As reported on the front page, ESPN's Adam Schefter opened the flood gates this morning:

Pittsburgh has begun contacting teams to trade Ben Roethlisberger for a top 10 pick. At least one team considering it.

Roethlisberger, meanwhile, has been handed a provisional six-game suspension by the NFL for violating the personal conduct policy.

I want to know you opinion. Pretend you are General Manager of the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers call to offer you Big Ben for the No. 9 overall pick in tomorrow's NFL Draft. Would you make the deal?

It wouldn't be an easy decision, but ultimately, I think I would turn the offer down. To me, being proud of my team is more important than winning at any cost. With Big Ben as the face of the franchise, I really don't know if I could have the level of pride in the Buffalo Bills that I would like. Character is important to me and that's why, ultimately, I would decline the offer. But we all have different opinions and values so I want to find out, what would you do, and why?

 
As Tim Graham of ESPN.com recently stated in his AFC East blog, Buffalo’s first round draft pick revolves around Notre Dame starting quarterback, Jimmy Clausen:

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay believes the Buffalo Bills own the pivotal pick in the upcoming draft.

The Bills hold the ninth selection, and that's where McShay predicts Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen will be in the spotlight.

If Clausen is on the board when the Bills pick and Buffalo sees him as a franchise quarterback, then it’s nearly certain that Clausen will be the next starting quarterback of the Buffalo Bills.  But the draft never plays out as simple as we always seem to think it will.  There’s a decent chance of a surprise pick or two in the top ten, especially with the Oakland Raiders picking in the eighth slot, right before Buffalo is set to go on the clock. 

So perhaps a player (most likely an offensive tackle) that Buffalo has rated as a top 5 prospect is suddenly and unexpectedly still on the board (Bulaga or Williams?).  And even more, Buffalo has that player rated higher on their draft board than Jimmy Clausen.  What do they do?

Suddenly, if the Bills stay true to their board, they could pass on Clausen and take their highest rated player.  Of course, if Buffalo decides to pass on Clausen, then where does he go?  Probing even more, is it possible that Buffalo would have another chance at Clausen if the Fighting Irish QB started to slip into the 20’s?   (Think Cleveland moving back up for Quinn after passing on him in the top 5).  I’ll let McShay explain the rest:

The Buffalo Bills, more than anything, need a franchise quarterback. (Duh!) But as the last 15 years has taught us, finding one is no easy task.  The answer is not on the current roster.  Trent Edwards, after a terribly regressive 2009 season, is quickly going the way of J.P. Losman, Billy Joe Hobert, and Rob Johnson.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is a cagey veteran with starter experience, but he will never be the princess wearing the glass slipper.  Brian Brohm is a young quarterback with potential, but the number of N.F.L. quarterbacks that go on to become success stories after being beat out for a team's number three job are far and few between. 

Unfortunately, looking at the opportunities that are presently available outside the organization, I'm not encouraged that the 2010 off-season will be any different than years past.  This year's crop is either made up of washed-up vets (Delhomme), aging superstars (McNabb), or underwhelming draftees that are either personally unappealing (Clauson) or products of the spread offense who probably need a few years of bench-time before being game ready (Bradford, McCoy).

Buffalo's best chance at landing a franchise quarterback will probably not come until the 2011 draft, where the quarterback class will be more talented and deeper than the current crop.   But that doesn't mean Buffalo should ignore the quarterback position in 2010.  They simply cannot afford to let another year go by without at least trying to adequately address their quarterback need.  Not after ten playoff-less years.  The Bills need to find a quarterback this year that has the potential to be a franchise quarterback, but in landing him, not hinder the team's ability to address their many other needs.  Enter Troy Smith.

Continue reading this post »

Pete Carroll’s inevitable jump to the NFL will leave college football powerhouse USC without a head coach during crunch time of recruitment season. USC will have to act quickly and assertively to find the right man to steady their ship. ESPN Analyst, Adam Shefter, hinted  via twitter that Tennessee Titans Head Coach, Jeff Fisher, could be that man:

Before USC AD Mike Garrett hired Pete Carroll, he first offered job to Jeff Fisher. In fact, Garrett has made at least two runs at Fisher.

With Garrett still the AD, it’s a wise idea to add Fisher to the list of candidates as Carroll’s successor.

With USC being in a vulnerable position right now, it’s conceivable that they make Fisher an offer he cannot refuse. And Fisher, for his part,may have more than a few reasons to be interested in sunny California.  Jeff Fisher is currently the NFL's longest tenured head caoch, but as of late, it hasn't been all smooth sailing in Tennessee.  Fisher's Titans dropped the first six games of 2009, and although they rebounded to end the season .500, it was still necessary this week for Titans owner Bud Adams to publicly state that Jeff Fisher would remain the team's head coach in 2010.  Further, as Profootballtalk.com points out, "Fisher has grown children and may be looking for new opportunities."

