A Look at the Bills, In the Trenches
The Bill’s defensive front seven is somewhat similar to our own. They are on the small side. They have no fat guys. They have been less than stellar at getting to the opposing quarterback. They seem to have a lot of heart, but the front seven is not the strength of the Bill’s team. They are trying to grow their own through the draft as much as possible. They line up in a standard 4-3 and play a base Cover 2.
The starter at Left Defensive End is #90 Christopher Kelsay who is 6’4” and 261. He was drafted out of Nebraska in 2003. His backup is Ryan Denney who hails from Brighton CO. Denny is a tall 6’7” and 264 lbs. He was drafted by Buffalo in 2002 from BYU and wears #92.
The Left Defensive Tackle is #99 Marcus Stroud. Stroud is 6’6” and 310 lbs. He is perhaps the most recognizable name on the Bill’s front seven. He is in his eighth year in the NFL and spent the first seven with Jacksonville. His backup is Spencer Johnson who is 6’3” and 286 and wears #91.
Kyle Williams starts at Right Defensive Tackle. Williams is 6’1” and 306.He was drafted by Buffalo in 2006 out of LSU and wears #95.
The Left Defensive End is Copeland Bryan who is in his second year out of Arizona. He is 6’4” and 253 and wears #96. Bryan replaces Aaron Schobel who hasn’t played since week five and was finally placed on the IR last week. The other DE the Bills have is rookie Chris Ellis who is 6’4” and 261 and wears #93.
The Weak Side Linebacker is 6’1” 253 lb. Kawika Mitchell. He wears #59 and we are very familiar with Mr. Mitchell from his four years with the chefs. He is in his second year with Buffalo.
Paul Posluszny wearing #51 starts at Middle Linebacker. He is 6’1” and 238 lbs. He is in his second year out of Penn State.
The Strong Side Linebacker is Keith Ellison. Ellison is 6’ even and 229. He wears #56 and was drafted out of Oregon in 2006.
The offensive line is a different story. These guys are huge and will definitely give our D-Line and Linebackers a handful.
Starting at Right tackle is Langston Walker, #68. Walker is 6’6” and 366. We recognize Walker from the five years he played for the raiders. This is his second year with Buffalo. His backup is Kirk Chambers #73 who is 6’7” and 315. He is a four year veteran of the NFL and in his second year with Buffalo.
The Center is the smallest man on the line at 6’3” and 310 lbs. Melvin Fowler wears #67 and is in his third year with Buffalo. Brian Galliford from the Buffalo Rumblings site didn’t seem to keen on Fowler and if they take him out his replacement is Duke Preston. Preston wears #75 and is 6’5” and weighs 326. Preston was drafted by Buffalo in 2005 from Illinois.
The Left Guard is Derrick Dockery #66. Dockery is 6’6” and 330. He is in his third year with Buffalo.
The Left Tackle is Jason Peters. Peters is 6’4” and 340. He is in his fifth year, all with Buffalo. He wears #71. Peters was named to the pro-bowl over our Ryan Clady, much to the dismay of the MHR faithful. Even if we feel Clady was overlooked, we still must recognize a formidable opponent this week.
Buffalo has three Tight Ends on the roster. Robert Royal is 6’4” and 255lbs. He is a seven year veteran, the last four with Buffalo. #84 has 30 receptions for 313 yards. Ryan Clady might get a chance to reacquaint himself with an old teammate from Boise State, Derek Schouman. Schouman is 6’2” and 223 and in his second year, both with Buffalo. He has 13 receptions so far this year for 147 yards. Look for #80. The third Tight End is rookie Derek Fine. Fine is 6’3” and 247. He wears #86 and has caught eight passes this year for 86 yards.
Firstfan’s conclusions: We should be able to move the ball. Our O-Line should be able to give Cutler plenty of time and they should be able to open some cutback lanes for our (could it be seventh?) string running back, whoever that might be. On the other side of the ball things could be different. The Buffalo offensive line matches up well against our defense front seven. These guys could give Edwards or Losman time to exploit weaknesses in our secondary exposed last week by Carolina. In addition, this huge line could open plenty of holes for Marshawn Lynch to blast through. This unit does zone block, but they have the size and strength to pound the line man on man if they need to. In goal line situations we can look for the push to come over Peters and Dockery. We do not want to give these guys a huge TOP advantage. It is really tough for Cutler and Co. to score when they are riding the pine. I am certain that later in the week HT and TedBartlett will give much more in-depth analysis and will include the “skill” positions, but at least this gives us a glimpse at the cast of characters we will face on the lines. I think we can beat the Bills, but not if we don’t come with our “A” game, In the Trenches.
GO BRONCOS!!
