Left tackle has me worried!

[Kolbiss]

I know its a bit early, but I was hoping for good news out of TC that Gandy was holding his own out there. All that I have heard so far is how bad it has been. Needless to say, I am a bit concerned. This could be the difference between a win and a loss in some games. Is there any reason to think we can improve this position either with a FA, or a player switch. Is Peters really challenging for the job??? :nervous:

[Drive 4 Five]

If worse comes to worse, Trey Teague will move over to that position. Right? I mean, at worst, he could be at least as good as Jonas Jennings who was solid but not great in the first place.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Ross Verba is still out there too...

[Drive 4 Five]

Ross Verba is still out there too...

True, but the Bill's brass still has to get Clement's contract figured out. Speaking of which, I read in the Buffalo News that his agent is in town for camp and talks are underway. This guy is really going to cost us some serious cheese so I think at this point, we are DONE signing any free agents.

Sorry for changing the subject. So back to the LT situation...

Based on the transformation of our offensive line last year from previous years, there is no doubt that McNally is among the best, and I trust that he will have our line in good shape at some point. There are those who will argue that a coach can only do so much. I see it differently. Every player in this league, regardless of position, has the talent and potential to succeed, otherwise they would have never made it to the NFL to begin with. That being said, coaching IS the difference, and it is up to them to help these players develop. SO I think the players we have in camp right now, will get the job done.

[jmb1099]

Its just way too early to dismiss anyone...yet. The coaching staff will know when to pull the plug.

[John Doe]

All that I have heard so far is how bad it has been.

You are listening to the wrong people.

[BillsFanCupp38]

Its just way too early to dismiss anyone...yet. The coaching staff will know when to pull the plug.

Aint that the truth, you always have to have faith in the coaching staff. If worst comes to worst Teague will get moved outside and we have a pretty decent starter in Ross Tucker at center. Just in my opinion thats what i think will happen. If Gandy isnt getting it done he just cant be in the lineup. But ya know it is still too early to judge right now. We will find out if Gandy has what it takes by the third or fourth preseason game. That might be too late to have Trey Teague start playing LT again but hes played it before in Denver so im not too worried.

[MDFINFAN]

[QUOTE=Kolbiss] All that I have heard so far is how bad it has been. /QUOTE]

You are listening to the wrong people.

He's reading the reports here like everyone else. As of right now, your LT situation is not a strong one. If he pulls it together, fine, but I'm finding that the ones who are doing well the first week are the ones who are going to do well the last week in terms of OL play. It's very different for QB's, RB's, and WR's. They do well in practice and stink up the place in games. Having quite figured out why. But anyway, Vil..is one of your best OG's and shouldn't be move to T. That will hurt you up the middle. And JP needs sometime without having someone in his face as he falls back to pass...I think his athleticism can buy him time from a DE rush.

[John Doe]

He's reading the reports here like everyone else.


Like I said, maybe he should listen to someone else:

“I thought Gandy and WIlliams both looked rock solid when I was there. “
sjhbillsfan

“I went to camp on monday and I focused on LT a lot. I especially watched Gandy and Peters. Peters did okay for a new comer at the position. To my surprize, I thought Gandy did very good things. I took notice of him getting off the snap real quick. He was always in the defenders face and didn't really let anyone get around him. His footwork looked real good and he was very physical and held his ground.”
Allwaysabillsfan

“Schobel didn't budge Gandy in the line drills at mondays afternoon practice.”
Allwaysabillsfan

“I was impressed by Gandy during that series because he is mobile.”
Bring It

“Tackle Mike Gandy has looked pretty good”
TransactionMonster 2



If he pulls it together, fine, but I'm finding that the ones who are doing well the first week are the ones who are going to do well the last week in terms of OL play. It's very different for QB's, RB's, and WR's. They do well in practice and stink up the place in games.

