The Buffalo Bills plan on using the no huddle offense this season, hoping that the change of pace and Trent Edwards intelligence level will bring the Bills more success.
Is this the right time for the Bills to be making an offensive switch? Considering that the Bills current offense has had about three seasons to work together and get to know one another, they may need to try something new, because past systems haven’t worked for this offense. It might be the right time for the no huddle.
At the same time though, it could also be a convenient time for the no huddle. As the coaching staff sits on the hot seat after a third straight 7-9 season, the current administration could fail this year, and pass it off as a “new” offense getting used to a “new system” - allowing them to make the case to stick around for another year or so to allow the players to grow into the offensive schemes.
Sorry for being pessimistic, but I keep having this reoccuring thought of Dick Jauron at the podium apologizing for another crappy year, but how good next season will be because the players will have grown into the system more.
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The “K-Gun”, the “No Huddle”, the “Heeerrrrre we go,” excitement palpable in Van Miller’s voice. The Glory Days.
Gone are the faces of Thomas, Kelly, and Reed; replaced by the youthful faces of Edwards, Lynch, and Evans. Though the league has changed and we have seen formations like the Wildcat mystify defenses, some offenses remain tried and true. Re-enter the “E-Gun” - the no huddle a la Edwards.
I remember sitting at training camp last year at St. John Fisher watching the scrimmages and the beauty of the no huddle unfolding before my eyes. I also recall the epic periods of stagnant offense throughout the season and screaming at Jauron for a spark. Now I know that the no huddle isn’t as easy as Peyton might make it look, but let’s weigh the pros and cons.
Pros: Trent and his receivers (minus TO) are in their third year working together and by now it is time to put the mutual understandings of body language, route running, and trust to the test. Trent has shown that he is a leader and must step up to the responsibility that comes along with being a third-year QB in the NFL. Edwards has also demonstrated a desire to improve, both on the field with extra workouts and in the film room. It is this work ethic and Stanford-IQ that could allow the Bills to exploit mismatches in coverage if the no huddle could be run effectively. This will also give receivers like Owens and Parrish the opportunity to exploit their strengths - Owens as a veteran and Parrish with his blistering speed.
Cons: My number one concern is for even shorter breaks for the defense. The Bills finished 25th in total offense last year - highlighted by too many three-and-outs. There is no question that the majority of losses last year came not just because of a lack in scoring, but also because of defensive fatigue setting in late in the game. If the Bills are to succeed this year they are going to have to find a way to tip that balance. While the no huddle can provide quick points, it can also quickly evaporate time of possession.
There is no question that the no huddle can be a valuable asset for the 2009 Bills though it will need some strategic implementation, will require confidence in the players on the field, and room for growing pains. At this point, our Cardiac Bills need a defibrillator. The “E-Gun” might provide just the shock needed to re-instill some life in the Bills’ potentially potent offense.
Several weeks ago the rumors began that the Bills were considering moving a second regular season game to the North.
Ralph Wilson today put that rumor to rest stating that as long as it it up to him, the Bills will only play one regular season game in Toronto, at least for two or three more years. If the experiment proves to be money maker, Ralph Wilson Jr. did say the contract could be reworked in the final two years. Buffalo and Toronto are currently entering the second year of a five year deal.
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Terrell Owens is not a bad guy. Considering he is already apologizing for the 2009-2010 season. Now, when I first heard about this, I figured it was Owens, trying to ease Buffalo fans pains for what might amount to a “rebuilding” season for him and the Buffalo Bills, and better luck next year without him. I guess I figured he was trying to be a “quarterback killer” now that he has met and worked out with his team. It in fact turned out to be Owens trying his hand at comedy, and doing, well, I’ll let you decide.
The Buffalo Bills have gone deep with their wide receiving corps in the hopes that they can, well go deep on the field.
With Owens on one side, and Evans on the other, their is some hope that Trent Edwards will have someone Wide Open.
But it is not just having Owens and Evans paired up together that will generate offense. Trent Edwards has to have the time to throw the ball. With a relatively new offensive line that is really unproven at the professional level, Edwards could find himself more often than not picking himself up off the turf.
Thats not to say the offense is going to be horrible, they could surprise us. But a new offense, learning a new technique in the no huddle offense - could provide for some interesting moments.
The El Paso Generals of the Indoor Football League have reported that the Bills have signed one of their linemen, Polo Guiterrez.
The Bills have not yet made this public if it is true. I would expect them to make an announcement Tuesday before the start of mini-camp - or they may introduce him with a press conference on Monday.
The Las Crus Sun News is reporting yesterday that the Bills are offering him a tryout on July 17th and 18th.