Tim Graham: "Bills Roundup: Pass Rush Makes Buffalo Contender"

[Thurman#1]

http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-c...contender.html


He's referencing several stories found around the web, including an interesting article by Daniel Jeremiah on the relationship of sacks to championships.

[steve2006]

Having that capability is certainly gonna help. Passing league or no passing league though, I think opponents will be testing the Bills run defense along with ability to shutdown underneath passes in an effort to try to suppress the pass rush. As Buddy stated, "gotta be able to stop the run before you can pressure the QB."

[dddaryl]

Injuries are the ONLY thing that could keep this team from competing in January

[bilzfancy]

Injuries are the ONLY thing that could keep this team from competing in January

I've got to agree with this, unless Chan abandons the running game again, though I doubt he will.

[TigerJ]

I clinked on the article Graham linked to on John Potter, the kickoff specialist the Bills drafted. It was pretty Interesting. (I had already seen the Jeremiah article on the importance of sacks.) Bruce DeHaven wants potter to kick touchbacks at a 70% clip (versus Lindell's 24% clip last season). Lindell will keep the job of attempting field goals but if Potter can have opponents starting at their 20 yard line a sufficient percentage of the time it sounds like he'll make the team and the Bills will groom him to be their full time kicking specialist when Lindell retires (or gets released). So far, the Bills like what they see from Potter.

[rhinocoach]

I've got to agree with this, unless Chan abandons the running game again, though I doubt he will.

It would cost him his job if he goes away from huge gains on the ground & clock management.
With your D giving you 1-2 more possessions a game you have to use the clock and run the ball.
Fitz may have had success in shoot-outs early last season but I don't think that anyone is confusing us w/ the Saints.
Run the ball chan, Run the ball.