Buffalo Bills Training Camp Tweaks:Changes That Could Lead to a Successful '09

With the T.O. Show only hours away, it's fitting that I write an article on the Bills. The first episode of his highly anticipated reality show will air tonight, and whether I'm fast asleep after the second segment, or I'm reveling in the fact that he's bringing even more publicity to the media desert that is Buffalo, training camp starts Friday.

What this means is, the team finally gets down to business. Can T.O. deal with an inexperienced quarterback? Can Jauron lead his team to a record other than 7 and 9? How will the pass rush be? Can Jackson and Rhodes carry the load with Lynch suspended?

Although we won't be able to answer those questions at St. John Fisher College, at least we finally get to see the players on a football field, where their play dictates how the media responds. Speculation starts to morph into reality.

I love training camp, as do most football fans, mainly because the reasons stated above. Not only do I like seeing the players on the field, but the clean slate that comes with training camp is so very refreshing to me. When I say clean slate, I don't just mean everyone's record being 0—0, but the fact that new wrinkles and playbook changes come with the additions of new players. 

The Bills certainly have the opportunity to make a few miniscule changes that could lead to major improvements on both sides of the ball. They won't count until September, but they'll need to be instituted in training camp. I'm not sure these tweaks will be added, but I'm hoping the Bills' coaching staff has these modifications in mind.   

1. Use Roscoe Parrish like Wes Welker 

Listen Roscoe—haters, I'm fully aware that Parrish will always excel more in the special teams facet of a game, but the guy's talents can be utilized in a way that he could easily become an effective wideout.

I've read that the difference in Welker's game compared to Parrish's is that Welker is much stronger, and quicker, which allows him to shake press coverage for his squiggly underneath routes.

I find that hard to believe. Welker may have around 10lbs. on Parrish, but neither guy has been a staple in the weight room, that's obvious. I can say with a good deal of certainty that Welker can't be much quicker or agile than Parrish, as has been evident in some of Parrish's videogame—like returns.

When it comes down to it, you must look at the difference in coaching philosophy—the Patriots realize Welker's value, basically doubling as their running game, while the Bills coaching staff would rather have Edwards dump down to running backs. If Turk Schonert works more bubble screens, short drags, inside screens—understands how deadly Roscoe Parrish can be, then the receiving corp could become one of the tops in the AFC.

Parrish has already made the media aware that he's been quite upset with the lack of looks his way. I can't picture defenses manning up against Lee Evans, and Owens on the outside, while having to worry about the possibility of Parrish taking a screen to the house behind a more fleet—footed offensive line. Work him in, Turk.

2. Let Donte Whitner Roam in Centerfield 

I understand that Jarius Byrd is the next Willie Mays for the Bills, but he's still a rookie.

17 interceptions in the Pac—10 is eye—popping, but they came from the corner spot.

I'm not saying Byrd doesnt' have the potential to be a stud in the league down the road, but it makes more sense to work him in with time, similar to how Leodis McKelvin gradually saw action last season. Even so, Donte Whitner and Bryan Scott will most likely man the two safety spots in Week One. Scott was the most pleasant surprise on a defense that lacked big plays last season.

The Bills enter 2009 knowing Scott's abilities are good enough and he's got the size, at 6'2" 220lbs to play strong safety, so Whitner should finally be able to roam free in Buffalo. Pun intended. I'm not expecting Whitner to accumulate 12 interceptions, but it's time he's primarily used as a playmaker down the field, rather than in 3 or 4 different spots as a safety.

Many of the league's best safeties are strong safeties but that doesn't mean Whitner has to be. He's got an in—genius football IQ and I wouldn't be surprised if he'd play a great centerfield, while being a sure tackler after deep completions. 

3. Say Yes to the No—Huddle 

This probably was supposed to be kept a secret by the Bills coaching staff. But after ESPN caught wind that the Bills may revitalize their "K—Gun" no—huddle offense this season, everyone knows.

Which is totally fine.

Schonert has to add this tweak in, because it'll make the refurbished offensive line's gelling process a little easier as they won't see the good pass rushing teams at full force. It shouldn't be difficult to add to the playbook, because we know Trent Edwards likes to dump down and his quick release has been his forte, if he's had one thus far in his career.

Start with a few hard-nose runs by Fred Jackson, throw in a couple underneath tosses to Parrish and Josh Reed, then when the defense's legs are beginning to wear, hit Owens or Evans deep for six. Pick your poison.

4. Don't be afraid to blitz 

The Bills' Tampa two zone coverage scheme didn't look like the Tampa Bay defense which it was emulated after last season. You need the players to work in a consistent pass rush that is ever so important to the Tampa two, so Schobel's and Youboty's respective injuries were the prime reasons why the Bills' defense managed a mere 22 takeaways last year.

The times that defensive coordinator Perry Fewell called Kawika Mitchell on blitzes they seemed to be direct hits. I really can't remember seeing any other Bills blitzing outside of Mitchell and that's a problem. Granted, he seems to have a nose for getting to the quarterback, but corner blitzes, delayed blitzes, even safety blitzes would be nice to see on more of an occasion. 

The Bills have given up enough big plays under Fewell while they've been playing their "bend not break", "sit—back" defense. Why not call a blitz? You've really got nothing to lose. The Bills have the talent and bevy of speedy players that can reach the quarterback. Showing different blitz packages will only confuse opposing offensive coordinators, something the Bills' defense hasn't done in quite some time. 

Adding and sticking to these tiny tweaks would help the Bills this season. Tell me if I'm right. Tell me if I'm wrong. I'm all ears.