roster in Year 1 of a new regime, and many of them will be playing considerably large roles.

For this exercise, the criteria changes a bit. "Crux players," as far as we're concerned for now, are players that, once the 2009 season ends, will have either one or two years left on their current deal. Each is under contract for the 2010 season, but each also has a deal that makes it possible for a new regime to play football in 2010 without these players under contract. They are truly "crux" players in that a new regime will be making its most important decisions amongst this group. The entire new direction of the franchise from a personnel standpoint will be based largely on evaluations of these 19 players.

Keep in mind, also, that this list changes if 2010 is an uncapped year. Ask MattRichWarren about it.

Buffalo's 19 "crux players"
You'll have a task at the end of this exercise, but for now, here's a quick summary of the 19 crux players on Buffalo's roster:

Trent Edwards, QB - Signed through 2011. He's been benched and needs a new environment, but some talent remains.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB - Signed through 2012. Has proven to be reliable as a backup, but is not considered a franchise signal-caller.
Brian Brohm, QB - Signed through 2012. A project player with some solid tools, there's a chance he never sees the field for Buffalo.
Marshawn Lynch, RB - Signed through 2013, with an opt-out clause in the final year. No longer the starting running back, Lynch might be the subject of trade talks this off-season.
Corey McIntyre, FB - Signed through 2011. Run-of-the-mill player.
James Hardy, WR - Signed through 2012. Buffalo invested a second-round pick in him, and the talent is there, but Hardy has had injury issues and hasn't seen the field much.
Roscoe Parrish, WR - Signed through 2012. Has clamored for a trade, but a new regime might be inclined to keep him as a punt returner. Unlikely to get PT as a WR anywhere.
Steve Johnson, WR - Signed through 2012. Held in high regard by current regime, but that could change quickly, and doesn't carry the same investment as Hardy.
Derek Fine, TE - Signed through 2012. Probably survives a regime change because he's a role player with special teams ability.
Demetrius Bell, OT - Signed through 2012. Has struggled with injuries and on the playing field, but again, there is raw ability to work with.
Chris Kelsay, DE - Signed through 2011. A heady veteran who has improved under position coach Bob Sanders, but has a large salary that might seal his fate.
Chris Ellis, DE - Signed through 2012. Does not play a significant role now and that's not likely to change, but represents a significant investment ('08 third-round pick).
John McCargo, DT - Signed through 2011. Nothing more than a rotational tackle at this point in his disappointing career.
Paul Posluszny, LB - Signed through 2011. Sure to be the most intensely-debated player on this list.
Drayton Florence, CB - Signed through 2011. Has been excellent as a fill-in starter, and has scheme versatility.
Reggie Corner, CB - Signed through 2012. Reserve-type corner that has his uses, but should never be counted on as a starter.
Donte Whitner, S - Signed through 2011, with an opt-out clause in the final year. Could be a UFA as soon as this coming March. New regime might feel differently about him.
John Wendling, S - Signed through 2011. Special teams player only.
Rian Lindell, K - Signed through 2012. Reliable and gets more consistent with age.

Your Task
There's your list, folks. Some of those names obviously carry much more weight and importance than others. Your task: pick out the players that you believe are worth keeping around. Then, of those names, split them into starters and reserves. Combined with your input from the original post, this should really cement your ideas about where you'd take the franchise if you were GM.

Bills' battered O-Line takes another big blow

Brian Galliford — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:05:47 -0000

More photos » by Stephen Morton - AP

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We knew, as the Buffalo Bills entered the 2009 regular season, that the team's top-to-bottom re-structure of the offensive line was a huge question mark. Jason Peters had been traded. Derrick Dockery and Langston Walker had been released. Melvin Fowler and Duke Preston were unceremoniously allowed to test the free-agent waters. Demetrius Bell made a seemingly miraculous leap from 16-game healthy scratch to starting NFL left tackle, Geoff Hangartner was signed from Carolina, Eric Wood and Andy Levitre were drafted early, and Brad Butler moved to the position he manned in college.

Presto change-o! Buffalo had the NFL's most inexperienced offensive line. It was painfully clear that bumps in the road were expected - and they came in the form of drive-killing penalties and inconsistent blocking. But through it all, we decided by and large that it would be entertaining and interesting to watch these young guys develop as individuals and come together as one cohesive unit.

So much for that pipe dream. Through the first ten games of the season, Buffalo has been absolutely ravaged by injuries up front. They've been forced to field eight different line combinations during that time frame. The tackle position has been hit so hard by the injury bug that it's now affecting the guards; add in the latest and most brutal injury, a double fracture to Wood's lower left leg, and the verdict is simple. Buffalo can no longer hope to see tangible development from this offensive line. It is in complete disarray.

By the way, folks - Wood's surgery was successful. Seth McKinney, meanwhile, was lost for the season on Sunday as well. Buffalo now has one healthy guard - Levitre.

The line combinations
Look, I tried to comb through each of the Bills' ten games to chart each and every line combination the Bills have used this season. I went through each game twice to fleece out every minor injury that forced a player in for even a snap or two. I'm fairly confident I still missed something, so keep an eye on Ron From NM's comments in this post, if he has any. He's the line guru, after all.

The original starting five didn't even get through two full games. Four opening-day reserves - Seth McKinney, Jonathan Scott, Kirk Chambers and Jamon Meredith - have seen significant playing time.

1. Bell - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Butler
2. Bell - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Scott
3. Chambers - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Scott
4. Scott - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Chambers
5. Bell - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Meredith
6. Bell - Levitre - Hangartner - Wood - Chambers
7. Levitre - McKinney - Hangartner - Wood - Chambers
8. Scott - Levitre - Hangartner - Chambers - Meredith

Where the Bills once had continuity - in the interior - that's gone by the wayside. Only Geoff Hangartner has been the constant, and even he has been battered, dealing with a back injury earlier in the season.

Not much more development to be had
If you've seen the replay of Wood's injury, you're painfully aware of just how over his rookie season is. He suffered fractures to both his tibia and his fibula - word is one or both were compound fractures - and stayed in Jacksonville last night to have metal rods inserted to stabilize the leg. He'll end up on IR, and will have played a little under ten games. He got some development and played reasonably well this season, but there's no more development to be had for Wood this season - hopefully, just a lot of healing.

Bell might get a little development time if he ever gets healthy, but he's been in and out of the lineup so much this season that any development he's made has been negligible. Levitre might continue to develop, so long as he isn't forced to play two different positions each and every game. The guy is a guard, and while he's to be commended for capably manning both spots, it's best if he sticks to left guard.

Hangartner is what he is. There's no development to be had there, though the guy deserves a steak or something for finding a way to make it through ten games. That's a rarity in Buffalo. The rest of the players that have seen field time aren't worth considering, as they're not the types of players around which championship-caliber offenses can be built. For the young players that really matter - Wood, Levitre and Bell - hopes for further development this season are minimal at best.

Buffalo needs a franchise quarterback. It is, without doubt, the organization's biggest issue from a personnel standpoint. Given the sheer amount of upheaval along the offensive line, that unit rates a very close second.

Identifying the core of the Buffalo Bills' roster

Brian Galliford — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:00:05 -0000

by John Russell - AP

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Welcome, Buffalo Bills fans, to yet another "coping with disastrous football" post. The Bills, as I'm sure you're aware, lost 41-17 on the road to the Tennessee Titans yesterday; the loss puts the Bills at 3-6 under Dick Jauron for the first time since 2006, Jauron's first season in Buffalo. The players have been awful, the coaching staff is officially in "play out the string" territory, and that broad, sweeping change that fans have called for since December of 2008 is probably coming after seven weeks are up.

As brutal as it may be to watch the Bills during that two-month stretch, there's still plenty we can learn. The front office and the coaching staff will probably have new faces come next February. (Read that as me being hopeful on the former, and realistic on the latter.) But in all likelihood, many of the faces you currently see on game days will still be donning red, white and blue in 2010 and beyond.

This post is the first of a three-part series in which we'll attempt to segment the Bills' roster up to accurately pinpoint where change is not only most-needed, but most likely. Up first for discussion: those Bills players who are likely to be in Buffalo far longer than many of their teammates. After the jump, you'll find three groups of these players, as well as your task for the comments section. Here's hoping you find the discussion therapeutic.

Criteria
In order to qualify for this first group of players, one must have a contract that has at least three years remaining on it at the start of the 2010 season; in other words, all of these players are locked up in Buffalo through either 2013 or 2014. That qualifies 19 players for this list, but we'll only discuss 17. Sorry, fans of Nic Harris and Ellis Lankster, but your guys are fringe prospects and all too easy to release at any point, particularly under the employ of a new decision-making hierarchy.

The unknown status of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the possible free agency rules changes has little to no effect on this list. All veterans that have been in the league for a number of years remain unchanged, while the young players on the list (four years or less of experience) will only see the status of their free agency change (from unrestricted to restricted), likely increasing their time in Buffalo, in most cases.

We've split these 17 players into three groups: the veteran core, the youth core, and the vets whose roles would be dependent on how a new decision-making hierarchy attempted to address the team's bigger issues.

