Bailey won't shadow opponent's best reciever

[dragondawg]

No movement

Buffalo’s top receiver, Lee Evans, had 1,292 yards last season. Second receiver Peerless Price had only 402. Despite the large difference, Broncos assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates said his general philosophy won’t be to move top cornerback Champ Bailey around to shadow the opponent’s best receiver.

http://www.gazette.com/sports/rice_26915___article.html/practice_broncos.html

[yavoon]

booooo

[Hogan11]

It's no big deal, Bly can handle Evans or any team's top WR just as effectively. Bailey may be the better CB, but Bly isn't that far behind him enough to worry about such things IMHO.

[SoCalBronco]

No movement

Buffalo’s top receiver, Lee Evans, had 1,292 yards last season. Second receiver Peerless Price had only 402. Despite the large difference, Broncos assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates said his general philosophy won’t be to move top cornerback Champ Bailey around to shadow the opponent’s best receiver.

http://www.gazette.com/sports/rice_26915___article.html/practice_broncos.html

That is not quite what Jim is saying.

Broncos notes: Simeon Rice takes part in first practice
By FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE
September 5, 2007 - 9:49PM


ENGLEWOOD -- After Simeon Rice’s first practice, Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan speculated the team’s newly acquired defensive end might play 15-20 snaps Sunday.

“I’m not really sure yet until he really practices and we get a chance to see him for a couple of days,” Shanahan said Wednesday.

Rice, who signed with the Broncos this week after being released by Tampa Bay before training camp, hasn’t lost his confidence. He is coming off a left shoulder injury, but said if he’s healthy he knows where he ranks among NFL pass rushers.

“The best,” Rice said. “There’s no ifs, ands or buts. The fact is that I’ve got to test it out to figure out where I’m at.”

Rice said his shoulder felt good, but he hadn’t started hitting with it.

“We’ll soon find out,” said Rice, who stayed long after practice to work on pass-rush techniques and run 100-yard sprints. “Walking around on the street, I feel fantastic.”

No movement
Buffalo’s top receiver, Lee Evans, had 1,292 yards last season. Second receiver Peerless Price had only 402. Despite the large difference, Broncos assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates said his general philosophy won’t be to move top cornerback Champ Bailey around to shadow the opponent’s best receiver.

“Certain game plans could use that ploy, but when you have Dre Bly on the other side, right now that isn’t in our thinking,” Bates said. “It could be for certain game plans and we could throw a surprise this week, who knows?”

First time
Quarterback Jay Cutler has five NFL starts, but Sunday will be his first start in a season opener.

“You’re always going to have those butterflies in your stomach, closer to kickoff, the more nervous you get,” Cutler said. “But once we get out there and get going, I’ll calm down.”

Injury report
Guard Ben Hamilton (concussion), tackle Ryan Harris (back) and Karl Paymah (concussion) didn’t participate in practice, according to the team’s report. Defensive tackle Sam Adams also was held out. The team will continue to give Adams some days off, as it did in training camp. Tight end Stephen Alexander (calf) was limited in practice. Tackle Adam Meadows was a full participant in practice. He had a calf injury that knocked him out of three preseason games.

http://www.gazette.com/sports/rice_26915___article.html/practice_broncos.html

[Orange_Beard]

Great. Let him play whom ever he lines up on. I will save wear on him
I would love to see him sent on the blitz once in awhile.

[CHANGSTER]

Great. Let him play whom ever he lines up on. I will save wear on him
I would love to see him sent on the blitz once in awhile.

That would be a good idea. So many QB's don't look his direction quite often, might as well use that to our advantage.

[bpc]

It depends.

If we are playing Lee Evans this week and he is the key to their offense getting in sync and putting up points, I'm putting Champ on him without a doubt all game.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Bly handled Evans when they played Buffalo last year and held him well in check...8 catches/81 yards in 13 passes thrown his way, 3 1st downs, 0 TD's...knocked away two deep balls and basically kept Evans from being anything more than an underneath option most of the game. Detroit was 0-5 going in and beat them.

[Kaylore]

Putting play on Peerless Price would be the biggest wast of talent. That's like killing a Canary with a Bowling ball. I would be disappointed if Bailey was left to work on Price all day. If Bly starts getting worked over by Evans, you can bet they'll roll Bailey to his side. Bly plus a safety is alright, though.

