Bills notebook: Third down has been a problem
Published: October 07, 2009, 4:11 pm
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Through four games, the numbers aren't pretty for the Buffalo Bills offense. They're especially grotesque when it comes to third downs.
Sunday in Miami, the Bills converted just 1 of 11 chances on third down, their worst performance since going 0 of 7 in a 29-6 loss to the New England Patriots on Nov. 14, 2004.
Going back to last season's loss to Miami in Toronto, the Bills have gone 2 for 21 on third downs in the last two games against the Dolphins. The team ranks 30th in the NFL in third-down conversions, with a success rate of 23.4 percent.
"It's clear when you only convert on one third down, the odds of you having a very good day are very low," Bills coach Dick Jauron said. "We've got to get a lot better there."
Jauron said third-down conversions have been a serious problem in the last two weeks, but a closer look reveals it's been a season-long struggle. The third down numbers for each game: 4 for 10 against New England, 4 for 12 against Tampa Bay, 2 for 14 against New Orleans and Sunday's 1 for 11.
Asked to detail what has been the problem, Jauron was curt in his response.
"No, I wouldn't detail them for you. You can see them on the course of Sundays. We're not converting. I can go there, but to detail them would mean to tell you who I blame, is that what you're asking for? And I blame myself," he said.
The return of running back Marshawn Lynch did little to spark the offense. Lynch carried eight times for just 4 yards and caught five passes for 43 yards. He was in the same backfield as running back Fred Jackson about 10 times Sunday, the majority of which came in third-down situations.
Looking for the silver lining to the black cloud hanging over One Bills Drive? The team made it through an entire game without a long-term injury to a starter.
Now, the bad news. None of the injured starters sound like they'll be ready to return for Sunday's game against Cleveland. Jauron indicated safeties Donte Whitner (thumb) and Bryan Scott (high ankle sprain), left tackle Demetrius Bell (groin) and linebacker Paul Posluszny (arm) are all still listed as week to week.
Given the performance of a makeshift offensive line Sunday, Bell's status is of particular concern.
"They were a group that got kind of singled out after the game. They had their times where they needed to play better. So did a lot of other positions," Jauron said of the offensive line.
The coach reiterated the team hasn't ruled out looking for help at the position outside the organization.
"We try to make the decisions that we think our the best for our football team," he said. "It hasn't been for a lack of looking and having people come through."
Also, Bills receiver Terrell Owens stayed in Miami after the game and did not travel back with the team, presumably with Jauron's approval. Owens posted some Twitter messages from Miami on Sunday night.
First-round pick Aaron Maybin has seen a steady decrease in playing time. In the season opener against New England, Maybin saw 38 snaps. That number dropped to 27 against Tampa, then 13 against the Saints and 14 (in 73 plays) versus Miami.
"Our plan was to work him in," Jauron said of Maybin. "He is a work in progress. He's doing a pretty good job and he's learning. It was a hot day, obviously. They kept the ball ... so we needed to swing guys in and out."
Maybin has just two tackles in four games.
"All I can do is what the coaches ask of me, so when they put me in there I'm just trying to make something happen," he said.
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