New York Jets Safety Jim Leonhard: A Problem for Naive Receivers

Jim Leonhard, the White Lightning, is set to have a breakout year with the new Jets defense.

He spent three seasons with the Bills as a reserve safety and special team’s guru before heading to Baltimore, starting 13 games at safety for the Ravens.

He got his nickname recording 69 tackles last year, one sack, one interception, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown. But his real coming out party was in last season’s playoffs when he recorded 16 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Now on a Jets squad led by former Ravens defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan as head coach, Leonhard should thrive into a star safety.

He and two other carryovers from the Ravens, Bart Scott and Marques Douglas, already have the knowledge of the Jets defense.

“They know the tempo we want, they know the communication we want, they know how to build each other up and all that kind of stuff,” said coach Ryan.

This should help Ryan to get a head start in implementing new schemes, and Leonhard’s leadership skills will be tested to assure the defensive backs are on the same page.

“I think it’s helped Rex to install the things he wants, get the players to buy in to things a bit earlier; I think that’s a big part of what us guys from Baltimore are here to do,” said Leonhard in an interview with SNY.

Leonhard will have his opportunities to develop as a player this year, facing a plethora of great receiving corps in just his own division, with Randy Moss, Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, Ted Ginn Jr., Joey Galloway, Wes Welker, and the list goes on.

“Some people are just kind of natural hitters and some just hide from contact. I’ve never been one to shy away from contact, I’m willing to throw my body in there and do whatever it takes.”

Looking at some of his highlights from last season I feel bad for any receiver that comes across the middle and underestimates the 5’8″, 186 lb. safety.  

“They underestimate me, which is fine. They’ve been underestimating me for my entire career. You see someone that doesn’t give you so much credit. You go out there and kick his butt a little bit; it feels good that they realize they messed up.”

Leonhard will be returning kicks and playing alongside Kerry Rhodes at safety. The Jets hope that he will carry the load allowing Rhodes to make plays like he did last year behind First-team All-Pro Ed Reed (1.0 sacks, nine interceptions, two fumbles recovered).

“You can put talented players in a position to make plays, which is something Baltimore has done for years and years, and you see the success that can happen. Guys are realizing the opportunities they have and how many they’re are.

You see a lot of people walking around with smiles on the defensive side of the ball because they feel they can have a breakout year,” said Leonhard, with a smile.

How Calvin Pace’s Suspension Affects the Jets

Jets’ linebacker Calvin Pace was suspended without pay July 2 for violating the NFL’s policy on Performance Enhancing Substances.

His absence leaves the Jets with a big playmaking void to fill as Pace recorded seven sacks last year, a team-high five forced fumbles, and tied for the NFL lead with four recoveries.

NYJets.com’s Eric Allen thinks second-year linebacker Vernon Gholston has the ability to fill Pace’s shoes.

The sixth pick in the 2008 Draft has been putting in hard work this offseason, his sophomore season, to assure he can move his way up the depth chart.

If his pass-rushing skills that made him a star at Ohio State can translate to the NFL, with 14 sacks in his last year and 22.5 career sacks, the void felt by losing Pace will not be as bad before week five.

If talks of the Jets’ signing Willie McGinest die down he looks like the best option.  

Consider the new system that should be implemented as well under first year head coach Rex Ryan, who’s excited to develop such a talented player.

“I see some things in his play that I knew that I would like to coach this young man because I don’t even think he’s scratched the surface of the kind of player he can be,” Ryan said.

The Jets’ linebacker corps also consists of new acquisitions Bart Scott, Larry Izzo, veteran Bryan Thomas who recorded 5.5 sacks last season, David Harris, and young reserves Marques Murrell and Jason Trusnik.

If Scott can go back to his 2006 form where he grabbed 9.5 sacks and two interceptions, this Jets’ linebacker corps will be full of playmakers.

Would Ryan accept anything else?

The Buffalo Bills Overcome Injury Adversity Through Rookie Development

Over the past few seasons, rookies have played a pivotal role in Buffalo’s success.

This year, one of the most promising looking squads for the Bills in years at this point in the offseason, will need them more than ever.

Not to be a pessimist, but what could hamper their success?

Ahh…the all-inevitable Injuries.

They’ve plagued these Bills in recent years in key positions with 39 players showing up on the injury report or reserve in 2007, and 35 in 2008.

Over the past few years, rookies have had to step up and fill the void in key game situations.