[Hogan11]

Bly isn't chopped liver, far from it...he's actually an upgrade to the CB position. People tend to forget that due to the DWill tragedy, which is understandable.

[baja]

I really doubt that Bates is divulging anything that remotely resembles his game plan for Sunday.

[Sassy]

Hey...Baja...glad to see you haven't been blown away yet!

[Orange_Beard]

I would enjoy seeing Losman lock in on Evans and Champ smacking him a blitz.

[baja]

Hey...Baja...glad to see you haven't been blown away yet!

Thanks Sassy!

I just got back today they closed the Cabo airport yesterday so I missed the storm but not much damage at all.

[SoCalBronco]

Thanks Sassy!

I just got back today they closed the Cabo airport yesterday so I missed the storm but not much damage at all.

Take care of yourself there, baja. Are you sure it has completely passed?

[footstepsfrom#27]

I wonder how Evans will play...he started slowly last year and the Pats and Dolphins totally shut him down the first two games of the year.

[Sassy]

Thanks Sassy!

I just got back today they closed the Cabo airport yesterday so I missed the storm but not much damage at all.

Good to hear!

[baja]

Take care of yourself there, baja. Are you sure it has completely passed?

Thanks So Cal and yes it has passed Cabo.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_ep1+shtml/024524.shtml?3day?large#contents

[yavoon]

Bly handled Evans when they played Buffalo last year and held him well in check...8 catches/81 yards in 13 passes thrown his way, 3 1st downs, 0 TD's...knocked away two deep balls and basically kept Evans from being anything more than an underneath option most of the game. Detroit was 0-5 going in and beat them.

8 catches/81 yards isnt "in check." whats that for 16? 142 receptions and 1300 yards? yah thats in check!

[Vegas_Bronco]

No, no....you guys are forgetting the REAL SHADOW that looms in the backfield:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKcwRtkMVHU&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zilUYH3JeXk&mode=related&search=

I love watching this over and over again.

and this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM83hdihdf4&mode=related&search=

[Bronco Yoda]

Now that we have Bly, Champ can be placed where he can also support the run better. I don't want Champ just covering deep patterns when he can be closer to the LOS supporting the run.

[bpc]

I'm just a firm believer in putting our best on their best. In this case I feel that taking Evans out of the game is crucial to winning this contest. We put our #1 on their #1, I feel like we have the advantage. Even better with Bly out there, I feel like our #2 will be better than their #2. With that type of coverage, I think we would be in good position to dominate the opposition through the air.

[Hogan11]

I'm just a firm believer in putting our best on their best. In this case I feel that taking Evans out of the game is crucial to winning this contest. We put our #1 on their #1, I feel like we have the advantage. Even better with Bly out there, I feel like our #2 will be better than their #2. With that type of coverage, I think we would be in good position to dominate the opposition through the air.

I understand what you're saying, but in this case our #2 is better than their #1, so what does it matter?

[Atlas]

It's no big deal, Bly can handle Evans or any team's top WR just as effectively. Bailey may be the better CB, but Bly isn't that far behind him enough to worry about such things IMHO.

Bly can't hold Bailey's jock. Bailey should follow the other teams WR at least 70% of the time that way the other team can't dictate the coverage. If I was Buffalo I would line Evans on Bly all game long.

[Atlas]

It depends.

If we are playing Lee Evans this week and he is the key to their offense getting in sync and putting up points, I'm putting Champ on him without a doubt all game.

BINGO!! We have a winner.

[Hogan11]

Bly can't hold Bailey's jock. Bailey should follow the other teams WR at least 70% of the time that way the other team can't dictate the coverage. If I was Buffalo I would line Evans on Bly all game long.

Who said anything about Bly being better than Bailey? All I said was that he could handle Evans just as effectively.....meaning it doesn't matter where they line Evans up, he's taken care of either by Bly or Bailey, period.

[Mediator12]

The thing that really matters is can the pass rush create pressure. Period. No CB can cover in man for five seconds all the time, not even Champ.

The thing that makes me happy is that Evans is a deep ball specialist and Champ has not given up a deep completion in two seasons. Evans is most effective on quick under plays and deep balls. Playing press coverage would alleviate the short plays and having safety help over the top would control the bombs. The only problem is if they fail to play the run with seven effectively and have to cheat a S up to have eight in the box. However, the Deep S should be able to rotate to Evans side in that case.

