Bills Team Report 12/31/08

[madness]

Inside Slant
Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) owner Ralph Wilson has spoken. Continuity wins out over an overhaul.

<!-- FOXBITE -->That means he will honor the three-year contract extension he secretly -- and, some would argue, prematurely -- awarded head coach Dick Jauron back in October when the team shot out to a 5-1 start. The Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) stumbled and lost eight of their last 10 games.
After a meeting with Jauron at his suburban Detroit home on Tuesday and after consulting with chief operating officer Russ Brandon and lead personnel man Tom Modrak, Wilson announced his decision on Jauron in a three-paragraph statement.
It brought to an abrupt end speculation that the 90-year-old Wilson would eat Jauron's contract and dismiss Jauron, whose popularity among the fan base has plummeted after three consecutive 7-9 finishes pot-marked by horrendous fits of game-day blunders.
It also ended the New Year's week daydreaming by Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) fan that their team would hire someone from a growing list of former NFL coaches with winning track records, among them Bill Cowher, Brian Billick, Marty Schottenheimer, and now, Mike Shanahan.
"It is well known that I share many of the fans' dissatisfaction with our offensive game management," Wilson said. "That being said, I believe that this team, at this time, is better served by continuity in the coaching staff rather than a disruptive overhaul."
Wilson said he felt players performed hard for Jauron all season and that there "are many positives to build out. This is not to say that we will be complacent. In my discussions with Dick and our senior football people, the issues are recognized and I am confident they will be addressed."
Those issues run deep.
Facing one of their easiest schedules in years, the Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) went winless against their division, the AFC East, for the first time since 1976. They were 3-5 at home, just their second losing record at Ralph Wilson Stadium in the past 23 seasons.
Buffalo's offense could produce just two field goals in its final three home games, losses to San Francisco, Miami (in Toronto) and New England. Jauron's feeble clock management, timeout usage and erratic play-calling by his coordinator, Turk Schonert, all played a role in the club's epic collapse that extended Buffalo's playoff drought to nine seasons.

That all said, Buffalo statistically was an improved team.

Second-year quarterback Trent Edwards (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/469413), who missed 2 1/2 games with a groin injury, led an offense that scored 10 more touchdowns. Marshawn Lynch (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/469529) and Fred Jackson (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/419605) emerged as a dynamic backfield duo, and the offense rolled up 4,882 yards, the most in six seasons. Overall, Buffalo's offensive ranking improved from 30th to 25th. On defense, Jauron's specialty, the Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) made a huge leap. Fortified by the additions of free agents Marcus Stroud (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/71013) and Kawika Mitchell (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/140495), the Buffalo defense under coordinator Perry Fewell jumped from 31st in yards allowed to 14th. The pass rush was affected by the loss of defensive end Aaron Schobel (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/69195) to a foot injury for most of the year, but several young players emerged.

...more (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills/teamreport)

[madness]

Notes and Quotes
--Last Sunday's 13-0 loss will mostly be remembered for the wind that blew all game at a steady 35 mph, supplemented by gusts of 50 mph that bent the goalposts. The Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) and Patriots (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/new-england-patriots) combined for 33 passes, seventh fewest in a Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) game. "It's tougher on the receivers," said QB Trent Edwards (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/469413), who was 14 of 25 for 128 yards. "You don't know where the ball is going to be in terms of what the wind is going to do." Still, Edwards' 56.0 completion percentage gave him a season percentage of 65.51, second best in club history behind Kelly Holcomb (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/69421)'s 67.39 set in 2005.

