One real impressive thing about Mike Mularky...

[Ickybaluky]

I've heard some complaints this year about Mike Mularkey using starters on ST. The argument is that using those players on ST exposes them to greater injury, thus isn't worth the risk. However, despite their important roles on regular units, players like Clements, McGee and Fletcher are big parts of the Bills ST units.

If you look at Buffalo's recent resurgence, ST is a big part of it. Though Willis McGahee deservingly is getting a lot of credit for helping turn around the Bills season, the ST might be just as big a reason. The Bills ST, which arguably are the best in the NFL this year, seems to be making big plays every week.

I remember early in Belichick's tenure he took some heat from the local press for using starters on ST. The heat was particularly strong early in 2001 when Ted Johnson (at the time a starter at ILB in their 3-4 set) was hurt on a ST play. Belichick's response to reporter's questions was that the team didn't treat any down of less importance, and the best players were going to play on 4th down. The stress he placed on ST paid off, as the Pats probably wouldn't have won their first championship that season without stellar ST play.

Mularkey seems to share Belichick's philosophy and emphasis on ST play, and it is paying off for the Bills this season. He has instilled this message in the team, and the results are showing on the field. Ultiimately, it results in victories.

IMO, Mularkey has acquitted himself well in his rookie season as a HC. Despite a rocky start (0-4), he hasn't veered off his core philosophy. He said the Bills would run the ball, play tough defense and stress the importance of ST. He has stuck with that plan, even in the face of criticism. His team is taking on the persona he envisioned, and the results are showing up in the W-L record. Though Buffalo's chances of making the playoffs this year are slim (the hole is too deep), they are turning into a team that nobody wants to play.

Give Mularkey credit, it looks like he knows what he is doing.

[Ebenezer]

I've heard some complaints this year about Mike Mularkey using starters on ST. The argument is that using those players on ST exposes them to greater injury, thus isn't worth the risk. However, despite their important roles on regular units, players like Clements, McGee and Fletcher are big parts of the Bills ST units.

If you look at Buffalo's recent resurgence, ST is a big part of it. Though Willis McGahee deservingly is getting a lot of credit for helping turn around the Bills season, the ST might be just as big a reason. The Bills ST, which arguably are the best in the NFL this year, seems to be making big plays every week.

I remember early in Belichick's tenure he took some heat from the local press for using starters on ST. The heat was particularly strong early in 2001 when Ted Johnson (at the time a starter at ILB in their 3-4 set) was hurt on a ST play. Belichick's response to reporter's questions was that the team didn't treat any down of less importance, and the best players were going to play on 4th down. The stress he placed on ST paid off, as the Pats probably wouldn't have won their first championship that season without stellar ST play.

Mularkey seems to share Belichick's philosophy and emphasis on ST play, and it is paying off for the Bills this season. He has instilled this message in the team, and the results are showing on the field. Ultiimately, it results in victories.

IMO, Mularkey has acquitted himself well in his rookie season as a HC. Despite a rocky start (0-4), he hasn't veered off his core philosophy. He said the Bills would run the ball, play tough defense and stress the importance of ST. He has stuck with that plan, even in the face of criticism. His team is taking on the persona he envisioned, and the results are showing up in the W-L record. Though Buffalo's chances of making the playoffs this year are slim (the hole is too deep), they are turning into a team that nobody wants to play.

Give Mularkey credit, it looks like he knows what he is doing.
When Marv Levy took over in 1986 the first thing he did was address the special teams. That was the importance he put on those units. Over the years many starters played on units particularly as blockers.

[Tatonka]

NE39..

great post..

as usual.

[EDS]

Does anyone still think Tom Coughlin would have been a better choice for the Bills, both for the present and down the road? Injuries have killed the Giants but they have thrown in the towel despite a very real shot at the playoffs.

Getting Coughlin may have meant a few extra wins this year but I think in the long run Mularkey, with his innovation, gives the Bills a better chance at making noise in the playoffs.

[juice]

I just question why we are using out only healthy Shutdown corner at punt Return when we have Fast Freddie ready to go on the bench.. There is a big difference between London Fletcher laying people out with blocks to spring the Return man, and Nate being back there looking up for the Ball while Backup LBers are zeroing in on him.

A separated shoulder or a Blown-out knee will take Nate out for the remainder of the season as well as the off-season.. It's not worth the risk at this point since we are on the out-side looking in on the Playoffs.

Fast Freddie was a return specialist at GT.. Let him take the risk.

[G. Host]

Levy fully believed that special teams were 1/3 of teams and coached that way. Coincidence that Levy's book comes out when Bills get a winning streak? I hope not. I'd like to see April invite Levy to come stand on sidelines with him and address special teams.

[Tatonka]

I just question why we are using out only healthy Shutdown corner at punt Return when we have Fast Freddie ready to go on the bench.. There is a big difference between London Fletcher laying people out with blocks to spring the Return man, and Nate being back there looking up for the Ball while Backup LBers are zeroing in on him.

A separated shoulder or a Blown-out knee will take Nate out for the remainder of the season as well as the off-season.. It's not worth the risk at this point since we are on the out-side looking in on the Playoffs.

Fast Freddie was a return specialist at GT.. Let him take the risk.

the coaches obviously feel clements is better than smith.. i guess.

[chernobylwraiths]

the coaches obviously feel clements is better than smith.. i guess.