The veteran core (7 players)
These are players whose contracts meet the above criteria and who are veterans, either age-wise or experience-wise, with established reputations across the league. They are all players that have significant roles with the team, as well, and would likely hold onto significant roles, at least initially, in a regime change. These players will likely be the heart and soul of Bills football for the next few years.

Fred Jackson, RB - Signed through 2013. Cheap, versatile player who leaves everything on the field and makes plays.
Lee Evans, WR - Signed through 2013. Is proving this season that he can make big plays when he has help.
Aaron Schobel, DE - Signed through 2014. On the down side of his career, but can still produce, and is very consistent.
Marcus Stroud, DT - Signed through 2013. Again, on the down side, but still a more-than-capable starter in a 4-3.
Kawika Mitchell, LB - Signed through 2013. If he can start at LB on a Super Bowl champion, he can do it in Buffalo, too.
Terrence McGee, CB - Signed through 2014. Has enjoyed a consistent, successful career at a premium position.
Brian Moorman, P - Signed through 2013. Still an excellent punter and a fantastic teammate/community member.

The youth core (6 players)
These players meet the above criteria contract-wise, but carry far less established professional resumes. These six players' development - or lack thereof - will have a critical effect on how a new regime will address future iterations of the Buffalo Bills, but for now, their status as Bills players worth building around remains intact.

Shawn Nelson, TE - Signed through 2013. Great physical talent in need of playing time. Minor injuries are concerning.
Andy Levitre, OG - Signed through 2013. Versatile, plays the game the right way. Inconsistent, makes too many errors.
Eric Wood, C - Signed through 2014. Listed as a center because that's where he belongs. Also inconsistent.
Aaron Maybin, DE - Signed through 2014. Like the pick or not, his potential still remains through the roof. Needs PT.
Leodis McKelvin, CB - Signed through 2013. Elite talent at premium position, but has had two disappointing seasons.
Jairus Byrd, S - Signed through 2013. Ceiling may be somewhat limited, but has proven he's an elite ball hawk.

Veterans awaiting roles (4 players)
Again, these players meet contractual criteria and should be in Buffalo for the foreseeable future. These players might not be guaranteed much in the way of starting positions or playing time, however, under a new regime.

Brad Butler, OT - Signed through 2013. Has been dependable as a starter, but is a major risk for injury every season.
Geoff Hangartner, G/C - Signed through 2013. Disappointing as a center, but hard to ignore versatility and experience.
Kyle Williams, DT - Signed through 2013. Again, dependable, but new staff might view him as only rotation-worthy.
Spencer Johnson, DT - Signed through 2013. See Williams. Probably sees PT, but DT might be an upgrade area.

Your task
That's it. 17 players who are probably going to be Bills for a while, split into three pretty-easy-to-define areas in terms of how new regimes will view them. Your task for the comments section: split all 17 of these names into starters and non-starters. That's it. Only list a name as a starter if you think they could start for a playoff-caliber football team. My guess is that, at least for this part of the series, opinions will be pretty universal. Have at it, folks.

Notes from the Bills' O-Line: Mid-Season Analysis

Brian Galliford — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:00:30 -0000

Editor's note, by Brian Galliford: For those of you who've been around Buffalo Rumblings long enough to know how this blog operates, you'll know that what you're about to read isn't my work. I'm all for doing oodles of research, but nobody dedicates themselves to their specific craft as thoroughly as Ron From NM, our resident Buffalo Bills offensive line guru. What follows is his incredibly in-depth analysis of the Bills' offensive line play through the first eight games of the season. Take it away, Ron. End Note

We've reached the midway point of the season and, as ~~threatened~~ promised, here's a look at where the line stands by the numbers. Just to add to the nerdiness factor, I'm taking a stab at inserting charts and pie graphs. [Ed. note: Nerd.] The good news is that, if they actually make it into the story, they do make it easier to spot trends. One trend I looked at carefully was the charge that the line has been inconsistent. The overall grades for the interior linemen (75.8% on run plays, 73.6% on pass plays) and tackles (74.6% on run plays and 72.9% on pass plays) at first blush argue for mediocre consistency. So, without further ado, here's all you need to know about the play of Demetrius Bell, Andy Levitre, Geoff Hangartner, Eric Wood, Brad Butler, Jonathan Scott, Kirk Chambers, Jamon Meredith and Seth McKinney after eight games.

Run Plays
I plugged in Scott's adventure at left tackle in Miami under Bell's numbers and turned an amalgamation [Ed. note: nerd] of Butler, Scott, Meredith and Chambers into "RT guys." The numbers don't really look all that bad in a chart - feel free to do so yourselves on your own free time - but a graph highlights the inconsistency.

Does that chart just scream inconsistency to you, too? Well, read on and take another look.

Are you surprised to see that the tackles are the least volatile of the positions? I sure was. With the exception of the game in Foxboro, Bell has ranged from about 75% to about 77%. Whomever the Bills have had at RT has been between 72% to 74% five of the eight weeks. Think about that for a second. The Bills have rotated four different bodies through the right tackle position, but haven't cratered in the run game. I'm not sure if the coaching deserves credit or if the goo at the bottom of the barrel is all pretty much the same.

Hangartner has been relatively consistent, too. He turned in a good game against the Browns, but otherwise has ranged between 72% to 75%. More troubling is that he seems to be on a gradual downhill slide. This bears watching as the year rolls along. If he can't get the job done, then I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bills eventually shift Wood to the center and go guard hunting in the offseason.

The guys making the chart look so volatile are the guards, Levitre and Wood. Levitre has led or tied the team in run grading five of the eight weeks. He cratered in Carolina, when he tied for the worst. Other than that, the only guy to top him has been Wood. Wood has tied or graded highest four of the eight weeks. He put together back to back poor (for him - still almost 74%, so we're not talking disasters) games in Miami and against Cleveland.

Clearly, the Bills need Wood and Levitre to even out their performances and consistently turn in good games - the offense can't be consistent when interior linemen turn in subpar performances three of four weeks. The tackles and centers, on the other hand, need to raise the overall level of their performances. "Consistency is only a virtue if you're not a screw up." (www.despair.com)

Additionally, the Bills' offensive linemen need to work on not killing run plays. While Levitre, for example, has generally been Buffalo's best offensive lineman on run plays, when he screws the pooch, he goes all out. Here's a look at who is killing run plays:

Bell	Levitre	Hangartner	Wood	Scott	Meredith	Chambers	McKinney
1	7	4	3	1	1	2	1

As you can see, the interior linemen account for 70% of the killed run plays. Again, it appears to be the sudden mental/physical lapse in otherwise solid-though inconsistent-play. Overall, the line has killed 20 of 189 (10.6%) of run plays.

Pass plays
As with the run plays, I plugged in Scott's nightmare day at left tackle in Miami into Bell's column. The RT guys is again a compilation of substandard outings by Butler, Scott, Meredith and Chambers. The numbers look bad whether in raw form or in graph form, so we'll keep the fanciness rolling with the graph.

I'm kind of amazed at how closely the RT and LT tackle lines parallel one another. Bad days at the tackle position in Foxboro turned into reasonable outings before cratering in Miami - only to shoot back up against Cleveland. The bright spot at tackle is that that awful performance in Miami doesn't belong to Bell. If you extrapolate only Bell's games, what you see is a gradual upward trend. The RT position still appears to be subject to wild swings, which isn't all that surprising given the constant rotation of ‘guys' on an almost weekly basis.

It's interesting (to me anyway) to see that Hangartner seems to be on a slight upward trend in the passing game when he seems to be headed the other direction on run plays. I'm not very surprised to see that he's not bouncing from good to bad, but staying within the 72% to 74% band.

As with the run game, Levitre and Wood appear to be erratic. Each of them have been the highest graded (or tied) pass protector three out of eight weeks. However, Wood was the worst (or tied) three other weeks, while Levitre was the worst (or tied) two weeks. The good news is that the guards seem to be holding in the 73% to 75% range, so hopefully they become more consistent as they gain experience.

It's sad but it's true. The line has been even worse at killing pass plays than run plays.

Bell	Levitre	Hangartner	Wood	Scott	Meredith	Chambers	McKinney	Butler
7	6	9	5	6	1	4	0	2

The line has combined to kill 40 of 254 plays (15.8%). Some of those are tipped passes, some are thrown away, some are bad passes because the quarterback can't step into the throw and so on. What can't go ‘on' is for the line to keep killing pass plays. As you can see, everyone has gotten in on the action. Speaking of which, here are the sack numbers:

Bell	Levitre	Hangartner	Wood	Scott	Meredith	Chambers	McKinney	Butler
3	1	4	2	3.5	0	2.5	0	1

Here you can see that the tackles have allowed 10 sacks, with the interior linemen giving up 7. I'd say that it's a good thing that Trent Edwards is right-handed, given that Bell has given up 3 of those 10 sacks, while Scott gave up 1.5 sacks playing LT in Miami. Therefore, Buffalo's QBs have been crunched almost equally by defenders beating either tackle.

Playoffs or not, Bills have much to learn post-bye

Brian Galliford — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:04:49 -0000

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The Buffalo Bills are 3-5, and as they enjoy their last weekend off until their 2009 season comes to a close - whenever that may be - it's time for us fans to stop reflecting on what they've done through the first half of the season and to start discussing what we might learn over the next eight weeks.

