- Steve cracked a few jokes about Ryan being named the 5th smartest athlete and asked if Ryan had any issue with that. Ryan said he'd like the other 4 guys ahead of him to go through the coursework he had to go through at Harvard.
- Also discussed (jokingly) whether Harvard will have any scandals like Miami. Ryan emphatically said no.
- Steve brought up the team cutting Maybin and Evans and questioned if the Bills were Super Bowl contenders.
- Ryan said Buddy Nix is trying to give young guys a chance and he will get rid of guys if he feels like they don't fit with the team.
- Ryan said defensively the team is much more stout. Mentioned Dareus being "a force."
- Steve brought up Stevie Johnson being "a different type of guy" and wanted to know a little bit more about him.
- Ryan said the day he got here was the day he realized the kind of talent Stevie had. Nobody gave him a chance to play up until that point. Chan Gailey saw it in Stevie and Roscoe Parrish and that's what's great about Chan.
- Steve asked if the Harvard thing works against him perception wise, like if he went to Auburn instead would he have gotten more respect coming out of the draft.
- Ryan: "I don't think it matters. Coming out it hurt me a little bit." Then discussed people wondering what his passion was (coming out of Harvard) but said he doesn't think it's a problem now because he's 7 years in his career.
- Steve: What's worst, being a 7th rounder or coming out of a small school?
- Ryan said coming from a small school is the hardest thing to overcome, especially an Ivy league.
- Steve asked ABOUT THE BEARD.
- Fitz said it's never been this long during training camp. Said he will maintain it a bit this season. Will roll with it. Steve and his co-host were obsessed about the beard. They loved it.
- Steve asked about Terrell Owens.
- Ryan said "I thought he was great." Said he was on his best behavior because he had to be. Said he worked hard. He and T.O. had a great relationship.
- Steve said "I believe he lobbied for you at one point during the season."
- Fitz said he did. "Owens is a student of the game." Said he had his preconceived notions prior to Owens coming but was totally surprised by him.
- Steve joked about receivers always saying they're open and Ryan played along.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Ryan Fitzpatrick on the Steve Czaban Show review
Monday, August 15, 2011
Shawn Nelson: "I feel good!", Moats on his game against the Bears, Stinchcomb Released
NELSON ALMOST READY
Shawn Nelson missed this past Saturday's contest against the Bears. He's been sidelined with an injury for the past 2 weeks.
I asked him when he will be ready to practice, Nelson said "hopefully soon. I feel good!" I also asked how he's carrying the extra weight, "I feel pretty good bro! I needed it ya kno! I was 240 playing tight end. It's cool." Nelson reported to camp weighing in at 273. Nelson is an imposing figure with the extra weight but the question still remains - can he remain healthy long enough for the team to justify keeping him?
At this point it looks like Scott Chandler and David Martin will make the team as tight ends and Shawn Nelson and Mike Caussin will battle it out for the last spot (if they keep 3, which they did last year). Chandler and Martin are good blocking tight ends. Chandler has emerged as a threat as a pass catching tight end as well.
MOATS ON HIS WAY
I asked Arthur Moats how he felt about his performance on Saturday against the Bears, "did some things good and some not so good. Gettin better though." After breaking out last year as the only guy to really contribute as a rookie for the Bills, his switch to ILB has kept him out of the spotlight as he learns the position.
When asked if he's feeling better about the switch to ILB, Moats said he was "feelin better with it" and will be ready come September 11th against the Chiefs. The Bills feel, because of his size, he's better suited to play the ILB position.
STINCHCOMB RELEASED
The Saints released former Pro Bowl Right Tackle Jon Stinchcomb on Monday, one day after coach Sean Payton said versatile veteran Zach Strief and 2010 second-round draft choice Charles Brown would be competing for the starting job at right tackle. Drew Brees called Stinchcomb “one of the greatest teammates I’ve ever had.”
“He’s a true pro,” Brees said. “He’s everything you want in a teammate, in a football player, in a man, in a leader ... He’s been a mainstay for this team, for this offensive line for a long time, especially during our time here. I’ve had five great years with him. He’ll always be one of my great friends, close friends. I wish him the best and his family. I’m not sure what’s next for him but I’ll always love that man.”
With 3 roster spots still open, should the Bills give him a look? Considering the depth situation, I absolutely think the Bills should bring him in and make sure he's fully recovered from his torn left quad muscle he had surgery on last year. If he is, we could use the help on the line. Pears did well on Saturday but it wouldn't hurt to have some real depth at the tackle position.
NIX COMMENTS ON MAYBIN
I'll have a piece in the next few days about my projected 53 man roster. Lots of interesting scenarios involving key positions...
Shawn Nelson missed this past Saturday's contest against the Bears. He's been sidelined with an injury for the past 2 weeks.
I asked him when he will be ready to practice, Nelson said "hopefully soon. I feel good!" I also asked how he's carrying the extra weight, "I feel pretty good bro! I needed it ya kno! I was 240 playing tight end. It's cool." Nelson reported to camp weighing in at 273. Nelson is an imposing figure with the extra weight but the question still remains - can he remain healthy long enough for the team to justify keeping him?
At this point it looks like Scott Chandler and David Martin will make the team as tight ends and Shawn Nelson and Mike Caussin will battle it out for the last spot (if they keep 3, which they did last year). Chandler and Martin are good blocking tight ends. Chandler has emerged as a threat as a pass catching tight end as well.
MOATS ON HIS WAY
I asked Arthur Moats how he felt about his performance on Saturday against the Bears, "did some things good and some not so good. Gettin better though." After breaking out last year as the only guy to really contribute as a rookie for the Bills, his switch to ILB has kept him out of the spotlight as he learns the position.
When asked if he's feeling better about the switch to ILB, Moats said he was "feelin better with it" and will be ready come September 11th against the Chiefs. The Bills feel, because of his size, he's better suited to play the ILB position.
STINCHCOMB RELEASED
The Saints released former Pro Bowl Right Tackle Jon Stinchcomb on Monday, one day after coach Sean Payton said versatile veteran Zach Strief and 2010 second-round draft choice Charles Brown would be competing for the starting job at right tackle. Drew Brees called Stinchcomb “one of the greatest teammates I’ve ever had.”
