SB Nation - Josh Reed

Ten worst Buffalo Bills draft picks of the decade

Brian Galliford — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:10:28 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

Yesterday, we talked about the ten best draft picks that the Buffalo Bills have made over the past decade. In order to complete our "[descriptive adjective] of the decade" series here, we've got to knock off the worst picks, too. This list can also be known as "why the Bills have sucked for a decade," but we're also hoping that one last vent session over these missed picks will be therapeutic as the franchise turns a new leaf - and a new decade - next month.

On to the list. Hope you can stomach it.

10. Josh Reed, WR, LSU (2002, Round 2, No. 36 overall)
Tom Donahoe's first draft as GM of the Bills, in 2001, netted some really good players. Nate Clements, Aaron Schobel and Travis Henry all made our "best of" list yesterday, and the Bills even got quality years and production out of third-round pick Jonas Jennings. 2002, however, was an epic flop, and Reed, the Bills' second-round pick (fourth overall in that round), was part of the reason why.

Drafted well ahead of his talent level thanks to a huge bowl game as a senior, the converted running back had a solid rookie season playing between Eric Moulds and Peerless Price on a very prolific Bills offense led by Drew Bledsoe. Then Price was shipped out of town, Reed became the starter, and his career has been incredibly average since then. This was the first in a long line of high-round luxury picks made by Donahoe that did not pan out, and obviously eventually cost Donahoe his job.

9. Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech (2008, Round 3, No. 72 overall)
It's tough to put a player in his second year on this list (and we'll do it again soon), but Ellis is the poster child of several "good idea, bad philosophy/wrong player" picks that the Bills have made this decade. Picked when the Bills had a need to boost their pass rush, Ellis has seen extremely minimal playing time and barely made the roster in his second season. Unlike former second-round picks Schobel, Ryan Denney and Chris Kelsay, Ellis has not found any way to contribute to the team - and though it might still be too early to write him off, the Bills picked a project player with attitude issues in a season when they needed their high-round picks to produce.

8. Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State (2006, Round 1, No. 8 overall)
I suspect that most of you will want to see Whitner higher on this list, simply because the Bills passed on a dominant defensive lineman (Haloti Ngata) to get him. Philosophically, the pick makes at least some degree of sense; look at most of today's elite NFL teams, and you'll find an elite safety on the back end of the defense. Whitner, however, has failed to produce to the standards of a No. 8 overall pick thanks to his being shuffled from position-to-position and his own lack of elite playmaking ability. Whitner is a good player, which is why this pick doesn't rank much higher on the list. Philosophically, however, Buffalo erred here, and thus got the Dick Jauron era off to a not-so-hot start.

7. James Hardy, WR, Indiana (2008, Round 2, No. 41 overall)
Much like Ellis, I'm hesitant to put a second-year player on this list, particularly at the wide receiver position. I still very much believe that Hardy has what it takes to be a poor man's Plaxico Burress-type threat in this league, particularly in the red zone. He won't get the reps to do it any time soon, however.

This pick makes the list because philosophically, it was perhaps the worst team-building move the Bills made in the last half of the decade. Buffalo knew entering the '08 off-season that they needed a threat to complement Lee Evans and help develop young quarterback Trent Edwards. They courted veteran free agents like Bryant Johnson, but that didn't pan out, so they went to the draft and came away with... a tall receiver in need of an incredible amount of polish. Everyone knows that the bigger a rookie receiver, the longer it'll take to develop them. (Unless their surname is Fitzgerald or Johnson.) Hardy couldn't nail down a starting job, Edwards went into a shell thanks to a lack of weapons that he'd never re-emerge from, and the rest is history. Buffalo fixed the situation a year too late with the Terrell Owens signing.

6. Travares Tillman, S, Georgia Tech (2000, Round 2, No. 58 overall)
Tillman played in the NFL for quite a while. He made a nice living as a journeyman safety with some range and athletic ability, and he even picked off 3 passes with Miami in 2005. But you generally would like your second-round picks to spend more than two seasons with your team, which is exactly what Tillman did. He did not survive the regime change from Wade Phillips to Gregg Williams, and that's an indictment on the efforts of former GM John Butler in his last Bills draft class.

5. Roscoe Parrish, WR, Miami, FL (2005, Round 2, No. 55 overall)
Yikes. Without a first-round pick thanks to an epic draft-day blunder of a trade that we'll discuss a bit higher on this list, Donahoe, in his last draft as a Bills GM, chose the gadget player to rule all gadget players with Parrish as his top selection on the season. Parrish has had his moments with this team, and for a while, he was the NFL's best punt returner, setting career average records and putting the Bills in position to win a few games thanks to timely big returns. But Parrish was drafted to be much more than a punt returner; unfortunately, that's all the Bills have gotten.

4. John McCargo, DT, North Carolina State (2006, Round 1, No. 26 overall)
It'd be difficult for most teams to find a bigger first-round flop than McCargo in the past decade; unfortunately for the Bills, they have three bigger flops. Again, this was a case of the Bills taking a player far higher than his talent level indicated; the Bills desperately needed a starting defensive tackle that season, and the fact that they lucked into Kyle Williams four rounds later doesn't make this pick any less of a reach. Since this pick, McCargo has dealt with several small injuries, one major injury (a bulging disc in his back), been traded, had the trade negated, and toiled at the bottom of the Bills' depth chart. Not exactly what you'd like out of a first-round pick.

3. Erik Flowers, DE, Arizona State (2000, Round 1, No. 26 overall)
Butler's last draft featured Flowers as its centerpiece. Bruce Smith had left the team, and the Bills were searching for their next great pass rusher. Flowers didn't stick in Buffalo because Gregg Williams brought in a 4-3 defense that Flowers, a 3-4 pass rusher, did not fit into. But the four sacks that Flowers picked up in two seasons with Buffalo represent 80% of his career total of five, which he picked up in five NFL seasons.

2. J.P. Losman, QB, Tulane (2004, Round 1, No. 22 overall)
This, my friends, was Epic Fail No. 2. Drew Bledsoe had something left in the tank, and the Bills were pushing toward a playoff berth. They did, however, need a quarterback of the future, and then-head coach Mike Mularkey fell in love with the deep ball of a cocky kid from Tulane. Mularkey loved that deep ball so much that the Bills traded multiple picks to Dallas to move back into the first round to get their cocky kid quarterback. Two years later, Mularkey was gone, Losman had a flash-in-the-pan season under Dick Jauron, and then a Losman knee injury began the memorable Trent Edwards era. Now, Losman is attempting to get back into the NFL after leading the Las Vegas Locomotives to a UFL championship.

1. Mike Williams, OT, Texas (2002, Round 1, No. 4 overall)
It's tough to top Losman, but Williams found a way to do it. Williams is the poster child for terrible Bills drafting, and the centerpiece of the plethora of issues that got Donahoe fired. At the time, Williams was given the richest contract in franchise history, but to say that he never lived up to his potential would be a severe understatement. He spent four highly mediocre seasons as Buffalo's right tackle before lazy-ing himself out of the sport entirely; one of the very first actions Marv Levy took on this roster as GM was to cut Williams. Big Mike made a not-so-dramatic return to NFL football this season with Washington, and is now toiling in anonymity on one of the league's worst units that features another former Bill, Derrick Dockery.

Just click his name and take a gander at his picture to see just how far Williams' star has fallen.

GOT NUMBERS? Analyzing the Steelers vs. the Browns II

Ryan Kelsey — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:16:43 -0000

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP

Can Josh Cribbs and the cold weather lead the Browns to an upset?(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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We hate the Steelers. No doubt about it. With a big upset, we could all-but-kill our nemesis' chances at defending their title. Is it possible? Amongst Browns fans, there is a general feel of optimism going into this game. It may be misplaced, but it is not completely without reason. Namely:

1.) They are struggling. They have lost 4 straight. Including games at home to the overrated Bengals and the terrible Raiders and on the road to the average Ravens and really horrible Chiefs. They've battled injuries on both sides of the ball, locker room divisions, and pressure from fans and media. And they haven't handled any of it well. Their defense is filled with questions and their offense isn't scoring. On the other hand, they have lost these four games by a combined 15 points, so maybe a little bad luck is in there

2.) We are playing offense. In two of the last three games, our offense has looked like it belongs in the NFL. Quinn is in the midst of his longest stretch as a starter and looks more and more competent and comfortable (um, 7 TD and 0 INT in the last 3 games?!).

3.) Variables. We are still the underdog (currently, we are 10 point underdogs- according to sportsbook.com). And underdogs need variables. Things like- a home game, on a very short week, at night, historical rivalry, in terribly cold (19, wind chill 0), windy (31 MPH + whatever extra off the lake) and wet (70% chance of snow) weather. Also, injuries. You know that the Browns have been ravaged by injuries, but the Steelers are struggling too. Troy Polamalu is out, William Gay and Hines Ward are questionable. And even though the Browns have a bunch of injuries, it has lead to some surprises and solid play from guys we don't have much information on. (e.g., Moore, Roth, Trusnik, Adams, Rubin)

~~I'll still go through some of the numbers, but not in as much detail as normal. Partially because I don't have as much time (damn short week) and partially because~~ I don't think these numbers mean much of anything given the above 3 factors.

As always, the numbers are all thanks to Football Outsiders.

When the Steelers have the ball

I was surprised to learn that the Steelers are currently ranked 9th in Offensive Efficiency by DVOA (17.3%). I was not surprised to learn that the Browns rank dead last in Defensive Efficiency (23.0%)- dropping two spots after the Chargers torched us for 30 points.

The Steelers are very good in the pass game (9th at 37.9% in DVOA) and very average in the run game (16th at 1.6%). The pass game is anchored by two of the least favorite Pittsburghers: my vote, Ohio's least favorite son, Ben Roethlisberger (9th in both DYAR and DVOA of all qualifying QBs) and Dirty Hines Ward (9th in both DYAR and DVOA of all qualifying WRs). Ward catching 71% of all passes thrown his way is pretty impressive. But that hamstring is going to be very difficult to warm up tomorrow. Santonio Holmes (15.3% DVOA), Heath Miller (15.8%) and Mike Wallace (18.4% DVOA) are also real good options. And while the Browns are actually good at limiting #2 WRs (-7.7% DVOA- that's better than average!!! 12th in the league), we are worst in the league against TEs (See what Antonio Gates did to us last week) and really bad against #1 WRs.

The Steelers usually give up a lot of sacks, because their line isn't very good and Roethlisberger holds on to the ball as long as any quarterback I've ever seen. This year they are 24th in the league, giving up sacks on 7.4% of all drop backs. The Browns rank 17th in the league, sacking the QB on 6.3% of opponent drop backs.

The Browns' defense against the run is about 10% worse than average, 29th in the league. Which is blah enough. But with all the injuries, especially to Shaun Rogers, we are probably worse than that. Not good considering the wind and snow and cold will likely force more running than normal. The mediocre running game of Pittsburgh is lead by the mediocre Rashard Mendenhall (19th in the league at 4.5% DVOA). Mewelde Moore (-19.5%) and Not So Fast Anymore But Still Faster Than Me Willie Parker (-26.6%) are having pitiful seasons.

When the Browns have the Ball

The juggernaut that is the Browns Offense has juggernauted all the way up to 28th in overall efficiency. That's up 3 spots from last week. We now are a more efficient offense over the course of this season than the Chicago Bears. Wow. Before that Detroit game this didn't seem even close to possible. The Browns rank 30th in pass efficiency as a team and 23rd in run efficiency. Even with the Steelers' recent struggles, they are still a very good defense, ranking 13th against the pass and 6th against the run in DVOA- good for 10th overall. But before you get too scared, they were ranked 6th before former ~~bum off the street during the awful 08 Browns Season~~ Browns legend Bruce Gradkowski torched them last just three days ago.* The Steelers miss Polamalu. And they, generally, are not playing well in the secondary.

*Seriously, Gradkowski had the career day of all career days. He passed for 308 yards (on 20-33 passing), 3 TDs (0 INTs), and a 121.8 QB rating. Not only were each of those numbers career highs, but he has never come close to a day like that in 24 other games in the league. The last time he faced the Steelers, as the Browns starter in Week 17 last season, his rating was 1.0. That isn't a typo. 1.0. Or 9.5 points WORSE than Derek Anderson's worst game in his career- also, DA's most recent.