If DEN has improved on the DL, Evans becomes moot against this scheme. If they have not, well he could have a big game. It all depends on the DL, again.

[ozomulsion]

Who said anything about Bly being better than Bailey? All I said was that he could handle Evans just as effectively.....meaning it doesn't matter where they line Evans up, he's taken care of either by Bly or Bailey, period.

I'm sorry but you're giving Bly to much credit and not giving Evens enough. With a decent QB Evens could have had a 1500 yard season last year. He looks to be one of the games best up and coming WRs and perennial Pro Bowl player. Bly has made two Pro Bowls in his many years.

[Hogan11]

I'm sorry but you're giving Bly to much credit and not giving Evens enough. With a decent QB Evens could have had a 1500 yard season last year. He looks to be one of the games best up and coming WRs and perennial Pro Bowl player. Bly has made two Pro Bowls in his many years.

You're talking "could" and "up and coming" and I'm talking three days from now. You may be right when you're talking about Evans future, but I'm not buying that in the here and now. I see Bly being better at the moment.

[Florida_Bronco]

8 catches/81 yards isnt "in check." whats that for 16? 142 receptions and 1300 yards? yah thats in check!

That's almost exactly 10 yards a catch, which is very unimpressive for a WR especially a supposed game breaker. And 142 catches for 1300 yards would be the definition of in check. That's 9.2 yards per catch, which is just crappy for any WR.

[jmz313]

Evans stats in a typical Bills win look more like 4 catches 147yds 2 TDS. He is their primary playmaker at this time. Shut him down first however needed. Bates gets paid to make the adjustments needed. He'll probably have the right man or combo of guys covering Evans. Bottom line, Losman can;t throw 50 yd bombs to Evans from his back. PASS RUSH! Without it, even Champ will get burned.... by Price.

[skpac1001]

That's almost exactly 10 yards a catch, which is very unimpressive for a WR especially a supposed game breaker. And 142 catches for 1300 yards would be the definition of in check. That's 9.2 yards per catch, which is just crappy for any WR.

If 142 catches for 1300 yards at 9.2 yards per catch is "in check", then I suppose having a season of 10 catches for 200 yards is being "uncoverable" (20 yards per catch!), and ashley was our best reciever all those years.
Personally, I will take the 142 for 1300.

[Florida_Bronco]

If 142 catches for 1300 yards at 9.2 yards per catch is "in check", then I suppose having a season of 10 catches for 200 yards is being "uncoverable" (20 yards per catch!), and ashley was our best reciever all those years.
Personally, I will take the 142 for 1300.

You're being far too extreme there with that post, and it doesn't make any sense. First off, like I said before, 10-12 yards a catch is basically the bare minimum you expect from your receivers and anything less than 10 is a very poor showing. If you are only getting 9 yards/catch, you are simply not being effective.

And now lets look at it from another point of view. The average starting QB completes what? Like 300 passes per year? Well in that case, your starting QB has spent half of his production on a receiver who gained only 1300 yards. Would that be acceptable to you if it happened in Denver?

[Hotrod]

The thing that really matters is can the pass rush create pressure. Period. No CB can cover in man for five seconds all the time, not even Champ.

The thing that makes me happy is that Evans is a deep ball specialist and Champ has not given up a deep completion in two seasons. Evans is most effective on quick under plays and deep balls. Playing press coverage would alleviate the short plays and having safety help over the top would control the bombs. The only problem is if they fail to play the run with seven effectively and have to cheat a S up to have eight in the box. However, the Deep S should be able to rotate to Evans side in that case.

If DEN has improved on the DL, Evans becomes moot against this scheme. If they have not, well he could have a big game. It all depends on the DL, again.

Excellent post and the key to our season IMO

[Triplelefthook]

I mentioned this in another thread as a serious concern of mine and no one else ever responded. it happened a lot during the Browns game, Bly was clearly being picked on and we hardly ever put Bailey on Braylon Edwards one on one. Bly and Bailey just lined up RCB and LCB (respectively) and covered whomever was in front of them on the field.

