2021 Buffalo Bills - Same as it ever was*** (3 Viewers)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Anyone know McKelvin's status? He was serviceable (with big play ability) as a #2 CB last year.

As of the last day of camp he was still using a scooter to get around.

Which is weird they aren't using the pup list which makes me believe he'll be back anywhere from Week 1-8 haha

has that already been determined? I thought it might still be a possibility for him, but wasn't sure what the rules are here.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Taylor starting, what's the pecking order after him?

Cassel getting cut?

I hope so, they could sell high on EJ and keep Cassel but cutting Cassel saves some serious money they'll need in the future.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I assume the Jackson cut makes Bryce Brown very likely to make this team now, right? Any insight there?

Was holding to see where he might land, but if he's 4th on the depth chart in Buffalo... well that's not very appealing.

IMO he's the best "backup" to McCoy since his running style and skill set are most similar.

Karlos Williams/Boobie Dixon are more of a change of pace/power back to complement McCoy and handle short-yardage duties.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Love the Fred cut, It's business, save 2.3M for a 34 year old RB when you are deep at the position. You have to worry about Dareus, Gilmore, Glenn, Bradham. It hurts with leadership and heart but it's a new regime, new guys will step up. I hope he goes to Dallas or somewhere in the NFC, and we see him on the Wall of Fame and coaching RB's in a few years.

Now cut Cassel and save Four-and some change more.

Are you guys really deep at RB? Beyond an injured McCoy, how good are any of those guys? I was no at all impressed by anyone of the backs they trotted out last year once CJ and Fred were hurt. The money saved is only valuable (for the fans) if is spent this year on guys that can help the team.

Bryce Brown has always looked pretty solid but can't hang on to the ball. We've seen what he can do with limited opportunities when he was with Philly. Some don't agree with me, but I like Karlos Williams from what I've seen. Big dude who can run. He's still very raw, and upright runners tend to get hurt. Boobie Dixon is an experienced special teamer who can fill in if needed.

ETA - and this is all ignoring the fact that they signed Jerome Felton and Charles Clay has played H-back in the past. They also have Marqueis Gray, another TE/H-back type who looks to have a decent impact in the Bills offense if you believe some of the beat reporters.

I think the Bills are in a much better spot at RB than most teams. It was arguably their deepest position going into camp.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Anyone know McKelvin's status? He was serviceable (with big play ability) as a #2 CB last year.

As of the last day of camp he was still using a scooter to get around.

Which is weird they aren't using the pup list which makes me believe he'll be back anywhere from Week 1-8 haha

has that already been determined? I thought it might still be a possibility for him, but wasn't sure what the rules are here.

It hasn't they could still put him on the IR with designated to return but all the media members thought that would have already happened per protocol.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Love the Fred cut, It's business, save 2.3M for a 34 year old RB when you are deep at the position. You have to worry about Dareus, Gilmore, Glenn, Bradham. It hurts with leadership and heart but it's a new regime, new guys will step up. I hope he goes to Dallas or somewhere in the NFC, and we see him on the Wall of Fame and coaching RB's in a few years.

Now cut Cassel and save Four-and some change more.

Are you guys really deep at RB? Beyond an injured McCoy, how good are any of those guys? I was no at all impressed by anyone of the backs they trotted out last year once CJ and Fred were hurt. The money saved is only valuable (for the fans) if is spent this year on guys that can help the team.

Dixon and Brown both looked really good at times.

Williams and Dixon can contribute on special teams. Brown is young and talented, but can't stop fumbling.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Anyone know McKelvin's status? He was serviceable (with big play ability) as a #2 CB last year.

As of the last day of camp he was still using a scooter to get around.

Which is weird they aren't using the pup list which makes me believe he'll be back anywhere from Week 1-8 haha

has that already been determined? I thought it might still be a possibility for him, but wasn't sure what the rules are here.

It hasn't they could still put him on the IR with designated to return but all the media members thought that would have already happened per protocol.