Further emphasizing the struggles of the secondary, the Steelers are below average against every type of receiver, except running backs (usually covered by linebackers)- they rank 8th against throws to RBs. So if Quinn is going to keep having success through the air, it probably won't be to Harrison/Jennings/Vickers this week. Quinn is moving up the QB standings rapidly. He is 28th now in both DYAR and DVOA. And that is despite not having a receiver in the top 75 in DYAR or DVOA.

The Browns running game has benefited from variety. They get good contributions from Brady Quinn's scrambling, Josh Cribbs in the wildcat- both handing off and keeping, and reverses to Cribbs. So while Chris Jennings and Jerome Harrison aren't very good, their improving efforts with the (sometimes misplaced, and usually not frequent enough) creativity from other parts of the run game result in a decent unit. Again, this is going to be even more important because of the conditions. Each team will have plenty of runs. I won't mind seeing the wildcat a HUGE number of times. Anything less than 10 plays from that formation would be a disappointment in my mind.

Special Teams

We're number 1!! After several weeks in the 2 spot behind Minnesota, the Browns have taken over the top spot in overall special teams efficiency at 7.0% DVOA. The Browns have the #1 punt return team and the #5 kick return team. They are above average in each other phase of special teams. The Steelers are 31st in special teams overall, mainly because they are -30.6% in DVOA on kick coverage! That is an absurd variance from average for any special teams unit. In fact, only one other special teams unit is more than 15% from league average in either direction (Green Bay is -16% on punt coverage). Think about this. They are 30% worse than league average on kicking off. No team in the last 5 seasons has been 30% worse than average at any single part of special teams. (Only the Browns 2007 kick off unit has been 30% BETTER than league average). And only 3 times has any part of any teams' special teams been ranked more than 20% worse than average. We aren't just talking historically bad,this might be THE reason the Steelers are .500 against a weak schedule, despite having a top 10 offense and top 10 defense.

Special Teams is another unit that will be affected heavily by the weather. Again, variables. Good for the underdog. Phil Dawson seems to do well on bad fields, and while he has tired in past seasons late in the year, he should be fresh this year as he missed much of the first half due to injury. Josh Reed also has had success in inclement kicking conditions, given that he plays 8 games a year on the mush that is the Heinz Field "grass".

Conclusions and Questions

Like I said, this one is all about variables, not really the stats. Still, we need to have a sound game plan to maximize our chances at winning and salvaging some very good feelings for a very rough season. A win wouldn't erase everything, but its something the players, coaches, what exists of the front office, and the fans would feel very good about.

Three questions that will determine the outcome:

1. Will the weather effectively hide our defensive injuries and struggles?

2. Will the Steelers special teams continue to let them down- especially the kick coverage unit?

3. Can Brady Quinn exploit a struggling secondary, or if the weather is too bad, can he continue to avoid turnovers?

With a giant assist to Mother Nature and the ghosts of past Browns teams, I think we finally will avoid losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Browns 13

Steelers 13

New York Jets Pass Defense vs. Buffalo Bills Pass Offense

John B — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:14 -0000

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Everybody remembers how poorly Mark Sanchez played in the first meeting between these teams. Ryan Fitzpatrick was better, but he didn't play particularly well either in relief on injured Trent Edwards. Fitzpatrick was 10 for 25. He'll get the start again on Thursday. He also started against the Jets in a game last season with the Bengals, a lethargic New York victory. I'm not convinced the Jets have a tremendous amount to fear through the air. There are some guys who lack the mental capabilities to effectively play the quarterback position. Fitzpatrick has those. He's smart and tough. It just doesn't seem like he has the physical tools. He has below average arm strength and accuracy. He can do a bit of damage as a runner, though.

Since interim head coach Perry Fewell replaced Edwards as the starter with Fitzpatrick, Terrell Owens has really come to life. The controversial wideout had been putting together a very quiet season, raising questions whether he was in decline. He's come back to life in the past two weeks. He's averaged 7 catches, a shade under 150 yards, and a touchdown. At this point, though, does anybody out there think he's going to have that kind of success on Darrelle Revis? Revis handled him in the first meeting. There's a good chance he'll do it again. There's no receiver in this league I'd take over Revis.

Lee Evans against Lito Sheppard? This gives me a little bit more concern. Evans has speed deep. He's the kind of receiver I'm not sold Lito can contain by himself. Josh Reed in the slot? If he's against Drew Coleman, we may have found Fitzpatrick's primary target. Also look for some passes out of the backfield to Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch. Both have over 20 receptions on the year. The Bills might particularly look for Jackson, a speedy playmaker, to give Fitzpatrick some safe reads and keep him from being exposed from the blitzes against his young and below average offensive line.

Opponent History: Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins

sireric — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:00:15 -0000

Buffalo Bills (3-7) vs Miami Dolphins (5-5)
Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 1:00 PM EST
Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, NY

The Buffalo Bills have begun to play division opponents for the second time. The first meeting this year had the Bills heading into Miami with high hopes for the season, while the Miami Dolphins had just lost Chad Pennington for the year and were still without a win. We all know how that match-up ended.

Chad Henne, he of the too-small helmet and scrunched up forehead, leads the Dolphins into Buffalo this week. The last five meetings at the Ralph after the jump.

Sunday, October 17, 2004: Bills 20, Dolphins 13
Drew Bledsoe. Jay Fiedler. Need I say more about the suck involved in this game? Both sides got a touchdown and two field goals out of their offenses, but the difference was a Takeo Spikes pick-six. The Bills' D came to play in this game, recording five sacks along the way. Aaron Schobel (2.5), Ron Edwards (2.0) and Pat Williams (0.5) did the honors. Other than that, there isn't a whole lot to tell.

Sunday, October 9, 2005: Bills 20, Dolphins 14
The score and date looks eerily similar to the year before. This time, the Bills jumped out to a 17-0 lead on the strength of a Willis McGahee one-yard touchdown run, an Eric Moulds touchdown from Kelly Holcomb, and a Rian Lindell 24-yard field goal. Gus Frerotte led the Dolphins back by hitting Will Heller and Randy McMicheal for scores to bring the Fish back to within three points. Lindell would hit his second field goal of the day to cap the scoring and help preserve the win for Buffalo. Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney each had a sack in this game.

Sunday, December 17, 2006: Bills 21, Dolphins 0
J.P. Losman tossed three touchdown passes, one each to Robert Royal, Josh Reed, and Lee Evans. That was more then enough scoring, as the Bills' defense shout out the Cleo Lemon/Joey Harrington lead Dolphins offense. Schobel and Kelsay proved yet again that they are only effective against the Dolphins by getting another half-sack each.

Sunday, December 9, 2007: Bills 38, Dolphins 17
The Bills jumped out to a 21-0 lead thanks to a George Wilson fumble return for a touchdown and not one but two Trent Edwards-to-Robert Royal touchdown passes. Samkon Gado put the ball in the endzone for the Dolphins twice, but those scores sandwiched a Lindell field goal and an Evans touchdown catch. Evans would catch one more to continue his dominance over the Dolphins. Both Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch rushed for over 100 yards in this game. Being that Cleo Lemon was at QB for the Dolphins, this was of course a good day for the Bills' D numbers-wise. Four sacks and two interceptions (one each by Donte Whitner and Terrence McGee) added to the eight fumbles by the Dolphins. Of course, the Bills were only able to recover 3 of those 8.

Notice a pattern? The first two games had the Bills playing the Dolphins almost a year apart to the day and winning by almost identical scores. The second two have the Bills winning by identical margins (21) almost a year to the day apart. The dates are also the same - 17 and 9. Weird.

Sunday, December 7, 2008: Dolphins 16, Bills 3
The Bills' first-ever regular season game played in Toronto gave the Canadian fans quite the show. The Bills had almost nothing on offense that day, gaining only 163 total yards. J.P. Losman was the Bills leading rusher with 53 yards. Of course Losman offset his rushing prowess by getting sacked 4 times...

Jaguars 18, Bills 15: Week 11 Film Session

Brian Galliford — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:00:16 -0000

by Stephen Morton - AP

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The Buffalo Bills dropped an 18-15 decision yesterday to the Jacksonville Jaguars, once again squandering a fourth quarter lead in defeat. Perry Fewell's Bills had many of the same problems that Dick Jauron's Bills had - which isn't surprising, as it's kind of the same team - but there was at least one major difference that's worth mentioning in this week's film session.

We've got eight topics of discussion in this week's film review. Let's get this over with, eh?

On Ryan Fitzpatrick. One might argue that Fitzpatrick had his best game as a Bill yesterday, and statistically, that's true. Fitzpatrick averaged 9.6 yards per attempt, completed 18 of 31 passes, and in general was smart with the football. That's why he's starting over Trent Edwards, folks - rarely does Fitzpatrick make the wrong read. In fact, I only saw him make one poor read in Jacksonville, checking down to an out route to Josh Reed when he had Terrell Owens wide open deep. T.O. let him know he missed him, and the two moved on amicably and hooked up to have a really solid day.

Fitzpatrick's big problem is simple: he just doesn't throw a good ball. I charted all 31 of Fitzpatrick's throws, and while this is completely subjective, I judged 16 of those throws (51.6%) to be inaccurately placed, whether they were caught or not. Overthrows, passes too far ahead of or behind receivers - Fitzpatrick is all over the place. If Ralph Wilson is seriously considering spending $10 million on Buffalo's next head coach, he might consider spending a similar amount transplanting Fitzpatrick's brain into Edwards' body; that procedure might give us one of the best quarterbacks in the league. (Also acceptable for the transplant: J.P. Losman's body.)

On Terrell Owens. The guy's still got it. Forget about what the Mike Florios of the world continue to repeat about his supposedly "deteriorating skills," because that's garbage. Yes, Owens was toasting two incredibly inexperienced Jaguars cornerbacks on Sunday. Yes, you would hope that a player of T.O.'s pedigree would completely and utterly dominate names like Derek Cox and Tyrone Brackenridge. He did just that - his 9 catches, 197 yards and a 98-yard touchdown reception prove that he can still be a tremendous asset, even to a non-contending team. Owens probably won't be in Buffalo next season, but he's absolutely worth the risk for a team on the verge of contending in 2010.

Owens, by the way, was clearly the focal point of the passing attack this week; he was targeted 14 times, nine more than the next-highest Bills receiver, Reed.

On Andy Levitre. I thought he struggled mightily on Sunday, just as I thought he struggled in Tennessee. I also thought he looked better at left tackle than he did at left guard - his footwork was quick and concise on the edge, which really surprised me. He doesn't have the arm length or the wide base to consistently hold the edge - and let's remember that the Jaguars are one of the worst pass-rushing teams in the league, which helped Levitre's cause - but there aren't many rookie offensive linemen who can do what Levitre has done over the past two weeks. He has struggled, but he deserves a ton of credit for having the ability to play competently while flip-flopping between left tackle and left guard. At all costs, Buffalo needs to avoid this going forward, as it's going to be difficult for Levitre to develop his game over the next six weeks if he's playing different techniques every other down.

On Eric Wood. So much for using the rest of the season to develop our young offensive lineman; Wood's lower left leg injury - confirmed by the team after the game to be fractures to both his tibia and fibula - was one of the most gruesome injuries I've seen in quite some time. I don't blame Buffalo for playing Wood at right guard this season, but I've thought Wood was playing out of position all season. Now, it looks like he won't even finish his rookie season healthy. More on that this afternoon, but you've got to feel for this kid - he clearly loves playing football, and that's a tough way to go out. Get well soon, Eric.

On David Garrard and his stupid legs. Garrard is an incredibly average quarterback, and as such, the one thing you absolutely cannot let him do is hurt you with his legs. Buffalo was in this game because they did an outstanding job in run defense, limiting Maurice Jones-Drew to just 66 yards on 25 attempts. That forced the game back into Garrard's hands, but it was his legs that did damage to Buffalo. The stat line wasn't astounding - he ran for 16 yards on six attempts - but he picked up first downs twice with his legs on critical third downs, and he also added a two-point conversion on a quarterback draw. Buffalo only gave up seven first downs on the ground the entire game, but those two were pretty crucial.

On Kyle Williams. I mentioned the stellar performance of the run defense - that's the aforementioned clear difference between Jauron's Bills and Fewell's Bills that I mentioned - and Williams was the centerpiece of the effort. The guy was unblockable yesterday (on run downs, anyway). He finished with five tackles and was generally disruptive all day. He also put a big hit on Garrard while pass-rushing; Buffalo's pass rush was solid in the first half, though it waned in the second half as the Jaguars started to dominate in time of possession. Give Williams credit - his knee isn't 100%, but he was a dominant force on Sunday. Most might not consider him a starter going through a regime change, but you might consider it. He can really excel, particularly if he's not an every-down player.