Bly is good, but i think his size, suspect tackling, and gambling tendencies can be a liability if we are not going to make adjustments and put our best corner against opponents best WR. Bly can be taken advantage of - especially if the opposition is lining up their #1 receiver on Bly's side of the field every play

[footstepsfrom#27]

8 catches/81 yards isnt "in check." whats that for 16? 142 receptions and 1300 yards? yah thats in check!
Read the nfl.com game logs and check the play by play. Evans was never a factor. Most of his catches were underneath stuff that amounted to nothing. His longest catch went for 22 yards, he didn't get in the end zone, and the two times they went deep to him, Bly defended the pass. Losman was also picked going his way and they threw to him 13 times. Don't forget...the Bills were playing an 0-5 team and they lost.

Stats mean lilttle unless you look closer to see what they really mean, and in this case, they added up to Evans being no factor in the game.

[Paladin]

I mentioned this in another thread as a serious concern of mine and no one else ever responded. it happened a lot during the Browns game, Bly was clearly being picked on and we hardly ever put Bailey on Braylon Edwards one on one. Bly and Bailey just lined up RCB and LCB (respectively) and covered whomever was in front of them on the field.

Bly is good, but i think his size, suspect tackling, and gambling tendencies can be a liability if we are not going to make adjustments and put our best corner against opponents best WR. Bly can be taken advantage of - especially if the opposition is lining up their #1 receiver on Bly's side of the field every play

Know what? That is a carry over issue from last year. DWill got hammered a lot on those same po9nts: size gambling and tackling. I say this with all due respect, but there it is. I also commented on the way Edwards was getting on Bly - because of the size differential - but I am told that Evans is FAST not BIG and hat's somehow different. Bosh!

Bly is suspect until he proves out. That's the same attitude others here have about Rice due to his age and shoulder and what all.

But the Broncos did not have really good CB play opposite Champ last year, just adequate, and I would expect Bly to be a bit more adequate.....

[Mediator12]

Read the nfl.com game logs and check the play by play. Evans was never a factor. Most of his catches were underneath stuff that amounted to nothing. His longest catch went for 22 yards, he didn't get in the end zone, and the two times they went deep to him, Bly defended the pass. Losman was also picked going his way and they threw to him 13 times. Don't forget...the Bills were playing an 0-5 team and they lost.

Stats mean lilttle unless you look closer to see what they really mean, and in this case, they added up to Evans being no factor in the game.

True, but BUF did not have the success to Evans until they switched Peters to LT three games later. BUF's Pass protection was really poor last season overall, but atrocious until they switched Peters. Bly also was playing In the cover two scheme and not the Man scheme he plays here. Lot's of different factors from Bly playing with DET last year to really use that as a basis of comparison.

DL will determine if Evans has a good game or not. Pressure from the front four would keep his routes in check, otherwise he could have a big day.

[cdesignmaster]

If 142 catches for 1300 yards at 9.2 yards per catch is "in check", then I suppose having a season of 10 catches for 200 yards is being "uncoverable" (20 yards per catch!), and ashley was our best reciever all those years.
Personally, I will take the 142 for 1300.

Come on people, do the math. 8/81 over 16 games is 128/1296 which is 10.125 per catch, not 142/1300 for 9.15. Either way, it's not impressive, but it's been laughable reading the arguements while using the wrong numbers.

[footstepsfrom#27]

True, but BUF did not have the success to Evans until they switched Peters to LT three games later. BUF's Pass protection was really poor last season overall, but atrocious until they switched Peters. Bly also was playing In the cover two scheme and not the Man scheme he plays here. Lot's of different factors from Bly playing with DET last year to really use that as a basis of comparison.

DL will determine if Evans has a good game or not. Pressure from the front four would keep his routes in check, otherwise he could have a big day.
Fair enough...but we're still talking DETROIT here...Peters or not, they should have been able to move the ball and like I said, Evans was no factor. You're right though...we need that pass rush to step up.

[footstepsfrom#27]

If 142 catches for 1300 yards at 9.2 yards per catch is "in check", then I suppose having a season of 10 catches for 200 yards is being "uncoverable" (20 yards per catch!), and ashley was our best reciever all those years.
Personally, I will take the 142 for 1300.
Like I said...read the game logs for play by play and you'll see that Evans was no factor in that game. Having said that...I don't expect to see Bly covering him anyway. I think Bates made it clear that he was not saying Bailey would never shadow the other teams top receiver, yet for some reason the board is running with this as what he said.