Clearly, the big questions in Buffalo remain the coaching situation - which is probably tied directly to the outcome of the season - and the quarterback position, which we've discussed very thoroughly over the last couple of days. But from a player personnel standpoint, there is still plenty of progress to be made for several young players. What follows is a breakdown of Bills players with the most to gain, most to lose, and those waiting for some developments to unfold.

Three Bills with the most to gain developmentally
Demetrius Bell. Buffalo's starting left tackle has had his share of struggles early in his career, particularly with consistency (which isn't a surprise) and mistakes (which are incredibly irritating). He's cleaned up his act in the latter department in recent weeks, and it's therefore not impossible to think he can work out some consistency issues over the next eight games, too. No one denies that Bell has solid talent. If he proves he can play left tackle in this league, that's one less major issue the Bills will need to address in the off-season.

Aaron Maybin. I've preached patience in regards to Maybin, and even though that argument is nearly universally accepted, fans still don't like the pick because Maybin's rookie contributions have been minimal. Depending on how the rest of the season goes, however, there's a strong chance Maybin's playing time could increase as the season progresses, particularly as he's already starting to see a few more snaps per game. Again - this is a player whose talent is undeniable. If he starts producing in the second half of the season, the minds of a large number of fans will be put at ease.

Jairus Byrd. Yes, he's been Buffalo's MVP through the first half of the season, thanks to his league-leading seven interceptions. He's a leading candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. But he's not a complete, two-dimensional safety yet. If his groin injury doesn't hamper him over the next two months, Byrd has a chance to gain a ton of starting experience and develop his tackling skills. The more he plays, the closer he comes to becoming an all-around playmaker, and if that happens, he could be considered one of the elite defensive backs in the NFL.

Three Bills with the most to gain if they're on tape for a new coaching staff
Trent Edwards. That one's pretty obvious. He's a young player that has some talent, and he's shown (very occasional) flashes of competence at the game's most important position. If a new coaching staff is in Buffalo in 2010, that staff's most important decision will be centered around what to do at quarterback. A strong finish to this season could help Edwards survive a regime change. Of course, it could also help save his current coach's job, as well.

Paul Posluszny. The completely unbiased view of Posluszny outside of Buffalo right now is as follows: perfect teammate, tremendous competitor with leadership skills and smarts, limited playmaker and an injury risk. He might be playing out of position as well, and is this kid's ceiling as high as originally thought? Like Edwards, Poz isn't going to be leaving Buffalo any time soon, but if he wants to remain this team's starting middle linebacker through next off-season, he needs to close this season well.

Donte Whitner. He's missed at least one game in each of his four pro seasons, including four of the Bills' first eight games this season. Prior to his departure from the lineup, Whitner was playing at the highest level of his career - but as he's missed time, Byrd has established himself as one of the elite young defensive backs in the NFL. Whitner has been a team captain, but he's not anymore. His production remains an issue, even if his versatility remains a tremendous asset to this team. Again - he won't be going anywhere any time soon, but he's got a lot to prove if he's to remain a key part of Buffalo's defense through a regime change.

Three Bills playing out the string
Roscoe Parrish. He's been relegated to third quarterback duties, and there's a chance he could be released when the team activates James Hardy from the PUP list. One of the elite punt returners in NFL history, Parrish has worn out his welcome in Buffalo thanks to a mistake-prone 2009 season and his inability to learn the Bills' offense.

Chris Ellis. A third-round pick in 2008, Ellis had a quiet rookie season and, thanks to the presence of three veterans and Maybin, hasn't had much opportunity this year, either - he's been active just once. He barely hung on to a roster spot as it was, and did so only after a strong pre-season. Unless a veteran or two leaves and the coaching staff remains intact, Ellis is unlikely to get his career started in Buffalo.

John McCargo. He's been hurt, ineffective, traded, and returned to the Bills over the past couple of seasons. He is the only Bills defensive tackle that doesn't have a contract that expires in the 2013 season - and the Bills could use additional beef at that position. Add it all up, and McCargo is probably done in Buffalo after this season ends.

Three Bills pondering future roles with the club
Brad Butler. He started the season off relatively well at right tackle, but now he's on IR, and Buffalo's offensive line is a mess. A new regime would almost certainly address the O-Line, and particularly each tackle position, but Butler also has a contract that expires in 2013. He'll be in Buffalo for a while - the question is simply where he'll be playing, and whether or not he'll be starting.

Eric Wood. Again, Wood's not going anywhere soon - the only Bills locked up as far into the future as Wood is are WR Lee Evans, DE Aaron Schobel and Maybin. But most NFL personnel executives saw Wood as a pure center prospect entering the 2009 NFL Draft. Obviously, he's playing guard in Buffalo. I, for one, would support the move, but Wood needs to put good tape together so a new regime - or even the current regime - wises up and puts him at center.

Leodis McKelvin. He had a so-so rookie campaign, and to say the start of his 2009 season was disastrous would be a monumental understatement. Now he, too, is on IR, and Buffalo's secondary is getting along swimmingly without him. CB Drayton Florence has filled in admirably in his stead; his play has been so good, in fact, that if it continues, McKelvin may not regain his starting role in 2010.

Three Bills free agents waiting on tenterhooks
Terrell Owens. T.O. is in a tricky position. His numbers are so far down that it seems unlikely that many teams will be interested in him as a UFA in 2010, even if he's been on his best behavior as a Bill. Then again, he's unlikely to stay in Buffalo beyond this season if Dick Jauron is let go. Owens has eight more games in Buffalo, and then it's anyone's guess what happens from there.

Ryan Denney. People tend to grossly underestimate just how valuable Denney is to this team. He gives the Bills quality reps as a rotational defensive lineman - at both tackle and end, by the way - and he's been one of Bobby April's key special teams players throughout his career. He's scheduled for free agency after the season, however, and the Bills have serious investments in Schobel, Maybin and even DE Chris Kelsay. Particularly if Jauron leaves, but even if he doesn't, he could be looking for a new home.

Keith Ellison. He's currently fourth in the NFL with 68 tackles, and he's clearly having his best season as a pro. He's been an incredibly valuable commodity to Perry Fewell, as he has played all three linebacker spots - strong, middle, weak - as the Bills have dealt with ridiculous injuries and shake-ups at the position. But he also has his limitations, and while the Bills have been able to scheme around them, a new regime might not view Ellison in quite the same light. He'll be a UFA as well (though if there's no new CBA, he'll be an RFA), and like many players, Ellison's Bills fate may be tied directly to his play the rest of the season as well as the fate of the coaching staff.

Handing out first-quarter grades for the Buffalo Bills

Brian Galliford — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:15:14 -0000

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The Buffalo Bills have completed the first quarter of their regular season slate this season, and have done so with a 1-3 record. After a promising start to the season with a surprisingly close loss in New England and a semi-convincing home victory over Tampa Bay, Buffalo has dropped two straight abysmal performances to New Orleans and Miami. The Bills are 0-2 in the division, and are the only AFC East team to not yet pick up a win against a divisional foe. They've scored more points than just two other AFC teams - Oakland (1-3) and Cleveland (0-4). Meanwhile, only Kansas City (0-4), Cleveland and Detroit (1-3) have surrendered more points than the Bills.

In short? It's been pretty brutal.

It's not all bad news, though - Buffalo has four more games on its schedule against teams that have yet to win a single game in the first quarter of the season (Week 5 vs Cleveland, Week 7 at Carolina, Week 10 at Tennessee and Week 14 at Kansas City). So unless the Bills continue to play as they have over the past two weeks (or they can't stay healthy once they get healthy again), there's a chance they could climb back into the race. But only a chance.

We've got grades for you for each positional unit through four games. We also highlight two players that have really stood out, and two more that... haven't. It's all after the jump.

Quarterbacks: C- You can't completely discount Trent Edwards' strong start to the season - through two games, he'd thrown four touchdown passes and sported a QB rating of 104.9. But with his O-Line in a constant state of flux and with his own play slipping to a new level of mediocrity (for him), the position has only barely been passable this season - and it's been ridiculously awful in the past two weeks. Good news, though - Ryan Fitzpatrick has shown a great aptitude in relaying play calls from Alex Van Pelt to Edwards. (Yes, that means I'm saying that the calls to bench Edwards are ridiculous.)

Running Backs: A- There is nothing to not like about Fred Jackson's game. He's still the sixth-leading rusher in the league (333 yards at 4.8 yards per carry) despite the fact that Buffalo has abandoned the running game almost completely in the last two weeks. He continues to lead the Bills in receptions and receiving yardage, too. Fred Jackson is our best player right now, and it's not really close. Marshawn Lynch is back and continues to knock off the rust; we'll see if his presence has any long-term effects on the effectiveness of Jackson. Heck, Xavier Omon looked pretty solid taking spot carries for Jackson in Weeks 1-3, too.

