EmotionallyUnstable

It was a beautiful day at St. John Fisher as the Bills took the turf yesterday evening. My first camp practice of the year and I was on a mission. I focused my attention on EJ in an attempt to see how he has changed. The following points are some summaries of notes I took about what was apparent yesterday. -QB's warmed up in a very traditional way. EJ threw with Thad. Tuel with Dixon. To me, I immediately notice a change in his throwing motion. Nothing drastic but his windup is different (more on this later). There was a very relaxed atmosphere in the air as they went through their progression. My attention was then drawn elsewhere. -QB's and wide outs left for the grass fields which I could only assume was routes on air. Pretty ticked I couldn't see it. Would have been a nice control test to see how EJ changes under pressure -Back with the squad for one on ones. Music is blasting and the intensity rises. QB's are rotating in throws of 2 (minus Dixon who worked with RB's), EJ up first to Watkins. A nice connection (missed EJ throwing the ball, was trying to see who was covering). I had to refocus my attention on EJ. During one-on-one's, his drop was steady. Footwork clean. Stepped into his throw. Good weight transfer. His windup still seemed different and I couldn't figure it out yet. A good release capped off with a nice poise. Needless to be said, I was feeling pretty high on Manuel at this point. However, what stood out to me the most was how every time it became Manuel's turn to throw, Sammy would jump up and take a rep. I love it. -11 on 11: First team out (showed a lot of tight bunch formation) with EJ at the helm. First play, a bomb to Watkins. Though the crowd cheered and screamed, it was a broken play. Sammy was in scramble mode while EJ nicely stepped up in the pocket. A good connection but nothing I want to go bonkers for. Team continued with some highlights and low lights...Here are my top three. 1) EJ a beautiful throw to Woods with a toe tap grab. The ball was money. Beautiful mechanics, it looked so smooth in a nice pocket and his footwork was steady. When he steps into his throws, they can be so crisp. 2) EJ to Frank the Tank in the flat. Basically a ground ball. Here was the EJ I didn't want to see. His throw was all upper body. No lower body mechanics. He immediately unbuckled his helmet and clapped his hands. He was pissed and rightfully so. If this is the EJ we get, it might be a long season. And there is was, he resorted to his old windup! A very flat draw back as opposed to the height he was getting during one on ones. The way the ball was released was side armed, which I believe to be a direct result of this old windup (on that throw). 3) EJ to Sammy is going to be forced. They are going to find a way to get this kid the ball. They connected on slants, digs, posts, fades, corners and a deep hitch. Their connection seems to be blossoming and I love that they are pushing it. So what does this all mean??? EJ is a different QB (physically). The weight he put on looks good. He looks more willing to let it fly. His mechanics are undoubtedly better, IMO. I think he is getting all the physical tools he needs to be successful. BUT... The mental part of the game will restrict him. How often is he going to grossly under throw or miss a target because he's flustered by pressure and resorts to his old ways? How often will he make the right reads? Does he have the mental capacity to get their offense into the right play? I suppose we'll have to wait and see until Sundays. -Billeve! (fwiw, I have plenty of other notes about other players, players, drills if ppl are interested. I just figured I'd share a little EJ with everyone)

HB Screen to Fred

Chandler is an adequate TE and usually a reliable pair of hands. We undoubtedly need an upgrade at the position. To answer the OP, I thnk the media and Bills nation is just overlooking the position as a whole because of all the other exciting and important things we have going on: -The addition of Sammy, -EJ's progress, -RB battle, -New defensive scheme, -Injury to Kiko, -Safety competition -RT competition -Glenn's health Not to lower its value on a team but TE falls mighty low in the scheme of things at this year's training camp.

I'm glad out Pro-bowl safety is gone too...

I'm in for the 2nd tier league idea

I'm jut as excited as the next guy to see what Sammy has when it counts. However, it's a little early to start talking his value when it comes to the trade. I hope he is worth it and I believe he can be. But I'm going to wait until Sundays to take an opinion.

Who's going? I'll be there (hopefully first shuttle) as soon as I can grab the family. Wondering if people are meeting up are sitting in a specific section. Can't wait!

Just this year?

Interesting insight. It also highlights how important out safety play will be.

ahhh...now I can pull the "best seat in the house" card, sell my tickets and watch from home. Thanks, NFL Network!

I liked the guy as a player and hope he gets what he deserves. He is a brutal force. But I think he won't get what he's asking for. The demand of RB is too low these days. Maybe if he hits the open market, he could. Wonder if there is any room for a sign and trade?

No, but I wouldn't be mad if they signed The Mountain. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24567785/colts-nearly-signed-hafthor-bjornsson-the-mountain-from-game-of-thrones Colts almost best us to it!

I'm just happy we can close out that other thread now. Time to see some production, fellas!

Is Marcel next!? Doomed!

Sammy Mic'd up really shows you who this kid is... One play stuck out to me in particular. He ran a 3-5 yard drag route across the formation. This is usually 3rd or 4th read. But he ran that route like it was the last one he'd ever do. A hard worker. A standup guy. Super excited to see him under the lights and let him roll... That being said, I present to you the newspaper headlines from week 2... Sammy slams Miami too optimistic?

poor b@s+@rd

Come on, Pegula. I'm pulling for ya!

You cannot force long touchdowns. Big plays happen naturally when your offensive is moving fluidly. I don't think it's fair to see Freddy doesn't have "homerun" potential. I've seen him break plenty of longer runs. He might not have the speed to sustain these. If we execute the offense, big plays will happen, regardless of who is on the receiving/rushing end.

Amish Rifle Flash Goodwin SWAT (are we going with this or what?!)

3 mil and an autographed jersey for mrags and he can stay.

I've been a proponent of putting CJ on the block. I believe Brown will prove to be a starting RB and with CJ's deal closing out, I doubt he will want to sign for what we offer. Try and get something for him now before we let him walk in free agency, That being said, I love the explosiveness CJ brings. But he just isnt the RB that we need.

#2!

One vote for SWAT... ...my vote counts, right?

Will be there this Fridy and hope to meet some of you there! PM me if you're going to be around. Hoping to take some detailed notes on EJ an the O Line

Possibly great news.