May 18, 2009
As a longtime owner, I am one of the world's foremost and longest running Fred Jackson-o-files Fred Jackon-o-phile. I loved what he showed at the end of 2007, then said on many occasions last season that he looked like the best back on the Bills roster. I'm happy that he just got paid by the Bills.
But Jackson's contract ($7.5 million over four years) points out something we can't lose sight of: Jackson is a backup. And while Jackson got decent money for an exclusive rights free agent, he's not even that highly paid of a backup.
For our upcoming magazine, I asked Chris Brown, the lead journalist of BuffaloBills.com, if Jackson had a chance of forming a committee with Marshawn Lynch. His answer:
Continue reading "Fred Jackson still looks like a backup" »
April 23, 2009
Andrew G ends the wait with the Bills' (from Eagles) No. 28 overall pick.
With the exit of Jason Peters, Buffalo would be smart to address their offensive line, specifically their offensive tackles. I was surprised to see that Eben Britton was still available and I think he would represent the best value for the Buffalo Bills.
Britton might translate better as a RT, but being a fan of the Eagles and watching their success, I know that the game is won on the offensive and defensive lines. Eben Britton has drawn comparisons to Jon Runyan, who has been a beast for the Eagles. Britton was only a Junior so he could still develop into a franchise LT.
Buffalo's offense has the chance to be explosive, but they will need to solidify their offensive line. Plus, how are you going to get the ball to TO with Trent Edwards on his back?
Continue reading "Pancake Blocks Mock: Pick No. 28" »
April 16, 2009
Mark P. delivers the pick Dick Jauron hopes will save his job at No. 11. Here's Mark:
When LT Jason Peters is traded, expect this pick to be an OT. Since that has not yet happened, the Bills select Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State.
Realistically, with the top tackles and top defensive ends off the board and the top two QBs remaining, Buffalo would almost certainly trade out of this spot.
The Bills have an interesting situation, in that while their offense was the problem in most of their losses, their defense is in need of more help: Four defensive linemen (Aaron Schobel, Marcus Stroud, Chris Kelsay, Ryan Denney) are 30 or older. Kawika Mitchell is 30. Keith Ellison is more of a backup than starter. No one on the defense had more than four sacks last year. Terrence McGee is in the last year of his deal. The list goes on and on.
Continue reading "Pancake Blocks Mock: Pick No. 11" »
April 09, 2009
Fred Jackson is currently sitting out voluntary workouts over displeasure with his contract. The Bills value Jackson highly and are open to upgrading his pay, so this looks to be a minor obstacle.
Though it may be reduced upon appeal, Marshawn Lynch's three-game suspension sets up Jackson to open the season as Buffalo's starter.
Jackson was undrafted out of Coe College in 2006. He is not a homerun hitter and is built a bit oddly for a tailback at 6'1/215. He can play, however.
Continue reading "Fred Jackson's window of opportunity" »
March 25, 2009
Editor's Note: Rotoworld news is written anonymously with one voice, but we have our share of disagreements. We just "settle" them offline. Until now. In a feature we're calling Face Off Oklahoma Drill, we'll feature two Pancake Blocks writers entering the ring.
Gregg: I'm starting to set up a preliminary rankings board this week. One player I know you'll think I have too high is Trent Edwards.
T.O. could cause headaches long-term but I say they get the honeymoon period for most of the season, the Bills start throwing a lot more, and Edwards tops 20 TDs. I don't think that makes him a QB1, but he'll be a good value.
Continue reading "Oklahoma Drill: Will Edwards top 20 TDs?" »
March 23, 2009
After doing last week's Collateral Damage article, I wrote that I was taking a wait-and-see approach on how the loss of Terrell Owens would affect Tony Romo. The same is true for Owens' impact on new teammate Lee Evans.
In theory, Evans will see less double coverage. This was a huge problem, especially in division games. New England always doubles Evans and the Jets and Dolphins have followed suit. Evans averaged only 48 yards-per-game and 11.5 yards-per-catch in the AFC East.
Continue reading "Will Terrell Owens hurt Lee Evans?" »
March 17, 2009
When Marshawn Lynch first got in trouble this offseason, I envisioned a long-term legal problem and possible suspension that would rival the Plaxico Burress situation. Felony gun charges were quickly dropped though, and Lynch is in New York Tuesday to plead his case in front of The Commish.