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
7 recs |
51 comments
Comments
No Doubt.
Who will carry the rock? That is my biggest question. You made the point that the mismatch is there. Someone step up! (Selvin.)
From what the Buffalo Rumblings Brian G said, Marshawn Lynch is his most inspiring player. Last season he had a taste of success against the Broncos and will probably try to build off of that. He will still play like he wants it. I think the Broncos want it more. They better.
Before we get too excited about what the Broncos are going to do against a team that is 1-7 in their last 8, remember their special teamers Parrish and McKelvin. They both have home run ability and… I am having a bad vision of those 80+ yard runback for td gamekillers that I hate. Help!
One game. This game. That is what we need. That is what the Broncos need. Make a Statement! Let all of the naysayers blab their poo poo and watch as our Orange Crush marches into the money season with a knot in their pocket. All Ready!
by precisiontint on Dec 17, 2008 8:26 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
We can do it, but if we go into this game with the attiude that all we have to do is show up, Buffalo will grind us out. You also accurately point out the strength on ST’s. Hopefully we will se some of the production from K2 that we expected in July.
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 17, 2008 10:03 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
biggest o-line in the nfl
if any of you caught the jets game sunday, they pretty much hammered the defense all day. and of course, we are going to give losman all day to throw, don’t forget. this game will be tougher than expected. the bills st’s are one of the best, and killed the jets last week. and we have no running game i could see(hope for pope). so, this brings us to our usual chance at winning the game, jay cutler and the passing game. who is replacing kuper, k-lich? something to keep an eye on, in the trenches. last week, we lost the game in the trenches, with carolina’s front four doing most of the damage. we should have opportunities in the air this week, but the d-line will need to hold their own to give us the w, and the division title. i’m going to enjoy these articles more next season, when we have a d-line to talk about more. no excuses broncos, get it done, or be done. and for christ’s sake slowick, blitz! this is j.p. freakin’ losman here, that is your cue
hear me, perpetrators of bread crime, your punishment is at hand.
taste my blintzkrieg!
by davecheffy on Dec 17, 2008 8:56 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Bills QB
Looks like the Bills might start Gibran Hamdan at QB. Edwards is out, and they’ve given up on Losman, so why not see what this kid can do? All I know about him is how to spell his name. And I think he played in Europe.
When the Gods are angry with someone, they give him what he asks for.
Greek Proverb
by bradley on Dec 17, 2008 1:32 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually – Edwards looks like he is going to start and Hamdan will be #2.
Which is great because all of us in Bills territory are very happy Losman is done playing in a Bills uniform. If the report is true
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Dec 17, 2008 2:09 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I am thinking Kuper will play.
From the Bills perspective, just think of the headlines in Buffalo should their Pro Bowl tackle get hurt this week and be sidelined. “Bills Will Play With peter’s Out This Week.”
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 17, 2008 10:08 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
niiice......
Check out the website listed below...
by EastCoastBronco on Dec 17, 2008 11:05 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Good One
It’s supposed to be cold though.
Touchdowns win championships?
Hillis for starter. He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.
by 53guys on Dec 19, 2008 5:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
2 words.
Little scarves.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 20, 2008 12:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, this is real football! Manly football! Down and dirty in the trenches.
Thanks firstfan.
Where do you think the Broncos have the best match-ups, when they run the ball?
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Dec 17, 2008 10:31 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Stick with our Zone Block
I don’t think Buffalo’s Linebackers are the fastest in the league. When we get our zone “wall” set up any one of our RB’s (I am going to guess Bell) can get into the secondary. One of their best corners, Jabari Greer, has been injured and I think will be doubtful this week. We might get some decent runs in spite of the commonly held belief that we have to pass all game.
If Buffalo plays like they did against the Jets last week and we play like we did against the Panthers, we might very well be in for a play-off game the following week in Sandy Eggo. I don’t think that will happen, but it sure is a possibility.
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 17, 2008 10:55 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Based on last week and Atlanta
I would like to see Pope get a majority of the carries. He impressed in Atlanta with the few carries he had and was our leading rusher last week.
"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game
"Superman wears Peyton Hillis pajamas" - FlaBronco
by DesertBroncoFan on Dec 17, 2008 11:44 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Pope would be my choice as well.
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 17, 2008 12:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks firstfan. Good stuff.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Dec 17, 2008 11:33 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
fellow bills fan
We should be able to move the ball. Our O-Line should be able to give Cutler plenty of time
If you have decent pass protection I wouldn’t worry about our pass rush. Denny and Kelsay get almost zero pressure on the QB. Stroud usually gets doubled. Don’t forget our other DT Kyle Williams – he is very underappreciated but also a very hard worker and plays well.