This of course begs the question:  If Fisher decides to uproot to Southern California, who do the Titans target for their newly vacant head coaching position?  One would have to assume that the team would be highly interested in former Steeler head coach, Bill Cowher.  And Cowher, who's only options right now are to become the head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2010 or sit out until 2011 or later, may have mutual interest. 

On paper, Tennessee has a lot more to offer than Buffalo.  They have a stable ownership, a 2,000-yard rusher, and a young, improving quarterback.  Not to mention that Tennessee is much closer than Buffalo to North Carolina (and the weather much milder).  It may just be that Tennessee in 2010 presents Cowher with a better option than the ones that are presently in front of him.

It goes without saying that if you're one of many Bills fans hoping that the Buffalo Bills head coach in 2010 will be Bill Cowher, recent developments in Seattle may have set off a chain of events that reduces the odds of that becoming a reality. 

Let's start with maybe the most interesting rumor of all: according to a report by Tim Graham of ESPN, Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson is willing to spend upwards of $10 million for the right head coach, but the question remains, will that be enough? NFL Network reporter Jason La Canfora has his doubts:

It's very difficult to win in Buffalo, with the Patriots in the division and the New York Jets just building a billion-dollar facility, also the Dolphins, who are No. 2 in player spending this year alone. For a small-market team in an old stadium like the Bills, it's tough to compete -- no matter who the coach is -- and these big-name coaches know it.

Now, onto my worst nightmare... Today, at 12:09 p.m., Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Bills may have interest in embattled Notre Dame head coach, Charlie Weis:

Schefter:  Bills eyeing Weis

Our motto here at Rumor Central is "news before it's news", and this one is quite a bit ahead of the curve. NFL Insider Adam Schefter writes in his Week 11 notes that if Charlie Weis is fired from his current head coaching gig at Notre Dame, the Buffalo Bills may be interested in hiring him as their next head coach.

Schefter notes two points that make Weis a strong candidate: he interviewed for the position with the Bills earlier this decade -- when they ended up hiring Mike Mularkey -- and as a former member of Bill Belichick's staff, he might have a clue as to how to beat the Patriots. We'll keep you posted.

 Much more after the jump, including Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden, Mike Shanahan, and yes, even Dick Jauron!

Continue reading this post »

Dick Jauron was the first head coach fired in the 2009 NFL season, which quite expectedly, set of a firestorm of speculation.  Here's this afternoon's round up:

Father-son coaching duo in BUF?

With Dick Jauron out as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, we'll continue to get tips left and right as to who will be his eventual replacement. For now, it's Perry Fewell with the headset, as the former defensive coordinator was named interim coach on Tuesday.

But might the Bills take a look to their rich AFL history to select the next head man? Several pundits -- including AFC East blogger Tim Graham -- have suggested that the team may go with Marty Schottenheimer, who was dumped by the Chargers after leading them to a 14-2 record in the 2007 season, and who played for the Bills in the 1960's.

An interesting angle to the Schottenheimer hire would be that it would open the door for him to hire his son, Brian Schottenheimer, as offensive coordinator. Brian was considered a leading candidate to take over as head coach of the New York Jets following the ouster of Eric Mangini, but the team eventually hired Rex Ryan, which did not sit well with Schottenheimer at the time. Going further with this hypothetical, we could foresee the Schottenheimers setting up a progression plan in Buffalo, where Marty would coach for a set period, then the team could have an easy transition to Brian.

Personally, I'm a huge Schottenheimer fan and would love to see Marty Ball in Buffalo, but i'm not so sure I like the idea of bringing in Brain Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator as well.  Would it definitely have to be a packaged deal?

Haslett the Bills' top choice?

With Dick Jauron's firing on Tuesday, the speculation began as to whom the Buffalo Bills would hire to replace him. As ESPN.com's Tim Graham noted in his rundown of potential replacements, the Bills don't exactly have a strong track record of luring high-priced, strong-willed outsiders to the organization. "[Team owner Ralph] Wilson's modus operandi has been to pursue coaches who don't command a high salary and don't expect organizational control." We'd have thought the Terrell Owens signing was perhaps a harbinger of a change in philosophy, but aside from the increased media attention on the team, Owens has been somewhat of a bust.