I meant the PUP list being an option for Leodis. He hasn't been healthy since camp opened.

 

[Ilov80s]

Love the Fred cut, It's business, save 2.3M for a 34 year old RB when you are deep at the position. You have to worry about Dareus, Gilmore, Glenn, Bradham. It hurts with leadership and heart but it's a new regime, new guys will step up. I hope he goes to Dallas or somewhere in the NFC, and we see him on the Wall of Fame and coaching RB's in a few years.

Now cut Cassel and save Four-and some change more.

Are you guys really deep at RB? Beyond an injured McCoy, how good are any of those guys? I was no at all impressed by anyone of the backs they trotted out last year once CJ and Fred were hurt. The money saved is only valuable (for the fans) if is spent this year on guys that can help the team.

Bryce Brown has always looked pretty solid but can't hang on to the ball. We've seen what he can do with limited opportunities when he was with Philly. Some don't agree with me, but I like Karlos Williams from what I've seen. Big dude who can run. He's still very raw, and upright runners tend to get hurt. Boobie Dixon is an experienced special teamer who can fill in if needed.

ETA - and this is all ignoring the fact that they signed Jerome Felton and Charles Clay has played H-back in the past. They also have Marqueis Gray, another TE/H-back type who looks to have a decent impact in the Bills offense if you believe some of the beat reporters.

I think the Bills are in a much better spot at RB than most teams. It was arguably their deepest position going into camp.

Love the Fred cut, It's business, save 2.3M for a 34 year old RB when you are deep at the position. You have to worry about Dareus, Gilmore, Glenn, Bradham. It hurts with leadership and heart but it's a new regime, new guys will step up. I hope he goes to Dallas or somewhere in the NFC, and we see him on the Wall of Fame and coaching RB's in a few years.

Now cut Cassel and save Four-and some change more.

Are you guys really deep at RB? Beyond an injured McCoy, how good are any of those guys? I was no at all impressed by anyone of the backs they trotted out last year once CJ and Fred were hurt. The money saved is only valuable (for the fans) if is spent this year on guys that can help the team.

Dixon and Brown both looked really good at times.

Williams and Dixon can contribute on special teams. Brown is young and talented, but can't stop fumbling.

I didn't see much of them, just their fantasy results. I have not seen Karlos at all. What is the story on all their injuries though? All short term stuff I assume.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Love the Fred cut, It's business, save 2.3M for a 34 year old RB when you are deep at the position. You have to worry about Dareus, Gilmore, Glenn, Bradham. It hurts with leadership and heart but it's a new regime, new guys will step up. I hope he goes to Dallas or somewhere in the NFC, and we see him on the Wall of Fame and coaching RB's in a few years.

Now cut Cassel and save Four-and some change more.

Are you guys really deep at RB? Beyond an injured McCoy, how good are any of those guys? I was no at all impressed by anyone of the backs they trotted out last year once CJ and Fred were hurt. The money saved is only valuable (for the fans) if is spent this year on guys that can help the team.

Bryce Brown has always looked pretty solid but can't hang on to the ball. We've seen what he can do with limited opportunities when he was with Philly. Some don't agree with me, but I like Karlos Williams from what I've seen. Big dude who can run. He's still very raw, and upright runners tend to get hurt. Boobie Dixon is an experienced special teamer who can fill in if needed.

ETA - and this is all ignoring the fact that they signed Jerome Felton and Charles Clay has played H-back in the past. They also have Marqueis Gray, another TE/H-back type who looks to have a decent impact in the Bills offense if you believe some of the beat reporters.

I think the Bills are in a much better spot at RB than most teams. It was arguably their deepest position going into camp.

Love the Fred cut, It's business, save 2.3M for a 34 year old RB when you are deep at the position. You have to worry about Dareus, Gilmore, Glenn, Bradham. It hurts with leadership and heart but it's a new regime, new guys will step up. I hope he goes to Dallas or somewhere in the NFC, and we see him on the Wall of Fame and coaching RB's in a few years.