On Aaron Maybin. I watched him closely, because let's just be frank - with the success of Washington rookie Brian Orakpo, patience with Maybin is (unfairly) wearing thin. I thought he looked really solid in the first half; he had an excellent bull rush on a stunt (which forced Garrard to step up into a blitz), and he looked quicker around the edge than I've seen him at any point this season. (It may have helped that he was lining up against rookie right tackle Eben Britton.) He even got a snap or two in which he rushed from a standing position, which Bills fans have been itching for all season; I thought he looked very uncomfortable doing this.

Then he disappeared in the second half, when he was far less effective and didn't really show up at all. This is pretty much what we've seen from Maybin all year - flashes of supreme athleticism and hustle while factoring into the rush peripherally, but stretches of blah play and a complete lack of a counter-move. Give him time, folks. Understand that inconsistency is entirely expected from a 21-year-old. Once the Bills (or, more accurately, the new regime of the Bills) figures out to use him, and he gets a little more comfortable in his own skin, he's going to be dynamite.

On Reggie Corner. Say what you want about him, but Drayton Florence might be the Bills' defensive MVP not named Jairus Byrd this season. He's tough, physical, and doesn't make many mistakes. So, naturally, with Terrence McGee sidelined for a second straight game as he recovers from knee surgery, Jacksonville went after Corner early and often. Corner was torched. He's a fast player who is willing to crack down against the run, but he's not a terribly quick corner, and he's got bad hips; it's pretty easy to turn him around, and it always gets him a half-step out of position. He got torched by Mike Sims-Walker on the deciding touchdown of the game, however, because of impeccable play design and a really sneaky rub route that impeded Corner's ability to keep up with MSW. Corner struggled, but he shouldn't be blamed completely for those decisive points.

If y'all noticed anything about particular players, units or situations, you are, of course, welcome to share those in the comments section.

Notes from the Bills' O-Line: Week 8 vs Texans

Ron From NM — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:55:49 -0000

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Well, it took a while coming, but the Buffalo Bills ran into a team that refused to sink into mediocrity for an entire game. The Houston Texans shot themselves in the foot for the entirety of the first half, but during halftime, someone in their locker room said something to the effect of, "Hey, we're better than this." Sadly, a corresponding comment in Buffalo's locker room went something more like, "Keep on keeping on."

While it is small consolation, the Bills' offensive line actually improved in one key area: killed plays. While the line has been averaging 7.8 killed plays per game, that number dropped to 5 against Houston. Every lineman but one killed a play. You'll no doubt be surprised to learn that the lone exception was one Kirk Chambers.

I knew that Mario Williams had a quiet day, but I was stunned to see that he didn't even show up on the stat sheet. Yeah, weird. I'm guessing that Williams was slipping in a pool of his own drool as he salivated at the thought of going up against Buffalo's below-average tackles. Super Mario did have an impact, even if it didn't make for a line on the stat sheet, it just wasn't as much as could have been foreseen.

Drive 1
Pass 1: Josh Reed 4 yards
Demetrius Bell sealed 91 inside where Andy Levitre was waiting for him. Geoff Hangartner and Eric Wood doubled 95. Marshawn Lynch chipped Willams for Jamon Meredith, though it didn't look like Meredith really needed the help. Derek Fine let 94 move to the inside and kept him from getting back to the outside to chase Ryan Fitzpatrick on the rollout. By the way, I was absolutely delighted to see that Buffalo finally caught on to the fact that everyone else had caught on to the naked bootleg to the right/none-yard pass to the TE. The Texans seemed genuinely surprised when Fitzpatrick rolled to his left and threw the ball to a WR instead. Way to (finally) adjust!

Run 1: Lynch 8 yards through the right C gap
94 knocked Bell backwards and knifed inside to chase the play. He almost had a tackle for loss (TFL). Levitre went to the second level but had no one to block. Hangartner and Wood doubled 91. Hangartner blocked him down the line while Wood peeled and tried in vain to pick up 56 in the second level. Meredith tapped 59 in the second level but didn't lock him up. Fine let Williams rush upfield and kept him out of the play.

Run 2: Lynch 8 yards through the left C gap
Bell pushed 91 inside to seal the edge. Levitre helped with 91 then hit 59 in the second level. He then, possibly against explicit directions to the contrary since no one else did for most of the day, sustained his block until Lynch was past him. Hangartner and Wood doubled 95. While Hangartner moved him to the right, Wood peeled and hit 56. Meredith let Williams go upfield and then stoned him when he tried to chase the play. Fine jumped inside of 94 and rode him around on a circle away from the play.

Run 3: Lynch -1 yard through the right C gap
Bell chucked Williams then hit 59 in the second level but didn't sustain his block. Levitre stood up 91 and then got a two-yard push on him. Hangartner and Wood doubled 95 and drove him three yards to the left. Meredith ignored 94 to go hit 31. 94 killed the play by sending Lynch deeper than he should have had to go. However, Lynch avoided 94 and could have easily picked up the 2 yards needed for a first down by simply plunging straight ahead. Instead, he danced as he tried to spring it for a bigger gain. He's got to understand that getting the first down gives Buffalo three more chances to pick up a big play. In theory. Stop laughing! It could happen. Well, you can't rule it out at any rate... Meanwhile, Fine got under Williams' right shoulder and kept him on the edge of the LOS.

Pass 2: INC bad pass to Reed against a blitz
Bell pushed 99 past Fitzpatrick. Levitre and Hangartner doubled and stuffed 94. 91 spun inside of Wood and got into the pocket. Wood stuck with him and pushed him past Fitzpatrick. Williams got around the corner and hit the QB after the ball was away. Lynch picked up 59 who came in late, but only because Lynch had stayed in to block.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Lynch's decision to dance instead of crash forward for easily attainable yardage

Drive 2
Pass 3: Terrell Owens 3 yards
Williams got around Bell and got a hand on Fitzpatrick after the throw. Levitre and Hangartner kept 95 on the line of scrimmage (LOS). Wood and Meredith doubled 94 and Lynch picked up 91 when he stunted. Meredith was hurt on the play, bringing Chambers in for the balance of the game. Yes, Buffalo has been snake bit at the tackle position...

Run 4: Lynch no gain through the right C gap
Bell kept Williams on the edge of the LOS. Levitre chucked 95 and was then too slow to catch 56 at the second level. (56 is Brian Cushing, by the way, and he's really fast.) Hangartner helped 95 go to the left and thus out of the play. Wood rode 91 down the line and to the ground. Chambers didn't really block anyone. He tried to help Wood with 91, but Wood was already taking him away from Chambers. Had Chambers instead shot into the second level, he could have picked up 59, which would have gotten Lynch a yard or two. Fine rode 94 to the inside to set the edge.

Pass 4: Steve Johnson 5 yards (on third and 7)
Bell beat Williams to the corner. Williams shoved Bell further upfield to get inside of the pocket, but too late. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 94 initially. Hangartner kept his head moving and saw that Wood needed to release 95, so Hangartner left Levitre and picked up 95. Wood had to release 95 to keep 99 from cutting inside of Chambers. It was an example of excellent communication by the offensive line. Meanwhile, Johnson had to come back from beyond the sticks to catch the misplaced pass by Fitzpatrick. Had Fitzpatrick put the ball where it needed to be (instead of two yards short of the line to gain), Johnson would likely have had first down yardage.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Fitzpatrick's bad pass

Drive 3
Run 5: Fred Jackson 3 yards through the right C gap
Bell let Williams go upfield and kept inside of him until the play was over. Levitre went to the second level and hit 59, but didn't sustain his block. Hangartner got a little push on 92, but 92 swam past his right shoulder to get inside and chase the play. Wood chucked 91 and then popped Cushing, but didn't sustain his block. Cushing slowed Jackson down. Chambers drove 91 inside and down. Fine pushed 29 all over the field. Jonathan Stupar had a slow motion cut attempt on 94. 94 never went down, but it really slowed him down.

Run 6: Jackson 4 yards through the left B gap
Bell hit 54 and pushed him inside. He didn't sustain his block and 54 was in on the tackle. Levitre hit 54, but didn't sustain that block either. Hangartner jumped to the left of 92 and kept him from chasing the play. Wood pushed 91 to the right, then went upfield and abused 26 deep in the secondary. Chambers doubled 94 with Fine and kept him on the edge of the LOS.

Pass 5: Sack -8 yards against a 5 man blitz
Williams blew past Bell which forced Fitzpatrick to step up and into Cushing. Levitre kept 94 from working his way inside. 94 spun and got free, but too late to make a difference. Hangartner tossed a blitzing 59 to the ground. Wood and Chambers doubled 94. Fine and Stupar doubled 98. Had Bell made his block, Fitzpatrick could have drifted to his right, as there was good protection to that side. Cushing would have had to slow to turn the corner and Fitzpatrick would have had time to get his pass off. Possibly the most galling thing about the play is that the Bills had 7 blockers and still gave up the sack.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Bell's non-block on Williams.

Drive 4
Run 7: Owens 29 yard reverse for TD through the left C gap
Bell went to the second level and missed the cut on 54, but got enough of him to slow him down. 54 was about 2 steps too late to push Owens out of bounds. Levitre pushed 95 to the right. Hangartner let 95 penetrate to the right and chase the fake. Wood submarined 91 and put him down. Chambers turned 94 away from Owens and kept him there. Fine had no one to block, and Stupar tapped 56. Evans sprang the play when he came back to pick up the defensive back, sealing him off from Owens' run lane.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: N/A

Drive 5
Pass 6: Fine 9 yards
Everyone blocked like it was a run to the right. Fitzpatrick again rolled out to the left, which again caught the defense off guard.

Run 8: Jackson 3 yards through the left C gap
Bell pushed 91 to the inside to set the edge. Levitre went to the second level and stuck to Cushing, who still managed to get in on the tackle. Hangartner stood up 95. Wood helped with 95 and then popped 59, but he didn't sustain his block, instead moving on to hit 54. Chambers turned Williams upfield and kept him from chasing the play. Fine locked up 29 and wrestled him around the secondary. Stupar had a beautiful cut on 94 to open the run lane.

Pass 7: INC against a 5 man blitz
Bell handed 94 to Levitre to pick up a blitzing Cushing. Unfortunately, Levitre was helping Hangartner with 91 and never even looked at 94. 94 decked Fitzpatrick while he was throwing, leading to the INC. Wood stuffed 95 and Chambers stopped Williams at the corner. This was not a display of effective communication. Levitre should have kept his head moving.

Run 9: Jackson 3 yards through the A gap
Bell and Levitre doubled 91. Hangartner and Wood took 95 three yards off the line. Wood then picked up Cushing and battled him in the second level. Chembers got inside 94 and kept him on the edge of the LOS. Stupar hit 59 in the hole, kind of like an effective fullback. (I wish Buffalo had one of those.) Fine stuffed Williams on the edge of the LOS.

Pass 8: Reed 15 yards against a 6 man blitz
Bell stuffed 98. Levitre, Hangartner and Wood easily handled a pair of defensive linemen. Chambers effortlessly beat Williams to the corner. Fine stopped 59 and Jackson picked up a delayed blitz by Cushing.

Run 10: Jackson 4 yards through the left C gap in Wildcat formation
Bell went to the second level and hit Cushing but didn't sustain his block. Levitre kept under 95's left shoulder to slow him down. Hangartner went to the second level and didn't hit anyone, never mind that 59 was right in front of him. Wood got a three-yard drive on 92. Chambers tapped 54 but didn't sustain his block. Fine blocked 93 at the edge of the LOS and slowed him down enough to open the run lane.

Run 11: Jackson 1 yard through the left C gap in Wildcat formation
Bell drove 95 inside to set the edge. Levitre helped with 95 but then wasn't fast enough to catch anyone in the second level. Hangartner worked 92 down the line to the right. Wood turned 54 away from the play in the second level. Chambers kept Williams on the edge of the LOS. Fine didn't really block 93 on the edge of the LOS and then also didn't really block a LB in the second level.

