ChanOverChin

Moats has been one of the most pleasant surprises in camp thus far. So much so that he has already passed veteran OLB K. Morrison on the depth chart. That's very impressive considering that Moats was a DE in college and hasn't had much time to acclimate to the OLB position in a 4-3. What the Bills like about Moats (over Morrison) is his ability to rush the passer from the OLB position. I think we're going to see Moats rushing the passer at times in obvious passing situations even with the D-line players that we now have because he's very good at it. This is great news for our defense because many including myself viewed Morrison as a potential weak link going into camp and if Moats proves to be an upgrade over Morrison then the Bills will have really improved their defense across the board. Morrison is still a very good player to have around because he can play both MLB and OLB. He'll likely be our primary backup MLB with Moats starting at strong side OLB.

He's going........................going...................................going....................................gone. There are at least six WRs on the current roster that are better than Roosevelt.

You guys are crazy. Leonard wasn't a great FS for the Bills, but he was a very good ST player and I thought he played very well as the starting FS for the Jets. He's the kind of guy who's always around the ball. He would be a quality add for the Bills this year both as a backup FS who has actually started in the NFL and as a ST player. This is a no brainer!! Since the Bills view B. Scott as a coverage LB only this year they need another quality safety in someone gets injured. Leonard is a high character guy who can help us.

I agree. I think he is a very good player. Wanny made sure that the Bills signed him so you know what he thinks of him. I think he was a R5 pick by the 49ers a few years ago. He is a true MLB. He needs to be 100% to be able to compete for a roster spot. Sheppard will obviously be the starting MLB, but we will definitely need a solid, experienced backup. Barnett and Morrison have both played MLB in the NFL, but they've been relegated to OLB in the Bills' 4-3 so the Bills may be looking for someone else to take over the backup MLB spot. I can see the Bills taking only 6-7 LBs this year because of the switch to the 4-3. Barnett/Sheppard/Morrison will start, and thus, will obviously make the team. After that it's a bit of a crap shoot. Scott is now a coverage LB so he basically has a spot. If the Bills keep 7 LBs max. then that leaves only three more spots for Moats/C. White/Bradham/Carder/McKillop to fight for. White is not 100% and may be the weakest of the group. I expect Moats/Bradham/Carder/McKillop to compete for the final three spots. Moats and carder have performed very well thus far and Bradham is getting reps with the ist team defense. I haven't heard anything about McKillop so at this point he appears to be the odd man out. That could certainly change very quickly, however.

If the Bills believe Wallace is enoguh of a difference make to get them to the SB then they should make the move. The Steelers just signed one of their other WR (A. Brown) to a 5 yr deal so maybe the writing is on the wall.

The Bills would not have to give up a R1 pick for Wallace. The longer he holds out the less leverage the Steelers will have regarding a possible trade. Since we have a plethora of WRs and the Steelers will need a WR if Wallace continues to hold out, why not offer a trade of a R3 + D. Jones for Wallace for instance?? Wallace is a game changing WR because of his ability to get deep. He's the one thing that we're missing on offense. On our team he would be the #1 WR and he would always be on the field along with St. Johnson. The Bills' offense would be much more formidable with Wallace because he would command a double team most of the time from the deep safety, which would open up the field for the rest of our receivings/RBs. Remember, Nix was tried to obtain veteran WRs Meachem and Manningham via FA so he obviously there is a need for a vet WR on the roster. WR and LT were two of our biggest needs prior to the draft according to Nix. Even though we have a lot of capable WRs we probably don't have two starting caliber WRs.

I think our season will actually depend upon the play of our depth players. Somebody's going to be injured and miss time (hopefully, we luck out this year and only suffer minor injuries where guys don't miss the entire frickin' season). Can the backup players step up and help us win some games this year?? In the recent past, that just did not happen.

