http://gty.im/484051968
After 1 game in the books for the Rex Ryan-led 2015 Buffalo Bills, a few things stood out to me.
1. The first and second team offense, in particular the OL impressed:
-While there were a few drops mixed in w/the receivers, the first team (missing Incognito) and second team offensive lines came to play. Both Cassel and Taylor were able to step into the pocket and throw (or in Tyrod’s case escape if nothing was open), so kudos to the OL staff. The 3rd / 4th string? Ehh. Between Alex Kupper’s snapping issues and some protection, EJ and Simms weren’t given much with the shock troops, but them’s the breaks as they say. It was also good to see Clay starting to get integrated into the first team offense (and used!) as well.
2. The QBs didn’t throw up on themselves:
-All 3 QBs did okay for themselves and Greg Roman seemed to play to the strengths of the QB in at the time. The common theme for all three were untimely drops by receivers – which hopefully gets cleaned up before they play the Colts Week One. The big question for all 3 will be what happens once teams have 3 real games on them – will Cassel be able to throw the defense into not sitting on the short routes? Will Taylor be able to sit in the pocket and make throws when defenses have someone to spy him? Will Manuel see – and then hit- a target later in his progression before the window closes?
3. Darby got worked – but is a rookie with his first taste of NFL action:
-For all those considering Darby a bust after this first pre-season game, think about where Leodis was a a rookie in terms of ball location. Now think about, nearly 4 years later how good he’s gotten under Donnie Henderson. Darby got roasted a few times and didn’t get his head around when he should’ve, that’s not a debate. But you have to also keep in mind that he is going to have Henderson in his ear until he gets it fixed. Tranquillo, peeps.
4. IK got sucker punched by a crack block:
-I laughed.
And since Joe threw this bounty out there:
Someone ask Rich a question about tonight’s game. If its a good one, I’ll buy you a beer if I ever see you https://t.co/9SDgLn4gky
— Joe (@BuffaloWins) August 15, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
I’m going to hit up some of the shorter questions. I’ll also have a longer answer pre-Cleveland on a great question sent in re: situational football and the QB position by the Bone Man (@Boner_Shorts). BM’s also responsible for one of my funnier WGR listening moments, as they attempted to read his name on air for a question. But let’s get to the mailbag, as Joe will have quite a #OneBuffaloBeer or six to purchase:
@RDotDeuce @BuffaloWins big winners from the first preseason game? I liked what I saw from Miller, fa sho.
— Ryan Sweet (@RyanIsSweet) August 15, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
I’m with Ryan – Miller did quite well for himself, not only with the first team, but working with Kouandjio on the second team as well. It really wasn’t until the shock troops (mentioned above) showed up. I also thought that Cyril Richardson did well ins space vs the Panthers which is a good sign. Biggest winner? Karlos Williams – playing as well and as powerfully as he did, he forces the Bills to make a decision on F[REDACTED] or Bryce Brown to be cut. (I think Dixon’s safe as a super ST player / short yard guy)
@RDotDeuce @BuffaloWins who should get first team reps at QB against Cleveland?
— Sean Corleone (@SeanCorleone) August 15, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Thanks Sean. I think it should be either EJ or Tyrod, since Cassel is going into this competition getting a good bit of first team reps as the “oldest player” as Rex said. That would in turn allow the third game to be a dress rehearsal for a QB to establish a stranglehold over the position. [NOTE: AFTER WRITING THIS – TYROD HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AS STARTER VS. CLEVELAND]
@RDotDeuce @BuffaloWins when will Buffalo media have more interviews INSIDE the locker room? 😒 #shirtlessfootballplayers
— Nunie (@arkandove) August 15, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Well Nunie, typically during the season they’ll do it when Bills PR sets up media availability to the locker room post-game or mid week, but I don’t think they’ll ever go with a more pronounced presence – unless the team gets super popular. Hopefully they’re careful with camera placement or they’ll get another Vikings “peek a boo” incident – which while I’m sure you’ll appreciate, is frowned upon league-wide.
And that’s it for this week. I’ll throw another reaction / tweetbag out during the Cleveland game – so have those questions ready! Or at least quality sarcasm like BLeez and Matty R:
@BLeez17 @RDotDeuce it’s pathetic, like cheering on a guy who lost his hand for finally grabbing a pen with his claw
— The Outlander (@MattyRenn) August 15, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
As someone that is a bit more positive toward the QB situation, these guys keep me balanced. And laughing, because they show no mercy.
Alright folks, be good and let’s do this again next week! #1FO
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