Pass 9: Sack -2 yards against a 6 man blitz
Bell fought Williams to the corner. When Fitzpatrick stepped up in the pocket, Williams shed the block and got in on the tackle. Levitre stopped 94, but 94 was in on the tackle when Fitzpatrick tried to scramble. Hangartner let 59 shoot right past him and then curiously set up to pick up any blitzer. Wood did an okay job on 91. 98 went to the corner and easily beat Chambers back to the inside with a spin move. Jackson did a pretty good job picking up 59, all things considered, though 59 did cause Fitzpatrick to pull the ball down and try to scramble.

Blitzes: 3
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Hangartner's non-block on 59 on third and 5

Drive 6
Pass 10: Lynch -2 yard screen
Bell let 98 push him upfield then jumped outside to seal him away from the screen. Levitre semi-shielded 91 but didn't keep him from disrupting the play. Hangartner ran outside and pushed Cushing past the play. Wood couldn't get inside or under 91, even with Levitre slowing him down. Chambers got inside Williams and kept him sealed away from the play.

Run 12: Lynch 5 yards through the left C gap
Bell went to the second level and tried to keep Cushing away from the run lane. Levitre turned 94 and drove him three yards down the line. Hangartner chucked 91 and hit Cushing in the second level as well. Wood got inside of 91 and kept him away from the play. Chambers stopped 98 on the edge of the LOS. Fine crossed the formation to hit Williams, who still got in on the tackle.

Pass 11: Reed 9 yards
Bell stopped Williams. Levitre helped Hangartner with 94 and then, by staying aware of what was going on around him, helped Bell with Williams. Wood took 91 on an arc away from the QB and stuck with him after 91 tried to throw him off. Chambers kept 98 down after he slipped while trying to turn the corner.

Run 13: Lynch 14 yards through the A gap
Bell went to the second level and hit Cushing, turned him around, and then put him down. Levitre dropped back and blocked Williams like he was in pass protection. He then went to the second level but couldn't find anyone to hit. Hangartner turned 94 to the left to set one wall of the run lane, while Wood turned 91 to the right to set the other wall. Chambers had no one to block and wandered into the second level. Fine pushed 98 upfield and around the corner. The hole was so big that Lynch had plenty of room to juke 59. The hole was so enormous because the Bills caught the Texans in a blitz.

Pass 12: INC tipped pass against a 6 man blitz
Bell stuffed 98. Levitre was crushed by 94, who barely broke stride. Hangartner picked up a blitzing 59 and turned him out to open the throwing lane. Wood picked up 91, but let him get a hand up to tip the pass. Chambers neutralized Williams. Jackson stopped Cushing.

Pass 13: Evans 5 yards
Bell and Levitre doubled 94. Hangartner stopped 91. Wood had no one to block and kept looking from 91 to 90 to pitch in if he was needed. Chambers pushed Williams well past the corner.

Pass 14: INC to Owens in end zone against a 6 man blitz
This certainly appeared to be a called run play to the right, and everyone blocked like it was. Had Fitzpatrick handed the ball off to Lynch, it looked like he had a clear path to the pylon for a TD. Instead, Fitzpatrick threw the ball on a sight read. Unfortunately, he threw the ball two beats too late. If he'd thrown it on time, Owens would have had a TD pass in his (stone) hands.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Fitzpatrick's poorly timed throw to Owens

Drive 7
Run 14: Lynch 3 yards through the left B gap against an 8 man front
Bell turned 93 out, but he slid back inside to chase the play and get in on the tackle. Levitre drove 91 three yards to open the hole. Hangartner chipped 91 and went to the second level where he tapped 54. 95 went down the line with Wood and was in on the tackle. Wood just couldn't cut him off. Chambers hit 31 at the second level. Fine hit Cushing and kept himout of the play. Stupar crossed the formation to hit Williams.

Pass 15: INC long pass to Owens
Bell did a good job not letting Williams get upfield. Hangartner and Levitre doubled 93. Wood did a good job taking 91 past Fitzpatrick and Jackson helped Chambers with 94.

Pass 16: Lynch 5 yards
Bell beat Williams to the corner and reacted well to his attempt to move back to the inside. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 94. When 91 twisted, Levitre picked him up. Wood helped Hangartner with 94 when 91 twisted away from him. Jackson chipped 98 on the way out to the flat for Chambers. Lynch didn't run his pattern past the sticks. He was tackled immediately and two yards short of the first down.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 1
Drive Killer: Lynch's decision not to run his pattern to the sticks

Drive 8
Run 15: Lynch 4 yards through the left B gap
Bell fell on 29, who was just trying to absorb a blocker. Levitre pulled and cut Cushing in space. Hangartner pulled and inadvertently shielded 91 from the play. Wood hit 95 but lost him in the wash, while Chambers had no one to block. Stupar missed a cut on Cushing and Fine jumped inside of 94 to keep him from chasing the play.

Pass 17: Scramble 3 yards against a 5 man blitz - Lynch called for holding
Bell handled Williams. Levitre danced with 54 who never sold out on the blitz - possibly waiting to cover Lynch if he left the backfield. Hangartner and Wood doubled 95, but Wood kept his head turned towards 91 in case Chambers needed help. Chambers didn't need the help. The holding call was pure BS. 59 blitzed and plowed into Lynch. His momentum caused both players to go down in a heap.

Pass 18: Owens 10 yards
Lynch was assigned to help Chambers, but it really wasn't needed. Levitre gave ground to a bull rush by 95, but 95 lost his balance and fell forward. Hangartner was ready to help with 91 or pick up a blitzer. Wood took 91 upfield and Chambers stuffed 94.

Pass 19: INC Lynch drop against a 6 man blitz
Bell almost put Williams down. Levitre pushed 94 inside and got out for the screen. He then pushed 54 past Lynch. Hangartner was ready to block downfield. Wood let 91 go upfield but stuck with him in order to block him if he chased the play. 98 wound up tripping, so Chambers kept him down. It was the perfect play call, and if Lynch hadn't dropped it, he had all kinds of room in front of him. There were only 5 defenders downfield and Lynch had a couple of linemen in front of him.

Blitzes: 2
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Lynch's drop

Drive 9
Run 16: Jackson 4 yards through the right C gap
Bell locked up 94 on the end of the LOS. Levitre tried to turn 91 away from the play. He didn't succeed, but he kept under his pads and slowed him down considerably. Hangartner pushed 91 and wasn't fast enough to catch the linebackerss. Wood pushed 92 to the inside and away from the play. Chambers missed a block on 54 in the second level. Fine didn't get much of a block on Cushing. Stupar crossed the formation and cut Williams.

Run 17: Jackson 4 yards through the left C gap
Bell sealed 94 inside with Levitre's help. 91 shot inside of Hangartner and should have had a TFL. Wood hit 54 in the second level. 54 threw off his block, but Wood circled back and nailed 54 again. Chambers hit 92 but couldn't stay with him due to the wash. Stupar kept after Cushing and kept him out of the play. Fine hit 59 and stopped him in his tracks.

Run 18: Jackson no gain through the right C gap
Bell tried to cut 54 in the second level and wasn't fast enough. He did slow him down. Levitre cut 94 immediately. Hangartner went to the second level and rode 59 down. Wood got wiped out while blocking 91 by the Hangartner/59 pileup. 91 went down as well, but got up to get in on the tackle. Chambers pulled to lead the play and pushed Cushing out of the way. Fine was chopped down in the wash. Stupar killed the play by being driven 4 yards upfield by 98. That sent Jackson way too deep to get back to the line, and let the secondary react and make the tackle for no gain.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Stupar

Drive 10
Run 19: Lynch 5 yards through the left C gap
Bell and Levitre pushed 91 three yards to the right and into the wash. Hangartner held his ground against 98. Wood chipped 98 and went to the second level, but had no one to block. Chambers kept Williams on the edge of the line. Perhaps he was just frustrated, but Williams didn't really seem particularly motivated on the play.

Pass 20: INT
94 got past his block, fell, got up and hit Fitzpatrick below the knees. Levitre tried to help with 94, but was shielded from him by Bell. Hangartner kept 91 on an arc away from Fitzpatrick. Wood and Chambers doubled 98, while Wood stayed alert for any blitzers. Jackson and Lynch picked up a stunting 98. T.O. broke off his pattern, so there was no one deep except Texans. However, the drive was actually killed by the refs. There's no excuse in the world for the refs not throwing a roughing the passer flag on the Texans. It was the exact same hit that put Brady out for the year in 2008 and is supposed to be a point of emphasis with officials. Funny how that doesn't seem to apply to Buffalo's quarterbacks.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: ref's non-call of a blatant roughing the passer penalty

Drive 11
Pass 21: Owens 14 yards
Bell pushed 98 past the corner. Levitre stuffed 94. Hangartner and Wood doubled 91, while Hangartner kept looking for blitzers. Chambers beat Williams to the corner.

Pass 22: Owens 8 yards
Bell pushed 98 to the inside to Levitre and picked up a twisting 94 from him. Hangartner and Wood doubled 91. Chambers stuffed 90 at the corner.

Pass 23: Lynch 3 yards
Bell stopped Williams. Williams worked back to the inside and Bell wouldn't have been in position to stop him if the QB had held the ball. Levitre pushed 91 upfield and away from Fitzpatrick. Hangartner had no one to block. Neither did Wood, so he helped Chambers with 94.

Pass 24: Owens 4 yards
Bell and Levitre pushed Williams past the corner. Hangartner had no one to block. Wood handed 91 to Chambers in order to pick up a twisting 94.

Pass 25: Evans 24 yards
Bell and Levitre doubled 94 while Hangartner and Wood tag teamed 91. Chambers took Williams all the way around the corner.

Pass 26: INT off tipped pass
Bell hit 56 and pushed him downfield, where he was in perfect position to tip the pass and make the INT. Levitre had no one to block. Hangartner was driven back to Fitzpatrick by 93's bull rush. Wood picked up a stunting 95 and Chambers easily handled Williams. Fitzpatrick didn't keep track of Cushing and threw the ball without realizing he was in the throwing lane.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive Killer: Fitzpatrick's INT

On the third drive of the second half, the crowd really hated the third consecutive running played that was called (Run 18), but I didn't. Buffalo was trying to impose its will on Houston, and the previous 9 non-Wildcat runs had gained at least 3 yards. Buffalo was running the ball reasonably well, and a run on third and 2 against a 7 man front was a high percentage play. It just so happened that Stupar didn't do his job. The only way you can pin that one on Dick Jauron or Alex Van Pelt) would be to blame them for not doing a better job of coaching Stupar during the week... but even that rings hollow as Stupar, by and large, had a pretty good day blocking on run plays.

You can blame Jauron for the fake punt following the Stupar debacle. After all, the Bills were only down by 7. However, the Bills' offense had done nothing (again), and it seemed pretty clear that the defense had been worn down to a nub (again). In this case, blaming Jauron for his preparation during the week seems more reasonable. After all, it's not like the offensive woes are a new phenomenon.

Is anyone else wondering if Buffalo - in ‘win now' mode during the off season - erred by picking Aaron Maybin instead of a guy like Cushing? Cushing looked terrific and super fast. Yeah, I know. If Buffalo had picked him he'd be on IR due to the defensive injury curse that seems to hang over the Bills. Still, the guy has been productive, while Maybin has yet to contribute.

People might point to Buffalo's low rushing output, but consider that Buffalo averaged 5.4 yards per attempt against the Texans. Throw out Owens' reverse, and it's still a respectable 4.1-yard average. 30 runs would have put the Bills on pace for about 150 yards. Unfortunately, the miscues (bad passes, drops, missed blocks) meant that the Bills didn't have those extra 10 downs. I was both surprised and disappointed to see Buffalo essentially abandon running between the tackles for the game. Yes, the way to attack a 4-3 is on the edge, but that doesn't make it alright to abdicate the middle.

Left C	Left B	A	Right B	Right C
9-64	3-11	2-17	0-0	5-10
7.1	3.7	8.5	0.0	2.0

After a disastrous outing in Miami, Chambers bounced back to have a very average game. He did a good job containing Williams (as did Bell), sometimes with assistance and sometimes on his own. This was the Chambers of previous years, the one who was good enough to fill in for starters. Let's hope he's back to stay instead of just visiting, since it seems likely that Buffalo will be calling on him again soon.

Don't get too excited about the high run grade for Levitre or the low run grade for Hangartner. In each case, the small number of run plays magnifies the good/bad plays. Levitre had 4 good run plays against no bad ones, while Hangartner had 3 bad run plays against zero good ones. When I do the mid-season grades write up, you'll see that Levitre isn't that good and Hangartner isn't that bad when viewed over time. (Also, Meredith had only 3 run plays and 3 pass plays and had 1 bad play in each category.)

