No-Huddle, Apparently A Problem Now

Yesterday Buffalo played the Green Bay Packers in what was supposed to be a pre-season measuring stick for how far this team has progressed.  To the dismay of many fans, Buffalo’s starters put on a dismal performance against a very game opponent in Green Bay.  Although the final score would suggest that Buffalo played a decent game, it was their reserves who did any and all the damage for the Bills.  With a final score of 31-21, having Green Bay coming out on top, at half time the score was actually 24-0 for the Packers.  Poor execution led the Bills to turn the ball over as well as be predictable while running a no-huddle offense.  

The purpose of the no-huddle offense is to catch other teams off guard by making them rush into setting up their defensive formations as well as not allowing proper substitutions by the defense.  This will lead to defensive players being out of position as well as defensive lineman to wear out and be unable to attack the line of scrimmage.  Trent Edwards did a poor job at executing the Bills game plan.  On several plays Edwards was too slow to the line of scrimmage as well as took far to long to have the ball snapped.  Although these may seem like trivial points, they are fundamental mistakes that made the no-huddle offense pointless.  Edwards needs to review the tape and understand that the purpose of his new offense is to keep the offense on it’s “toes.”  The defense was allowed to set up and have time to make any adjustments they needed to in order to better read into what Edwards and the Bills were planning to do.

Terrell Owens sat out this game but was not the reason his team was ineffective at moving the offense down field.  Buffalo’s offensive line did have problem stopping Green Bay from effectively reaching Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson (side not, Jackson outplayed Lynch again).  Marshawn has again shown that he does not posses the vision to successfully be a feature back in this league.  Although the offensive line should shoulder a majority of the blame for the lack of gains from the running backs, Marshawn Lynch needs to carry some of that blame as well.  Marshawn was unable to follow his blockers or really do anything above and beyond attempting to hit the hole.  Not to say that it isn’t important that he hit the correct hole, but a 7th round draft pick can do that.  For his sake I hope he reviews the game tape as well as tape from his rookie season to understand what the difference is in his running styles.  

It is hard to be sour on the defence this game as the offense did not give the defence a chance to take a break in the first half.  The offense consistently gave their own defense poor field position to defend from.  The Bills did stop a first quarter 4th and 1 attempt by Green Bay when they stopped Ryan Grant who was attempting to run it for the first down.  Reggie Corner also is emerging as a viable option to get extended playing time as he continues to impress by having a nose for the ball (1 int).  The pass rush for the Bills in the first half was again not very impressive.  To their credit they were facing a quarterback who should emerge as a top 5 QB this year (fantasy and statistically) in Aaron Rodgers, who showed a quick release and an ability to make quick decisions.

It was painful to watch the Bills starters in this game.  I usually try and find the silver lining in every game the Bills play but at this point all I can muster up is the thought that some major improvements need to happen for them to be able to compete for a wild card spot, let alone a division title.  Although Edwards’ interception was a tipped ball he must take responsibility that the throw was a little late and should have been thrown sooner.  Ultimately, the offense under Edwards has been hit or miss and he must tighten the reigns and become more consistent and become quicker in his decision making before the huddle and during each play.  The offense will never be able to go further than where Trent can take it.  After this game it is important that he realize the no-huddle’s success depends on him and him alone at this point.

Tags: Aaron Rodgers, Buffalo Bills, Fred Jackson, Green Bay Packers, Marshawn Lynch, Ryan Grant, Terrell Owens, Trent Edwards