Stop The Cliches, No One Actually Can Give 110%.

It was a tough broadcast to listen to as Buffalo took on, but ultimately lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars.  It was cliche heaven, and yet for the true fan it really made no sense.  One of the biggest questions that gets asked when a coaching change is made is how will the players respond?  Throughout the Buffalo game and even at halftime observations were being made that this team seems to be playing harder and may have something to prove.  The honest fact is that Buffalo played with relatively the same intensity as they usually do, the only difference was the play calling.

On offense, Buffalo finally decided to go to Terrell Owens early and often.  The offence appeared to play with much more confidence and move the chains because as Terrell got going it appeared that the offense had a player they could believe in who was helping to move the chains.  The sleeping giant that was Terrell Owens had finally risen from hibernation and the offense was following suit.  What the offense was not doing was moving the ball because Dick Jauron was now gone.  That is a misconception.  I would be very surprised if coach Jauron was on any one’s mind during the planning or playing of this game.

Although it was a much better product that took to the field on Sunday, there were still some very painful moments to watch.  Marshawn Lynch eventually left the game, but not before he gained an astounding 18 yards on 8 carries.  As bad as Ryan Fitzpatrick had looked throwing the ball, Marshawn did not make things any easier by having his longest rush go for 5 yards.  If you are doing the math at home that would mean his other 7 carries went for 13 yards…WOW.  But again broadcasters and analysts alike all use the same cliche when describing Buffalo’s tandem of Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch; a two headed monster.  I have yet to hear an analyst call a spade a spade when looking at Marshawn Lynch’s productivity.  Lynch would eventually leave with an injury and the cliches flew again; phrases similar to how Buffalo can’t afford this right now as Marshawn means to much to this offense.

18 yards.  Up to that point Buffalo was losing 18 yards of productivity.  That is one first down.  That is 0.1 more yards than the average Roy Williams reception.  3.2 yards per carry; this is Marshawn’s average rushing this season.  1 touchdown, heck, Ryan Denney (DE) has one touchdown.  This is the ultra-important running back that everyone, analysts and commentators alike, have been referring to as the cornerstone to this offense?  Numbers don’t lie and Marshawn’s are telling a whole different truth.

This game was significant though as Buffalo finally played with some urgency and purpose.  Too often this season Owens seemed disengaged from the game of football.  As bad as Ryan Fitzpatrick’s throws were, the one thing he has that Trent Edwards does not, is the ability to understand the importance of getting certain players involved early.  Fitzpatrick worked tirelessly to feed Owens the ball and it paid off.  While Edwards was the QB, he would not even give Owens the benefit of the doubt and let him try to make a play for the ball.  It is hard to blame Owens for losing interest throughout the season, as a potential Hall of Fame player who can still be productive was just an after thought for Trent Edwards.  I am sure Edwards did want to get the ball to Owens.  But it is not about intentions, it is about results, and Edwards was not able to generate them.

Tags: Buffalo Bills, Dick Jauron, Fred Jackson, Lee Evans, Marshawn Lynch, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Terrell Owens, Trent Edwards