Now cut Cassel and save Four-and some change more.

Are you guys really deep at RB? Beyond an injured McCoy, how good are any of those guys? I was no at all impressed by anyone of the backs they trotted out last year once CJ and Fred were hurt. The money saved is only valuable (for the fans) if is spent this year on guys that can help the team.

Dixon and Brown both looked really good at times.

Williams and Dixon can contribute on special teams. Brown is young and talented, but can't stop fumbling.

I didn't see much of them, just their fantasy results. I have not seen Karlos at all. What is the story on all their injuries though? All short term stuff I assume.

Bryce had a hammy, similar to Freddy's and is fine. Boobie should be ready for Detroit on Thursday or they can choose to sit him as well.

Karlos had a testicle torsion and is healing nicely so I've heard lol.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I didn't see much of them, just their fantasy results. I have not seen Karlos at all. What is the story on all their injuries though? All short term stuff I assume.

all expected to be healthy when the season begins, and maybe some will play in the preseason finale. still risky to go into the season with a group of RBs that have been sitting out for weeks.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Love the Fred cut, It's business, save 2.3M for a 34 year old RB when you are deep at the position. You have to worry about Dareus, Gilmore, Glenn, Bradham. It hurts with leadership and heart but it's a new regime, new guys will step up. I hope he goes to Dallas or somewhere in the NFC, and we see him on the Wall of Fame and coaching RB's in a few years.

Now cut Cassel and save Four-and some change more.

Are you guys really deep at RB? Beyond an injured McCoy, how good are any of those guys? I was no at all impressed by anyone of the backs they trotted out last year once CJ and Fred were hurt. The money saved is only valuable (for the fans) if is spent this year on guys that can help the team.

Bryce Brown has always looked pretty solid but can't hang on to the ball. We've seen what he can do with limited opportunities when he was with Philly. Some don't agree with me, but I like Karlos Williams from what I've seen. Big dude who can run. He's still very raw, and upright runners tend to get hurt. Boobie Dixon is an experienced special teamer who can fill in if needed.

ETA - and this is all ignoring the fact that they signed Jerome Felton and Charles Clay has played H-back in the past. They also have Marqueis Gray, another TE/H-back type who looks to have a decent impact in the Bills offense if you believe some of the beat reporters.

I think the Bills are in a much better spot at RB than most teams. It was arguably their deepest position going into camp.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I didn't see much of them, just their fantasy results. I have not seen Karlos at all. What is the story on all their injuries though? All short term stuff I assume.

all expected to be healthy when the season begins, and maybe some will play in the preseason finale. still risky to go into the season with a group of RBs that have been sitting out for weeks.

They also cut Seale today, so I'm assuming Bryce and/OR Boobie will play vs Detroit Thursday with Cierre Wood.

 

[Ilov80s]

Thanks guys. GL this year, you are one of only 3 NFL teams I actually will root for.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

so, given what happened over the last week:

Bills started EJ and gave him extensive work in the 3rd preseason game

Reportedly going with Tyrod Taylor as starter

Cut Fred Jackson in cost cutting move

Doesn't it seem likely that Cassel will be released? That would leave Tyrod and EJ as the top-2 QBs with Simms on the practice squad I assume. Would also save the Bills a lot of cap space that would carry over to next year, which they desperately need.

 

[Gottabesweet]

so, given what happened over the last week:

Bills started EJ and gave him extensive work in the 3rd preseason game

Reportedly going with Tyrod Taylor as starter

Cut Fred Jackson in cost cutting move

Doesn't it seem likely that Cassel will be released? That would leave Tyrod and EJ as the top-2 QBs with Simms on the practice squad I assume. Would also save the Bills a lot of cap space that would carry over to next year, which they desperately need.

Fingers crossed.

2.3 on Fred's 4.75 ish? on Cassel's - 7M in savings to give Dareus an extra 1M a year and beef up that signing bonus!