According to Graham, that leaves less-prominent former head coaches that have flown somewhat under the radar as the leaders, as well as up-and-coming assistants. But the leader so far might be Jim Haslett:

Haslett a sharp contrast from Jauron

"Many observers see the former New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Rams head coach as the perfect choice. Teams often like to go with a coach that has a different personality from the one they just fired. Haslett would be that. He's fiery. He also has a history with Buffalo. He played linebacker for the Bills from 1979 through 1985 and got his start in coaching as an assistant for the University of Buffalo."

And then there are these interesting tweets from a certain hall of fame running back that seem to confirm Brian's speculation:

I just got word today on what is happening at one bills drive. Will tell u guys at noon!!!!!! WOW is the word!!!!!!

Nobody is safe at One Bills Drive, they r cleaning house and bringing in a Football guy to run the ship. Jimbo say Ralph wil spend money!!!!

When I say clean house, I mean clean the effing house out!!!!!!

Everybody players included!!!!!!!!!

That's all I have for now, but I will continue to keep u guys informed

Stay tuned Bills fan, it's going to be a wild off-season!

jri111: Marshawn Lynch has missed the first three games of the 2009 season thanks to a suspension handed down by Commissioner Roger Goodell this past off-season.  The suspension is now over, and Lynch returns just in time to help the struggling Buffalo Bills (1-2) this Sunday against their hated division rivals, the Miami Dolphins.  Although Lynch may now be eligible, his old position hasn't just been sitting around waiting for his return.  In 2008, Lynch led the team in carries (250), yards (1,036) and touchdowns (8), serving as the team's primary back.  In contrast, Lynch's backup, Fred Jackson, had all of 130 carries in 2008.  But this is 2009, and Freddie Jackson has been one of Buffalo's top playmakers in the first three games of this young season.  Jackson is fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (291), is averaging 4.8 yards per carry, and leads the team in receptions (15).  As Buffalo's primary back, Jackson has forced defenses to account for him.  It is clear that Buffalo's success this season will have a lot to do with Jackson's ability to play at a consistently high level.  With Jackson's success, what does that mean for Lynch when he returns to the playing field on Sunday?  Will he now play second fiddle to his former backup?

poz: It is necessary to start by acknowledging how difficult it is to send a player who has played as well as Fred Jackson to the bench after such a stellar three weeks of action. Nonetheless, for all the stats you pointed out on Jackson's behalf, its just as difficult to keep a guy like Marshawn Lynch off the field after his two-year performance. Never playing a full 16-game slate, Lynch has still produced at least 1,036 yards in each of the two seasons of his young career, given the team 16 scores, and has only fumbled the rock twice and lost one in each of his two first years. By contrast, Jackson has already fumbled twice and lost a fumble in just three games! Let's also remember that Jackson, for all his numbers, has yet to score a ground touchdown in three games. This is not to put down Jackson; I have a signed picture of him in my house. Rather it's a reminder of how important Marshawn is to this team - he can also break out the big one on a far more frequent basis than Fred, and given our Jekyll and Hyde passing attack, that is crucial. In my opinion, Marshawn should get fewer carries this week, but by the Browns game, it's time for an even 50/50 split. From there, you have to remember one more essential stat to this discussion: Marshawn is only 23 and while Fred's lack of wear and tear makes him a young and fresh 28, he will nonetheless be 30 in two years. Do you risk isolating Lynch by not giving him more carries than Fred?

Continue reading this post »

From Aaron Maybin's twitter page:

Good afternoon tweets. Unfortunately, because of the ignorance and stupidity of some people on twitter, I have decided not to sign on again until my contract is signed. Im tired of having to defend myself and my love for this game and the Bills franchise every day, to those who know nothing about the business. Thank u 2 all of my real Bills fans. U are the reason I work as hard as i do & u will see A.M. very soon!

The addition of Aaron Maybin was a much needed jolt to Buffalo's pass-rush woes; however, taking the 21-year old stand-out from Penn State did not magically eliminate all of Buffalo's problems at the defensive end position.  Although Maybin will undoubtedly play a large role in Buffalo's defense right from the get-go, it remains likely that Chris Kelsey will be Buffalo's opening day starter in 2009.  Opposite Kelsey will be 31-year old, Aaron Schobel.  Schobel is coming off an injury induced 2008 season and some question whether his best years are behind him.  The Bills do have Chris Ellis, but last year's third round hasn't shown any indication that he would be an upgrade over Schobel or Kelsey anytime in the near future.  So are the Bills really content with what they have?  If not, are there opportunities still out there?

One opportunity may be Kansas City Chief, Tamba Hali.  The Chiefs are continuing their switch to a 3-4 defense (although they will play some 4-3 as well) and during the transition, Tamba Hali may be an odd man out.  Hali, a prototypical 4-3 end, is currently trying to make the switch to outside linebacker in the 3-4 during the Chiefs off-season workouts; however there is no guarantee that the switch will be successful.  If it becomes apparent to the Chiefs in the next month or two that Hali does not have the athleticism to make the transition, can he be available via trade?   Would Buffalo be interested?  They should be.