<!-- FOXBITE -->--RB Fred Jackson (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/419605) was among the few bright spots in Sunday's dismal season finale, which marked an 11th consecutive loss to the Patriots (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/new-england-patriots). Starting for an injured Marshawn Lynch (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/469529) (shoulder), Jackson set career highs for carries (27) and yards (136). Lynch (47) and Jackson (37) were the NFL's No. 1 running back receiving duo with 84. "It's not the way you want to end your season," Jackson said. "We came out, we fought hard. A lot of guys, we have nothing to put our heads down about. We'll keep our heads up, and this gives us something (to think about) going into the offseason."
--The Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) were 0-6 against the AFC East. It's just the second time they went winless in their division. In 1976, they were 0-8 when the division still included the Colts (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/indianapolis-colts). For Buffalo, it's a big drop-off from a year ago when they were 4-2 against the Jets (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/new-york-jets), Dolphins (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/miami-dolphins) and Patriots (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/new-england-patriots). "We're an underachieving football team, that's what we are," SS Donte Whitner (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/401237) said.
--The Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) established a team record for fewest penalties (71) and fewest penalty yards (538) in a 16-game season, breaking previous records set under coach Dick Jauron. Compared to a year ago, that's seven fewer penalties. That's one feather in his cap. Why limiting errors hasn't led to more victories is partly explained by the fact that Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) opponents were also the least penalized ever when they faced Buffalo. Opponents broke records set last year for penalties (72) and yards (540). --The Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) will draft 11th overall for a second year in a row. They tied San Francisco with 7-9 records, but the 49ers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/san-francisco-49ers) earned the 10th spot based on the strength-of-schedule tiebreaker. Buffalo's schedule is tougher next year. In addition to the AFC East, in which the Dolphins (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/miami-dolphins), Patriots (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/new-england-patriots) and Jets (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/new-york-jets) each finished with winning records, the Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills)' opponents are Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Cleveland at home; Jacksonville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Carolina and Kansas City on the road. Miami, Tennessee, Indianapolis, Carolina and Atlanta are playoff teams.

[madness]

Strategy and Personnel
Veteran LB Angelo Crowell (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/140395), an unrestricted free agent, surprised some insiders when he said he told the Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) he'd like to re-sign with them. There were harsh feelings between the player and management back in September when Crowell, struggling to stay in the lineup with a bad knee, opted for surgery the week of the season opener. The Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) placed him on season-ending injured reserve, a move Crowell didn't like but now makes some sense.

<!-- FOXBITE -->His microfracture surgery was complicated, and there was no way he was going to be ready to play before the season was finished. His loss left a huge hole in Buffalo's lineup. If he can return to full health, the Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) would likely re-sign him to an affordable deal and free themselves up to focus on other needs.
"Russ (Brandon, the team COO) said the door wasn't closed," Crowell said. "He just obviously wanted to see where I was in my rehab and what's next for me. ... Once I'm healthy, like I said, there's no question in my mind that I can play this game, and I can play at a high level."
Crowell recorded tackle totals of 125, 95 and 140 his three seasons as a starter.

COACHING CAROUSEL: Now that Dick Jauron has been retained for at least the 2009 season, it's likely his entire staff will also return intact barring any career-advancement opportunities they receive. While owner Ralph Wilson has often demanded that a top assistant be fired after a losing campaign -- Wade Phillips' refusal to dump special teams coordinator Ronnie Jones after the 2000 season led to his firing -- it's known that Jauron was given full hiring and firing power in his contract.
Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell's work in three seasons is generally held in high regard. He was forced to start six rookies in 2006, injuries ravaged his unit in 2007 and this season, even without an injured Aaron Schobel (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/69195), his defense improved from 31st to 14th.
Offensive coordinator Turk Schonert's seat is a bit hotter. While Buffalo improved in yards gained, it sputtered in costly losses to San Francisco and Miami in December, and QB Trent Edwards (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/469413) regressed under his watch, as did J.P. Losman (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/200337). But Schonert likely will be given a shot at making things better.

