Advance scouting
One point that Bill Belichick made at various times during 2008 training camp was that the Patriots had two primary goals:
As the Patriots get set for the start of 2009 training camp tomorrow -- with practices at 9:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. -- they have surely caught wind of some interesting developments in Western New York.
The Bills are installing a no-huddle offense.
Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News had detailed some of the Bills' plans in June, noting that one reason the Bills want to employ more no-huddle is to tap one of quarterback Trent Edwards' strengths -- his intelligence. AFC East reporter Tim Graham, of ESPN.com, added that the Bills' decision is also "to deploy their abundance of talent at the skill positions." Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com believes that the Bills could go no-huddle almost 50 percent of the time.
For fans attending Patriots training camp this year, this will be an area to watch. Because of the heavy training camp emphasis on preparing for the season opener, look for the defense to spend more time against the no-huddle.



At least the Pats defense will get to practice against an offense that can run a pretty decent no-huddle themselves. If you can handle Brady, Moss, Welker, Faulk and Company in practice you're not going to be afraid of Edwards, Owens, Evans and the rest of the Buffalo offense during the regular season.
Trent Edwards just isn't a very good quarterback, period. The no huddle offense is not going to turn him into another Tom Brady. It might make more sense spending more time devising schemes to stop Miami at this point.
BB likes the sneak no-huddle as a gimmick. Perhaps if you use it 50% of the time it loses its benefits and increases your costs.
It remains to be seen whether the patchwork Buffalo offensive line can handle a no-huddle. Last I heard, Buffalo wanted to start a 2009 second round draft choice at guard.
I too, am skeptical both at the reports and the effectiveness of a no-huddle that comes without surprise. Unlike the wildcat formations last year, NFL teams have long experience preparing and defending the hurry-up in all its variants.
I also put little stock in a bills.com reporter who "believes that the Bills could go no-huddle almost 50 percent of the time". And Tim Graham's "to deploy their abundance of talent at the skill positions." borders on wishful thinking.
Or that a veiled indictment of the Buffalo OL?
And if reports/opinions are true, how will the Bills defense respond to the increased playing time (exposure) as a result of their fast moving offense?
Nice kick, Reiss..
I think they should instead make the fans attempt the 46 yarder kick that Adam kicked to tie the snow game.
I'm sure all of New England will lose sleep at night worrying about how the Pats will stop the Bills' no huddle offense.
...or maybe they'll just sub out every time TO drops a pass. that way you know there will be plenty of opportunities, and the offense will waste plenty of time while Owens shrugs and smiles for the camera and Edwards pulls his hair out.
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