Kaspers Korner

     Michael Vick is now facing an impossible mission, thanks in part to a former friend of his.  With this in mind the possibility of Vick ever playing in the National Football League is gone.

     Tony Taylor’s guilty plea to the charges will add another possible 21 years in jail if Vick is convicted.  Taylor’s guilty plea confirmed what I, and people at Pro Football Talk.com were thinking Vick funded the whole operation, with the signing of a summary of evidence confirming the prosecution findings.

    With another 21 years in jail, even if Vick was to get probation he would be to old to play in the NFL.  However, Vick doesn’t need to worry about playing.  He needs to worry about spending the remainder of his natural life in jail.

    The confirmation of gambling winnings will bring the Internal Revenue Service into play.  This means the possibility of another 20 years on tax evasion charges.

     In the end the modern day Hitler is getting what he deserved.  If he is convicted of all of these charges I hope Bobba makes his life in jail all the cozier for Vick.  He Mike a piece of advice plea out now while you still have a chanc, because there is now way that you are going to get off by discrediting Taylor.  

     The second year of a offense marks the installation of a much more complex offense.  This year with the installation of new complex plays wide receivers, and tightends should be seeing a lot more balls coming their way.

     The wide recievers is a group that has one sure fire play maker in Lee Evans, and another possible one in Roscoe Parrish.  Veterans Josh Reed, and Peerless Price round out the top four.  However, the guy to be watching is Roscoe Parrish.

     Parrish is a talented wide receiver.  We seen flashes of it in recent years.   Parrish is a mold of a Andre Reed a player taht thrives on making plays after the catch.  Last year he took Z-screen to the house, and the season before that he juked a Cincinatti defender out of his cleates for a first down on a third and 18.

     Evans is the obvious play maker of the group after his breakout year last year.  This year it will mark is he elite or not as many teams will double him.  Do not let this fact deter you as Evans and JP Losman combined for the most play over 50 yards.

     Reed and Price are an interesting pair.  Both were thought to be busts within the league, but the Buffalo Bills beleive in them enough to sign them to significant deals.  Both are looked upon as players that once had promise, but was knockedd back down to earth.

     The tightends are a group that people hope will emerge this year finally as a threat.   If that is to happen then Kevin Everett will have to emerge as the best of the bunch.  Everett is a tightend in the mold of Kellen Winslow JR. and Shannon Sharpe out of college.  Already the Buffalo News has noticed that he has improved, but is it enough to relpace current starter Robert Royal.

    Both positions will be looked upon for results if the offense is to succeede.

     The defensive back field is a group that got weaker with the loss of cornerback Nate Clements.  This group will surely be tested this year, due to that loss.

     A lot of teams early on will pick on Terrance McGee to see if he can handle playing with the big boys.  The thing is though coverage for a cover two system is more zone than it is one on one coverage.  The real key to the success of the Buffalo Bills defending the pass is the safties.

     The safties are the shut down people of the cover two system.  One second delay in getting somewhere can mean disaster for a defense.  With both the free and strong safties being in their second year the pass defense should not be a problem.  Help for this unit comes in many different forms.

     If the defensive line steps up its play the defensive back fireld will be okay.  Also, what should help the DB’s is that both free safety Ko Simpson and strong safety Donte Whitner are going in to their second year of fulltime playing, so they should know the defense.

    The only unknown is who is going to fill the other cornerback void.  Jason Webster, who signed as a free agent, is expected to start.  This is due to Ashton Youboty having to take care of family matters throughout most of training camp.  However, Youboty can steal the position away with a good camp.  His chances are good since he went to Ohio State University for college.  The Bills have had several draft picks that turned into solid corners out of there.

      This is the one unit who’s play depends on the rest of their teammates.  If the reast do good the DBs will be fine.  If not then watch out for them to get picked apart.

     The running back poistion is one position that is an intriguing one.  The backfield this year is finally one that is versatile.  Something that they have not had in amny years.

     The person that is in the spotlight when it comes to the running backs is obviously Marshawn Lynch.  Lynch is not only a solid runner, but also a dangerous threat out of the backfield.  Finally, giving JP Losman a release valve something that he has not had.  Nor, any quarterback since the realease of Thurman Thomas. 

     The resigning of Anthony Thomas gives the Buffalo Bills a security blanket down the stretch run of the season in case Lynch burns outs.  Thomas was a consistent performer that coaches or the fans will not worry about.

      There is actucally a wild card in all this and that is fourth round selection Dwayne Wright out of Fresno State.  Wright is billed as the same type of style as Marshawn Lynch.  If Wright has an excellent training camp the running game can have a three headed threat.  That is if the offensive line performs.  If Wright has a good season look for the Bills not to resign Anthony Thomas after this year.

     There is high hopes for this position, and if they live up to it.  Well lets just say it could be the most entertaining offense in a very very very long time. 

     The one goup of starters that is to be the youngest on the field at the start of the season is the linebackers.  However, they are not just your ordinary bunch of rookies that people hope that will just barely get things done.

