BringBackFergy Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 (edited) What do we have and what do we need are two different things. Watching the Ravens game yesterday I was impressed with how the Raven's receivers are both finesse and aggressive. For instance, I saw Bolden and Smith go up and fight for an underthrown ball. That is a great attribute in that not every pass will be perfect...we know that. But Bolden and Smith made extra effort to go to the ball and fight for the ball (even if it was high or off target). What we have is SJ13 who I really admire, is a great route runner and quick off the LOS, but I haven't seen the aggressiveness in going after balls off target. Not a knock against him as most WR's don't; it's as if a WR nowadays expects the ball perfectly in stride and when it is, it's beautiful. Chan's offense relied mostly on perfectly timed routes. In Flacco/Bolden's case, throw the ball up and let Anquan get it. Nelson is a finesse guy and Graham is a speedster (not a fight for it at all costs guy). Don Jones is sooo on and off and has great size but never saw the fighter in him. So, in my opinion, we need a bigger guy, not a burner but decent speed, some brains and the ability (as evidenced in college game film) to go into a crowd and come down with the ball. Edited January 21, 2013 by BringBackFergy
RyanC883 Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 SJ is good, but i helps to have a QB who can throw catchable balls, even if they are jump balls the QB has to position the ball so his guy has the best chance of winning. I would also like a big target.
Captain Hindsight Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 Think Williams for Calvin Johnson straight up would do?
BringBackFergy Posted January 21, 2013 Author Posted January 21, 2013 SJ is good, but i helps to have a QB who can throw catchable balls, even if they are jump balls the QB has to position the ball so his guy has the best chance of winning. I would also like a big target. Not defending Fitz' performance overall but I do recall instances where the ball was thrown into a crowd and our guys turned into defenders rather than making an aggressive play on the ball. But you see my point...those Ravens receivers were proactive (i.e. ohhh, the ball is high or this guy is covering me tight...I WILL win this battle and get the ball). Just never saw this kind of performance from our WR's...they were looking for the perfect throw every time. Think Williams for Calvin Johnson straight up would do? It's a start...I'd settle for AJ Green if that doesn't work
Bill from NYC Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 What do we have and what do we need are two different things. Watching the Ravens game yesterday I was impressed with how the Raven's receivers are both finesse and aggressive. For instance, I saw Bolden and Smith go up and fight for an underthrown ball. That is a great attribute in that not every pass will be perfect...we know that. But Bolden and Smith made extra effort to go to the ball and fight for the ball (even if it was high or off target). What we have is SJ13 who I really admire, is a great route runner and quick off the LOS, but I haven't seen the aggressiveness in going after balls off target. Not a knock against him as most WR's don't; it's as if a WR nowadays expects the ball perfectly in stride and when it is, it's beautiful. Chan's offense relied mostly on perfectly timed routes. In Flacco/Bolden's case, throw the ball up and let Anquan get it. Nelson is a finesse guy and Graham is a speedster (not a fight for it at all costs guy). Don Jones is sooo on and off and has great size but never saw the fighter in him. So, in my opinion, we need a bigger guy, not a burner but decent speed, some brains and the ability (as evidenced in college game film) to go into a crowd and come down with the ball. The best receiver I saw yesterday was Julio Jones.
BringBackFergy Posted January 21, 2013 Author Posted January 21, 2013 The best receiver I saw yesterday was Julio Jones. Jones was exceptional. Bolden worked for many of his catches and TD's as well.
NewEra Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 What we need is a QB that can throw the ball over 10 yards with any kind of accuracy consistently. Once we have a real QB, we'll know what kind of wrs we have imo
swnybillsfan Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 i was very impressed with bolden, he just looked to be so much stronger than anyone trying to defend him. big, strong dude with stickum hands, yeah, i'll take one of those.
