Bills Win "Other" Lottery Draft

Years ago, when I was a wee lad, I loved the Senior Bowl. I got to see my favorite players from my favorite college team, the University of Maryland, do battle against the best players in the land. Well, times change and these days most of the best college players leave for the NFL before their senior season. While the Senior Bowl may have less talent these days, it still is popular (today's game is sold out) and coaches still scout the Senior Bowl players very heavily.

What does this have to do with an "NFL Draft" you ask? Believe it or not, the NFL holds a lottery to see which two NFL teams' coaching staffs get to coach in the game. That's right, NFL teams are drafted to coach in the Senior Bowl! Basically, the NFL starts at the bottom of the league (in terms of won-loss record) and works its way up. Teams can decline to provide a coaching staff, if they choose.

This year, the two bottom feeders did decline. Neither of these two teams (which the NFL considers worse than the Buffalo Bills) currently have a head coach. And with no head coach the state of the teams' assistant coaches is also in disarray. So when the NFL asked the Bills to coach one of the squads, Head Coach Chan Gailey jumped at the chance.

The NFL decides which team is assigned to which squad. Apparently, the south team is more coveted as scouts believe there is more talent from southern collegiate programs. While most fans assume the NFL coaching staffs are game planning and installing a system for the game (which they are), they actually do much more. In reality, the two Senior Bowl coaching staffs can run their own personal combines.

While preparing for the game the coaches can run drills to test individual players. The coaching staffs can also have players run plays to see how they perform in certain schemes and situations. They can even have them practice in different positions to see if they can handle spots that they didn't play in college. Lastly, the coaching staffs get an enormous amount of time to get to know the players individually. Yessir, nothing like having your own personal mini camp with the best seniors in the land!

The Bills got the coveted south squad. Here's hoping Chan Gailey and his new staff (minus Dave Wannstedt who stayed in Buffalo to evaluate the current Bills roster - poor, poor, Davey Boy) unearth a few finds in the practices leading up to the game. Heaven knows the Bills need all the help they can get!

#DontCrossTheMoats or The Curious Case Of Arthur Moats

This is the story of Arthur Moats. The man with the most famous Twitter hashtag in the history of Buffalo, New York : #DontCrossTheMoats.

If you are a Buffalo Bills fan you automatically recognize the hashtag that ended Brett Favre's season (more on that later). But this is really an incredible phenomena if you consider that on opening day of the 2010 NFL season nobody knew who Arthur Moats was (even in Buffalo). Yes, this is rags to hashtag riches story. So sit back and enjoy!

Once upon a time there was a 6th round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills (pick 178 to be specific) by the name of Arthur Moats. Mr. Moats was the 2009 Buck Buchanan Award winner, given to the best defensive player in the Football Championship Division (formerly known as Division II). He starred at James Madison University (Colonial Athletic Association) where, in 2009, he was team captain, CAA Defensive Player Of The Year, James Madison University Athlete Of the Year, and a first team all-conference selection. He also led the team with 90 tackles (42 solo) while setting a school record of 23.5 tackles for a loss (leading the nation), had 11 sacks (first in the CAA and third in the nation). Yes Arthur was busy destroying the CAA in 2009; however, scouts said he was too small (6-2, 250 lbs) and played against weak competition to be considered a legitimate NFL defensive end.

Well, as the story goes, the Bills have a terrible history with high draft picks, but often strike gold with low round picks or undrafted free agents. This being said, Arthur didn't really distinguish himself in training camp and squeaked onto the roster as a special teams player. The buzz about Sir Arthur didn't start till a Buffalo sports radio personality (Jeremy White at WGR) coined the phrase of "Don't Cross The Moats". It was meant to be funny, since Moats was an unknown who had yet to distinguish himself. But then a funny thing happened - the phrase caught on.

First there was Arthur's dynamic special teams play. With each hit Bills fans would echo the infamous phrase, and on WGR radio each Moats tackle would be re-lived with the tag of "Don't Cross The Moats". Then there were the "Moats Sightings" as Arthur began to see more reps as the season progressed. And then, finally, the epic Twitter hashtag was born. During Bills games, any time Mr. Moats made a play, or came close to making one, Twitter was deluged with #DontCrossTheMoats references.

The Moats frenzy reached its peak (or so Bills fans thought) when any player dared even test Sir Arthur. If you "Crossed The Moats" bad things were destined for you. Twitter was filled with examples of football, and non-football actions that qualified as attempts to "Cross The Moats". Inevitably, any attempt to "Cross The Moats" ended in failure and made Arthur Moats one of the most popular Bills, even with his limited playing time.