Kevin Everett getting carted off the field in the season opener in ’07 began a rash of injuries for a Bills squad that would see emerging leaders from likely and unlikely positions, for years to come.

Trent Edwards was forced to come in and play before the coaches had wished after J.P. Losman was injured. He came in and played nine games, more than any other rookie that season.

Edwards finished the season with decent numbers for a rookie who began his NFL career coming in midway through a game vs. the Patriots team that would go 16-0 in the regular season: 1,630 yards, seven touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 56 percent completion percentage.

Marshawn Lynch came in and rushed for 1,115 yards and recorded seven touchdowns his rookie year, proving that the release of Willis McGahee in the 2007 offseason was not a mistake.

Even unknown rookie running back from Coe College and NFL Europe, Fred Jackson, gained 490 yards from scrimmage in just eight games.

Paul Posluszny, set to take over as middle linebacker in Shane Conlan’s PSU to Buffalo footsteps, missed that year, his rookie season with a broken arm.

Second year middle linebacker John DiGiorgio replaced him and recorded 86 tackles, along with two sacks and one interception.

In 2008, they were without starting linebacker Angelo Crowell for the entire season, lost Aaron Schobel, Ashton Youboty and DiGiorgio for most of the season, and Josh Reed, James Hardy, Roscoe Parrish, and Donte Whitner in the final quarter of the season.

Three year veteran Keith Ellison only recorded 47 tackles in his Crowell’s absence, and the defense really missed Schobel’s ability to get to the quarterback, proving the need to sign more depth at those two positions.

Rookie Leodis McKelvin was the bright spot coming in and performing well on both the defensive end and special teams. He grabbed two interceptions (scoring on one), recovered a fumble, and broke Bills rookie and team records for kick return yards in a season with 1,468, as well as one more touchdown at that capacity.

So as the Bills may look young, they’ve been tested, and have learned to play at an NFL level early on.

This season the contributions they must get from rookies are glaring early on with two set to start on the offensive line: Eric Wood and Andy Levitre.

Hope is that their strength and intelligence helps both players to mature sooner rather than later.

What rookies may have to step up this year should the all-inevitable injuries occur?

The Bills offense will be improved, maybe as early as training camp with the competition that talented rookie tight end Shawn Nelson can bring, pushing Derek Fine and Derek Schouman to progress at that position.

On the defensive end, they will need contributions early on from rookie defensive end Aaron Maybin to improve a pass rush that ranked 29th last season.

Linebacker Nic Harris, who was selected in the fifth round this year by the Bills, should also help. Harris (6’3″, 230) who played Safety while at Oklahoma, is expected to backup Keith Ellison at outside linebacker, based on the Bills depth already at the safety position.

Harris’ athleticism should prove to be valuable for the Bills depth chart and on special teams. He welcomes the challenge of facing a position change.

“I just want to come in and get the job done,” said Harris. “I’m just one of those guys that’s selfless. It doesn’t really matter where you play me.”

Then there is Alvin Bowen who missed his rookie season with a right-knee injury. He will fill the depth chart at outside linebacker as well, and according to BuffaloBills.com he and Harris have looked well as legitimate competition for Ellison.

Rookie cornerback Cary Harris is deep on the depth chart and has been struggling during OTAs with apparent knee problems, getting burnt for a few touchdowns by the Bills tremendous receivers.

More focus in the secondary should be on rookie cornerback turned free safety: Jairus Byrd. The Bills saw enough talent in him before the draft to pick him up in the second round with the hope that he would push George Wilson and Ko Simpson.

He’s looked well in making the change in position already directing other DBs during 7-on-7’s.

If they perform well in filling the role of injured players, this year’s picks will add to the drafting genius by the Bills the past few seasons and assure that the Bills don’t miss a beat on their road to the playoffs.

During Vacation, the Buffalo Bills Must Avoid Off-the-Field Incidents

The Buffalo Bills look great in June, but it’s important for them to stay clean off the field this summer.

They don’t return until training camp, July 25, when they head to St. John Fisher College.

They’ve already had to deal with numerous incidents from some of their stars (Marshawn Lynch), and some not so bright players (Corey McIntyre) this offseason.

More than a month is a long time for a bunch of young millionaires to lay low as they go home or stay local at Chippewa Street, where Lynch was charged with a hit-and-run in last year’s offseason.

This year’s offseason Lynch was arrested at home in California one week after the Pro Bowl on felony gun possession charges.  

