Behind Enemy Lines: Five Questions for a Bills Blogger
Brian Galliford from Buffalo Rumblings was kind enough to ask us some questions about the Jets, and in turn, we asked them some about the Bills.
1. The past two weeks, the Bills have played well enough to contend against Baltimore and Dallas … what’s been the key to the competitiveness we’ve seen?
BR: To be honest, I’d have to say the fact that the games were played in Ralph Wilson Stadium. For a fan base that has been unhappy for 95% of the past decade, Bills fans have filled up the stadium and been particularly rowdy this year. The Dallas game on Monday Night was one of the most electric, upbeat crowds I’ve ever witnessed in that stadium.
On the field, it’s been a combination of much improved run defense, a bunch of turnovers (6) and consistency on offense and special teams. It’s one thing to have all that at home; it will be much more difficult to replicate that structure for success on the road, particularly with a rookie at QB.
2. QBs have been an issue in Hempstead, but what’s the story with Edwards and Losman at this point?
BR: Hopefully, with the announcement that Edwards is the starter, there won’t be much of a story at this position anymore. The general feeling – though confirmation on it has been fuzzy – is that Edwards is the starter for the forseeable future. The chances of him starting every game for the rest of the season, barring injury, are very high. The coaches like his poise, quick release and ability to move the chains on offense. Even though I have been a supporter of Losman all along, I’m glad that the coaching staff appears to have made a final decision on the matter – the Bills have done enough flip-flopping at QB over the past few years. I’m looking forward to seeing what Trent can accomplish in his first road start.
3. What is the secret to the Bills excellent, excellent special teams?
BR: Continuity in personnel and great coaching. The Bills have had a solid core of specialists for the better part of four years now, with names like Lindell, Moorman, McGee, Parrish, Wire, Stamer and Haggan becoming household ones in Buffalo. Having that group of players gives the unit consistent leadership, and they’ve been excellent for so long that it raises the level of play of the newcomers that are plugged into these units.
It helps, of course, that Bobby April is one of the best special teams coordinators in the league. He’s a favorite of GM Marv Levy (a special teams ace himself) – so much so that April got an interview for the head coach job that went to Dick Jauron after Mike Mularkey quit. April’s units are so good because he just knows how to get his players jacked up – and sometimes, that’s all you need on special teams.
4. So with a few games under your belt most notably one against your team’s former RB … what’s the consensus on Marshawn Lynch? What does he do well for this team, other than party at Applebee’s?
BR: Marshawn may enjoy his ‘bee’s burgers – but whatever he’s eating, it’s working. Marshawn is just a tough dude to bring down – after watching Willis McGahee hesitate and dance his way to mediocrity in Buffalo, it’s very refreshing to watch a talented rookie fight for every inch he can muster, play in and play out. What has made Lynch so valuable early on, other than his nose for the end zone (tied for 6th in the league with 4 rushing scores), is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and pick up blitzers. Marshawn is very stellar in blitz pickup for a rookie – something people didn’t expect for a back who didn’t play full-time in college. He’s not being used as a receiver much yet, but when he gets the ball in space, expect a sizable gain.
5. Prediction Time: who wins this game, and what’s the final score?
BR: Buffalo’s been stomped twice on the road this season – granted, those were losses to the Steelers and Patriots. This team is gaining confidence, but it’s going to be tough to pull out a win on the road, with a rookie QB against a still-dangerous Jets team that’s pretty good at keeping games close themselves. With that said, I believe that Buffalo’s improved run defense and a solid special teams outing will put them over the top in this one. Final score: Bills 20, Jets 17.
2 Responses to Behind Enemy Lines: Five Questions for a Bills Blogger
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TFP says:
This guy sounds so level-headed (especially compared to the dopes from NE) that when the Jets move all their operations to Jersey and if they continue to be the brutt of all my stress and frustration I may have to start rooting for the Bills, the only NY team (assuming they don’t move to Canada)
But I’m feeling a Jets win only if Mangini shuffles around a lot of players to stop the run (Pouha/Mosley for D-rob, Harris for Vil, Poteat for Dyson, God knows who at SS)
Brilliant! This guy knows what he is talking about!