It’s interesting to hear Bills players respond when they are told, over and over again, that they are overachievers. George Wilson, when asked about the Eagles superior talent level, did not wait for the question to even be finished when we responded, “We have talented players too” While I think this Bills team has enjoyed being perceived as a bunch of no name nobodies who found there way into NFL Siberia (aka Orchard Park) they don’t think they lack ability. They just think they were overlooked at times because of a stopwatch or draft position or maybe just the name on their college uniform. These guys have always felt they could play if given the chance. They are making the most of that chance.
Sunday in Orchard Park Chan Gailey showed what can be done when you have a group of committed athletes who have a clear plan and a single focus. It might be a cliché but the Bills 46 guys do seem to take the field as one. The Eagles, to borrow an old line from baseball, seem to have 46 players taking 46 cabs home after the game. Gailey has turned this franchise of doom and gloom into one of hope and optimism. He knows he does not have a roster loaded with pro Bowl players, but is there a team these guys will take the field against that they don’t believe they can beat? Meanwhile Andy Reid is coaching a group of “superstars” who have no been reduced to wondering which one of them is going to make the next key mistake to lose the game.
Most impressive players
1) Fred Jackson: In my opinion he is the NFL’s most valuable player to this point in the season. Jackson has the numbers and he has the leadership to back up his case. Since his Bills are 4-1 can you make a stronger case for any other person in the league? I’ll give you Aaron Rogers but he’s the quarterback of a Super Bowl winner (albeit the star of that team) Fred is leading a team that was 4-12 a year ago
2) George Wilson: I remember George’s first training camp with the Bills when they announced he was switched from wide receiver to safety. I remember thinking that it was a nice quick story for that day, but no way this guy will last past the practice squad. If the Pro Bowl votes were taken Sunday, Wilson would be getting a trip to Hawaii. If he wasn’t bald you’d say he played like his hair was on fire.
3) Nick Barnett: Gailey loves the approach that Barnett takes to the game. The coach admits that sometimes Nick is so keyed in to plays that he can over pursue, but when he makes a play it’s worth it. Sunday he made 2 big plays and one of them went for six
4) Arthur Moats: Don’t cross the Moats when he wants to get to the quarterback. He may have earned himself that a starting spot with an aggressive and impressive display including a big hit on Vick that led to an interception.
Least impressive players
1) Cj Spiller: I am not trying to pick on CJ, but its hard to find someone who did not play well. He did have 13 yards on 2 carries, but did nothing in the passing game. This is Fred Jackson’s team.
2) Jaqua Parker: I know he plays for the Eagles, but how can I not mention a player who made the final silly play of the game for Philly. There were 69, 803 people in the stands, plus every coach and player on the field who knew the Bills were not going to snap the ball. Well, every player except Jaqua Parker.
MCatalana@13wham.com
