SB Nation User Blog: Hambone

Team in shambles!!!

Hambone — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:34:48 -0000

It has been a long time since I have posted anything or commented on anything. So, I have been sitting back and attempting to enjoy some football this year and I have been watching this Buffalo Bills squad just keep getting embarrassed. We all have our own feelings but I think we can all share the same sentiment as I do that it is just sickening to watch.

Here is my issue. We have a very young offensive line. We all know that. We are struggling to keep the ball for more than 3 downs per possession. We all know that. Well, with the most recent rumor (hopefully very true) that they are going back to a conventional offense. Call me crazy, but, why have we not signed a couple of free agent veterans by the names of Walker and Runyan? Why not spend a little money and help this pathetic offensive line that we are currently putting on display in the NFL? Currently it doesnt even deserve to be displayed on a high school field. Do they have the lateral quickness to stop the edge rushers? No, not on a consistent basis. But they do have plenty of NFL game experience and I am sure they can give Trent more than 2.5 seconds to scan the field for our prized receivers that we pay good money for. Not only that, they are both better than average run blockers. And at this time, better than average is a far cry from where we are at right now. We have a possible two-headed monster with Lynch and Jackson, and they are doing no good with the mess we have in front of them currently?

I am more than likely preaching to the choir. I just say that with all our defensive injuries the only way to keep them rested is to be able to have possession of the ball for more than 10 minutes per game.

Something better change and quick or I the Bills will not have a chance at winning more than a possible 3 games total this year.

Until next time I feel like venting. Later Bills fans!!!!

Sad 4th of July for Football fans!

Hambone — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:01:10 -0000

NewsChannel5.com reports retired QB Steve McNair was found shot to death in Nashville Tenn., Saturday, July 4, according to police. Police said McNair suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. According to Don Aaron with the Metro Nashville Police Department, no suspects have been taken into custody. Several people were being taken to police headquarters for questioning. KFFL sends their condolences to his family and friends.

Per KFFL. Very, very sad news on this Fourth of July.

Sparking interest for a diamond in the rough?

Hambone — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:17:57 -0000

I have been reading more and more about an NFL prospect that hasnt played football since high school. That was the first thing that sparked my interest. The second was that I found out the Bills were interested in this kid. I saw this kid play a couple of baseketball games for Cleveland State but to translate that over to the NFL playing field is what I am very interested in. I found out that their pro day is on Friday April 10th. His name if you didn't know already is J'Nathan Bullock.

If you havent seen it or paid any attention to it on PFT like me, here is a little bit that I found on him. Can't wait to see what this guy does at his Pro Day. Seems to have good size, speed and pretty decent hands (for the round ball that is). I would assume that this could translate well onto the NFL field. We have seen quite a few of these transitions already. (Gonzo, Gates, Peppers and Pollard) to name a few. Is Bullock the next diamond in the rough?

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/index.ssf/2009/04/vikings_hoops_star_jnathan_bul.html

DE Michael Johnson a fit at #11?

Hambone — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:28:18 -0000

There has been a recent post by Fortworth giving us a great feel for what Maybin could possibly bring. First, Thank you for the information Fortworth. Second, as much as I like Maybin, I personally lean toward another DE in the draft more. I am very impressed with Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech. Why? I just think he kind of reminds me of a young Bruce Smith.

I watched a few GT games over the last couple of years and every time I do, this guy stood out to me on the field. Going into his senior season he had quite a bit of hype. Did he live up to that hype? Maybe not the #1 overall hype that was initially thought, but, I have to tell ya. I would "love" him at #11.

This kid is a physical specimen with excellent height, decent weight (with room for muscle growth) and EXCELLENT speed. This kid can come off the edge with the best of them. He ran a recorded 4.66 speed at the combine in the 40 but it has been reported that a few NFL coaches have clocked him in the 4.49-4.59 range. This guy put up 28 reps of 225 at the combine as well. At 6'7" 260 pounds this kid to me would be an instant contributor on our defensive line.

I have come across some pretty decent updated information with all his measurables and news and notes of what he did for coaches at his pro day if you havent read on him already. I move to select DE Michael Johnson from Georgia Tech @ #11 for the Buffalo Bills. Anyone second that? Please check it out the link at nfldraftscout.com. Micheal Johnson - DE - Georgia Tech

I am also adding a highlight clip that I found. Make sure to check him out coming off the snap of the ball as well as possible special teams FG blocking situations. Wow!! Johnson Hightlight Clip

Roscoe Parrish Revisited

Hambone — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:16:21 -0000

We have all seen the blogs regarding Brian Waters and him wanting out of KC. Many of us have made known that it would be smart to trade one of our more electrifying receivers as well as a pick to get him. As I have pondered this question, I have come to the conclusion that, IMO, I would welcome the Bills to make a move by trading Parrish and say a 3rd or 4th round pick to KC for a 3 time pro bowl LG in Brian Waters. KC does need another viable receiving/return option.

