We here at Buffalo Wins have been pretty critical of Rex Ryan and some of his missteps. For now at least it’s time for me in particular to eat some crow and throw some apologies out.
Rex was right.
As much as I disagreed with the decision to move on from Mario and make him the scapegoat for everything that went wrong on defense, the defense is functioning far well (and better) without him. Rex was also right about moving Roman – and this piece is my “Mea Culpa” to the man running the team.
Prior to his arrival to the Bills, I’ve loved Ryan’s defenses from afar. But with the upheaval of the past year and the issues that came up regarding communication, boasts that went wrong, etc I was wearing thin with Rex’s antics.
On the Roman Move:
In terms of the move from Roman to Lynn, the Bills have been a very dangerous unit running. While there are still complaints (valid) about the pass game, I’m of the opinion if they’re getting 240+ yards rushing a game, having a pass game that is Patriots-like isn’t a fair desire this soon into the conversion.
More than anything, especially after listening to this great interview with Albert Breer – Rex has made himself near unfireable to me.
Yeah, I know.
When you look at Anthony Lynn – and going by the interview with Breer above – and realize he’s not even running the offense he’d like to run, I’ve become very excited for the future for Tyrod and the Bills offense as a whole. The way that Lynn talks about Tyrod and how he’s “getting there” and the things they’re working with him on to get Taylor to the next level aren’t just the usual PR-speak to me. Given Lynn’s extensive experience with coaches of all styles and his ties to Kubiak and Denver, I would bet an overhaul similar to the Denver system would be his cup of tea – some of the gap stuff, but mainly stretch/inside zone/trap and boots off of those stretches. Even a less mobile guy like Flacco ran a variant of it well, so with Taylor it would be a perfect fit.
(That also may have been a reason Kubiak wanted Taylor in the first place)
Rex making this move and getting an offensive coordinator in house that can fully utilize every part of the roster – including an emerging Nick O’Leary. Nick “Did you know his granddad is Jack Nicklaus” is officially an important part of the offense. Justin Hunter has emerged with his 2 receptions / 2 touchdowns role. Each week we see Marquise Goodwin more and more become a viable temporary number 2 and decent 3 at receiver. That cannot be overlooked and Rex has to get credit for it.
On the Mario Move:
Mario Williams is in the upside down. He’s gone. Having complaints and rumors from teammates weren’t bad enough at the tail end of his time in Buffalo. Now, he’s been benched in Miami in a winning effort and that’s not a good look for him at all.
I would caution Bills fans to not overly focus on the last year Mario had in Buffalo as opposed to the years prior. Averaging 12 sacks a year for the team was not an accident. Earning that contract was not a theft. Until someone tells me they were one of say six people during “Mario Watch” that didn’t want him to come to Buffalo at whatever cost, I call the bloviating and wailing over his contract to be silly. At the end of the day these contracts NFL players get are guaranteed money first, then it’s year-to-year.
That doesn’t excuse, in two places, being told you have to give more effort. Last year, I let it go because I agreed with him – Rex was using him in a way he didn’t function well in and pushed back a little. However, being on the Dolphins and on a team that is going to use him as a QB seeking missile he’s fallen off. His behavior’s on him and I won’t defend it.
The Bills currently have the NFL’s leader in sacks (8) in Lorenzo Alexander. Prior to Buffalo, Lorenzo’s had 9 sacks for his career. That’s coaches getting the best out of a player.
Rex was right there too. But I’d love if Ryan didn’t have to be unbearable about it – but that’s him, so I am going to shaddup and let it happen.
Do you Rex, do you.
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