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So after the first two days of camp I stare into the oblivion outside my kitchen window and I wonder what will be of the 2013 Buffalo Bills. A new coaching staff, GM, and Team President has us all wondering, is this team infact RE-CHARGED? Or is it the same ole' team, just re-packaged?
Here are my seven questions:
Can CJ Spiller carry the offense? Everyone knows CJ Spiller is a special kind of player (Well, everyone but Chan Gailey), but CJ caught the league by surprise last year. Teams will now be focused on Spiller and he's going to be a huge part of the offense. How Spiller responds will directly impact what this team can do in the "W" column.
What's Fred Jackson's role? Fred Jackson did not look like himself at all last season, and if he's treated like back-up it wouldn't surprise me. Jackson is getting long in the tooth, but he does bring a lot to the table, his pass blocking, vision on screen plays and goal line presence are all things I hope to see Hackett incorporate into the offense. Ideally I'd like to see a 70/30 split taking advantage of Jackson's strengths when he's on the field. And for the love of God can we please see 22 and 28 in the backfield at the same time!?
Kolb or Manuel? Let's face it there are not many teams in the league saying "I wish we had Buffalo's QB Situation" right now. Kolb and Manuel will be pushing each other all season, regardless of who wins the job in the Pre-Season the other will still be right there, not waiting for his chance but trying to earn the opportunity. I like that.
Who does the Uptempo Offense effect more? All of WNY is buzzing about the tempo of the Bills offense. It makes our hearts warm and fuzzy. But who does this effect more, the offense running it or the defense against it? With the exception of the WR's and QB, this is basically the same offensive unit that tried to run no-huddle last year. Hopefully we're better prepared, but until I see this executed on the field it's all hype.
Wide So Receivious? Woods, Goodwin, Smith, Easley, Graham, Rogers, Kaufman, Hogan, Elliot and Sampson. It seems like we have 40 guys competing for 2-3 spots. Wide Receiver is one of those positions you can't evaluate until you're playing at game-speed with pads. So don't try and impress me with your back of the end zone, fade, one hand grab.
Who the heck is on our front 7? It looks like Carrington and Lawson are spending most of their time from the DE position, but without Mario in camp and Kyle Williams limited to drills, we can't be sure that's accurate. Dareus and Branch have been the 1-2 DT's respectively. That's 4-5 starters assuming Mario and Kyle are ready week 1, and Carrington keeps pace. That basically leaves you with Jerry Hughes, Kiko Alonso, Nigel Bradham, Arthur Moats and about 6 other guys competing for 2 LB spots.
Is this the end of Lindell? Lindell is the longest tenured Bill and for most of his time in Buffalo he's been reliable. But Lindell is not a clutch kicker, outside of a few Browns games he's basically been a non-factor. Can Dustin Hopkins bring that consistent 40 yard FG and hopefully more? Can he do it in 20 degrees with swirling winds? Or will he leave us saying "I wish we still had Lindell"?
Here are my seven questions:
Can CJ Spiller carry the offense? Everyone knows CJ Spiller is a special kind of player (Well, everyone but Chan Gailey), but CJ caught the league by surprise last year. Teams will now be focused on Spiller and he's going to be a huge part of the offense. How Spiller responds will directly impact what this team can do in the "W" column.
What's Fred Jackson's role? Fred Jackson did not look like himself at all last season, and if he's treated like back-up it wouldn't surprise me. Jackson is getting long in the tooth, but he does bring a lot to the table, his pass blocking, vision on screen plays and goal line presence are all things I hope to see Hackett incorporate into the offense. Ideally I'd like to see a 70/30 split taking advantage of Jackson's strengths when he's on the field. And for the love of God can we please see 22 and 28 in the backfield at the same time!?
Kolb or Manuel? Let's face it there are not many teams in the league saying "I wish we had Buffalo's QB Situation" right now. Kolb and Manuel will be pushing each other all season, regardless of who wins the job in the Pre-Season the other will still be right there, not waiting for his chance but trying to earn the opportunity. I like that.
Who does the Uptempo Offense effect more? All of WNY is buzzing about the tempo of the Bills offense. It makes our hearts warm and fuzzy. But who does this effect more, the offense running it or the defense against it? With the exception of the WR's and QB, this is basically the same offensive unit that tried to run no-huddle last year. Hopefully we're better prepared, but until I see this executed on the field it's all hype.
Wide So Receivious? Woods, Goodwin, Smith, Easley, Graham, Rogers, Kaufman, Hogan, Elliot and Sampson. It seems like we have 40 guys competing for 2-3 spots. Wide Receiver is one of those positions you can't evaluate until you're playing at game-speed with pads. So don't try and impress me with your back of the end zone, fade, one hand grab.
Who the heck is on our front 7? It looks like Carrington and Lawson are spending most of their time from the DE position, but without Mario in camp and Kyle Williams limited to drills, we can't be sure that's accurate. Dareus and Branch have been the 1-2 DT's respectively. That's 4-5 starters assuming Mario and Kyle are ready week 1, and Carrington keeps pace. That basically leaves you with Jerry Hughes, Kiko Alonso, Nigel Bradham, Arthur Moats and about 6 other guys competing for 2 LB spots.
Is this the end of Lindell? Lindell is the longest tenured Bill and for most of his time in Buffalo he's been reliable. But Lindell is not a clutch kicker, outside of a few Browns games he's basically been a non-factor. Can Dustin Hopkins bring that consistent 40 yard FG and hopefully more? Can he do it in 20 degrees with swirling winds? Or will he leave us saying "I wish we still had Lindell"?
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