Aren't Smith AND Clements out for every punt? There seems to be two returners back all the time.

[Tatonka]

Aren't Smith AND Clements out for every punt? There seems to be two returners back all the time.

not every time.. but i have noticed that when it looks like a directional punt situation (ie, close to the goal line or something) we do have 2 out there..

[justasportsfan]

Does anyone still think Tom Coughlin would have been a better choice for the Bills, both for the present and down the road? Injuries have killed the Giants but they have thrown in the towel despite a very real shot at the playoffs.

Getting Coughlin may have meant a few extra wins this year but I think in the long run Mularkey, with his innovation, gives the Bills a better chance at making noise in the playoffs.
I still think Coughlin would've been good for the bills. As for MM, until he shows me he can hang in there against Bellichick, I'm still going to reserve judgement although it's lookinh good.

[Ickybaluky]

the coaches obviously feel clements is better than smith.. i guess.

That is exactly the reason. The Pats used Troy Brown as a punt returner in 2001, despite the fact that him and Patten were their only threats at WR (and Brown was their #1 guy). It paid off in the playoffs, where Brown had several big returns. Guys can get hurt on any play, whether on offense, defense or ST.

I think Mularkey sends a message to his team by using a Clements on ST. He is letting them know that every down is imporant and all roles are important. Sure, you can have several Pro Bowl players, but it could be a big play by a reserve LB on ST that makes the difference in that game.

By using his best players on ST, Mularkey is telling his team that every time a guy gets into a game he has a chance to make a difference. If a guy is playing, it is probably because he gives the team the best shot at winning.

That is an important message to send.

[Ickybaluky]

I still think Coughlin would've been good for the bills. As for MM, until he shows me he can hang in there against Bellichick, I'm still going to reserve judgement although it's lookinh good.

That is completely unfair.

Belichick is in his 5th year in NE, his program is well established. He is in the 5th years using the same offensive and defensive scheme, with many key players having played in that scheme for years.

Mularkey is 11 games into his first year as Bills HC. He has put in a new offensive scheme (although there was carryover on defense). That is apples and oranges, completely different situations.

How would you have judged Belichick after 11 games in NE, when his team was 3-8?

[LABillsFan]

Does anyone still think Tom Coughlin would have been a better choice for the Bills, both for the present and down the road? Injuries have killed the Giants but they have thrown in the towel despite a very real shot at the playoffs.

Getting Coughlin may have meant a few extra wins this year but I think in the long run Mularkey, with his innovation, gives the Bills a better chance at making noise in the playoffs.

No. MM is a young guy who will make mistakes. But the advantage is MM isn't a tirant who is a My way or highway guy. He surrounded himself with coaches that are very reputable and innovative while all the time listening and learning. I like the fact we have a young coach who isn't jaded.

[superbills]

I just question why we are using out only healthy Shutdown corner at punt Return when we have Fast Freddie ready to go on the bench.. There is a big difference between London Fletcher laying people out with blocks to spring the Return man, and Nate being back there looking up for the Ball while Backup LBers are zeroing in on him.

A separated shoulder or a Blown-out knee will take Nate out for the remainder of the season as well as the off-season.. It's not worth the risk at this point since we are on the out-side looking in on the Playoffs.

Fast Freddie was a return specialist at GT.. Let him take the risk.

Plus, if I remember correctly, I believe Clements has gone on record saying that he loves returning punts and wants to be out there. You want to have the best special teamers out there and it helps that they actually WANT to be out there as well. That's why you leave him in there.

[DraftBoy]

I just question why we are using out only healthy Shutdown corner at punt Return when we have Fast Freddie ready to go on the bench.. There is a big difference between London Fletcher laying people out with blocks to spring the Return man, and Nate being back there looking up for the Ball while Backup LBers are zeroing in on him.

A separated shoulder or a Blown-out knee will take Nate out for the remainder of the season as well as the off-season.. It's not worth the risk at this point since we are on the out-side looking in on the Playoffs.

Fast Freddie was a return specialist at GT.. Let him take the risk.


What shutdown corner do we have? Clements? haha....Anyways Freddie also was GT #1 receiver so he has more abilities than just returning punts, and to be frank as a rookie Im not sure Id want him back there since Nate wants too and is good at it. I dont see any problem with using starters and I like the idea....Field posistion wins games.

[Dozerdog]

I just question why we are using out only healthy Shutdown corner at punt Return when we have Fast Freddie ready to go on the bench.. There is a big difference between London Fletcher laying people out with blocks to spring the Return man, and Nate being back there looking up for the Ball while Backup LBers are zeroing in on him.

A separated shoulder or a Blown-out knee will take Nate out for the remainder of the season as well as the off-season.. It's not worth the risk at this point since we are on the out-side looking in on the Playoffs.

Fast Freddie was a return specialist at GT.. Let him take the risk.


Both are back there shagging punts. Returning isn't just catching a ball and running fast. Punt returns can be terrifying. Look straight up, and pray your guys do their job so a gunner doesent cut you in half when the ball arrives. That takes a hell of a lot of concentration and steel nerves. I'd rather have experience back on my 12 yard line catching a punt (or letting it go) rather than a rookie botching it. Fumbled punts are the worst turnover going- you give up the ball and 50 yards of field.

[Dozerdog]

We are #1 in every ST category going- coverage, returns, scoring- why are we debating if the coaches are doing the right thing? Talk about a waste of breath. The results speak for themselves.