As usual...most people simply refuse to read for comprehension in here before they post.

[ozomulsion]

You're talking "could" and "up and coming" and I'm talking three days from now. You may be right when you're talking about Evans future, but I'm not buying that in the here and now. I see Bly being better at the moment.

Three days from now Evans will be coming off a 82 catch 1292 yard season. Bly is coming off a 59 tackle 3 INT season. As is, Evans is coming off a much better season and should only improve. Would you not agree?

[Triplelefthook]

Know what? That is a carry over issue from last year. DWill got hammered a lot on those same po9nts: size gambling and tackling. I say this with all due respect, but there it is. I also commented on the way Edwards was getting on Bly - because of the size differential - but I am told that Evans is FAST not BIG and hat's somehow different. Bosh!

Bly is suspect until he proves out. That's the same attitude others here have about Rice due to his age and shoulder and what all.

But the Broncos did not have really good CB play opposite Champ last year, just adequate, and I would expect Bly to be a bit more adequate.....


Yeah - i went to the game in STL last year and Champ lined up maybe twice with Tory Holt all game. Seemed to me that they made some adjustments last year and Champ wasn't strictly a LCB, and at times would line up against the opponents best guy regardless.

I agree with you about Bly - they took advantage of B Edwards strength and size advantage over Bly and Jerevicious also had a few catches on him (one of them a relatively long play that should have been ruled a TD catch from Quinn).

I feel great with Bly against most if not any teams #2 receiver. But if we are lining them up as RCB and LCB no questions asked then i t seems to me that we are not maximizing our talent

[fontaine]

Excellent post and the key to our season IMO

I somewhat disagree Hotrod. In the past few years we've made the playoffs without a great pass rush but with a solid run and scoring defense.

I'm not sold at all on our run D. The LBs will have huge responsibilities in stopping RBs since our DL will be spread out so wide. Hopefully we can adjust our DL formations so that we don't have to line up the DEs so wide all the time but on occasions where the pass is obvious. Because that way we don't have to sacrifice on the run D.

No doubt it'll take the defense at least a few weeks to gell and get comfortable with the new schemes. Hopefully our vets like Adams, Lynch, Bailey and yes even Gold can lead the way.

[yavoon]

Read the nfl.com game logs and check the play by play. Evans was never a factor. Most of his catches were underneath stuff that amounted to nothing. His longest catch went for 22 yards, he didn't get in the end zone, and the two times they went deep to him, Bly defended the pass. Losman was also picked going his way and they threw to him 13 times. Don't forget...the Bills were playing an 0-5 team and they lost.

Stats mean lilttle unless you look closer to see what they really mean, and in this case, they added up to Evans being no factor in the game.

if stats mean so little of not being a factor, then don't mention them. 8/81 are good stats, that would lead to a MONSTER season, does that break marvin harrison's receptions mark?

and underneath catches aren't meaningless. even if they are caught by a fast guy.

[footstepsfrom#27]

if stats mean so little of not being a factor, then don't mention them. 8/81 are good stats, that would lead to a MONSTER season, does that break marvin harrison's receptions mark?

and underneath catches aren't meaningless. even if they are caught by a fast guy.
I didn't say they were meaningless. I said you have to look behind them to get the true picture. And since the Bills depend on Evans as a long ball artist as the primary weapon in their passing game, and since he failed to produce a single deep reception in this game, failed to score, failed to significantly alter the game in any real way...I don't think he lived up to his function in their offense. The fact that they lost to a winless team pretty much confirms they didn't get the result they wanted out of their offense, and he was part of that failure. Bly...who covered him and held him to 8 catches in 13 attempts, was obviously a big part of his problem. Evans has to have a big game for them to win, and being held more than 5 yards a catch below his average isn't what they need from him.

[Hotrod]

I somewhat disagree Hotrod. In the past few years we've made the playoffs without a great pass rush but with a solid run and scoring defense.

I'm not sold at all on our run D. The LBs will have huge responsibilities in stopping RBs since our DL will be spread out so wide. Hopefully we can adjust our DL formations so that we don't have to line up the DEs so wide all the time but on occasions where the pass is obvious. Because that way we don't have to sacrifice on the run D.

