Buffalo Bills Add to Their Arsenal – Tough Choices Ahead
- Veronica R. Chiesi Brown
- May 13, 2015
- 3 min read
Rex Ryan addressed the media on topics ranging from yes, Tom Brady’s suspension and the Patriots’ fine to new signee John Conner to how the rookies are doing. Ryan, as with most of us, seemed annoyed by the constant barrage of questions about New England and rightfully so. He put a period on the discussion with this:
“We will be prepared to play against whoever we play. I’m not feeling sorry for anybody”, said Rex.
“Whoever shows up we’ll play against them and we’ll be prepared”.
Enough about them. Let’s turn our focus to OUR Buffalo Bills.
Conner:
Ryan’s media briefing came just hours after the Bills signed free agent fullback John Conner. Conner played with the Jets from 2010 – 2012 then again in 2014. His signing may have made many shake their heads because most teams don’t have one fullback and now the Bills have two (Jerome Felton was signed earlier this year).
“Doug Whaley and I talk about it all the time, keep the best players and if that means two fullbacks then so be it”, said Ryan. He said both Felton and Conner can contribute on special teams as well. Ryan went on to say Conner is “one heck of a football player” and a great teammate.
Receivers:
The Buffalo Bills roster currently has 13 wide receivers. Reporters asked Rex about what that means and tried to get a sense of who may stay and who may go mentioning specifically Marquise Goodwin and Chris Hogan. Rex complimented both guys as well as other receivers Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin. Ryan when asked if some receivers can do things others can’t, he said he doesn’t think there is anything Harvin can’t do. He said the wide receiver core as a whole is impressive. “There’s going to be some guys that might not make our team quite honestly”, Ryan said. “That is a deep talented group there’s no question about it especially for a team that’s going to run the ball the way we say we are”.
Rookies:
When asked about the rookie class, Ryan said he was impressed by what he has seen so far. He said it is hard to really get a complete gauge on them mentally and physically but thus far they are on track.
“It was good from a mental standpoint that was the important thing for us trying to get them ready to be out here…at least mentally they have a chance to step in and not be too far behind the veteran player”, Ryan commented. “Mentally that’s probably the most underrated thing in the NFL game is how sharp mentally you have to be. Some guys can have all the physical traits in the world but if you can’t handle it mentally, then you’re really bringing the team down.”
Following Rookie mini-camp and conditioning, the players have several weeks off before mandatory mini-camp in June. Rex said the gap can be difficult for players and coaches. “The tough part is when you leave, now you have a month before you see your players maybe five week…that’ the tough thing…they are either going to get better or get worse or maybe stay the same and you want your guys to get better and that’s hard to do right now,” Ryan said. He did add that the positive thing is the rookies now have a great base for their strength and conditioning and are getting a grasp on the system.
Going Forward:
The Buffalo Bills have organized team activity at the end of the month and the first two weeks of June followed by Mandatory mini-camp. Training camp begins in the middle to end of July at St. John Fisher College (my alma mater!). Dates for training camp have not yet been announced. One thing is for certain, it will be an even more packed house this year.
A common theme in Rex’s press conferences has been the amount of talent the Buffalo Bills have on their team and their coaching staff. He said the guys are excited, well we are all excited. With that being said, I am glad I am not Rex and his staff to have to decide who stays and who goes. Then again, that is why I am not an NFL coach (among other reasons) but I am always open to an offer.
Veronica R. Chiesi Brown @VRCB32
Link to: Bills Fanatics FB Group
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