McIntyre was arrested May 16 in Port Lucie, FL, on acts that if proven would be embarrassing to the team.

After the best-attended organized team activities in Dick Jauron’s career, more off-the-field incidents could cause distractions early on for a team that must mold together quickly.

That means getting the most reps in training camp.

Nightclubs in visiting cities have been a receiver that the secondary has had trouble defending.

Donte Whitner was charged in Cleveland on Apr. 13 outside the House of Blues for aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest while celebrating the birthday of Ted Ginn Jr., wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins.

Both of them played football together at Glenville High School and Ohio State.

Hope he’s not so friendly when the Bills play the Dolphins Week Four and 12.

Ko Simpson was arrested outside a bar in Rock Hill, SC, his hometown, 20 minutes outside of Charlotte in the early hours of New Year’s Day on a charge of hindering police as he refused to leave officers alone as they arrested someone else.

Hope he doesn’t return there to get in trouble until he’s on the field when the Bills play Carolina in Week Seven.

Some former Bills have been charged recently as well.  

NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith was arrested on DUI charges in Virginia Beach last month and refused to take a breathalyzer test at the scene. He adds that to two other DUI’s he had dropped during his career.

Does O.J. even have to be brought up?

The optimistic Bills fan says there is no dark cloud hanging over Buffalo.

The Bills have gotten rid of some of the more troublesome players in recent past, while releasing Anthony Hargrove, who was suspended by the league for a year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

They also traded away Jason Peters, who caused problems in holding out, then underperforming the following year after signing a contract.

And they say T.O. is a distraction.

The sooner the season begins the better.

The Bills are already going to miss Lynch for the first three games barring an appeal ruling.

In the meantime, lets hope for no other player incidentals.

 

Next concern: Injuries

Bufffalo Bills OTAs Week Three: ‘Wildcat’ Offense a Concern for Defense?

The third week of OTAs closed Friday with improvement on both ends of the ball.

This year’s have been the most highly attended OTAs in head coach Dick Jauron’s career.

“The players understand that it’s not an easy thing to play in this league,” said Jauron. “Once you earn the right to be in the NFL, it’s a privilege and it’s a great opportunity; and they want to take advantage of it. Most of them are smart enough to do that to take advantage of it.

They’re very competitive people and they want to win and they know if they don’t do this our chances of winning are not very good.”

The Bills practiced outside for the first time during OTAs in Ralph Wilson Stadium. The coaching staff played loud music to work on the offenses ability to communicate.

Buffalo’s defensive linemen continue to put pressure on the quarterbacks testing their decision making outside of the pocket.

This week included the use of taekwondo techniques as defensive line coach Bob Sanders brought in instructor Joe Kim, who has worked with NFL teams since 1991. The focus on hand techniques has been beneficial in pass rush situations for the lineman.  

“Ninety percent of the sacks in the league are off counter moves,” said defensive tackle Kyle Williams. “So it’s really helped us to stay busy and taught us how to counter off an initial move.”

Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell has been focusing on things that burned the defense last year and several formations they may face this year. Made popular last season by Miami, the Bills have seen the “Wildcat” formation before.

They expect to see more of it this year, perhaps even from other teams.

Donte Whitner said that the more formations they see will be great in an effort to not get caught off guard come September.

“We know that this is a copycat league, and we know that Miami got off to a fast start last year with the ‘Wildcat’ catching some teams off guard, and it got the momentum rolling for their season,” said Whitner.

“Obviously they drafted Pat White, and it doesn’t take to a rocket scientist to know that they’re going to use him in the ‘Wildcat’ and they’re going to add a lot more wrinkles to the ‘Wildcat’. He’s a dangerous guy, and that formation is dangerous if you don’t stop it early.”

Roscoe Parrish had an excellent week after expressing his frustration about not playing a more pivotal role on offense. He made some impressive would-be long touchdown catches while filling in for the absent Josh Reed.

“He’s one of best slot receivers we have,” said quarterback Trent Edwards. “It’s just a matter of putting him in a position to win and putting him in a position where he’s comfortable and he understands what he’s supposed to do. And that comes with getting him his reps in practice, and then actually performing in the game.

He’s one of the most exciting guys on our team, so we need to find a way to get the ball in his hands, and I’m working with Turk (Schonert), I’m working with Alex (Van Pelt) to try to come up with ways we can do that. That’s definitely a weapon we need to take advantage of.”