As Arthur's game improved he began to play more regularly on defense, primarily on passing downs. The #DontCrossTheMoats legend was born when Arthur sacked Brett Favre and knocked Brett out of his first game of the year, and ended his streak of games started (but not necessarily Brett's streak of emailing pix of his privates).

The final few games of the year saw Moats playing regularly. He was possibly the best pash rusher on the Bills (I know, it ain't much, but its a start). He regularly pressured the QB, made some nice tackles, and showed some promise as a legitimate NFL player. He finished the season with 33 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.

So, the morale of this tale? What started out as a cute play on words, and morphed into a national story (yes, #DontCrossTheMoats was referenced on game broadcasts, news stories, and sport talk shows), had a happy ending. A football player was discovered and a fan favorite was born. Hopefully Arthur lives happily ever after...

Sir Arthur hopes to bulk up this off season and continue his unlikely rise in the NFL. The coaching staff thinks he has what it takes. He certainly has the needed hashtag!

Just remember, if you, or your favorite NFL team, wants to keep its good karma.........#DontCrossTheMoats!

Mustache To The Rescue?

This blog is a perfect segue from my Thursday post about the Buffalo Bills upcoming draft dilemma. Can you say DEFENSE? Or in Buffalo's case the obvious lack thereof.

Many may wonder why Bills fans could get excited about the hiring of Dave Wannstedt. Well, here's why...

1. The Bills Defense Is Putrid

No doubt about it. The Bill's D has hit rock bottom. Adding a defensive minded coach with extensive coaching experience (including a stint as a head coach in the AFC East) is a big plus. The Bills need help in installing Chan Gailey's new defensive schemes. Also, Dave's been around the block a few times. He should be an additional asset in game planning, player evaluation, and adjusting schemes on game day. As Assistant Head Coach/Inside Linebacker Coach it seems apparent that the Bills are committed to utilizing Wannstedt as more than just a position coach.

2. Continued Commitment By Management

The Bills have a history of not investing in quality head coaches, much less assistant coaches. Wannstedt's hiring is more proof that the Bills are committed to improving. They could have just as easily hired a no-name position coach and been done with it. Wannstedt's hiring could portend additional significant moves (Bills fans can always dream, can't they).

3. George Edwards Is On Notice

If George Edwards, the current Defensive Coordinator, continues to struggle next season, the Bills need not look further than their own coaching staff for a quality replacement.

Here's hoping that Davey Boy has significant input in the evolution of the Bills Defense. Remember, years ago when Mike Mularkey was the Bills Head Coach (forgot about that, didn't ya) the Bills brought in Dick LeBeau, arguably one of the games best defensive minds, as a "consultant". LeBeau, now enshrined in Canton, was never given a true role in the Bills organization and left for Pittsburgh. One can only hope Wannstedt gets more of a chance than LeBeau had.

At the very least the Bills now have an employee whose name is harder to spell than Posluszny!

Up And Coming Offensive Players In the NFL

Quarterback:

Matt Ryan - As you may already know Matt Ryan is close to being an elite QB in this league.  He has that swagger that everyone talks about, he has the composer, he has all the intangibles to lead his team into the playoffs (oh ya, he already did).  He has only lost 3 games at home as a starter.  He only had 9 interceptions against his 28 TDs.  He will be an elite QB, and it might start next season.

  

Running Backs:

 LeSean McCoy - McCoy didn't have the best of seasons in 2009, partly because he was a rookie.  This season McCoy had a break out season of sorts. He averaged about 111 all-purpose yards a game. He was probably the reason why the Eagles were better than expected, right next to Vick.  With the off season for the Eagles, he will be able to come back better, stronger, and have more elusiveness.

Arian Foster - Foster led the NFL in rushing yards in only his second season, that's pretty good.  He compiled over 1,600 rushing yards and ultimately making him a pro-bowler.  He came out of the gate with a huge game against the Colts, where he rushed for over 200 yards.  He is very similar to McCoy, in the fact that he is an all-purpose running back, but better.

Wide Receivers:

Mike Williams - I usually don't like to call players up-coming in their first year, but I am with Mike Williams(TB).  He almost didn't even seem to look like a rookie.  He looked like player that had been in the league a couple of years.  He was second in receptions in Tampa Bay only behind Kellen Winslow and first in receiving yards this season and probably will lead in both categories on the team next year.