I'm finding just the opposite

[jmb1099]

Like I said, maybe he should listen to someone else:

“I thought Gandy and WIlliams both looked rock solid when I was there. “
sjhbillsfan

“I went to camp on monday and I focused on LT a lot. I especially watched Gandy and Peters. Peters did okay for a new comer at the position. To my surprize, I thought Gandy did very good things. I took notice of him getting off the snap real quick. He was always in the defenders face and didn't really let anyone get around him. His footwork looked real good and he was very physical and held his ground.”
Allwaysabillsfan

“Schobel didn't budge Gandy in the line drills at mondays afternoon practice.”
Allwaysabillsfan

“I was impressed by Gandy during that series because he is mobile.”
Bring It

“Tackle Mike Gandy has looked pretty good”
TransactionMonster 2




I'm finding just the opposite

:posrep:

[Drive 4 Five]

He's reading the reports here like everyone else. As of right now, your LT situation is not a strong one. If he pulls it together, fine, but I'm finding that the ones who are doing well the first week are the ones who are going to do well the last week in terms of OL play. It's very different for QB's, RB's, and WR's. They do well in practice and stink up the place in games. Having quite figured out why. But anyway, Vil..is one of your best OG's and shouldn't be move to T. That will hurt you up the middle. And JP needs sometime without having someone in his face as he falls back to pass...I think his athleticism can buy him time from a DE rush.

I agree. It really does not sound well for Gandy. Oh well, maybe he makes it on the practice squad and develops into a solid player one day. He's young, and if he doesn't make it that far, then he can always go start for the Dolphins. He would be a stand out for that unit.

Ok so here is my guess at the starting five. At C we have Duke Preston, Bennie Anderson at RG, Mike Williams at RT. On the other side we have Chris Villarrial at LG and Trey Teague at LT. Looks strong to me.

[FlyingDutchman]

I'm gettin worried about Teague and his shot gun snaps....I went today and I'd say about 60% of his snaps were low and at the ankels, including one that he rolled back on the ground...On a brighter note, Lionel Gates is impressing me a lot, same with Roscoe.....

[RedEyE]

Try this on for size. A picture is worth a 1000 words :nervous:

http://www.billszone.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10004/normal_Photo016%7E6.jpg (http://javascript<img%20src=)

Gandy getting beat by Edwards....uhhh...a little holding there?

[FlyingDutchman]

notice hows he already past him before Mcgahee even gets the ball in the backfield

[The last buffalo fan]

Like I said, maybe he should listen to someone else:

“I thought Gandy and WIlliams both looked rock solid when I was there. “
sjhbillsfan

“I went to camp on monday and I focused on LT a lot. I especially watched Gandy and Peters. Peters did okay for a new comer at the position. To my surprize, I thought Gandy did very good things. I took notice of him getting off the snap real quick. He was always in the defenders face and didn't really let anyone get around him. His footwork looked real good and he was very physical and held his ground.”
Allwaysabillsfan

“Schobel didn't budge Gandy in the line drills at mondays afternoon practice.”
Allwaysabillsfan

“I was impressed by Gandy during that series because he is mobile.”
Bring It

“Tackle Mike Gandy has looked pretty good”
TransactionMonster 2




I'm finding just the opposite

I think we should wait and talk after the scrimagge with Packers, as I can see/read from away training camp, there are good and bad comments about him, but as a loyal fans, we must give the guy a fair shot/chance.

It is wat too early to make conjectures in my opinion.

[im4bflo]

Just saw McNally on ESPN, and he likes Gandy because he's smart, and an athlete, the two things he believes a lineman has to have.
I'm nervous about Gandy right now, but I also trust McNally, so crossing my fingers, I've still got hope! :nervous:

[RedEyE]

notice hows he already past him before Mcgahee even gets the ball in the backfield
Yeah it's obvious he was beat off the snap. No time for a stunt in that play. Hopefully that play was a right sweep. Most DT's won;t have the speed to chase McGahee down on a play like that.

[John Doe]

Yeah it's obvious he was beat off the snap. No time for a stunt in that play. Hopefully that play was a right sweep. Most DT's won;t have the speed to chase McGahee down on a play like that.

Find me an offensive lineman who has never been beat off the snap.

I look at all of the Bills message boards. The impression I get is that Gandy was rusty the first few practices and has improved steadily since then.

Training camp offensive line play, particularly when you are starting two new guys side by side, can be very spotty to begin with. It is bound to improve with reps.