“He’s a true pro,” Brees said. “He’s everything you want in a teammate, in a football player, in a man, in a leader ... He’s been a mainstay for this team, for this offensive line for a long time, especially during our time here. I’ve had five great years with him. He’ll always be one of my great friends, close friends. I wish him the best and his family. I’m not sure what’s next for him but I’ll always love that man.”
With 3 roster spots still open, should the Bills give him a look? Considering the depth situation, I absolutely think the Bills should bring him in and make sure he's fully recovered from his torn left quad muscle he had surgery on last year. If he is, we could use the help on the line. Pears did well on Saturday but it wouldn't hurt to have some real depth at the tackle position.
NIX COMMENTS ON MAYBIN
"I saw where somebody said he didn't fit the scheme. I don't know what scheme he fits at that size, unless you're a strong safety. He says his metabolism and maybe that's what it is. He couldn't hold weight."
"We could have used him and gone on through the preseason and that kind of thing and he would have had very little chance of being picked up. This gives him a chance to maybe get on another team, fit in better and things work out good for him."
"I think what happens when you miss on a pick that high, a first or second or even third round, it sets you back because you keep trying to fill that void. That's the reason we took a little longer. We needed him and wanted him to come through and wanted to make sure we gave him every opportunity. He did everything he could do. He practiced hard, he hustled and he did everything we asked of him. It just didn't work out."
I'll have a piece in the next few days about my projected 53 man roster. Lots of interesting scenarios involving key positions...
Aaron Maybin Released
Aaron Maybin was waived by the Bills today. They didn't even bother waiting until the first cut down day, August 30th. Instead, they cut ties with a guy who they've given every opportunity to play. The same guy who couldn't get any significant time on last year's putrid defense.
No doubt Maybin will be viewed as one of the biggest busts in Bills history because of his inability to even get on the field. He reported to camp at 228 pounds, his lightest weight to date. Buddy Nix made a conscious effort to make the Bills a bigger team on D and instead of prolonging the obvious, the Bills decided to cut their losses with Maybin today. He will count as 9 million against the cap. His rookie contract guaranteed him 15 million dollars. 15 million dollars.
This is a move that probably should have been done even sooner (just to further illustrate how bad Maybin is). Slowly but surely the Bills are shaping the team to Nix's vision. Whether that translates to a winner on the field is yet to be determined but guys like John McCargo and Aaron Maybin will not be missed by Bills fans. Somehow this team feels better already without Maybin on the roster.
In an unrelated bit, Ashton Youboty was signed by the Bucs today.
No doubt Maybin will be viewed as one of the biggest busts in Bills history because of his inability to even get on the field. He reported to camp at 228 pounds, his lightest weight to date. Buddy Nix made a conscious effort to make the Bills a bigger team on D and instead of prolonging the obvious, the Bills decided to cut their losses with Maybin today. He will count as 9 million against the cap. His rookie contract guaranteed him 15 million dollars. 15 million dollars.
This is a move that probably should have been done even sooner (just to further illustrate how bad Maybin is). Slowly but surely the Bills are shaping the team to Nix's vision. Whether that translates to a winner on the field is yet to be determined but guys like John McCargo and Aaron Maybin will not be missed by Bills fans. Somehow this team feels better already without Maybin on the roster.
In an unrelated bit, Ashton Youboty was signed by the Bucs today.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Complete 1st half review of Bills v. Bears
Here we go:
1st and 10 (Bills)
Fred Jackson run for 5 yards.
2nd and 5
Incomplete pass to Scott Chandler. Maybe a bit overthrown but it hit Chandler in the hands. Pretty quick release by Fitz.
3rd and 5
Completion to Stevie Johnson on a slant route. Good first down.
1st and 10
CJ Spiller was met right at the line on a run play. Urbik did not hold up his man at all.
2nd and 13
Play-action quick screen to Stevie Johnson who made some moves but got only a few yards.
3rd and 11
Incomplete pass. Naaman and David Nelson were in the area. Looked like a miscommunication. Nelson was apparently the intended target. Pears held his man up here nicely.
PUNT
1st and 10 (Bears)
The Bears start with a reverse to Hester that goes for a few yards. Terrence McGee pushes him out.
2nd and 8
Dareus broke through the line and was coming at Cutler fast but Cutler underhanded it to his RB only to be stopped by Andra Davis.
3rd and 8
Barnett came in on a blitz but Kelsay went too far outside which opened up a running lane for Cutler who ran for a first down.
1st and 10
Chester Taylor runs for very little. Dwan Edwards was in on the stop. Kelsay got in on the tackle as well. I noticed Merriman getting nasty here at the end of the play.
2nd and 9
McGee came in on a CB blitz from the right but the run play went to the left for a few yards. Kyle Williams was in on the stop.
3rd and 6
Dareus with the sack. Flag on the play. Holding on Chicago by #73. #73 held Merriman who would have likely gotten the sack. Merriman may have still touched Cutler first here but Dareus was the one who really made contact with Cutler. Either way, that's what Bills fans want to see.
PUNT
1st and 10 (Bills)
Fred Jackson stiff arms Charles Tillman and runs left for a nice first down. The line looked good here.
1st and 10
Jackson tries the middle here but only gains a few.
2nd and 8
Beautiful cut by CJ Spiller who also threw in a spin move for a decent gain.
3rd and 2
Brad Smith wildcat time. Just enough to pick up the first down.
1st and 10
Quick slant to Stevie Johnson that was a bit behind Stevie but still caught for a few yards. After another review, the announcer said the pass was tipped which is why it was behind Stevie.
2nd and 5
Nice completion to CJ Spiller who ran a circle route for a first down. Smooth looking play. Chandler was also wide open here.
1st and 10
Incompletion to Donald Jones. Pass interference by Jones as well. Fitz and Jones weren't on the same page here.
1st and 20
Nice completion of about 8 yards to Chandler who got rocked near the end of the play.
2nd and 12
Fitz went to Chandler again with a pass to the outside for a gain of a few yards.
3rd and 7
Screen play to CJ Spiller who comes up just short of the first down. Levitre, who was ahead of Spiller, completely whiffed on a block that could have led to something bigger. Urbik wasn't good here either.
Lindell boots a 44 yarder through for 3 points.
Johnny Knox had a big kickoff return. Aaron Maybin looked bad here. Aaron Williams somehow caught Knox for the stop.