FREE AGENT UPDATE: Buffalo's top unrestricted free agent is starting CB Jabari Greer (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/224679), but the Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) are unlikely to make a strong push to keep him. He did not start the final six games of the year due to a knee injury, allowing Leodis McKelvin (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/535179), last season's first-round pick, a jump on nailing down the starting spot permanently. Promising Ashton Youboty (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/401167) also returns off an injury.
The Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) declined to get into bidding wars for Antoine Winfield (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/69175) and Nate Clements (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/69192), much more accomplished corners than Greer, and they aren't about to start now, especially if speculation that Greer will receive offers in the $7 million range come true.
Losman and Gibran Hamdan (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/140577), Buffalo's two backup quarterbacks, are also free agents. Losman, 0-4 in relief work this season, won't be retained, but the Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) will try to re-sign Hamdan for the No. 3 role. That leaves them in the market for a veteran No. 2. Other free agents of note: offensive linemen Duke Preston (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/300277) and Kirk Chambers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/200497) and S George Wilson (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/350755). Preston, who replaced Melvin Fowler (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/106077) as the starting center, will be offered a deal, but the club will be in the market for an upgrade.

[madness]

TEAM NEEDS
Center: The Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) need to get stronger up the middle so that their young backfield of Trent Edwards (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/469413), Marshawn Lynch (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/469529) and Fred Jackson (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/419605) can prosper.

Defensive end: The Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills)' pass rush ranked 28th with just 24 sacks, and there are no guarantees Aaron Schobel (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/69195) will be the same player coming off a foot injury that sidelined him 11 games.

Tight end: This is a decade-long broken record. The Bills (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/buffalo-bills) need to do better than Robert Royal (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/102417), Derek Fine (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/535775) and Derek Schouman (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/469319).

MEDICAL WATCH: SS Donte Whitner (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/401237) re-injured his separated shoulder in Sunday's loss to New England while trying to tackle RB Sammy Morris (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/69181). Whitner missed two games with the injury and played hurt down the stretch. With rest, he's expected to be fine for the team's offseason program. Buffalo's ravaged linebacker corps is regaining its health and is on pace to take part in offseason work. Alvin Bowen (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/535763), John DiGiorgio (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/418841), Marcus Buggs (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/573185) and Angelo Crowell (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player/140395) each suffered a season-ending knee injury this season.

[OpIv37]

statistically improved? We didn't improve in the only stat that matters: wins.

[madness]

Please leave the pissing and moaning for all the hundreds of threads. I'd like to talk some football for a change.

[OpIv37]

Please leave the pissing and moaning for all the hundreds of threads. I'd like to talk some football for a change.

I was commenting on the content of the article that you posted. If you don't like it, too bad.

[madness]

statistically improved? We didn't improve in the only stat that matters: wins.

Just curious... haven't you dismissed the "wins only count at the end of the day" theory in recent years when arguing that the team stats didn't actually show improvement?

[madness]

I was commenting on the content of the article that you posted. If you don't like it, too bad.

That wasn't directed towards your comment. Just the forum in general. :tongue:

[OpIv37]

Just curious... haven't you dismissed the "wins only count at the end of the day" theory in recent years when arguing that the team stats didn't actually show improvement?

Not that I can recall. I've brought up stats to show that the team played poorly in wins and used that to predict that they wouldn't win future games, but I don't believe I ever used stats over wins to evaluate the team overall.

[madness]

Not that I can recall. I've brought up stats to show that the team played poorly in wins and used that to predict that they wouldn't win future games, but I don't believe I ever used stats over wins to evaluate the team overall.

I know somebody use to preach that tune all the time but I forget.

[madness]

Speaking of wins...

Everybody is pretty much aware of our tough schedule next year. I feel better knowing that the Jets and Dolphins aren't as good as I thought they were mid-season but what kind of FA impact would be needed to put this team over the top? (which indicates a Bills standard of actually being over .500) I still see too many holes on this roster to compete in the AFCE.

[OpIv37]

Speaking of wins...

Everybody is pretty much aware of our tough schedule next year. I feel better knowing that the Jets and Dolphins aren't as good as I thought they were mid-season but what kind of FA impact would be needed to put this team over the top? (which indicates a Bills standard of actually being over .500) I still see too many holes on this roster to compete in the AFCE.

we go NOWHERE without help at DE and C.

