SB Nation User Blog: VanScottM

Aren't We missing something Here?

VanScottM — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:44:11 -0000

So much to read and so much to comment on. We lost two out of three games aganist teams that most of us predicted would happen. We have had some key injuries which has had an effect in these losses and many, many, many, multiple errors, penalties, drops turnovers etc... Yet we were in every single game until late in the fourth period. We are 1-2 going into Miami. So much finger pointing has been going on it is borderline ridiculous. How do you replace a Paul Pozlusny, Derrick Schouman and a Brad Butler? You don't you send in their replacements and turn it up a notch. We have been in every game and are exactly where many of us predicted we would be. Just a few more thoughts.

Does anyone else other than myself think that Marshawn Lynch owes us something here. I love the guy and wouldn't trade him for the world, but his absense on offense has slowed the progression down on this offense. Freddy has been GREAT, but just think for a minute what things would be like if both Freddy and Marshawn were available. WE lost a very good RT in Butler and Schouman was the last line of defense before getting to Edwards on a lot of plays. Not to mention his ability to seal running lanes for Fast Freddy Jackson. We bring in Jonathan Scott, slide Derrick Fine into the 1st team role as TE and we were still in this last game. Marshawn owes us big people, what better place to start than southern Florida. Let the beast out of the bag. I take my hat off to the guys, they are deserving of much more. Thank god for the availability of Poz in a few more weeks, but our CB's and S's are everything we hoped they would be. WE will not be replacing Butler and Schouman with anyone other than what we have, so Marshawn, Freddy and D. Fine will have to fill that void. This will be much easier with Marshawn in uniform than street clothes.

The Flip Side of the Packers PreSeason Game

VanScottM — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:07:12 -0000

This game easily exposed some glaring weaknesses. In a nut shell we took two steps forward and three steps back. The pack on the other hand took another step forward. Looking back to last year. They dealt with the B. Farve situation, finally holding ground and going with Aaron Rodgers. In our world Aaron Rodgers could be a top five fantasy QB, where last year he was a steal in the fifth round or later. The Pack lacked a running game last year, Ryan Grant was supposed to be the ring leader and probably taken before A. Rodgers in a draft. He never had a chance. There defense lost more games for them than their offense won. Leading to a #9 overall pick in this years draft. What did they do, brought in a new DC, implemented a new 3-4 defense and have succeeded in two preseason games against the browns and now the bills.

Remembering Rodgers stats from last year we must also remember that his O-Line was thinned out due to injuries. Causing Aaron to scramble allot. Causing the running game to be less than average in the league. Early this year they are healthy and are showing what they are capable of. The defense shifted to their strength a 3-4 defense which allows there linebackers and safeties to perform to there advertised skill levels. This provided enough pressure to force quick throws and allowing those other speedy LB's to fall back into coverage. Looking inside a little further. You will see that the Pack is very, very deep at Linebacker. Deep not in just numbers but in quality as well. During the 2009 draft the pack drafted 8 players. Five of these picks were Defense, mostly DT and DE. The other three, are two OL and one FB. They were all set at the other skill positions. Donald Driver made Terrance McGee look human. Last nights Pre-Season game was horrible to watch for a Bills Fan but tremendously exciting for a Packer Fan. Dom Capers new what he was getting into.

The Bills got embarrassed last night but we didn't exactly help ourselves out. Our biggest concerns going into 2009 were exposed by a team that has a bigger upside than what our team brings. Still we need to protect the ball, not throw the interception to avoid a sack and throw the ball away when the opportunity isn't there. Protect the ball from changing hands and counting on the next opportunity. This game was bad from Buffalo's perspective, but the Pack did us a favor by exploiting our weakness and creating a taste in our mouth that shouldn't leave anytime soon.

#2 QB Ryan Fitzpatrick

VanScottM — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:11:33 -0000

There hasn't been allot of love thrown towards this guy. Almost to the point where you could count on one hand the number of rumbler's that support him. Recently, we discussed the importance of Trent Edwards to our offense, and Trent is in the critical point of his career. Having success this year running the offense and we will need to lock him up long term. We are talking some big bucks here. Trent is undeniably our #1 QB but is his situation any different than that of his back up. Yes he is expected to lead, but isn't Ryan expected to sail the ship without a glaring drop off. This post is to keep us focused on the importance of our back up QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Your true thoughts after the jump.

Trent is heading into camp this year as the undisputed #1 QB of the Buffalo Bills. He battled a former #1 pick in J.P. How much easier could this competition be for him. J.P. had some serious accuracy problems. Trent is young, talented, fragile, and very inexperienced. He won the job from J.P. because he showed the most efficiency in running the offense than J.P. Thus making him a highly qualified competitor for a #1 starting QB Job. Trent didn't have to back up a Carson Palmer. Competitor is all, because he really hasn't proved anything, he hasn't been in the league that long.