     The feeling around the media is that the starters will be better off this year than last year, and that is the correct thinking.  London Fletcher-Baker is on the back side of his career, and is a bit smallish.  Once, his skills diminish even more than pretty much he will be just another guy.  The other starter being gone is Takeo Spikes.  Spikes last year was a mere shadow of himself.

    However, there was one starter that was a bright spot, and that is Angelo Crowell.  The weakside linebacker was on a tackle pace equivalent to Fletcher-Baker.  However, he is a weakside backer and some plays on the strong side he will not be able to get to.  With it being his second year as a starter do not bbe surprised if he goes to the probowl if he stays healthy all year.  

    The strong side linebakcer will be filled by Keith Ellison.  Ellison saw some starting time last year due in part to a pulled hamstring injury suffered by Takeo Spikes.  Ellison proved in his short time that he can perform at the same level that Spikes did last year.  If anyhting he should  be an upgrade over Spikes with him just being in his second year.

    The middle linebacker spot will be the most watched  position of the three.  This is due in part of the expectation that Paul Posluszny will be the starter this year.  It will be his second season after his acl surgery.  Most athletes in their second year after reconstructive ACL surgery perform very well.  Considering the fact that Posluszny performed well last year bodes great for Bills fans.

     The linebackers should be a group to watch this year, especially if the defensive linemen in front of them improve.

     JP Losman is entering his second year in the offense of Steve Fairchild.  With his improved play the ecpectations is that this year Losman will blossom into a stud or fail and become just another quarterback.

     Without a shadow of a doubt many people are out there hoping that they finally have the franchise quarterback that they been waiting for.  It has been over a decade since Jim Kelly retired, but I say to you the wait is over and he is here.

    The key indication to me was Alan Pergaments article last summer on the time that Losman went to Ron Jaworski for some help.  That told me he is openminded and willing to whatever it takes to win.  In the article itself Jaworski gave Losman a glowing reveiw stating that he knew his stuff.  So what was the problem last year.

      The problem last year was two fold.  First, Steve Fairchild was not confident enough in Losman’s abilities to handle the starting position.  However, he proved enough in training camp last year to win the starting position, and showed enough progress that he could handle it. 

     Secondly, Losman was not able to audible out of plays early on in the season.  You can tell Losman was not audibling by body movement during away games.  There was no body movement, or hand signals between Losman and the receivers.

     Already into OTA’s Losman looked like that is a thing in the past.  John Clayton observed that passes by Losman rarely hit the ground.  The ball was right at were the receiver was just breaking out of a route. 

     Also, both Losman and Fairchild have stated that Losman will have more control over audibles.  Most likely last year during their bye week Fairchild gave Losman hot route audible control.  Which, would explain the shift of game plan to more short routes instead of consitent five step drops.

    Losman to many people is not out of the woods yet.  People would like to see Losman consistently put the team on his shoulders and win games.  However, Losman cannot do that if the opposition consistenly has the ball.

    Losman’s numbers last year indicated that he was a top ten quarterback, excluding number of wins.  Losman should improve this year with several factors.  First, they have a legitament left tackle, that is also respected by coaches around the league.  Secondly, Losman has more audible control, thus putting the offense in better spots.  Thirdly, he has a great release valve in Marshawn Lynch.  Finally, this is the second year that Losman is in Fairchild’s offense. 

    The offense should be fun to watch this year with finally having a legitament QB.

     The Buffalo Bills  weak spot is the defensive line.  It also has the most questions.  I can say from my own playing experience that without a shadow of a doubt the defensive line is the most important part of the defense.

    The Bills defensive line was one of the worst lines against the run.  It was ultimately the reason the reason why the Bills did not make the playoffs last year.  However, there is hope for this unit still.

    This unit has a lot of promise.  With two second year men on the line playing important roles.  John Mckargo and Kyle Williams were drafted last year in the first and fifth rounds respectively.  Both men showed enough to defensive line coach Bill Kohler to get into the defensive tackle rotation. 

     John Mckargo is the big question.  With him suffering the broken ankle last year his progress was stunted like JP Losman.  With him being a first round pick, the first defensive tackle taken in the first round that I can recall, there are high hopes for this young man.

     Kyle Williams was a pleasant surprise last year.  Right from  the start of training camp Williams showed that he fit right in with the Bills.  Head coach Dick Juaron said that he was surprised that his level of effectiveness did not drop off from college to the pro’s.  Most rookies are not effective in their first year.

    The defensive ends this year have been given a higher level of play to reach.  Last year with Aaron Schobels career high sack total, and Chris Kelsay’s huge contract the defensive end level of play has grew exponentially.  The fact is that both men are expected to be dominating forces this coming years thanks in part to their coach.

    The key man behind the development of this unit is Bill Kohler.  In only his first year he improved the effectiveness of both ends.  Many people will be watching with a close eye to how this unit develops this year.

    However, with that all said the interesting part to me will be on the coaching side.  With this being the second year of the defense of Perry Fewell what is to come for them.  What will the install. 

    First, I hope I see a lot of twist stunts between two defensive line men and a defensive lineman and a linebacker.  this can easily mess up the head of offensive lineman.  Will they use some zone blitzes.  Both Kelsay and Schobel before last year were used in this type of scheme a lot. However, it seems the coaches are of the opinion to have the defensive line consistently penetrate the offensive line.

