Having been around Brian Moorman for years, Buffalo Bills special teams coach Bobby April can appreciate sound special teams play when he sees it. Last Sunday he saw one of the best punting performances of his career— and it wasn’t courtesy of Moorman.April said he is not planning on replacing Roscoe Parrish on either kick or punt returns. Parrish committed a costly fumble on a punt late in the fourth quarter that led to Cleveland’s go-ahead field goal in the contest’s waning seconds.
“He (Roscoe) tried too hard to make a play that maybe wasn’t there,” April said. “He’s one of the game’s best returners and he was trying to make a big play. It ended up hurting us but you look at the man’s body of work in this league as a returner and I’ll take it anytime.”
The Bills special teams, one that has dominated the NFL in recent years has been uncharacteristically out of sorts in 2009. They’ve failed to produce any big plays in the return game, turnovers in covering kicks and inexplicably leads the NFL with 11 special teams penalties. It’s a problem April is working hard on solving.
“It’s not anything we’re doing scheme-wise differently that would lead the penalties. We just have to be smarter out there. It’s really that simple. A few of the calls I think were borderline but for the most part we have to do a better job of holding our blocks without committing penalties.”
In Other Wednesday Media Day Bills News
* The No-Huddle offense is being canned.
* Jamon Meredith is in at starting right tackle, Jonathan Scott and Kirk Chambers are out.
* This means center Geoff Hangartner will be surrounded Sunday with four linemen who are essentially rookies; Meredith, Eric Wood, Andy Levitre and Demetrius Bell.
* Both Paul Posluszny and Donte Whitner returned to practice Wednesday and are extremely hopeful of playing on Sunday.
* If Posluszny is able to go on Sunday the linebacker corps would consist of he, Keith Ellison and Ashlee Palmer. If he can’t, Nic Harris is likely to get his first starting assignment. Harris was ahead of Jon Corto in practice on Wednesday.
* Both Scott’s (Bryan and Jonathan) as well as Terrence McGee missed practice. McGee is bothered by a sore knee.
* Josh Reed practiced, but on a limited basis (leg). Steve Johnson took most his reps in practice.
* Trent Edwards remains the starter at quarterback.
* James Hardy is eligible to come off the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list following the Jets game on Sunday. A roster spot will have to be made next week to accommodate him.
* Terrell Owens on trade talk. “Whether it happens or not, I don’t know. I’m committed right here until it does happen. I’m not saying it will. But other than that I’m committed”. He was then asked by Buffalo News reporter Jerry Sullivan and he asked if he would like it (trade) to happen. Owens reiterated “I just said I’m committed. I’m committed right here.”
(Photo Credit: Mike Thomas)
1 Comment on Buffalo Bills Media Day Coverage
Leave a Reply
I like this guy, I know the special teams hasn’t been special so far but this guy gets the most out of the players that play for him. It too bad Ralph just didn’t make him the head coach cause it’s funny how guys play hard for him and Dick can’t even get guys to remember the snap count… I wish Dick was my boss, I love to slack off at work and not have to worry about being fired. Hey Dick once you get fired come on over and get a job where I work I’d love to work for you!!!