Receivers three through six should play beside top two

By Anthony Bialy  |   Monday, May 18, 2009  |  Comments( 103 )

Buffalo Bills
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Terrell Owens might be one of a kind, but he could be one of three in the formation. The Buffalo Bills are allegedly going to toy with a no-huddle offense at this week’s organized team activities, and they should consider implementing triple-receiver sets while they’re at it. The formation could trigger fine performances by both the new veteran and Lee Evans, not to mention the other aligned catcher. The entire offense will flourish along with the least of the three players.

For one, James Hardy may be able to claim he had a weak 2008 thanks to it being his first season. But he better shelve the excuses this year; after all, he’s not only older but in more talented company. The second-year man gets to work with two monumentally capable wideouts. If coordinator Turk Schonert wants to maximize the effect, he should let Hardy play alongside both established players simultaneously and not just occasionally let the youngster sub for one.

Plus, Josh Reed could be fielding the underneath stuff left available by two monumental over-the-top alpha threats. Coaches should let him get filthy down low while the two glamour catchers occupy the secondary. That will allow him to continue eking out a living performing grunt work while the officers get the glory.

Using three receivers at once could be a way to finally get Roscoe Parrish going, at least for as long as he remains a Bill. If he can’t find enough open field to operate with Evans and Owens running routes at the same time, then it’s officially time to put in for a transfer to the CFL. His speed from the slot in a receiver-heavy formation might finally help him break from the stigma of being a special teams-only wonder.

Putting a third man in at wideout would also give Steve Johnson a chance to flash more skills. A quite minor downside to Owens’ signing is that such gentrification can result in a squatter like Johnson getting evicted. But using him with Owens and Evans instead of in place of him could keep Johnson in the game. It’s the most logical way to get snaps for an obscure but promising player.

Johnson’s situation alludes to a bigger problem -- that the staff must consider if it wants half a dozen roster spots devoted to the wideout position. With Owens aboard, one of the non-Evans and Hardy wideouts could possibly lose not just playing time but also a job. They also must factor in that Owens is only under contract this season; they have to think about whether cutting or trading a wideout now will impact them in 2010.

But the garrulous new wideout should enhance the play of whoever remains. That’s best accomplished by putting out three receivers on many occasions. It will allow Trent Edwards to scatter the ball at will, which benefits everyone.

The third-best player of the group will prosper thanks to the attention absorbed by the two best. Teaching Owens the difference between good and bad diversions is merely a side advantage of a formation that will help the offense throw wild. Besides, they can get used to playing without a fullback just in case Corey McIntyre isn’t available thanks to acting indecently.
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