Training camp isn’t even a week old and there has already been more attention given to Mario Williams’ left foot than most other topics in recent Buffalo sports history. It’s an awful lot of attention to direct at a player who hasn’t even stepped onto the practice field, particularly when you consider the other on-field battles that are occurring.
While you watch Twitter, the blog-o-sphere and other media outlets explode over whether or not Mario Williams’ foot should be reinforced with adamantium, keep an eye on these other storylines that are playing out on the field each day.
10. Dareus rebound: Can he do it? Marcell Dareus had a rough go last year after dealing with a number of off-field issues and is now looking to bounce back in 2013. If he can become the dominating force that made him the number three pick, the Bills defense will be better for it.
Beyond the stat: Last year, Dareus had zero tackles or sacks when the Bills blitzed (ESPN), but had the 11th most QB hits for DTs.
9. Position battle at punter: A somewhat understated position battle, a lot is being made of Brian Stahovich pushing Shawn Powell for his job. It would be interesting to see the Bills make another move at this position after deciding to let such a consistent and talented player walk last season.
Beyond the stat: The Bills have had only 3 punters since 1991. That's the least amount of punters for an NFL team during that span.
8. Position battle at kicker: A far more interesting battle when you consider that Dustin Hopkins can boom the ball on kickoffs and is quite consistent on 50+ yard kicks. Based on basic skills I’d say Hopkins has the edge. I also think that if Hopkins makes the team that Powell may stick as the pair played together for three years at FSU (Powell was Hopkins’ holder).
Beyond the stat: Rian Lindell has only attempted two field goals beyond 50 yards the last two seasons, but he is 11 of 13 from 40-49 yards.
7. Who is going to play corner: Stephon Gilmore is a player, there is no doubt about that. But Ledois McKelvin has been inconsistent since being selected in the first round in 2008. While McKelvin is the odds-on favorite for the spot, I’d be interested to see what Ron Brooks can bring to the table as a outside corner should he get the chance to be promoted from his slot role.
Beyond the stat: The last time Leodis McKelvin started a full season was in 2010. Advanced stats had him ranked as the 46th best corner in the NFL.
6. Are these linebackers any good: It’s a fair question, no? Kiko Alonso has a high ceiling and is crazy athletic. The same can be said of Nigel Bradham. But combining those two with some of the borderline talents on the outside leaves a number of question marks at the position. I certainly think that Bradham and Alonso will be a fearsome duo, how the other roster spots shake out could be concerning.
Beyond the stat: The Bills have had only three rookie LBs start opening day since 1987 (Conlan, Cowart and Poz).
5. Growing role of the tight ends: As Scott Chandler rehabs from his knee surgery, it will be interesting to see the direction the Bills take with the tight end position. Lee Smith has proven to be a phenomenal in-line blocker and could conceivably see some time in an H-back setting depending on the subpackage the Bills are using. Chris Gragg represents another downfield threat to compliment Chandler and with Mike Caussin in the mix as well, the Bills could have a very interesting make up with their tight ends.
Beyond the stat: From 2009-2012, Syracuse TEs have averaged 54 catches a season. The most coming in 2011 with 82 catches from the position.
4. Plugging holes on the line: Since Jarius Byrd remains unsigned the decision to let Andy Levitre walk is leaving the front office with more egg on their face by the day. While Colin Brown and Doug Legursky were expected to compete for the starting left guard spot, the Bills may try to find one other body to insert in the competition. That doesn’t bode well for a unit that, until this spring, had been the team’s best commodity.
Beyond the stat: The Bills have allowed 81 sacks in the last three seasons, while the Patriots, who are perceived to never allow sacks, have allowed 84 QB take downs.
3. Depth at receiver: Maybe it’s just me, but the most exciting step forward that I’m hoping to see in 2013 is at the offensive skill positions. The Bills went from Stevie Johnson and his band of ham-and-eggers to a unit dripping with athletic prowess and the potential for a ton of success. With Two burners in TJ Graham and Marquise Goodwin complimenting Johnson and Robert Woods, the potential for a major step forward at wide out is right there this season. Don’t forget about Da’Rick Rogers and some of the other darkhorse candidates who have already made an impression on some.
Beyond the stat: Since 2007, rookie WRs drafted in the 3rd round have averaged 19 catches and less than 200 yards during their first year. TJ Graham had 322 yards off of 31 catches.
2. Defensive evolution: With all the staff turnover the defense is set to see a massive upheaval. Mike Pettine has instituted a fast, aggressive scheme that no one really knows what will yield once the season begins. Not only is Jarius Byrd not here to learn the system – he’s not a storyline until he actually shows up – but the rest of the roster is still being immersed into the defense as well. Will this new system create a pass rush and stop the run? Or will the Bills continue to be mired in mediocrity on the defensive side of the ball?
Beyond the stat: During Pettine's time as the Jets' DC, their defense held teams to less than 20 points 23 times. The Bills…24 times. Hmmmm.
1. The quarterbacks: In case you have forgotten, the Bills brought in Kevin Kolb and drafted a quarterback with the 16th overall selection in this year’s draft. The battle between EJ Manuel and Kevin Kolb is certainly the most important of training camp and should be receiving the most attention. It would appear that Manuel has a slight edge through the first few days, but he’s yet to see all the looks the Buffalo defense has to offer.
Beyond the stat: The last rookie QB to start opening day (Excluding Jim Kelly's stint in the USFL) was Joe Ferguson in 1973.
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