Player	Run Grade	Pass Grade
Demetrius Bell	75.0	73.5
Andy Levitre	79.2	72.7
Geoff Hangartner	71.8	74.2
Eric Wood	76.1	72.7
Kirk Chambers	75.0	74.1
Jamon Meredith	68.3	68.3

Notes from the Bills' O-Line: Week 7 at Carolina

Ron From NM — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:30:30 -0000

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Like the announcers (Steve Tasker is one of my favorite color guys even if he does butcher names on occasion), I spent most of the game absolutely certain that the Carolina Panthers would run all over the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter. The time of possession at times favored the Panthers 3-1, and there were times in the games where the Panthers had four times the yardage of Buffalo.

It all spelled doom, but then a funny thing happened: Ryan Fitzpatrick made a pair of clutch throws, including an astounding rocket pass to Evans for a touchdown. Like many of you, I thought Fitzpatrick would lead the team to a 2-5 record, and, like many of you, I suspected the offensive line wouldn't exactly help matters. It turns out that I was only half right: Fitzpatrick was just barely good enough to win, while the line continued to kill plays with frightening regularity.

Before diving into the heavy stuff (which is all after the jump), here's a brief reminder: based purely on grades and ease of mind, Jonathan Scott is absolutely the best man for the right tackle job at this juncture. A review of Jamon Meredith's second performance is after the jump, along with everything Week 7-related that you need to know about Demetrius Bell, Andy Levitre, Geoff Hangartner and Eric Wood.

Drive 1
For reasons that are unclear, the Bills game didn't start up on DirecTV until the end of the first series. Other guys who have DirecTV on Rumblings seemed to be getting the feed, but I do live in the sticks. I gave everyone a mark of decent for Run 1 (Marshawn Lynch, 1 yard), Pass 1 (Terrell Owens drop of a 20ish yard gain), and Pass 2 (Fitzpatrick scramble for 5 yards), as it would be peevish to penalize guys without the facts.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killer: T.O.'s drop

Drive 2
Pass 3: Incomplete to Lee Evans
Derek Fine pushed 96 inside and Bell kept him there. 92 pushed Levitre back, cut inside of him and hit Fitzpatrick as he threw - causing the wounded duck. Hangartner stopped 75, while Wood and Meredith doubled Julius Peppers.

Run 2: Lynch 8 yards through the right B gap
Bell took 96 on a wide circle upfield. Levitre hit 52 at the second level and didn't sustain his block. He did keep him out of the play. Hangartner got no real push on 75, but 75 couldn't chase the play because of a pile up created by Wood and Meredith. They had blown 92 off the line and to the inside and into 75. Peppers got off of Fine's block to get in on the tackle.

Pass 4: Incomplete
Bell stopped 96. Levitre kept 92 away from Fitzpatrick, though 92 spun late and did get around him. Hangartner waited for a blitzer and then helped Wood stuff 95. Meredith beat 90 to the corner and reacted quickly when Peppers tried to jump back to the inside.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killer: Fitzpatrick's pass to no one

Drive 3
Run 3: Lynch no gain through the left B gap
Bell went to the second level and pushed 30 to the outside to open a run lane. Unfortunately, 92 got inside of Levitre's block to make the tackle and kill the play. Oh, and it looked like Levitre was holding. Hangartner blocked 75 down the line and tripped over some random feet. Wood went to the second level but there was no one to block. Peppers sliced inside of Meredith's block to almost get a tackle for loss (TFL). Fine did an okay job on 96.

Run 4: Lynch 7 yard TD through the left C gap
Bell forced 96 inside to seal the edge and drove him 4 yards. Levitre and Hangartner had an initial double team on 75. Levitre kept driving 75 inside and Hangartner picked up a filling 59. Wood drove 92 3 yards down the line and back one more. Meredith popped Peppers hard enough to rock him back on his heels. Fine helped Meredith with Peppers. I'm not sure what happened to the Panthers defense on the play. It looked like they sold out on a run to the right so no one was home when Lynch took it off left tackle.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: N/A

Drive 4
Pass 5: Josh Reed drop
The entire line blocked like it was a run to the right and the quick pass went out to the left. It looked like Fitzpatrick was supposed to hand off but threw it out to Reed when he saw that the coverage was playing off. It was a nice theory...

Pass 6: Incomplete to T.O. (underthrown) against a blitz
Bell took 59 around the corner. Levitre stopped 96. Hangartner and Wood doubled 93. 92 spun away from Meredith and decked Fitzpatrick. Fine picked up 95. Had Fitzpatrick gotten the ball away on time, it was a likely completion, as T.O. had beaten his man. Instead, Fitzpatrick waited a beat too long and got whacked for it.

Pass 7: Evans 6 yards
91 spun inside away from Bell's block to hit Fitzpatrick. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 96. Wood got in 95's way. Peppers got under Meredith's shoulder at the corner and got a hit on Fitzpatrick.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Fitzpatrick's underthrown ball to T.O.

Drive 5
Run 5: Fred Jackson -2 yards for a safety through the right B gap
96 shot inside of Bell and got in on the tackle. 75 got the safety when he knocked Levitre back and then lurched down the line to hit Jackson. Wood and Hangartner doubled 93. Wood drove 93 3 yards down the line after Hangartner left to pick up Jon Beason. Meredith locked up a linebacker at the second level. Fine was pushed back into the Jackson/75/96 pile by 95. I'm not sure why the handoff took as long as it did. It wasn't a draw and you'd figure the offense would want the ball out of the paint as quickly as possible...

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Levitre's pathetic attempt to block 75

Drive 6
Run 6: Lynch -1 yard through the A gap
Bell danced around 33. Levitre and Hangartner had an initial double team on 75. Levitre got under 75's shoulder and drove him 2 yards. Hangartner tried to peel and pick up 52, but was too slow. Beason got the TFL. Wood pancaked 92, exactly how he had flattened a guy last week though this time he wasn't pelted with a yellow hanky. Meredith and Fine doubled Peppers and kept him out of the play.

Run 7: Lynch no gain through the A gap
Bell kept 96 on the edge of the line of scrimmage (LOS). Levitre took 92 on an arc well upfield. Hangartner got no push at all and Lynch ran right to him and the waiting arms of the defensive tackle. Wood never locked up 90, whose effectively unblocked presence forced Lynch to take it back inside. Meredith went to the second level and whiffed on 59. Fine stumbled and was too late to catch Beason.

Pass 8: T.O. 18 yards
Bell pushed 91 past Fitz after losing the race to the corner. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 94. Wood stopped 96 and Meredith stuffed Peppers with help from Jackson. It was a nice reception, the kind T.O. was brought in to make and all too often seems to drop.

Pass 9: Sack -9 yards
Bell and Levitre let 59 and 96 rush while they got out of the screen. The problem was that they didn't even try to slow them down, even a little. 96 got the sack. Hangartner turned 75 away from the screen. Wood and Meredith doubled 92. Fitzpatrick seems to hold onto the ball a beat too long again, though it's questionable whether he could have gotten it past 96.

Pass 10: Reed 6 yards
Bell and Levitre kept 96 and 75 on the LOS. Hangartner and Wood doubled 92 and put him down. Meredith got help with Peppers and even then Peppers almost got past the block.

Pass 11: Incomplete to Jonathan Stupar
Bell beat 91 to the corner. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 95. Levitre left 95 to pick up 91 when he tried to get inside of Bell. Wood had no one to block. Meredith pushed Peppers around the corner and past Fitzpatrick, who threw the ball behind Stupar. Had the pass been on target, Stupar would have had a first down. If Stupar had dropped it then he would have killed the play, but as it happened the fault was Fitzpatrick's.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Fitzpatrick's inaccurate pass to Stupar
Halftime

Drive 7
Pass 12: Fitzpatrick scramble 4 yards
Bell danced with 96. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 75. Wood and Meredith doubled 96. When 75 tried to twist away from Hangartner and Levitre, Wood picked him up. Fine did a great job blocking Peppers.

Run 8: Lynch 8 yards through the left B gap
Bell hit 52 at the second level and drove him 5 yards, but he was still in on the tackle. Levitre turned 75 inside to open the run lane. Hangartner helped with 75 and then picked up a linebacker. Wood got good push on 92. Meredith sealed 53 inside of the pile. Fine was rolled up on while ably blocking Peppers and left the game with an injury. Talk about being snake bit at a position!

Pass 13: T.O. drop
Bell really didn't need help from Lynch to stop 92. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 75. Wood and Meredith doubled Peppers. T.O. had first down yardage.

Pass 14: Incomplete long pass to T.O. against a 6 man blitz
Bell was driven back by 92. Levitre pushed the DT down the line and into the pile. Hangartner picked up a blitzing Beason. Wood stopped 95 and threw him onto the pile. Meredith took 59 to the corner. Stupar had a non-block on 96 who hit Fitzpatrick, possibly contributing to the bad bass.

Pass 15: Fitzpatrick scramble for no gain
Bell picked up 91 after he got past Stupar. Levitre stopped 95. When the DT lost his balance and fell Hangartner flopped down on him and laid there. Wood picked up Peppers when he got past Meredith to save the sack. Meredith's poor block on Peppers caused the scramble.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: T.O.'s drop of a pass for first down yardage.

Drive 8
Run 9: Lynch 4 yards through the A gap
Bell went to the second level and tapped 59. Levitre got under 75's shoulder but he was still in on the tackle. Hangartner shoved 92 and then hit Beason at the second level but he was still in on the tackle. Wood kept 96 locked up as they turned in circles. Meredith kept 95 on the edge of the LOS.

Run 10: Jackson 1 yard through the A gap
Bell kept 96 on the edge of the LOS and semi-cut him at the end of the play. 92 got inside of Levitre to make the tackle. Hangartner got a small piece of 59 at the second level. Wood got no push on 75 at all. Meredith hit a linebacker at the second level but he spun away.

Pass 16: Incomplete
Bell stopped 92. Levitre waited for a blitzer and Hangartner stuffed 96. Wood had no one to block. He could have given Meredith a hand as 95 blew past him to hit Fitzpatrick. Jackson and Lynch tag teamed Peppers. It looked like a miscommunication between Fitzpatrick and Evans.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Fitzpatrick and Evans miscommunication

Drive 9
Run 11: Lynch 5 yards through the left B gap
Bell turned 59 and kept him there, creating the run lane. Levitre had a 3 yard drive on 96. Hangartner blocked 75 down the line and shielded him from the play. Wood got inside of 92 and kept him out of the play. Meredith cut off 53's backside pursuit. Fine was back in the game and jumped inside of 90 then kept him on the edge of the LOS.

Pass 17: T.O. 4 yards against 5 man blitz
Bell and Levitre doubled 96 while Wood and Hangartner doubled 75. Meredith pushed 92 inside and away from the throwing lane.

Run 12: QB sneak 1 yard through the A gap
The line got a general 1 yard push, which is pretty impressive just considering how rotund 75 is.

Run 13: Lynch 2 yards through the A gap
Bell went to the second level and pushed one linebacker into another, causing one to trip. Levitre backed up like he was blocking for a pass. Hangartner stood up 75. Wood turned 93 out to open the run lane but didn't sustain his block. Meredith let 90 go upfield and kept him there. Fine blocked 20 then took a gratuitous shot at 30's knees.

Pass 18: Fitzpatrick scramble for 2 yards
Everyone blocked like it was a run to the left. Meanwhile, 59 was all over Fitzpatrick as he wasn't fooled by the bootleg in the least - just like no one else has been fooled by the bootleg for the past three games. Fitzpatrick's receiver, Corey McIntyre, was blanketed so Fitzpatrick tucked it and ran. AVP NEEDS TO RIP THIS PLAY OUT OF THE PLAYBOOK!

Pass 19: Incomplete overthrow to Evans
91 zipped past Bell to hit Fitzpatrick while he was throwing, leading to the high pass. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 92. Wood and Meredith doubled 95. Lynch and Fine doubled Peppers. Had Bell made his block the Bills had a shot at a first down. Instead we were treated to a graphic which showed that Buffalo had more punts than first downs in the game.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Bell's non-block on 91

Drive 10
Pass 20: Incomplete (thrown away)
Bell took 96 around the corner. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 85. Wood kept 92 near the LOS. 95 eventually got inside of Meredith but Fitzpatrick had already decided to throw the ball away.