Hali is only 25 years old.  He's 6-3, 275 pounds and has had success getting to the quarterback in his young career.  The 3-year pro, registered 8 sacks in his first two season, but struggled some in 2008, only able to take down the quarterback twice all season.  Some attributed Hali's drop off in production to the departure of Jared Allen after the 2007 season, but the former first round pick still has a lot of potential.  He is also relatively cheap, having two years remaining on his rookie contract ($940,000 in 2009; $1.31 million in 2010).

So what would it take to get Hali?  Considering the lack of value he offers Kansas City, I would not imagine that the Chiefs would be in position to ask for the house.  Roscoe for Hali straight-up?  A mid-round pick in 2010?  A third-round pick in 2010 (although I think that's a bit much)?  Adding Hali would also allow Buffalo to finally remove Chris Kelsey and his $3 million from the roster.  Going under that assumption that Hali is a better talent than Kelsey (which I think is undoubtedly true), his addition would be a net gain for Buffalo - both on the field and financially.

Thoughts?

Julius Peppes (www.brettfarrey.com)

With Tim Graham's most recent blog post highlighting the quandary Buffalo finds itself in, I thought it would be a good idea to throw out ideas that could help the Bills salvage this situation.  I want to make this clear: I am not advocating for these certain things to happen, nor am I saying that they are likely.  Approach this more as a "think tank."  Somewhere to throw out and discuss creative ways to get Buffalo out of this mess.

1.  Creative Idea Number 1:  A three-way trade involving Julius Peppers

It appears that one of the biggest sticking points with respect to trading Peters to another team is that most other teams are skeptical about dealing multiple high picks to Buffalo for a player they know wants to be the highest paid left tackle in football and has questionable motivation/desire.  So, in attempting to solve this problem, why not try to lessen the other team's burden:

Proposal A:  A three-way trade, involving Jason Peters, Julius Peppers and a third team.  Peppers would go to Buffalo, Peters to Team X and a first round pick to Carolina.  Buffalo could also swap thirds with Carolina to sweeten the pot (75th for 93rd, under 100 point difference). 

Why Buffalo would do it:

-  They'd get a Pro-Bowl caliber DE and the defensive play-maker they desire
-  They would keep the #11 pick so that they can use it on Peters replacement.
-  They would still have their second and third round picks for other needs (e.g. LB and TE)

Why Carolina would do it:

- They would not have to keep Peppers on the books in '09 for $16.5 million, the cost of his one-year tender.
- They would get a first round pick, something they are currently lacking (Carolina's first pick doesn't come until late in the second round - the 59th overall pick)
- In addition to getting a first round pick, they would get to move up in the third, helping get a deal done that might not otherwise work (i.e. Carolina may be unwilling to move Peppers for only a first round pick, but add into a swap to move up and it may be enough to get it done).

Why the other team would do it:

- They'd get a Pro Bowl left tackle for a first round pick
- They wouldn't have to give up multiple picks

2.  Creative Idea Number 2:  Making one final revocable offer

Buffalo puts a new "offer" on the table sometime within the next week with the understanding that (a) this is the final offer of the off-season - there will be no other offer from the club until at least the conclusion of the '09-'10 season; (b) that the offer has an expiration date, 48 hours before the start of the draft; (c) that if Peters refuses the offer and Buffalo can not get the right trade, he will be playing (or sitting out - his choice) the 2009 season under his current deal.

This would do a few things for the club:

- It gives Peters one last chance to pull his head out of his a*s (however, unlikely)
- It gives Peters clear options and a deadline to make a decision
- It gives Buffalo one last opportunity to get a deal done
- It gives Buffalo a "plan" and an outline to execute it. They will know, one way or another, but the time the offer expires whether they are drafting a LT in this year's draft.

3.  Creative Idea Number 3:  See here

That's all I have right now.  What do you all think?  Anybody have any other ideas about out to change this situation for the better?  Holes/validity in the proposals above?  Lets here it Buffalo fans, help your team figure out a way to deal with Jason Peters.  Think outside the box! 

USC outside linebacker Brian Cushing, No. 10 (LA Times)

As the 2009 NFL Draft approaches, the editorial staff at Buffalo Rumblings will begin profiling draft prospects that may end up being potential targets of the Buffalo Bills.  jri111 drew the assignment of profiling the top linebackers in this year's class. In the spotlight today: USC's Brian Cushing.