Don't look to trade McKelvin.....he's going to play well this year. he will aslo see a lot of time on ST. Expect Gilmore and A. Williams to be the starting CBs with McGee covering the slot receiver. Versus the Pats, expect McGee to cover welker. We need McGee's quickness and smaller stature to cover a guy like that, who I think is the key to keeping drives alive for NE. Eexpect us to cover NE as follows in the nickel or dime: Welker vs McGee Lloyd vs A. Williams Gronk vs Gilmore Hernandez vs Wilson/Scott Ridley/Vereen/etc. vs Barnett.

I live in Colts country so trust me when I tell you that Addai is not the same player that he once was. He is fragile and injury prone and pretty beat up. He was much more of a receiving threat than a running threat anyway, which is probably why Belichick wanted to take a look at him. In the past, Belichick always had Faulk or Morris to help bail him out, especially in 3rd down situations. Those guys are now gone. Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis, their best RB the past few years, now plays for Cincy. To me, that's a HUGE loss for the Pats. Ridley and Vereen are both very young and inexperienced. Neither player scares me. Woodhead is tiny and he doesn't scare me either as a rusher. The Pats are going to be passing the ball 75%-80% of the time with the way that their offensive personnel is comprised. They're still going to be tough to stop, but at least teams like the Bills can begin to see that very plainly and start to gear up for it. Like I said above, I believe the Bills have moved to the 4-3 and have signed guys like MWill and Anderson to be able to best deal with the Patsy offense. Let there be no doubt that they have designed their defense and have acquired personnel to best handle the Pats' offense. They fully realize that their best chance to defeat the NE offense is to rush four and defend with seven (most of the time). If they can rush Brady with four and take him out of his rhythm at times with just those four they can succeed in winning the war versus the Patriots vaunted offense, which will most likely lead to winning the overall game.

I guess Addai is washed up after all. The Pats really only have Ridley and Vereen at RB.......not exactly world beaters. Woodhead is more of a receiver and is very small. Will this mean that the Patsies won't have much of a running game?? If so, that could be huge for the Bills. It's obvious that the Bills have gone to a 4-3 and signed guys like MWill and Anderson so that they can pressure Brady with only FOUR players.........i.e. so that they can cover NE's 5 receivers with SEVEN defenders. If they don't have to worry about the run they should have a lot better chance of stopping NE from moving the ball at will. Losing Green-Ellis appears to be a much bigger loss for the Pats with no real replacement.

http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2012/07/shawne-merriman-hopes-sweat-equity-pays-off.html Here's an article that discusses Merriman's offseason workout and a video showing some of the lifting that he does.

I don't see where the Pats have really added all that much in the offseason. The only players of any consequence are WR B. Lloyd and their two top draft picks (DE/LB). Their offense gains Lloyd, but loses its best RB (Green-Ellis), starting LT M. Light, and Ocho (who wasn't very good last year). I have to wonder what type of running game they are going to have this year. I don't expect much from Addai, who is older now and very injury prone. Their defense was not good at all last year and the only really improvements they've made are the two rookies that I mentioned. It'll be interesting to see what kind of immediate impact they can both make. I think the Bills have really closed the gap on them. IMHO, our defense will be better than there's this year. The biggest difference on offense is that they have Brady and we have Fitzpatrick. Fitz doesn't have to match Brady's numbers, but he does need to play at least close to the way that he played during the first seven games of last season. If he does then I think the Bills will be something to reckon with.

Really??