1st and 10
Chicago put their backup QB in already. Running play that was stopped by Andra Davis.
2nd and 11
Merriman gets the SACK and then proceeds to do the LIGHTS OUT dance. Kelsay blew by his guy but went too wide.
3rd and 13
Merriman gets another SACK. He brought Hanie down hard. Merriman is pacing back and forth on the sideline looking like a maniac.
Bears punt..
1st and 10 (Bills)
Thigpen rolls out right and hits Johnny White for a gain of a few.
2nd and 6
J White run play for about 3.
3rd and 1
Brad Smith is in. Smith with the play-action and runs wide, gains just enough for a first down. Good stiff arm by Smith near the end of the play.
1st and 10
Thigpen incompletion to Chandler. Thigpen had enough time but threw off his back foot as he felt the pocket collapsing.
2nd and 10
J White was met in the backfield by 2 Bears linebackers. Wrotto was blown up here.
3rd and 13
Thigpen incompletion. Thigpen had time here. He threw it too high for Brad Smith, who was beyond the first down marker.
PUNT
1st and 10 (Bears)
Barber with a gain of 10+ yards on the ground. Barnett brought him down. Byrd also in on it. McKelvin missed on a tackle attempt.
1st and 10
No gain by Barber. Kyle Williams brought him down. Williams had good penetration here. Batten was also right there.
2nd and 10
Barber gashes the defense with a draw play. Byrd eventually brought him down. Reggie Torbor had the best chance but couldn't get close to Barber. He was dumped.
1st and 10
3 stop drop, quick slant pass to Knox. McKelvin brought him down. Dareus blew up his guy here and had a chance but the ball was released too quickly.
1st and 10
Late substitution by the Bills. Andra Davis was the late man on. Barber with a short gain. Stopped by the late addition, Davis.
2nd and 8
Big run by Barber. This was the play Barber ran Florence over. Florence with a weak tackling effort here. Torbor didn't look good on this play. Moats lined up with his hand on the ground and was forced inside by the lineman he was facing.
1st and Goal
Haine incomplete to his tight end. Play-action roll out. The TE dropped it. Wilson was covering him.
2nd and Goal
Short gain by Barber. Spencer Johnson made the initial contact and Antonio Coleman finished him off.
3rd and Goal
Haine scrambles for the TD. Torbor had his back turned to the play and was guilty of all sorts of holding here. Not Torbor's best outing.
1st and 10 (Bills)
Short run by J White. David Martin could have been called for holding here. Hangartner also ended up flat on his back before White even got to him.
2nd and 10
Brad Smith in. Incompletion. He under threw it to Easley who had to slide to even get close to catching it.
3rd and 10
5 wide. Thigpen was forced out of the pocket and scrambled for a first down. Ground caused a fumble so Bills keep the Ball. Generous spot.
1st and 10
B Smith back in. NICE run of about 14 yards to the left. No hesitation here. David Martin helped with a good block here. Buster Davis also controlled his guy.
1st and 10
J White with the short gain.
2nd and 8
Quick play-action pass that was an incompletion. Craig Davis was the target but the ball was thrown behind him. That's on Thigpen.
3rd and 8
Thigpen completion to Roosevelt. Thigpen had plenty of time. Could have dumped it off to J White but decided to throw it in a crowd. Good catch by Naaman. Thigpen almost threw this one on his back foot again.
1st and 10
J White with a nice carry of about 6 yards.
2nd and 4
Run of about 4 yards negated by a holding call on Cordaro Howard.
2nd and 14
Thigpen scramble that went nowhere. Wang was useless here. Thigpen just got back to the line of scrimmage.
3rd and 14
Another scramble by Thigpen who was forced outside. Didn't have any time to throw it. Nice athleticism to escape the initial pressure.
PUNT
1st and 10
Barber rush for about 7 yards. Aaron Williams brought him down. Bryan Scott completely whiffed on an attempt to get Barber at the line of scrimmage. Maybin was pretty clumsy looking here.
2nd and 3
Reggie Corner blitzed off the edge but they completed a quick pass to Earl Bennett for the first down. Corto forced him out.
1st and 10
Empty backfield. Incompletion to Desmond Clark. Ball was tipped by Spencer Johnson which led to an errant throw.
2nd and 10
SACK by Spencer Johnson.
3rd and 15
Incompletion. Maybin got tossed on his ass by Barber here. This was embarrassing. Coleman came in late with pressure forcing Haine to throw it out of bounds.
PUNT
1st and 10
5 wide. Incompletion. Thigpen threw it too high once again. Intended target was Craig Davis.
2nd and 10
5 wide again. Incompletion. Almost picked off. Bad throw. Intended target was Huggins.
3rd and 10
5 wide. SACK by Okoye. Wrotto was awful here, completely whiffed.
PUNT
1st and 10
Complete to Clark for a gain of 10. Maybin was VERY close to getting a sack here.
1st and 10
3 man rush. Deep throw. Incompletion. White laid out Bennett when the Ball was in the air.
Penalty on the Bills. Defensive holding on Spencer Johnson.
1st and 10
Haine goes deep again. Incompletion. Bryan Scott was on the coverage but the ball was nowhere near the intended target.
Field Goal attempt that missed.
1st and 10 (Bills)
Kneel down by Thigpen to run down the rest of the clock.
End of first half. Bears 7 Bills 3
1st and 10 (Bills)
Fred Jackson run for 5 yards.
2nd and 5
Incomplete pass to Scott Chandler. Maybe a bit overthrown but it hit Chandler in the hands. Pretty quick release by Fitz.
3rd and 5
Completion to Stevie Johnson on a slant route. Good first down.
1st and 10
CJ Spiller was met right at the line on a run play. Urbik did not hold up his man at all.
2nd and 13
Play-action quick screen to Stevie Johnson who made some moves but got only a few yards.
3rd and 11
Incomplete pass. Naaman and David Nelson were in the area. Looked like a miscommunication. Nelson was apparently the intended target. Pears held his man up here nicely.
PUNT
1st and 10 (Bears)
The Bears start with a reverse to Hester that goes for a few yards. Terrence McGee pushes him out.
2nd and 8
Dareus broke through the line and was coming at Cutler fast but Cutler underhanded it to his RB only to be stopped by Andra Davis.
