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.
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.
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