[mysticsoto]

Like I said, maybe he should listen to someone else:

“I thought Gandy and WIlliams both looked rock solid when I was there. “
sjhbillsfan

“I went to camp on monday and I focused on LT a lot. I especially watched Gandy and Peters. Peters did okay for a new comer at the position. To my surprize, I thought Gandy did very good things. I took notice of him getting off the snap real quick. He was always in the defenders face and didn't really let anyone get around him. His footwork looked real good and he was very physical and held his ground.”
Allwaysabillsfan

“Schobel didn't budge Gandy in the line drills at mondays afternoon practice.”
Allwaysabillsfan

“I was impressed by Gandy during that series because he is mobile.”
Bring It

“Tackle Mike Gandy has looked pretty good”
TransactionMonster 2

I'm finding just the opposite

John Doe,
You can add Mysticsoto to this list. I will post a more in-depth summary of my experience and observations at TC today, but what I saw from Gandy I liked. Gandy is faster than I thought. He has solid, large arms and gets in the defenders face. Schobel couldn't get through him today, and other depth type players like Gause weren't even close...he was solid.
Peters wasn't as far along as I'd hoped. While he could handle the likes of Gause with ease, he couldn't handle Schobel as well. But he has improved.
Lawrence Smith didn't strike me as having improved much. McFarland didn't look too bad on the other side. He's improved a great deal! However Duke has a LONG way to go and is definitely not ready to start or even be backup! I didn't think Greg Jerman was particularly good, nor Geinsinger. I think Geinsinger has a long way to go. I thought Gudmunsen was better, but he too has some learning to do and may be better suited to the PS than Geisinger.
Well, I guess this was more detailed than I wanted to get into here, but I don't think anyone is going to complain. :;

[gil]

I agree. It really does not sound well for Gandy. Oh well, maybe he makes it on the practice squad and develops into a solid player one day. He's young, and if he doesn't make it that far, then he can always go start for the Dolphins. He would be a stand out for that unit.

Ok so here is my guess at the starting five. At C we have Duke Preston, Bennie Anderson at RG, Mike Williams at RT. On the other side we have Chris Villarrial at LG and Trey Teague at LT. Looks strong to me. ok, not sure about all that - if gandy doesn't work out, it's Teague-Anderson-Tucker(if he recovers, if not, preston)-Villarial-Williams

Gandy doesn't go from training camp starter to practice squad - he can be a valuable backup at guard if need be...

[The_Philster]

Gandy's been in the league too long for the practice squad anyway

[John Doe]

John Doe,
You can add Mysticsoto to this list. I will post a more in-depth summary of my experience and observations at TC today, but what I saw from Gandy I liked. Gandy is faster than I thought. He has solid, large arms and gets in the defenders face. Schobel couldn't get through him today, and other depth type players like Gause weren't even close...he was solid.
Peters wasn't as far along as I'd hoped. While he could handle the likes of Gause with ease, he couldn't handle Schobel as well. But he has improved.
Lawrence Smith didn't strike me as having improved much. McFarland didn't look too bad on the other side. He's improved a great deal! However Duke has a LONG way to go and is definitely not ready to start or even be backup! I didn't think Greg Jerman was particularly good, nor Geinsinger. I think Geinsinger has a long way to go. I thought Gudmunsen was better, but he too has some learning to do and may be better suited to the PS than Geisinger.
Well, I guess this was more detailed than I wanted to get into here, but I don't think anyone is going to complain. :;

You nailed the real worry with the offensive line: the inexperience of the reserves. Two rookies (Preston & Geisinger) and two second-year men (McFarland & Peters) are likely to make the team. Peters is really raw for a second-year man at that.

I hope that Ross Tucker can get healthy in a hurry.