Aside from defensive end, one of the Buffalo Bills' biggest needs identified by the Rumblings community is the linebacker position.  We started our examination of the position by profiling Wake Forest's Aaron Curry and continued our discussion with USC's Clay Matthews.  Today, we look at another USC linebacker: Brian Cushing. 

Along with his USC teammate Matthews, Cushing has recently been at the center of speculation regarding mandatory steroid testing at the Combine.  It had been rumored that the USC linebacker tested positive for steroids.  That prompted his former coach, Pete Carroll, to deny such allegations.  After the rumor started to spread, the league issued a statement indicating that none of the tests have yet to be made available to NFL teams.  With that in mind, we will take the same approach with Cushing as we did with Matthews: he's "clean" until proven otherwise. 

To help analyze Cushing's game we bring back Paragon SC of Conquest Chronicles, who was gracious enough to give us the lowdown on all three USC linebackers.  (And yeah... Rey Maualuga's report is coming.)

Brian Cushing - Linebacker, USC
6'3", 243 lbs, 4.74-second 40-yard dash
Senior
2008: 73 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT

Strengths: Ideal combination of size and athleticism.  Excellent strength.  Adequate speed.  Long arms.  Versatile, has played defensive end, strong-side and middle linebacker.  Physical, tough and intense.  Big hitter who looks to intimidate with his physicality.  Good tackler.  Great Instincts.  Attacks blocks aggressively. Good straight-line speed. Good flexibility to turn and run with tight ends and backs in coverage. Reads the quarterback well and can break on the ball. Decent pass rusher.  Started since his freshman season (although only played in 12 games entering his senior year due to injuries).

Weaknesses: Severe durability issues.  Missed five games in 2005 due to a shoulder separation, three games in 2007 because of a high ankle sprain, and underwent surgery after the 2006 and 2007 spring practices (shoulder and knee, respectfully).  Can rely on his athletic ability rather than his upper body strength to shed blocks.  Does not play up to his workout numbers.  Some suspect that he is a "workout warrior," who doesn't live up to his measurables.  Overrated as a pass rusher, even though he has experience at end.  Needs to develop more pass rush moves - relies too much on speed and athleticism.  Overaggressive at times.

Things to Know: Signed with USC as a potential strong safety candidate.

What did Paragon SC have to say about Brian Cushing?

BR: What are his strengths?

Paragon SC: He is fast with great instincts... Cushing is an aggressive, intense player that does a great job of bringing his body through the ball carrier on tackles and has an intimidation factor.  Cushing identifies the play quickly and is not easily fooled by misdirection plays… he stays at home. He can get penetration even when going up against a tight end. He is a full speed, downhill player who can change direction quickly while also being able to go sideline to sideline with the uncanny ability to open field tackles for his size.

BR: What are his weaknesses?

Paragon SC: There have been times when he has taken himself out the play (due to aggressiveness).  He is seen to do well in avoiding blocks and his aggressiveness comes out when taking on blockers, but he does need to work on shedding blockers.  He can drop back into coverage fairly effectively but he can get caught short in certain coverage schemes.  He has had some injury issues as he missed half the 2005 season with a shoulder injury. Missed most of 2007 with an ankle injury.

BR: Does he project better as a 4-3 OLB or a 3-4 OLB?

Paragon SC: Brian Cushing plays the SLB position, but he is able to play MLB... He has also played the "elephant" position at SC, where he is lined up as a defensive end. He can play inside or outside in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme.

Much more after the break...

Continue reading this post »

USC OLB Clay Matthews (trojanwire)

As the 2009 NFL Draft approaches, the editorial staff at Buffalo Rumblings will begin profiling draft prospects that may end up being potential targets of the Buffalo Bills.  jri111 drew the assignment of profiling the top linebackers in this year's class. In the spotlight today:  USC's Clay Matthews.

Aside from defensive end, one of the biggest needs identified by the Rumblings community is the linebacker position.  We started our examination of the position by profiling Wake Forest's Aarron Curry.  Although Curry would be an ideal fit in Buffalo's 4-3 defense, he is expected to be long gone by the time the Bills' No. 11 pick rolls around.  Thus, in an effort to target players that the Bills actually have a chance of drafting later this month, we will examine other linebackers not named Curry.  Today, we look at the first of three USC linebackers, Clay Matthews.

Along with his USC teammate Brian Cushing, Matthews has recently been at the center of speculation regarding mandatory steroid testing at the Combine.  First it was rumored that he tested positive.  Then Matthews' agent issued a denial.  More importantly, in Matthews' denial, it was stated that the league office has not yet released test results to NFL teams, ultimately meaning that we don't know - nor does anyone else really know - whether Matthews used performance enhancing drugs.  However, until that time, we will analyze Matthews with the assumption that he is "clean."

