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Bills’ 2009 Playbook for the Layperson: ABC’s Not X’s & O’s
Published: May 24, 2009
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The average football fan brain shuts down when the TV pundits start writing X’s and O’s on the screen, diagramming plays. Those who have actually played football may get it. The rest just wait for the announcers to switch back to English.
Therefore, I will discuss the strategy the Bills need to emphasize in the coming season in language that even the least technically savvy fan will easily comprehend.
Rather than hearkening back to plays that worked last season or specific plays that should work this coming season, we’ll talk big picture strategy.
First, coaching decisions must improve.
If Jauron wants to keep his job, he has to make better calls under pressure, needs to take more risks, and go for it on fourth down more often.
Second, use the sand lot approach.
Let the quarterback innovate, use the no-huddle at least some of the time, do some double reverses, fake field goals and punts, do an onside kick in the middle of the game sometime, put in some running plays for the quarterback and some passing plays for the running back (as passer), and be predictably unpredictable.
Third, throw to TO or fake a throw to TO.
Fourth, throw to TO or fake a throw to TO.
Fifth, on the other side of the ball, whatever you have to do, find a way to keep the pressure on the quarterback.
Sacks MUST increase dramatically.
In summary, it can be argued that the offensive line is at least slightly improved and the net effect of offseason personnel changes on the defensive side is a positive.
TO will make Edwards better, and Evans, and Reed, and anyone else on the receiving end of the football.
So…
A. Capitalize on TO.
B. Improvise always.
C. Terrorize on defense.
Nuff said.
Why TO and Buffalo Are a Match Made in Heaven: Imagine the Interview
Published: May 24, 2009
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Conventional wisdom doesn’t play well in Buffalo. That’s why, when the rest of the world was laughing at the Bills’ decision to sign TO to a one year contract, most Buffalo fans were celebrating.
It’s true that TO has been a toxic asset for all his former teams. It could be said he’s all about himself, not a team player, divisive, uncoachable. But that was then. This is Buffalo.
Buffalo is the kind of town that sends thousands to the airport to welcome the new star on his first trip back to the Niagara Region after inking the deal. Already, TO realizes he’s not in Dallas any more, or Philly, or Miami, or…
It’s true that TO’s ego is too big to coexist with another marquee player—especially an offensive one. So Buffalo could be just what the doctor ordered.
Or the match-maker.
If it’s true that for every person on this earth, there’s at least one person out there who will be their one true love, then for every professional athlete, there’s at least one city in the league that will love them almost as much as they love themselves.
As Terrell Owens realized before getting out of Buffalo Niagara International Airport last week, at long last, he has found his true love.
All he has to do is catch the ball or distract defenders so Reed or Evans can catch it, and he’ll end up with his name on the Wall of Fame at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
That’s right. Even if his wide receiver counterparts end up catching more passes because he’s drawing double coverage, the fans will be explicit and effusive with their worship, and TO will forget he’s not getting as many balls as he wants. There’s one thing he needs more than passes—praises.
If there is any city in the NFL where TO can last more than one season without melting down, it is Buffalo. But success for him is not a given. He will have to reciprocate the adulation or eventually the fans will turn.
If we had the opportunity, we’d ask him a few questions to determine how well he understands this.
Terrell, have you had your Buffalo Wings yet? Have you eaten Beef on Weck? (You know, Beef on Weck. Like Philly Beef with salt on the buns and horseradish where the cheese would be.)
Terrell, have you bought a house yet? Did you know most of the guys on the Wall were owners? Not renters. Year-round residents. Many of them stayed after they played. You know, like Jim Kelly? You’ve heard of him, right?
Terrell, have you done any (brace yourself now, I realize this is strong language) introspection? Do you have any insight as to why you’ve had difficulty in all your previous stops in the NFL? Do you have any ideas about how to avoid repeating that history?
Terrell, what do you know about Andre Reed, James Lofton, Don Beebe, Bob Chandler, J.D. Hill, Elbert Dubenion? These are the footprints you’ll be following in.
Terrell, talk to me about Trent Edwards? What do I mean? I mean tell me how things will be different with him than they were with, oh, I don’t know, Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo?
Terrell, do you ever think about Canton, Ohio? Can you reflect on what role Buffalo might play in getting you there?
Terrell, is this your last best opportunity?
As I said, a match made in heaven.