It appears Lynch will "only" receive a 1-2 game suspension. That will make Fred Jackson a RB2 option early in the season, but it's not enough to push him too high in drafts. A short suspension is also perfect recipe for getting value in redrafts with Lynch.
Continue reading "Beast Mode may not rest for long" »
February 20, 2009
Marshawn Lynch was charged with three misdemeanors after getting arrested last week. They are all gun-related, and he won’t be charged with marijuana possession. (Officers originally looked at Lynch's car because they smelled marijuana.) Unlike Plaxico Burress, Lynch has already got some “good” news in his difficulties. This may be because of different gun laws in California or because his firearm didn't go off. A NFL suspension seems inevitable, but this seemingly will make jail much easier to avoid and possible limit the suspension. Long way to go still of course.
Great reminder from Mike Lombardi: "From this day forward, never — and I strongly mean never — believe that a player and a team cannot make up. Never believe that there is finality in anything as long as great money is involved."
Lombardi is using Shane Lechler as an example, but the same holds true for all the stories you read about Anquan Boldin, Julius Peppers, and other disgruntled stars over the next few months. Most of it is noise except for money-related issues.
The uncapped 2010 league year could make it harder for the Chargers to keep LaDainian Tomlinson. Anyone reading the article linked would also conclude that a long-term deal with Darren Sproles sounds unlikely.
Jim Caldwell is sending verbal warm and fuzzies to Marvin Harrison, but he’s not making any final decisions. It would be shocking if Harrison is on the 2009 roster. (I'm essentially in the 27th round of a dynasty draft now where we start 10 IDPs. Harrison is still on the board. Harry Douglas and Devery Henderson were the last two wideouts taken.)
The Chiefs offense will change under Todd Haley, but the return of offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has to be good news for Tyler Thigpen’s chances for continued relevance.
The Saints are "dying for a power back." That can’t be good news for Pierre Thomas.
February 16, 2009
We are just getting going on this Marshawn Lynch story, which is a shame. Lynch has been one of my favorite players since he entered the league because of his wild playing style and buoyant personality. But as I wrote in a quickie column today, his career is on hold for now.
It's way too early to say anything conclusively, but keeper league owners need to prepare for the possibility of life without Lynch for part of next season. Dynasty league owners hopefully have Fred Jackson in tow. Jackson just went from one of my favorite true backups in the league to something more. Jackson reminds me a lot of Chester Taylor, and I think he could have similar success as a starter if given the chance.
January 16, 2009
We now have an NFL head coach who is a fan of Football Outsiders. Schwartz has a reputation as the closest thing to a Billy Beane of football, a man not afraid of advanced statistics. This should be interesting, but don't forget that most NFL teams already use reams of advanced stats, starting with Schwartz's old boss Bill Belichick. Philadelphia is another team that is known to be on the cutting edge.
As FO often points out, teams are far, far ahead of the media in terms of how they use statistics to evaluate players and what wins games. They have stats at their disposal we haven't dreamed of, which is disappointing. It's not like stats have some geeky reputation in the NFL. They help you win. Schwartz is a football coach that teaches football skills first, and leads a group of men. As Schwartz said, advanced stats are just a tool to help you decide what to focus on in practice or what plays are working the best. Strengths and weaknesses.
It's the opposite of baseball, where outsiders led the statistical revolution. His introductory presser was very impressive, his apparent faux-hawk aside. Now he just needs a staff. And some players. This won't be easy.
***
I picked the Ravens to win the Super Bowl before the playoffs, but they have a much better chance if Terrell Suggs and Samari Rolle play Sunday.
Continue reading "Skinny Posts: A new era in Detroit" »
December 31, 2008
One of my favorite annual columns of the year: Jason Whitlock's grades. If every team had a writer I trusted this much giving grades on each player, the start of my off-season preparation would be a lot easier. Whitlock manages to slam Gonzo's selfishness despite a high grade. The young Kansas City cornerbacks and T Branden Albert look like the bright spots of a dismal year. Mark Bradley could be a keeper. Tyler Thigpen is a nice find, but I agree with Whitlock that he's not a franchise quarterback. Glenn Dorsey, Tank Tyler, and Turk McBride were disasters on the defensive line. Larry Johnson? Fail.
A nice look at the Patriots roster for now and the future. They need youth everywhere on their defense, but the offense should be stable heading into next season.
The natives are restless in Buffalo. 90% wanted Dick Jauron out? Jauron will be the first Bills coach of their last three to make it to his fourth year. Continuity isn't a bad thing with a young team.
