thewildrabbit

That very well could be. But then the new owners are going to hire a top NFL FOOTBALL adviser to help the Pegula's make football decisions. Once those men look at how the offense is being run I'm certain they will recommend changes there, and Ole St Doug might not be on board with that idea. 3-3 isn't so bad. But then with some decent OG's, and a dominate run game, and a better game plan the team could be 6-0. JMO I didn't vote as its not entirely over yet. The Bills could easily make corrections to the offense & defense to counter the various mistakes. Then again, it might just get worse before it gets better. Cowher has stated he wants to coach again if the right opportunity presents itself. (and a lot of $$$) I'd say that him looking at the Bills defense has to make the man salivate like a hungry dog looking at a bone. He would also make the corrections to the O line, and build a power run game that can get first downs by rushing.

When you consider the talent on this team and how its being wasted... the GM & HC both need to be held accountable. Fredex & CJ are very talented RB's, and should be among league leaders in rushing every year. This year the OC isn't even trying to run very much, as 20+ rushes vs 40+ the last three games show. This is with a 2nd year QB who hasn't even played a full 16 games, and a vet QB who has started all of 3 games his last three years. It makes no sense to say the line can't run block and then just give up on it like this OC has. One example, a toss sweep. Now I see hand off sweeps that take a long time to develop, and the opposing defense gets to the RB before he gets to the line. Not enough miss direction plays of any nature, and the use of slow developing run plays. I swear, If i ever see Hackett call a shotgun draw play to Spiller up the middle with the formations he is using... I'll lose it. Gailey made that work by being in 4-5 WR spread sets, and the defenders were forced to choose between covering the WR's or RB's. Gailey exploited that, and Hackett hasn't caught on that it doesn't work with the line bunched up. I honestly don't know what they can be doing in the film room after watching the game tapes, and then coming out and trying the exact same thing that hasn't worked. Then you have a WR this team gave up a 1st round pick for this year, and a 1st & 4th round pick in 2015 for, and the OC calls his name only 3x all game? really 3 times? Then he did catch 2 passes for 27 yards, and if you extrapolate that out to 10 to 15 touches its a lot of yards. What made Sammy Watkins was all those screen plays in college, and yet where are they all at this level? Why not try end around's, reverses, fake reverses. Get Sammy more involved!! Instead of letting the few really good play makers on the offense become more involved in the scheme by running and utilizing those players more often against teams with bad rush defenses. This Bills OC would rather let the raw & rusty QB's throw 40 times a game against teams with good pass defenses. It all makes no sense to me.

I agree with the OP, and Hackett will be Marrone's downfall. The Bills have put a ton of money, and draft picks into the defense the last 5 years having 9 of 11 players drafted with either a 1st or second round pick. Now recently they have been trying to build the offense, and yet nobody really knows exactly how do do that. They keep finding square pegs, and trying to fit them into round holes. Meaning that they drafted a certain type of QB that needed developmental time, and yet threw him into the fray with no QB coach. no vet QB, and Buddy Hackett calling all the shots. This OC is damned and defiant about making the players fit a certain scheme, rather then building an offense around the players he already has on the roster. Then finding ways to get the most out of every player on offense. Last year he ran the hurry up offense that lead the league in rushing attempts, and all it got him was a hurry up and punt scheme that went 6-10. The man clearly doesn't have a clue how to build a really productive run game, and Marrone isn't helping with his thinking he can get scrubs to play OG and make do with them. The Player Doug Whaley gave up 2 first round picks for to get in WR Sammy Watkins only saw 3 attempts to get him the ball all game. Along with 2 catches for 27 yards. Now extrapolate that out to 8 catches, and see what yardage you have. This regime isn't quite as lame as Chan Gailey, and his 4-12 & 6-10 seasons. But he is really, really close 8-8 max I'd say. Put a fork in this coaching staff.

and when Spiller got the ball on one play he was hit behind the line of scrimmage by three defenders before he could even get to the line. The point wasn't to compare what Fred did to what CJ did, and for some reason you won't let that go. It was about the team being entirely ineffective in my view by running the ball in rushing for only 68 yards on 23 carries for the entire game. That, and If you think a RB getting a one yard TD run makes a RB effective... then I don't know what to tell you. New England had much less success with their ground game, and it didn't matter because they had Tom Brady! Then he all day to throw at times. The entire point was Orton hasn't started more then three games the last three years, and shouldn't be forced to carry the entire offense with 39 passes vs 23 rushes. I'll try and refrain from any further discussion on this because we just don't seem to see things the same way. Its all good fellow Bills fan, as things should change for the better after this season. GO Buffalo!