3rd and 8
Barnett came in on a blitz but Kelsay went too far outside which opened up a running lane for Cutler who ran for a first down.
1st and 10
Chester Taylor runs for very little. Dwan Edwards was in on the stop. Kelsay got in on the tackle as well. I noticed Merriman getting nasty here at the end of the play.
2nd and 9
McGee came in on a CB blitz from the right but the run play went to the left for a few yards. Kyle Williams was in on the stop.
3rd and 6
Dareus with the sack. Flag on the play. Holding on Chicago by #73. #73 held Merriman who would have likely gotten the sack. Merriman may have still touched Cutler first here but Dareus was the one who really made contact with Cutler. Either way, that's what Bills fans want to see.
PUNT
1st and 10 (Bills)
Fred Jackson stiff arms Charles Tillman and runs left for a nice first down. The line looked good here.
1st and 10
Jackson tries the middle here but only gains a few.
2nd and 8
Beautiful cut by CJ Spiller who also threw in a spin move for a decent gain.
3rd and 2
Brad Smith wildcat time. Just enough to pick up the first down.
1st and 10
Quick slant to Stevie Johnson that was a bit behind Stevie but still caught for a few yards. After another review, the announcer said the pass was tipped which is why it was behind Stevie.
2nd and 5
Nice completion to CJ Spiller who ran a circle route for a first down. Smooth looking play. Chandler was also wide open here.
1st and 10
Incompletion to Donald Jones. Pass interference by Jones as well. Fitz and Jones weren't on the same page here.
1st and 20
Nice completion of about 8 yards to Chandler who got rocked near the end of the play.
2nd and 12
Fitz went to Chandler again with a pass to the outside for a gain of a few yards.
3rd and 7
Screen play to CJ Spiller who comes up just short of the first down. Levitre, who was ahead of Spiller, completely whiffed on a block that could have led to something bigger. Urbik wasn't good here either.
Lindell boots a 44 yarder through for 3 points.
Johnny Knox had a big kickoff return. Aaron Maybin looked bad here. Aaron Williams somehow caught Knox for the stop.
1st and 10
Chicago put their backup QB in already. Running play that was stopped by Andra Davis.
2nd and 11
Merriman gets the SACK and then proceeds to do the LIGHTS OUT dance. Kelsay blew by his guy but went too wide.
3rd and 13
Merriman gets another SACK. He brought Hanie down hard. Merriman is pacing back and forth on the sideline looking like a maniac.
Bears punt..
1st and 10 (Bills)
Thigpen rolls out right and hits Johnny White for a gain of a few.
2nd and 6
J White run play for about 3.
3rd and 1
Brad Smith is in. Smith with the play-action and runs wide, gains just enough for a first down. Good stiff arm by Smith near the end of the play.
1st and 10
Thigpen incompletion to Chandler. Thigpen had enough time but threw off his back foot as he felt the pocket collapsing.
2nd and 10
J White was met in the backfield by 2 Bears linebackers. Wrotto was blown up here.
3rd and 13
Thigpen incompletion. Thigpen had time here. He threw it too high for Brad Smith, who was beyond the first down marker.
PUNT
1st and 10 (Bears)
Barber with a gain of 10+ yards on the ground. Barnett brought him down. Byrd also in on it. McKelvin missed on a tackle attempt.
1st and 10
No gain by Barber. Kyle Williams brought him down. Williams had good penetration here. Batten was also right there.
2nd and 10
Barber gashes the defense with a draw play. Byrd eventually brought him down. Reggie Torbor had the best chance but couldn't get close to Barber. He was dumped.
1st and 10
3 stop drop, quick slant pass to Knox. McKelvin brought him down. Dareus blew up his guy here and had a chance but the ball was released too quickly.
1st and 10
Late substitution by the Bills. Andra Davis was the late man on. Barber with a short gain. Stopped by the late addition, Davis.
2nd and 8
Big run by Barber. This was the play Barber ran Florence over. Florence with a weak tackling effort here. Torbor didn't look good on this play. Moats lined up with his hand on the ground and was forced inside by the lineman he was facing.
1st and Goal
Haine incomplete to his tight end. Play-action roll out. The TE dropped it. Wilson was covering him.
2nd and Goal
Short gain by Barber. Spencer Johnson made the initial contact and Antonio Coleman finished him off.
3rd and Goal
Haine scrambles for the TD. Torbor had his back turned to the play and was guilty of all sorts of holding here. Not Torbor's best outing.
1st and 10 (Bills)
Short run by J White. David Martin could have been called for holding here. Hangartner also ended up flat on his back before White even got to him.
2nd and 10
Brad Smith in. Incompletion. He under threw it to Easley who had to slide to even get close to catching it.
3rd and 10
5 wide. Thigpen was forced out of the pocket and scrambled for a first down. Ground caused a fumble so Bills keep the Ball. Generous spot.
1st and 10
B Smith back in. NICE run of about 14 yards to the left. No hesitation here. David Martin helped with a good block here. Buster Davis also controlled his guy.
1st and 10
J White with the short gain.
2nd and 8
Quick play-action pass that was an incompletion. Craig Davis was the target but the ball was thrown behind him. That's on Thigpen.
3rd and 8
Thigpen completion to Roosevelt. Thigpen had plenty of time. Could have dumped it off to J White but decided to throw it in a crowd. Good catch by Naaman. Thigpen almost threw this one on his back foot again.
1st and 10
J White with a nice carry of about 6 yards.
2nd and 4
Run of about 4 yards negated by a holding call on Cordaro Howard.
2nd and 14
Thigpen scramble that went nowhere. Wang was useless here. Thigpen just got back to the line of scrimmage.
3rd and 14
Another scramble by Thigpen who was forced outside. Didn't have any time to throw it. Nice athleticism to escape the initial pressure.
PUNT
1st and 10
Barber rush for about 7 yards. Aaron Williams brought him down. Bryan Scott completely whiffed on an attempt to get Barber at the line of scrimmage. Maybin was pretty clumsy looking here.
2nd and 3
Reggie Corner blitzed off the edge but they completed a quick pass to Earl Bennett for the first down. Corto forced him out.
1st and 10
Empty backfield. Incompletion to Desmond Clark. Ball was tipped by Spencer Johnson which led to an errant throw.