Pass 21: Evans 14 yards against a 6 man blitz
Bell pushed 92 inside and then picked up a blitzing Beason. Levitre stopped 75. Hangartner helped Wood with Peppers until 92, shoved inside by Bell, tried to stunt through the middle. Hangartner then stopped 92. Meredith took 59 to the corner.

Pass 22: Evans 3 yards
The pass was gone so fast there wasn't time for anyone to get out of their stance. It appeared to be another of those quick hitters thrown when a DB was playing well off the LOS.

Pass 23: T.O. 6 yards against a 5 man blitz
Bell stuffed 59 at the corner. Levitre let 96 blow right past him to deck Fitzpatrick. Hangartner stopped 93. Wood did an okay job on 92's bull rush. Meredith picked up a blitzing LB. Jackson, in the backfield to pick up blitzers completely missed 96 after he ran past Levitre.

Run 14: Jackson no gain through the right B gap against an 8 man front
Bell shoved a couple of guys but never really engaged. Levitre turned 92 out and circled him away from the play. Hangartner and Wood doubled 93. Hangartner was too slow to pick up a filling Beason while Wood pushed 93 into the end zone. Meredith cut 90.

Pass 24: Evans 3 yard TD
It looked like another sight adjustment by Fitzpatrick. The ball was gone almost as soon as he had it in his hands so everyone barely had time to get out of their stance. It was, quite simply, an amazing pass by Fitzpatrick. He rocketed it between two defenders, each of whom was turned towards the ball

Blitzes: 2
Stacked box: 1
Drive killed by: no one

Drive 11
Pass 25: Evans 50 yards against an 8 man blitz
Bell stuffed 92's spin move. Levitre put 75 down when he tried to spin. Hangartner picked up a blitzing LB. Wood stuffed Peppers and Meredith took a LB around the corner. McIntyre and Jackson each picked up a blitzing LB. The Panthers sold out on the blitz and got burned badly.

Run 15: Lynch 1 yard through the A gap
Bell got under 92's shoulder. When 92 tried to spin Bell got on his back and stayed there, which isn't blocking in the back since Bell didn't start the block that way. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 75 and drove him 4 yards. Peppers knifed inside of Wood and almost had a TFL. Meredith got away with a hold on 59. Fine did an okay job on 96.

Run 16: Lynch -3 yards through the left B gap
Bell pulled wide and cut 59 in space. Levitre kept under 96's right shoulder. Hangartner went to the second level and slowed 53. Wood got under 75's shoulder and kept him turned. Meredith cut 92. McIntyre helped Levitre instead of picking up a filling Beason. Had McIntyre gotten Beason the run would have been for no gain at the worst. The negative play pretty much doomed the drive.

Pass 26: Lynch 6 yards
Bell beat 91 to the corner. Levitre and Hangartner doubled 95 while Wood and Meredith doubled 90.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: McIntyre's non-block on Beason

Drive 12
Run 17: Jackson 1 yard through the left B gap
Bell kept 96 turned out of the run lane. Levitre tried to turn 92 inside and couldn't. It looked like he held when 92 got around him. Hangartner stood up 75. Wood chucked 75 then hit 43 at the second level. Meredith turned Peppers out and kept him there. Fine hit a guy in the secondary. Lynch acted like a lead blocker. Unfortunately, he specifically emulated Darien Barnes so he didn't actually hit anyone.

Run 18: Jackson 2 yards through the left C gap
Bell and Levitre drove 92 inside and away from the run lane. Bell kept on 92 and Levitre caught 59 in the wash. Hangartner stood up 75 and moved laterally to the right. Wood kept popping Beason but never locked him up. Meredith kept Peppers on the edge of the LOS.

Run 19: T.O. 1 yard reverse through the right C gap
Bell blocked like it was a pass. Levitre turned 96 away from the play. Hangartner turned 92 away from the play and let him go into the backfield after T.O. was past. Wood turned Peppers inside and away from the play. Meredith pushed Peppers and then hit 59. Lynch whiffed on 91 in the backfield. 91 sent the play deeper than it should have gone and cost Owens first down yardage.

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: Lynch's non-block on 91.

Drive 13
Run 20: Lynch for -1 yard through the right C gap against an 8 man front
Bell missed a cut on Peppers. Levitre and Hangartner each missed cutting 75. Wood turned 93 inside and away from the play. Meredith went to the second level but didn't really block anyone. Fine took a DB 10 yards downfield and Stupar blocked a DB in the secondary.

Run 21: Lynch 4 yards through the left C gap against an 8 man front
Bell went to the second level but not fast enough to lock up a linebacker. He did slow one down a bit. Levitre jumped inside 93 and shielded him from the play. Hangartner blocked 75 down the line and was eventually tripped up. Wood cut 92 and Meredith had no one to block. Fine kept Peppers from turning to chase the play. Stupar locked up 26 at the second level.

Pass 27: Reed 8 yards against a 5 man blitz
Bell, Levitre and Hangartner easily handled Peppers and 93. Wood was pushed back to Fitzpatrick by 92 but stopped him. Meredith beat 95 to the corner. This was a clutch throw and catch by a pair of much-maligned Bills. It really was the backbreaker.

Run 22: Lynch 4 yards through the left C gap
Bell buried 95 when Lynch cut back. Levitre got 02 turned and drove him into the pile. Hangartner picked up Beason in the wash. Wood got great drive on 93, pushing him all the way to the sideline. Meredith turned 26 into the pile to seal the edge. Fine wrestled Peppers to the ground at the edge of the LOS.

Run 23: Lynch no gain through the A gap against an 8 man front
96 got inside of Bell. Levitre helped with 75 and then got a pice of Beason at the second level. Hangartner got no push on 75 while Wood moved 92 back 2 yards. Meredith kept 90 on the edge of the LOS. Fine crossed the formation to pop 59 hard enough to put him off balance.

Run 24: Lynch 1 yard through the A gap against an 8 man front
Bell went to the second level and popped 26. Levitre turned 92 out and Hangartner turned 75 to the left to open the hole. Wood pitched into 75 as well and Meredith missed the cut on 90. Fine gave 91 a minor shoulder and then went to the second level. Meanwhile 91 chased the play down from behind.

Blitzes: 1
Stacked box: 4
Drive killed by: play calling

Drive 14
3 kneel downs

Blitzes: 0
Stacked box: 0
Drive killed by: end of game

A couple of people on the game thread were unhappy with the play calling at the end of the game. The last drive was clearly managed to kill the clock. I give Dick Jauron credit for milking as much time off as possible and setting up a high percentage field goal. It put the Bills up by 11 with just under 2 minutes to go. Meanwhile, the Panthers had burned all of their time outs. I understand the apprehension of Buffalo fans given the Bills' penchant for improbably blowing wins in the last two minutes, but Jauron played the odds and it worked out. Now if the Panthers had blocked the field goal, tied the game and won it in overtime, then Jauron would be lambasted for his conservative play calling at the end of the game. But that didn't happen. So there.

For the second straight week, the Bills have field position to thank for the win. Even with the drive that started at the Buffalo 4 factored into the mix, the average starting field position was the Buffalo 38. Three of the four scoring drives began in Panthers' territory. (The other was the 50 yard pass to Evans.) The defense - primarily Jairus Byrd - did a tremendous job of setting up the offense in prime field position. While the offense can't seem to move the ball more than about 30 yards, the defense, and to a lesser degree the special teams unit, made sure the offense didn't have to.

The Panthers didn't bring any sort of pressure against the Bills' offense. They loaded the box on 4 of 24 runs and blitzed on 6 of 27 pass plays. If you trudged through my play by play, however, you see that they generated hits on Fitzpatrick with just their front four. They were also able to limit the run game with as few as 6 guys in the box. Yikes. Look for Houston to employ a similar overall defensive strategy. After all, the Texans aren't saddled with Jake Delhomme.

Also, look for the Texans to get a turnover when Buffalo inevitably trots out that god-awful bootleg none-yard pass to the TE play. They've got some defenders who are fast enough to hit Fitzpatrick before he can even turn around to see that his TE is thoroughly covered.

The run yards were few and far between in the Panthers game. As you can see, the Bills really didn't have stellar YPA anywhere along the line and some places were downright abysmal. Keep in mind that the Panthers weren't loading the box until the end of the game. A quick glance at the linemen grades helps explain the ugly run numbers.

Gap	Att-Yds	YPA
Left C	3 - 13	4.3
Left B	6 - 19	3.2
A	10 - 10	1.0
Right B	2 - -2	-1.0
Right C	3 - 4	1.3

No one on the line covered himself with glory in Carolina. Levitre and Hangartner were well below their season averages. To make matters worse, the Bills' linemen killed 5 run plays and 3 pass plays. Those 8 plays (Buffalo averages 7.8 killed plays by linemen per game) - 5 run, 3 pass - amounted to just under 16 percent of the offensive snaps. The killed plays included the safety, which really could have been a momentum changer if the Panthers had a real QB. While the penalties abated - hopefully for good - the killed plays haven't. For the year, the Bills' linemen have 19 killed run plays and 36 killed pass plays. The line can't continue to kill an average of 8 plays per game via mistakes and penalties. Well, actually, it can, I guess, though Buffalo won't win many more games if it continues.

Player	Run Grade	Pass Grade
Demetrius Bell	75.0	73.5
Andy Levitre	72.5	73.5
Geoff Hangartner	72.5	75.0
Eric Wood	75.8	75.0
Jamon Meredith	73.3	72.0

Notes from the Bills' O-Line: Weeks 1-5

Ron From NM — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:30:17 -0000

I've been pressed for time the past couple of weeks - and having my computer die on me didn't help matters - and thus this is our first breakdown of the Buffalo Bills' offensive line in quite some time. I did break down the Bills' loss to Miami and half of the loss to Cleveland. No, it wasn't that I couldn't stomach reviewing the rest of the game (after years of eating my own cooking, I have a stomach of steel!), but rather I wasn't smart enough to hit the record button at the start of the second half. D'oh!

Rather than do my usual spiel, I'll review how the linemen have done through what is essentially 4.5 games' worth of film. Also, I'll spend some time talking about the loss to Cleveland in particular.

The Browns game was one in which pretty much everyone - not just linemen--took turns screwing the pooch. Six offensive linemen drew penalties, never mind that there are only five offensive line positions. (Thanks, Kirk Chambers!) At least one lineman screwed up on runs 1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14. I only had 15 run plays to review, so on more than half of the running plays I saw, some lineman was doing something badly. It was only marginally better on pass plays, with screw-ups on passes 1, 5, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, and 17... of the 18 pass plays in the first half, or just under half. Ugh. Would you be surprised to learn that only Jonathan Scott made it through the first half without a bad pass play? I sure was!

8 of 15 run plays in the first half were C gap runs, either left or right. The Bills only tested the A gap on three occasions - for 8 yards. Yeah, I know, it's not good, but it was nice to see Geoff Hangartner hang with Cleveland's mammoth nose tackle, Shaun Rogers. Along with the two runs each to the right B and left B gaps it was enough to keep the defense honest.

The Bills gave the tackles more help in the first half on passing downs. Demetrius Bell had help on passes 2 and 18, the help on 18 coming immediately after he had been cleanly beaten for a field goal attempt-killing sack. Scott was helped on plays 6, 10, and 17. While it's good that the Bills recognize the need to give the tackles some help, keeping three guys back to block while sending out only two receivers (pass 3) just isn't the answer either. Kind of hard for Trent Edwards to go downfield in that situation.

And then there were the penalties. Yes, they're young guys. So what? Even young guys can learn to move on the snap count. In their own stadium. With crickets in the background... only replaced by loud boos when the linemen kept making stupid penalties. There's just no excuse for the entire line to be so poorly disciplined.

Through 4.5 games, the Bills had 49 offensive drives, of which only six were successful - meaning they ended with touchdowns. The other 43 drives were killed as follows:

Trent Edwards: 10.5 killed drives
Demetrius Bell: 4.5
Terrell Owens: 4
Kirk Chambers: 3.5
Eric Wood: 3
Fred Jackson: 3
Halftime/End of game: 3
Geoff Hangartner: 2.5
Jonathan Scott: 2.5
Lee Evans: 2
Andy Levitre: 1
Seth McKinney: 1
Derek Fine: 1
Coaching decisions: 1
Josh Reed: 0.5

Leaving out coaching and halftime/end of game situations, here's how drives were killed by positional groups:

Offensive Line: 18
Quarterbacks: 10.5
Skill positions: 10.5

The line is really killing the team. Those five positions have killed almost as many drives as the guys who actually are responsible for handling the ball. I think we kind of knew this would happen, given the rookie guards and a fairly young guy playing center in the NFL for the first time. What's made it atrocious has been the play at the tackles. Unsurprisingly, the offensive line numbers seem to track right along with the line killing numbers.