To help analyze Matthews' game, Paragon SC of Conquest Chronicles was gracious enough to take time to answer some of our questions. 

Clay Matthews, III - Linebacker, USC
6'2", 240 lbs, 4.57-second 40-yard dash
Senior
2008:  56 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 0 INT

Strengths
Lots of potential. Good size; very strong, tough and competitive. Good tackler.  Natural pass rusher off the edge.  Versatile - has the ability to play all three linebacker positions in the 4-3 and with his hand on the ground as an occasional pass rusher.  Good initial hand punch to pop the blocker and disengage.  Very good instincts.  Non-stop motor.  Has a knack for making big plays.  A special teams standout, he was named co-special teams player of the year twice by USC - 2005 and 2006.  Great intangibles - high football IQ, unmatched work ethic and top-notch bloodlines.

Weaknesses
Lack of experience (only 10 games as a starter).  Sometimes he prefers to run around blocks rather than take them on.  May be some what of a 'tweener with no true position.  Not the most athletic player.   May struggle in coverage; hands are below average.  Doesn't have the size to play DE on a regular basis.  Some injury concerns (broken thumb and fractured metacarpal which required surgery).  Overachiever.

Things to Know
Arrived at USC and made the squad as a 166-pound walk-on linebacker/tight end.  Only Idaho offered him a D1 scholarship.  He was the fourth person in his family to play football for USC.  Father, Clay Matthews, Jr., played 19 years in the NFL (1978-1996), the first 16 with the Cleveland Browns, and made the Pro Bowl four times.  His uncle, Bruce Matthews is a Hall of Famer who made the Pro Bowl 14 times. Special teams standout who didn't earn a starting position until the third game of his senior season. Pac-10 Academic All-American with a 3.06 GPA in international relations.

What did Paragon SC have to say about Clay Matthews?

BR: What are his strengths?

Paragon SC: Matthews is in that "high speed, low drag" style of play where he just continues to move. He is a tough, versatile player that can play either outside LB or DE. His ability on special teams is very impressive, as he makes impact plays and always finds the ball carrier. He is disruptive on the ends and makes a lot of plays in the backfield. Very opportunistic and always around the ball.

BR: What are his weaknesses?

Paragon SC: He can be too aggressive at times and will have match-up problems in coverage. Less than stellar hands/ball skills. Because of his speed he is a great blitzer but he will try run around blocks instead of through them.

BR: Does he project better as a 4-3 OLB or a 3-4 OLB?

Paragon SC: He can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Because of his great range and instincts he can play all 3 LB positions.

BR: Anything different/special about him that we should know?

Paragon SC: Clay Matthews has been the biggest surprise this season. Matthews is a former walk-on who was under the radar at the start of his senior season. He got his start on special teams in his freshman season and he took off from there. He comes from a solid football tree where his father (Clay Jr.), grandfather (Clay Sr.) and uncle (Bruce) all played in the NFL.

Much more after the break...

Continue reading this post »

"There is always choice.  We say there is no choice only to comfort ourselves with the decisions we have already made." - B5

Mistakes made

There has been a lot of discussion of late about Jason Peters and a potential trade within the next few weeks that would end his contentious tenure in Buffalo.  The line has been drawn and sides have been taken.  Some say "trade him!"  Others yell "pay him!"  One of the two camps will apparently get their wish in the next couple of weeks.    

Some, who are privy to knowledge of the situation at One Bills Drive, say that a resolution is imminent.  Either Buffalo caves into Peters demands and makes him the highest paid left tackle in football or Peters is traded.  That's it; those are the only two remaining options.  Valid arguments have been made to support this position.  Buffalo is in "win now" mode, everyone's job is on the line this year.  The signing of T.O. was a public acknowledgement by the front office and coaching staff that anything short of a playoff appearance will not suffice.  They do not want another distraction caused by a lengthy holdout - nor do they want Peter's absence to hinder the performance of the offensive line.  They simply can not afford to play 2009 with a short-deck.  

It has also been hinted that Peter's hard-line position - he refuses to negotiate down from his demand to be the highest paid left tackle - forces Buffalo to make a decision:  Pay him, trade him, or suffer the consequences of a holdout.  Because it is evident that Buffalo will not tolerate a holdout, their choice has been reduced to the two options that have already been enumerated:  Trade him or pay him.