Wide Receivers: D Part of their alarming lack of production has to do with the lack of cohesiveness up front as well as the lack of rhythm in the passing game. Terrell Owens, Lee Evans and Josh Reed have combined for 29 catches, 415 yards and 3 TD through four games. That's about equal to the output of Steve Smith - New York's Steve Smith, not Carolina's Steve Smith - who has 34 catches, 411 yards and 4 TD as a make-shift No. 1 receiver for Eli Manning. If that doesn't speak volumes about how putrid the receivers and the passing attack in general have been, I don't know what does. They only get a D because they can't be completely blamed for their issues.

Tight Ends: D+ Derek Schouman proved himself a valuable, underrated underneath option before landing on IR with a knee injury. Derek Fine has been just as prone to drops as the receivers have been, and while Shawn Nelson has flashed ability (he had a TD reception in Week 1, his first NFL appearance), he hasn't yet asserted himself as a threat in Schouman's stead. Jonathan Stupar? He's human, folks - very, very human.

Offensive Tackles: D Unfortunately for Brad Butler, he gets dragged down by his teammates. Butler was performing well, but he, too, is on IR - his season is over. Demetrius Bell flashed loads of potential and dominance, but he also made tons of mistakes - and then he missed Week 4 with a groin injury. His worth, however, was thrown into perspective when Jonathan Scott and Kirk Chambers resorted to the pirouette pass-blocking technique down in Miami. It didn't work for them. Buffalo has given up 16 sacks already this season, and the vast majority of them are the fault of the tackles.

Offensive Guards/Centers: B- Geoff Hangartner has struggled with a nagging back injury and really awful shotgun snaps, but he's still representative of a massive improvement at center from last year's group. Andy Levitre and Eric Wood, the subjects of much pre-season skepticism, have both made their share of mistakes (many more in the case of Wood), but they've also been dominant at times, particularly in the run game. These guys have proven why they were high-round picks, and there is some hope that they'll turn into dominant offensive linemen sooner rather than later. It's not perfect, but here, at least, there is lots of potential.

Defensive Ends: B It's hard to find reasons to be upset with this group right now; much-maligned for the past two seasons, this group is performing well. With very little statistical input from first-round pick Aaron Maybin, the trio of Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney have amassed 7 sacks already - well beyond the pace they've set in recent seasons. Yes, they're still susceptible to misdirection plays and lapses against the run, but on a long list of problem areas, this unit is unranked. They're playing well.

Defensive Tackles: C+ This group had a strong start to the season, but they've faded in the last two games as the Bills have given up well over 200 yards rushing per game to opponents. Marcus Stroud has two sacks, while Kyle Williams and Spencer Johnson have both flashed the ability to make plays in the backfield. Williams in particular has been unblockable at times. But they're getting gashed right now - which isn't completely their fault, I realize, but does bring their grade down a touch.

Linebackers: F How's your arm, Paul Posluszny? "Poz" has played roughly two quarters' worth of football this season after breaking his arm in the first half against New England, and Buffalo's defense clearly misses him. Kawika Mitchell and Keith Ellison are both serviceable players, but in this defensive scheme, they can't carry the burden they're carrying now - they've been abysmal against the run, and the plays they've made are... well, never mind, they haven't made any plays yet. Marcus Buggs has been overwhelmed trying to fill in for Posluszny, and none of the team's young, talented reserves have proven capable of stepping up. This is the clear weak area of the defense right now.

Cornerbacks: B Terrence McGee continues his unappreciated play; as far as reliable tacklers go, McGee might sit atop a list of two or three names - all of them defensive backs. (Posluszny might have sneaked onto that list were he healthy.) Leodis McKelvin is gone for the season, but before he was lost, he'd been picked on almost mercilessly by the likes of Tom Brady, Byron Leftwich and Drew Brees. Drayton Florence has played well in his place, but we'll see how long that lasts - he was brutal as a starter last season in Jacksonville. Reggie Corner and Ashton Youboty have performed well in sub-package duty, but it's best if they stay in that role - we really can't afford any more injuries here.

Safeties: B+ Take away some big plays they've given up to opposing tight ends, and they might have snuck into A range. I said it earlier this morning, and I'll say it again: Donte Whitner is playing at a Pro Bowl level. I'm curious to see if that continues when he eventually returns from his thumb injury. Bryan Scott continues to be highly competent defending the run, and is as sure a tackler as there is. Jairus Byrd has seen a lot of playing time, and has acquitted himself quite well - he hasn't made any big plays yet, but he hasn't given any up, either. He's shown physicality defending the run, too - but he needs to start taking better angles.

Specialists: B- I knock the grade a bit because of the poor overall performance of Bobby April's coverage units and kick return unit, but overall, the individual specialists - Rian Lindell, Brian Moorman and particularly rookie long-snapper Garrison Sanborn - have been quite good.

Coaching: C- I'll never be the type of guy that lays blame at any one person or group's feet. Football is a team game, and losses are team losses just as wins are team wins. But the coaching has not been good this season. Strong game plans - such as the one employed by Perry Fewell to almost completely shut down Brees and the Saints - have been overshadowed by terrible on-field play, which no matter which way you cut it is partially at the feet of the coaching staff. Hot seat? Yep - every last Bills coach is sitting on one as we speak.

Bills' O-Line set for more change heading to Miami

Brian Galliford — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:01:37 -0000

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The NFL off-season is well behind us, considering nearly a quarter of the regular season is gone, and during that excruciatingly long time frame, the Buffalo Bills made some pretty massive changes to their offensive line - changes that discouraged many experts from being much more than skeptical about the Bills' 2009 prospects.

Buffalo had it hard enough opening training camp this past July with such massive changes to overcome. Unfortunately for the team, those changes have not stopped - and entering a critical Week 4 matchup with the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo will be fielding its most questionable offensive line in recent memory, particularly at tackle.

Demetrius Bell, who usurped Langston Walker as the left tackle of choice in Buffalo this pre-season, missed his third straight day of practice on Friday as he continues to deal with a groin injury he picked up in last week's loss to New Orleans. Bell is out for the Miami game (along with Donte Whitner, Bryan Scott and John McCargo, by the way). That means that Buffalo's top three tackles when the pre-season opened - Walker, Bell and Brad Butler - won't be available this week. (Butler is lost for the season). Heading into Miami, Jonathan Scott and Kirk Chambers will be charged with shutting down what is sure to be a blitz-happy Dolphins pass rush.

Charting the change
Last season, Buffalo's tackles were Jason Peters, Langston Walker, Kirk Chambers and Jonathan Scott. Yes, Bell was on the team, but as he never dressed for a game, he doesn't really count.

Peters was traded in April. Buffalo didn't actually bring a tackle in, electing to shift Walker to the left side and move Butler - a natural tackle who spent his first three years at guard - to the right side. The change didn't stop, however, as Buffalo elected to start the season with Bell on the left side.

Buffalo has transitioned from Peters to Walker to Bell and now to Scott at left tackle. (Thankfully, the final transition appears to be very temporary.) On the right side, there hasn't been the same quantity of change (Butler to Scott to Chambers - and again, the last transition is temporary), but they'll play in Miami with a guy who wasn't an initial part of their 53-man roster at right tackle.

Oh, and Jamon Meredith - a green-as-Bell rookie out of South Carolina - is our swing tackle for this week. Trent Edwards: check your health insurance policy before you hop on that plane for Miami International.

How this affects the Miami game plan
I could say this all myself, but why do that when Jim Kelly is a far more convincing figure? (Not that y'all need convincing.) In an exclusive to BuffaloBills.com, Kelly mentions the following as just the biggest of many downfalls to the current situation at tackle:

Alex (Van Pelt) and his fellow offensive coaches will have to start with their protections and go from there. They’re going to have make sure their protections are sound and then see what’s realistic to run off of that. So they may not be able to go into Sunday’s game with a full out game plan like when you have an offensive line that’s not in a state of flux due to injury.

There are obvious consequences to the continuity on an already-discontinuous offense front, and the whole young players (i.e. Bell) in need of reps at the positions that they'll be playing long-term issue, too. But those aren't the immediate issue. Winning in Miami is, and this doesn't help - in fact, it could be extremely detrimental.

Despite the fact that Joey Porter may miss the game, Miami's defense remains big and physical on the line, and fast and athletic (oh, and big) at rush linebacker. Their pass rush has been stagnant to this point, but does that really matter considering the youth of Buffalo's offensive line and their even bigger issue at tackle? Considering how mightily Buffalo struggled against an athletic New Orleans front last week, the matchup with Miami isn't particularly encouraging this week, either.

Buffalo has a chance to put up plenty of big plays this week against a Miami defense that has surrendered them routinely this season. They certainly have the skill players at running back and receiver to get the job done. But Trent Edwards will need to be upright - or display an ability to quickly diagnose a defense we have rarely seen from him to this point - to make those plays this week. This is a must-win game against a beatable opponent, but the biggest issue entering Miami is whether or not our quarterback will live to see Week 5. Mr. Scott? Mr. Chambers? Please don't suck on Sunday.

New Orleans Saints @ Buffalo Bills: Interview with the Enemy

Saintsational — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:00:18 -0000

With the Saints next game against the Bills quickly approaching, there has been a healthy back and forth between our very own members and visiting members from SB Nation's Bills blog, Buffalo Rumblings. As is tradition during the regular season, I had a chance to talk with their fearless leader, Brian Galliford. Below is what Brian had to say about Buffalo and the game this weekend.