2nd and 10
SACK by Spencer Johnson.
3rd and 15
Incompletion. Maybin got tossed on his ass by Barber here. This was embarrassing. Coleman came in late with pressure forcing Haine to throw it out of bounds.
PUNT
1st and 10
5 wide. Incompletion. Thigpen threw it too high once again. Intended target was Craig Davis.
2nd and 10
5 wide again. Incompletion. Almost picked off. Bad throw. Intended target was Huggins.
3rd and 10
5 wide. SACK by Okoye. Wrotto was awful here, completely whiffed.
PUNT
1st and 10
Complete to Clark for a gain of 10. Maybin was VERY close to getting a sack here.
1st and 10
3 man rush. Deep throw. Incompletion. White laid out Bennett when the Ball was in the air.
Penalty on the Bills. Defensive holding on Spencer Johnson.
1st and 10
Haine goes deep again. Incompletion. Bryan Scott was on the coverage but the ball was nowhere near the intended target.
Field Goal attempt that missed.
1st and 10 (Bills)
Kneel down by Thigpen to run down the rest of the clock.
End of first half. Bears 7 Bills 3
Complete 2nd half review of Bills v. Bears - Scrub Time!
Here we go:
1st and 10 (Bears)
Really short run play. Pocket collapsed. Carrington, Troup, C White and Moats in on the stop.
White came up limping but seems alright.
2nd and 8
Big run by RB Bell. Troup was pushed to his left which opened up the hole. Antonio Coleman had a good chance at the stop but missed.
1st and 10
Another run play for a few yards. Kellen Heard brought Bell down.
2nd and 5
SACK by Danny Batten who had great pursuit here, pushing Bell back on his way to the sack.
3rd and 16
Really good screen play to Bell. Big first down pick up. The defense over-pursued this one. Maybin, Spencer Johnson and Batten were the guilty parties. Bryan Scott also missed a tackle in the open field.
1st and 10
Short run gain. Corto blitzed and had really good pursuit but just missed the target. Kellen Heard brought him down.
2nd and 10
Short run gain. Searcy had a weak tackling effort here. Moats finished off the tackle.
3rd and 7
First down pick up the Bears. Completion to WR Adams. Loyce Means in on the tackle. We blitzed with Reggie Corner and a LB but our rush wasn't much of a rush.
1st and 10
Torell Troup batted down a pass with his GOOD hand.
2nd and 10
Draw play to RB Bell for a few yards that was nullified by a holding call.
2nd and 20
Alex Carrington batted this pass attempt down. Kellen Heard was on his way to smashing their QB. Carrington got a real good push here.
3rd and 20
Right on cue as the announcers have been raving about Carrington the last few plays and he gets a sack here. Antonio Coleman had a good push here before getting pushed back himself.
PUNT
1st and 10 (Bills)
Levi Brown time. J White runs for a short gain.
2nd and 7
Play-action pass to Hubbard who couldn't hang onto the pass. To his defense, he got cracked as soon as the ball touched his hands.
3rd and 7
Levi throws a nice completion to Roosevelt who gets just enough for the first down
1st and 10
Short run by White. Isaiah Thompson was brutalized here. Awful
2nd and 10
3 step drop, quick pass to Huggins who dropped it.
3rd and 10
Empty backfield. Outside screen to J White who picks up about 6 yards.
PUNT by Reid Forrest. Flag on play. Running into the kicker. First down Bills
1st and 10
J White run play. White was met in the backfield. Unbelievably bad run blocking by 64, 68, 62, 74.
2nd and 13
Another short run by J White. The Bears got a really quick jump on the play.
3rd and 10
Brown tried gunning this into a crowd of 3 cornerbacks to Roosevelt. He actually had some time here. Incomplete.
PUNT (Good distance by Forrest)
1st and 10 (Bears)
Decent run stopped by Spencer Johnson
2nd and 5
Another run play right up the gut by Bell for the first down.
1st and 10
Play-action bomb to WR #84. Aaron Williams was beat on this play. NO pressure from the D.
1st and 10
Play-action again. Batten brought pressure but was too late. Deep ball that was an incompletion because Aaron Williams interfered with the receiver and was called for it.
1st and 10
Batten trips up the QB for his 2nd sack of the night. Maybin went WAY wide and wasn't even close to relevant on this play.
2nd and 10
Quick slant stopped by Aaron Williams and Batten.
3rd and 5
INTERCEPTION by Aaron Williams, the guy they tried picking on this entire series. Ball was initially tipped and Williams made a great athletic play to get it.
1st and 10 (Bills)
Nesbitt in. Really nice run for the first down and more. Flag on play. "There is no foul for illegal block in back." Yardage stands. Really good run
1st and 10
Nesbitt takes off again and throws in a spin move for a gain of 4 or 5.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
2nd and 5
Levi back in. Incomplete pass. Big time pressure from the D. Levi never had a chance.
3rd and 5
Nesbitt back in. A nice spin move at the very end of this run made it close but no first down. Questionable spot.
PUNT (GREAT kick by Forrest)
1st and 10 (Bears)
Short run by Bell who was brought down by a bunch of guys.
2nd and 7
BIG run by Bell through a gaping hole. Finally brought down by R Coleman (#40)
1st and 10
Dump off to Bell who ran for another big gain. Tackle by R Coleman again. Dotson straight up fell down here. Looked bad.
1st and 10
Short gain. Heard and Jasper were in on the stop.
2nd and 11
NO pressure. Completion to WR Adams for a first down. Means on the stop.
1st and 10
Short run that shouldve been a loss for yards but #45 Kirlew flat out whiffed on the tackle.
2nd and 7
Short run stopped by a group of guys. 41 was in on the stop. Jasper had a chance for the tackle but missed.
3rd and 3
Short run. #44 missed on an easy tackle. Eddins and Jefferson in on the stop.
4th and 1
Short gain but enough for the first. Tackled by a host of Bills. #46 Miller made first contact.
1st and 10
Short completion. Too much time/No pressure. Hicks made the tackle.
2nd and 9
Flag. Offsides.
2nd and 14
Short run stopped by Eddins. Dotson did well holding up a double team.
3rd and 12
SACK by #49 Jefferson.
Field Goal kick by the Bears.