No doubt it'll take the defense at least a few weeks to gell and get comfortable with the new schemes. Hopefully our vets like Adams, Lynch, Bailey and yes even Gold can lead the way.

I pretty much agree with all of that. I'm coming from the angle that the lack of a pass rush has been the difference maker in that past several seasons. Obviously we cant afford to sell out on pass rush and leave the run D weak. The question is have we addressed the lack of ability to generate a pass rush in passing situations without sacrificing the run D. The preseason would seem to indicate we've managed to sacrifice both Ha!

I know I know adjusting to new positions and system but I for one was far from impressed. I'll homer on and hope all the "Bates shows nothing" "Its just the preseason" "it will take time to gel" is fact and not excuses. I'm still not sure what excuse can be givin for poor tackling by the LB'ers. I guess maybe they take up the intensity a notch once the live bullets start to fly.

Either way Im worried to say the least but being a good homer that I am I'll wait to dive into a bottle of Jack Daniels for a few weeks. ;D

The first test is coming up quick and a test it will be. On the road against a big Oline. We come out of it looking average and my hopes will increase 10 fold. If we get run on like a chefs version 2.0 were in deep trouble. Remember we play in a tough AFC and there is little room for error. Waiting for the D to "gel" "understand the system" is really not an option. Dig a hole filled with early loses and the chance of getting out of said hole in the AFC is slim to none.

[tdfan]

Some interesting information on the Offense and Defense of the Bills.

http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/09/breaking_down_buffalos_roster.html


http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/09/bills-breakingdown-offense050807.html

[yavoon]

I didn't say they were meaningless. I said you have to look behind them to get the true picture. And since the Bills depend on Evans as a long ball artist as the primary weapon in their passing game, and since he failed to produce a single deep reception in this game, failed to score, failed to significantly alter the game in any real way...I don't think he lived up to his function in their offense. The fact that they lost to a winless team pretty much confirms they didn't get the result they wanted out of their offense, and he was part of that failure. Bly...who covered him and held him to 8 catches in 13 attempts, was obviously a big part of his problem. Evans has to have a big game for them to win, and being held more than 5 yards a catch below his average isn't what they need from him.

thats the thing tho, "holding someone to 8 catches" isn't that impressive. and it seems to me the entire game is being shifted onto the shoulders of whether or not lee evans won them the game, and to do so he had to catch long passes. blech to that.

[Pat Bowlen]

8 catches/81 yards isnt "in check." whats that for 16? 142 receptions and 1300 yards? yah thats in check!
Your math is clearly in check, at least.

[Broncoman13]

:notworthy Come on people, do the math. 8/81 over 16 games is 128/1296 which is 10.125 per catch, not 142/1300 for 9.15. Either way, it's not impressive, but it's been laughable reading the arguements while using the wrong numbers.


:thumbsup:

You shouldn't have told them anything!!! They were doing great making themselves sound stupid arguing over a moot point!

[stugotsII]

I don't quick understand that thinking. Generally, one would want to line up their best corner opposite the opponents best WR. Doing so negates the opposing teams best player and only gives the offense the advantage.

Odd choice. Why not put Brandon Marshall at LBer?

[yavoon]

Your math is clearly in check, at least.

haha yah, that was late last night. I fail!

[yavoon]

:notworthy


:thumbsup:

You shouldn't have told them anything!!! They were doing great making themselves sound stupid arguing over a moot point!

how is the pt moot? 128 is still an assload of catches.

[footstepsfrom#27]

thats the thing tho, "holding someone to 8 catches" isn't that impressive. and it seems to me the entire game is being shifted onto the shoulders of whether or not lee evans won them the game, and to do so he had to catch long passes. blech to that.
Lee Evans had more recieving yardage than Roscoe Parrish, Josh Reed, and Peerless Price combined last year, their tight end and their rushing game sucked. So yes...Evans was THE offensive key to them succeeding. Unless he can stretch the field with a viable deep threat, opponents simply put 8 in the box and dare the Bills to run, which they couldn't. Eight catches for 81 yards completely failed to do that. Buffalo gained a paltry 240 yards against a winless defense ranked 30th against the pass, 27th against the run and 30th in points allowed. Hence...his 81 yards and 10 yards a catch ranked far below what they needed from him.

