A slam release is a technique for tight ends on play action pass plays. The TE moves with the run fake, often a zone run, and engages in a block to one side of the play before stopping, pivoting and releasing into their route in the opposite direction. Generally this is a short route to…
The Bills run power. Really well. Rick Dennison runs zone. A lot. From day one of the new regime under head coach Sean McDermott, the hire of Rick Dennison as offensive coordinator seemed odd to me (and other Bills fans). Dennison was practically born and raised in the Denver Broncos outside zone stretch running scheme,…
On August 11, the Buffalo Bills shocked everyone by trading away young stars Sammy Watkins and Ronald Darby in two separate deals that were announced only minutes apart. Coming back in these trades were cornerback E.J. Gaines (from the Rams), wide receiver Jordan Matthews (from the Eagles), and a second and third round pick in…
Over the last 10-12 years, the value and role of the running back position has changed drastically at all levels of football, but particularly in the NFL. With the increased focus on the passing game coupled with the durability issues at the position, offenses have become less reliant on running backs as a whole. Teams…
Using route combinations effectively can create mismatches in the secondary and lead to racking up big yardage. Ryan Dukarm explains how the Buffalo Bills smash concept was used successfully two different ways on the same drive against the San Francisco 49ers. The Buffalo Bills offense has relied heavily on the ground game, led by running back LeSean…
Coaches often create small wrinkles or play designs to take advantage of opponents’ weaknesses. In 2015 the Buffalo Bills used the double trap block to thwart the Miami Dolphins in week 9. Ryan Dukarm explains the concept and how we should expect to see it again in 2016. A trap block leaves a defender unblocked…
Whether or not the Buffalo Bills like what they see in Tyrod Taylor, they hope to have addressed some of their needs in the draft – assuming the rookies fit in well. Moving beyond the general outlook for the offense, Ryan Dukarm takes to the film to break down Buffalo’s deep passing attack. Entering the 2015 season, there were plenty of…
Facing a steep challenge in the AFC East, the Bills stocked their defense in the draft. Evan Majewski examines the Buffalo Bills offensive outlook by taking stock of their roster and seeing how the pieces fit with a Tyrod Taylor in his second year as the starting quarterback. Coming into the 2015 season, the Buffalo…
Coming off of a disappointing 8-8 season the Bills needed to add impact players through the draft in order to overcome the New England Patriots atop the AFC East. Ryan Dukarm breaks down the Buffalo Bills draft fits to see which players can step in immediately and which players are longer term projects. Entering the…
Dave Archibald examines how running back usage has changed as offenses have started to throw the ball with higher frequency, which impacts how fantasy football players optimize their draft strategies and structure their teams. However, not all teams use their running backs equally. Dave’s analysis helps identify which teams give more carries to single backs and which teams…
Now is the time to start thinking about your upcoming fantasy football draft strategy, as rosters begin to take shape across the NFL. One popular strategy is to draft running backs early and often, but as Doug Moore explains, you might be better off taking a WR in the 1st round. As we approach the…
The 2016 NFL season begins now, with 32 teams scheming to knock off the reigning champion Denver Broncos. The NFL Draft is just around the corner, but the first step in any offseason plan is to assess a team’s needs. Here we look at what the Buffalo Bills team needs are. These reports were compiled…
The rope given to NFL coaches is very short. Chip Kelly learned that the hard way when he was fired by the Philadelphia Eagles. Dave Archibald breaks down the innovative coach’s tenure in Philadelphia and points out what went wrong and what went right. After Philadelphia lost to division rival Washington, dropping their record to…
Scouting ain’t easy. It takes time, an open mind, and training – and even then, a good process can produce bad results. Dan Hatman breaks down the Heisman winner, Derrick Henry, and shares his scouting report. In a recent interview with Ryan O’Halloran for Jacksonville.com, I was asked about Derrick Henry and how NFL teams may…
Even the best laid pressure schemes of a defensive coordinator can go awry. Whether because of sound fundamentals in pass protection or a quarterback escaping the pocket to keep a play alive, a blitz that doesn’t hit home quickly can just as easily create a big play for the offense. In those instances, pass coverage and…
The team that wins the turnover battle usually wins the game, and it’s no mystery why: Whether a fumble that stakes an underdog to a lead, a giveaway that shifts momentum, or a pick-six in overtime, few plays make more of a difference in winning and losing. Dave Archibald looks at Aaron Colvin’s corner blitz…