Gailey needs to look past Edwards for 2010. Matt Bowen
The quarterback position in Buffalo has been a hot topic since the end of the 2009 season. Trent Edwards’ name has been brought up countless times. Does he stay? Is he a fit for new head coach Chan Gailey’s offense?
Lots of questions for the Bills and their quarterback situation, plus lots of ways to spin it, analyze it and speculate on where this franchise is heading. But the bottom line is that the Bills need a quarterback that can win against New England.
All of that other talk is fine, but until this franchise can beat Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, it doesn’t matter. And, let’s not forget about Miami and the Jets—because they are right there at the top of the AFC East race as well.
Recently, Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News wrote a piece where he gave a 50% chance—or higher—that Edwards is back in Buffalo next season, adding that Gailey may want to see what he has in Edwards for at least one season before he pulls the plug on the former Stanford QB.
Gaughan goes on to speculate on the Bills’ chances to land a QB elsewhere, using names such as Michael Vick—one I still like—and Donovan McNabb if the Eagles are looking to trade their franchise QB and hand over the starting gig to Kevin Kolb, and of course, the draft.
Good ideas, but that is what this time of year is for.
But, my opinion on Edwards hasn’t changed. He has had his opportunities to show us what he can do as a starter in this league, and after a while, you have to go a different direction when the production isn’t there.
Owner Ralph Wilson wants a QB who can throw the ball down the field. That’s no secret, and you have that with Vick. I am not going to put him in the upper category by any means when we are talking about the league’s best, but he does have the arm and the athletic ability to produce points and wins for the Bills.
The draft? Most likely Sam Bradford will be scooped up by the time the Bills pick at No. 9, and as Gaughan mentioned, Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen could be available if he slides past Washington and Seattle—which I see as unlikely. Do the Bills move up come April and make a deal to snatch a QB like Clausen?
Sure, lots of ideas, but the one thing I am going to stand by is that Edwards has had his chance. And even with a new coach and a new offense, if there is a player, a Vick, a McNabb, a Jason Campbell, a Troy Smith or a top-ten rookie, the Bills need to pull the trigger and find a QB who can beat Brady, Sanchez and Henne.
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For more on the Buffalo QB situation, check out this article from Bleacher Report.
I agree with DP to an extent, but I firmly believe that Edwards hasn't been given a fair shake at the position. Especially considering Buffalo's inability to protect the most important offensive piece. Trading an unhappy Jason Peters was imminent, because his ego grew too big for him to remain in Buffalo, and the Bills haven't really been able to field a solid offensive line since his departure, as well as that of Langston Walker and Derrick Dockery. I wouldn't say that the loss of the latter two was huge, but retaining the same offensive line morale is critical for success in this league. Not only that, but Marshawn Lynch's legal troubles, the omnipresent narcissist that is T.O., and the epic failure that was the "hurry-up" offense, created an even more rotten situation for the Bills to be successful in Edwards' third year in the league. Moreover, the guy was basically thrown to the wolves his rookie season when Losman went down, (couldn't produce either) and he hasn't even stayed healthy enough to finish an entire season, much less develop his timing, and smooth out the intricacies of an NFL offense. I say that they need to get some semblance to their offensive line, regain some kind of identity (power rushing with Fred Jackson and if he stays out of trouble, Marshawn, establish a meticulous passing game i.e. slants, outs, curls, spot-routes, AND THEN try to air it out a little bit. I feel that Trent can do this better than Michael Vick, who threw a whopping 13 passes last year, and has yet to show that he is the same talent that he was before he got thrown in prison. Ralph Wilson wants to utilize the long-ball like Al Davis in sunny Oakland. This isn't the 60's and 70's! You can't just huck it up to your fastest player anymore! (and who wants to be in the same company as Al Davis?), Lemme tell ya Ralph, global warming has yet to influence Buffalo, and I don't foresee that happening anytime soon. Jason Campbell is the most viable option in that bunch that you mentioned, Matt. He's been through an absurd amount of offenses and offensive coordinators since he first arrived in Washington, but I feel he has the tools to succeed in this league. I know that Jason is hungry to show that he can play. I just don't know that Chan Gailey is the right guy to mold him.
Edwards has shown that he isn't the future, Move on. Have the new coach, now get the new QB. It is getting old in Buffalo.
Make a move that wins.
The Bills have many more issues than QB. They should give 2nd rounder for vick. They need to uprade the O-Line and many parts on defense.
Feb 16, 2010
01:18 PM
Matt-
Does it really matter who their QB is with the O-Line they have? Not to mention their lack of big playmakers. It was believed that when T.O. entered the scene, Evans would be going off on defenses. However, last season marked the worst of his career, only putting up 612 yards and 44 catches- both career lows. With T.O. likely gone and double coverage rolling back Evans' way, any available QB will have trouble making this offense successful. It may be a bit premature but I think we can already begin to hear the chants of people in Toronto saying- got to love our new foootball Bills eh?