Realistically, we need 2 DE's, a C, a TE, a MLB so Poz can move to the outside, a tall WR that doesn't suck, and a G. Then I think we could compete. But there's no way in hell we get all that. That's 3 off-seasons for Buffalo.

[OpIv37]

oh, and a #2 QB

[madness]

we go NOWHERE without help at DE and C.

Realistically, we need 2 DE's, a C, a TE, a MLB so Poz can move to the outside, a tall WR that doesn't suck, and a G. Then I think we could compete. But there's no way in hell we get all that. That's 3 off-seasons for Buffalo.

That's what I'm saying. We all are aware of the limitations in the FO and coaching staff but some of us are in denial about the talent on this team. I'm not just talking about starting lineup but the whole roster. K Mitchell was outspoken about the lack of talent this past week and he obviously has a better feel coming over from the Giants SB team. I shudder thinking back on how M. Faulk was right when he thought that we simply didn't have enough talent to compete in the AFCE. I'll just lump that into the 'every dog has his day' category.

We obviously need some help in the draft but it's still no where close filling up these holes in one off-season. Here's how I see it by breaking it down between the draft and FA in no particular order.

FA: DE #1, C, Vet WR, Vet QB

Draft: DE #2, C, LB, G, SS, TE

I think we need a veteran center but I wouldn't counting getting a rookie if he could come here and step right in.

How is everyone's opinion on Scott manning SS? I think he could be used as a short term solution for next year but we definitely have to draft one for the future.

I'm still not counting out Poz in the middle but I'd definitely like him on the outside better.

[Mad Bomber]

I know somebody use to preach that tune all the time but I forget.
Wys.

[madness]

Wys.

Now I know why I forgot... it was intentional.

[madness]

A starting WR isn't as necessary if there's a FA receiving TE of equal or greater value but the fact is that they are harder to come by then finding a legitimate #2 receiver in free agency.

I can't give up on Hardy just yet but if he's not ready and contributing by start of the season, I feel Steve Johnson might not just actually fit that role better but thrive in it too. Hardy seems to me to be a boom or bust pick. He's either going to develop into a great #1 or end up just being a situation receiver.

Either way, I think we need to add at least one legit offensive threat through FA.

Updated:

FA: DE #1, C, Vet WR and/or legit rec. TE, Vet QB

Draft: DE #2, C, LB, G, SS, TE if no FA signed.

[Mad Bomber]

Now I know why I forgot... it was intentional.
:rofl:

[Night Train]

Center, DE (or 2), OLB, Backup Vet QB & maybe TE , IMO.

Let Steve Johnson play the #2 WR position and see if Hardy can work himself into being better prepared in 2009. We can't keep burning picks on WR's, with so many other glaring needs.

[OpIv37]

We can't keep burning picks on WR's, with so many other glaring needs.

yeah that strategy gets you 0-16.

[jamze132]

Until this team starts drafting lineman early, we will spin around .500 or below forever.

Anyone who says we need to draft WR in RD1 because "we need playmakers" is a fool.

[madness]

Until this team starts drafting lineman early, we will spin around .500 or below forever.

Anyone who says we need to draft WR in RD1 because "we need playmakers" is a fool.

More than that. They should be slapped... daily.

[jamze132]

More than that. They should be slapped... daily.
I know a certain someone who said that but I won't call them out on it. It would put their "prestigious" reputation into a tailspin.

[Oaf]

Jackson and Lynch make up for our lack of a true TE, IMO, and Reed/Johnson provide aquedate service at #2 WR. We have playmakers.

[madness]

Jackson and Lynch make up for our lack of a true TE, IMO, and Reed/Johnson provide aquedate service at #2 WR. We have playmakers.

Yes but that's 4 guys making up for two positions. We've seen what happens when the offense loses a guy like Josh Reed. We need a true starter at either WR or TE to take the heat off these guys. Josh Reed should be a safety valve when #1 and #2 aren't open... not the go to guy on every third and long.