BuffaloBob Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 This was the first game this year that the offense actually looked comfortable, relaxed, aggressive and smooth. I think this was the first game all season the Bills actually scored on a sustained drive with their first possession. That really set the tone for the rest of the game. The play-calling was mixed well. Drew looked comfortable and there were very few false starts/holding penalties, or plays that looked like at least one person blew an assignment (accept for maybe the sack that Marcus Price gave up after he came in for Jennings, and I have to give him that one considerinig he has to come in somewhat cold and inconsistently). And when they did occur, the O bounced back and kept the chains moving anyway. I see this as a maturation of the entire offense, from the scheme to the OC calling the plays to the players running it. One of things that you cannot do is install and perfect an entire playbook in the first summer before the season starts. That misdirection reverse that Evans ran and the 4th and 1 McGahee play are great examples of an ever expanding playbook that will make the Bills offense much less predictable. Nor can you substitute actually running the plays a number of times against live competition and making individual adjustments based on seeing the tendencies of the defenses they face. Bledsoe finally looked comfortable going to Evans, another facet of the maturation process of the offense. It is a damn shame that we couldn't have at least closed out the Jag and Jets-1 games notwithstanding the problems the O was having at the time. The defense has been pretty good all season (primarily due to the limited number of new players and the continuity of the same DC and scheme for 4 years). The special teams seemed to come up to speed next, and now hopefully the offense. This team would be damn scary if it can continue to fire on all cylinders like it did today. The reality is, when all facets of the game are playing well, the occasional mistakes are much easier overcome. That takes the pressure off of individuals and permits everyone to play with more confidence. And BTW, did anyone else notice that even though he has given way to Kelsey as a starter, Denny was in on a number of those running plays where Alexander was held to little or no gain, AND he was the guy who caused the fumble? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jarthur31 Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 Alot of this should be credited to much better line play. DB isn't sacked so much and the running has been pretty healthy. In this day and age, we don't need a QB to lead us to the SB but it sure wouldn't hurt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwovince Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 It takes time for sure to Gel. But man the OL is what Bledsoe needs not to mention what the running game needs and thats what ive been saying for a long time. As long as their winning im happy lol. Big Mike has come around which takes pressure off the rest of the line which is nice. Not to mention Willis can block and cover the blitz which is one thing Henry couldnt do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justice Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 MM and crew look like they have the making to be special group of coaches that can take us all the way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillnutinHouston Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 I was very impressed with the play of the OL. Especially pass blocking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Campy Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 <-SNIP->Not to mention Willis can block and cover the blitz which is one thing Henry couldnt do. 137112[/snapback] One of Willis' plays I loved was on one of DB's interceptions, and because of the pick, probably went unnoticed. Willis went to chip their Right DE who was engaged with either Jonas or Marcus. Willis started low and exploded up, putting his shoulder right into the DE's chest. The DE went airborne and landed on his back - a huge block that was overshadowed by the pick. Anyone else notice that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick in* england Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 The pay calling smacked of an assurance from the coaches. We WILL have another bad game to end our playoff hopes, but that's to be expected I think. Keep growing like we have done the past 8 games and I think this bodes very well for the next two seasons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBob Posted November 29, 2004 Author Share Posted November 29, 2004 It takes time for sure to Gel. But man the OL is what Bledsoe needs not to mention what the running game needs and thats what ive been saying for a long time. As long as their winning im happy lol. Big Mike has come around which takes pressure off the rest of the line which is nice. Not to mention Willis can block and cover the blitz which is one thing Henry couldnt do. 137112[/snapback] It has been said many times that the O-line is the most complex position to play AS A UNIT for a football team. Villarial's presence has helped, and no doubt Tucker has really done well at the left guard position. It's all starting to come together. Sadly, it may be too late for this season as far as the playoffs are concerned, but next season, the team should be really good. Also note that the teams having the most success this season are teams that have had continuity in the head coach and coordinator positions for several years. New England, Broncos, Colts, Eagles and even the Chargers have all had the benefit of coordinator (and head coach) continuity. The exception to this are the Steelers, but they have been playing the same basic systems for the past several years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Gross Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 It has been said many times that the O-line is the most complex position to play AS A UNIT for a football team. Villarial's presence has helped, and no doubt Tucker has really done well at the left guard position. It's all starting to come together. Sadly, it may be too late for this season as far as the playoffs are concerned, but next season, the team should be really good. Also note that the teams having the most success this season are teams that have had continuity in the head coach and coordinator positions for several years. New England, Broncos, Colts, Eagles and even the Chargers have all had the benefit of coordinator (and head coach) continuity. The exception to this are the Steelers, but they have been playing the same basic systems for the past several years. 137527[/snapback] Actually, you will not only find a lot of continuity in the coaching staffs, but in the players on the line. Take a look at most of the consistent offenses and you will see at most one player in his first year starting in that position for that team. That actually makes the Chargers' performance even more amazing, as they are playing with a completely revamped line (though I guess they needed it!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Darin Posted November 29, 2004 Share Posted November 29, 2004 One of Willis' plays I loved was on one of DB's interceptions, and because of the pick, probably went unnoticed. Willis went to chip their Right DE who was engaged with either Jonas or Marcus. Willis started low and exploded up, putting his shoulder right into the DE's chest. The DE went airborne and landed on his back - a huge block that was overshadowed by the pick. Anyone else notice that? 137164[/snapback] Yep, and it wasn't the only time he effectively chipped somebody. I think the only person happier than me on draft day when his phone rang was Willis himself. Thanks, TD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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