Buffalo vs Chicago – No Huddle, No Problem.

Here we are two games into the preseason and the Buffalo Bills appear to have finally implemented the right offense for this team.  On Saturday the Buffalo Bills were matched up against the Chicago Bears.  Although  the score would suggest that this game was close, it was anything but that.  Buffalo had managed to win 27-20.  The exciting part in this game was not the win, as preseason games have nothing to do with wins and loses and more to do with growth and learning systems.  What was truly remarkable was the efficiency Trent Edwards was able to show against Chicago’s defence. 

Edwards went a healthy 10-10 for 79 yards while utilizing the no huddle offense.  With Terrell Owens sidelined with a sprained toe, Trent Edwards was able to find Lee Evans, who unfortunately was the odd man out with zero catches in the first preseason game against Tennessee.  This is the second good defence Trent has faced and has shown improvement in reading defences and reacting to the developing plays in front of him.  The only downside that seems to get lost in Buffalo’s celebration seems to be that Edwards was sacked twice.

It should be noted that Chicago did sit Matt Forte and Greg Olsen for this game.  That being said there is never an excuse for any team (even in preseason) to turn the ball over 5 times.  Jay Cutler was supposed to be the saviour of a franchise that has had some very bad luck at the QB position.  From Cade McNown to Craig Krenzel, over the last 20 years Chicago has had some of the best defences to go along with some of the most unfortunate Quarterbacking.  I have always viewed Jay Cutler as having the potential to be another Jeff George.  He has a cannon for an arm but the intelligence and/or maturity of a freshman in high school.  Jay Cutler’s move to Chicago made him a sniper without any targets.  Yes he may have Devin Hester, but as he showed on Saturday, he has difficulty getting Hester the ball.  Hester was a phenomenal return artist for the Bears who decided to turn him into a WR.  Although skilled he still only stands 5′11″ at most.  Jay Cutler made Hester’s job increasingly difficult on Saturday as he was very obvious in his attempts to find the receiver trying 6 passes to Hester and connecting on only 2. 

Buffalo forced 5 turnovers which consisted of 4 interceptions and one forced fumble.  Another stat in this game that seemed to not make any headlines were the three sacks Buffalo was able to get against Chicago’s offensive line.  There are some question marks on the defensive side of the ball for the Bills, but none as big as the Bills pass rush.  Chris Ellis was able to contribute with a sack and he recovered a fumble.  Rookie Nic Harris was also in the mix in getting a sack.  This is great news for Buffalo as their pass rush appeared to make serious strides since their last preseason game against Tennessee.   Another Positive for Buffalo was to see some of their younger players step up and make some drive changing plays. 

With two preseason games in the record books it is great to see that camp time is translating into game time success.  Buffalo’s offense seems more in tune with each other and Trent Edwards seems to really understand his role as the field general of this team.  Although the offensive line does need work, they have made improvements in their assignments and play recognition, the line still has a lot to learn though.  The pass rush improved from not existing against Tennessee to playing well against Chicago.  It is now important for the Bills players to carry that momentum and display consistency int his area.  Buffalo’s preseason record so far is 1-1, as the team continues to grow and show improvement.  Next up is Green Bay, Go Pass Rush Go!

Tags: Buffalo Bills, Cade MCNown, Chicago Bears, Chris Ellis, Craig Krenzel, Greg Olsen, Jay Cutler, Jeff George, Lee Evans, Matt Forte, Nic Harris, Tennessee Titans, Terrell Owens, Trent Edwards