I feel that is exactly right. The coaching below Marrone absolutely stinks at many levels! I think the talent is there with Richardson, as the guy was a dominate beast in college, and yea Pears sucks baaaaad. Still, with better coaching I think this team can run, and run hard for better results then what we have seen the last two years.

How can you possibly say that when he had ten touches for only 26 yards? I watched the game, and no Bills RB was effective. Its not about comparing the run game stats between the RB's. its about the distinct lack of a decent run game that puts ALL the pressure on the QB who hasn't started but 3 games the the last 3 years. Running the ball more keeps the ball away from Brady, wears out their defense, and doesn't make our QB shoulder the entire offense against the 5th ranked pass defense.

I get what you are saying, and agree. I just would rather see the Bills run the ball 40 times a game, and throw 20 times utilizing a whole lot of play action. Sammy only saw the ball 3x for 2 catches, 27 yards. Its almost a crime to not get him the ball more, even in some run plays.

I suppose the fact that Fred Jackson did worse then Spiller has no effect on you or your crusade against Spiller. Ya just refuse to let it go. I can only hope that very soon the Bills hire a decent OC who has the acumen to know how to utilize a weapon like Spiller before he leaves. I really, really want to see you eat all your hate for the guy. I noticed that the guy the Bills spent two #1 picks draft picks on, and a 4th only saw the ball for 2 receptions for 27 yards. extrapolate that out, and then think about how much better the offense would have been if the bills OC had thrown to him more. Screen plays, reverses, fake reverses, find a way to get him the ball in space. At this rate I gotta wonder how long it will be before you start with the next crusade against Watkins. Understand this. The current Bills OC is not qualified to run an NFL offense.

Hope is positively in sight, and I couldn't be happier about the upcoming years for this team. See Below. Oh, I highly doubt that. If this team falls on its face I think there will be big changes all around. Kyle Orton is not the best weapon on the offense, it should be Sammy Kim Pegula will be the new CEO, and there is already talks the the Pegula's will hire a known football man like Ernie Accorsi, Mike Holmgren, Ron Wolf. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24749471/accorsi-holmgren-wolf-candidates-to-help-bills-ownership-transition

#10) I still have a big problem with a line that can't run block to save their lives. I have a problem with an offensive coordinator who can't figure out how to build a decent run game against the 17th ranked run defense. Then tries to have a QB who hasn't been starting for a few years try and throw almost 40 times again....against the 5th ranked pass defense. simply moronic! The very last thing I would want to try and do is have a shootout against Tom Brady. I would make the run game the most important part of the offense to keep the ball away from ole Tom. How can ya rail on Spiller when Fred Jackson got more carries and a worse YPC average. Buffalo Bills net yards rushing, 23 rushes for a total 68 yards! Fred Jackson 10 attempts for 26 yards, a 2.6 YPC average.- Anthony Dixon 7 attempts for 27 yards, a 3.8 YPC average.- CJ Spiller 6 attempts for 19 yards, a 3.1 YPC average. Let's face it. This teams offense is being schemed, game planned, and called by a person who shouldn't be an NFL coordinator. JMO

I strongly disagree here, as the very last thing the Bills should have done is gotten into a shootout against Future HoF QB Tom Brady. Run the ball successfully from the start, and play keep away from Brady just like the NY Giants did against Jim Kelly, and the Bills in their first SB. Ya really want Kyle Orton to attempt a shootout against Brady? Fitz did it ...but the Bills were exceedingly lucky and got 4 INT's from Brady, and even then Brady almost brought them back for the win.