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

I'll be really disappointed if they cut Cassel. There's a real good shot a guy like Tyrod will get banged up, and I have no confidence in EJ.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I'll be really disappointed if they cut Cassel. There's a real good shot a guy like Tyrod will get banged up, and I have no confidence in EJ.

Then trade EJ and save 1.5ish- Cassel saves a good amount with no cap hit.

 

[GroveDiesel]

The F-Jax move absolutely kills me. I understand all the reasons, but it still feels like he should have been kept for what he means to the locker room and community. When dirtbags get brought in all off-season and a class guy like Freddie gets cut, it just makes it hard to like this team. Maybe get excited or enjoy watching them win, but not really liking them.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I'll be really disappointed if they cut Cassel. There's a real good shot a guy like Tyrod will get banged up, and I have no confidence in EJ.

Same here. I'm happy they're giving Taylor the starting job, but I think I'd rather have Cassel around in case we need him and worry about next year's cap next year. But I get it if they choose to cut him.

Kind of bummed about Fred Jackson, but like others have said, it's a business, and cutting him now is kinder than cutting him later.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I'll be really disappointed if they cut Cassel. There's a real good shot a guy like Tyrod will get banged up, and I have no confidence in EJ.

if dumping Cassel gives you a better chance to re-sign Dareus, Glenn, Gilmore, and Bradham don't you have to do it? He's a stop gap like Orton was.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I'll be really disappointed if they cut Cassel. There's a real good shot a guy like Tyrod will get banged up, and I have no confidence in EJ.

if dumping Cassel gives you a better chance to re-sign Dareus, Glenn, Gilmore, and Bradham don't you have to do it? He's a stop gap like Orton was.

Yes and then just hope that EJ can be serviceable as he's improved this camp if Taylor were to go down. It's a risk you need to take to carry over 4.75M

 

[Gottabesweet]

I'll be really disappointed if they cut Cassel. There's a real good shot a guy like Tyrod will get banged up, and I have no confidence in EJ.

if dumping Cassel gives you a better chance to re-sign Dareus, Glenn, Gilmore, and Bradham don't you have to do it? He's a stop gap like Orton was.

Yes and then just hope that EJ can be serviceable as he's improved this camp if Taylor were to go down. It's a risk you need to take to carry over 4.75M, which they are obviously looking at cap cutting scenario's with the Fred cut.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Rappaport just said expect either Cassel or EJ to not be on the roster.

Wonder what draft pick EJ would fetch?

Surely somebody will give something for him, maybe a 6th or 7th which they traded for Cassel?

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Wonder what draft pick EJ would fetch?

8th rounder

 

[Gottabesweet]

Wonder what draft pick EJ would fetch?

8th rounder

Pretty sure some team would throw a draft pick for a third year QB that just shown some highlights in preseason/camp at a LOW salary cost to beat out other teams from claiming/signing him.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Wonder what draft pick EJ would fetch?

8th rounder

Pretty sure some team would throw a draft pick for a third year QB that just shown some highlights in preseason/camp at a LOW salary cost to beat out other teams from claiming/signing him.

I'm pretty sure every team in the league has seen his tape. If there's even an inkling of interest in him, they know they can pick him up off waivers.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Wonder what draft pick EJ would fetch?

8th rounder

Pretty sure some team would throw a draft pick for a third year QB that just shown some highlights in preseason/camp at a LOW salary cost to beat out other teams from claiming/signing him.

I'm pretty sure every team in the league has seen his tape. If there's even an inkling of interest in him, they know they can pick him up off waivers.

If the Bills trade him, they will likely get a draft pick for him as long as two teams are interested.

The Steelers just traded a 7th for a kicker. Someone will give a 7th for EJ if they want QB depth/a guy to see if he can develop.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Paul Hamilton ‏@pham1717

Ryan said Taylor is the starter and they'll keep 3 QB's on the roster.

 

[The Duff Man]

EJ has just started to show he actually CAN develop with proper coaching. Why would you trade him now??

Cut Matt, sign Dareus!!