CSC: When you initially emailed me, you expressed early concern about the Bills' chance to beat the Saints. Does that have to do with the Bills poor pass defense? Wish you had Jabari Greer back?

BR: It actually doesn't have anything to do with Greer - we're OK without him - or the pass defense as its No. 31 ranking makes it appear on the surface. It simply stems from the fact that I don't think the Bills, as talented and underrated as they might be, match up well with a team like New Orleans.

I feel compelled, however, to point out that the fact that the Bills are surrendering 332 passing yards per game lacks context. Tom Brady and Byron Leftwich have combined to throw 103 passes against this team in two weeks - and despite all of the yardage (and, unfortunately, touchdowns) surrendered, the Bills actually rank a respectable No. 12 in the NFL in Yards Per Attempt allowed to opposing quarterbacks, giving up 6.5 yards every throw. I'd call our pass defense "average" before getting to "poor." Then again, when Drew Brees hears "average pass defense"...

CSC: I've got T.O. on my fantasy team but he's been pretty quiet so far. He normally plays well in his first year with a new team. Will this be the week T.O. blows up?

BR: That depends. There's a strong chance that Buffalo could come into this game intending to do exactly what the Miami Dolphins did to Indianapolis this past week - control the clock. That didn't help Miami in the end, obviously, but they played a heck of a game and controlled throughout. That said, they'll obviously need to score points to win, and in order to do so, they'll need to maintain run/pass balance and take shots to their big-play wideouts. I think there's a very strong chance Owens has his first "big" game in Buffalo - but Trent Edwards will need time to throw, and if things are going well for the Bills, they won't be passing as often as they would if they trail early.

CSC: It seems like the Bills are getting bit by the injury bug a bit, placing two players on injured reserve the last couple of days, most notably Brad Butler. How much does that hurt given he was your most experienced lineman?

BR: It most definitely hurts. When Buffalo made the decision to jettison 80% of its starting line, Butler was the one holdover, and it was his work ethic and attitude that they tried to emulate when bringing in new players. They succeeded. The line is still a work in progress, but Butler's intelligence and hard-nosed attitude on the field will be sorely missed. That said, there was not an overly noticeable drop-off when Jonathan Scott took over at right tackle, and for now, the Bills will be OK up front. They really can't afford another injury there.

CSC: What will be the Bills' game plan this Sunday for the Saints?

BR: That's tough simply because of the way the Saints match up against us. I think clearly, you want to limit the number of possessions that Brees gets, so expect heavy doses ofFred Jackson, some screen passes, and possibly some spread looks for short throws from our offense to sustain drives and eat up clock. I fully expect Gregg Williams to come after Trent Edwards hard, which could open up the big play.

Defensively, I think our best chance is to vary our blitzes (and do so often), give Brees some new looks that he hasn't seen on tape, and play physically in the secondary to try to tip some passes, strip some balls, and beat up New Orleans' receivers. Pressure is critical, because you obviously can't let Brees sit in the pocket and pick us apart - he's a great quarterback, and you need to force a great quarterback's hand to beat him. The Saints will score points, so resiliency from our D is critical as well.

CSC: Name a Bills player that Saints fans might not know about and should keep their eye on this Sunday.

BR: Assuming you've heard of RB Fred Jackson and DT Kyle Williams - the former is quickly becoming a household name, and the latter played at LSU and has been outstanding in our first two games - I'll tell you to keep an eye on rookie TE Shawn Nelson. Our starter, Derek Schouman, was just placed on IR. Derek Fine is a good blocking option as a second-year player out of Kansas, but a receiving threat he is not. Nelson is dealing with a sprained shoulder, but if he plays (and he should), he'll be heavily involved in the passing game, especially considering the fact that the Saints had some trouble with Eagles TE Brent Celek last weekend.

CSC: Care to make a prediction?

BR: Buffalo is equipped to play with a team like the Saints - we have an offense that can beat you in a lot of ways. But Drew Brees is Drew Brees, and I'm not sure this defense will display enough consistency in their pass rush or enough creativity in their fronts to hold up their end of the bargain. Buffalo might keep this one interesting into the fourth, but it will take a near-perfect effort to beat an offense as efficient as New Orleans'. Saints 37, Bills 24

CSC: I have been thinking about trying to raise money for a charity through CSC. Tell everyone about what Buffalo Rumblings did last week.

BR: After Leodis McKelvin's fumble in our loss to New England, a couple of teenagers vandalized his front lawn. Bills fans were uneasy about the potential detriment to our image that that isolated incident might inflict, so one of our readers, Tim Petrella, decided to do something about it. He started a fund for a charity McKelvin has supported in the past, Kids Escaping Drugs, and Bills fans donated as a show of public support not only for the charity, but for McKelvin himself.

The effort has raised nearly $4,000, and donations are still trickling in. Clark Judge at CBS Sports covered the story on a national scale, and fans from several fan bases - Broncos, Vikings, 49ers, etc. - dropped by to support the effort as well. It's been a unique experience, to say the least, and it shows the type of heart that NFL fans, and Bills fans, have.

Notes from the Bills' O-Line: Week 2 vs Tampa Bay

Ron From NM — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:22:56 -0000

Believe it or not, it's really not much more fun to break down the game when the Buffalo Bills win than it is when they lose. Sure, there's the giddy thrill of watching Terrell Owens score a long TD, but my attention is primarily in the trenches. Wins generally also equate to more runs, which take longer to analyze than pass plays. Given that I'm home sick today, I had plenty of time to wade through the 34 run plays (and 35 pass plays) between all too frequent trips to the bathroom. [Ed. Note: ... ew.]

Enough whining! Onto the Bucs game, and how Buffalo was able to put up 200+ yards rushing playing half of the game without their most seasoned offensive lineman, right tackle Brad Butler.

Speaking of Butler, when I saw that Kirk Chambers was inactive, I wondered to myself if this was the Fourth Annual Brad Butler Injury Day. It turned out it was. While I like Butler and have been one of his biggest cheerleaders (even at a mere 140 pounds, I doubt any of the Jills outweigh me... though it's a good bet quite a few are taller than my meager 5'6"), it looks like it is time for the Bills to move on and find a permanent starting right tackle - perhaps a stopgap guy now (more on that later) and a new guy in the early rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft. As much as I like the guy, Butler has proven too fragile to be counted on week after week.

Drive 1
Run 1: Owens reverse for 13 yards through the left C gap
- Demetrius Bell went to the second level and kept 54 busy enough to let Owens by. Andy Levitre pushed 95 inside and rode him in a circle away from and behind the play. Geoff Hangartner went to the second level and blocked downfield. Eric Wood turned 98 away from the play. Butler pulled to the right and stuck his hand in 26's chest. With Fred Jackson coming around the right side it, looked like a run to the right. Derek Schouman cut 57 and Shawn Nelson ran with a DB at the second level.

Run 2: Jackson 5 yards through the A gap
- Bell kept 90 (Gaines Adams, a former Top 5 pick) on the end of the line. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 95. Levitre tried to peel and hit 54 but was too late to reach him. Wood and Butler doubled 98 and blew him 5 yards off the line. Wood put 98 down and Butler peeled off and locked up 51. Nelson was left alone with 97 and drove him back four yards. Schouman locked up 57 at the second level and put him down.

Run 3: Jackson 4 yards through the right B gap
- Bell went to the second level while Levitre missed a cut on 95. Hangartner went to the second level as well and tapped 51 at the end of the play. Wood stood up 91 and turned him away from the run lane. Butler pulled wide and blew 21 back 10 yards. Nelson drove 58 and spun him down. Schouman held his own against 97 and turned him away from the run lane.

Pass 1: Evans 32 yard TD against a 6 man blitz
- Bell blocked inside on 95 while Levitre split his effort between helping with 95 and 98. Hangartner gave up 4 yards to 98. Wood stuffed 97 when he tried to spin and Butler stopped a LB at the corner. Schouman blocked 90 and kept him on the edge of the line. Jackson picked up a blitzing 58. The play was a terrific audible; Trent Edwards saw he had Lee Evans one on one and took the shot.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: no one

Drive 2
Run 4: Jackson 6 yards through the left C gap
- Bell sealed 95 inside (and fell on him at the end of the play) after Levitre had driven him 2 yards. Hangartner chipped 98 then peeled and locked onto 51. Wood got a little push on 98 but 98 slipped his block and got in on the tackle. Butler kept 97 on the edge of the line of scrimmage (LOS). Schouman got a five yard drive on 90 but 90 got off the block and in on the tackle. Nelson had a half assed block on 58, who almost made a tackle for loss (TFL).

Pass 2: Nelson for 14 yards against a 5 man blitz
- Bell stuffed 90. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 95 until Levitre disengaged to pick up a blitzing 54 with an assist from Jackson. Wood and Butler doubled 98. Schouman blocked 97 like it was a run play. The pretty play action by Edwards sucked up all three LBs and opened the field for Nelson.