1st and 10 (Bills)
Play-action that didn't fool anyone. Levi was immediately hit but got the ball off for an incompletion.
2nd and 10
Another play-action pass. Too much pressure again. Incompletion.
3rd and 10
INTERCEPTION. Levi threw into traffic again. Roosevelt was the intended target. Watkins got schooled on the right side.
1st and 10 (Bears)
Short run. Colin Brown got a good jump on the play. #49 Brad Jefferson in on the stop.
2nd and 6
Another decent run. Stopped by #49 Brad Jefferson again
3rd and 1
Easy first down run by Unga brought down by Kirlew. Jasper was pretty much thrown down on this play. The run went to the other side so it didn't matter as much.
1st and 10
Short run stopped by Heard.
2nd and 8
Another good run by Unga who pushed the pile for 5 yards. Langley and Aaron Williams in on the stop.
1st and goal
Short run by Unga who got popped by Eddins. Eddins was hurt all week, I'm impressed that he's played this long.
2nd and goal
Short run by Unga again. Heard in on the stop. Jasper couldn't get any push here. He was stood up at the line of scrimmage.
3rd and goal
Heard BLEW up his guy and got the 9th sack of the night for the Bills. #62 from the Bears was the victim of abuse on this play.
Gould missed the field goal attempt.
1st and 10 (Bills)
Quick underneath slant to Paul Hubbard
2nd and 5
Another short completion to Huggins
3rd and 1
Quick completion to Roosevelt for the first down
1st and 10
Another slant to Hubbard. Same exact play as the play that started this drive.
2nd and 7
Another duplicate play here, this time incomplete to Naaman Roosevelt
3rd and 7
Big completion over the middle to Huggins. About 20 yards but time is ticking down...
Game over. Bears 10 Bills 3
1st and 10 (Bears)
Really short run play. Pocket collapsed. Carrington, Troup, C White and Moats in on the stop.
White came up limping but seems alright.
2nd and 8
Big run by RB Bell. Troup was pushed to his left which opened up the hole. Antonio Coleman had a good chance at the stop but missed.
1st and 10
Another run play for a few yards. Kellen Heard brought Bell down.
2nd and 5
SACK by Danny Batten who had great pursuit here, pushing Bell back on his way to the sack.
3rd and 16
Really good screen play to Bell. Big first down pick up. The defense over-pursued this one. Maybin, Spencer Johnson and Batten were the guilty parties. Bryan Scott also missed a tackle in the open field.
1st and 10
Short run gain. Corto blitzed and had really good pursuit but just missed the target. Kellen Heard brought him down.
2nd and 10
Short run gain. Searcy had a weak tackling effort here. Moats finished off the tackle.
3rd and 7
First down pick up the Bears. Completion to WR Adams. Loyce Means in on the tackle. We blitzed with Reggie Corner and a LB but our rush wasn't much of a rush.
1st and 10
Torell Troup batted down a pass with his GOOD hand.
2nd and 10
Draw play to RB Bell for a few yards that was nullified by a holding call.
2nd and 20
Alex Carrington batted this pass attempt down. Kellen Heard was on his way to smashing their QB. Carrington got a real good push here.
3rd and 20
Right on cue as the announcers have been raving about Carrington the last few plays and he gets a sack here. Antonio Coleman had a good push here before getting pushed back himself.
PUNT
1st and 10 (Bills)
Levi Brown time. J White runs for a short gain.
2nd and 7
Play-action pass to Hubbard who couldn't hang onto the pass. To his defense, he got cracked as soon as the ball touched his hands.
3rd and 7
Levi throws a nice completion to Roosevelt who gets just enough for the first down
1st and 10
Short run by White. Isaiah Thompson was brutalized here. Awful
2nd and 10
3 step drop, quick pass to Huggins who dropped it.
3rd and 10
Empty backfield. Outside screen to J White who picks up about 6 yards.
PUNT by Reid Forrest. Flag on play. Running into the kicker. First down Bills
1st and 10
J White run play. White was met in the backfield. Unbelievably bad run blocking by 64, 68, 62, 74.
2nd and 13
Another short run by J White. The Bears got a really quick jump on the play.
3rd and 10
Brown tried gunning this into a crowd of 3 cornerbacks to Roosevelt. He actually had some time here. Incomplete.
PUNT (Good distance by Forrest)
1st and 10 (Bears)
Decent run stopped by Spencer Johnson
2nd and 5
Another run play right up the gut by Bell for the first down.
1st and 10
Play-action bomb to WR #84. Aaron Williams was beat on this play. NO pressure from the D.
1st and 10
Play-action again. Batten brought pressure but was too late. Deep ball that was an incompletion because Aaron Williams interfered with the receiver and was called for it.
1st and 10
Batten trips up the QB for his 2nd sack of the night. Maybin went WAY wide and wasn't even close to relevant on this play.
2nd and 10
Quick slant stopped by Aaron Williams and Batten.
3rd and 5
INTERCEPTION by Aaron Williams, the guy they tried picking on this entire series. Ball was initially tipped and Williams made a great athletic play to get it.
1st and 10 (Bills)
Nesbitt in. Really nice run for the first down and more. Flag on play. "There is no foul for illegal block in back." Yardage stands. Really good run
1st and 10
Nesbitt takes off again and throws in a spin move for a gain of 4 or 5.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
2nd and 5
Levi back in. Incomplete pass. Big time pressure from the D. Levi never had a chance.
3rd and 5
Nesbitt back in. A nice spin move at the very end of this run made it close but no first down. Questionable spot.
PUNT (GREAT kick by Forrest)
1st and 10 (Bears)
Short run by Bell who was brought down by a bunch of guys.
2nd and 7
BIG run by Bell through a gaping hole. Finally brought down by R Coleman (#40)
1st and 10
Dump off to Bell who ran for another big gain. Tackle by R Coleman again. Dotson straight up fell down here. Looked bad.
1st and 10
Short gain. Heard and Jasper were in on the stop.
2nd and 11
NO pressure. Completion to WR Adams for a first down. Means on the stop.
1st and 10
Short run that shouldve been a loss for yards but #45 Kirlew flat out whiffed on the tackle.
2nd and 7
Short run stopped by a group of guys. 41 was in on the stop. Jasper had a chance for the tackle but missed.
