Training Camp practice and Media Sessions 8/5

[Malazan]

1 minute ago, TheProcess said:

I was kind of hoping that Stevenson would win the returner job. I think there is still time for that to happen if he shows well in preseason.  It has nothing to do with McKenzie, who I think should make the team. It has more to do with finding a way to stash and develop Stevenson. Sprinkle him in on offense occasionally and see how he grows. He had injuries in college, but the dude was pretty electric with the ball in his hands. Good problems to have, but just highlights how tough it’s going to be to make this roster. 

 

What's wrong with the practice squad?  He was a 6th round pick... if some other team had wanted this guy they could have had him.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

28 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

Admittedly, I have not been a McKenzie fan, but it's certainly sounding like he's the guy.  

 

I am a big Roberts fan.  More so than almost any other position, punt returning is an instinct skill, instinct and quickness.  Roberts has the instinct; I don't see it in McKenzie.  George Saimes had the instinct.  Roscoe Parish did.  Hyde has the instinct but not the high-end quickness or speed McKenzie has.  McKenzie is fast, he can change direction, but he doesn't seem to anticipate the openings the way Roberts did.   And I don't buy the criticism of Roberts making bad judgments on kickoffs.  Roberts very clearly did what he was told to do - NOBODY plays for McDermott who doesn't do what he's coached.  So when Roberts brought the ball out of the end zone, he did because he was told he could do it if he saw certain things.  When he saw those things, he went.  If he misread something, it showed up in the film and they coached him.   He wasn't a loose cannon back there.  

 

But having said all that, my worst-case view of McKenzie returning kicks is that he's serviceable.  He was a better receiver last season than in previous years, and it sounds like he's still learning in both roles.   

 

You can count me in the camp that believes "instinct" is something that can be trained with the right practice.

 

The Bills gave Roberts a big contract not only because they wanted reliable hands, but because they wanted to add "home run threat" abilities to their punt and kick return game.  For whatever reason, not only didn't that work for them.  The last two seasons, Bills had one PR TD (McKenzie of the "lack of anticipation") and one KR TD (Micah Hyde).  In addition, Roberts fumbled 3x (Tenn Pitts and Den) and deflected a catchable but off-target pass up into harms way for a pick (Tenn).

 

Roberts absolutely brought the ball out at times when ST-knowledgeable members here pointed out why he shouldn't.  I'm sure they coached him, but the point of paying good $$$ to a KR/PR specialist is you're not supposed to have to do that so much.  He was pressing, I think; he wanted to make a big play and contribute to the team's success and sometimes it backfired.

 

I think there will be a downgrade with McKenzie back there, but hopefully not too large and we absolutely needed another WR who could really contribute well enough to put the "walking wounded" on the bench at times.

[NewEra]

2 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

You can count me in the camp that believes "instinct" is something that can be trained

Let’s hope Tremaine can be proof of that this season 🤣

[Mat68]

2 hours ago, Bangarang said:

Sounds like Gilliam is a core special team guy

If you carry fullback/ H back he better be.

[Bray Wyatt]

48 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

Admittedly, I have not been a McKenzie fan, but it's certainly sounding like he's the guy.  

 

I am a big Roberts fan.  More so than almost any other position, punt returning is an instinct skill, instinct and quickness.  Roberts has the instinct; I don't see it in McKenzie.  George Saimes had the instinct.  Roscoe Parish did.  Hyde has the instinct but not the high-end quickness or speed McKenzie has.  McKenzie is fast, he can change direction, but he doesn't seem to anticipate the openings the way Roberts did.   And I don't buy the criticism of Roberts making bad judgments on kickoffs.  Roberts very clearly did what he was told to do - NOBODY plays for McDermott who doesn't do what he's coached.  So when Roberts brought the ball out of the end zone, he did because he was told he could do it if he saw certain things.  When he saw those things, he went.  If he misread something, it showed up in the film and they coached him.   He wasn't a loose cannon back there.  

 

But having said all that, my worst-case view of McKenzie returning kicks is that he's serviceable.  He was a better receiver last season than in previous years, and it sounds like he's still learning in both roles.   

 

I will have to disagree with you on the instinct for Mackenzie, he has been a good returner, his issue has/had been holding on to the ball. If he has improved that aspect, I dont foresee much of a drop off from Roberts (and Roberts did not really have the best year in regards to ball security last year anyway, iirc he had 3 fumbles)

[That's No Moon]

Ball security for a punt returner in Buffalo is not determined until at least November. Anybody can catch punts in August and September. Show me when it's 35 and raining and blowing a swirly  25mph.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Just now, Bray Wyatt said:

 

I will have to disagree with you on the instinct for Mackenzie, he has been a good returner, his issue has/had been holding on to the ball. If he has improved that aspect, I dont foresee much of a drop off from Roberts (and Roberts did not really have the best year in regards to ball security last year anyway, iirc he had 3 fumbles)

 

Correct on Roberts.

 

I think in general McKenzie has improved with the ball security.   Hope so.  I guess we'll see. 

 

Where he's scared me, is his ability to track the ball while assessing the gunners and calling it promptly - fair catch, catch and run, "poison poison" get away.

There was a punt in the Miami game that he decided not to field that came uncomfortably close to touching him.

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

 

 

There are some Tall Humans on our team

[BillsMafi$]

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

 

 

[Motorin']

Am I the only one salivating to see footage of Groot in live situations?

 

[John from Riverside]

8 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Correct on Roberts.

 

I think in general McKenzie has improved with the ball security.   Hope so.  I guess we'll see. 

 

Where he's scared me, is his ability to track the ball while assessing the gunners and calling it promptly - fair catch, catch and run, "poison poison" get away.

There was a punt in the Miami game that he decided not to field that came uncomfortably close to touching him.

 

The thing about Roberts is I never held my breath when he went to catch the ball

 

It will take a while for little dirty to do it before I wont be gasping for air while the ball is in the air

 

As for as ability when the ball is IN McKenzie's hands........I think he has got that and I look forward to seeing it

[Logic]

Thinking about Stevenson and Hodgins not making the roster because of the performances of McKenzie and Kumerow. Or having to choose between Efe Obada and Bam Johnson.

This whole "having such a deep and talented roster that we're forced to cut some really good and/or promising young players" thing is stressful!

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Just now, BillsMafi$ said:

 

 

🤦‍♂️

 

 

1 minute ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

 

 

 

Fairburn sounds more definitive, no Manny Sands

 

 

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

 

 

 

[HappyDays]

It's time to start talking about Kumerow as a roster lock.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

 

 

1 minute ago, HappyDays said:

It's time to start talking about Kumerow as a roster lock.

 

I'm thinking it's time to start looking at Gilliam and Kumerow with the 1's and send Knox to work with the 3rd string.  Kumerow can block.  So can @_1sledge

 

I know this is Crazy Talk, one is too short and one is too thin to be TE, but Sheesh!  I don't care if you're athleticism is off the charts, Dawson, you need to hang on to the ***** ball

 

[HappyDays]

Just now, HappyDays said:

It's time to start talking about Kumerow as a roster lock.

 

Is it crazy to think he could take snaps from Davis this year? Kumerow has been the better player at camp according to all reports.

[Warcodered]

3 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

 

 

Not sure on that first one, pretty sure Rams game refs would call that an interception. 

[JaCrispy]

6 hours ago, BillsMafi$ said:

 

Eff Dawson Knox...dude can kick rocks, as far as I’m concerned...This train is leaving the station with or without him...

Edited August 5, 2021 by JaCrispy