Run 5: Jackson -2 yards through the A gap
- Bell sealed 95 inside and inadvertently pushed him toward the RB. Levitre had initial block on 95 but lost his footing and fell. Hangartner and Wood doubled 95 with Wood throwing him down at the end of the play. Butler kept 97 on the edge on the right side while Schouman did the same to 90 on the other side. Nelson tried to pick up the filling 58 but just bounced off of him (shades of Darian Barnes... no wait, Nelson made contact so that isn't fair) which allowed 58 to make the TFL.

Run 6: Jackson 2 yards through the left C gap
- Bell pulled and got a piece of 21 but he was still on the tackle. You'd figure Bell would dwarf toss pretty much any DB... Levite failed to cut 95 and Wood failed to cut 98. Hangartner went to the second level and hit a LB. Butler went to the second level but had no one to block. Nelson attempted to redeem himself by cutting 58 and failed. Schouman blocked 91 down the LOS.

Pass 3: Incomplete to Owens
- Bell was beaten badly by 91's speed rush and flagrantly held, killing the play and the drive. Levitre and Hangartner initially doubled 95, who went around Levitre and then Hangartner and almost got the sack. 97 spun away from Wood and right into Edwards' path as he moved in the pocket. Butler pushed 90 well upfield. Owens had a shot at the reception for a first down but, because of Bell, it wouldn't have mattered even if he'd caught it.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Bell (Bills got a field goal out of the drive)

Drive 3
Run 7: Jackson 8 yards through the right C gap
- Bell let 90 run upfield and out of the play. Levitre got some push on 95 alone. Hangartner hit a LB at the second level. Wood did just enough to 98 to keep him out of the play. (98 eventually fell over Schouman.) Butler doubled 97 with Schouman and kept him out of the play.

Run 8: Jackson no gain through the left C gap
- 90 got inside of Bell and almost had a TFL. Levitre was tossed aside by 95, who made the tackle. Hangartner went to the second level and fell down without hitting anyone. Wood turned 93 and kept him on the line. Butler chipped 97 for Schouman and then went to the second level too late to catch 54.

Pass 4: Jackson 2 yards
- 90 buckled Bell so it was a good thing Edwards had a quick pass called. Levitre gave 2 yards to 95. Hangartner and Wood doubled 93 and Butler stopped 97 at the corner.

Run 9: QB sneak 1 yard through the A gap against a stacked box
- The entire line surged forward a full yard. Derek Fine did a good job of getting under 58. Give Jauron credit for going for it on fourth and inches in Buffalo's end of the field. Also, there's no way the Bills would have ever run a sneak through the A gap with Melduke Prestfowsuck at center so give Hangartner his due, too. Oh, and give the defense credit for ripping Edwards helmet off as he laid on the top of the pile in full view of at least four officials who littered the field with yellow hankies.

Pass 5: Owens 5 yards plus a second facemask penalty
- 91 beat Bell to the corner but was too late to stop the quick pass. Levitre was destroyed by 95. Hangartner and Wood doubled 98 and Butler stuffed 96.

Run 10: Jackson 2 yards through the A gap
- Bell blew 91 4 yards off the LOS with help from Schouman, who put 91 down. Levitre got a 2 yard push on 95 but 95 pushed him aside and was in on the tackle. Hangartner and Wood doubled 98 and drove him 4 yards off the LOS. Butler chucked 96, who still got in on the tackle, and went to the second level.

Pass 6: INC to Evans in end zone against 6 man blitz
- Bell sent 91 around the corner. Levitre turned the DT out and rode in a circle following Bell and 91. Hangartner and Wood doubled 96 who came in on a stunt. Butler gave up a little ground to 98. Jackson picked up a blitzing DB. A LB got a free shot on Edwards, seemingly due to lack of communication between Hangartner and Wood. The ball hit Evans in the hands. True, the defender was right there and got his hand up near Evans but Evans has to make that catch - particularly since Edwards went to him in the face of the blitz knowing Evans would have one on one coverage.

Pass 7: INC hurried
- Bell did an okay job on the DE but when Edwards dropped farther back the DE was able to get around Bell and chase the QB. 95 (Hovan) blew right past Levitre to force Edwards back and abandon the pocket. Hangartner and Wood doubled 97 after Hang looked around for a blitzer. Butler stuffed 90.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 1
Drive killed by: Evans' drop

Drive 4
Run 11: Jackson for 11 yards through the left B gap
- Bell pulled wide and crushed 20 at the point of attack (POA). Levitre tried to cut 95 and got enough of him to slow him down and keep him out of the play. Hangartner went to the second level and hit 51, moving him across the formation and eventually putting him down. Wood rode 98 part of the way across the formation until they tripped over Levitre. Butler went to the second level and had no one to block. Fine did a great job on 90 at the POA and Schouman missed a cut.

Run 12: Jackson 2 yards through the A gap
- Bell tossed 54 to the ground when he tried to circle behind the play. Levitre got a 2 yard drive on a DT. Hangartner went to the second level and missed a block on a LB. Wood blocked 98 alone and kep him out of the run lane. Butler went to the second level and had no one to block again. He looked a bit lost. Fine did a good job on 97 but Schouman had an outstanding cut on 90. Gaines Adams looked like the arrestor wire on an aircraft carrier had whipped his legs out from under him.

Pass 8: Owens drop against a 6 man blitz
- Bell picked up a delayed blitzer. Levitre chucked a LB who broke off to chase the TE. 95 almost got around Hangartner. Wood and Butler doubled 98. Butler peeled off to pick up 97 when he rushed as well. Owens had a TD in his hands and just dropped it. It was the perfect play call (audible) against the blitz.

Pass 9: INC to Evans against a 6 man blitz
- Bell pushed 95 to Levitre and waited for any other threats to emerge. Levitre took on 95 and between them made too much of a roadblock for a twisting 91 to get around. Hangartner and Wood doubled 97. Butler pushed 90 around the corner. Schouman pinned a blitzing DB when he slipped and Jackson helped in the middle of the line. The bad pass is on Edwards.

Blitzes: 2
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Owens

Drive 5
Run 13: Jackson 24 yards through the left C gap
- Bell and Levitre blew 93 4 yards off the LOS and then sealed him inside to open the run lane. Hangartner got under 98's shoulder and kept him off balance. Wood chipped 98 and then popped 54 and kept him turned. Butler locked up 96 on the edge of the play. Nelson and Schouman doubled 97 and caught 58 up in the wash, taking both of them out of the play. A filling DB whiffed on Jackson, which would have limited it to a short gain.

Run 14: Jackson 8 yards through the A gap
- Bell cut 54, who got up and in on the tackle. Levitre missed a cut on 93. Hangartner pulled wider than nay lineman but had no one to block. Wood gave a little ground to 98 and then cut him. Butler pulled and popped 51, sending him back 3 yards. 80 hand fought with 58. Nelson battled with 96 who eventually got off the block and in on the tackle.

Pass 10: INC to Evans
- Everyone blocked left like it was a run but careful not to go downfield. Schouman would have blocked the DE if he didn't fall for the bootleg and instead was an outlet receiver. Since Schouman was well covered Edwards threw it towards Evans, who had come back towards the LOS to give Edwards a target.

Run 15: Jackson 13 yards through the A gap
- Bell let 90 take himself out of the play by going upfield. Levitre pulled and pancaked 93 in the hole. 93 was certain he was going to get a TFL. Hangartner wrestled a DT down. Wood went to the second level and did enough to keep a LB out of the play. Butler abused 51 at the second level. Schouman got in 90's way but it wasn't a really good block.

Run 16: Jackson 12 yards through the right C gap
- Bell hand fought with a De and Levite did the same with 95. Hangartner went to the second level and took 51 on a circle away from the run. 98 tried to jump inside Wood but was stopped and dropped. Butler again didn't really have anyone to block. Schouman got under 97's left shoulder to seal the edge. Everyone but Hangartner blocked like it was a pass play.

Run 17: Jackson 1 yard through the left C gap
- Bell pulled wide and had no one to block. Levitre missed cut on 95. Hangartner tried to cut off 51 at the second level but couldn't reach him and he made the tackle. Wood blocked 98 all over the formation, peeled off and popped a LB when 98 finally got past him. Butler went to the second level and had no one to block. Schouman and Fine blocked 90 and sealed him inside.

Pass 11: Scramble for 20 yards
- 91 beat Bell with pure speed never mind that it looked like Bell was holding, too. Bell caused the scramble. Levitre blocked 93 with initial help from Hangartner, who then helped Wood with 97. Butler waited patiently for 90 to get around Schouman's block but it never happened. Meanwhile, Bell and 91 rolled up on the back of Butler's legs ending his season.

Pass 12: INC to Schouman - bad pass
- Bell and Levitre doubled the DE and then also picked up a twisting DT. Hangartner gave Wood a little help with 93. Scott had a decent initial play against 96.

Run 18: Jackson -2 yards through the right B gap-fumble returned 70+ yards
- Bell popped 91 then hit him again at the second level. Levitre got inside of the DT and kept him shielded from the play. Hangartner went to the second level and went after a LB. Wood blocked 97 down the LOS. Scott let 96 circle past the run lane and kept him from chasing the play. Parrish missed the block on 20 who made the tackle.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Jackson's fumble; Parrish missed a block but Jackson didn't secure the ball

Drive 6
Run 19: Jackson 9 yards through the left B gap
- Bell locked dup 54 at the second level. Levitre moved the DT out of the run lane. Hangartner went to the second level and fell on a DB. Wood got on 97 and pushed him 12 yards downfield. Scott went to the second level and bulldogged 51, pushing him 5 yards. Fine kept 90 out of the play. Schouman pulled across the formation and popped a DE who was trying to close down the run lane-great block.