http://nfl.si.com/2012/07/18/nfl-offseason-grades/?sct=nfl_t11_a0 That's right.........our very own Bills!! It's been a very long time since the Bills have made the significant moves that they have this offseason................and now at least objective NFL writers are taking notice. Players that have been added: FAs: M. Williams/M. Anderson/McKillop/V. Young/D. Dickerson Draft Picks: S. Gilmore/C. Glenn/Graham/Bradham/Brooks/Carder/Sanders/Asper/Potter Returning Injured Players from 2011: Jackson/Wood/D. Jones/Easley/Merriman/Troup/Wilson/A. Williams/McGee/Lindell Players added later in the year: Choice/L. Smith/Hagan Players who didn't play a prominent role but could this year (for various reasons): B. Smith/Rinehart/Edwards/Sp. Johnson/Carrington/Kelsay/Sheppard/Morrison/Moats/Rogers That's a significant amount of players that the Bills either didn't have on the roster last year, missed significant time due to injury, were added later in the year or were simply not used properly. When you consider all of that you have to believe that the Bills have made very big strides this year......................probably the greatest improvement in one single year that I've ever seen as a Bills fan............................and I've been a fan for 43 years!! On top of that, the Bills now have veteran DC D. Wannstedt running a 4-3 defense that is far better suited to the personnel on the roster when compared to that of last year where guys like Sp. Johnson and Carrington and Kelsay were asked to be OLBs. That was absolutely ridiculous!! New QB Coach Lee's ability to help improve Fitz's throwing mechanics and knowledge/experience for implementing the Wildcat is also a significant addition. Your thoughts??

I like the three "F" factors even better than the four "M" factors mentioned. Fitz and Jax along with SJ and Spill are the difference makers on offense. CG will obviously have a big effect upon the passing game and running game as well. Let's hope he's ready to contribute. The front four on defense (I'd like to propose the front five because Merriman belongs in that group) should be stellar this year and should make it easier for the LBs and secondary to do their jobs well. I expect a really big year from Dareus and MWill that will result in them making the Pro Bowl this year. The wildcard is Merriman. If he is 100% and can stay 100% for most of the season our defense is going to be very exciting to watch. It almost reminds me of the days when we had B. Smith/B. Paup/D. Talley/P. Hansen/C. Bennett all on the same side of the LOS. They wreaked havoc on the opposing QB like you wouldn't believe in those days. Instead of those guys we'll have MWill/M. Anderson/Dareus/KWill/Merriman. I think we could do much the same with this group.

The Bills need to find a way to beat New England at least once in order to have a chance to win the division and make the playoffs. Last year we played them early in the season and we beat them by simply outscoring them. I think we can do it again. What do the Bills look like on offense this year vs last year (in other words, are they better or worse on offense this year vs last year?)?? IMHO, the Bills are better. They've replaced LT Glenn for Bell and they have added WR Hagan/TE Dickerson/WR Graham to the mix. The team is better prepared to utilize B. Smith in the Wildcat. QB Coach M. Lee will help to add some nice nuances to the Wildcat, which will be an added bonus to the Bills' main offense. The Bills get Jackson back healthy to start the season (along with Wood and Easley). Spiller has found his mojo. The Bills have one standout WR plus a handful of good ones. New TE Coach P. Metzelaars will help to improve the TEs. Maybe most importantly, the Bills return most of their starters from last year on offense, which will help them to build confidence in what they're doing. This is a better equipped offense no doubt. How much better we won't know until the season starts. But it's even better than the one that "out-gunslinged' the Patriots......and that's what matters most.

The Fitzpatrick conversation will be brought up again and again because the Bills cannot and will not make the playoffs unless Fitz performs well. It's as simple as that. We all know it. Gailey thinks that Fitz can perform for an entire 16 game schedule and beyond like he did last year during the Bills' 5-2 start (i.e. prior to the Washington game). In the Washington game he got nailed in the sternum by the helmet of former Bill MLB L. Fletcher, which severely bruised his sternum and broke several of his ribs. That's quite a hit. Fitz was not the same player after that, and as a result, the Bills' season went down hill fast from there. Losing F. Jackson in Week 11 for the rest of the season probably hurt the Bills just as much. During that 5-2 run that I mentioned the Bills beat some pretty good opponents, including the Patriots. Fitz "out-gunslinged" T. Brady in that game, which showed all of us, including Gailey, what he was capable of. He made some clutch plays in the waning moments of the Raiders' game to win that one on the last play of the game. He had also been awarded the Offensive Player of the Month award during the 5-2 run. After a 23-0 drubbing of Washington, Fitzpatrick was completing 67.7 percent of his passes (155-of-229) at 7.6 yards per attempt (1,739 passing yards) with 14 touchdowns, 7 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 97.8. Many people forget all of that. Let's keep him healthy for a full 16 games and beyond and then see what happens.