Antonio Gates says he didn't recover from his foot injury until last week. Now he's hurt again, but the ankle problem is minor. Something to keep in mind when evaluation his season.
Keith Bulluck, like Jay Cutler, doesn't believe in the Chargers.
"(The Colts and Ravens) are the strongest ones. San Diego, they have been playing great football of late, but watching them (beat Denver on Sunday night) I saw some things that we as a team could expose.
Cedric Benson is the long-term answer at running back in Cincy? That sounds like a dangerous assessment. We'll see what Marvin Lewis thinks.
The Colts allowed fewer passing touchdowns than any defense in NFL history. Tony Dungy's system doesn't get enough credit for their consistently great pass defense, no matter who is playing.
A look at Oakland needs. Tackle and wideout top the list. Sounds familiar.
Shanahan's son doesn't totally disagree with Denver's decision that it was time for both sides to move on. He thinks it might prove to be a good move for both sides.
Shanahan's drafts from 2001-2005 did him in. The last few have been solid. The only decent player from the previous four is D.J. Williams, and it looks like they overpaid him to stay around.
Jay Cutler, always willing to be honest, isn't happy about the move. But there seems to be a decent chance that some of the offensive staff, like his QB coach Jeremy Bates, will stay in place. That would indicate that a defensive head coach would be a target. That would help smooth the transition.
December 28, 2008
The images out of Buffalo this morning are ugly. It's so windy that the goal posts are bending. Gusts could be up to 40 MPH. If you own deep threats like Lee Evans and Randy Moss, use the conditions as lineup tiebreakers. It could also be very windy in Baltimore.
December 17, 2008
J.P. Losman has hit bottom. First fumbling away a win in the sequel to the Miracle at the Meadowlands, and now there is a possibility that he will be benched for Gimbran Hamdan. Lee Evans owners probably think this is a bad thing, but how much worse can it get?
Remember late shoppers: An autographed J.P. Losman Tulane Green Wave Replica Mini Helmet is still available for only $49.99.
September 26, 2008
Bills @ Rams
People forget how poor Trent Green looked at the end of his run in Kansas City and Miami. Between that and the dissatisfaction among his teammates, I don’t expect any improvement. That makes Torry Holt a WR2, and I’m ready to downgrade him if he doesn’t show something this week. Donnie Avery is not a fantasy option. … I'd keep Steven Jackson in lineups. He's just getting the ball so much. ... Fred Jackson is a reasonable flex play this week because he’ll get 15 touches if the Bills can get out to an early lead. Trent Edwards has enjoyed his best efforts late in games. Perhaps Dick Jauron will let him be more aggressive early. … Despite the mismatch, don’t go crazy and play Robert Royal.
September 17, 2008
They are in deep trouble. The Jaguars were already going to attempt to pillage Indy's lightweight defensive line, weakened by Ed Johnson's release. Indy was pushed around by the big uglies against Chicago and Minnesota until selling out all resources to stop the run in the second half against the Vikings.
The Colts linebackers aren't bad (Clint Session looks like a nice find), but this team is still in deep trouble without Bob Sanders. Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor have historically lit up the Colts. Jacksonville's size advantage matches up well. But the Jaguars backs have lost their way after an avalanche of offensive line injuries, gaining only 97 rushing yards and a 2.77 YPC average in the first two weeks. If MJD and Taylor don't Taylor don't put up big numbers against the Colts, it's going to be a long season for their owners.
August 07, 2008
Check around your favorite team's official website this week and you'll see a new page up: Depth Charts! Teams are required to give their first depth charts of the season before their first preseason game - this week. These are fun to look at, but the coaches plead with us not to take them seriously. Sometimes, they are ridiculous. Like the Falcons putting Matt Ryan fourth at quarterback. Sometimes, coaches use them as motivational tools.
Whatever the reason, there are always a few eye openers. Here were the ones that caught my eye this week:
Continue reading "Depth Chart Shenanigans" »
July 09, 2008
While I'm pimping videos instead of writing new content here, take a peak at my Bills preview. One of the biggest things I wrestled with this offseason was how high to put Marshawn Lynch. With his legal problem behind him, he's clearly my seventh running back. But it was difficult to decide whether to put him ahead of Tom Brady and Randy Moss, or leave him at ninth overall.
