Buffalo, The Future Is Now!

The move toward change had already started from the seasons beginning.  A line was changed as you saw Jason Peters get traded, Derrick Dockery get released, both centers were not re-signed, Langston walker moved to LT, and Brad Butler moving to RT, and two rookies starting on the line.

This was then followed with the installation of the "No-huddle" offense, to match the change of getting another number 1 WR in Terell Owens.  But in all none of the previous moves worked.

Turk Schonert was fired 10 days prior to the start of the regular season, Langston Walker (our new left tackle) was released days prior to the start of the season and replaced with a 7th round pick who had no NFL experience.  And T.O. has been a non-factor in the passing game.

To make matters worse the injuries piled up and will likely surpass the 2007 season numbers of injuries.  This has caused inconsistency at every position.

To start off, our offensive line rarely repeated the same tandom of players.  Brad Butler tore his ACL, this put our 2nd string RT as a starter.  Following that, Eric Wood our rookie RG breaks his leg in a horrible fashion. Then our LT injures his leg and we move the 2nd string RT to now play LT and our 3rd string tackle/guard moves over to RT.  Then our 2nd string RT (now LT) gets injured and our rookie LG moves over to LT and we have players "off the street" fill RG until then.  Then our 2nd string RG injures his shoulder and is placed on IR which forces the Bills to claim Inconito off waivers to fill the void.

So where do we stand on the offensive line, here is our now starting rotation. RT, 3rd stringer, RG third stringer, center 1st stringer, LG 1st stringer, LT 2nd stringer.

As with the offensive line, other positions have been decimated by injuries.  The linebacker corps has only 1 starter out of the original 3, our safeties have been on rotation because both have been injured, and one now moved to linebacker, our starting corners are now both out for season (Mckelvin 3rd game of season) and McGee (torn rotator cuff). On top of that, we have our top two Tight Ends on IR.

So now the question is, why not start the young guys.  I understand signifigantly that these coaches are playing for jobs next season and not for 5 years down the road, but what if the latter is the better choice.

My view on the situation is that whatever the current staff is doing now, is clearly not working.  They need to put in players who are the ones willing to fight every week, such as the players who fight for places on the team, but what have we got to lose.

Here are my suggestions.  The offense is in serious trouble, let the young wide receivers play.  This means James Hardy and Steve Johnson.  I loved what I saw from Steve Johnson, I would like to see him play the slot position taking over Reed's position.  As for James Hardy, play him sparingly (because of lack of experience after his injury) and give him some confidence in his play, and let him gain experience for next season.

Include Shawn Nelson in the offense more.  He is a large target with great hands, throw him the ball more to help move the chains on offense (even 4 yard gains help).

Third is two include Marshawn Lynch and Jackson together in a package.  I understand they have done this already, but not to the evolution I would like to see it.  If at all possible move Lynch to act as the fullback and let Jackson go for the short passes and create yards after catch.  It would keep defenses honest, and would use Lynch's and Jackson's skill sets perfectly.

Last, is to use the wildcat offense more.  I loved what I saw with it.  Lynch and Jackson were on the field together and created mismatches.  I thought it was very effective but it has not been used.

When Fewell took over as head coach, he made Jackson the starting running back ( a move I liked), and that was just the first change, but why not change other positions too, and maybe give this team some fight for these last two games