Reading stuff like this just boggles my mind, and have to think what game were you watching? The one I watched the Bills run game stunk, 3 first downs rushing vs15 passing. almost 40 attempts passing again Buffalo Bills net yards rushing, 23 rushes for a total 68 yards! Fred Jackson 10 attempts for 26 yards, a 2.6 YPC average. Anthony Dixon 7 attempts for 27 yards, a 3.8 YPC average CJ Spiller 6 attempts for 19 yards, a 3.1 YPC average Even Fredex who had the most attempts didn't have much success against the Patriots. A team that was 17th against the run.

Kim is the new CEO! "Under the new structure Kim Pegula will serve as the team's CEO, sources said, with Brandon serving as team president but with general manager Doug Whaley expected to be no longer reporting to Brandon but instead directly to the Pegulas, thus drawing more delineation between football operations and the business operation." http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24749471/accorsi-holmgren-wolf-candidates-to-help-bills-ownership-transition Just awesome!

I'll cast my vote for the near nonexistent run game again for the 3rd week in a row now. Hackett sucks!! QB Kyle Orton didn't play that bad for a QB who is getting his second start in years. He can't be expected to perform like Tom Brady when he clearly isn't. What does the run game help with: controlling the clock, and keeping the ball away from Brady. Keeps the defense fresh, and on the bench so those DB's aren't left hanging out to dry all day long. Moves the chains by running wears out the opposing defense so by the 4th quarter they are gassed, and getting pushed around. Lastly, when the run game is working it sets up play action passing which usually allows the QB more time in the pocket because the defense is concerned about stopping the run. It sets up the passing game so that the opposing defense doesn't know whats coming from play to play.

Yea, that statement made me laugh. Milk the clock, really? Last year the Bills were on of the worst teams in time of possession, and had literally no ability to milk the clock. The last two games saw the Bills pass 40+ times, and rush around 20+ times, and the run game has been almost non existent I dunno about creating pressure with just the front four, as I seem to recall the Bills tried that tactic against the Texans for three quarters, and failed miserably. Fitz was the winning QB right? Right now the Bills currently have the #8th ranked defense, and the Patriots have the 4th ranked. The Bills do have 17 sacks, and lead the league in turnover differential.

A lot might have to do with the centers they have gone thru so far, 3 I think. Believe it or not ex-Bill Doug legursky was their starting C last week before he also went out with a injury, and they are still now looking for an adequate replacement for him. Plus, most of their starting RB's are injured, Woodhead went on IR, and the starter Ryan Matthews has been out since week one. The Chargers are pulling guys off the street to play center, and RB. Something the Bills should consider for the RG position.

They are partially gone as I believe Buddy Nix is still around giving Whaley advice. To the OP, I'm not hearing anyone talking much about anything other then the Patriots this week, except perhaps the OG situation. Should the FO manage to fix the OG's position, I'd think the QB play & run game will both improve. If not then we will see what the next regime wants to do.

From what i gathered at the presser the new owners haven't really taken a hard look at the team just yet, and are leaving things in the hands of Brandon &co. Whats most important is winning this year to keep the status quo, and like others have stated better play at the OG would help produce better play of the entire offense currently ranked #28. I know Incognito is a different kind of crazy when he beats up his Ferrari, and not his family members, or verbally griefs teammates when they don't perform up to their pay grade.Normally I wouldn't want that clown on my team for anything, but from what I see this team is just about as desperate as desperate can get for a RG, and the Bills should take a chance on him for the remaining 10 games IMO. Besides the NFL has fully cleared the guy for a full return. I suppose we will need to see what kind of performance the line has against that Patriots team that is currently #4 in total defense.