[MDFINFAN]

Like I said, maybe he should listen to someone else:

“I thought Gandy and WIlliams both looked rock solid when I was there. “
sjhbillsfan

“I went to camp on monday and I focused on LT a lot. I especially watched Gandy and Peters. Peters did okay for a new comer at the position. To my surprize, I thought Gandy did very good things. I took notice of him getting off the snap real quick. He was always in the defenders face and didn't really let anyone get around him. His footwork looked real good and he was very physical and held his ground.”
Allwaysabillsfan

“Schobel didn't budge Gandy in the line drills at mondays afternoon practice.”
Allwaysabillsfan

“I was impressed by Gandy during that series because he is mobile.”
Bring It

“Tackle Mike Gandy has looked pretty good”
TransactionMonster 2




I'm finding just the opposite

And as I told you, he's READ the reports like the rest of us.

Mikey 82 Aug 1 Report:
5. On the other side of the line, Mike Gandy scared me a bit. He really is having problems with his footing and needs to work on his technique some more. Let's hope that McNally can work his magic or else we will probably be looking for another tackle.

Posts:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Earthquake Enyart
Mike, any shocking incidents that we need to be discussing today?

No. Just a shocking revelation that Gandy sucks.

Now your read here is the first good things I've heard about Gandy to include Mys..report. But before that we got what I posted and that's the impression given of Gandy...but as I stick to my guns, when the OL starts, you can tell if you got players, I've seen them get beat early and it generally don't change, those who hold their blocks day 1 usually do good throughout..case in point, Whitley, OG for Miami, drafted in 3rd round 03, sucked coming out of the gates, sucked last year then Hadnot took his place, Seth our center, sucked at center, did better at G, couldn't remove our old center Ruddy T., They finally cut Ruddy, gave it to Seth last year, you know the results..This year, Seth getting blown out of the space again, so much so, that Hadnot is now practicing at Center, his college position, even though he's kicking behind at the RG spot, now we bring in 2 more people to complete with Seth for either the center, b/u center or G position. If they show any signs of having something, I'm sure Seth will be a backup, he knows the OL calls too well to completely cut him..but I've seen that same pattern OLman after OLman. When it come to skill positions, I've gotten excited about a number of WR's in PS, just to see them fade in the season..same with RB and qb, the biggest of them you know very well...he sucked against you..LUCAS. So if you see it differently..your experiences are not common to mine..

[John Doe]

And as I told you, he's READ the reports like the rest of us.

Mikey 82 Aug 1 Report:
5. On the other side of the line, Mike Gandy scared me a bit. He really is having problems with his footing and needs to work on his technique some more. Let's hope that McNally can work his magic or else we will probably be looking for another tackle.

Posts:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Earthquake Enyart
Mike, any shocking incidents that we need to be discussing today?

No. Just a shocking revelation that Gandy sucks.

Now your read here is the first good things I've heard about Gandy to include Mys..report. But before that we got what I posted and that's the impression given of Gandy...but as I stick to my guns, when the OL starts, you can tell if you got players, I've seen them get beat early and it generally don't change, those who hold their blocks day 1 usually do good throughout..case in point, Whitley, OG for Miami, drafted in 3rd round 03, sucked coming out of the gates, sucked last year then Hadnot took his place, Seth our center, sucked at center, did better at G, couldn't remove our old center Ruddy T., They finally cut Ruddy, gave it to Seth last year, you know the results..This year, Seth getting blown out of the space again, so much so, that Hadnot is now practicing at Center, his college position, even though he's kicking behind at the RG spot, now we bring in 2 more people to complete with Seth for either the center, b/u center or G position. If they show any signs of having something, I'm sure Seth will be a backup, he knows the OL calls too well to completely cut him..but I've seen that same pattern OLman after OLman. When it come to skill positions, I've gotten excited about a number of WR's in PS, just to see them fade in the season..same with RB and qb, the biggest of them you know very well...he sucked against you..LUCAS. So if you see it differently..your experiences are not common to mine..

You are relying on the first impressions of training camp. As I said before, when you have two new pieces on an offensive line, side by side, it takes a little while to get acclimated. Please re-read Mysticsoto's post for a more up to date prognosis of what is going on. Or, you could continue to believe what you want to believe. Its up to you.

[ParanoidAndroid]

I think it's way too early to make a judgement call on Gandy. Let's give him time to shake the rust off. Also, he might not be in the greatest cardio-vascular condition. We all know what happens to a lot of o-linemen during the offseason. Big guys don't generally do cardio work and all those reps are probably taking a lot out of him.