I split the difference. He's ahead of Brady, behind Moss. I suspect this decision won't be a popular one. But I believe strongly in Mr. Lynch.
Elsewhere on the Bills, I suspect some owner in every league is going to get cute with James Hardy as a sleeper pick, but I don't see it. I wouldn't draft any rookie wideout in a 12-by-15 format. Lee Evans, on the other hand, is a nice post-hype candidate.
Finally, I do think there is a sleeper on this team: The Bills defense. I probably wouldn't draft them in most formats, but there are a lot of playmakers to go with a good-looking schedule. The cagey Dick Jauron will have them playing hard.
June 12, 2008
New Marshawn Lynch developments, including a dancing pedestrian and Lynch's previous interactions with the police. Apparently Lynch has been tossed from a few local bars for ordering soda, then pouring ihis own liquor into the glass. Thrifty.
The Arizona quarterback rotation could be coming back. (Although I doubt it). The Cardinals are yet another team done with OTAs this week.
Continue reading "Skinny Posts: BYOL" »
June 11, 2008
Hard to believe, but a lot of teams are wrapping up their OTA/minicamp season with mandatory work this week.
Some relative bombshells (for June) to come out in a two hour span.
The problems with success, Part I: Plaxico Burress is refusing to work until he gets a new deal. A training camp holdout sounds possible, although we wouldn't get overly concerned.
Former Pro Bowler LeCharles Bentley asks for and receives his release because he doesn't like being a reserve after being hurt for two years. What does he expect? Cleveland's offensive line still has plenty of depth.
Continue reading "Drama Day at minicamps" »
June 04, 2008
I've already had some people ask about the Marshawn Lynch case, so let's discuss it here. First of all, there is always some discomfort discussing the fantasy football impact of something as serious as a hit-and-run. But if it affects Lynch, a top-eight pick in our current rankings, we can't ignore the implications for too long.
First thing to mention: Lynch has not been charged. Today we learned a couple key points, though: Lynch's SUV was found at his house after the accident. And there is a maximum of a one year penalty in jail for leaving the scene of an accident in Buffalo. This is a Class A misdemeanor.
Continue reading "The Marshawn Lynch case" »
May 20, 2008
This week's Fix looks at guys with the opportunity to bounce back this season. I'm not necessarily saying that they will, just that they are set up with excellent chances.
I know the one minute video is tough to bear (especially in these dark non-Tiffany summer days), so my list from the video is after the jump
Continue reading "Four Guys with the chance to bounce back" »
April 09, 2008
Bills fans love their Terrence McGee and they will defend him with great gusto and research.
No longer will I call Terrence McGee one of the worst number one cornerbacks and expect not to hear about it.
The Bills fans are among the most intelligent and rabid in the league (kissing up, I know), and I will admit McGee had a bounceback 2007 season. But part of the reason his numbers were up (tackles, passes defensed) is that teams picked on him after a miserable 2006. McGee's highly up and down career can be debated, but I still say they need to add a premier cornerback.
One thing can't be debated: Do not rattle the Bills fan's cage, even in April.
It took part of the afternoon to locate James N. but we found him to take the Bills pick. Here goes.
With the 11th pick in the draft The Buffalo Bills select Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
I know that it might make the most sense for the Bills to go with a WR here, but with a defense desperately lacking playmakers, and a WR class with no real standouts, I think DRC will be able to step in right away and make a difference. He's big and strong and can run with any receiver in the league.....and with a pass defense that dipped to 29th in the league against the pass after the loss of Nate Clements I think this is a far more glaring need.
Continue reading "Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 11" »
March 31, 2008
I have broken ground on our magazine, meaning this is the time of year to put together my first rough rankings for 2008. The Draft and offseason activities will change things, but I like getting a skeleton list up early to build off.
Each year, a handful of players at each position are the most difficult to rank. The kind that could be in the top ten or out of the top-25. I'm going to profile these players occasionally here and ask for your opinion. The first player we'll look at is Lee Evans.
Continue reading "Tough to Rank: Lee Evans" »
March 12, 2008
The blog has been quiet lately as I've helped out on our baseball video previews and started to get ready for a Japan trip to see the in-laws and watch some Red Sox International. Then this place will really get quiet, although the timing feels right as we head into the Donnie Nickey/Dan Klecko/Danny Clark phase of free agency. Here are a couple loose thoughts on the events of the past few days ...