Receivers Lee Evans and Terrell Owens continue to put in extra time with Edwards working on passing routes. They want to be sure that they are on the same page with regards to how hard the ball is thrown in certain situations and how much arc to put on the ball.

Steve Johnson joined the group this week hoping that some of the skills that made the two receivers great will rub off on him this season.

“It’s about doing the same things and being consistent and that’s what I’ve been talking to Lee about is his consistency,” said Johnson. “That’s how you build confidence in all your quarterbacks.”

Ashton Youboty participated in individual position drills and is close to returning to the lineup after suffering plantar fasciitis in both feet in Week Five of last season.

“Right now, they’re both going good,” said Youboty. “One is still getting treatment, but once that’s done, I’m ready to go.”

Youboty got his opportunity working with the first unit as the nickel corner as Jauron cautiously inserted him in the lineup.

Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin are also on their way back as they participated in individual position drills.

James Hardy is five months removed from ACL surgery and was working with trainers on the sidelines doing light route running.

Rookie sixth-round pick Cary Harris returned to practice from a minor injury, as did Derek Schouman and Kyle Ward.  

Aaron Schobel has still not been in attendance for this year’s OTAs but is expected to return next week for mandatory minicamp, which begins Tuesday.

Several key players have not participated in OTAs, mostly due to injuries, including John DiGiorgio, James Hardy, C.J. Hawthorne, and P.K. Sam. 

OTAs will continue Monday before the mandatory minicamp begins.

Win One for Ralph: A Tribute to the Buffalo Bills Owner

Ralph Wilson has chosen Chris Berman as his presenter for his induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on August 8, 2009. This is a well deserved honor for long time, and sole owner in the history of the Buffalo Bills.

What would be maybe even a greater honor for Wilson would be for the Bills to win an NFL Championship. In 50 years, the Bills have won two AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965, but have never won a Super Bowl in four tries.

Mr. Wilson realizes that he’s not getting any younger. Since the ’90s AFC Championship teams the Bills have not been a real contender. To reverse that trend, and assure the Bills are a winning team, Wilson reached out and made a move so uncharacteristic for the Bills. He picked up the T.O. show. 

With threats from the fans against renewing their season tickets after some dismal late season performances, something drastic had to be done. Wilson wasn’t willing to get rid of the coach and start from scratch. There is no time for that. If the Bills are going to win now, the staff has to put the tools in place.

Wilson is putting a lot of faith in head coach Dick Jauron who has only one winning season in nine years as a head coach (’01, 13-3).

However, Jauron enters his fourth year as head coach with the Bills and third with Trent Edwards as quarterback. And if you go by history, Marv Levy went to the AFC Championship in his third year with Jim Kelly as quarterback.

Edwards and Kelly’s stats are very similar in their first three years in the NFL, most notably in passes completed (60.8 compared to 59.6), and passer rating (79.1 compared to 83.5).

If the Bills implement the no-huddle, or T-Gun, they can expect better results from Edwards. The season that Levy’s Bills implemented the K-Gun, Kelly threw for 10 more touchdowns and his rating shot up from 78.2 to 86.2.

The time is now. Mr. Wilson, has said he won’t sell the franchise while he is alive, which frankly may not be too much longer. If the Bills keep losing there’s no reason to not seriously consider they might move away, maybe to Toronto: a place that will see a pre- and regular season game for the next few years.

Several Canadian businessmen have expressed interest in buying the team.

Was the Toronto deal that Wilson made an attempt at testing the market for a bid or to provide an influx of cash and buy some time for the franchise to win now?

No one knows what will happen to the franchise after Wilson’s death. After the death of his daughter Linda in May, pro football’s first female scout, he has no family members that have expressed interest in taking over the ownership rights.

Former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly has been rumored to have shown some interest in buying the team. His increased involvement with the team has been more evident the past few seasons and is beneficial to the organization from a visibility standpoint for the fans.

Everyone around Wilson is passing away making 2009 a sad time for Wilson with the death of veteran scout Bob Ryan and former Bills great quarterback, Jack Kemp, in addition to his daughter.

But Wilson continues to press on and persevere with heavy heart.

So, to the 2009 Buffalo Bills: win for yourself, win for your coaches, win for the fans, win for the game, win for the city, win because they said you couldn’t, but most of all, because of his dedication towards the game, win one for Mr. Wilson. 

