Don't Panic
01-01-2010, 08:29 PM
Taking this Nix quote from the press conference yesterday, let's take a look at what this could mean in terms of current personnel...
Offense:
Solidifying the line seems to be a priority, based on what was said about shattering our QBs' confidence with weak protection. That means pass blocking, and probably a look to upgrade the LT position via the draft. We have enough pieces to fill the other 4 spots if everyone is healthy, so I wouldn't imagine anything more than a late round pick or mid-level free agent addition would be needed.
The skill positions are where I think Nix's quote rings true. We have potentially a top 5 RB duo, a quality #1 WR in Evans, and a decent and improving TE corp. The missing link is solid play out of the QB position. Nix's comments lead one to believe that we MAY have the answer at QB on the current roster. It'll be interesting to see if and how he looks to compliment the current stable. His comments show that he is looking for patience, so it isn't out of the question that he could look to draft Bradford or someone else with our 1st rounder, but it seems unlikely to me. Besides, I think time will show that Bradford is the only one worthy of a top 10 pick, and if he looks good enough to go top 10, he will most likely be gone by the time the Bills come up. The crop of FAs (capped or uncapped) is less than stellar, but there may be a diamond that Nix spots in the rough from that group.
I know all this is very debatable, but my concern isn't about the offense. What I want to know is what you think about the D...
Defense
At this point I would say all signs point 3-4. I suppose the 4-3 could be retained with the Cover 2 being tossed, but if (and I realize this is a big if) the Bills feel they can find a worthy NT, I think they'll make the switch. We've talked about this before, but some of the pieces are in place to make the switch to the 3-4. Let's operate from the assumption that Nix's quote could apply to either scheme, giving him flexibility on who he can hire as head coach.
Which players that we currently have do you think have a position in both schemes. My hope is that by getting a consensus it will make it obvious who needs to go once the coaching hire is made... which could come in a matter of days. If Nix thinks that we aren't that far off, then a bunch of these guys will be back next year... consider that when voting.
In a post below, explain what you think we need to make each scheme work. Operate under the assumption that the Cover 2 is gone... which isn't a stretch based on what Nix has already said.
Offense:
Solidifying the line seems to be a priority, based on what was said about shattering our QBs' confidence with weak protection. That means pass blocking, and probably a look to upgrade the LT position via the draft. We have enough pieces to fill the other 4 spots if everyone is healthy, so I wouldn't imagine anything more than a late round pick or mid-level free agent addition would be needed.
The skill positions are where I think Nix's quote rings true. We have potentially a top 5 RB duo, a quality #1 WR in Evans, and a decent and improving TE corp. The missing link is solid play out of the QB position. Nix's comments lead one to believe that we MAY have the answer at QB on the current roster. It'll be interesting to see if and how he looks to compliment the current stable. His comments show that he is looking for patience, so it isn't out of the question that he could look to draft Bradford or someone else with our 1st rounder, but it seems unlikely to me. Besides, I think time will show that Bradford is the only one worthy of a top 10 pick, and if he looks good enough to go top 10, he will most likely be gone by the time the Bills come up. The crop of FAs (capped or uncapped) is less than stellar, but there may be a diamond that Nix spots in the rough from that group.
I know all this is very debatable, but my concern isn't about the offense. What I want to know is what you think about the D...
Defense
At this point I would say all signs point 3-4. I suppose the 4-3 could be retained with the Cover 2 being tossed, but if (and I realize this is a big if) the Bills feel they can find a worthy NT, I think they'll make the switch. We've talked about this before, but some of the pieces are in place to make the switch to the 3-4. Let's operate from the assumption that Nix's quote could apply to either scheme, giving him flexibility on who he can hire as head coach.
Which players that we currently have do you think have a position in both schemes. My hope is that by getting a consensus it will make it obvious who needs to go once the coaching hire is made... which could come in a matter of days. If Nix thinks that we aren't that far off, then a bunch of these guys will be back next year... consider that when voting.
In a post below, explain what you think we need to make each scheme work. Operate under the assumption that the Cover 2 is gone... which isn't a stretch based on what Nix has already said.