All by himself, no, Fitz is probably an upper eschelon NFL QB. However, I think with the much improved Bills defense (dare I say DOMINANT defense) he certainly could be. Here's why. Buffalo's defense is going to be good enough to keep games close and/or allow us to stay in the lead in many games (even if only by a few points). It's going to help the offense by winning the field position battle a good portion of the time. That will allow Fitz the luxury of not taking unnecessary chances or at least taking far fewer chances than he did last year. With the lead or with the game tied the Bills just need to put the ball in Jackson's hands most of the time. They can throw short safe passes. Fitz won't have to be the hero in those games. I will say though that there will certainly be at least 2-3 games where Fitz will be expected to lead the Bills down the field during the final possession to score a TD or FG. How he does in those situations could determine the fate of our season.

Jones is definitely an enigma. I thought he had "alligator arms" at times last year before he got hurt. In other words, he would shy away from contact sometimes when reaching for the ball with a defender bearing down on him. Still he has a good size/speed ratio, which is what Gailey likes. Unfortunately for Gailey, he is stuck having to make the most of what he has available to him at WR, which is mostly UDFAs and late round draft picks. The Bills obviously feel like they have a need at WR or they would not have pursued WR R. Meachem earlier in the year. I'm hoping that Easley steps it up in training camp because I think he has the most potential of any of the Tier 3 WRs that I've listed above. In the meantime, Gailey will simply need to make the most of guys like D. Jones and D. Hagan.

I hav e high hopes for Jones, but as of today, he hasn't done jack diddly squat in the NFL. Thus, the ranking above.

I happen to think that Hagan will prove to be one of our top 3 WRs this year. St. Johnson is easily #1. He's ready to make a big step up in the league. D. Nelson is tall, runs good routes and has great hands. He's a clutch player and a very good possession receiver. I like Hagan next because he's the next best producer. He has the size to catch the jump ball and the speed to keep deep. I would rate our current WR corps as follows currently: Tier 1 - St. Johnson (proven, clutch, pretty much uncoverable) Tier 2 - D. Nelson/D. Hagan (solid veterans, dependable, great size) Tier 3 - D. Jones/B. Smith/M. Easley/TJ Graham/D. Clowney/R. Martin (mostly unproven, various abilities) Tier 4 - Roosevelt/Aiken (unproven, talented but inexperienced) Tier 5 - Session (unproven, unknown, inexperienced). Because the Bills will use mostly 3 and 4 WR sets I believe they will keep 6 WRs plus B. Smith. But that's only if all of the guys above are healthy when they make their final selections. I don't think there's a very real chance that Nix could acquire a vet WR at some point. He did try to sign vet WR R. Meachem at one point. Martin is more of a ST specialist, but with Brooks on the roster his services won't be needed. If I were to have to pick the top 6 WRs to keep at this point they would be: Johnson/Nelson/Hagan/Jones/Easley/Graham. Clowney could knock one of them off the roster, but right now he's the odd man out. I have to disagree with John from Hemet (whose opinion I respect) regarding B. Smith. Last year the Bills had very little time to work with him prior to the season so he wasn't a very big part of the offense. This year they have a lot of time to work with him and they also have the Wildcat guru (new QB Coach M. Lee) helping Gailey gameplan. For those reasons and more I expect Smith to get his share of touches. He could prove to be very valuable in 3rd and short situations, which are critical to keeping the chains moving and ultimately leading to scores or winning the field position battle. You don't cut guys like Smith who can help your team in so many different ways.

