Good Night / Bad Night - Pre Season Game 1

[GunnerBill]

Welcome to my traditional pre-season games reaction thread for 2017. Pre-season game 1 is in the book a 17-10 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings and so it is time to ask who helped themselves and who hurt themselves with what they put on tape last night. As ever, want to hear TBD's thoughts too....

 

 

Good Night for......

 

The 1st team defense - The Bills first team D was able to all but shut down the Vikings offense in the 1st Quarter and the thing that was immediately noticeable was how much more comfortable the players looked in a 4-3 alignment where the job of the D-line was to get upfield and penetrate and the questioned linebacking crew, including Ramon Humber who has been doubted by some, looked reasonably sound. Expect the second Vikings drive where the Bills were aggressive on 1st and 2nd down to force a 3rd and long and then sat in coverage and protected the sticks to be the staple of what McDermott and Frazier run.

 

Eddie Yarbrough - Whilst the whole D was encouraging it would be remiss of me not to pick out Eddie Yarbrough. A sack, and a couple more pressures, he was in on Hughes' sack as well. We started camp knowing that there were questions of depth at defensive end behind Shaq and Jerry and we needed someone to emerge. Yarbrough was not on anyone's radar but he has had an impressive camp from all reports and then showed up on the field. He must be pretty close to nailing that first reserve spot - though coach Waufle did make the point on the John Murphy Show earlier in the week that there is still development needed against the run.

 

Jonathan Williams - Before the hamstring injury, which was definitely concerning, Jonathan Williams had all but cemented his status as the #2 back behind Shady. Given a chance to run behind the first team offensive line he looked faster and smoother than at any stage in 2016 and he held onto the football. The cutback style of the stretch zone seemed to suit him and had an overall impressive night. I have been a critic of his to this point but you could not fail to be encouraged by this outing.

 

Nick O'Leary - If the #2 tight end job was in doubt before this game I think the issue has been put to bed now. O'Leary was in on a couple of impressive blocks in the run game early on and had a nice play on a screen pass where he faked the block and then leaked out into the flat for a nice gain. When you add that to the fact that neither Logan Thomas nor Jason Croom did anything as receivers to really wow the coaches and both looked a bit like Bambi on ice when attempting to block it becomes pretty obvious that O'Leary's name is now more than pencilled in to the 53.

 

Sammy Watkins - Sammy looked healthy and strong and this staff had made a concerted plan to get him the football. If that continues into the season and Tyrod can execute those slants and quick hitters consistently he could still yet earn a big contract extension to stay in Buffalo. I don't need to see too much more of him in pre-season. Zay Jones and Andre Holmes were catchless and Anquan Boldin hasn't suited up yet. Let's see more from them in games 2 and 3. Wrap Sammy in cotton wool and put him in a box marked "open week 1".

 

 

Bad Night for......

 

Seantrel Henderson - It was a rough night for Henderson who was given an opportunity to stake a claim for a roster spot as a specialist backup to Cordy Glenn at the left tackle spot. He was beaten way to easy on the edge on two occasions that led to Taylor taking contact though and his hand placement continues to be shoddy. He will start the season with a suspension and given that is the case the Bills probably don't have to make an immediate decision on him on cut down day, but unless he improves I see no reason why they shouldn't.

 

Reggie Ragland - Ragland is on the bubble. Make no mistake he is on the bubble. He has lost his #2 MLB spot to Gerald Hodges and there was no question which of the two of them had the better night. The fact that the Bills are yet to even consider him at either the Sam or the Will when they are rolling their two rookies through in those spots tells you a lot of what you need to know. He made one nice play going in a straight line up the field but the couple of occasions where he was required to move laterally were brutal - he looked slow, cumbersome and unathletic. At the moment he just does not look to have impressed this staff one bit.

 

Marquavius Lewis - The UDFA out of South Carolina actually made a couple of nice plays and ended up with a sack, but he was also the most culpable when it came to needless penalties - something Sean McDermott mentioned as a particular concern after the game. He had a defensive neutral zone infraction and a personal foul for a high hit on a Quarterback on a 3rd down that prolonged a drive. He now better play as clean as a whistle in the remaining games if he is to have any chance of using his not inconsiderable gifts to force himself a spot on this roster.

