Mahdi
06-28-2008, 10:55 AM
Bills' offense faces steep learning curve
The Bills were aggressive in adding veterans for the second consecutive offseason, this time on the defensive side.
They expect defensive tackle Marcus Stroud and linebacker Kawika Mitchell to fortify the front seven, making life easier on first-round rookie cornerback Leodis McKelvin and veteran safety Donte Whitner.
But like most teams, the Bills will go as far as their quarterback can take them. Minicamps gave young starter Trent Edwards a chance to take tighter control of the offense.
What we learned from minicamp
Edwards proved he's serious about the opportunity by showing up bigger, stronger and eager to run the offense under new coordinator Turk Schonert. Former starter J.P. Losman helped the situation by keeping a low profile. Quarterback transitions can divide a team, but the Bills appeared unified behind Edwards throughout minicamps. That was important for a team already dealing with a hit-and-run case involving Marshawn Lynch.
Edwards Working After Camp
NFL.com Video
Trent Edwards talks about his training regimen.
Schonert, promoted from quarterbacks coach after Steve Fairchild left for Colorado State, unveiled an offense that he borrowed from his days as a backup quarterback for Sam Wyche's Cincinnati Bengals. Those offenses used tempo and continuity to stay ahead of defenses, but the Bills aren't close to that level yet. Injuries and left tackle Jason Peters' contract concerns kept key members of the offense off the field during minicamps.
On defense, cornerback Jabari Greer served notice that he won't surrender his starting job without a fight. McKelvin is going to start eventually, but the Bills won't have to rush him into the lineup if Greer picks up in training camp where he left off in minicamps.
Greer entered the league with Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 2004. Nothing was handed to him. McKelvin brings a different pedigree as the 11th player chosen in the draft. Both figure to play extensively this season....
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=sando_mike&id=3461989
The Bills were aggressive in adding veterans for the second consecutive offseason, this time on the defensive side.
They expect defensive tackle Marcus Stroud and linebacker Kawika Mitchell to fortify the front seven, making life easier on first-round rookie cornerback Leodis McKelvin and veteran safety Donte Whitner.
But like most teams, the Bills will go as far as their quarterback can take them. Minicamps gave young starter Trent Edwards a chance to take tighter control of the offense.
What we learned from minicamp
Edwards proved he's serious about the opportunity by showing up bigger, stronger and eager to run the offense under new coordinator Turk Schonert. Former starter J.P. Losman helped the situation by keeping a low profile. Quarterback transitions can divide a team, but the Bills appeared unified behind Edwards throughout minicamps. That was important for a team already dealing with a hit-and-run case involving Marshawn Lynch.
Edwards Working After Camp
NFL.com Video
Trent Edwards talks about his training regimen.
Schonert, promoted from quarterbacks coach after Steve Fairchild left for Colorado State, unveiled an offense that he borrowed from his days as a backup quarterback for Sam Wyche's Cincinnati Bengals. Those offenses used tempo and continuity to stay ahead of defenses, but the Bills aren't close to that level yet. Injuries and left tackle Jason Peters' contract concerns kept key members of the offense off the field during minicamps.
On defense, cornerback Jabari Greer served notice that he won't surrender his starting job without a fight. McKelvin is going to start eventually, but the Bills won't have to rush him into the lineup if Greer picks up in training camp where he left off in minicamps.
Greer entered the league with Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 2004. Nothing was handed to him. McKelvin brings a different pedigree as the 11th player chosen in the draft. Both figure to play extensively this season....
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=sando_mike&id=3461989