I like hagan's size and play-making ability. I thought that he really started to show something towards the end of the year last year when he finally go the chance to play. This guy is a keeper. He is ready to contribute in a big way this year. Here's the skinny on him in case you weren't aware of what he brings to the table: 1. He has prototypical WR size and speed. He is 6'2", 210 lbs, and ran a 4.45 40 at his NFL combine. 2. His college numbers show he has potential to put up big numbers. His sophomore, junior, and senior years at Arizona State all saw him putting up more than 1000 yards receiving and more than 8 TDs. Twice he was a Biletnikoff finalist. 3. He has many of ASU's record. He finished his career as their all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and 100-yard games. 4. As a rookie, many people viewed him as having potential. He was drafted in the 3rd round by Miami despite a poor showing at the Senior Bowl. 5. He started his career with the Joey Harrington led Miami Dolphins and was cut shortly after their 1-15 season. Not exactly the best franchise to start your career with. 6. Prior to last year, he had only earned 7 starts in the NFL. He has yet to really have the opportunity to shine. 7. He has experience. He has played on a variety of teams in a variety of systems. He has spent seven years in the NFL, learning and studying to become a better player. 8. He has matured. He told Chris Brown that he feels that he has learned from his mistakes and is a better player as a result of his experience in the league. 9. He learned the Bills' playbook fast and quickly got in sync with Fitz last season. 10. He performed well when he was given the opportunity last year. Despite not joining the Bills until week 12, he caught 13 balls for the Bills and had a fantastic game against the Pats (7 catches 89 yards). Your thoughts on Hagan??

Right now, of the 27 draft picks Nix has made as Bills GM, 24 are still with the organization. Of that group, there are 13 players that, barring injury, are almost certain bets to make the opening day roster. Those players include: Marcell Dareus, C.J. Spiller, Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams, Cordy Glenn, Kelvin Sheppard, T.J. Graham, Da'Norris Searcy, Nigel Bradham, Chris Hairston, Ron Brooks, Zebrie Sanders and Justin Rogers. That, of course, leaves 11 Nix draft picks that are fighting for jobs this summer. 2010-2-41: Torell Troup, DT, Central Florida. Back injuries first slowed, and then stopped, Troup's on-field development. He's aided by the fact that the depth at defensive tackle is currently in a state of flux, but Troup must prove that his back is fully repaired to earn a roster spot. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy through the preseason games. 2010-3-72: Alex Carrington, DT, Arkansas State. Drafted to be a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4, Carrington will now slide to defensive tackle, where he has some upside as a situational pass rusher. How quickly he transitions to his new role will go a long way toward determining whether or not he makes the team. I think he makes the team. 2010-4-107: Marcus Easley, WR, Connecticut. Easley's story is well-known at this point: he's an excellent physical talent that has yet to appear in a regular season game due to a rookie knee injury and a heart condition. Purportedly healthy again, if Easley can stay that way through early September, he's a strong bet to stick. I think he makes the team if he stays healthy. 2011-5-133: Johnny White, RB, North Carolina. Considered an excellent special teams player with upside as a backup-type runner, White was unremarkable as a rookie, and will compete with veteran Tashard Choice for the third running back job this summer. I don't think he will make the team because T. Choice is a much more reliable RB and the Bills will need a third RB that they can count on behind Jackson and Spiller. 2012-5-147: Tank Carder, LB, TCU. Linebacker depth is something of a free-for-all this year, so it's hard to call any depth player a lock at this point. I like Carder's chances, considering he was the only linebacker on this list drafted specifically to play in a 4-3. His chances are 50/50 to make the team. I think he will be one of the last players to make the team as long as the Bills don't pick up a veteran LB along the way like they did with Barnett. 2011-6-169: Chris White, LB, Mississippi State. To my eye, Carder and White are fairly interchangeable athletically, with Carder perhaps a hair more agile. I like White coming into the league, and think he's got just as good a chance at earning a depth/special teams spot as any other linebacker this year. It's going to be Carder or White. I'm picking Carder at this point. 2010-6-178: Arthur Moats, LB, James Madison. Earlier in the off-season, it was fair to question where the former college defensive end fit as a 4-3 linebacker, but Moats has had a great off-season to date. He's now hovering near lock territory, and his pass rushing ability gives the Bills a potential sub-package wrinkle if he makes the cut. I think he'll make the team. 2012-6-178: Mark Asper, C, Oregon. A massive 6'7", 325-pound former college tackle and guard, Asper is learning the center position, where he'll compete with veteran Colin Brown - among others - for the fifth interior lineman spot on the final roster. I think the Bills will only keep 8 OLs on the 53 man roster, which means he won't make it. 2010-6-192: Danny Batten, LB, South Dakota State. Another former college defensive end drafted to play 3-4 outside linebacker, Batten now looks very out of place in a 4-3. He's worked as a long snapper in spring practices to try to increase his roster value, but Batten has the steepest climb to the final roster of any linebacker listed here. If he doesn't make it as the LS then he won't make the team. I'd love to see him make it in that role because he can play LB/DE as well. Thus, I say that he will beat out Sanborn. 2011-7-245: Michael Jasper, OG, Bethel (TN). A fan favorite from the very day he was drafted, Jasper spent his rookie season on the practice squad working as a guard. The fact that he's purely a guard at this point hurts his cause, but he's still a marvelous athlete for such a massive man, and he'll be fighting for the final guard/center spot alongside Asper. he won't make it. 2012-7-251: John Potter, K, Western Michigan. There's no question that Potter will capably perform the role of kickoff specialist that he was drafted to fill. The question will be whether or not the coaching staff can find a spot for such a limited role player on the final roster. I don't think he will make it. In summary, of the 24 drafted players that are still with the Bills, I anticipate that 19 will make the 53 man roster in 2012. That's 19 of the 27 players that Nix has drafted or 70%, which is pretty darn good. What are your thoughts regarding these players and the job that Nix has done thus far??

