Multidimensional Lynch shining for Bills

By Connor Byrne  |   Tuesday, August 21, 2007  |  Comments( 60 )

Buffalo Bills
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
Although the NFL preseason is hardly a proper barometer for how to measure performance, sometimes certain players just appear as if they're destined to achieve success at football's highest level.

For Buffalo's offense, filling that void this year is the Bills' first-round pick from April's draft, running back Marshawn Lynch.

While it's true the former Cal Berkeley star's numbers -- five carries for 16 yards -- on Friday night against Atlanta were modest, he did answer some of the questions as to why Buffalo chose him with the 12th overall pick. Lynch, unlike his much-maligned predecessor, Willis McGahee, slammed into holes with power, dragged defenders with him and flashed high-end speed on runs of 8 and 9 yards, respectively.

As a comparison, McGahee, whom Buffalo traded to Baltimore in March for three draft picks, currently looks like the same mediocre back Bills General Manager Marv Levy gave up on.

Facing the New York Giants on Sunday, McGahee ran six times for -- count 'em -- 3 yards. Along the way, the 25-year-old demonstrated the same hesitancy behind the offensive line and lack of speed that he showed in a Bills uniform. Of course, that still won't stop analysts like Mark Schlereth and Darren Woodson from raving about McGahee's alleged explosiveness and big-play ability. The sooner those in Bristol, Conn., realize McGahee possesses neither of those traits, the more educated they'll look.

Lynch, as mentioned, ran with vigor against the Falcons' first-team defense. On top of that, he demonstrated the intangibles that the league's best backfield threats require.

Not to continue harping on the same point, but once again, Lynch outdid McGahee by showing an early penchant for blocking oncoming defenders, including voluminous linemen. On a third-and-6 play in the first quarter, Bills quarterback J.P. Losman dropped back to throw, received an excellent blitz pickup from Lynch, and flung a 36-yard beauty to standout wide receiver Lee Evans.

Contrarily, blocking is not exactly McGahee's forte. Exhibit A of that came in Buffalo's Week 3 loss (28-20) to the New York Jets last year. Gang Green sent safety Kerry Rhodes on a blindside blitz, McGahee did his best impression of a bullfighter and missed the block, and Rhodes forced a Losman fumble from behind that was returned for a crucial touchdown by linebacker Victor Hobson.

With Lynch -- who can also split out as a receiver or stay in the backfield and catch passes on screens and swing passes -- Losman has the benefit of a 5-foot-11, 215-pounder who's willing to get dirty and play the role of a mini-offensive lineman on occasion.

It's still quite early, but after seeing the way the 21-year-old Lynch has run in training camp and during the preseason, it's becoming pretty obvious to this writer that he's going to make Bills fans completely forget about McGahee and have them thinking about arguably the greatest back in franchise history and the prototype for do-it-all runners, Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas.

E-mail: cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more on the Buffalo Bills at RealFootball365.com
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (60)

About Connor Byrne

Sorry, Connor Byrne's bio is currently not available. Please check back soon!
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report
CommentsComments: 60  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
miles long		08:25 AM
08/21/2007
what ever happened to offensive tackle Terrence Pennington? I have not heard his name metioned one time this camp, and he played...
No.2
Cline		08:37 AM
08/21/2007
Good analysis. McGahee is only great in his mind and for some reason has many in the national press singing his praises. In my...
No.3
Ron		08:58 AM
08/21/2007
Lynch had some nice moments in the Falcons game. He picked up a couple of blitzes, knew better than to try to scoop up and run...
Team News  |  View All Bills Content
Manning to the Bills?
Why not? Now that the Colts have rid themselves of the Polian family,...
3 weeks, 1 day ago   |   Manning to the Bills? ( 257 )
Nix needs to fix the Bills p...
In 2010, Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey were banking on Aaron Schobel to tr...
3 weeks, 3 days ago   |   Nix needs to fix the Bills pass rushing problems ( 28 )
Stop the Revolving Door!
Wade Phillips, current Texans D- Coordinator - Playoffs. Mike Mularkey...
1 month, 1 week ago   |   Stop the Revolving Door! ( 191 )
Is a Bills Succession Plan g...
In the wake of talks from NFL experts stating that there are going to...
1 month, 1 week ago   |   Is a Bills Succession Plan going to take effect in 2012? ( 89 )
Bills 1st half results
Last year after 8 games, the Bills were a miserable 0-8. This year aft...
3 months ago   |   Bills 1st half results ( 625 )