The Texans could be posturing or they could really be hesitant to draft a first-round running back. Considering their system, I'm betting the latter. Chris Taylor sounds like a nice deep dynasty league pickup.
Continue reading "Skinny Posts: Hackett, Boldin, and Darling" »
November 29, 2007
The rankings were only posted a few hours ago, but news has already changed some things. Anthony Thomas looks as good as out, so Fred Jackson will be moved up to No. 36 at running back. I can't imagine using him unless truly desperate because he'll split work with Dwayne Wright.
Marc Bulger is out. Gus Frerotte will be placed between Vince Young and Philip Rivers. I'd hold on to Bulger for the playoffs because he gets the Bengals next week.
I knocked Plaxico Burress down a few pegs, and he'll go even further if practice reports continue to be negative.
November 27, 2007
If you are in position to make the fantasy playoffs, you shouldn't be desperate enough to need Patrick Cobbs or Fred Jackson.
Cobbs carried the load for Miami last night when Jesse Chatman and Ricky Williams were hurt, and has a great matchup on paper next week against the Jets. And while Cobbs could be worth a flier in the deepest of leagues, the most likely outcome in Miami is that Williams, Chatman, or both will be back in the lineup by Sunday.
I feel the same way about the Buffalo situation. If Anthony Thomas is out, Fred Jackson and Dwayne Wright will probably split carries against the Redskins. That's not worth investing a roster spot in. Just wait for Thomas or Marshawn Lynch to return and roll with what you have.
November 14, 2007
It doesn't sound good so far for Marshawn Lynch owners. With a Sunday night game, you should look for other options. And I don't mean Anthony Thomas.
It looks like Ricky will probably remain a Dolphin. It's amazing that Ricky has lasted long enough to see three coaching staffs (Dave Wannstedt, Nick Saban, Cam Cameron) and three decision makers in the front office (Rick Spielman, Saban, Randy Mueller - his old New Orleans GM).
It's not a great sign when Williams becomes one of the most stable parts of your organization.
October 24, 2007
Dick Jauron quietly seemed to adjust Trent Edwards' status as the team's starting quarterback from temporary to permanent this week. The Buffalo News calls it a foregone conclusion.
I watched the Bills game against the Ravens and mostly agree with FootballOutsiders' gushing about the kid. When he makes a mistake, it tends to be a massive one. But otherwise his mastery of the two-minute offense and good decision-making is impressive. He also stretched the field in this game.
Don't forget for a second how hard it is to be a rookie quarterback. Even Tom Brady was very limited in his first season as a starter, and that was his second year. Payton Manning had a 6.5 YPA and a negative TD:INT ratio. Eli Manning and Alex Smith could barely walk and talk at the same time.
Edwards may or may not be much better than J.P. Losman right now, but he definitely will be next year.
October 17, 2007
Once upon a time, the NFL was awash in Tulane quarterbacks (my alma matter). Shaun King led the Bucs to the NFC Championship, while Patrick Ramsey and J.P. Losman arrived as first-round picks set to be "franchise" quarterbacks.
Now Ramsey is a backup in Denver, King is on ESPN, and Losman has been displaced in Buffalo.
The Bills are saying the move isn't permanent, and have alluded to Losman not being 100% (although he's healthy enough to play). I suspect they are covering their bases. Losman had quite a reputation for being a locker room divider in college, and perhaps they are trying to prevent him from going in the tank. That is irresponsible speculation, but I still suspect that Edwards will have to struggle badly to lose the starting gig. And that Losman won't be a Buffalo Bill in 2008.
While Edwards has great long-term potential, I don't think this moves bodes well for a full Lee Evans recovery in 2007.
October 08, 2007
Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I think the Bills have a good chance to win this game tonight. Dick Jauron is easy to make fun of, but his Bills teams have done one thing consistently: play their guts out. Personnel issues prevent them from being a playoff contender, but this is their Super Bowl. It's just another game for the Cowboys.
Dallas sleptwalked through their first half against the Rams at home last week, and was very lucky to have a lead at halftime. The Cowboys are a good team, but they aren't so good that they can't get beat on the road by a team with everything to play for.
I'm really excited to watch Trent Edwards after hearing so much about his poised start last week. Buffalo has needed a good quarterback for as long as I can remember. It's early, but I say Edwards makes a name for himself tonight.
Bills 24, Cowboys 23
Continue reading "Monday Night Prediction" »
October 04, 2007
Wish I could be posting here more often, but other responsibilities keep interfering.