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Paul Hamilton ‏@pham1717

Ryan said Taylor is the starter and they'll keep 3 QB's on the roster.

"We'll keep three QBs" sort of implies that Simms is going to be one of them, right? Otherwise Rex would have said something a little less vague.

 

[JuniorNB]

Rappaport just said expect either Cassel or EJ to not be on the roster.

Wonder what draft pick EJ would fetch?

Surely somebody will give something for him, maybe a 6th or 7th which they traded for Cassel?

If a team without a legit starting QB decides they don't want him, I can't imagine anyone else wanting him. I think the league considers him a failed project.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Paul Hamilton ‏@pham1717

Ryan said Taylor is the starter and they'll keep 3 QB's on the roster.

"We'll keep three QBs" sort of implies that Simms is going to be one of them, right? Otherwise Rex would have said something a little less vague.

but I don't think they'd use a roster spot on Simms.

maybe just semantics but practice squad doesn't really qualify as "keeping someone on the roster" imo.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Rappaport just said expect either Cassel or EJ to not be on the roster.

Wonder what draft pick EJ would fetch?

Surely somebody will give something for him, maybe a 6th or 7th which they traded for Cassel?

If a team without a legit starting QB decides they don't want him, I can't imagine anyone else wanting him. I think the league considers him a failed project.

I don't think so, but I don't think many teams would be willing to give up anything of significance either.

[SIZE=11pt]Manuel has completed 20 of 30 passes for 358 yards with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions in the preseason. [/SIZE]

 

[Uwe Blab]

I had originally planned on waiting another round before taking RB1 from where I'm sitting in the draft but the Fred Jackson release makes me pause. What are you Bills fans' thoughts on carries (and/or touches) for McCoy this season? I really don't know what to think of him. Had him In a 'meh' tier with Forte, Miller, Forsett, Murray but now wondering if he ought to be in the Hill, Anderson, Lynch, tier. Hmmmmmm....

 

[GroveDiesel]

I had originally planned on waiting another round before taking RB1 from where I'm sitting in the draft but the Fred Jackson release makes me pause. What are you Bills fans' thoughts on carries (and/or touches) for McCoy this season? I really don't know what to think of him. Had him In a 'meh' tier with Forte, Miller, Forsett, Murray but now wondering if he ought to be in the Hill, Anderson, Lynch, tier. Hmmmmmm....

I don't think Fred's release means anything for McCoy. He was always going to get a ton of touches. What it means is that the Bills like Bryce Brown and Karlos Williams because they get paid a lot less than Fred, are younger and play special teams.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I had originally planned on waiting another round before taking RB1 from where I'm sitting in the draft but the Fred Jackson release makes me pause. What are you Bills fans' thoughts on carries (and/or touches) for McCoy this season? I really don't know what to think of him. Had him In a 'meh' tier with Forte, Miller, Forsett, Murray but now wondering if he ought to be in the Hill, Anderson, Lynch, tier. Hmmmmmm....

I don't think Fred's release means anything for McCoy. He was always going to get a ton of touches. What it means is that the Bills like Bryce Brown and Karlos Williams because they get paid a lot less than Fred, are younger and play special teams.

I don't think Brown has a significant role on special teams at all. Even Fred Jackson as an occasional returner seemed to contribute more there than Brown.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I had originally planned on waiting another round before taking RB1 from where I'm sitting in the draft but the Fred Jackson release makes me pause. What are you Bills fans' thoughts on carries (and/or touches) for McCoy this season? I really don't know what to think of him. Had him In a 'meh' tier with Forte, Miller, Forsett, Murray but now wondering if he ought to be in the Hill, Anderson, Lynch, tier. Hmmmmmm....

I don't think Fred's release means anything for McCoy. He was always going to get a ton of touches. What it means is that the Bills like Bryce Brown and Karlos Williams because they get paid a lot less than Fred, are younger and play special teams.

I don't think Brown has a significant role on special teams at all. Even Fred Jackson as an occasional returner seemed to contribute more there than Brown.

