Bills going conservative?

DrAstroZoom · 07-14-2003, 11:05 AM

From TSN's War Room:

Quote:

Word coming out of Buffalo is that the team is altering the wide-open system it used last season with quarterback Drew Bledsoe. The Bills are showing signs of being more conservative, hoping to rely on an improved defense and turning to a solid running game and play-action passes to control the clock.

I suppose this makes sense, but when you have Drew Bledsoe, I question such a shift in philosophy. It's like us deciding to use the West Coast offense despite the presence of RW. Any thoughts?

Muck · 07-14-2003, 11:08 AM

I think it's a good idea. They're going to want to keep that defense off the field and not wear them out. And if they make this switch, I think their offense could be even MORE potent.

dolphan39 · 07-14-2003, 11:09 AM

my first thought is that the running game has not proven it will be effective in a more conservative offense as opposed to Drew's passing setting up the run (not vica-versa). And the D has not improved, yet they have not played a down even in PS

iceblizzard69 · 07-14-2003, 11:22 AM

They are probably doing this because they lost Peerless Price and Josh Reed won't exactly burn people with his speed, so they need to change it around to a system that is best for their players. However, their offense won't be as good because Henry was really helped by the fact that opposing defenses were always keying the pass.

Surferosa · 07-14-2003, 11:24 AM

Bad move by the Bills imo. Henry's will be exposed as a mediocre RB in such an offense. Moreover, youre taking the ball out of Bledsoe's hands, after he had his first good season in years.

Justasportsfan · 07-14-2003, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dolphan39
my first thought is that the running game has not proven it will be effective in a more conservative offense as opposed to Drew's passing setting up the run (not vica-versa). And the D has not improved, yet they have not played a down even in PS

I disagree. We relied on Drew's arm and although we were explossive at first, eventually teams caught up and it was downhill for the bills at the second half of the season. Bellichick exposed that.

The bills are headed to playing like we did against the fins at buffalo (no smack intended). We ran the ball first which opened up the passing lanes. I know the fins were prepared to defend the pass and in turn Henry was successful in that game. Teams will probably try to prepare for Henry this time around which is why the bills hired better blockers than Centers and Reimersma. I guess it's obvious that we'll be running the ball first and throwing second. Another move that tends to make that report true is letting Price go. Obviously we aren't going to pass much.

We also had to pass more last year because our D was horrible that we played catch up through the air. Hopefull , our D won't be giving up much points this year.

Surferosa · 07-14-2003, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by justafan

I disagree. We relied on Drew's arm and although we were explossive at first, eventually teams caught up and it was downhill for the bills at the second half of the season.

Good point here. I hear what youre saying.

DrAstroZoom · 07-14-2003, 11:38 AM

Justa ... how do you think Drew will deal with a reduced role?

Justasportsfan · 07-14-2003, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by iceblizzard69
They are probably doing this because they lost Peerless Price and Josh Reed won't exactly burn people with his speed, so they need to change it around to a system that is best for their players. However, their offense won't be as good because Henry was really helped by the fact that opposing defenses were always keying the pass.

Wrong , we hired Campbell (blocking TE) before we let Price go. It was already said before Price was let go that we were going to run more. On the contrary, this is why we let Price go. This is why we also hired Gary. Someone who can give Henry a rest every now and then.

Our most balanced offensive game last year was against a no. 3 D. We scored 38 points. (again no smack). Don't count Reed out. He's got better hands than Price and has proven to have better YAC especially since he's been catching the ball up the middle, in traffic.

Justasportsfan · 07-14-2003, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DrAstroZoom
Justa ... how do you think Drew will deal with a reduced role?

He was all for it when he came out and said they wanted a more smashmouth type of O. Especially since Henry is a punishing rb (so they say) or has been known to gain more yards after tackle.

Remember, Drew is out to prove he's not washed up. Personal achievements will not prove anything to the Pats but a sb ring will. That's all he's after.

I'll find that link.

It may be a reduced role but If we are successful at running the ball , defenses would have to stack up the front which would make his long, deep throws more dangerous. Against Miami , Moulds and Price didn't have a lot of receptions but their catches were deep and for a lot of yards.

PhinPhreak · 07-14-2003, 12:20 PM

Much of the succes of the offense is going to be determined by how fast the defense comes together. If they have trouble adjusting in the beggining then I think the Bills will have no choice but to be forced into a passing attack to keep pace with thier opponent.