BringBackFergy Posted January 22, 2013 Author Posted January 22, 2013 What we need is a QB that can throw the ball over 10 yards with any kind of accuracy consistently. Once we have a real QB, we'll know what kind of wrs we have imo I hear ya...but assuming Fitz wins our QB competition or in the event we start a Nassib, Wilson or Gannon, some throws will not be accurate but will be in the ballpark. It is in those instances we need a strong physical receiver who wants to get the ball more than the DB.
BillsBackersChicago Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 Fergy, I will admit that I didn't see all of the game, but most of the end zone throws to Bolden were not off target throws that he had to go up and get, they were thrown exactly on target, and meant to be thrown to a spot where only the big tall strong receiver would have the good chance at the ball (or more of a chance than the DB). As for SJ not catching off target balls, I could not disagree more. He had more than one ridiculous one handed catches this year. I can't remember the game, but it was toward the end of the season, and he layed out for a poorly thrown pass, caught it one handed, and then stood up, spun the ball and went back to the huddle (we were losing so he was all business). I agree that DJ almost never wins a one on one battle and TJ probably can't given his size (its not what he's meant to do), but Nelson is a bigger receiver who has fought for his share of passes (as has Chandler). The one pass that almost no receiver can catch easily is the one that's behind him as he runs a crossing route, and Fitz threw those all season. when our receivers were able to make the adjustment for the throw being behind them, they often had to slow dow or stop their routes, effectively killing their YAC, but when they were in full sprint,there's just nothing they or anyone else could do. We have a lot of problems and I think a big super talented #1 WR (in the mold of Bolden, AJ Green, Megatron, etc.) would be nice, but you can't say SJ didn't fight for balls that were not well thrown.
RuntheDamnBall Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 I wonder if Stevie can put a bit more muscle on his frame and maintain his agility. I don't see why he can't run the same kinds of plays that Boldin executed perfectly yesterday.
biggerdaddynj Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 (edited) Last year Buddy said he wanted big receivers like the ones you guys are talking about ones who are "open even when they're not". His solution last year was to reach too high for a burner wIth bad hands who had a QB who couldn't get him the ball deep. Last year we couldn't make a real play for V Jax who fit that bill. Looks like we're nce again not going to be able to get someone like that in free agency--would have loved Danario Alexander but the 1st rd tender kills it. That means it's bidding too much for Bowe who might want to stay with Reid there. You're left going for Jennings (not big but a legit outside WR) or taking a risk on Jerome Simpson or making some other unexciting move (Ramses Barden). We have a better chance at supplementing the offense with a pass catching TE--Bennett, Keller, Cook. Sadly, that means we're drafting a WR along with the franchise QB and some LBs.' We need more picks!! It would be nice to have a young QB WR tandem developing together. Maybe we can use FA to address our LB needs--looks like there are plenty out there--Wheeler, Kruger, Smith, Barwin at OLB, Spencer as a DE/OLB and the ILBs are weak except for Brad Jones, Maualuga and Dannell Ellerbe. Then we can trade down and go WR or QB in round one and vice versa in round two. In the end, we'll be lucky te re-sign Byrd and Levitre, and use FA to add one solid LB along with a mediocre WR and mediocre second LB. Edited January 22, 2013 by biggerdaddynj
ReturnoftheBuffaloBeast23 Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 Quick question.. Who's gonna throw to this perceived receiver???
Buftex Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 Jones was exceptional. Bolden worked for many of his catches and TD's as well. I think Bolden has been one of the most under-appreciated players in the NFL for the last decade or so...he caught everything thrown to him in Arizona, no matter the cost (remember the jaw-breaker) and has risen to the occaision in Baltimore, now that they have decided to rely a little more on the pass. Great player.
Dragonborn10 Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 Nix was right when he said they need a guy who is open when he is not open. Why he said that and then drafted Graham I am not sure. Stevie is a lovely #2 but that is all he will ever be. Graham stays on potential but with a new staff he probably needs to have a breakout year to make it to year three. The rest can go and that includes Nelson. We need a dominant TE not a slow plodding possession WR. I would break the bank and go after Greg Jennings.