You're right, I was thinking of Dixon when it came to special teams. I guess Brown made it over Jackson due to age, contract and probably being more explosive than Fred at this point.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Obviously someone going by the name Steve Tasker has a respect for Special Teams, but am I the only one who is surprised that Fred Jackson is more replaceable than Boobie Dixon? I have no real problem with Dixon, but he offers virtually nothing on offense other than a very occasional fill-in who can eat a few carries that could just as easily be eaten by Karlos Williams and Fred. Fred is a better pass-blocker and pass-catcher. Fred isn't the player he once was but could provide just as much in the return game as Dixon can provide in the running game, IMO. And there were rumors that Roman wasn't really a fan of Dixon's in SF.

This is a team that might carry a kickoff specialist, a full-time long snapper, and a player who seems like a virtual lock to make the team for special teams only (Easley). I think that a lot of teams take special teams lightly and I don't mind the Bills making it a priority, but does any other team carry this kind of special teams heavy roster? No idea.

Also, what's the deal with the Tight Ends here? Clay is a lock. WGR guys seem to be talking very highly of Gray. Mulligan and Gragg seem to be frequently running with the 1s during the preseason. And O'Leary is a rookie. Is there a chance they keep 4 TEs and a fullback?

 

[GroveDiesel]

Obviously someone going by the name Steve Tasker has a respect for Special Teams, but am I the only one who is surprised that Fred Jackson is more replaceable than Boobie Dixon? I have no real problem with Dixon, but he offers virtually nothing on offense other than a very occasional fill-in who can eat a few carries that could just as easily be eaten by Karlos Williams and Fred. Fred is a better pass-blocker and pass-catcher. Fred isn't the player he once was but could provide just as much in the return game as Dixon can provide in the running game, IMO. And there were rumors that Roman wasn't really a fan of Dixon's in SF.

This is a team that might carry a kickoff specialist, a full-time long snapper, and a player who seems like a virtual lock to make the team for special teams only (Easley). I think that a lot of teams take special teams lightly and I don't mind the Bills making it a priority, but does any other team carry this kind of special teams heavy roster? No idea.

Also, what's the deal with the Tight Ends here? Clay is a lock. WGR guys seem to be talking very highly of Gray. Mulligan and Gragg seem to be frequently running with the 1s during the preseason. And O'Leary is a rookie. Is there a chance they keep 4 TEs and a fullback?

I agree on Jackson vs. Dixon. I don't get it. You could say it was a $ thing, but the reports seem to indicate that Fred would have been willing to take a pay cut to stay.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Out of town and missed the game this weekend, so watching Tyrod's serieses (is that a word?) with some extra care tonight on the DVR.

(down-distance-yardline)

Drive 1:

1-10-B20: 7-step drop, shows good arm strength as he finds Goodwin 20 yards downfield despite not being able to step up in the pocket as Wood had been pushed back. Tyrod had happy feet on that one, didn't look comfortable as the pocket collapsed a little but got rid of it quickly. 19 yard gain as Goodwin gets hurt.

1-10-B39: Seale up the middle for 2 yards.

2-8-B41: Playaction, edge rusher gets in and Tyrod dances a little. Keeps his eyes downfield though and finds Mulligan for a 5 yard gain. Didn't quite set his feet as much as I'd have iiked. Good elusiveness.

3-3-B46: Shotgun, stands tall and finds Marcus Easley in coverage with a bullet for 9 yards. Good throw.

1-10-S45: Shotgun. Great protection and Tyrod is able to comfortably go through his progressions for the first time. Checkdown to Seale in the flat for a 12 yard gain.

1-10-S33: Shotgun. Good protection and finds Gray - his first read - outside the hash for an 18 yard gain. Another example of NFL arm strength. Steelers DB fell down; can't expect that kind of coverage regularly.

1-10-S15: Shotgun. Doesn't step into the throw but still has the arm strength to wing it to Dezmin Lewis for a 6 yard out.

2-4-S9: Shotgun, draw to Cierre Wood. 6 yard gain for a first down.

