Bills break camp on offensive
Improvement satisfies both players, coaches
PITTSFORD — The members of the Buffalo Bills’ offense headed for home Wednesday feeling pretty good about themselves.
The offense generally looked well organized over 27 days of training camp and saw its progress affirmed, to a degree, by the strong showing in last Thursday’s preseason game against Pittsburgh. The offensive execution arguably was the most significant development of the Bills’ camp.
“We’ve gotten better on offense since we got here, and that was our intention,” said offensive coordinator Turk Schonert. “In terms of our communication, understanding the system, knowing their roles, execution— we’ve gotten better.”
Quarterback Trent Edwards displayed good accuracy and quick decision- making — his two big strengths — during camp. Balls generally were not hitting the ground when Edwards threw. Even though he sat out Wednesday’s final camp workout with a thigh bruise he, too, saw signs for optimism.
“I know we’ve had a few guys dinged up here and there throughout the camp, but I thought we did a great job in terms of our installation and our play-calling, and I liked the diversity we had in our offense this camp,” Edwards said. “And I’m excited and anxious to see where this offense goes this season. It’s going to be a little bit different than last year just with Turk calling the plays now.”
Edwards seems to have a much better connection with receiver Lee Evans this summer. Evans was the most frequent target of the starting quarterback’s passes. Receivers Josh Reed and Roscoe Parrish both look ready to be significant contributors. Rookie receiver James Hardy has missed nine days of practices since July 31, but he also has showed signs of contributing immediately. He has had few drops in practice and scored a touchdown in Washington.
“He’s coming on,” Schonert said. “He’s working hard. He’s spent a lot of time with [receivers coach Tyke Tolbert] in the classroom. It’s unfortunate he’s had the hamstring problem. But he was doing well before he was injured. He’s a big target.”
The Bills also should have a quality one-two punch at running back. Marshawn Lynch is in phenomenal condition, and Fred Jackson has impressed throughout camp with his sure hands and run-after-catch ability.
“Both those guys have been outstanding,” said Schonert, who is trying to revive the NFL’s 30th-ranked attack. “We’re counting on both of them to be playmakers for us and they’ve showed they can make plays.”
Here’s a roundup of observations on the Bills’ stay at St. John Fisher College:
• Biggest disappointment: A no-brainer — the holdout of left tackle Jason Peters. With Peters, the Bills’ offense would appear capable of a big step forward from last season’s dismal showing. Without him, the Bills will have to devote more bodies to pass protection, which will hinder the attack. There are 17 days until the season opener against Seattle.
• Rookies look good: The 2008 rookie class should make an impact. Top pick Leodis McKelvin already has a kickoff return for a touchdown. While he probably will not beat out Jabari Greer and start at cornerback for the opener, his coverage talent is evident.
“If you look at Leodis’ two games, he’s had two mistakes in two games,” defensive coordinator Perry Fewell said. “He did not contain the screen against Washington and let in a touchdown. In the Pittsburgh game, Hines Ward ran what we call a ‘Bang Eight,’ or a skinny post on him, and he turned the wrong way. But he came back the next time and corrected himself, so that was a really good sign for us. He’s really focused in ball-games, and I’m pleased with the progress he’s making.”
Meanwhile, cornerback Reggie Corner had a strong camp. He seems much more game-ready than one would expect from a fourth-round pick from Akron.
The Bills saw a glimpse of Chris Ellis’ ability with his sack and forced fumble against Pittsburgh. He also chased J. P. Losman down on a scramble this week. He needs to gain more strength, like most rookie defensive ends. But he could help as a reserve. Derek Fine did well in blocking drills and has good hands. However, it’s tough for rookie tight ends to make an immediate impact.
Seventh-round pick Demetrius Bell has been a pleasant surprise. This is only his fourth season of football. But he has a powerful lower body and a big frame. Don’t count on anything from him this year, but he might develop faster than expected.
• Answering the bell: The pressure was on cornerback Ashton Youboty to produce this camp, and he has had a better showing than the past two years. He did give up a long touchdown pass against Pittsburgh. But he’s willing to give up his body and be physical against the run. He has made some pickoffs in practice. And Bobby April likes his special teams play.
“I told Ashton in front of the defense that I have a lot of respect for him because he came out in this camp and he competed,” Fewell said. “He knew he needed to step up and perform and in my opinion he did that. I really have just loved the way he’s competed in this camp.”
There’s a suspicion the Bills could be showcasing Youboty for a trade. He’s sixth on the cornerback depth chart. But the Bills could keep six corners.
• Strong in middle: Marcus Stroud did not miss a single practice, and his surgically repaired ankle has not been an issue. He has great natural strength and packs a powerful punch with his hands, as guard Brad Butler discovered when he was bowled over during a one-on-one drill. In practice, Stroud hasn’t shown quite the same shoot-the-gap quickness as, say, ex-Bill Pat Williams exhibited. But that’s less important to the current Bills group than stoutness.
• DT competition: Kyle Williams retains a hold on the starting defensive tackle spot, ahead of John McCargo due to greater consistency. McCargo didn’t do much versus Washington but was good against Pittsburgh. He has quickness and will get the chance to produce in the DT rotation.
• The third running back: Dwayne Wright and Xavier Omon continue to battle. Wright is a big back who runs hard. He went downhill against the Steelers. But he also needs to lower his pads and has fumbled in both preseason games. One thing coach Dick Jauron has little patience for is turnovers. Omon is smaller but might be better than Wright at breaking tackles. Wright remains the favorite.
• What it all means: Jauron was honest in his big-picture appraisal of the Bills as they broke camp.
“There is just very little way to tell until you start playing games,” Jauron said.
mgaughan@buffnews.com and awilson@buffnews.com