Demetrius Bell
6 killed plays, 2 sacks allowed
Opponent	Run Grade	Pass Grade
@ NE	78.2	71.1
TB	75.6	73.2
NO	77.1	72.6
@ MIA	N/A	N/A
CLE	75.0	73.9
Overall	76.4	72.6
Andy Levitre
5 killed plays, 0 sacks allowed
Opponent	Run Grade	Pass Grade
@ NE	82.4	73.2
TB	77.4	73.3
NO	78.0	74.5
@ MIA	75.0	75.0
CLE	76.3	72.8
Overall	77.9	73.9
Geoff Hangartner
8 killed plays, 2 sacks allowed
Opponent	Run Grade	Pass Grade
@ NE	75.0	73.2
TB	74.4	72.1
NO	73.0	74.0
@ MIA	73.9	73.8
CLE	76.3	71.7
Overall	74.4	73.1
Eric Wood
6 killed plays, 2 sacks allowed
Opponent	Run Grade	Pass Grade
@ NE	73.9	73.8
TB	77.9	74.4
NO	80.0	73.1
@ MIA	73.7	73.8
CLE	73.7	71.7
Overall	76.4	73.5
Jonathan Scott
7 killed plays, 3.5 sacks allowed
Opponent	Run Grade	Pass Grade
@ NE	N/A	N/A
TB	75.6	73.2
NO	73.0	73.1
@ MIA	75.0	70.8
CLE	72.3	75.0
Overall	74.4	72.9

I've said before that it's very hard to even get to 75 on pass plays in my grading system. Simply stopping a guy from reaching the QB isn't going to count as a good play, but rather as a decent one. Thus, the bad plays tend to effectively carry more weight, since there are few good plays (generally screens, though things like tossing a defensive lineman down and laying on them counts as good as well) to offset them. With that said, Bell and Scott are below the 73% mark - Scott mainly due to a terrible day playing left tackle in Miami, and Bell largely thanks to a dreadful day in Foxboro. Levitre, Hangartner and Wood all had letdowns against the Browns, which many of you likely noticed as Edwards was having to scramble away from even three-man rushes. Overall, however, their pass protection is decent.

Melvin Fowler and Duke Preston were abysmal in the run game, each in the 70% range. Hangartner has consistently been in the mid-70s. Amazingly, his two best games have come against some of the biggest and toughest DTs in the league. You've got to love a guy who rises to a challenge. Scott has been better than expected in the run game, coming in just behind Hangartner. Bell has been encouraging and currently has the second-highest run grade of the linemen. Levitre and Wood are both above 75%, which speaks well of their future potential.

On the subject of potential, I mentioned before that some of the coaching staff had Levitre as rated higher than Wood. So far Levitre has shown them to be astute judges of talent, at least in this specific case. He's currently got the highest grades for both run and pass plays.

As the chart below shows, the Bills have been running the ball around the ends and straight up the middle. Don't pay too much attention to the 6.5-yard average in the left B gap, as almost all of it came on one run by Jackson against the Bucs. Take out that one play, and it's more like a yard per attempt. Clearly, Buffalo has run the ball most effectively around the ends, but that doesn't mean the team should give up on pounding it up the middle. Something to remember is that Marshawn Lynch's running style is better suited to running up the middle than is Fred Jackson's.

Gap	Att	Yds	Avg
Left C	27	113	4.2
Left B	11	72	6.5
A	30	96	3.2
Right B	11	42	3.8
Right C	27	139	5.1

I don't track how many plays linemen pull, but I can tell you that Buffalo has had some good success with those plays this year. They certainly help account for some of the yardage being picked up on the outside. Something else that has really helped on outside runs has been the play of Shawn Nelson. He doesn't have great stats, but he's getting better and better at blocking. It also really helps that the tackles have killed just two run plays between them.

Through 4.5 games, Edwards has faced blitzes (I define those as five or more rushers) 54 times. He has picked up 363 yards (6.7 yards per blitz), 14 (25.9%) first downs and 3 touchdowns against those blitzes. He'd be doing quite a bit better were it not for an appalling 9 drops, 6 bad passes, and 1 batted ball. Think about that for a second: add the 15 mistakes the Bills have made against the blitz and the first down percentage goes to something like 54% and the yards per blitz would be around 13-15. The Bills have to stop shooting themselves in the foot soon - there can't be much left to hit anyway.

On the topic of hitting oneself in the head with a hammer because it feels so good when one stops, it's well past time for the Bills to put away the rollout pass to the tight end. Defenses aren't falling for it at all. Even when the pass is completed, it is for no gain. Which brings me to another sunny point: Buffalo needs to stop sending receivers on none-yard patterns. Why can't the TE at least go 3 or 5 yards downfield and be tackled immediately there instead of at the line of scrimmage? To my mind, that's a Turk Schonert issue.

It turns out that I had a little more time than I thought I would so here's the first half breakdown for the Browns game. (I'm adding this after Brian did a terrific job cleaning up my drivel so I hope it doesn't cause problems....)

Drive 1

Run 1 Lynch 11 yards through the right C gap

Bell got a ½ yard push on 98. Levitre chucked 98 and then kept 52 out of the play. Hang and Wood doubled Rogers (92) initially. Hang peeled off to hit 58. As soon as he did so Rogers spun away from Wood and almost had a tackle for loss (TFL). Scott got a 2 yard drive on 90 and wouldn’t let him turn. Fine kept 96 shielded from the play.

Bell drew a false start flag, setting up 1^st and 15.

Run 2 Jackson 2 yards through the left C gap

Bell got a 2 yard push on 98 but allowed him to shed the block and make the tackle. Levitre went to the 2^nd level and took 52 on a wide loop away from the play. Hang managed a lateral push on 92 one on one—something Preston/Fowler never could manage—and kept him out of the play by sustaining his block through the whistle. Wood went to the 2^nd level and got a piece of 50 but didn’t lock him up. Scott didn’t get any drive on 90 but kept him busy. Fine did an okay job on 96 while Nelson kept 95 out of the play.

Pass 1 sack -1 yards

Bell, Levitre and Hang kept 92 and 95 well away from Edwards. Wood helped with 92 and didn’t keep his head on a swivel—which allowed a LB to run through the right B gap. While Wood didn’t cover himself with glory, Jackson’s whiff on the blitz pick up was a play killer. It should have been about an 8 yard loss but Edwards evaded the tackle and almost got back to the line of scrimmage (LOS). Scott was doing an okay job on 90 but when Edwards ran forward in the pocket 90 was able to get in on the tackle.

Pass 2 Jackson 9 yards

The line easily handled the 3 man rush, particularly since Bell had tight end help.

Blitzes: 0

Stacked box: 0

Drive killed by: Bell’s stupid penalty and Jackson’s inept blitz pick up

Drive 2

Run 3 Jackson 2 yards through the right C gap

Scott pulled to lead the play and buried a LB into the pile. Levitre turned out to keep 98 from chasing the play. Hang turned 92 away from the play but didn’t sustain his block. 92 chased down Jackson from behind, which should give you an idea of how slowly the play developed. Wood gave 92 a little push and then wasn’t fast enough to catch 52 at the 2^nd level. Scott got no push on 90 at all, which is what slowed everything down. Nelson sustained his block on 95.

Pass 3 Owens 18 yards against a 5 man blitz

Bell did an okay job on 98. Levitre and Hang stuffed 92 while Wood and Scott stopped 90. Fine and Jackson doubled a blitzer and Nelson handled 95 on his own. It was a 2 WR pattern, which says a lot about how AVP views the offensive line.

Pass 4 Nelson incomplete

The entire offensive line blocked to the left as if it were a run while Edwards bootlegged to his right. The only problem was that defenses have seen this play far too many times to be fooled by it. 90 sat on the edge of the line and just watched Edwards—when he kept the ball 90 went after him, knowing that Nelson was going to be well covered. While Jauron has talked about running a few plays the offense executes well over and over the downside is that defenses look for those plays. Even if Nelson had made the reception it would have gone for no gain. Hey, AVP! Retire this friggin play!

Run 4 Jackson 2 yards through the right C gap

Bell pulled to the middle and whiffed on his block on 50—who made the tackle. Hang turned out and kept 98 out of the play, getting a 3 yard drive in the process. Hang got under Rogers’ pads and drove him two yards. Wood hit 52 in the 2^nd level after chucking 92. Scott again got no drive on 90, who shed his block and was in on the tackle. Nelson again sustained his block on 95 while Fine missed a cut block on 96.

Pass 5 Owens 6 yards against a 5 man blitz

Bell took 95 around the corner. Levitre picked up a blitzing LB. Hang was bull rushed by Rogers, who got inside of his block to hit Edwards. Wood did okay at first but then 99 got past his outside shoulder to hit Edwards. Scott danced with 90.

Blitzes: 2

Stacked box: 0

Drive killed by: play calling—the wasted down (rollout none-yard pattern to the TE) would have been better spent on a 2 yard plunge into the line….which would have extended the drive

Drive 3

Run 5 Lynch 4 yards through the right B gap

Bell got a 3 yard push on 90. Levitre kept 50 out of the play. Hang and Wood got a 3 yard push on 71, though it was mainly Hang that got him moving backwards. Scott got a 3 yard drive on 90.

Pass 6 Owens 7 yards (rollout)

Bell and Levitre blocked like it was going to be a screen to the left. Hang kept 71 turned away from the rollout and Wood stuffed 69. Scott got help from Nelson, which he needed. 95 got outside of Scott’s shoulder and was in position to chase Edwards on his rollout when Nelson popped him.

Run 6 Lynch 4 yards through the left C gap

Bell and Fine sent 98 4 yards in reverse like he was on roller skates. Levitre and Hang doubled 71 and got some push. Wood stood up 69 but didn’t get much push. Scott danced with 95 away from the play. Nelson did an okay job on 96 but 96 shed his block and was in on the tackle.

Run 7 Lynch 4 yards through the A gap

Bell got a 2 yard push on 98. Levitre shoved 71 then took 52 on a five yard tour of the second level. Hang drove 71 back 4 yards. Wood went to the 2^nd level and popped a LB but didn’t sustain his block. Scott didn’t get much push on 69, who got inside of him and in on the tackle. Fine stopped 96 and Nelson crossed the formation to keep 95 out of the play.

3^rd and 2, the line is taking it to the Browns defense and Levitre has a false start. Way to kill momentum, Andy.

Pass 7 INC to Reed against a 5 man blitz

Bell laid on 95 after he slipped. Levitre stuffed a bull rush and wouldn’t let him elevate. Hang stopped 92. Wood picked up a blitzer and kept his arms down. 99 almost got around Scott but Scott got under his pads and pushed him past Edwards. It wasn’t a great pass—it should have been a little farther ahead of Reed.

Pass 8 Nelson INC

Bell stopped 99. Levitre, Hang and Wood stopped two defenders as they tried to twist. Scott stopped 93 at the corner. It looked like a bad pass but in reality Nelson stumbled as he made his break. Maybe it wouldn’t have been completed anyway but I don’t know that you can pin this one on Edwards.

Blitzes: 1

Stacked box: 0

Drive killed by: Levitre’s stupid penalty—with two downs and two yards to go (before the penalty) you’ve got to believe Lynch would have gotten that first down.

Drive 4 (starting at the 1 yard line)

Run 8 QB sneak for 2 yards against an 8 man front through the A gap

The line generated a 2 yard push pretty much across the board. All things considered it was a pretty good effort given where the Bills began the possession.

Run 9 Jackson for 2 yards through the A gap against an 8 man front (Jackson??? WTF??? Where was Lynch?)

Bell got a 2 yard push on 98. Levitre chucked 71 then hit 52 at the 2^nd level. Hang got a 2 yard push on 71. Wood hit a filling 50 but (again) didn’t sustain his block. Scott allowed 69 to shed his block to the inside and make the tackle.

Pass 9 Nelson -1 yard

Bell and Levitre doubled 98. Hang stayed home and picked up a rushing 52. Wood stopped Rogers and Scott kept 69 on the LOS. Edwards never turned his head to the left, where he had Evans open for first down yardage. I’m guessing he was trying to get the ball to Owens and just hoping that he wasn’t committed from the get-go to throw a none-yard pass to Nelson.

