Bills' Lynch rising above dismal offense
Two weeks into the 2007 NFL season, it's safe to say things haven't gone according to plan for the Buffalo Bills' offense. Thanks largely to an anemic attack that has mustered one touchdown, only 10 points and is ranked 31st out of 32 teams, the Bills are 0-2 this year. What was supposed to be a high-powered assault has been punchless for the bottom-feeding Bills, obviously.
Despite all the negatives -- and there are plenty -- hanging like a black cloud over Buffalo's offense, there is reason for optimism; it centers around the team's top pick from last April's draft.
First-round choice Marshawn Lynch, a running back, has been quite impressive thus far. He totaled 90 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in Buffalo's Week 1 loss to Denver, and the ex-University of California star demonstrated power on a fourth-and-1 conversion (with the help of offensive guard Brad Butler, who dragged the runner for a first down) and plowed over the Broncos en route to a 23-yard score in the fourth quarter.
Considering that last Sunday's opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers, had allowed just three 100-yard rushers in the past 50 regular-season games and possessed the No. 1-ranked run defense entering the contest, the expectations for Marshawn Lynch were low. Although his ground stats (18 carries for 64 yards) aren't going to amaze anyone, he still showed a willingness to hit holes with authority and consistently gained positive yardage early in drives. Further, he added a 21-yard catch and run in the second half.
"'Marshawn is a very talented back," Bills head coach Dick Jauron told reporters.
Though Buffalo's coaches understand Marshawn Lynch's potential, it's obvious at this point that the 5-foot-11, 215-pounder has been underutilized by offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild. He came into the pros touted as an all-around RB, someone who has the ability to dominate as a runner and make a difference as an extra receiver. Thirty-seven carries in two games isn't enough, and three receptions doesn't cut it either.
The blame for Marshawn Lynch's lack of touches falls on the shoulders of Fairchild, who is relying too much on subpar quarterback J.P. Losman. Perhaps the 26-year-old would find his game through the air if the Bills designed more short-yardage tosses to Marshawn Lynch, who could then turn minimal yardage into big gains via stiff arms, speed and the ability to run through tacklers. Doing so would take pressure off Losman and the receiving corps, which has been among the league's worst in '07.
Marshawn Lynch's numbers this year (40 touches, 184 yards) have been solid, especially for a rookie. Additionally, he has 20 carries on first-down plays for 84 yards, good for about 4.1 yards per rush. When you have a back who can pick up respectable yardage like that on first downs, it should be a no-brainer to call his number -- both on the ground and through the air -- when drives begin.
Quite simply, making Marshawn Lynch the focal point of the offense (which means giving him the ball early and often) is the only chance Buffalo has to regain its dead-and-buried confidence and eventually enter the win column.
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