Stevie Johnson - If there were any bright spots in the Bills organization, it was Steve Johnson. He led Buffalo in receptions and receiving yards and it wasn't even close.  He had over 1,000 receiving yards and 82 receptions.  He had 10 receiving touchdowns.  He was clearly Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target, and would be a young QB favorite target as well  if the Bills decide to draft one.

Tight Ends;

Brandon Pettigrew - At the beginning of the season Pettigrew was not a big factor in the Lions offense, but during the middle and end of the season he was a big force.  He ended up being second on the Lions in receptions, only 6 receptions behind C. Johnson's 77.  He had 772 yards receiving, also second on team behind C. Johnson in that category.  He will be the main reason why the Lions will actually be good next year.  The Lions will be my sleeper/surprise team next season.

 Jacob Tamme - Out went Dallas Clark in came someone just as good.  Jacob Tamme has size and sure hands.  He stepped in for the injured Dallas Clark and it almost didn't faze the Colts in the tight end position.  He had 67 receptions and 631 receiving yards this season.  Whether he is still with the colts next season is to be unknown.  In my opinion he probably will be traded to a team like the Arizona Cardinals.  If the Cardinals get a franchise QB Tamme would be a nice toy for the new QB to use.

Next week I will have the up and coming defensive players, then the week after that I'll have Special Teams

The Dilemma Of Three

The title of a new movie? Maybe a new book? How about a new TV show? Nope, none of these three (three again?) explain the Dilemma Of Three.

The Dilemma Of Three, as any Buffalo Bills fan knows (yes there really are Bills fans) is what do do with the 3rd pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Instead of being excited about having the highest pick in many years, Bills fans are at each other's throats over what to do with the pick.

Fans, pundits (yes even bloggers), and sports journalists fall into three (there's that number again) camps.

1. The Savior (Franchise Quarterback)

Let's face it, the Bills haven't had a decent QB since Jim Kelly (well, ol Doug Flutie and Drew Bledsoe had a few nice games). All of Buffalo was on the Andrew Luck watch. Andy would come out, head east, and lead the Bills to glory once again. Unfortunately Buffalo had no luck as Andrew decided to stay in sunny California. Additionally, after dumping Captain Checkdown (aka Trent Edwards), Ryan Fitzpatrick was thrust into the starting QB role and did a pretty good job (given the situation).

2. The Defensive Stud (Defensive Lineman or Linebacker)

Hey, you can't get much worse than the Bills defense (unless you compare this year's defense to last year's - it's hard to believe but they actually were worse). The shift from the 4-3 to the 3-4, along with the retirement of Aaron Schoebel and a general lack of talent, made the Bills a laughingstock against the run. Virtually every running back that played the Bills this year had their best game (this includes a few rookies and third stringers that ran like Walter Payton against the hapless Bills D).

3. The Luxury Pick (Best Player Available)

This is the age old NFL wisdom, "take the best player on the board".

All of this is complicated by the many years of futility of lousy Bills high draft picks (Aaron Maybin, John McCargo, James Hardy - ouch, it's too painful to go on).

So what's a team to do? Well, like everybody else I have an opinion and here it is. Draft a stud defensive lineman or linebacker. Draft a beast - an athletic overachiever, a physical specimen with a nasty attitude.

Why? Because the offense showed signs of life. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a serviceable QB, the receiving corps improved, and the O line (with the exception of one OT) is promising. On defense, the secondary is not nearly as shabby as the pathetic defensive line and linebacking corps.

Start with biggest problem (maybe the worst defense in the NFL) and work from there. The Bills have an adequate QB for the near future and cannot afford a luxury pick (not with the current defense). So it has to be a defensive linemen or linebacker. See, its simple!

Oh, for the record, if the Bills draft a defensive back with the 3rd pick, I'm not renewing my season tickets. That should resonate with Bills management!

The Defensive Shakeup in Philadelphia

Now that the dust is slowly settling on the firing of Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, the details are bubbling to the surface, along with news of other defensive coaching changes. It seems that Andy Reid let McDermott go Wednesday, reportedly citing Jim Johnson's legend as an excuse for the termination. For those keeping score at home, the announcement came a mere two days after Reid told the press that the defensive coordinator would be returning for the 2011-2012 season. According to the Eagles, the delay would allow McDermott to start seeking alternative employment. Another, more likely reason for McDermott's termination is the recent revelation that some, if not much of the defensive players disagreed with his style of defense. Add to that the news that McDermott was on thin ice since the end of last season, coupled with this season's poor performance, and suddenly the firing seems more and more of an inevitability. While sources spotted McDermott interviewing in Denver, it has been confirmed that he will be taking the defensive coordinator position with the Carolina Panthers instead.



