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- May 31, 2016
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- OL - I asked two people I trust who were up there this summer and more importantly, who will actually talk to me. "Who was the best group & player from that unit". Both said secondary/OL. One person ... "Defensive Backs but actually the (OL) has been on a mission They've been right there all summer".
Both noted how much better Eluemunor was playing, he was standing out in a "good way". No sloppiness, penalties etc.
I've mentioned along with others how much potential this group has. I think even if RT is a weak-link and it most likely will be looking at that group but by how much? Remember playing OL is all about surviving as opposed to winning. Just get to the next play by any means, doesn't have to be pretty. If we get health & good enough at RT we should have a top 10-12 OL.
There's been a clear focus on being physical, establishing a presence with that group all summer. This team isn't ready but they are set on what type on team they want to be.
- QB - Not sure this has been mentioned enough but Cam has really taken over from leadership standpoint. Chirping at guys on both sides. Working with guys after practice, outside of practice. Being that positive force. Both people I talked to mentioned this and its been whispered by others. He's been the QB1 since day 1 he got here and it's more than evident to people watching. Football is football but he's in a different place here and been very good in all areas. Not an easy task.
I honestly don't think play calling for either would be that different but I'm curious in general where we're going in that direction. I have my thoughts but it's more curiosity than conviction.
Just seems we can do more with Cam rn and again don't downplay the confidence he seems to have from the team. Guys always gravitate and they have here.
Another thing I'm curious about is scrambling drills on offense. I'm sure the staff and offense have put stuff together but individually. Between Harry, MS, 11... Im sure there's been talks of where Cam wants guys. It's a huge part of his game and hopefully now we can benefit from it rather than being on the other side.
So far the offense as a whole just doesn't look like it's there but I do have hope but the running game just makes sense when you look at the personnel. You do see the pieces for versatile enough offense. Sanu, Harry & Edleman are all very good blockers. We have the bodies in Sony, Harris, Rex & White to run or hopefully pass on any down. I don't think we're setting any records but again the pieces are there to at least compete with most teams. Certainly within the division.
I'm not expecting much from the TE position except some flashes. I'd really be happy if Asiasi was a 3 down player that blocked well to start but again think he'll flash with Cam. He's the most talented guy we have which might not be saying much now but he'll get opportunities.
I'd love to see us give these guys easy targets from leak routes, dummy blocks etc. Just get them featured when you can.
On defense it's pretty simple. We have an all-world secondary which is extremely versatile across the board. They lead a historically great 3rd down defense last year. How will we complement them this year with so many new faces?
I remember last summer a certain someone bringing up the types of players/bodies we have and we saw how Bill deployed them. I would have loved to see the evolution of that defense but we took a few big hits there.
To me that's the biggest question mark. How will the new prospects & players assimilate themselves in this multiple defense.
Most notably the LB's. We ask a ton of our guys & have a standard. We played a lot of 1/2 IDL last year and that puts a lot of responsibility, expectations on that group.
From gap exchange, reading OL protection (is it man protect, who's sliding ...), ID run fits ... There's just a ton to pick up.
We also played a lot of nickel, dime, even dollar at points last year and were really good. Top 3 usage & % in dime or very close to it off the top of my head.
So we are constantly asking a lot from our DB's/LB's. A lot more than most teams imo.
Fwiw ... We've drafted as many DB's day 1/2 over the last decade than we have LB/DL. It's been a clear point of focus for Bill and he's been traveling towards this destination - package(s) for some time.
I'm also expecting more 2hi looks, more shell looks across the league bc of the offense we're seeing. Curious if we see any spike here. We actually have the pieces with Dugger & DMC. Really hope Dugger makes us proud.
Hope everyone is feeling well. It's been a crazy year and we just passed the mid-season premiere with the awful, heartbreaking loss of the Black Panther. 40-something is way too young, my goodness. Rest in power & peace.
Football is back though! It's not that important but omg do we need it. I can't wait to watch it in rhythm again. The matchups, the chess game, adjustments, physicality, toughness & smarts. I really love just watching everything unfold. Esp the young prospects who will taking over and shaping the league.
For the first time in a long time I'm looking forward to Bills games. The teams mirror each other in a lot of ways. From play calling, great coaching and wanting to be a bully. These two teams aren't the exact opposite in terms of style we've seen before. Those should be 2 very fun, hard fought fights.
GO PATS!!!
LOL been out most of the day and I just remembered Ian is switching over everything like rn. I suck.
GO PATS!!!