Our rush defense has given up big plays – but we can definately keep teams from running on us.
As far as our pass defense – if you see our corners (especially McGee) 10 yards off the ball expect quick slants and they will work to a “T”. It really hurts that Greer is out.
On Offense – Lynch is just a “beast” – and I mean that literally. After you watch this guy run the ball you’ll want one of your own. He’s simply amazing. Fred Jackson as well – he is under the radar at the moment but definately a good compliment to Lynch.
If trent is under center he will be able to move the ball. He has shown that. Playcalling in the red zone can hurt our offense.
Also – as far as special teams – our return guys in McKelvin and Parrish are the two best in the league as far as i’m concerned. Their very special. Plus we have Brian Moorman who is pretty much clutch – it has been an “off” year for him. but our punter has been our MVP for the better part of the decade now -IMO
our kicker – Lindell is pretty much money inside the 40 – outside he isn’t as good. But his confidence has been shaken it seems so we’ll see.
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Dec 17, 2008 2:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
"If you have decent pass protection"
11 sacks given up all season (3 last week, 1 phantom sack thanks to Ed Hochuli, 1 on backup QB currently on IR).
"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game
"Superman wears Peyton Hillis pajamas" - FlaBronco
by DesertBroncoFan on Dec 17, 2008 3:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
our d-line
expect a 4-man rush all day, no surprises, and the time to get comfortable throwing short passes over the wide-open middle of the field, where noone will be covering the te’s, so i’ve seen. i don’t think it matters who your qb is at all, actually, we make most of them look really sharp. tell your linemen to hold dumervil, it won’t be called, trust me. i would use long-developing plays against our rookie corner(bell), and everything over the middle of the field, with 2 rookie safeties back there, one an actual lb, and one playing in the endzone, by himself. our ends are soft around the edges, so that should be there as well. up the gut, you’ll eventually pop one, so keep trying. misdirection, reversing field, very effective. wow, this is easy, i wonder if i could be an OC, at least against this defense. i mean, what is our strength right now? i’ll wait for an answer
hear me, perpetrators of bread crime, your punishment is at hand.
taste my blintzkrieg!
by davecheffy on Dec 17, 2008 3:07 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
That's why I want the running game to work
It keeps the defense off the field.
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 17, 2008 3:19 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
You make it sound like our Defense is bad. :)
Totally honest, funny post.
Rec’d
by sadaraine on Dec 17, 2008 4:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Well we are getting better
thus showing there was room for improvement. Perhaps there still is. Thanks sadaraine.
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 17, 2008 4:51 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I know your post was partly in jest...
but I ‘d say our team strength on defense is speed. Particularly sideline to sideling. We’re pretty good at stopping sweeps and flat routes.
by PosterNutbag on Dec 18, 2008 1:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
With respect...
I would disagree. I also think the editor of Buffalo Ramblings disagrees in his Q&A session. The defense against the sweeps is (in my opinion) the wide alignment of the OLBs in the cover two. I’ve wondered for some time about the types of OLBs and DLmen that the Bills use, which make the Bills defense more of a classic Cover Two and less of a true Tampa Two. But I would definately not call the OLBs speedy, coverage types at all.
Another odd matching is the big OL n Buffalo, even though they run a lot of zone block.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 18, 2008 4:45 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I may take a gander and say that though the Bills line is "huge", to me that translates into "FAT".
Those fat linemen will have problems against Dumervil or Moss in the passing game, but will utterly destroy them in the run game. I say we play heavy against the run and let out pass rush specialists eat Losman up. Whatdoyasay? :)
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Dec 17, 2008 4:53 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah yeah!
We should totally use the exact same defense we used against Carolina. That would be sweet…it isn’t like the Bills have a real threat at WR! There is NO WAY they would do the same kind of damage that Smith did last week.
by sadaraine on Dec 17, 2008 5:13 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Not Fat
These guys are big! Dockery = 6’6" 330 / Peters (the pro-bowl bound) = 6’4" 330 / Walker = 6’8" 366 / Butler =6’7" 315 and Fowler = 6’3" 310 They are big and strong. I do no know how fast they are, but they are not tubs of lard.
I say it will be a really good test of our front seven, particularly our rotation at the front four. Thanks for the comment Zappa!
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 17, 2008 5:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Just trying to pump us fans up for the game a little.
“It’s all over fat MEN”
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
by Tim Lynch on Dec 17, 2008 6:51 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
"We got 'em where we want 'em now"
Keith Bishop.
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 17, 2008 9:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Is that a play on the Tom Jackson line?
