*Reader Warning : The preseason games do not count. They mean nothing. They are not a true indication of how a team will do when the games matter. Examples: The Colts treat these games like they are trying to lose. The Patriots don’t even secretly videotape the other teams. The Seahawks actually play JP Losman.
Now that you have been forewarned let me say this about the Bills. They actually look like they have the makings of a team. Trent Edwards will be the starter and he has actually played like one. In Toronto and in Orchard Park he led the team on 5 separate drives for touchdowns. That is exactly 5 more than the first team offense got all last year in the meaningless preseason. CJ Spiller is a special talent. Once he comes to the realization that in the NFL even he isn’t fast enough to run sideways or backwards, the kid might be in the Pro Bowl. The offensive line? Still a work in progress but how do you not like what they are building with Eric Wood and Andy Levitre? (If they would have just drafted a left tackle…..)
Defense is going to be an issue. I know we are all programmed to say that the secondary is strength of this team and they might very well have the talent. But I am very worried about the front seven. Doing the sideline reporting for the games I have said so many times that a particular player is “making the adjustment from one position to another I am starting to I should have just recorded it and hit play). This team has scored two defensive touchdowns in the last few games but has let Peyton Manning and Carson Palmer walk down the field for 4 other scored. It is sort of an NFL version of the Phoenix Suns defense.
And there is no doubt there is reason to be worried about the special teams. I know. That is one thing with this franchise that we never really worried about. It's like saying the Ravens need to worry about their defense or the Cardinals need to worry about their offense (I guess that is all true too). But so far the coverage units look atrocious and we have yet to see anything resembling a runback.
Back to my warning at the top.
None of this means a thing come September 12
th against the Dolphins.
But in general terms I like what
Chan Gailey has done so far. I like the way he is hitting the right buttons with Trent Edwards. And I am ready to officially apologize to
Buddy Nix for questioning his pick of CJ Spiller (someone slap me but I really think he reminds me of Thurman). Now if they can just fix the line, play some defense, cover a few kicks and beat the Patriots at least once this year we will know there is real progress.
If you have a question or comment email me at MCatalana@13wham.com