It will be difficult for a lot of Bills to make the Pro Bowl in for the 2012/2013 season because they just don't seem to get the pub. So while I think there will be many Bills players who will be deserving I think the players that are most likely to be selected include: Bills' Pro Bowl Selections for 2012/2013: DT M. Dareus - This guy is a stud. I expect him to dominate from Day 1, especially because opposing teams will not be able to key on him with the recent improvements that have been made to the D-line. DE M. Williams - Another stud. The 4-3 is taylor-made for him. I expect him to be moved around a lot to exploit matchup problems and whenever there is a mismatch expect M. Williams to make the opposing team pay. SS G. Wilson - If he stays healthy he will prove to be one of the very best SS's in the league. With a much improved pass rush in front of him he is going to make a bigger impact this year than he did last year and he was having a standout year last year until he suffered the iseason-ending njury. RB F. Jackson - He is the Bills' MVP and he will prove it this season. LG A. Levitre - One of the top 3 LGs in the entire league. The team's success this year will help him to be recognized. Bills Players that will be deserving of a Pro Bowl selection in 2012, but won't be selected: WR St. Johnson - He has become uncoverable, but there are too many stellar WRs to beat out. TE C. Chandler - He has really developed his game and I expect him to be an even better player this year under P. Metzelaars' tutelage. Too many big names to compete against. DT K. Williams - Very good player, but won't be apply recognized for it because of the small market that he plays in. CB S. Gilmore - Will play like a standout veteran CB, but won't get the nod this year because he's just a rookie. FS J. Byrd - Will play well, but will be overshadowed by Wilson.

http://www.buffalobills.com/media-center/videos/Bills-All-Access-Tour-with-Nick-Barnett/76e40e62-e630-4087-b8c7-52f052cbb0e1#?id=76e40e62-e630-4087-b8c7-52f052cbb0e1&channelName=Recent. In case you may have missed it, here is a video of Bills OLB N. Barnett providing S. Wilcotts a tour of the Bills' facility. Barnett has a great attitude and you can tell that he has a great relationship with most of his teammates.