    Well people in all the season as a whole rests in the fate of the development of the defensive line.  If the improve the Bills could make the playoffs.  If not well then it is back to the toilet bowl once again.

     Starting today i will give my assesment of each group on the Buffalo Bills.  Then followed up on a assesent of the offense, then the defense, and the team as a whole.  To me the foundation of any team are the defensive and offensive lines.  Today we will look at the offensive line.

     The offensive line is a unit that was influxed with a lot of cash talent, and potential.  Reading the article today by Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News to me there is not a doubt that the offensive line will be much approved.

    The biggest improvement will actually come within the organization itself.  Jason Peters will be switched this year from right tackle to left tackle. Peters is ready for the step up.  He gave up only three sacks last year, and two of them were coverage sacks. 

     The big thing that allows Peters to be above and beyond most other tackles is his speed.   His speed allows him to drop back in his stance, and shuffle his body into position.  For a tackle that is being parrallel to the quarterback, or in other words back to back with a lot of space in between.  Most tackles fail when they do not get out of thier stance fast enough and just ride the defensive end, eventually the end puts a move on and gets by the tackle.  Peters speed allows him not to do that.

    The other two big additions were Derrick Dockery and Langston Walker.   Dockery is a hard worker, and the type of guy us Bills fans are going to love.  Nice guy off the field and nasty on it in the trenches.  Walker was on a bad Raiders team last year.  However, the Bills liked what they saw on game film, and if there is some talent and work ethic in Walker offensive line coach Jim Mcnally will turn him into something.  After all look what he did with Peters.

     The other returning starter from last year is Melvin Fowler.  With this being his second year we should see him improve under McNally.  He is a very important person his adjustments are crucial to the rest of the line.  With this being his second year there should be no doubt that he will be familiar with the adjusting.

     The big unknow is the right guard position.  Duke Preston and Terrance Pennington will be competing for the spot.  I must refere to a quote of The Coach Chuck Dickerson.  It is easy for a tackle to move to guard than it is for a guard to a tackle.  Why this quote, well actually simple.  Pennington started in several games last year, and was solid in those games.  Moving to the guard should be a breeze for him.  He will not have to flip or adjust his stance.  There will be a learning curve, but he is not a slug like Mike Williams was.  Williams would be a bust no matter where he is.

    The line as a whole should improve, and thus improving the running game at least.  After playing offensive line in high school I know that there are some other things the can do like trapping, pulling, and cross blocking that would improve the line also, but the talent alone should improve it.

     Michael Vick has been offered a paid leave of absence.  Vick should take it because it is only going to get worst.

    If Vick plays this year the National Football League will look like something out of the circus.  PETA will be protesting at every game, and people will be chanting.  Heck they might even pull out a bondfire protest.

   In the end Vick should take the leave at least it will give his teammates a less of a head ache this year. 

     Michael Peca has put the past behind him in stating that he wants to come back to Buffalo.  With that know being know Peca is a perfect fit into the Buffalo Sabres lineup.

    Michael Peca did suffer a really bad injury last year with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but if he is healthy this year he would provide what the Sabres lost.   That being a defensive foward that would take key draws, kill penalties, and shut down top defensive lines.

   Peca is pretty much a mirror image of Chris Drury, except that he scores less goals.  Also, in the past he has shut down many of the top lines in the league.  Say what you want about Drury, in the end he could not get the job done when it came down shutting down top lines in the last two conference finals.  Peca in the Sabres last stanley cup run shut down Matt Sundin’s line.

     People need to get their crap straight.  Being a sports fan, and interning at WGR I am totally embarrased by the rookie contest on the Schoop and Bulldog show.  Specifically the horses ass that said he is still pissed off because he got burned by Peca.  Talk about holy horse crap Batman.   Who is the real reason why Peca left?

    Simple, the scumbag rotting away the last days of his life behind bars, and that being John Rigas.  I remember those famous words still to this day that he uttered, “Were determined to give them the tools to finish the job.”  He promised that he would bring in what he needed to get the job done.  That includes paying your own players when their contracts are up.

     So, what was the dispute between Peca and the Sabres?  Money of course, but the real sticking point is how much.  At the time Juri Lehtenin’s contract was the prevalant market place for the Sabres.  Thus, only offering Peca 2.3 million per a year.  Peca wanted three million a year.  Not much of a difference. 

     The same arguement applied then to fans as did this past year to Drury.  That being no matter what the price is you pay it to keep Mike Peca.  Unfortunately, Darcy Regier’s hads were tied up by Rigas, and hand no choice in the matter.

    Also, there is one thing that I haven’y heard mention.  With Peca being signed you could take Ales Kotalik and Jaroslav Spacek, or Damitri Kalinin, and get a top notch defensemen.  That would also improve the team and it into the Sabres plans to get better defensively.

    The fact being is that the Sabres need Peca more than they realize.  They just lost two top notch leaders, and Drury being their best all around foward.  This move allows them to do a lot of different things.