Well it's over, and for only the 3rd time this decade, Al Michaels was able to call a Bills game. Hooray! The Bills lost to the Titans 21-18. The offensive starters only played one series which resulted in a Trent Edwards interception. While the starting defense gave up 2 long drives, which the Titans capitalized for 2 touchdowns. The first drive ended when the Titans scored on a designed fake punt for 40 yards. The fake punt struck up memories of the "Music City Miracle," thanks a lot coach Fisher.
The 2nd drive was a long 78 yard drive that was capped off by a Lendale White 2 yard touchdown run. The starters on offense had one drive together. As expected the Bills broke out their new No-Huddle offense. Edwards looked sharp, connecting on his first 3 passes, 2 of those going to Terrell Owens. But Edwards last pass of the day was intercepted by Michael Griffin at the Titans 7 yard line. Sloppy game overall for the Bills.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I can't stand preseason football. Fans get too hyped or too down when watching their teams play. Preseason is a complete sham. But for the sake of writing a blog, here is my recap.
The Good
Linebackers:
Thought that Poz and Nic Harris stud out amongst the defense. Poz should of had an interception on the second drive of the game, but was all around the field making tackles. Rookie Nic Harris has a lot to gain in the preseason, as the Bills coaching staff want him to compete for the starting weak side linebacker job held by Keith Ellison. When Harris came in for the reserves, he made the most of his playing time with 4 solo tackles. If he can keep up his pace in the preseason, he can give Elison a run for his money.
Terrell Owens:
Yes, he only played one series, but you got a sense of what he will add to the Bills offense with his superb route running. Owens had two catches for 27 yards. The Bills no-huddle attack looked pretty good on its opening drive, especially on Owens first catch of the game where the Titans defensive line looked confused prior to the snap.
The Omon:
It took me about 2 snaps to figure out who number 44 was for the Bills. It was Xavier Omon, the 6th round pick of the Bills in 2008. Omon had 11 carries for 36 yards to go along with 3 catches for 25 yards. Don't sleep on Omon this preseason. If Omon has a good preseason, it could make Dominic Rhodes expendable. Remember last year the Bills signed cornerback, Will James to a 2-year deal and was subsequently cut after Ashton Youboty and Reggie Corner both had good camps.
The Bad:
The Defense:
Well I know its preseason, but the Bills defense left off where they were last year. They couldn't stop the Titans running attack and couldn't get a pass rush to save their life. The Bills defense was over matched on its first two series and couldn't muster much of a pass rush. If the Bills are going to be successful this season they are going to need to rely on the front 4 to get to the quarterback.
Aaron Schobel
If there is one thing you will get from my blog, it's going to be criticism of Aaron Schobel. Schobel is the highest paid and most overrated Bill on the team. Schobel only played 2 series, but was manhandled by all-pro, Michael Roos. Schobel is under a lot of pressure this year, considering the defense was ranked 28th in sacks last year. Schobel has never been one to impress me as the majority of his sacks have come from the Bills blitzing 5-6 guys. When the Bills only rush 4, watch out. Because the quarterback is going to have all day and half of the night.
Most likely the Bills and Titans didn't empty the playbook, because both teams play each other in the regular season. So I'm not one to jump down the throats of any of the players or coaches. It's just preseason, but at least football is back.
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