Here is why:

With the addition of Mr. Owens over the weekend we now have an abundance of "decent" receivers. One of them will have to be cut by the start of the season. Why not offer up our electrifying receiver/punt return man in Parrish? I can't really call him a receiver on our team as it stands anyhow, as he has only accumulated a total of 97 catches for 1052 yds over 4 years. Thats an average of 24 catches for a paltry 263 yds per year. He has contributed minimally on offense as a receiver. His punt returns(Career - 94 for 1312 yds 14 yd avg and 3 tds), as nice as they are at times, can be handled by the other electrifying man we drafted last year in Leodis McCelvin(2 for 26, 13 yd avg). Parrish has 3 years remaining on his contract and to keep a player like that around, when they are nothing more than a 4th string receiver at best, would not make sense. Steve Johnson just might push him for the 4th spot going into the 2009 season anyhow. I say get something for him now. Before having to just dispose of him, by releasing him in 3 years or finally deciding to bite the bullet and take his cap hit, after allowing him to tie up that spot on the roster for his minimal contributions.

I say this. Let's use him in a trade, as many of us have said, with a pick, to KC for an All Pro LG, which we desperately need. To get a 3 time Pro Bowl guy added to our current offensive line would be ideal. Yes, he's 32 years old, but, would be playing next to another Pro Bowler in Jason Peters and could form one of the best left sides in football. Can you picture it? Peters, Waters, Hangartner, Butler and Walker. I think that could be the best possible line the Bills have put out since 1990 when we had Wolford, Ritcher, Hull, Davis and The House Ballard. Remember, I said, "Could".

I just don't want the Bills to waste a possible opportunity to dangle a little worm like Parrish out there to possibly acquire something that we so desperately need in a player like Waters. With the addition of Mr. Owens to our team for only 1 year I truly believe they are in the "Win Now" way of thinking. FINALLY!!!!

Matt Cassel traded to the Chiefs

Hambone — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:07:40 -0000

It looks to me like Pioli is making all the right moves this offseason. He gets a reliable veteran LB in Vrabel and now goes out and gets one of the hottest qb's from last year in Cassel. This is sending the Chiefs right into contention in a very weak division in my opinion. Excellent moves by the Chiefs organization. Now if they can keep Larry Johnson and happy man and keep him healthy, they will have a fighting chance. As you can tell, I am personally very impressed.

Miami to sign safety Gibril Wilson to a 5 year deal

Hambone — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:30:18 -0000

According to Adam Schefter he will be off the market come free agency. So, rather than me getting my wish of signing this stud safety. We now have to face him TWICE a year on an ever improving Miami team. Ugghhh!!!! Why is it they never do what I want. LOL I know he was going to be quite the price to pay to get him, but, why does Miami pull the trigger and we dont. Why are we going to pay the same amount for Greer when we have some good young corners coming into their own. I guess I must be missing something here. I know having good corners is a must, but, we werent even going to pay that price in the past for Winfield who is a much better corner than Greer will ever be. Oh well, just my opinions.

Gibril Wilson a logical choice to solidify our secondary!

Hambone — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:07:07 -0000

As has been mentioned many times before we need another safety. There has been talk out there about Sean Jones who I do like. But, with the recent srelease of Gibril Wilson, I say we make a true play for him.

He is one of the best safeties in the league. He can actually cover a TE or a slot WR unlike Whitner. This would allow Whitner to be put back at the Free Safety spot where he belongs. This way he can actually just float around in the secondary to use the ball hawking skills he had when coming out of college and has yet to put to use in the NFL. Gibril is also a very good blitzing safety and great in the box.

In my opinion, he is young at 27 and experienced. This will help solidfy our secondary going into the season if we made this move. Is he going to be costly, yes. But, I think with how far under the cap we are, and how were are set up going into the possibly no cap 2010 year, this would be a perfect fit. The Bills could afford him and he will be an automatic upgrade to our defense.

Thoughts?

Why do so many Bills fans want a TE in round 1

Hambone — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:42:53 -0000

I do not understand! It makes no sense at all. Do fans really think a TE will be that much of a difference maker? It doesnt make sense to me to take, of all positions needed, a TE in round 1 for the Bills. I mean, look. 2 of the best TE's in football now were not even drafted that high. Jason Witten, 2003 third round, Gates, 2003 free agent.

I guess my thoughts are this. If you cant put an offensive and defensive line on the field that will where teams down, then what good is drafting a TE do for you? My theory is that if we cant keep our QB protected then it doesnt matter what WR, TE or RB on the field, we will not be able to move the ball.

How about signing a serviceable, experienced, play making defensive end in free agency and then do the following.

Round 1 - Draft BJ Raji out of Boston College to team with Stroud on the D-line and allow Kyle Williams to be a backup. This will create a dominant interior line that we need to create interior pass rush and run stuffers at the same time. Raji is a load who has the quickness like Stroud to get in the backfield. This will also free up our average ends to get to the QB.

Round 2 - Draft Rashad Johnson (Safety) out of Alabama to help our lack of play making safeties in the secondary. This guy will be good for a long time in the NFL. He's smart and an exciting play making safety.

Round 3 - Draft Eric Wood (Louisville) or Antoine Caldwell (Alabama) at center. Either of these guys will step right in as the starter in my opinion. Both durable and very talented at the center position. Something we very much lack.

If you you Bills fans still want a TE, then draft the likes of a Davon Drew (East Carolina) in maybe Round 5 or 6. He is a very good blocker who has learned to be an above average pass catching TE. He was the leading receiver on a pretty bad East Carolina team.

This is my opinion. Quite long winded to explain that a TE is NOT needed in Round 1.

CONGRATULATIONS RALPH WILSON AND BRUCE SMITH!!!!

LET'S GO BUFFALO!!!!