***
I was scrolling through our Workload Report and noticed a surprising name atop the offensive percentage list for the season: Marshawn Lynch
Continue reading "Lynch Working Hard" »
September 24, 2007
J.P. Losman's knee injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the fourth-year QB. Coming off two of the worst starts of his career (which is saying a lot), Losman's status as the future of the Bills franchise was already being called into question. His play on the field was poor, but throwing his coaches under the bus was worse. Losman accepted very little blame for his play, and the pressers brought back memories of his immature days at Tulane University when "his" offense was divided into warring factions.
Losman now has to watch third-round pick Trent Edwards get an extended audition as the next Bills quarterback of the future. Edwards struggled against the Patriots like any rookie would, but perhaps he can show something against some questionable defenses the next two weeks (Jets, Cowboys). A few decent outings would go a long way towards helping the front office to decide late in the season that getting Edwards experience is the best way to move forward. And if Edwards doesn't work out, some message board posters are already asking the inevitable question in Buffalo: Who will be the first pick in the draft?.
September 23, 2007
Remember all that buy-low talk about Lee Evans? Well, now he's really low. Like maybe off the waiver wire. Evans was held to a seven-yard catch Sunday, and J.P. Losman may miss a few more weeks. Rookie Trent Edwards is the likely starter.
Reader John Williams asks:With Losman's injury sidelining him for some time, is it time to cut Lee Evans for a D. Bowe or Roddy White off the waiver wire?
I would not cut Evans in any league. Definitely not for those two. Bench Evans of course, but he's still a top-20 receiver waiting to happen for the second half of the season. Think long-term. Heck, I guess I still would buy low in a trade if I got Evans at rock bottom prices. Offer your WR6 or TE2 for him and see if Evans' owners jumps.
September 12, 2007
Every NFL week is full of surprises; the ones early in the year just get more attention. Here's a quick list of players I'm watching closely this week.
1. Marshawn Lynch - After watching the Shortcuts of this game, I'm pretty sure he's for real. You can't teach breaking tackles. A good game against Pittsburgh would solidify his RB2 status.
2. Chris Brown - The Titans offensive line was fierce. Let's see if they can blow up the Colts.
3. Jaguars runners - Their offensive line got pushed around. Look for a better effort against the Falcons.
4. Saints offense - I know it was only one game. But I still want to see what they do against the Bucs.
Continue reading "Surprises" »
September 07, 2007
One of the hardest decisions I make each week is what two games to watch on Sunday at 1PM. Poor me, I know. I want to see every game, but you wind up seeing none if you flip between 5. I’m considering Denver/Buffalo for one of the slots because I’m very interested to see Marshawn Lynch and basically the entire Broncos offense. Let’s look at the players from both teams.
Broncos
QB1: Jay Cutler: Solid Play - This is a good week to use Cutler. I know they are a zone team, but Buffalo has one of the weakest cornerback tandems in football now that Nate Clements is gone.
RB1: Travis Henry - Must Start - Buffalo struggled to stop the run last year, and didn’t appear to solve their interior line problems in the offseason. If Denver’s line is back in form, Henry should have a big game.
RB2: Selvin Young – Must Sit - There’s no guarantee yet he’s the backup, but he should be. I’m praying Young turns into an asset for my NFFC team, so I’ll be watching closely.
WR1: Javon Walker – Must Start - Walker hasn’t exactly had a consistent career, but modest gains from his post-ACL campaign in 2006 will make him a WR1. This should be a great matchup for him.
Continue reading "Broncos vs. Bills" »
August 28, 2007
J.P. Losman has the benefit of a Tulane education, but he still has a confusing way of getting his point across.
We talked about it with Steve (Fairchild) in practice the other day. We said, 'We're better than we thought we were going to be, but we're not as far along as we thought we would be.' So it's kind of contrasting right now. We're not as sharp as we want to be, but we are better than we thought we could be. That is a dangerous thing, so we do need our coaches to stay on us and harp on us all the time to not let us slack and players need to own up and take that responsibility on themselves as well.
Continue reading "Bills concerned about offense?" »
July 28, 2007
Here's one reason why Marshawn Lynch is an intriguing player, but not a player you want to draft in the top-30 picks. Dick Jauron insistently says the Bills will run a committee this season. Here's a quote from Friday.
