I'm not impressed with Merriman

[Stewie]

I believe he got a sack today for pushing Dalton out of bounds, which is just dandy, but I also noticed that when the action isn't right next to him, he kinda goes into spectator mode

There were at least two plays that clearly stand out in my mind, where Merriman would have been able to run down the ball carrier from behind if he had pursued with some vigor. Instead, he kinda just jogs towards the action like he's in no big hurry.

I'd rather watch anyone who is willing to hustle.

[tampabay25690]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

I cant say I don't agree.....

[Oaf]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

I'm not ready to call him Kiwi Mitchell pt. 2 just yet.

[McBFLO]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

I've noticed him being blatantly held several times over the past 2 games, all with no calls. I'd like to see him making a bigger impact too, but I think he's coming along.

[Bert102176]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

I think he's so affraid of getting hurt he phases himself out if the play isn't at him he doesn't wanna get hurt running after a play

[YE OLE COTTON]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

Something's definitely not quite right with the guy just yet. I was holding out hope that we'd see something from him this week. I've also seen him getting mugged out there numerous times with no flags being thrown. That said, the way he came in during the preseason, it looked like we were going to see the old LIGHTS OUT. That definitely hasn't panned out yet. Today when the Bengals were on their back to back scoring drives to win this game, it would've been a real choice time for him to show up though.

[justasportsfan]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

Kelsay is playing better

[TheBrownBear]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

Merriman sucks. Just like he has for the past three years. He's physically broken and he's nowhere close to being the player he was. He won't be on the roster next year.

[kishoph]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

Something's definitely not quite right with the guy just yet. I was holding out hope that we'd see something from him this week. I've also seen him getting mugged out there numerous times with no flags being thrown. That said, the way he came in during the preseason, it looked like we were going to see the old LIGHTS OUT. That definitely hasn't panned out yet. Today when the Bengals were on their back to back scoring drives to win this game, it would've been a real choice time for him to show up though.

On the play where he chased DALTON out of bounds, you could clearly see a pretty bad limp in his gait, he hasn't said anything but I believe that he's nowhere near 100%. Also I may be biased but, I see him getting mauled sometimes, when has it become legal to block someone by wrapping your arm around his neck, I have seen this done to MERRIMAN a few time at least. You also have to take into account what he means to the team as a leader and motivator in the locker room. He hasn't stood out, but I think we'll see more from him as the season goes on.

[Night Train]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

Oppsoing RB's are cutting inside of him when he goes wide on a rush. That's no better than what Kelsay does or what doomed Maybin. Then the RB gets 10-12 yards before a DB drags him down.

[Extremebillsfan247]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

He hasn't played in something like 2 years prior to this season. Playing LB isn't like riding a bike. Losing time can cause you to lose a step. It can take a while to regain form. Merriman struggling early should have been expected. Forget what he did in preseason. It was preseason, didn't matter. The important thing for Merriman right now is to just stay healthy, keep playing, and performance will improve over time. JMO

[Forward_Lateral]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

Agree. He'll be fine.

[zone]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

It took a long time for TKO to get back to form after injury. When you don't play for 2 years it's going to take time. I think he is still making a difference and would have a few sacks if he wasn't being tackled to the ground.

[ChristopherWalken]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

I don't think the Bills staff is quite that enamoured with him either, or as the poster stated above there is something to gettting back to form.

Anyway, he comes off the field quite often and his impact on field has been lack luster.

[OpIv37]

Re: I'm not impressed with Merriman

Oppsoing RB's are cutting inside of him when he goes wide on a rush. That's no better than what Kelsay does or what doomed Maybin. Then the RB gets 10-12 yards before a DB drags him down.

I noticed the same thing. Merriman seems so desperate to get to the QB that they are running draw plays right at the spot he vacates and using the over-pursuit against him.