 

Depth - One of the big concerns with this Bills squad is how thin they are almost across the board. Whilst Jonathan Williams may have quelled some of those concerns at running back, and Mike Tolbert had a couple of nice rumbles behind him, the rest of the depth backs showed nothing at all and when the most impressive of the depth receivers battling for spots might have been Dez Lewis that doesn't bode well for the backend of the 53. Neither backup line looked as impressive as may have been hoped and the 2nd and 3rd string defensive backs stood out more for plays missed than plays made.

 

TJ Yates - I believe Rick Dennison will want TJ Yates on this football team. The best chance he isn't is if he looks as bad as he did last night. Nathan Peterman had a really mixed performance but playing behind a ropey 3rd string line still managed to move the ball and score a touchdown. The offense with Yates went nowhere. If anything happens to Tyrod then the Bills with either of these guys are a 3 or 4 win football team at best..... but my word.... for Yates to win 3 games playing like this the run game would have to be sensational!

 

 

Okay Bills fans.... let me have it..... agree? disagree? anyone else catch your eye?

 

[ALF]

The usual follies dominated the preseason opener as Bills lose 17-10 to Vikings

Sal Maiorana,

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/2017/08/10/bills-vikings-open-preseason-schedule/557670001/

[eball]

Thanks for starting the thread, Gunner. What's funny to me is that while I wasn't overly impressed by Peterman, I thought he showed just as much poise and command, and was as effective/ineffective, as Deshaun Watson the other night.

 

I think Tyrod looked in command. The ball came out decisively and accurately. But for a couple of penalties and one particularly bad sack, the offense was moving the ball early.

 

Logan Thomsa made a man's catch down at the goal line on 3rd down. Great throw by Peterman, better catch by Thomas knowing he was going to get plastered.

 

Hope JWill's postgame comments to one of the reporters are accurate and the hammy is a minor issue. Sit him out of a few practices. He looked strong.

 

Ragland was awful except for one play. We were watching him specifically -- looked like he was running in mud and was consistently pushed backwards. I've gotta think the knee is still not all the way there. He's in trouble.

 

Dez Lewis did a nice job in a game for once. Maybe the light is coming on? You didn't mention Philly Brown's 5 catches -- perhaps he's a gamer, not a "practice" player?

 

Tough to draw conclusions from preseason but definitely liked the start, particularly for the defense. Dareus looks ready to go.

[GunnerBill]

Thanks for starting the thread, Gunner. What's funny to me is that while I wasn't overly impressed by Peterman, I thought he showed just as much poise and command, and was as effective/ineffective, as Deshaun Watson the other night.

 

Dez Lewis did a nice job in a game for once. Maybe the light is coming on? You didn't mention Philly Brown's 5 catches -- perhaps he's a gamer, not a "practice" player?

 

I don't think he was nearly as good as Watson, but there you go.

 

Philly Brown only had 3 catches I thought.... but the commentators were so bad they were basically not even trying to decipher who had caught passes. I might have got Brown and Shorts mixed up from time to time.

 

EDIT: And yes Tyrod was pretty solid. I think when the pocket in front of him was solid the timing was there... once he sees the pocket break though it tends to distract him from his timing and make him hold the ball longer. It is still a comfort thing. I thought he was encouraging an the first team offense looked good. The run blocking whilst a different scheme looked as solid as ever.

Edited August 11, 2017 by GunnerBill

[eball]

 

I don't think he was nearly as good as Watson, but there you go.

 

Philly Brown only had 3 catches I thought.... but the commentators were so bad they were basically not even trying to decipher who had caught passes. I might have got Brown and Shorts mixed up from time to time.

 

EDIT: And yes Tyrod was pretty solid. I think when the pocket in front of him was solid the timing was there... once he sees the pocket break though it tends to distract him from his timing and make him hold the ball longer. It is still a comfort thing. I thought he was encouraging an the first team offense looked good. The run blocking whilst a different scheme looked as solid as ever.

 

Yeah, I could have my numbers wrong. But between Lewis, Powell, Brown, and Shorts, I wasn't as concerned about WR depth. I thought they played ok.

[stevewin]

Bad night for Taiwan

[CSBill]

Bad night for Taiwan

 

Is China threatening again?