3rd and 3
Short run. #44 missed on an easy tackle. Eddins and Jefferson in on the stop.
4th and 1
Short gain but enough for the first. Tackled by a host of Bills. #46 Miller made first contact.
1st and 10
Short completion. Too much time/No pressure. Hicks made the tackle.
2nd and 9
Flag. Offsides.
2nd and 14
Short run stopped by Eddins. Dotson did well holding up a double team.
3rd and 12
SACK by #49 Jefferson.
Field Goal kick by the Bears.
1st and 10 (Bills)
Play-action that didn't fool anyone. Levi was immediately hit but got the ball off for an incompletion.
2nd and 10
Another play-action pass. Too much pressure again. Incompletion.
3rd and 10
INTERCEPTION. Levi threw into traffic again. Roosevelt was the intended target. Watkins got schooled on the right side.
1st and 10 (Bears)
Short run. Colin Brown got a good jump on the play. #49 Brad Jefferson in on the stop.
2nd and 6
Another decent run. Stopped by #49 Brad Jefferson again
3rd and 1
Easy first down run by Unga brought down by Kirlew. Jasper was pretty much thrown down on this play. The run went to the other side so it didn't matter as much.
1st and 10
Short run stopped by Heard.
2nd and 8
Another good run by Unga who pushed the pile for 5 yards. Langley and Aaron Williams in on the stop.
1st and goal
Short run by Unga who got popped by Eddins. Eddins was hurt all week, I'm impressed that he's played this long.
2nd and goal
Short run by Unga again. Heard in on the stop. Jasper couldn't get any push here. He was stood up at the line of scrimmage.
3rd and goal
Heard BLEW up his guy and got the 9th sack of the night for the Bills. #62 from the Bears was the victim of abuse on this play.
Gould missed the field goal attempt.
1st and 10 (Bills)
Quick underneath slant to Paul Hubbard
2nd and 5
Another short completion to Huggins
3rd and 1
Quick completion to Roosevelt for the first down
1st and 10
Another slant to Hubbard. Same exact play as the play that started this drive.
2nd and 7
Another duplicate play here, this time incomplete to Naaman Roosevelt
3rd and 7
Big completion over the middle to Huggins. About 20 yards but time is ticking down...
Game over. Bears 10 Bills 3
Andra Davis Steps Up
After the acquisitions of Shawne Merriman, Nick Barnett, and Marcell Dareus it's easy to forget about the Bills signing of Andra Davis a year ago. Davis is a forgotten man mostly because an injury (that he tried playing through) kept him out of the second half of the season last year. Some fans even speculated if he would make the team this year. But the coaching staff knew all along - Davis is a key member of this defense at a position that appeared to be the team's weakness before the emergence of Merriman and signing of Barnett.
When the Bills signed him as a free agent, expectations weren't too high because the Denver Broncos released him after one season with the team where he had 90 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Not bad, right? Apparently not good enough for the Broncos who originally signed him to a 2 year deal. This move was seen as a surprise to many in the media because of his productive season with the Broncos.
He was well on his way to equaling those numbers last year with 40 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception before his injury forced him to IR.
Yesterday will likely be remembered as the Shawne Merriman show but Andra Davis put in a solid performance as well. If Davis can stay healthy (a key theme with this team, right?) he could be a productive Linebacker much like his days with the Browns, where he spent 7 years. In 2005 he racked up 149 tackles. In 2006 he had 104 tackles.
When the Bills signed him as a free agent, expectations weren't too high because the Denver Broncos released him after one season with the team where he had 90 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Not bad, right? Apparently not good enough for the Broncos who originally signed him to a 2 year deal. This move was seen as a surprise to many in the media because of his productive season with the Broncos.
He was well on his way to equaling those numbers last year with 40 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception before his injury forced him to IR.
Yesterday will likely be remembered as the Shawne Merriman show but Andra Davis put in a solid performance as well. If Davis can stay healthy (a key theme with this team, right?) he could be a productive Linebacker much like his days with the Browns, where he spent 7 years. In 2005 he racked up 149 tackles. In 2006 he had 104 tackles.
Bills v. Bears - Preseason Game 1
The new intro for BBE, with Fitzpatrick and Stevie putting their gear is on a bit silly. Imagine being asked, "now pull your helmet down and look angry!"
Marcus Easley took the first kickoff return. I did not expect this.
1st and 10
Fred Jackson does his thing with a typical Fred Jackson run for 5 yards.
2nd and 5
Incomplete pass to Scott Chandler. Some believe this was a bit overthrown but after re-watching it, it his #84's hands in the right spot. Tasker called this a bad incompletion. C'mon Steve, let's not overreact.
3rd and 5
Completion to Stevie Johnson on a slant play. Good first down.
1st and 10
CJ Spiller was met right at the line on a run play. Urbik did not hold up his man at all.
2nd and 13
Play-action quick screen to Stevie Johnson who made some moves but ultimately got only a few yards.
3rd and 11
Incomplete pass. Naaman and David Nelson were in the area. Looked like a miscommunication. Nelson was apparently the intended target. Pears held his man up here nicely.
PUNT
1st and 10
The Bears start with a reverse to Hester that goes for a few yards. Terrence McGee pushes him out.
2nd and 8
Dareus broke through the line and was coming at Cutler fast but Cutler underhanded it to his RB only to be stopped by Andra Davis.
3rd and 8
Barnett came in on a blitz but Kelsay instead of going inside, went outside which opened up a running lane for Cutler who ran for a first down.
1st and 10
Chester Taylor runs for very little. Dwan Edwards was in on the stop. I noticed Merriman getting nasty here.
2nd and 9
McGee came in on a CB blitz from the right but the run play went to the left for a few yards.
3rd and 6
Dareus with the sack. Flag on the play. Holding on Chicago by #73. #73 held Merriman who would have likely gotten the sack. Merriman may have still touched Cutler first here but Dareus was the one who really made contact with Cutler. Either way, that's what Bills fans want to see.
PUNT
1st and 10
Fred Jackson stiff arms Charles Tillman and runs left for a nice first down. THe line looked good here.
1st and 10
Jackson tries the middle here but only gains a few.
2nd and 8
Beautiful cut by CJ Spiller who also threw in a spin move for a decent gain. That's the type of running I want to see out of Spiller.