A Short Recap Of the First 50 Years Of Buffalo Bills Football

Way before I was born, the Buffalo Bills became one of the eight expansion AFL franchises in 1960.

In the early 1960s the Buffalo Bills enjoyed an era of glory behind head coach Lou Saban. Under Saban, the Bills did not allow a rushing touchdown in 17 consecutive games over the 1964-1965 seasons. His record at Buffalo during the AFL years was 36-17-3, with winning seasons in each of his four years.

In 1964 and 1965, the Bills went 12-2 and 10-3-1, en route to consecutive AFL championships. With players like quarterback Jack Kemp, running back Cookie Gilchrist, offensive lineman Billy Shaw, safety George Saimes, defensive tackle Tom Sestak, and wide receiver Elbert Dubenion, the Bills were just short of a dynasty.   

’70s

The Bills entered the NFL in 1970. After a few losing seasons without Saban, coach returned to the Bills from 1972 through 1976. This team was led by Joe Ferguson, O.J. Simpson, and even included receiver Ahmad Rashad.

Though this team never won anything of significance, they helped solidify the Bills position in the NFL, and Simpson broke numerous rushing records behind right guard Joe DeLamielleure.

’80s

The 1980s were highlighted with running back Joe Cribbs, still behind Ferguson for the first few years. They started the decade by winning the division, but went on to lose to San Diego 14-20 in the Divisional playoffs.

In 1986, a new era began with the beginning of Marv Levy’s coaching career with the Buffalo Bills and Jim Kelly’s move from the USFL to the NFL.

After a few losing seasons the 1988 Bills won the AFC East division title led by Kelly, Andre Reed, and Thurman Thomas in his rookie year, under Robb Riddick who scored 12 touchdowns. This team also solidified for many years the great Buffalo defense with Fred Smerlas in the end of his career, Bruce Smith, Daryl Talley, Shane Conlan, Cornelius Bennett, Mark Kelso, and Nate Odomes.

The next year the Bills picked up James Lofton and Kelly threw 25 touchdowns, but they lost to Cleveland in the Divisional Playoffs.

’90s

By 1990, the Bills had solidified themselves as one of the best teams each season and looked to have a dynasty. In the AFC Championship, the Bills defeated the Raiders with the most lopsided victory in the history of the playoffs 51-3, only to fall 20-19 to the NY Giants in the Super Bowl after a missed field-goal that would have given the Bills the victory.

The year 1992 marked the biggest comeback in NFL history in the first round vs. Houston. With Kelly out, Frank Reich came in and brought the Bills back, down 38-3, only to win the game 41-38 in overtime. This momentum took them to the Super Bowl for a third straight year only to lose to the Cowboys team that featured Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin.

They went back to the Super Bowl in 1993 and lost to the Cowboys again, making it four straight lost Super Bowls. After a few more seasons making the playoffs, the Bills started to fall apart later in the 1990s as the greats retired.

In 1998 the Bills were led by Doug Flutie, Eric Moulds, Ted Washington, and still with greats Smith and Reed, went to the playoffs and lost to Miami in the wild card.

The next year the Bills returned to the wild card and experienced the “Music City Miracle” vs. the Titans in a game they were winning with less than a minute left, until they kicked off and…

2000s

They would get Drew Bledsoe from the Patriots in 2002, but faced a couple years of mediocre finishes and never quite made it to the playoffs. One year, they nearly squeezed in the playoffs when in a win-or-go-home situation, they lost to Pittsburgh (who played their reserves) at home.

Next came J.P. Losman who threw for 3,051 yards in 2006, but the Bills went 7-9 and left fans unimpressed. In 2008, the Bills had another 7-9 finish, making it three straight seasons.

They head into the 2009 season with high expectations as fans continue to “Billieve” each year, continuing to buy season tickets in record numbers.

Hoping that this year is “our” year.

The beginning of a new era is upon us with Trent Edwards as the leader, and a solid roster that combines great veterans with young standout players.

How sweet it would be if the team honored the fans, and original owner Ralph Wilson with an NFL Championship in the Bills 50^th season.

 

Buffalo Bills Playbook = Audible 101 (T-Gun)

The 2009 Buffalo Bills are looking to bring a new offense to the field. With all of their new weapons, they are in a great position to instill the no huddle offense. Here are a couple of examples of plays used in the vintage K-Gun via 1994. I have inserted the Buffalo Bills 2009 corresponding receivers to provide illustration if the type of mismatches opposing defenses will be faced with.

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