Preseason Preview: Buffalo at Green Bay

by Brandon on Aug 22, 2009 2:00 AM CDT in Analysis Comment 7 comments

Other than the news that they've finally signed their 1st round pick, DE Aaron Maybin, and WR Terrell Owens has a reality TV show that I'm avoiding, I have no idea what's going on this preseason for the Buffalo Bills. This preview is all about what to watch for the Green Bay Packers.

C Scott Wells and RT Allen Barbre. Buffalo's defensive line is good, 7th against the run although only 28th against the pass, according to Football Outsiders. Wells might have a challenge if he has to go against former Pro Bowl DT Marcus Stroud. These two are the likely starters at their respective position, but they have to prove it during the preseason games.
WR James Jones and WR Jordy Nelson. For what it's worth, Jones seems to have made more noise in training camp. He also had 3 catches in the first preseason game. Nelson has been very quiet this preseason. I put Nelson ahead at the start of the preseason for the No. 3 WR spot, but Jones is probably ahead at this point.
DT B.J. Raji. He should play, so we'll finally get to see him in action.
LB A.J. Hawk. We've been discussing the bust label this week, and Greg Bedard's been looking at the salary cap implications to cut or trade him. Will he still be the starting middle LB in this game, or will he make way for LB Desmond Bishop?
LB Brady Poppinga. I love his hustle, but he often seems a step behind each play. The first preseason game was no different. But LB Clay Matthews and LB Jeremy Thompson won't play, so Poppinga should start and get another chance.
How awful will the backup QBs play? It took QB Aaron Rodgers two full seasons to get used to the offense. He was bad whenever he got a chance to play in 2005 and 2006. So that's the timeline for QB Brian Brohm and QB Matt Flynn. If they look bad next preseason, then you'll know. But right now, there still learning. Obviously that doesn't help if either is needed this season. Which is probably why some in the Packers' front office wanted them to sign QB Michael Vick.

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Hey guys being a Bills-fan, I’m very excited about the opportunity for us to play against your new 3-4 defensive scheme, which we had a lot of trouble prevailing against last year. From a Bills perspective, these following things are going to be interesting to see in my opinion at least:

- How do we generally do offensively against your 3-4 defense that caused us so much trouble last year?

- Is Geoff Hangartner, our newly-acquired center from Carolina, able to handle Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji at NT?; in other words is he capable of not getting pushed back into Trent Edwards all the time, unlike our previous starting centers, who were pathetic in that category.

- From a defensive perspective, it will be quite intriguing to watch Aaron Rodgers and the rest of your explosive offense against our defense that for many seasons has lacked a vehement pass rush that you could actually count on. Will our pass-rush actually get to Rodgers and force him to make some ill-advised decisions or will he be able to stand back in the pocket and pick our defense apart?

- Who steps up on defense and offense and makes some plays? Our DB’s have made a lot of plays (not surprisingly, as it’s, you know, preseason) in preseason, and will that great and very promising development continue this week?

by BillsfanfromDenmark on Aug 22, 2009 4:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't wait either

I’m curious to see how we do against your run game (which is where we struggled last year). With Lynch and Jackson you guys have a damn good tandem. Also how has Edwards looked so far this preseason? I watched him 2-3 times last year, and he seemed like he was kind of hit or miss. I watched one game where he looked great against Jacksonville, and then one against Cleveland where he didn’t look to good. I know he kind of struggled against the Titans but how was he against the Bears? His development could be key to how good your team is this season.

by packallday555 on Aug 22, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

is he capable of not getting pushed back into Trent Edwards all the time, unlike our previous starting centers, who were pathetic in that category.

Speaking of which we should get a glimpse of Duke Preston right? :-)

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Aug 22, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey guys being a Bills-fan, I’m very excited about the opportunity for us to play against your new 3-4 defensive scheme, which we had a lot of trouble prevailing against last year. From a Bills perspective, these following things are going to be interesting to see in my opinion at least:

- How do we generally do offensively against your 3-4 defense that caused us so much trouble last year?

That concern is a valid one, as I understand that every team in the AFC East but the Bills uses the 3-4.

The glass is more than half-full.

by NorthStarr on Aug 22, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully

Flynn was not a fluke last week. He looked 10 times better than last season so lets hope he can continue to improve and really step up and be the backup we need. With Brohm it is a totally different story. He played for most if not all the 2nd half last week. Now I dont know if I like that or not. He does seem to be the one that needs the most help, so letting him play would help. However, if Flynn is the 2nd stringer he should get some more reps to make sure we know he can fully backup Rodgers if anything were to happen (hopefully that is not the case)

by bizzle4 on Aug 22, 2009 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Flynn

I agree, They should let Flynn take more reps, Then God forbid if anything happens to Rogers at least Flynn will have some playing time under his belt . Go Pack Go!

by whooya on Aug 22, 2009 2:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tonight...

I would like to see Flynn, Lumpkin, and Sutton get some more playing time. They looked good against the 2nd and 3rd stringers. I want to see what they can do against the Bills starters. Anyways, we all know Rodgers and Grant are going to be starters and what they can do.

by massey1984 on Aug 22, 2009 4:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs