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It's about the OL. Two years ago when the line gave up 54 sacks and had a YPC rushing below the NFL average the excuse was the OL coach was a clown and Bledsoe's a statue. I bought some of that. This past season they again give up 50+ sacks and it's Pat Ruel's fault and Bledsoe holds the ball, Pucillo sucks, blah , blah, blah. Ummm...maybe...
Now here's my question. The Bills have hired McNally, who has top credentials, experience, track record, however you want to say it. Two years ago McNally got a no name unit in NY to give up only 24 sacks with Kerry Collins, who I think loses a footrace with Bledsoe. Pucillo is not likely to see the field. Ruben, who was fading fast in PP, is gone. Villarrial is here and is well regarded. Am I right in saying that this line is fresh out of excuses and it's time to put up or admit these guys are just way overrated? Here's the way I see it:
Jonas Jennings: above average LT but has to stay on the field
Trey Teague: below average center who needs to learn how to shotgun snap consistently and pick up a blitz. If you disagree he's below average, try coming up with 15 centers he's better than- bet you can't.
Chris Villarrial: all I know is what I hear and the word is he's a solid but unspectacular player. Fine by me. That's 30 less hits or so Drew has to absorb compared to last year which is a good start.
Mike Williams: I'm tired of hearing about his potential. 3rd year- time to start playing like a 4th pick in the draft. Can you teach quick feet? I dunno, but 20 less pounds might help.
LG: Sullivan/Tucker/Pucillo. I assume it's Sullivan. Maybe McNally can teach him to pass block. Count me as skeptical.
I'm not trying to be negative, but I'll admit my stomach went into a knot when Justin Smiley was still on the board at 43 and we didn't have our pick. People talk about June 1st but I think that's idle fantasy- few teams have major cap problems and even fewer cut starting caliber OL men. Larry Allen may be near the end of the string but I'd take him for a 4th and a pay cut, if he was willing, in a second.
Now here's my question. The Bills have hired McNally, who has top credentials, experience, track record, however you want to say it. Two years ago McNally got a no name unit in NY to give up only 24 sacks with Kerry Collins, who I think loses a footrace with Bledsoe. Pucillo is not likely to see the field. Ruben, who was fading fast in PP, is gone. Villarrial is here and is well regarded. Am I right in saying that this line is fresh out of excuses and it's time to put up or admit these guys are just way overrated? Here's the way I see it:
Jonas Jennings: above average LT but has to stay on the field
Trey Teague: below average center who needs to learn how to shotgun snap consistently and pick up a blitz. If you disagree he's below average, try coming up with 15 centers he's better than- bet you can't.
Chris Villarrial: all I know is what I hear and the word is he's a solid but unspectacular player. Fine by me. That's 30 less hits or so Drew has to absorb compared to last year which is a good start.
Mike Williams: I'm tired of hearing about his potential. 3rd year- time to start playing like a 4th pick in the draft. Can you teach quick feet? I dunno, but 20 less pounds might help.
LG: Sullivan/Tucker/Pucillo. I assume it's Sullivan. Maybe McNally can teach him to pass block. Count me as skeptical.
I'm not trying to be negative, but I'll admit my stomach went into a knot when Justin Smiley was still on the board at 43 and we didn't have our pick. People talk about June 1st but I think that's idle fantasy- few teams have major cap problems and even fewer cut starting caliber OL men. Larry Allen may be near the end of the string but I'd take him for a 4th and a pay cut, if he was willing, in a second.
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