To Lynch’s detriment, Bills are now pass-first

By Anthony Bialy  |   Thursday, March 12, 2009  |  Comments( 159 )

Buffalo Bills
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The Buffalo Bills can say farewell to balance. Aside from the simmering personality conflicts between Terrell Owens and everybody, they’re also going to be compelled to modify their offensive philosophy in his favor. While too much talent is never a problem, disregarding a team’s specific talent can prove hazardous. Specifically, is Marshawn Lynch going to get the ball less in order to ensure Owens gets it enough? Based on least season’s results, Buffalo may find itself looking to the skies too frequently.

Take Owens’ previous tenure as an example: The 2008 Dallas Cowboys threw 547 times, eighth most in the NFL. Meanwhile, Texas’ senior team came in only 25th in rushing attempts per game with 25.1; by comparison, Buffalo finished with 27.4 running tries every outing, good for 13th. While the Bills were generally anemic on offense, Dallas was lacking in a more controllable area: It was as unsurprising as the punch line in a “Blondie” installment where Dagwood’s late for work and the mailman’s at the door.

Dallas’ handoff paucity came despite having Marion Barber -- an energetically physical back who savors contact -- at its disposal. Even enemies of the Cowboys can enjoy Barber’s work, including those who have come to appreciate Marshawn Lynch’s taste for ferocity.

Plus, while Barber suffered with a nagging toe injury through December, the Cowboys had an emerging first-year rusher in Tashard Choice at their disposal; in the same way, they had access to a more prominent rookie back in Felix Jones earlier in the season before he was lost to injury. Thirty carries over six games is not the level of usage they should have hoped for from the 22nd overall pick.

Lynch faces a comparable scenario. He’s going to see fewer handoffs next season because there will be fewer snaps kept on the ground. It’s because Buffalo is already destined to become a pass-happy team in 2009 whether it’s good for it or not. Owens is both an exceptionally capable target and exceptionally aware that he’s a capable target; how else can the Bills keep him happy other than by incessantly directing passes his way?

They’re going to institute the wrong type of equilibrium; instead of trying to use the run to set up the pass, they’ll now be forced set up passes to one wideout with passes to another. The Bills last tried this in 2002, when everyone fell in love with Drew Bledsoe’s arm; it worked for half a season, until defenses backed off and took away deep territory.

If Buffalo had been willing to adjust that season and punish defenses by attacking the relatively open box with the run, it may have ended the playoff drought seven years ago. But the option of using Lynch as a counterbalancing attacker may be off the table this season because throwing to Owens fewer than 10 times per game will prove unacceptable to Buffalo’s brand-new diva.

While last year’s offense was hampered by the reality that Lee Evans was the only genuine receiving threat, this season’s issue will be placating two threats. Offensive coordinator Turk Schonert must point ample footballs at both star receivers, one who is guaranteed to throw tantrums if it doesn’t happen. Meanwhile, they have to run sometimes, although they’re facing the unpleasant prospect of interminable time between ground plays.

Dealing with Owens is exhausting, and not simply thanks to his publicly demonstrated juvenile lack of life skills. Buffalo’s premier back, who’s going to have at least a fair percentage of attempts taken away, will soon encounter that reality.

The ensuing one-dimensional predictability may negate any advantage the offense gains from Owens’ presence. Buffalo’s pathetic throwing aspect may have added muscle too quickly to the detriment of its rock-solid rusher.
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About Anthony Bialy

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CommentsComments: 159  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
scedsall1		09:24 AM
03/12/2009
OMG!!! How many anti-T.O. articles are you going to write??? The Bills may be pass first but that actually might be a good thing....
No.2
09:30 AM
03/12/2009
Another anti- Owens piece, come on Bialy, give it a rest. The only thing more tiresome than the all Owens all the time sports...
No.3
Alan		09:35 AM
03/12/2009
To be honest i thought there were times in games last season where we threw ball a little too much, and i think it cost us those...
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