Blitzes: 0

Stacked box: 2

Drive killed by: Edwards locking in on the right side of the field

Drive 5

Pass 10 INC—almost a sack

Bell had no one to block. 98 got inside of Levitre and almost got the sack. 98 had Edwards’ legs wrapped up, which led to the terrible pass and killed the play. Hang stuffed a rushing 52. Rogers walked Wood back to Edwards and got an arm on the QB. Scott had help stuffing 98.

Run 10 Lynch 12 yards through the right C gap

98 got inside of Bell but too late to catch the play. Levitre went to the 2^nd level but couldn’t catch 52. Rogers cut inside of Hang and almost had a TFL. Wood popped 50 hard enough at the 2^nd level to keep him out of the play but (again) didn’t sustain (grrrrrrr). Scott got a 2 yard push on 98, who lost his balance and fell. Nelson turned 96 in multiple circles and really made the play.

Run 11 Lynch 2 yards through the left B gap

Bell pulled wide and helped Nelson with 96. Nelson didn’t look like he needed the help and Bell could have picked up one of the filling defenders instead. Levitre engaged in a slow motion cut on Rogers. Hang pulled and took out a filling 50. Wood got inside of 69 and was doing an okay job of blocking him….until Wood was taken out by Scott who was trying to help with 69. 69 then chased the play.

Pass 11 well overthrown INC—Edwards hit while throwing

Bell and Levitre doubled 98. Rogers pushed Hang back into Edwards, disrupting the throw. Wood split his attention between 92 and 69. He probably should have committed to helping with Rogers but he was also ensuring that no one blew threw his gap. Scott stopped 69.

Pass 12 scramble for 21 yards

Bell beat 95 to the corner. Levitre pitched into 95 when he tried to get inside of Bell. 92 got inside of Hang and caused the scramble. 69 bull rushed Wood into Jackson’s legs, taking both Wood and 69 out. Scott stopped a rushing LB at the corner.

Run 12 Lynch 2 yards through the left B gap against an 8 man front

Bell got a 2 yard push on 95. Levitre drove 69 1 yard but then 69 shed his block and was in on the tackle. Hang didn’t get much push on 71, who shed his block to get in on the tackle. Wood and Scott doubled a defensive lineman. Wood peeled and went to the 2^nd level but by then there was no one to block.

Run 13 Owens reverse for 6 yards through the right B gap

Bell, Levitre and Hang blocked like it was a run to the left. Wood fired into the 2^nd level and blocked 52 away from the run lane but (yet again) didn’t sustain. Scott sustained his block on 99 and kept him on the LOS. Stupar had no one to block when TO cut the run back to the inside.

Pass 13 INC—pass interference on the defense

The line provided a clean pocket and the defender clearly hit Reed a full second before the ball arrived. I wasn’t at all surprised to see one of the flag happy refs not throw his flag despite the blatant penalty on the Browns. The ref in question had turned and was clearly watching the play so there’s just no excuse for him not to have thrown his flag. Happily, another ref did.

Run 14 Lynch 2 yards through the right C gap

Scott had no one to block. 98 got inside of Levitre (again!) and made the tackle. Hang went to the 2^nd level and popped 52, right next to Wood who popped 50. Scott got a 2 yard pop on 69. Fine kept 96 on the edge of the LOS. After the play 96 threw Fine down which somehow failed to draw a flag. Hmmmm. Who blocked Shaun Rogers? Stupar. Yes, Stupar. Rogers couldn’t believe it either, which probably explains why it worked.

Pass 14 Lynch 9 yards

Bell stuffed 98. Levitre was pushed back to Edwards by Rogers. Hang gave a little bit of assistance to Levitre. Wood and Scott tag teamed 69. A rushing LB never made it near Edwards even though no one blocked him—he just couldn’t navigate the sea of large bodies in time.

With momentum and the ball at the Cleveland 17 Scott has a false start.

Run 15 Lynch -3 yards through the left C gap against an 8 man front

Bell got outside of 98 to set the edge. Levitre went to the 2^nd level and eventually blocked 71. Hang blocked 71 down the line but 71 eventually broke off and went to the 2^nd level to meet Levitre. Wood got a piece of 99 and Scott had no one to block. Nelson, who had done a good job run blocking, was beaten by 53 who made the TFL and killed the play.

Pass 16 Screen to Lynch for 3 yards

Bell sustained his block on 98. Levitre missed his block on 95 and Hang stuck with 71. Wood got too far upfield too quickly. The same ref who wouldn’t throw a flag on pass interference on Reed earlier in the drive watched Wood the whole time with his hand on his flag. It’s like he couldn’t wait to throw it and did—the moment Wood took a step past 5 yards downfield. Scott kept 99 away from the play.

Pass 17 sack for -8 yards against a 6 man blitz

Bell was beaten cleanly by 95’s pure speed for the sack. Levitre took 52 on a wide arc. Hang stuffed 92’s spin move. Wood picked up 93. Scott and Fine stopped 69 and Lynch stuffed a blitzing 23. If Scott hadn’t been beaten like a trailer park wench on a Friday night there was an excellent chance for the Bills to set themselves up inside the 10. The sack instead took the team out of field goal range leading to….

Pass 18 INC—jump ball in the end zone

Bell was belatedly given help from Nelson and stopped 95. Levitre and Hang doubled Rogers. Wood and Scott stopped 69.

Blitzes: 1

Stacked box: 2

Drive killed by: Bell’s sack

And that’s all I’ve got due to being too inept to hit ‘record’ at the start of the 2^nd half. At first blush Wood did seem to do a better job of sustaining his blocks in the second half and Levitre wasn’t as susceptible to inside moves. The penalty flags, of course, continued to rain down on the Bills.

Bills Fantasy Friday: Week 5 Start 'Em/Sit 'Em

Brian Galliford — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:45:10 -0000

It's Friday. You're getting ready to set your fantasy football lineups for the weekend. If you're looking for fantasy starters in this coming weekend's matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Cleveland Browns - well, you're in trouble. But we'll cover your bases for you anyways.

Kurupt usually does this feature, but this week, he's passed the buck to me as he is quite ill. Yes, Kurupt is a solid fantasy player, and I'd rather take advice from him myself - but you're in good hands. I don't quite know how to put this, but... I'm kind of a big deal. Seven-time fantasy champ here. But yeah, I still wouldn't blame you if you asked Kurupt in the comments section what he'd do, because the [insert vulgar insult] has beaten me out for the championship two years running.

Who are you starting out of this Bills/Browns game? Find out after the jump. By the way - for advice from all of SB Nation's NFL bloggers, be sure to check out sbnation.com/fantasy throughout the day today.

Quarterbacks
Trent Edwards - Edwards was a fringe fantasy starter at QB (and he was definitely there in two-QB leagues) after two strong games to start the season. In his last two games... not so much. Edwards has thrown four interceptions in Buffalo's last two losses (to just one touchdown), and he's averaging a paltry 174 yards per game. But you're thinking "Uh, Brian, it's Cleveland!", right? Well, Trent got picked off three times in a single quarter by those ever-stingy Browns last season. Buffalo will have chances to make big plays through the air this week, but considering Edwards' recent struggles, I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole. Sit 'Em

Derek Anderson - Well, let's see here. Anderson actually had a passable game last week against Cincinnati, throwing for 269 yards and a score (with a pick) in an overtime loss to Cincinnati. He's got a good offensive line in front of him, too. But for all of Buffalo's shortcomings defensively, their pass rush and their overall pass defense have been above acceptable. Cleveland historically struggles on the road, too. Oh, and did I mention that the Browns traded away Anderson's favorite receiving target this week? Sit 'Em

Running Backs
Fred Jackson - He'll remain Buffalo's "starting" running back for the foreseeable future. He'll see a lot of playing time. But his workload will undoubtedly be reduced now that a certain suspended running back is no longer suspended. Jackson has been a fantasy mainstay early in the season; while he may be slipping from that status, he's got a good matchup this weekend, and is a must-start in PPR leagues. Start 'Em in PPR, Consider as Flex in all other leagues

Marshawn Lynch - His return to the lineup came at the cost of a fully effective Jackson, with less than a yard per carry from Lynch himself, and two moderate gains in the receiving game. Lynch looked very rusty in last week's loss to Miami, but he has a chance to kick it into a higher gear now that he's got a game and two weeks' worth of practices under his belt. Still, Buffalo has tended to go with the hot hand in the past, so if Jackson gets hot, Lynch might not see the field. Sit 'Em, but only for now

Jamal Lewis - He's missed two straight games, and only had 95 rushing yards in the first two games of the season. He's been limited in two consecutive days of practice this week, and may miss a third straight game. Even if he plays, he's not a great fantasy play - Buffalo contained him a year ago, and Lewis has competition for carries now. Sit 'Em

Jerome Harrison - In his fourth year out of Washington State, Harrison is finally seeing significant playing time in Cleveland. He's had a couple of solid, productive weeks in a row, accumulating 237 yards for an anemic Browns offense. Let's not forget, either, that Harrison's only NFL touchdown came last year against Buffalo on a long gainer - and that Buffalo's defense has been putrid. Don't expect monster numbers (even though you might get them), but Harrison is actually a solid play this week. Start 'Em in PPR, Consider as Flex in all other leagues

Wide Receivers
Terrell Owens - No matter what his stats look like, Owens is a must-play every week, because the man is a playmaker. If Buffalo is smart, they'll focus on the ground game and opening up play-action, which plays to Owens' strengths. Start 'Em

Lee Evans - For the same reasons as Owens, Evans has a chance to make big plays this week. He has yet to shake the label of "maddeningly inconsistent fantasy option," however. If you have more consistent options, by all means throw them into the lineup ahead of Evans. If you don't... well, Evans has certainly had worse matchups. Word of warning: Evans had a whopping zero receptions against the Browns last season. Sit 'Em unless you can't

Josh Reed - Weeks like last week, when he scored a touchdown, are incredibly rare for Reed. Sit 'Em

Joshua Cribbs - Hasn't done much of anything as a receiver this season, but his opportunities will jump up now that Braylon Edwards has been traded to New York. Still, he's not a good play until Cleveland proves that they're using Cribbs as their top target - and given the next guy on our list, that's unlikely to ever happen. Sit 'Em

Mohamed Massaquoi - Had a bit of a break-out game last week with 8 catches for 148 yards against Cincinnati. Right now, he appears to be Anderson's favorite target - but that could spell doom for Cleveland, as teams will focus on taking him away. Still, he has the hot hand right now. Sit 'Em unless you can't

Chansi Stuckey - Stuckey comes over from New York in the Edwards trade. He's got a familiarity with Browns coach Eric Mangini, but that's about all he's got going for him right now. Sit 'Em

Tight Ends
Derek Fine - If a TE that can catch 5 passes for 40 yards, and then drop three more, is your key to fantasy dominance, then start Derek Fine this week. Sit 'Em

Shawn Nelson - Someday, Buffalo will find ways to get him more looks in their offense. Of course, they need to get Owens and Evans more looks first, so Nelson is a virtual non-factor for the foreseeable future. Sit 'Em

Robert Royal - ... next. Sit 'Em

Steve Heiden - ... never mind. Sit 'Em

Kickers
Rian Lindell - He's a strong option this week, considering how putrid Buffalo's offense is and how terrible Cleveland's defense is. When putrid offenses meet terrible defenses, field goals ensue. Start 'Em

Billy Cundiff - Rejoice, Bills fans, for Bill-killer Phil Dawson is injured! Well, don't rejoice about the injury; that's rude. Just rejoice that he won't kill the Bills this week, as he's done in successive seasons. Cundiff? Not exactly fantasy gold, and I'm predicting that Cleveland's offense will look bad this week. Sit 'Em

Defenses
I won't even separate this out. Both of these defenses have been awful. Both are capable of picking up a few sacks and maybe a turnover or two, but they're unreliable at best. Sit 'Em

Sleepers
Jerome Harrison - I'm telling you, he's going to have a strong week. Buffalo loves to force offenses to check down to runners, and the Bills have already proven that they struggle some with speed backs. At a minimum, Harrison will have an OK week. His fantasy potential is through the roof.

Nobody from Buffalo - I don't think it's likely that any of the Bills' role players will have good production this week. Stick to the big guns.

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.