In previous posts we have looked at the new head coach and defensive coordinator. It’s time to get offensive folks! With two preseason games under their belts, (and ours), the Bills have sorted out their left guard, Colin Brown, and place kicker, Dustin Hopkins, situations. With Doug Marrone and Nathaniel Hackett’s up tempo offensive philosophy, the offense should be the direct opposite of last year’s squad. Under Chan Gailey the Bills often went into halftime “in” the game. The second half was often their undoing, which is partially to blame on a stubborn defensive coordinator who is no longer here, thus forcing the offense to play catch up. Playing catch up is not how any NFL team is constructed and the Bills were no different.
This year the coaching staff is looking for an average of 80 offensive plays per game, which is exactly what they are averaging through the first two preseason games. Hackett feels that the secret to the Bills being successful is having one long up tempo drive to get the defense winded so in the second half they are susceptible to a big play. With CJ Spiller and a host of speedy young receivers, this seems like the year for this formula to be successful. After the first preseason game against the Colts, EJ Manuel looked like the guy who could run this type of offense and flourish. With his recent “minor” knee surgery shelving him until the first week, this effectively pushed Kevin Kolb into the role of opening day starter. Fans will recall that former Bill and 2009 Pro Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Smith would rarely have a training camp where he did not have an arthroscopic surgery scheduled. Of course in hindsight he is a hall of fame player, the Bills and fans alike will be happy with Manuel if he develops into a pro bowl caliber player. The Bills will roll with Kolb for as long as they feel he can stay healthy-a big question historically, and command this offense to its full potential. I look for Manuel to be the full time starter, and the Bills offense to take off by mid-season.
The aforementioned Spiller is being hyped as a possible breakout star across the NFL landscape. While this hopefully comes to fruition, at the very least Spiller is in line for the bulk of the workload with the starters. Bills fans would be wise not to forget the previous starter Fred Jackson. As a consummate professional Jackson realized his role with the new regime and how he can help the team this year. He gained about 10 pounds and will serve as the thunder to Spiller’s lightning. Jackson has good hands out of the backfield, and in this quick paced west coast offense using the running backs in the pass game should open up favorable matchups with linebackers in the flat. Just as Kyle Williams is the elder statesmen of the defense, Jackson will handle those duties on offense this year.
The receivers are fighting for what is shaping up to be six roster spots, with 3 tight ends looking to stick with the team. The receiver battle looks to be down to the final spot as Stevie Johnson, Robert Woods, T.J. Graham, Marquise Goodwin, and Brad Smith have spots locked up. Special teams may be the final factor in deciding who sticks around, and if that is the case Smith’s job is certainly locked up as he adds a veteran leadership mentality to a group of mostly first or second year players. Chris Hogan has been the most consistent receiver of the others on the roster through camp and two preseason games. The Bills will likely try to stash at least one receiver on the practice squad, possibly Da’Rick Rogers. Rogers, he of the physical talent but questionable work ethic, may be claimed off waivers as someone else’s sixth receiver.
The tight end battle has seen Scott Chandler’s knee come back enough that he looks to be the opening day tight end and not be placed on the PUP list. This is bad news for Dorin Dickerson, who has endeared himself to Bills fans through his active twitter use and community outings. Seventh round draft choice Chris Gragg has seen a surprising amount of practice time with the first and second teamers. Gragg is a Vernon Davis type tight end, meaning he has receiver skills in a tight end body. By the end of the year Gragg could be the surprise weapon that catapults the Bills offense into high gear like Keith McKeller did for the K-gun years ago.
The offensive line looks to be solid, and when swing tackle Chris Hairston is healthy, deep. As mentioned above Colin Brown seems to have beaten out Doug Legursky for the only open spot on the line as Cordy Glenn, Eric Wood, Kraig Urbik and Erik Pears are entrenched as starters. Seeing that Spiller led the league in yards per touch last season, returning the O line intact should make fans forget about Andy Levitre.
