I watched at least part of all four games this weekend. I came away feeling the Bills are still a major step away from being a playoff team. I am not talking about the Patriots stratosphere. I am just talking about the Titans, Buccaneers bottom of the post season barrel.
The Bills have reached a talent level that allows them to compete and beat the poor teams in the NFL. But when it comes time to step up and beat a winner, they just do not have the talent and the play makers to get it done. There were certain players on the field that I will compare to current Bills and show you why I have doubts heading into 2008
DE Aaron Schobel- Very good player. But he doesn’t dominate. Did you watch Kyle Vanden Bosch of the Titans? A non-stop motor. Almost unblockable one-on-one. The guy who was unblockable? Patrick Kerney of the Seahawks. I have not seen Schobel step up in a big game and be the guy that the other offense has to stop.
WR Lee Evans- Big play guy. Can run. Doesn’t drop the ball. But he doesn’t keep defensive coordinators up at night. I am not even talking about Moss or Owens. I want to see Evans step up and be what Hines Ward is for the Steelers. He was making plays even though his quarterback was having a lousy night. 10 catches for 135 yards and he works the Jags for a marginal interference call? That is what a number one does.
QB Trent Edwards. The rookie season is over. The rookie scale is gone. You are now a “young veteran” who needs to step up next year. I was very impressed with Phillip Rivers on Sunday. He is a guy that who has been up and down with the Chargers. But don’t tell me he took the field in the second half against the Titans loaded with talent. All world Tight End Antonio Gates was out. LT was totally shut down by the Tennessee defense. He put the Chargers on his back. Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers are good players, but not superstars. He made the plays under big time pressure. I would give Seattle’s Matt Hasselback the same credit. Now we are talking about a guy who has taken a team to a Super Bowl. But that was a team that Shawn Alexander carried. Not anymore. I am not expecting Edwards to be there next year. But playing at that level is a reasonable goal.
S Donte Whitner. My favorite player on the Bills. I have very high hopes for Whitner. This weekend watch Bob Sanders of the Colts. That is the type of impact player that Whitner can be. He has made great strides in two years on the field. I think he can be in the Pro Bowl next year (a few more interceptions would help). For the Bills to be a playoff team, Whitner needs to become a superstar.
EMail Mike at
MCatalana@13wham.comWe will talk draft and free agency at a later time, but the Bills need major help at 3 positions. Defensive tackle, Wide Receiver and Tight End. But the guys already on the roster need to step up first to keep the Bills from watching once again when the calendar hits January.