[yavoon]

Lee Evans had more recieving yardage than Roscoe Parrish, Josh Reed, and Peerless Price combined last year, their tight end and their rushing game sucked. So yes...Evans was THE offensive key to them succeeding. Unless he can stretch the field with a viable deep threat, opponents simply put 8 in the box and dare the Bills to run, which they couldn't. Eight catches for 81 yards completely failed to do that. Buffalo gained a paltry 240 yards against a winless defense ranked 30th against the pass, 27th against the run and 30th in points allowed. Hence...his 81 yards and 10 yards a catch ranked far below what they needed from him.

"what they needed from him." is hardly the same as a demonstration that dre bly is somehow good like champ. seems to me you just want to prove that evans sucked, even though he had a very productive day. **** you're just making me think lee evans is some kind of super human. he puts up what would be on pace for leading the league in receptions and 1000+ yards on an offense where he "was the offense." we should trade for lee evans! 2000 yards receiving here we come!

[footstepsfrom#27]

I don't quick understand that thinking. Generally, one would want to line up their best corner opposite the opponents best WR. Doing so negates the opposing teams best player and only gives the offense the advantage.

Odd choice. Why not put Brandon Marshall at LBer?
Bates already said you can't neccessarily depend on Champ lining up on the same side of the field...why do you think he will?

[Bob]

Putting play on Peerless Price would be the biggest wast of talent. That's like killing a Canary with a Bowling ball. I would be disappointed if Bailey was left to work on Price all day. If Bly starts getting worked over by Evans, you can bet they'll roll Bailey to his side. Bly plus a safety is alright, though.

I dont know if hieght will ever be factor -- Bly is 5.9 and could see him covering a shorter WR (even if they are great) but if he is like Marshal/Walker that would be harder for him than Bailey.

Another factor in this, is why would the Broncos tip thier hand to the enemy? Champ could be man-to-man on Evans the whole game for all we know.

[footstepsfrom#27]

"what they needed from him." is hardly the same as a demonstration that dre bly is somehow good like champ.
Who said he was?
seems to me you just want to prove that evans sucked, even though he had a very productive day. **** you're just making me think lee evans is some kind of super human. he puts up what would be on pace for leading the league in receptions and 1000+ yards on an offense where he "was the offense." we should trade for lee evans! 2000 yards receiving here we come!
Evans is a stud...a top 8 receiver in the league. When did I say he sucked? That's the point...he's their only big offensive weapon, and 8 for 81 and 0 TD's when you lack anything else on offense isn't going to get it. If Evans does against Denver what he did against Detroit...we win this game.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Anybody bother to read this?
Broncos assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates said his general philosophy won’t be to move top cornerback Champ Bailey around to shadow the opponent’s best receiver.

“Certain game plans could use that ploy, but when you have Dre Bly on the other side, right now that isn’t in our thinking,” Bates said. “It could be for certain game plans and we could throw a surprise this week, who knows?”

Honestly...90% of the arguments on this board would disapear if peoiple simply read what's written before posting.

[stugotsII]

Bates already said you can't neccessarily depend on Champ lining up on the same side of the field...why do you think he will?

Bly is no Bailey.

Lock down the other teams best WR. It's a no brainer.

Bates said he won't do that, except for certain game plans.

Dumb.

[elsid13]

Excellent post and the key to our season IMO

I disagree. The key to winning is ability to run the ball (check) and stop the run on early downs (Who the heck knows). The pass rush is doesn't mean jack if Denver allowing teams in 3 and short conversion attempts.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Bly is no Bailey.

Lock down the other teams best WR. It's a no brainer.

Bates said he won't do that, except for certain game plans.

Dumb.
See post #60 above...do you really think Bates is stupid enough to give our game plan away?

[stugotsII]

See post #60 above...do you really think Bates is stupid enough to give our game plan away?

Based on what I saw in the preseason...

Maybe.

[83LeeEvansMVP]

It's no big deal, Bly can handle Evans or any team's top WR just as effectively. Bailey may be the better CB, but Bly isn't that far behind him enough to worry about such things IMHO.

Sorry but Evans is an entirely different animal than the scrub receivers in the AFC West.

You'll find out why when he's torched repeatedly all game long this sunday!

[stugotsII]

Sorry but Evans is an entirely different animal than the scrub receivers in the AFC West.