Justasportsfan · 07-14-2003, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PhinPhreak
Much of the succes of the offense is going to be determined by how fast the defense comes together. If they have trouble adjusting in the beggining then I think the Bills will have no choice but to be forced into a passing attack to keep pace with thier opponent.

I knew you knew your football. You smack like a little girl though.

MOULDSROCKS · 07-14-2003, 03:40 PM

Wow.... this thread is filled with ignorance. :nono:

We will see.

DrAstroZoom · 07-14-2003, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MOULDSROCKS
Wow.... this thread is filled with ignorance. :nono:

And your post is filled with ... well ... nothing, really.

CirclingWagons · 07-14-2003, 04:21 PM

Great points by both sides....I love the change and here are a few reasons:
1. Our offensive line is an excellent run-blocking group, but questionable in pass-blocking...remember though, that was the line's first year together, they will no doubt improve(barring injury)
2. Bledsoe won't be a pinata, and as they mentioned, his Play-action passes are going to be deep and deadly.
3. Although losing Price does hurt, If he were to stay we'd have little or no defensive improvements, also, I can't wait to see Josh Reed (hopefully) come into his own this year.

07-14-2003, 11:08 AM	#2
Muck Now completely imaginary Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Elsewhere Age: 29 Posts: 30,186 Credits: 7,199 Thanks: 47 Thanked 485 Times in 158 Posts FH Badges Total Awards: 1	I think it's a good idea. They're going to want to keep that defense off the field and not wear them out. And if they make this switch, I think their offense could be even MORE potent. __________________ Goodbye

07-14-2003, 11:38 AM	#8
DrAstroZoom Bon vivant Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Illinois Age: 39 Posts: 10,054 Credits: 3,977 Thanks: 80 Thanked 225 Times in 115 Posts	Justa ... how do you think Drew will deal with a reduced role? __________________

07-14-2003, 12:20 PM	#11
PhinPhreak Perennial All-Pro Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,071 Credits: 1,791 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Much of the succes of the offense is going to be determined by how fast the defense comes together. If they have trouble adjusting in the beggining then I think the Bills will have no choice but to be forced into a passing attack to keep pace with thier opponent. __________________ Meet MiniPhreak [ October 2nd, 2003

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07-14-2003, 11:09 AM	#3
dolphan39 Maria & LauRen Aha! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: CT Age: 45 Posts: 13,847 Credits: 15,356 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	my first thought is that the running game has not proven it will be effective in a more conservative offense as opposed to Drew's passing setting up the run (not vica-versa). And the D has not improved, yet they have not played a down even in PS

07-14-2003, 11:22 AM	#4
iceblizzard69 FinHeaven Elite Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: On an island Age: 21 Posts: 13,387 Credits: 1,000 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	They are probably doing this because they lost Peerless Price and Josh Reed won't exactly burn people with his speed, so they need to change it around to a system that is best for their players. However, their offense won't be as good because Henry was really helped by the fact that opposing defenses were always keying the pass.

07-14-2003, 11:24 AM	#5
Surferosa Run to Daylight Join Date: Sep 2002 Age: 34 Posts: 5,829 Credits: 6,850 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Bad move by the Bills imo. Henry's will be exposed as a mediocre RB in such an offense. Moreover, youre taking the ball out of Bledsoe's hands, after he had his first good season in years.

07-14-2003, 03:40 PM	#13
MOULDSROCKS Perennial All-Pro Join Date: May 2002 Location: BUFFALO Posts: 3,159 Credits: 1,000 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wow.... this thread is filled with ignorance. :nono: We will see.

07-14-2003, 04:21 PM	#15
CirclingWagons Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Alexandria, LA Age: 25 Posts: 9,278 Credits: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 3 Posts	Great points by both sides....I love the change and here are a few reasons: 1. Our offensive line is an excellent run-blocking group, but questionable in pass-blocking...remember though, that was the line's first year together, they will no doubt improve(barring injury) 2. Bledsoe won't be a pinata, and as they mentioned, his Play-action passes are going to be deep and deadly. 3. Although losing Price does hurt, If he were to stay we'd have little or no defensive improvements, also, I can't wait to see Josh Reed (hopefully) come into his own this year.