Buffalo’s offensive line needs to get party started sooner

By Anthony Bialy  |   Tuesday, September 30, 2008  |  Comments( 79 )

Buffalo Bills
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Offensive linemen are like beer delivery guys: nothing fun happens until they do their jobs. The Buffalo Bills’ primary blockers displayed sloppy, tardy work in the beginning of Sunday's game in St. Louis, which in turn hindered the skill players. Despite starting off by killing buzzes in what should have been one long kegger of a rout, the line eventually got in line and did enough good work to ensure that Buffalo managed what was ultimately a relatively easy win. Now, the group just needs to start dominating sooner.

And left tackle Jason Peters should start doing his work, period, as he deserves special mention every week until he proves he’s back to being even remotely proficient. In terms of disappointing everyone, he did not disappoint: The inert Pro Bowler picked up a holding penalty that ruined any chance of scoring a first-drive touchdown and added a false start in the second quarter.

In between featured his weakest 2008 moment yet, as rookie Rams defensive end Chris Long sped by the stationary blocker up the interior on his way to a sack that cost Buffalo 8 yards and Trent Edwards even more confidence in his once-sturdy tackle. Peters was so slow to react that it was as if he didn’t realize that Long was allowed by NFL rules to head inside; regardless of the circumstances, “leisurely while moving to his right” is another charge that can be leveled against a player who needs to get way better three weeks ago.

On the other side, right tackle Langston Walker also reacted initially sluggishly; if he’s going to play slow, he'd better play big, but he didn’t use his size or reach advantageously in pass protection, at least not in the game’s first portion. Most notably, Walker looked as if he was confined to a jar on the sack he permitted with about 7 minutes left in the second quarter as Leonard Little darted past him with remarkable ease.

As for the middle, center Melvin Fowler’s hockey-style tripping penalty near the half’s end ruined Marshawn Lynch’s lengthy, momentum-shifting run which could have eventually led to a score. The center was penalized 10 yards instead of getting banished for 2 minutes as in that other sport; on the next play, Fowler was disgraced on a sack that cost the Bills another 10 yards, so maybe letting the Rams go on the power play would have been preferable. The Competition Committee can discuss adding that option next year.

But things changed in the second half, as the unit suddenly demonstrated more sturdiness; unsurprisingly, the offense’s fortunes were also concurrently enhanced. Particularly, Walker was impressive when pulling on running plays, rumbling ahead like a freewheeling boulder. It would have been unsurprising to see a fedora-clad Harrison Ford trying to escape his path.

It took awhile for him, and them, to get going. This team visibly missed the now-released fullback Darian Barnes for protection help; he’s been replaced with veteran journeyman Corey McIntyre, a 258-pounder who has zero carries in 33 career games. Barnes’ absence served as proof that using a genuine fullback makes a huge positive difference, evidenced by the fact that management replaced the departed, injured player with another block-first back.

For example, even though the line gave up four sacks, they all came in the first half. Also, while the Bills only managed 3.6 yards per run for the game, post-halftime saw their backs spring for nine rushes of 6 yards or longer, which is part of why they finished the game with three consecutive one-loss quarterback runs, more specifically kneel-downs in a 31-14 victory.

Now, if the blockers can get their act together during the first 15 minutes instead of the third, the Bills can maintain a lead both late and early. That will make the afternoon that much more enjoyable for that much longer.
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