BringBackFergy Posted January 22, 2013 Author Posted January 22, 2013 Fergy, I will admit that I didn't see all of the game, but most of the end zone throws to Bolden were not off target throws that he had to go up and get, they were thrown exactly on target, and meant to be thrown to a spot where only the big tall strong receiver would have the good chance at the ball (or more of a chance than the DB). As for SJ not catching off target balls, I could not disagree more. He had more than one ridiculous one handed catches this year. I can't remember the game, but it was toward the end of the season, and he layed out for a poorly thrown pass, caught it one handed, and then stood up, spun the ball and went back to the huddle (we were losing so he was all business). I agree that DJ almost never wins a one on one battle and TJ probably can't given his size (its not what he's meant to do), but Nelson is a bigger receiver who has fought for his share of passes (as has Chandler). The one pass that almost no receiver can catch easily is the one that's behind him as he runs a crossing route, and Fitz threw those all season. when our receivers were able to make the adjustment for the throw being behind them, they often had to slow dow or stop their routes, effectively killing their YAC, but when they were in full sprint,there's just nothing they or anyone else could do. We have a lot of problems and I think a big super talented #1 WR (in the mold of Bolden, AJ Green, Megatron, etc.) would be nice, but you can't say SJ didn't fight for balls that were not well thrown. I love SJ as much as any fan and I spoke out of turn saying he didn't give it his all on catches...he did make some incredible "finesse" catches. I guess I was referring to the kind of routes where Bolden was one on one with the CB and sprints 15-20 yds, turns around and he has to jump up and grab it...the CB was on him all day and he fought for the ball with success. The one TD I saw he literally grabbed the ball in the air while the safety was going for it and threw the DB down to the turf at the same time. I understand your point but Bolden showed me a different type of receiver to have in our arsenal....like these other guys were saying: a receiver who is open even if he isn't.
White Linen Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 (edited) I love SJ as much as any fan and I spoke out of turn saying he didn't give it his all on catches...he did make some incredible "finesse" catches. I guess I was referring to the kind of routes where Bolden was one on one with the CB and sprints 15-20 yds, turns around and he has to jump up and grab it...the CB was on him all day and he fought for the ball with success. The one TD I saw he literally grabbed the ball in the air while the safety was going for it and threw the DB down to the turf at the same time. I understand your point but Bolden showed me a different type of receiver to have in our arsenal....like these other guys were saying: a receiver who is open even if he isn't. I think you're picking on the wrong guy. It's not that Stevie won't attempt the types of catches you're describing, it's that his QB doesn't throw those kind of balls. What the people questioning your position are saying is that we don't know what Stevie would do, and what his maximum potential as a WR is, because our QB sucks. Edited January 22, 2013 by Triple Threat
dbflaBill Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 Ive said it in other post. As long as we dont have to over pay like the Jags did for Laurent Robinson, Danario Alexander would be a huge threat on this team. At 6'6" and with 6'7" Chandler(provided he comes back healthy). It could potenially turn into a potent WR core
BringBackFergy Posted January 22, 2013 Author Posted January 22, 2013 Ive said it in other post. As long as we dont have to over pay like the Jags did for Laurent Robinson, Danario Alexander would be a huge threat on this team. At 6'6" and with 6'7" Chandler(provided he comes back healthy). It could potenially turn into a potent WR core Yes, that type of guy...or a Plax type or Brandon Marhsall (minus the head case). Tallish, strong, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound....and come down with the football.
mountainwampus Posted January 22, 2013 Posted January 22, 2013 EVERY winning team has been stocking up on tall, stud receivers and tight ends for years. That has been a definite trend. The Bills tried, but whiffed horribly with Hardy and Easley. They need to keep trying. These late round, 6 footers aren't going to cut it. We've already got Jones and Graham, and they aren't cutting it. I'm hoping they are both replaced ASAP.
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