Since the news broke, there have been talks of Seahawks coach Jim Mora becoming the Eagles' new DC, though it is now believed he will most likely join the Denver Broncos' coaching staff in the same capacity. Mike Singletary was another candidate, first discussed before McDermott was even fired. On Monday, ESPN's SportsCenter speculated that Singletary would most likely go to work for former teammate Leslie Frazier of the Minnesota Vikings, a report later confirmed by Singletary. The Eagles also considered Rob Ryan, brother of Jets coach Rex and son of legendary Eagles coach Buddy Ryan, only to lose him to the division rival Dallas Cowboys.



If Mora joins the Broncos, now all but an inevitability, the Eagles are left with former Bills coach and current defensive backs coach Dick Jauron, who is currently being considered by the Cleavland Browns, and Bill Davis, the former Cardinals defensive coordinator. Considering the shift of DCs around the league, the Eagles need to move quickly if they plan to build a better defensive plan for next season. Jauron seems the optimal choice, having a familiarity with the defensive players and overall strengths and weaknesses of the team...provided he stays on the market long enough for the Eagles to hire him.

In the midst of all this was the firing of the Eagles' defensive line coach, Rory Segrest. This could spell trouble for the Eagles' defense for the 2011-2012 season, given the strong possibility of a lockout. If a compromise is not reached between the NFLPA and the owners on a new CBA by the March 4th deadline, any new defensive coordinator, defensive line coach, and (if Jauron leaves) defensive backs coach would likely have very little, if any, time to meet the defensive players, institute a system (many believe the Eagles will shift to a 3-4 defensive scheme), and have the players practice new defensive plays.

With all these factors in play, will the Eagles make a smart move, or will they be forced to make a desperate move? One can only hope that the front office steps up quickly to avoid what could be a disastrous showing in 2011.

2011 NFL Mock Draft

1. Panthers

AJ Green (WR) - Georgia

This might not seem like the popular choice that most people would take.  But, if you think about it who did Jimmy Clausen, or any other Carolina QB, have to throw to?  Don't say Steve Smith, because he was doubled teamed the whole year.  Carolina does not have a big physical WR and AJ Green is the best one in this draft and would compliment Steve Smith nicely.  He would also Give Clausen a sure target, and/or free up Steve Smith.  

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 2. Broncos

Marcell Dareus (DT) - Alabama                                                          Broncos lack a big DT that can get to the QB.  Dareus provides the Broncos with that option.

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3. Bills

Nick Fairley (DT) - Auburn                                                                      This would make the second DT taken in the first 3 picks, and he is a good one.  If there is anything the Bills need it is great devensive player.  The Bills defense was among the worst in the NFL.  Fairley provides the Bills with a great defensive prospect that the can build around.

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4. Bengals

Akeem Ayers (OLB) - UCLA                                                         The Bengals do not need to draft an offensive player, because they have plenty of talent with Ochocinco, Simpson, Caldwell and Gresham.  What Ayers brings to the table is a fast physical linebacker, which will be needed during AFC North games.

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5. Cardinals

Blaine Gabbert (QB) - Mizzou                                                      Blaine Gabbert is the best Quarterback in this years draft thanks to Andrew Luck.  Cardinals need a franchise QB, and Gabbert give them the best chance to do just that.

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6. Browns

Da'Quan Bowers (DE) - Clemson                                                     As the Browns offense seems to be shaping up to quite a force to be reckoned with, the defense is what will need to be the focus in this years draft.  Although, do not be surprised if the Browns take Julio Jones from Alabama. Da'Quan has that big body and the knack to get to the QB.

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7. Eagles

Eagles get San Fransisco's 7th pick and San Fransisco gets Kevin Kolb and 2nd RD pick.                                                              Patrick Peterson (CB) - LSU                                                The Eagles secondary, besides Samuel, was probably the worst in all of the NFL.  They, Demitri Paterson, got burned over and over again.  It is time for the Eagles to finally fix this problem first this year. 

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8. Titans 

Ryan Mallet (QB) - Arkansas Who knows what is going to happen to Vince Young.  The Titans cannot rely on Kerry Collins to be the future QB.  Mallet is the best available franchise QB left at this point.