If you've ever started going on distance runs or playing full-court basketball for a couple hours after months of doing nothing, then you know what I mean. Conditioning can be painful.

[BuffaloRanger]

Gandy may play well but if he misses a game who fills in? I would take Price as a backup over Peters right now.

[Tinboy]

From what i have read Gandy is looking better and better. Give it time, I think he's eager to prove him self and will be a useful addition to the squad. As for backup, right now Price oveter Peters, yes.

[MDFINFAN]

You are relying on the first impressions of training camp. As I said before, when you have two new pieces on an offensive line, side by side, it takes a little while to get acclimated. Please re-read Mysticsoto's post for a more up to date prognosis of what is going on. Or, you could continue to believe what you want to believe. Its up to you.

I pointed out Mys's report as positive news on Gandy in my post..Gandy's play is different from the experiences I've noted and as I said in another post if he plays well great, but you jumped on original poster, and I just explain why the poster made his comments..no worries mates.

[Jan Reimers]

I think it's way too early to make a judgement call on Gandy. Let's give him time to shake the rust off. Also, he might not be in the greatest cardio-vascular condition. We all know what happens to a lot of o-linemen during the offseason. Big guys don't generally do cardio work and all those reps are probably taking a lot out of him.

If you've ever started going on distance runs or playing full-court basketball for a couple hours after months of doing nothing, then you know what I mean. Conditioning can be painful.
Good post. I think Gandy will get progressively better, not only because of conditioning, but coaching as well.

[mysticsoto]

I think one of the things we have to keep in mind is that when Mikey reported on Gandy, it was essentially the beginning of TC. What will be more interesting to watch is how he fares in the preseason games against other teams. Right now, Duke is not ready to start and Tucker has an injury that I don't know how long it will take for him to be at 100% - so it might be hard pressed to move Teague to LT at the moment. We all need to be rooting for Gandy and hope that he pans out in the position.

All I can comment on is what I saw. While it could be that he just had a good afternoon yesterday, I'm hoping that what I saw is more the norm for him.

Hopefully we can get someone who is going or watching the scrimmage with GB to post on how he looked...

[Michael82]

I have stated over the last couple days that Mike Gandy is getting better. IMO, he doesn't look terrible anymore, but he is not near Jonas Jennings yet. I will wait a couple weeks and a couple games before I want him gone. but for now, he is doing what other players are doing. He is slowly developing throughout camp, and we've only have 5 days now. :up:

[Michael82]

I think one of the things we have to keep in mind is that when Mikey reported on Gandy, it was essentially the beginning of TC. What will be more interesting to watch is how he fares in the preseason games against other teams. Right now, Duke is not ready to start and Tucker has an injury that I don't know how long it will take for him to be at 100% - so it might be hard pressed to move Teague to LT at the moment. We all need to be rooting for Gandy and hope that he pans out in the position.

All I can comment on is what I saw. While it could be that he just had a good afternoon yesterday, I'm hoping that what I saw is more the norm for him.

Hopefully we can get someone who is going or watching the scrimmage with GB to post on how he looked...
Are you sure that you were watching Duke Preston? Every other comments that I have read or heard about him from Paul Hamilton have been great. They all are saying that he may push Teague for the starting job by midseason.

[mysticsoto]

Are you sure that you were watching Duke Preston? Every other comments that I have read or heard about him from Paul Hamilton have been great. They all are saying that he may push Teague for the starting job by midseason.
Yeah, I remember b'cse the guys behind me kept asking who is number 75 that keeps getting beat. To help them out, I would look into the TC guide that I bought and saw that he was 75. I didn't mind him getting beat by Adams, but he did virtually get beat by everyone in later drills.

Now having said that, I know that from experience in my karate class...sometimes when you tell someone to do a technique differently, they have trouble with it at 1st. So it could be that Duke was trying to work on something in particular that the coaches may have told him to and not having an easy time at it. But unfortunately, I don't know that.

If he continues to look good in other sessions, then that might be an explanation for his bad performance yesterday. It's why I keep telling people - don't get down b'cse of a bad report here by a player. They are still working and improving. The next couple of weeks will tell it all.