Pass 13: Josh Reed 7 yards
- A DE pushed into Bell and after popping him used the space he created to get inside and get after Edwards. Levitre was marched backwards by the DT. Hangartner and Wood doubled 97. Scott stuffed 90.

Pass 14: Schouman 27 yards
- Bell pushed the DE past Edwards, causing the DE to slip. Levitre, Hangartner and Wood tripled 97. Wood left to pop 90 for Scott, who didn't seem to need the help.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: halftime

Drive 7
Pass 15: Schouman 1 yard
- The entire line blocked like it was a run. They easily handled the 3 defenders who were playing the run. The left DE realized a hair too late it was a pass play.

Run 20: Jackson 5 yards through what appeared to be the A gap
- The network was too busy showing TO near tears to bother to broadcast anything other than the tail end of this play. Jerks.

Pass 16: Reed 13 yards
- Bell was almost toppled by the DE but regained his balance. Levitre almost had his DT slide between himself and Hangartner. Wood blocked his DE alone and kept him near the LOS. Scott was helped (only time in the game) when 90 started to gain the corner. Jackson chipped 90 and Scott recovered.

Run 21: Jackson 1 yard through the A gap
- Bell helped Levitre with 93 then locked up 54. Levitre got 93 turned around and then moved him 5 yards downfield. Hangartner went to the second level and missed 51. Wood was shoved back by 98, who made the tackle. Scott doubled 97 with Schouman and they turned 97 in a circle.

Pass 17: Sack -2 yards (right after Reed had an offsides penalty)
- Bell had no one to block since Jackson and Schouman took care of his DE. Levitre and Hangartner doubled the DT. Wood kept 93 3 yards from Edwards but 93 got the sack when Edwards tried to scramble. Scott caused the scramble by letting 97 get around him which forced Edwards to run forward and into 93.

Run 22: Jackson 7 yards through the A gap
- Bell kept 91 on the edge of the LOS until Jackson was past. Levitre hit a LB at the second level. Hangartner turned a DT in a circle away from the run lane. Wood and Scott doubled 97 and drove him 5 yards, accidentally towards Jackson as it turned out. Schouman missed a cut on 90.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Scott (allowed a sack) and Reed (stupid penalty)

Drive 8
Pass 18: Schouman 6 yards
- The DE feinted inside and then went right around Bell. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 96. 98 pushed Wood back almost to Edwards. Scott waited for 97 to engage but he never did.

Run 23: Jackson -2 yard through the left C gap (another facemask penalty on defense)
- Bell pulled wide and missed a block on 58. Levitre pushed 95 down the LOS, slowing him down (but not stopping him) before falling himself. Hangartner went to the second level and locked up 51. Wood blocked 98 into Levitre's prone body, tripping 98. Scott went to the second level but had no one to block. Schouman missed a block at the second level and Fine fell down trying to make a block. It wasn't a pretty play.

Pass 19: Schouman 11 yards
- The DE jumped inside of Bell, making it a good thing that it was a quick pass. Levitre gave quite a bit of ground to a bull rush. Hangartner helped Wood and then pushed a DT past Edwards. Wood was pushed back to near Edwards with a bull rush. Scott did a nice job on 97 on the edge.

Run 24: Jackson 2 yards through the right C gap
- Bell drove 91 3 yards. The DT jumped to Levitre's outside shoulder who then rode him in a circle away from the play. Hangartner crunched 54 as he tried to fill. Wood took 98 back 4 yards like he was on greased roller skate standing on ice. (It kind of reminded me of a reverse Preston-Wilfork situation.) Wood almost took out 51 in the bargin as well. Scott pulled to the inside and got tangled up. Schouman tried to turn 97's shoulder but couldn't so 97 was in on the tackle. Fine wiped out a LB at the second level.

Pass 20: Jackson -4 yard screen
- Bell blocked the DE on the edge. Levitre let 93 move upfield and pushed him past anything useful. Hangartner missed 54 while he got out to block for the screen, which killed the play since 54 made the TFL. Wood got the initial block on 98 and then tried to get out to lead the screen. Scott locked up 96 and moved him inside.

Pass 21: Sack -8 yards
- The DE beat Bell with a spin but Schouman was waiting for him. (It was the only time Bell was helped.) Levitre stuffed 95. Hangartner helped with 90 and then 95. Wood stopped 90 cold when he twisted inside. 97 started inside and Scott got under his shoulder pads. 97 spun away and got to Edwards. However, by that point Edwards had had 5 seconds so the sack really can't be hung on Scott. Instead the blame falls to Edwards for not finding someone.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Edwards

Drive 9
Pass 22: Owens 4 yards
- Bell stoned a spin move by the DE. (Way to learn from your mistakes, Bell!) Levitre waited for a blitzer and eventually helped Bell. Hangartner took a DT past the QB. Wood wouldn't let 98 elevate and Scott stopped 97.

Pass 23: Schouman 10 yards
- Bell pushed the DE well past Edwards. Levitre and Hangartner tag teamed 95. Wood stopped 98 and Scott stuffed a bull rush by 97.

Pass 24: Jackson 10 yards
- Bell stopped a DE. Levitre, Hangartner and Wood easily handled a twist by 95 and 98. Scott pushed 97 upfield.

Pass 25: INT intended for Evans
- Bell pushed the DE past Edwards. Levitre had no one to block when 95 dropped into coverage. Hangartner and Wood doubled 98. Scott circled 97 past the QB.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Edwards' terrible INT

Drive 10
Run 25: Roscoe Parrish reverse for 9 yards through the right C gap
- Bell let 90 go upfield and take himself out of the play. Levitre pushed 95 back a yard, turned him to the left and then pushed him another yard. Hangartner went to the second level and drove a LB 5 yards downfield. Scott unintentionally got in 96's way while he helped Wood with 93. Wood then peeled to pick up a blitzing LB, who he pushed on an arc past the play. Schouman danced with a CB on the edge of the play. 96 was left alone for Parrish to fake out, and he did.

Pass 26: Schouman 7 yards - Schouman injured
- Bell stuffed 90 and knocked him off balance when he tried to elevate. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 95 and kept him from elevating. Wood and Scott doubled 93. Wood should have peeled off to pick up a twisting 96, who got a shot on Edwards.

Pass 27: Jackson 6 yards
- Bell and Levitre easily managed a twist by 95 and 91. Hangartner waited for a blitzer and picked up 97 when he spun away from Wood. Scott blocked 90 but 90 didn't really rush so much as wait to chase the inevitable short pass down from behind.

Run 26: Jackson 1 yard through the A gap
- Bell got under 95's shoulder and spun him around, shielding 91 from the play in the process. Levitre chiped 95 and then hit a LB at the second level and drove him downfield. Hangartner and Wood doubled 97. Hang peeled too late to pick up a filling 54, who was in on the tackle. Scott hand fought with 90 on the periphery of the play.

Pass 28: Reed 14 yards
- Bell barely contained a bull rush by 91 after 91 got under his pads. 95 got some drive on Levitre and Hangartner just waited for someone to break through. Wood chipped 97 and then popped 90 hard enough as he tried to stunt that he lost his balance. Scott blocked 97.

Pass 29: Scramble 2 yards
- Bell put 91 down when he tried to turn the corner. Levitre locked up 97. Hangartner and wood doubled 98. Wood shoved 98 rather dismissively to the ground and then looked for someone else to hit. Hangartner dropped on 98 and laid on him. Scott beat 90 to the corner and kept him in front of him when 90 tried to move back inside.

Pass 30: Jackson 9 yards against a 6 man blitz
- Bell picked up a blitzing 51 but was never seriously engaged as 51 waited to chase down the dump off pass. Levitre was driven back by 97 and Wood by 98. Hangartner got just enough of a stunting 91 to keep him off of Edwards. Scott picked up 96 and had to let 54 (the outside most rusher) get a free shot on Edwards.

Run 27: 3 yards through the right B gap
- Bell and Levitre doubled 97 and drove him 3 yards. Hangartner went to the second level and missed 51, mainly because 97 was driven into Hangartner from behind. Wood drove 98 3 yards off the line and Scott kept 96 on the edge of the line. Fine locked up 91 on the edge of the line.

Pass 31: Reed for 11 yards
- Bell stoned 91 when he tried a speed rush and then stuffed him when he tried a bull rush. 95 blew past Levitre but lost his balance and fell down. Hangartner and Wood doubled 98. Scott stuffed 90.

Pass 32: INC to Omon - bad pass
- 91 blew right around Bell and got around the corner but not to Edwards. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 95. 93 got inside of wood but Wood then recovered and pushed him past Edwards. Scott kept 90 on the edge of the line.

Pass 33: Jackson drop
- Bell and Levitre doubled 90 while Hangartner and Wood doubled 93. Scott stopped 97.