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9. Cowboys

Robert Quinn (DE) - UNC                                                                         The Cowboys will need some that can keep up with Mike Vick in the NFC East.  Quinn will also help out DeMarcus Ware on the other side.

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10. Redskins 

Cam Newton (QB) - Auburn                                                    Donavon McNabb most likely will not be in a Redskins uniform.  Cam Newton, despite the controversy in college, will be the answer to the future under center for the Washington Redskins.

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11. Texans

Prince Amukamara (CB) - Nebraska                                                         Along with the Eagles, the Texans were one the worst secondaries that teams scorched this year.  Prince Amukamara will be a big upgrade to the Texans secondary.

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12. Vikings

Von Miller (OLB) - Texas A&M                                                The Vikings do not have any big named linebackers and Von Miller will give them just that.

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13. Lions

Brandon Harris (CB) - Miami(FL)                                                   The Lions are one good corner back from having one of the best defenses in the league next year and taking Harris here would be a good start.

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14. Rams

Julio Jones (WR) - Alabama                                                                               The Rams have good looking future quarterback in Bradford, so they take Julio Jones here to give Bradford a shiney new toy. He is big and physical and will punish opposing corner backs.

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15. Dolphins

Aldon Smith (DE) - Mizzou Smith would be a great compliment to Cameron Wake on the other side of the D-line.

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16. Jaguars

Rahim Moore (FS) - UCLA Who played free safety for the Jaguars last year? Don't know huh? Moore will hopefully give the Jaguars a household name at free safety

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17. Patriots  

Justin Blackman (WR) - Oklahoma St. With the departure of Randy Moss early in the season, it left the Patriots with a true deep threat.  Blackman gives the Patriots just that.

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18. Chargers

Anthony Castonzo (OT) - Colorado If you give the best quarterback in the NFL time to pick apart your secondary, you will not have much of a chance to win. That's what the Chargers hopes happens when they take Costanzo here.

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19. Giants

Nate Solder (OT) -  Boston College                              David Diehl just isn't going to get it done and the Giants will look at Solder as a possible option moving forward.

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20. Buccs

Cameron Heyward (DE) - Ohio State                                                     Heyward provides the Buccs with a great pass rusher and will only improve their D-line.

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21. Chiefs

Cameron Jordan (DE) - Cal                                                                          Jordan is a good looking Defensive End prospect and that is why the Chiefs take him here with this pick.

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22. Colts

Muhammad Wilkerson (DT) - Temple                                    Wanna improve the Colts running defense? You do that with taking Wilkerson here.

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23. Eagles

Gabe Carimi (OT) - Wisconsin                                                       Michael Vick gets sacked 40+ times in a season you know your offensive line is really bad.  The Eagles need to take action here, and they do that with this guy.  Not to mention Carimi is one of the main reasons why Wisconsin's running game was so good this year.

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24. Saints

Corey Liuget (DT) - Illinois                                                                     The Saints could use a future DT and they will fill that need here with Liuget.

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25. Seahawks

Jake Locker (QB) - Washington                                                                    Matt Hasselbeck is old, Jake Locker is not.  Locker will have a grand ole time in the sate he played college ball, and who better to play for than Pete Carrol.

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26. Packers

Mark Ingram (RB) - Alabama                                                        Ryan Grant is not the answer in Green Bay.  The Heisman trophy award winner will be however, and will give the Pack a running game to be reckoned with.

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27. Bears

Phil Taylor (DT) - Baylor                                                               Taylor will give Peppers help rushing the QB. making the Bears defense even better

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28. Jets

JJ Watt (DE) - Wisconsin                                                              Jason Taylor is old and will not be a Jet for much longer.  Watt will rejuvenate the Jets d-line 

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29. Ravens

Derek Sherrod (OT) - Mississippi St. Rivals will now be teammates.  Oher and Sherrod will play along side each other now.

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30. Steelers

Mike Pouncy (OG) - Florida                                                If they can win championships in Florida, why can't they win championships in Pitsburgh? The Steelers make a good choice here.  

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31. Patriots

Tyrone Smith (OT) - USC                                                                           The Patriots o-line is old and Smith will fix that problem, quickly.

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32. Falcons

Randall Cobb (Utility) - Kentucky                                                                 Cobb mostly played WR at Kentucky, but he a better QB and RB than people think.  But the Falcon need neither a QB or a RB, so Cobb will likely play WR for the Falcons.