"Regardless of who the number one (back) is we do still intend to run the ball by committee. We think it's better for our team over the long haul," said Jauron. "As we get good enough to win consistently and fight our way hopefully into a playoff spot, you want to be healthy at that point in the year. A guy that gets overburdened carrying the ball constantly at that position will take so many more shots. We'd like to run it by committee and the guy that's the lead (back) will have to earn the right to be the lead."
Jauron has said variations of this quote all offseason, but the media hasn't really listened. I haven't listened, assuming Lynch will rise. Fantasy Nation hasn't listened, taking Lynch as a late second running back.
Lynch still has to prove he can be a productive pro (unlike the last highly drafted Cal runner, J.J. Arrington), and he's fighting an uphill battle on a below-average offense. The one great thing that vaulted him past Adrian Peterson was that he was guaranteed big carries.
Now I understand Jauron is partly engaging in coachspeak. He doesn't want to put pressure on the rookie. Like Tony Dungy with Joseph Addai with the Colts last year, though, I'm beginning to think it's not all coachspeak. Sharing the ball makes sense, especially when you have a first-year runner.
I like Marshawn Lynch's skill set, but he could be a better pro this year than fantasy option. Rookie backs usually get drafted too early. Maybe we should start listening to Dick Jauron.
July 26, 2007
We have our first position battle update. (I know I'm a huge football dork because I was really excited to start reading the first practice reports. The offseason is necessary, but I'm glad its over.)
Anthony Thomas has started training camp taking most of the first-team reps with Marshawn Lynch absent. Its not a huge surprise that he'll start with a head start over rookie Dwayne Wright, but we know where they stand now. Wright will try to impress in the preseason, but he's not worth drafting until he passes the A-Train.
For those interested, we'll post the rest of the final 16 top position battles in a column Thursday.
Update:And by Thursday, I mean Friday.
July 19, 2007
# 32. Bills Backup Running Back – Anthony Thomas vs. Dwayne Wright
Rookie Marshawn Lynch should win the starting job, leaving last year’s surprisingly serviceable backup Anthony Thomas fighting fourth-round pick Dwayne Wright for handcuff duties. Wright could be a short-yardage back in time.
The winner of this battle is worth drafting in deeper leagues. Marshawn Lynch looks great on paper, but we won’t know for sure until September Sundays. Heck, Bills.com isn’t convinced yet that Dick Jauron won’t go committee.
All that said, I wouldn’t touch A-Train in drafts until we know the score. Wait for a clear handcuff to Lynch to emerge in August.
***
* If Daunte Culpepper had an agent (other than Gandhi), he'd tell his client that Tampa would be a great fit. If Gruden can't scare some fundamentals into Culpepper, I'm not sure who could. And its not like Jeff Garcia is a long-term option.
Dynasty league owners of Culpepper should be hoping for this match.
* Looks like another fun commute tonight. Thanks for stopping by today.
# 36. Bills second receiver: Peerless Price vs. Roscoe Parrish vs. Josh Reed
The always-informative Buffalobills.com ran an article posing the question, “Who will pull attention off Lee Evans?”
While the article is optimistic that the second season in Steve Fairchild’s offense will make a big difference, the personnel around Evans is largely the same. Going into the offseason, I thought upgrading the receiver talent would be a priority. It didn’t happen.
Peerless Price (49 catches), Josh Reed (34 catches), and Roscoe Parrish (23 catches) didn’t make a fantasy impact last season. Reed and Price have shown what they can do over the last few years. Its not going to help your team. Parrish has big-play ability, but is likely too small to start. Buffalo hasn't shown any willingness to replace Price despite his microscopic 8.2 yards-per-catch average last season.
There just isn’t any reason to believe one of these players will emerge, and there aren’t any sleeper receivers in hiding on the Buffalo roster. Its could mean some rough afternoons for J.P. Losman and Evans.
March 08, 2007
The Ravens never wanted to keep Jamal Lewis in the first place. They offered him a backup's contract for one-year and $2 million. His deal with the Cleveland Browns isn't much better, at only $3.5 million for a season. That nicely straddles the line between starter and backup and makes it clear they don't view Lewis as a long-term solution. That's a good thing.
Lewis' 2,000-yard season in 2003 was his finest hour, but also his year of reckoning. He hasn't been truly healthy since earning 429 touches that season. Lewis is a 27-year-old former superstar trapped in a 33-year-old's body. Problem is, he doesn't see it that way.
Continue reading "The Future for McGahee and Lewis" »
|