3rd and 2
Brad Smith wildcat time. Just enough to pick up the first down.
1st and 10
Quick slant to Stevie Johnson that was a bit behind Stevie but still caught for a few yards
2nd and 5
Nice completion to CJ Spiller who ran a circle route for a first down. Smooth looking play.
1st and 10
Incompletion to Donald Jones. Pass interference by Jones as well. Fitz and Jones weren't on the same page here.
1st and 20
Nice completion of about 8 yards to Chandler who got rocked near the end of the play.
2nd and 12
Fitz went to Chandler again with a dump off to the outside for a gain of a few yards.
3rd and 7
Screen play to CJ Spiller who comes up just short of the first down. Urbik wasn't good here either.
Lindell boots a 44 yarder through for 3 points.
Johnny Knox had a big kickoff return. Aaron Maybin looked bad here. Aaron Williams somehow caught Knox for the stop.
1st and 10
Chicago put their backup QB in already. Running play that was stopped by Andra Davis.
2nd and 11
Merriman gets the sack who proceeds to do the LIGHTS OUT dance. Kelsay blew by his guy but went too wide.
3rd and 13
Merriman gets ANOTHER sack. He brought Hannie down hard. Merriman is pacing back and forth on the sideline looking like a maniac.
Bears punt..
That's it for the first stringers. The defense keeps some of their guys in longer but I won't go into those plays.
Observations about the rest of the game:
Marcus Easley took the first kickoff return. I did not expect this.
1st and 10
Fred Jackson does his thing with a typical Fred Jackson run for 5 yards.
2nd and 5
Incomplete pass to Scott Chandler. Some believe this was a bit overthrown but after re-watching it, it his #84's hands in the right spot. Tasker called this a bad incompletion. C'mon Steve, let's not overreact.
3rd and 5
Completion to Stevie Johnson on a slant play. Good first down.
1st and 10
CJ Spiller was met right at the line on a run play. Urbik did not hold up his man at all.
2nd and 13
Play-action quick screen to Stevie Johnson who made some moves but ultimately got only a few yards.
3rd and 11
Incomplete pass. Naaman and David Nelson were in the area. Looked like a miscommunication. Nelson was apparently the intended target. Pears held his man up here nicely.
PUNT
1st and 10
The Bears start with a reverse to Hester that goes for a few yards. Terrence McGee pushes him out.
2nd and 8
Dareus broke through the line and was coming at Cutler fast but Cutler underhanded it to his RB only to be stopped by Andra Davis.
3rd and 8
Barnett came in on a blitz but Kelsay instead of going inside, went outside which opened up a running lane for Cutler who ran for a first down.
1st and 10
Chester Taylor runs for very little. Dwan Edwards was in on the stop. I noticed Merriman getting nasty here.
2nd and 9
McGee came in on a CB blitz from the right but the run play went to the left for a few yards.
3rd and 6
Dareus with the sack. Flag on the play. Holding on Chicago by #73. #73 held Merriman who would have likely gotten the sack. Merriman may have still touched Cutler first here but Dareus was the one who really made contact with Cutler. Either way, that's what Bills fans want to see.
PUNT
1st and 10
Fred Jackson stiff arms Charles Tillman and runs left for a nice first down. THe line looked good here.
1st and 10
Jackson tries the middle here but only gains a few.
2nd and 8
Beautiful cut by CJ Spiller who also threw in a spin move for a decent gain. That's the type of running I want to see out of Spiller.
3rd and 2
Brad Smith wildcat time. Just enough to pick up the first down.
1st and 10
Quick slant to Stevie Johnson that was a bit behind Stevie but still caught for a few yards
2nd and 5
Nice completion to CJ Spiller who ran a circle route for a first down. Smooth looking play.
1st and 10
Incompletion to Donald Jones. Pass interference by Jones as well. Fitz and Jones weren't on the same page here.
1st and 20
Nice completion of about 8 yards to Chandler who got rocked near the end of the play.
2nd and 12
Fitz went to Chandler again with a dump off to the outside for a gain of a few yards.
3rd and 7
Screen play to CJ Spiller who comes up just short of the first down. Urbik wasn't good here either.
Lindell boots a 44 yarder through for 3 points.
Johnny Knox had a big kickoff return. Aaron Maybin looked bad here. Aaron Williams somehow caught Knox for the stop.
1st and 10
Chicago put their backup QB in already. Running play that was stopped by Andra Davis.
2nd and 11
Merriman gets the sack who proceeds to do the LIGHTS OUT dance. Kelsay blew by his guy but went too wide.
3rd and 13
Merriman gets ANOTHER sack. He brought Hannie down hard. Merriman is pacing back and forth on the sideline looking like a maniac.
Bears punt..
That's it for the first stringers. The defense keeps some of their guys in longer but I won't go into those plays.
Observations about the rest of the game:
- Thigpen had a rough outing. Levi Brown looked even worse. There's no chance Levi makes the team and I'll be surprised if he makes the practice squad.
- Our second unit on the offensive line looked BRUTAL.
- Johnny White did not get a fair opportunity to show his stuff as he was constantly being met in the backfield.
- Urbik looked bad. He's got one more week to prove himself. If he has another rough outing, we better go digging through the waiver wire again.
- Easley had a bad night on kickoff returns although I don't expect him to be doing this when the regular season begins.
- The Donald Jones era didn't get off to the best start but I'm not too worried as he had only 1 ball thrown his way (and it was a busted play) with the first unit. Remember, when Stevie was anointed the #2 receiver last year, he didn't have the best preseason and many people questioned whether he deserved the #2 spot. Let's see this plays out before we rip Jones.
- I liked the play of Danny Batten and Chris White. Batten, in particular, looked really good.
- Carrington is looking good as well...
- Did I mention how brutal the offensive line was as the game went on? I could barely watch the second half.
- Aaron Williams got beat on a few plays but looked more confident as the game went on, making a really athletic play on an interception.
- Brad Smith is going to have a very interesting season....
- Maybin looked brutal. I doubt he survives the first round of cuts after tonight's performance. Chicago's second team offense handled him with relative ease.
- I can't wait until next week to see how our first team Defense looks against the Broncos. They were dominant tonight. I also look forward to seeing more of the first team Offense. With the field being so sloppy, I doubt either team wanted their starters on the field for long.
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