[GunnerBill]

Bad night for Taiwan

 

YES! I did mean to mention the special teams.... hitting punt catchers before the whistle, Tate making a bad decision on whether to field.... it was a bit of a mess.

[8-8 Forever?]

haven't see the replay , doesn't seem like I missed anything. went to Nats/Marlins last night. game winning HR late, game saving diving catch to end the game. and Giancarlo Stanton is the real deal. major league stuff. I chose well....

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

Bad night for Taiwan

Yes, bad drop pass blocking etc.... we won't have to worry about getting used to that odd number for a RB... bone headed ST play too

 

Shorts made some nice possession receiver catches in traffic. He's going to make it in the league, even if he's not able to catch on in the bills crowded group. Great hands.

 

L johnson 24, played noticeably fast in the first few series.

 

Not only did j will look good running, was solid in blitz pick up. He's back!!!

Edited August 11, 2017 by Over 29 years of fanhood

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

 

 

Nate Peterman mixed? That's not what I read.

 

His TD drive is being applauded.

Edited August 11, 2017 by ShadyBillsFan

[ROONDOGG55]

haven't see the replay , doesn't seem like I missed anything. went to Nats/Marlins last night. game winning HR late, game saving diving catch to end the game. and Giancarlo Stanton is the real deal. major league stuff. I chose well....

Funny you say that. My buddy went to the game last night as well. Go Bills from the DMV!

[hemma]

Dez Lewis looked like an actual football player.

If he has a couple more decent games, I think he makes the roster.

[mead107]

Peterman did ok. Want to see him with the 1s and 2s on the line. Not impressed with Yates

[ALF]

I was disappointed that Henderson struggled at LT . Glenn needs to be 100% for regular season

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

I was disappointed that Henderson struggled at LT . Glenn needs to be 100% for regular season

He got blown up on that sack.

[McBean]

I was disappointed the most with the penalties. That's the same crap that went on for 2 years under TrainRex.

 

It's only preseason game 1, but I hope McDermott cleans that up fast.

 

Also, Ragland is in deep trouble. He looked awful. Feel bad for the guy.

[mjt328]

It's only preseason, but I came away with several early impressions as well.

First, the good...

 

Running Game

This team is still going to be a monster on the ground. Even with Shady taking the night off, there was no drop-off from what we saw last year. Jonathan Williams looked great. Mike Tolbert looked good. And the offensive line was opening huge holes.

 

Defensive Line

Everybody knows that our team was a better fit in the 4-3. The lack of pass rush under Rex Ryan was obvious to anyone. If last night was any indication, our front 4 may soon return to 2013-2014 status. The group was relentless after the QB from the get-go. And how about that Eddie Yarborough guy...

 

Secondary

Not much to say here. Coverage was very good on the back end. Nobody was complaining after the game about the loss of Stephon Gilmore. And our first round pick was a non-story, which is usually good for cornerbacks.

 

Tyrod Taylor/Sammy Watkins

Sammy looked healthy out there. Which is great. Tyrod targeted him early and often, and was accurate when the pocket was clean. Which is great. We all know what Sammy is capable of, and it starts by making him a target and not a decoy.

 

 

Now the bad...

 

Pass Blocking

As good as the run blocking was, the pass blocking was just as bad. Specifically the tackles getting beat off the edge. No Cordy Glenn wasn't playing. But with his foot injury, there is no guarantee he won't miss time during the regular season. Seantrel Henderson was a poor fill-in, and I wasn't impressed with Jordan Mills or Dion Dawkins either.

 

Linebackers

I have a feeling, this spot is going to be a weakness. While our pass rush was good and our coverage was good, our pursuit at the second level was not. Screens and covering tight ends could be a problem. And anyone that isn't worried about Reggie Ragland going forward isn't paying attention.

 

QB Depth

TJ Yates was awful. Let's hope that the rookie steps up, because things could get ugly if Tyrod goes down for even 1-2 games.

[GunnerBill]

Peterman did ok. Want to see him with the 1s and 2s on the line. Not impressed with Yates

 

That is exactly how I would describe it. Peterman was okay.... some good, some bad... but encouraging enough in tough circumstances for a first look. Yates was atrocious. Like worse than EJ bad.

[frostbitmic]

I was only able to catch the last few minutes of the game, does anyone know when the replay will be on ?