You'll find out why when he's torched repeatedly all game long this sunday!

By torched repeatedly, do you mean Champ will be sweaty from locking down the vaunted Bills arial attack?

The Bills are a BAAAAD football team.

[Bronx33]

Talk is cheap you just be sure to come back and take your medicine like a man.

[Bronx33]

Sorry but Evans is an entirely different animal than the scrub receivers in the AFC West.

You'll find out why when he's torched repeatedly all game long this sunday!


You act like you got a stud QB that can get evans the ball on a consistant basis.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Sorry but Evans is an entirely different animal than the scrub receivers in the AFC West.

You'll find out why when he's torched repeatedly all game long this sunday!

Another child of Love Canal demonstrates the effect of an ecological disaster.

[yavoon]

Who said he was?

Evans is a stud...a top 8 receiver in the league. When did I say he sucked? That's the point...he's their only big offensive weapon, and 8 for 81 and 0 TD's when you lack anything else on offense isn't going to get it. If Evans does against Denver what he did against Detroit...we win this game.

yah well maybe against buffalo we can put bly against the fullback and still win. thats not really what I was driving at.

1)booo to the idea of not utilizing champ to shadow their best receiver
2)evans day that you describe was very productive. we could get into a word battle and I could say stuff like, "he was giving what was taken." blah blah. but 8 receptions in a game is a lot.

[skpac1001]

You're being far too extreme there with that post, and it doesn't make any sense. First off, like I said before, 10-12 yards a catch is basically the bare minimum you expect from your receivers and anything less than 10 is a very poor showing. If you are only getting 9 yards/catch, you are simply not being effective.

And now lets look at it from another point of view. The average starting QB completes what? Like 300 passes per year? Well in that case, your starting QB has spent half of his production on a receiver who gained only 1300 yards. Would that be acceptable to you if it happened in Denver?

I agree, I was being extreme, to make a point. The point is a reciever can be effective even without a impressive average yards per catch, I think if he is moving the chains and catching td's and getting open (even on short routes) he can be serving a effective, posession, underneath role. It was kind of a stupid objection though, even though I think its true in general, because that's not Evans role and thats what everyone was arguing about.

[skpac1001]

Like I said...read the game logs for play by play and you'll see that Evans was no factor in that game. Having said that...I don't expect to see Bly covering him anyway. I think Bates made it clear that he was not saying Bailey would never shadow the other teams top receiver, yet for some reason the board is running with this as what he said.

As usual...most people simply refuse to read for comprehension in here before they post.

Tell me about it, I wasn't even talking about Evans at all, just arguing against what I thought was overemphasis on yards per catch.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Tell me about it, I wasn't even talking about Evans at all, just arguing against what I thought was overemphasis on yards per catch.
Did someone mention you?

[footstepsfrom#27]

I agree, I was being extreme, to make a point. The point is a reciever can be effective even without a impressive average yards per catch, I think if he is moving the chains and catching td's and getting open (even on short routes) he can be serving a effective, posession, underneath role..
So if Travis Henry has his ypc reduced by 33% in this game like Evans did against Bly...from 4.5 to 3.0...and he rushes it 30 times for 90 yards and fails to get in the end zone...that would qualify as "moving the chains" for you?

They lost to the freaking Lions for cripes sake...and they gained 240 yards against one of the NFL's worst defenses in doing so.

[Hogan11]

I think Bly answered all these questions and accusations quite effectively yesterday....don't you?

[Mediator12]

I think Bly answered all these questions and accusations quite effectively yesterday....don't you?

I think Bly played pretty well yesterday, but I also think BUF played pretty poorly to go with it. Bly will answer the questions if he can make the pass defense better against the Colts in 3 weeks.

[footstepsfrom#27]

I think Bly answered all these questions and accusations quite effectively yesterday....don't you?
Yep...dude had it workin'...he was stellar.

[Popcorn Sutton]

Crickets from the Evans fan.... Figures.

[lazarus4444]

The silence is deafening, 5 yards?? LMAO

[Beantown Bronco]

I could really care less about Bailey shadowing a certain receiver. What I do care about, however, is seeing Bailey out there on special teams! I never want to see that crap again.....I don't care how fast the opposing team's receiver is. If you are THAT scared of the opposing returner's speed, just kick it out of bounds instead of endangering our best player. Damn.