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Dec 18, 2008 1:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
refering to Zappa's quote.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Dec 18, 2008 1:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Note my sig…
"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game
"Superman wears Peyton Hillis pajamas" - FlaBronco
by DesertBroncoFan on Dec 18, 2008 2:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Alright!
I forgot about your sig, mea culpa.
If this be Hell, let us make the most of it!
by Trinidad Jack on Dec 19, 2008 12:45 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Except
Losman is going to be third string behind Edwards (likely starter) and Gibran Hamdan either starting or backing up Edwards.
"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game
"Superman wears Peyton Hillis pajamas" - FlaBronco
by DesertBroncoFan on Dec 18, 2008 11:54 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Edwards has been out a while (over a month?)
he might be a little rusty.
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 18, 2008 12:31 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks FirstFan
It is incredible how big these men are. I hope Doom eats Peters alive. That O-line is huge!!
by Steve O' on Dec 18, 2008 2:59 PM MST reply actions 0 recs
Doom eats Peter's
I don’t like that headline either….
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 18, 2008 3:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Why can't we edit our comments again?
by Steve O' on Dec 18, 2008 3:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
So we can laugh at each other's expense.
: )
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 18, 2008 4:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO!!
Awesome, Steve O. That reminds me of Rich Gannon’s “Jay Cutler likes to force it into tight areas.”
"During MHR Radio we laugh, sing, listen, shed a few tears, and learn all of Papi's dirty secrets." -TSG 12/7/08
by papigrande on Dec 19, 2008 9:16 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Funny stuff
I hope none of the Broncos eat any peters. They should be focused on the game!
Touchdowns win championships?
Hillis for starter (next year). He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.
by 53guys on Dec 19, 2008 6:07 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Some quick minor corrections:
Copeland Bryan is not our starter at right end; Ryan Denney is. Bryan has been hurt, but should play in a backup role this week. Rookie Chris Ellis is on IR.
Our starting center is Duke Preston, not Melvin Fowler. They both suck equally, but hey – Duke weighs 16 more pounds than Melvin. That’s something, I guess.
Our line does not typically struggle with speed rushers. Jason Peters, even at 340+ pounds, is one of the most nimble and athletic linemen you’ll ever see. Speed rushers do give us more problems than power rushers, though, so you guys will get some pressure on Edwards – especially since you’ll drop a bunch into coverage and make Trent sit in the pocket and wait for a guy to get open.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see you guys spy on our quarterback, either. Edwards isn’t the most mobile guy, but our QBs can make you pay on the ground – they’ve got five rushing touchdowns this season. I’ve been quite shocked that no one has spied to date – a spy on our QB would render our passing game utterly ineffective, as our QB rushes have been a good bail-out more often than not.
Otherwise, good job. :)
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Dec 19, 2008 9:12 AM MST reply actions 0 recs
Can this Gibran Hamdan thing run?
And seriously, what is a Gibran Hamdan?? How’s it looking on the Buffalo camp? Will Edwards get the nod and how tender is that groin?
"During MHR Radio we laugh, sing, listen, shed a few tears, and learn all of Papi's dirty secrets." -TSG 12/7/08
by papigrande on Dec 19, 2008 9:17 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
A Gibran Hamdan is a quarterback. And in terms of straight-line speed, he’s the swiftest of Buffalo quarterbacks.
Trent Edwards has practiced fully all week and is a virtual lock to play on Sunday. No word on how tender or otherwise his groin is.
Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more
by Brian Galliford on Dec 19, 2008 11:25 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs
I have a friend who celebrates Gibran Hamdan
every year. He does a little “fasting”, gets out a whole bunch of “sacks”, and of course, he throws a couple of “interceptions”….
Sounded wittier in my head.
Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.
by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 19, 2008 12:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
"Rolling eyes"
Or there’s “Didn’t he write a book called ‘The Prophet’?”
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 19, 2008 12:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
That was his brother Kaleel Hamdan
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 19, 2008 2:45 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Really, it was by Khalil Gibran.
More on it here</a. Not my cup of tea, but big in its time.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 20, 2008 12:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
It's a middle eastern name.
"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe
by Steve Nichols on Dec 19, 2008 12:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the corrections Brian
Most NFL teams do not keep their depth charts up to date on nfl.com and keeping track of who is whom can be very difficult, particularly in the trenches.
It all starts in the trenches HT 11/11/08
by firstfan on Dec 19, 2008 2:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully Clady snub will be motivation for the D-line this week
Would like to see some pressure on Edwards by the front four and make Peters look bad. Maybe that would be some justice, we get some sacks, clinch the AFC West with a win, and Peters can go hang out during the off season and watch the Broncos in the playoffs.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
by Broncoman on Dec 19, 2008 12:00 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

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