Before I start doing my recap, please repeat after me. “I won’t judge the Bills after watching preseason football.” OK, now that we got that out of the way, the Bills beat the Bears 27-20 on the 9th annual kids day event. Edwards was sharp in his 3 series of work, completing a perfect 10 of 10 passes for 79 yards. Equally impressive was Ryan Fitzpatrick, who completed 13-16 passes for 143 yards. More importantly the no huddle offense showed improvement, Edwards was on target, the defense forced 5 turnovers, and the Bills’ starters had a decent night Saturday at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
The Good Word:
The T-Gun Offense:
You have to love how the Bills are really trying to make this no huddle offense stick. Not only do the starters run it, but so do the back-ups. The Bills have been very crisp when it comes to calling plays at the line of scrimmage. I’ve also been surprised how the starting offense didn’t commit penalties for the second straight week. An impressive feat, considering the Bills have 5 offensive lineman starting at new spots. I hope we can end the chatter about how bad Ryan Fitzpatrick has been this preseason. I’m not saying he’s a superstar, but lets look to bigger concerns on the team besides their backup QB.
All-around Lynch
Lynch could of easily gotten into the “bad word” category for his play (lack of yards), but I liked how Lynch was able to get the ball early and often. The back only had 8 touches for 24 yards, but the best part was how he has been involved in the passing game. I keep hammering the fact that the Bills need to establish some screen passes in their playbook. Lynch and Jackson are too good of pass catchers to only be used on check down situations.
McKelvin the “X” factor
It’s funny what a difference a year makes. At this time last year, Leodis McKelvin was so overwhelmed with being an NFL cornerback, that he was 4th on the depth chart. McKelvin turned the corner late last year, and even though it’s only preseason, the 2nd year man intercepted Jay Cutler for his 2nd pick of the preseason. McKelvin needs to keep making plays like this. The Bills over the last couple years have severely lacked when it comes to causing turnovers. McKelvin is a gambler, he’s going to get burned a lot this year, but should be able to cash in on some needed turnovers for the defense. If McKelvin stays on this path of improvement, the Bills may have a pro bowler on their hands.
The Bad Word:
No holes
If you read my preview edition for the Bills o-line, you would know my biggest concern is for the team to open up holes for their backs. The concern is still there after watching two preseason games. The Bills ran the ball 41 times last night and averaged less than 3 yards a carry. I’m starting to wonder how much the actual running scheme has to do with the the O-line having issues. The Bills have had problems getting their yards per attempt up the last 3 years and they have gone through different backs and o-lineman during this time. I don’t have to give you a history lesson on the importance of running the ball, but the Bills may have to steal some history from the playbook of the 70’s Steelers to get their running game on track.
Red Zone futility:
As good as Edwards and Fitzpatrick were, both QB’s had problems in punching the ball in the endzone. Both QB’s guided the offense 4 times into the redzone, resulting in only 13 points and one turnover. This is where the Bills need the T.O. signing to pay dividends. He’s the guy they need to score that fade pattern in the corner of the endzone. Not to mention the o-line hasn’t proven to me they can get the tough 3rd and inches yardage you need when inside the 5 yard line. When you are playing against the Patriots (twice), Saints, Colts, and Falcons this year, you’re going to need to keep up th
e pace with those offensive teams by scoring touchdowns, not field goals.
So you have Roscoe and McKelvin
So why the hell is Dominic Rhodes returning punts and kickoffs! Rhodes muffed a punt late in the first quarter which led to a Bears field goal. Rhodes only averaged 23 yards on his 2 kickoff returns and hasn’t returned kicks full time since 2005. I’m not sure if they are saving McKelvin and Parrish for the regular season, but Rhodes didn’t show he was a good understudy. I think Rhodes will play a big role during the Lynch suspension, but if the Bills are thinking about what to do with Rhodes when Lynch returns, special teams shouldn’t be on the agenda.
On the Menu
Had a cobb salad and potato skins at the nearest sports bar. Cobb salad was really dope, while the skins were just OK.
–joe–
Highlights of Bills vs Bears
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2E47vquVE4&hl=en&fs=1&
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