1-Goal-S3: Shotgun. Attempted back shoulder fade (? I think?) for Dezmin Lewis. Ugly throw, no loft on it whatsoever. Could've been picked against a better defender. Incomplete.

2-Goal-S3: Shotgun, Seale on a draw to the 1.

3-Goal-S1: Goalline formation, Seale up the middle for a TD. Tyrod and Seale nearly run into each other on the exchange but it works out.

Drive 2:

1-10-S43: Shotgun. Quick out to Andre Davis for 8 yards and out of bounds. Nice sideline throw. It's been awhile since a Bills player could make a throw like that, though it was a bit low. Davis bobbles it but they give it to him.

2-2-S35: Carpenter 52 yard FG is good. End of half.

Drive 3:

1-10-B22: Bronson Hill off right tackle for a 4-yard gain. Guy has a hole the size of Moses parting the Red Sea and can only manage 4 yards.

2-6-B26: Hill with another massive hole for 11 yards.

1-10-B37: Hill with a pitch to the right for a 1-yard gain.

2-9-B38: Bills moving slowly in the huddle. 5-step drop and Taylor manages to find his third read, Marcus Easley, over the middle for 7. Nicely done through the progressions.

3-2-B45: Yet another quick drop and and out to Easley for 4 yards and a first down. Taylor's footwork on this play is brutally bad but has the sheer arm strength for the throw. He stutter-steps at the snap and gets no depth with his first step. Bills better be careful, otherwise the Colts are gonna be jumping the outs all day if Taylor's mechanics are sloppy like this.

1-10-B49: Handoff to Cierre Wood for a loss of 2.

2-12-B47: 5-step-and-hitch drop from under center. He looks jumpy, goose-stepping again on his dropback. Finds Easley, first read, in loose Steelers coverage for a medium gain.

3-4-S45: Deep drop in a shotgun snap. Nice protection. Tyrod absolutely locks onto his first read, Easley, and seemingly waits FOREVER for Easley to break the route. Not sure if it was a matter of Easley not getting to the spot quick enough or what but Tyrod telegraphed the #### out of this one. 9 yard gain and a first down.

1-10-S36: Playaction and a pump-fake and a lovely ball to Gray for another throw outside the hash. NFL throw. Could've stepped into it a little better but that's being nitpicky. Nice protection and he froze the defense a little with the pump fake on the slant. First down.

1-10-S20: Play breaks down a little and he steps up and takes off. Makes a play for the score but his ball security is extremely shoddy. Holding the ball way outside and not tucking it away. If it's the regular season, one of those Steelers DBs tries to knock him the #### out at the goalline instead of kinda just letting him roll in.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Final commentary:

Pros:

- Seems to have a solid grasp of the offense so far. No missed reads or botched motions, delays of game, etc.

- NFL caliber arm strength, no doubt. Consistently making throws to the sideline that we haven't seen in forever. EJ has NFL arm strength but not like this.

- Impossible to not like the "electric" playmaking ability.

- Didn't just look to run every time the pocket collapsed.

- Love the flexibility that the offense should have with him in it. The offense could be pretty scary if he can be consistent.

- Looks like a leader, has that charisma vibe.

Cons:

- Ball security when running the ball, held the ball way too loose.

- Footwork, footwork, footwork. Doesn't look like a QB who is well-versed in taking snaps from under center. Doesn't get sufficient depth on his first step and doesn't always step into throws. Tends to rely on pure arm strength to bail him out rather than sound mechanics. Needs to chill on the happy feet and be more confident in the pocket.

- Would've liked to see him make some throws down the seam. Not entirely sure this is a weakness, more an unknown. For all of EJ's faults, he's always been able to make throws down the deep middle.

- Clearly an "unpolished" product. I know he's been playing QB forever but looks very raw at this level.

I think it's probably the right move to start him. People view Cassel as the "safe" option but he turns it over all the time. EJ is an adequate backup but doesn't provide the arm strength or athleticism that Taylor does. I'm sick of the Bills playing it safe and starting the safe guy. Time to take some chances and try to win some games. I think Tyrod is that guy.

