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A couple thoughts a few hours before the game today.
* I don't know why there is so much universal celebration about A-Train being out on this board. It's not a good thing for this offense. I along with everyone else is excited Fred Jackson gets a chance to start. Frankly, I think he's a much better option at #2 behind Lynch than Wright, at least right now anyway.
But A-Train's absence will hamper an offense that's already been far too conservative. I guarentee you the Bills will run a lot more "maximum protection" passing plays in which they send fewer receivers out in patterns. This stems from Thomas being the best pass blocker of the RB crop. Even when Lynch was healthy Thomas played in a lot of a passing downs primarily for this reason. I think those hoping the Bills would open it up a lot more with Edwards are going to be dissapointed, at least today.
* Speaking of "opening it up", it would be nice to see this staff actually take a chance against a good team. Even though they lost (barely) at New England last week, you have to admire the way Andy Reid attacked the Patriots. A backup QB throws close to 50 passes, and not of the "dink and dunk" variety either. Jimmy Johnson had blitzes on almost every down. I'd LOVE to see the Bills staff actually play to win rather than "keeping it close" on the road. This above all else is what makes me not like this staff.
* If we're winning today, we must get some big plays from our defense. Schobel, Crowell, Whitner. Somebody has to make a few plays, and I'm not talking about tackles for a loss. Jason Campbell is a good quarterback but he can get forced into mistakes.
* As for Edwards, I'm obviously excited he's starting. No matter how he plays, he can't possibly play worse than Losman has the past three weeks, or pretty much his entire road career for that matter. I'm interested in seeing how he handles pressure, how he gets the ball off and the accuracy on his passes. I REALLY hope Fairchild calls a few long passing plays so the clowns that think his arm is weak can finally shut it.
Having said that, I don't expect much from this offense today. I'm concerned the offensive approach will be coaching scared yet again, especially with Lynch and Thomas both out.
Prediction: I'm not making one. But win or lose, I will be happy if this team plays with some balls on the road for once, and by saying that I'm talking about the coaches more than the players. I don't care if Trent throws 5 picks today, PLAY TO WIN.
* I don't know why there is so much universal celebration about A-Train being out on this board. It's not a good thing for this offense. I along with everyone else is excited Fred Jackson gets a chance to start. Frankly, I think he's a much better option at #2 behind Lynch than Wright, at least right now anyway.
But A-Train's absence will hamper an offense that's already been far too conservative. I guarentee you the Bills will run a lot more "maximum protection" passing plays in which they send fewer receivers out in patterns. This stems from Thomas being the best pass blocker of the RB crop. Even when Lynch was healthy Thomas played in a lot of a passing downs primarily for this reason. I think those hoping the Bills would open it up a lot more with Edwards are going to be dissapointed, at least today.
* Speaking of "opening it up", it would be nice to see this staff actually take a chance against a good team. Even though they lost (barely) at New England last week, you have to admire the way Andy Reid attacked the Patriots. A backup QB throws close to 50 passes, and not of the "dink and dunk" variety either. Jimmy Johnson had blitzes on almost every down. I'd LOVE to see the Bills staff actually play to win rather than "keeping it close" on the road. This above all else is what makes me not like this staff.
* If we're winning today, we must get some big plays from our defense. Schobel, Crowell, Whitner. Somebody has to make a few plays, and I'm not talking about tackles for a loss. Jason Campbell is a good quarterback but he can get forced into mistakes.
* As for Edwards, I'm obviously excited he's starting. No matter how he plays, he can't possibly play worse than Losman has the past three weeks, or pretty much his entire road career for that matter. I'm interested in seeing how he handles pressure, how he gets the ball off and the accuracy on his passes. I REALLY hope Fairchild calls a few long passing plays so the clowns that think his arm is weak can finally shut it.
Having said that, I don't expect much from this offense today. I'm concerned the offensive approach will be coaching scared yet again, especially with Lynch and Thomas both out.
Prediction: I'm not making one. But win or lose, I will be happy if this team plays with some balls on the road for once, and by saying that I'm talking about the coaches more than the players. I don't care if Trent throws 5 picks today, PLAY TO WIN.
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