Enter Ryan Fitzpatrick-----Back up QB from the Cincinnati Bengals. The guy is doomed right there. Playing experience is something like 11 games last year winning 4 out of their last 5. Not exactly running up the score in any of those wins. The Bills wasted no time in picking him up. Obviously, they liked what they saw in his game. Bringing in Ryan doesn't exactly have someone breathing down Trent's back like J.P. This should allow Trent to mature naturally and become the starter we all think he can become. BUT, hasn't Ryan shown some progress here. He did look pathetic early in camp. He has shown progress running this offense. Indirectly he could be keeping Trent honest in his potential future stardom in this league. Ryan is a good one to watch over these next few weeks. This is a valuable time for our #2 QB and he is starting to look pretty good. Still there is not much positive attention regarding his value on this team. He is learning a new offense and running it at a faster pace. The faster pace is the only thing the two have in common from day one. The offense is new to Ryan not to Trent.

I am not afraid to embarrass myself with my opinions, but if Ryan continues with his progression as he has the last couple weeks. We could be more than set at the QB position for the first time in awhile. Edwards and Fitzpatrick need to come out against Green Bay and shows some quality calls out of the no huddle and move the ball just as consistent as the other guy. To the point where the two maybe competing against who can read the defense better and make the hot reads on a consistent basis. I am saying that we could have a serious competition here, not a controversy but a competition.

The Bills took Fitzpatrick for a reason. If he wants to play, he will show it this preseason. He has started out "NOT BAD" so far. Your Thoughts today and maybe again on Sunday after the game.

The Next Steps in the Process

VanScottM — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:34:27 -0000

Where do we go from here? Camp starts soon but not soon enough. We need to sign our draft picks. Then we will be gathering our 2009 Bills team and mold them into the playoff team we have been drooling for since the turn of the century. During Camp we will see allot of pretty exciting things and all of us will be escalating our hopes for the up coming season and that Monday Night Game against the Patriots. During Camp we will undoubtedly witness some negatives as well. More specifically Injuries. Also, we will endure the inevitable roster cuts to trim us to the 53 men that will lead us into January and February. All teams will be doing this. Some have already started. Looking for your thoughts after the Jump.

What kind of money will we have left after signing our draft choices? This is the team that OBD has put together for us but you know they will still be looking on the cut/waiver wire once roster cuts begin. Injuries are almost inevitable and every team has a position that they can least afford injuries too. What is Buffalo's position (s) they can least afford injury too? Assuming the offensive line is our biggest concern going into the season we are really not lacking in depth here. Quality seems to be the biggest unknown. We are approaching the final stages of season preparation. Do we wait for injuries to happen to address this or do we have an area that needs attention immediately? If so then we can least afford injury to that position. I hope this makes some sense, obviously this idle time is working me over. Lets Poll area of greatest need.

Poll

What Position do you feel needs to be addressed with the limited process that remains before the start of the season? Barring significant injury.

Quarterback

4 votes

Defensive Line

13 votes

Linebacker (any of the three spots)

38 votes

Defensive End

5 votes

Other

7 votes

67 votes | Poll has closed

Was Our 2009 Draft a Plan B Approach

VanScottM — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:19:42 -0000

Pre draft we focused on pass rush and a top tight end that would impact immediately with our offensive style. Then we traded Jason Peters to the eagles after cutting loose our right guard and centers. Signed a free agent Center from the Panthers which should prove to be a big positive. That brings us to a pass rush, impact tight end, left tackle and left guard. In hind - sight we can logically see what the thinking was at OBD but WHAT IF.

What if one of the first three OT were available at #11. What if Pettigrew were available at #28. Why did Nelson slip to the fourth Round after three other TE's were picked, (I believe three). Why Maybin and not Orakpo? I love our draft picks. For the first time in years I believe we hit the nail on the head with the first five picks. Picking up OL in two of the top four has got to be a first. I am beginning to think that Byrd was the only sure pick on the board when the second round started. All others were well if this guy is gone we will take this one. As much as I love these picks did we execute a plan B approach and select alot of projects that will straight line us for 2009 or should I continue to be excited about this season.

Poll

Was this years draft according to plan or full of alternatives? A Plan A or plan B draft?

Plan A exactly what we wanted.

45 votes

Plan B best direction to go Availability Vs Needs

93 votes

Plan C Full of Projects for future years

14 votes

152 votes | Poll has closed