Bills Q&A with Bob DiCesare

Bob DiCesare covers the Buffalo Bills for the Buffalo News.

You can find his work at:
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/

Baltimore Sports and Life appreciates Mr. DiCesare for answering a few Bills questions in preparation for this Sunday’s Ravens/Bills game.

Baltimore Sports and Life: “At half-time of the Maryland/Clemson game this past weekend, Clemson University honored the Bills rookie RB C.J. Spiller by retiring his number. Spiller honored the university by donated $100,000 to the University. Certainly was a class-act. Spiller comes into this game with just 19 carries (though 13 receptions). I imagine after the bye, and with the trade of Lynch it will be priority for Buffalo to get him the ball the remainder of this season?”

Bob DiCesare: “Three was a crowd and Lynch had worn out his welcome here with his off-field antics. Certainly his departure creates a need for more carries from Spiller and Fred Jackson. I would imagine we’ll see a 70-30 split favoring Jackson at this stage. He’s the most underrated player on a team full of overrated players.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Lee Evans has seen his yards per reception drop from 16.1 in 2008-09, to just 12.1 this year. Is he still capable of stretching the field with better QB play?”

Bob DiCesare: “Absolutely. Evans has been a victim of circumstance, and it’s sad. If he had been drafted by Indy he’d be a household name. He’s paid well, but the absence of a QB (and offensive line) to maximize his talents has to be frustrating.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “I see that the 2009 1st round (Eric Wood) and 2nd round picks (Adam Levitre) are starting at RG and LG respectively. What can you tell me about these two?”

Bob DiCesare: “They provide a solid foundation for the future. I like Wood in particular. Now if they could just latch on to a couple of tackles.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Ryan Fitzpatrick has played pretty well (7 TD’s vs. 2 picks) since replacing Trent Edwards as Quarterback. Do you expect the Bills to target a QB with their 1st round 2011 selection, or is an Offensive Tackle an even more pressing priority?”

Bob DiCesare: “Alas, the franchise has to go the QB route. Fitz isn’t the answer long term. They need to find a QB who is, although their dismal draft history doesn’t bode well. That said, they need a tackle just as badly.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Baltimore fans are familiar with starting DE Dwan Edwards. Not much of pass-rusher, but was solid against the run last year. The Bills added some youth to the line in the 2010 draft with 2nd round pick Torrell Troup, and 3rd rounder Alex Carrington. Are Troup, and Carrington pushing the starters Stroud and Williams?”

Bob DiCesare: “No.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Baltimore (Ellicott City) native Aaron Maybin is in his 2nd-year in the league, after being selected with the 11th overall pick in 2009. The OLB/DE has yet to record his first NFL sack. Why is he struggling to see the field? If he is failing to grasp pass-defense, why not just send him after the QB?”

Bob DiCesare: “He’s undersized and the quickness that seemed so alluring at Penn State hasn’t translated to the NFL. It was yet another example of the Bills drafting a specialty-type player when they need every-down players.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “MLB Paul Posluszy recorded 110 tackles in both 2008, and 2009 and leads the Bills in tackles here in 2010. What are his strengths and weaknesses?”

Bob DiCesare: “Great motor. Loves the game. Pretty good instincts. But he’s not quick and is average at best in coverage. A solid piece to the puzzle but not the kind of LB you build a defense around.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “I note that CB Leodis McKelvin sits behind Terrence McGee, and Drayton Florence on the depth-chart. Are McGee and Florence really better cover corners?

Bob DiCesare: “McGee, without question. Florence has benefited from McKelvin’s youth and inexperience which equals inconsistency.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “The Safety combination of Whitner and Byrd seems promising, and obviously would be better with an improved pass-rush. Do you like what you see out of that duo?”

Bob DiCesare: “Byrd obviously had a great rookie season but it struck my as quite a bit of serendipity — just being in the right place at the right time. Whitner is functional, nothing more or less. He hasn’t been the kind of safety who influences a game. His first-round draft sttatus indicates the Bills expected more.”

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Prior to Chan Gailey being hired by the Bills, we had heard in Baltimore that former Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick might receive an interview. Was that legitimate? Was he ever considered as an option for Buffalo?”

Bob DiCesare: “Cowher wanted no part of the job. Ditto Shanahan. And the Bills were willing to put some hefty money on the table for either. What does that tell us? It’s just not a very desireable job with Ralph Wilson at 91 and the organization suffering from undefined leadership. I don’t see where Billick would have wanted any part of it. Any coach with high credentials would be better off waiting for a more stable situation.”