Pass 34: Jackson 3 yard screen
- Bell set up like he was going to pass block and was never engaged by 91. Levitre went downfield and blocked 58 but he shed and got in on the tackle. Hangartner missed a block on a LB in the second level. Wood slowed 97 down and then went downfield but had no one to block. 90 tried a spin move on Scott but was put down and kept down.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Jackson (drop) and Edwards (bad pass to Omon and not checking out of a screen call against a man line). Buffalo did get a FG.

Drive 11
Run 28: Jackson 6 yards through the left C gap
- After chucking 93 Bell didn't get much push on 91 but still managed to get him down. Levitre got under the DT's left shoulder, pushed him 2 yards and wouldn't let him disengage. Hangartner and Wood doubled 98 initially. Hangartner peeled off to get a piece of 54 at the second level. Wood got a 4 yard push on 98 by staying under his left shoulder. Scott got under 96's left shoulder and drove him 3 yards off the line. I kind of doubt it's a coincidence that 3 guys did the same thing to defensive linemen on the same play. Fine chipped 91 and then went to the second level to get a piece of 51.

Run 29: Jackson 4 yards through the A gap (defense offside)
- Bell let 90 go upfield and pushed him past the play. Levitre drove 93 3 yards and opened the run lane. Hangartner had an initial chuck on 93 but picked up a filling 51 and wouldn't let 51 chase the play. Wood and Hangartner doubled 98 until Wood peeled and missed 51 at the second level. Fine blocked 96 unintentionally back towards Jackson.

Pass 35: Owens 43 yard TD against a 6 man blitz
- Bell pushed 90 inside then pushed a blitzing 54 upfield. Levitre picked up 90 from Bell. 93 got past Hangartner and almost had a sack - Hangartner got just enough push to move him past Edwards. Wood gave ground to 98 and Scott stuffed 96. Fine stayed in to protect and stopped a blitzing 20.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: no one

Drive 12
Run 30: Jackson 3 yards through the left B gap
- Bell gave 93 a mild shove for Levitre then missed 51 at the second level. Levitre pushed 93 off the line and then well downfield when he tried to spin. Hangartner gave 98 a chuck and then went to the second level and hit 54. Wood dogged 98 until he got him down. 96 tried to get upfield on Scott and then spin back but was stopped cold. Fine danced with 20.

Run 31: Jackson 43 yards through the left B gap
- Bell let 90 go upfield and kept him there. Levitre drove 93 3 yards and turned him to open the run lane. Levitre made this play. Hangartner chucked 98 then went to the second level and sealed 51 off from the run lane. Wood didn't get much push on 98 but wouldn't let him extend his arms to try to grab Jackson. Scott rode 96 in a circle away from the play. Fine got an initial pop on 96 and then locked onto 54. Reed got away with a mild hold on 20 as he walled off the outside of the run lane.

Run 32: Omon 4 yards through the A gap against an 8 man front
- Bell ignored 90 and went to chuck 95 but couldn't reach him so he blocked 23 instead. Bell couldn't reach 95 because Levitre blew him 3 yards off the line. Hangartner went to the second level and locked up 51. Wood got a 2 yard drive on 98 while Scott went to the second level and hit 54. Fine had 96 alone and didn't get much of a block.

Run 33: Omon 5 yards through the right C gap against an 8 man front
- Bell doubled 90 with Fine and they pushed him away from the play along the LOS. Levitre got a 2 yard drive on 95. Hangartner went to the second and hit 51, who still got in on the tackle. Wood blew 93 4 yards off the line. Scott couldn't catch up to 93 to help Wood. He should have blocked 96, who slowed Omon down.

Run 34: Jackson -1 yard through the A gap against an 8 man front
- Bell let 90 get inside of him for a TFL. Levitre turned 95 and slowed him down but both clogged up a possible run lane. Hangartner helped with 95 and got a piece of 51. Wood turned 93 away from the run lane but got no drive. He and 93 clogged another possible run lane. Scott drove 91 into the end zone by getting under his shoulder pads. Fine circled 96 away from the play.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 1
Drive killed by: Bell

	RUN PLAYS				PASS PLAYS
Name	G	D	B	K	H	G	D	B	K	S
Demetrius Bell	6	23	5	1	1	3	25	6	1	0
Andy Levitre	10	18	6	1	0	1	30	4	1	0
Geoff Hangartner	3	27	4	0	0	0	30	5	1	0
Eric Wood	8	23	3	1	0	1	32	2	0	0
Brad Butler	1	15	1	0	0	0	11	0	0	0
Jonathan Scott	3	13	1	0	1	1	20	2	1	1

Run plays by gap
LC	LB	A	RB	RC
8-50	4-66	14-49	3-5	5-36
6.3 ypa	16.5 ypa	3.5 ypa	1.7 ypa	7.2 ypa

Legend, chart one: H=Help; G=Good; D=Decent; B=Bad; K=Killed; S=Sack
Legend, chart two: LC=Left C; LB=Left B; A=A gap; RB=Right B; RC=Right C; ypa=yards per attempt

A few things stood out as I watched the game, most of which related to the offensive line but a few did not.

The gaudy 16.5-yard average through the left B gap was helped out tremendously by the 43 yard run. Also, the 6.25 average through the left C gap would have been a good deal more pedestrian without the 24 yard run included. The offensive line as a whole continues to need to eliminate mistakes in pass protection. It was good to see that Levitre wasn't a one game wonder and also terrific to see Wood improving as well. The TE situation may be dicey for a while, which could be a real problem for Buffalo. Fine has never demonstrated the ability to be a receiving threat. If Nelson can't go I can see Stupar being activated to be that underneath outlet that is giving defenses so much trouble.

First, the Bucs were all over the bootleg pass to Schouman. Pretty much every time the Bills ran the play Schouman had someone on him from the moment he released from the line. Perhaps the Bills have gone to that well a bit too often. It doesn't matter if it's a play that the offense runs well if the defense consistently diagnoses it.

After the game the Bucs coach called out Gaines Adams. It's easy to see why. They moved Adams (90) from left to right defensive end all game long. He just wasn't a factor until the last run play. It's kind of amazing to me that a Top 5 draft choice can be stymied by a pair of tackles with one game of starting experience between them. Further, the Bills continued to rely on the tackles to win their matchups without assistance so Adams can't even gripe about being constantly chipped. Gaines Adams appears to be an outright bust.

Scott and Butler split the number of runs evenly. The Bills ran right only 5 times with Scott in the game for 21 (4.2 ypa) total yards. You can try to read into it but the Bills only ran left 5 times after Butler was out. Take out the 43 yard play and you're left with 4 runs to the left for 16 yards or 4.0 ypa. I don't think the Bills will be shy about running right in the coming week.

While some point out the number of blitzes that the Bucs unleashed (8 out of 35) the Bills haven't seen a pressure defense. The Bucs stacked box only 4 times, 3 of which were near the goal line at the end of the game and the other was a QB sneak. So far neither the Pats or the Bucs chose to shut down the run and short pass and make Edwards beat them with long passes to Evans and Owens. Someone will give it a try. The Saints have an awesome offense that can score with anyone and a so-so defense. They seem like the perfect team to load the box against the Bills, blitzing and run blitzing with an abandon. Why wouldn't they try it?

Trent Edwards against the blitz should give most teams (as in teams other than the Saints who can score whenever they want) pause when it comes to blitzing heavily. Of the 8 blitzes, Edwards threw TDs of 32 and 43 yards, had a 13 yard first down and a 9 yard pick up. Evans couldn't come up with a TD catch (yes, there was good coverage) and Owens dropped a certain long gainer/possible TD. Edwards really had only one bad pass against the blitz (pass 9) as his only other pass against the blitz (3) got to the receivers hands. Edwards is deadly against the blitz and can burn teams that pressure him.

Bills sign OT Jamon Meredith from Green Bay

Brian Galliford — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:41:25 -0000

More photos » by Mike Roemer - AP

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NFL.com's Jason La Canfora is reporting via Twitter that the Buffalo Bills will sign OT Jamon Meredith off of the practice squad of the Green Bay Packers. OT Brad Butler was placed on Injured Reserve to make room for Meredith; the Bills have confirmed the signing.

Meredith (69, pictured above), a rookie out of South Carolina, was the second of Green Bay's two fifth-round pick this season (No. 162 overall). The 6'5", 304-pound tackle is regarded as a very athletic, very raw prospect, and the fact that Green Bay - which just surrendered five sacks to Bengals DE Antwan Odom - had him on the practice squad as a fifth-round rookie speaks volumes. Athleticism was a priority for the Bills in finding a reserve tackle because of the physical demands of the team's up-tempo, no-huddle offense.

Buffalo needed a tackle after learning on Monday that starting right tackle Brad Butler's season is over. Meredith will be the team's emergency tackle and likely will not be active - unless one of the team's top three tackles (Demetrius Bell, Jonathan Scott, Kirk Chambers) succumbs to injury as well.

The Bills generally go into games with seven active linemen. This move cements Scott's status as the Bills' starting right tackle for the immediate future, and Chambers - a key reserve in 2007 and 2008 that has not yet been active this season - becomes the team's top backup at both left and right tackle.