 

[ScottNorwood]

So what you're saying is he's the best player ever?

 

[TripItUp]

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually excited to see the Bills this year...what a great offseason and preseason for this team.

 

[flysack]

Obviously someone going by the name Steve Tasker has a respect for Special Teams, but am I the only one who is surprised that Fred Jackson is more replaceable than Boobie Dixon? I have no real problem with Dixon, but he offers virtually nothing on offense other than a very occasional fill-in who can eat a few carries that could just as easily be eaten by Karlos Williams and Fred. Fred is a better pass-blocker and pass-catcher. Fred isn't the player he once was but could provide just as much in the return game as Dixon can provide in the running game, IMO. And there were rumors that Roman wasn't really a fan of Dixon's in SF.

This is a team that might carry a kickoff specialist, a full-time long snapper, and a player who seems like a virtual lock to make the team for special teams only (Easley). I think that a lot of teams take special teams lightly and I don't mind the Bills making it a priority, but does any other team carry this kind of special teams heavy roster? No idea.

Also, what's the deal with the Tight Ends here? Clay is a lock. WGR guys seem to be talking very highly of Gray. Mulligan and Gragg seem to be frequently running with the 1s during the preseason. And O'Leary is a rookie. Is there a chance they keep 4 TEs and a fullback?

Word is O'Leary is going to get cut.

As for 4 TEs and a FB, doesn't Roman's offense call for a roster like that? I didn't catch a lot of his work in SF, but I always thought he liked those massive 3 TE formations now and then to generate push for Gore.

 

[OC Zed]

I've got nothing to add here other than the Jackson cut was a terrible decision both as a pure personnel move and in terms of team leadership and fan support. Awful every which way. He still has excellent vision (always his best attribute) and sufficient speed and strength to play the position for one more season. Why you wouldn't want a talented, veteran RB to backup your primary RB who has an injury himself is way beyond me.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Fred Jackson expected to sign in Seattle? Teamed up with Marshawn Lynch again. Would be great to get him a title or at least a taste of the postseason.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Fred Jackson expected to sign in Seattle? Teamed up with Marshawn Lynch again. Would be great to get him a title or at least a taste of the postseason.

Agreed. And going to a team out of the division and conference would be a plus.

 

[Mortimer Ichabod]

Fred Jackson expected to sign in Seattle? Teamed up with Marshawn Lynch again. Would be great to get him a title or at least a taste of the postseason.

Agreed. And going to a team out of the division and conference would be a plus.

Maybe he'll show he's a better player than Lynch yet again while he's there.

 

[Borden]

So Fred is good enough for a team that went to back to back Super Bowl but not good enough for the team that has the longest playoffs draught? Don't give that "cap issues" bs either. Seattle has their own issues but they are going to try to make it work.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

53-man roster projection from Buffalo Rumblings fan site:

QB: Taylor, Manuel, Cassel

RB: McCoy, K. Williams, Dixon, Brown

FB: Felton

WR: Watkins, Woods, Harvin, Goodwin, Easley, Hogan, Thigpen

TE: Clay, Mulligan, Gray

OL: Glenn, Incognito, Wood, Miller, Henderson, Urbik, Kouandjio, Richardson

DL: K.Williams, C.Bryant, R.Bryant, Charles

ER: M.Williams, J.Hughes, Lawson, Enemkpali, R.Johnson, Groves

LB: Bradham, P.Brown, Steward, Tarpley

CB: Gilmore, McKelvin, Darby, Robey, Brooks, Butler

S: A.Williams, Graham, D.Williams, Rambo

ST: Carpenter, Schmidt, Sanborn

some guys that may still make it (IMO): D.Thompson, C.Gragg, Carrington, Meeks, Gay

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-opinion/2015/9/1/9238517/2015-buffalo-bills-53-man-roster-projection-preseason-week-4