I am here to argue that there are, or at the very least, should be, more than those two options.   Buffalo should not put itself in position to be forced to make a false choice between unfavorable outcomes.  The circumstances surrounding the negotiations do not dictate a need to be forced into such a position.  In poker terms, at the beginning of the off-season, the Bills held all of the cards.  They had a 27-year old, two-time Pro Bowl left tackle under contract for two more seasons.  They would have the exclusive option of keeping him for a third season, thanks to the franchise tag.  By then, Peters would be a disgruntled lineman on the wrong side of 30.  In contrast, the only real card Peters held was the threat of a holdout.  But Peters had to know that, ultimately, that was not a good option.  The Bills, if they were patient (and maybe slightly vindictive) could make him play out the remaining 3 years in Buffalo and he couldn't do much about it.  Financially, Peters couldn't afford another pedestrian season or two. 

Unfortunately, in poker terms - and in negotiations - Buffalo has done something that it should never have done, they showed their hand.  Peters now knows pretty definitively that Buffalo will do everything in their power to avoid a holdout.  He knows that the front office and coaching staff must win now and that they are unwilling to ride out the effects of a holdout.   All of a sudden, Peter's sole card went from a three of diamonds to an ace of spades.  If he knows Buffalo will do everything in their power to avoid a holdout (including trading their Pro Bowl, 27 year old franchise left tackle), than a holdout he will give them.  Peters is playing his card.  He up'd the ante.

Changing the game

Buffalo committed the ultimate mistake in negotiations 101:  They voluntarily gave up something they were not required to.  By taking the hard-line approach off the table (not giving in to the potential of a holdout), they kicked the door wide open for Peters to play his card and force Buffalo into a decision they ultimately did not want to have to make:  Pay him the money he is demanding or trade him to avoid the holdout. 

Unfortunately, for Buffalo, they can not pick up their cards after they put them on the table.  They are out there.  They have already been seen.  The damage has already been done.  But, I'm here to tell you something:  Although the Bills are not in the position they would like to be in, they are not restricted to the two self-imposed options. 

The quote at the beginning of this piece is something I heard years ago and it has been something that has affected every aspect of my life.  Sometimes we say there is no choice, not because there really isn't, but because we refuse to acknowledge the other choices out there.  We have made our decision and we look to justify it by saying that there is no choice.   But we always have other choices, even if we don't see them or refuse to recognize them. 

The Bills have other choices, aside from trading Peters or paying him.  They can call Peter's bluff.  They can up the ante.  They can go all-in.  Peters knows Buffalo is not willing for a holdout because losing him would harm the team's performance.  Quite frankly, the team does not have someone that could step in Peter's shoes and play at a high-level.

But what if Buffalo did?  What if Buffalo drafted an offensive tackle in one of the first two rounds of this year's draft and did not trade Peters.  Almost instantly, Peter's value to the team that he is committed to for the next three years has been drastically reduced.  Peters can still hold out, and in the mean time, his replacement can get all the reps he desires during mini-camp, training camp, pre-season and, if it comes to it, the regular season.  The better the rookie performs, the more Peter's value diminishes.  Peters will have a decision to make, continue the hold out and lose millions of dollars each game he misses, or get into camp, play good solider and hopefully put together a dominate season on his resume for future negotiations. 

Will it work?

Now, of course there are a lot of potential pitfalls.  I tried to briefly address a few of the more common questions that would arise. 

What if the rookie doesn't pan out? 

If the rookie fails, Peters would likely have even more power in negotiations than he does now.  But the same "urgency" that has forced the coaching staff to rule out the hard-line approach can be used to justify it.  The rookie fails and Peters is in a better position, so what.  If the Bills trade Peters, they'd likely have a rookie starting in his place anyways.  If that rookie failed, the coaching staff is likely gone anyways.  Why not do something that will help you immediately (keeping Peters on the roster) and long term (getting him signed long-term at less than what he's asking for now - or alternatively, find his replacement).

Can the Bills afford to use a high pick on an offensive tackle with Peters still on the roster?

Maybe not, but there are ways to get creative.  The Bills coaching staff values offensive linemen with versatility.  They also have a hole at left guard.  Why not draft a guy (someone like Michael Oher) that can play guard and left tackle.  If Peters doesn't show up to camp, Oher is your left tackle.  If Peters sees that Buffalo has called his bluff and shows up, then Oher is your left guard.  Either way, the Bills front-line is all the better.

Are the Bills willing to put up with the "distraction" caused by a potentially contentious hold out? 

Therein lies the question.  They have not shown that they are willing to and that's what got them into this mess.  But the good thing about life is that it gives you opportunities to correct the mistakes of your past.  Will Buffalo take advantage of their opportunity? 

Conclusion

The organization has been aggressive this off-season, something that has been lacking in years past.  They have shown a spine, and for that, I salute them.  I implore them to use that new-found backbone.  Call Peter's bluff.  Go all in.  

Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry (Draft Countdown)

As the 2009 NFL Draft approaches, the editorial staff at Buffalo Rumblings will begin profiling draft prospects that may end up being potential targets of the Buffalo Bills.  jri111 drew the assignment of profiling the top linebackers in this year's class.  He starts with everyone's consensus top linebacker:  Aaron Curry.

Aside from defensive end, one of the biggest needs identified by the Rumblings community for the Buffalo Bills is the linebacker position.  We start our examination of the position at the very top.  Wake Forest's Aaron Curry is the cream of the crop in this year's draft class and is a consensus Top 5 pick.  So why waste our time profiling the man?  Simple: no one would have thought a month ago that T.O. would ever be a Buffalo Bill.  If the Bills would go after T.O., anything's possible.   

To help analyze Curry's game, Ryan Philpott of Blogger So Dear was gracious enough to take time to answer some of our questions.  I have to say, going into this analysis, no linebacker in this year's draft really blew me away.  However, after doing my homework and listening to what Ryan had to say, I've changed my mind in a big way.  In my humble opinion, Aaron Curry is the best player in this year's draft, hands down.  Yes, it would cost Buffalo a small fortune to move up to make him a Bill, but a player of this caliber would be well worth the price.

Aaron Curry - Linebacker, Wake Forest
6'2", 254 lbs, 4.56 40-yard dash - best at the Combine
37" vertical leap - 10'4" broad jump
Senior

Strengths
Excellent combination of speed and size.  Has long arms to keep him off blockers.  Has the experience to go along with the athletic ability (4-year starter in the ACC).  Good in pass coverage; able to stay low in his backpedal and take proper angles.  Good hands (returned all four interceptions for touchdowns in 2007).  Good instincts; locates ball carrier quickly.  Has the size and ability to shed blocks.  Durability is excellent; he has never missed a game due to injury.  Excellent intangibles: team leader, hard worker.

Weaknesses
Wasn't used as a pass-rusher much in college.  Can be overaggressive at times, which causes him to over-pursue.  He's a bit stiff in the upper body, which causes him to have marginal change of direction skills.  Doesn't always explode into tackles. 

What did Ryan have to say about Aaron Curry?

Rumblings: What are his strengths?

Philpott: There really isn't much Curry doesn't do well, he can cover or rush the passer, he hits ferociously and is an extremely intelligent player. It's hard for me to find any real holes in his game. Charley Casserly of NFL Network put it this way, "He's the best linebacker, I think, that's come out of the draft in the last ten years." Explosive and strong, as well as a great guy off the field, AC can do just about anything that a linebacker should be able to.

Rumblings: What are his weaknesses?

Philpott: The only real knock on Curry that I've heard is that he doesn't have very fluid hips, which could hurt him in coverage against fast tight ends, but he has the acceleration and speed to make up for most of his mistakes.

Rumblings: Who would he compare best to in the NFL?

Philpott: After searching around for a bit, I like the comparison to Derrick Brooks, a superb player throughout his career. Curry has said he likes to compare himself to a Julius Peppers of linebackers, for his athleticism, speed, and playmaking ability.

Rumblings: Buffalo plays a base 4-3, Tampa 2 style defense where the middle linebacker is responsible for covering the deep middle of the field and the outside linebackers also have zone responsibilities.  Does Curry have the skill set to excel in such a defense? At which position?

Philpott: Curry would definitely be better served playing outside linebacker in any defense. He can cover from sideline to sideline as well as rush the quarterback when needed. Curry says, "I'm an inside or an outside in a 4-3 or 3-4. I have film of putting my hand in the dirt and rushing from the D-end spot. I don't really have just one position where I feel like that's where I need to be. I just need to be anywhere on the defense and just be an impact player." It's a very good attitude, though I still see him more of an OLB. I noticed he played in a zone many times this year so he would be very comfortable in the Bills defense.

Rumblings: What is Curry's ideal position (e.g. 4-3 OLB, 3-4 OLB, 4-3 MLB, 3-4 ILB, etc)?

Philpott: Probably a 4-3 OLB, as that is what he played his entire career at Wake Forest. However, I've watched Belichick (sorry grew up in Massachusetts) put his linebackers all over the field and I could see Curry using his tremendous physical traits to do just about anything. Whatever team picks him up won't be worried about how he will fit into their defense.

Rumblings: Anything different/special about him that we should know?

Philpott: Curry got cut from his seventh grade football team for being too small; look how far he has come.  His brother played for UNC and his half-brother played QB for East Carolina.

Much more after the break...

Continue reading this post »