Yea, they are starting a rookie 7th rounder at RT, and a rookie 5th rounder at LG. Not to mention a complete waste of money at RG. https://www.profootb...ine-rankings-2/ 32. Buffalo Bills PB: 31st, RB: 31st, PEN: 6th "Dud: The switch to right guard has not been kind to Erik Pears. Our lowest-ranked guard on the year, he’s been an abomination in the run game while allowing far too much pressure up the gut. There have been signs of progress but not enough to convince."

and if you look further into last year my favorite player in the draft was OG Zack Martin, as I also had him as my avatar for quite awhile. Buffalo was so desperate for a RT they drafted two this year, and Doug Whaley lucked out that the 7th round pick, and looks far, far better then the OT taken with the 2nd round pick. If the picks were reversed I doubt the 7th rounder even makes the team. There was also I time I wanted the Bills to draft OT Jake Matthews to solidify that RT position. I was also thinking RT because the Bills had already signed the scrub Williams in free agency, so no use in hoping for an early draft pick for a OG. Anyway, there was a solid reason Andy Levitre was given the money from the Titans 6 years, 46.8 million, as he hadn't missed one single game from the time he was drafted until the time he left Buffalo (2009-2012). Lots of teams were interested in signing Levitre, as in 2012 he graded (+17.3). He did need to undergo surgery the next season, and he stated he isn't playing up to his ability this season. Like I said, he has acknowledged that fact. Levitre wasn't just the Bills top pass protector, as he also graded as PFF's top OG as pass protection in 2012. Stating that he also graded as a (-.7) in run blocking. Did PFF get those grades wrong? Not from what I've seen. I've never advocated keeping Andy Levitre for 7.8 per. I just wanted to see him adequately replaced with a decent player. The bottom line, and more important point is this team continues to think they can scrape the bottom of other teams dumpsters for OG's. This isn't working on any level, and should be the very last resort considering the team was starting a young, inexperienced QB. The school of thought that you can always kick an OT into a guard doesn't seem to be working either.

Welp, Buddy Nix signed FA RT Cornell Green in 2010 who was cut after week six. Then Nix brought in both Pears & Urbik right directly off the waiver wire, and both proved to be decent band-aids that season and beyond. If Whaley doesn't want to sign Richie Incognito, a OG who could help big time in the remaining 10 games. It might be wise to go the waiver wire route Nix went with in 2010, as Pears is grading as the worst OG in the NFL. even if you don't believe that grade. Try watching his play, if you can stomach it.

He was injury free his entire time in Buffalo while Eric Wood went on IR year after year. If you actually read what you posted you would have read that he had surgery and has acknowledged he has struggled this season...but, WHO CARES!! This thread is about who the Bills tried to replace him with in Colin Brown 2013. A LG who graded a horrid (-30.1) before he was cut after week 6 last year. Did PFF get that wrong? No they didn't! Legursky had graded a ghastly -36.4 grade in part-time duty in his three seasons with the Steelers. Did PFF get that wrong? No they didn't! Bottom line: Why bring a scrubs in like Williams & Legursky in the first place?

Levitre did grade as the best pass blocker on the team. He wasn't all that great at run blocking. But, WHO CARES HOW HE IS PLAYING NOW!! Its about who they tried to replace him with...for two years now! EDIT: oh wait let me bold up some stuff for ya....

Hey Mr 10 posts, many top NFL websites often refer to PFF as their bible, and they are a reliable source for getting it right. What reports about Levitre, got a link to backup what you say? Doug Legursky also graded as the Steelers worst O lineman when he was signed as a backup center, and he turned out to be just as bad as his grade stated he was. PFF also graded Cordy Glenn (+23.0) in 2013, were they wrong?

its not just PFF, Football outsiders. or just browse the internet. https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=nfl+offensive+line+rankings+for+2014 "And then there is Chris Williams, the Ted McGinley of offensive linemen. The Bears, at their wishful-thinking worst, slid Williams from top left tackle prospect to right tackle to guard to backup center to Mike Tice golf caddie. The Rams then acquired Williams to ensure that Sam Bradford did not get any funny ideas about getting comfortable in the pocket. If you are planning to start Chris Williams, you need to do some better planning. The Bills have rookie Cyril Richardson in the fold, but the name "Chris Williams" atop a depth chart is reason enough to keep an offensive line near the bottom of any list." http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/77779304/nfl-best-worst-offensive-lines-dallas-cowboys-new-england-patriots-baltimore-ravens