The Buffalo Bills defeat in Oakland is a tough pill to swallow for players, fans and the media, no doubt. Since the final gun fingers have been pointed at Kyle Orton, Doug Marrone, Nate Hackett, CJ Spiller and even the Defense. Yet, it begins with the poor play of the Offensive line and it’s been an issue most of the season.

Last year the Bills rushed for 2,307 yards, almost a thousand yards more than the 1,378 they have after 15 games this season. That is a huge drop off and a key reason why the Buffalo Offense has struggled so much in 2014.

Before Doug Marrone came to Buffalo the Offensive line was a strength. In fact, in 2011 under Offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris the Bills O-line gave up just 23 sacks, the fewest amount in the league. That year Buffalo also rushed for 1,921 yards almost 600 more than this season thus far. What’s happened?

The Bills have three new starters in the unit this year to go with veterans Cordy Glenn and Eric Woods. The drop-off from 2013 has been staggering and has affected the play of both Kyle Orton and EJ Manuel. If there is an area that needs to be addressed in the off season it has to be the offensive line.

Don’t get me wrong. The Bills still have an issue with Orton, but his lack of mobility is exposed on a regular basis when his protection breaks down.

Fans have been critical of CJ Spiller ever since week two and yes he doesn’t always hit the right hole, but the lack of running room has him constantly looking to break it outside. Fred Jackson earns the respect of the fans by putting his head down and going north to south, but every yard is a battle. Jackson will not point a finger at any one player, but concedes it all starts up front.

The last game in Foxboro against New England could be ugly. The Pats want home field advantage throughout the playoffs so they have something to play for. With their home fans screaming on every snap Kyle Orton could be in for a long day with his line against a Bill Belichick defense. So don’t expect the Bills offensive line to suddenly show life, especially with no playoff game in sight.

Filed under: Koshinski's Korner

Tagged with: , ,


Readers Comments (0)


Sorry, comments are closed on this post.