News analysis: Schonert new Bills OC
You certainly don't have to remind newly appointed Bills offensive coordinator Turk Schonert that patience is a virtue. He's been waiting 12 years for his chance to run an offense.
Schonert, 51, takes over an anemic Bills offense that's ranked 30th in each of the last two seasons under the stewardship of Steve Fairchild, who took over as the head coach at Colorado State. Schonert brings 22 years of NFL experience to the table, as he spent 10 years as a backup quarterback and another 12 as a quarterbacks coach, including the last two seasons in Buffalo.
During Schonert's first formal press conference in his new role, he made it clear change is on the horizon. He acknowledged the shoddy play calling and stressed the need to get the playmakers an opportunity to get their hands on the ball. While it's widely speculated the Bills will try to add size to their receiving corps, Schonert stressed maximizing the opportunities with the guys already on the roster, specifically wide receivers Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish.
He would like to see Evans move around a bit more, rather than just lining him up on the left side, as he's done frequently during the last two seasons. As for Parrish, Schonert simply wants to get him more involved, as the speedy receiver's demonstrated a knack for making big plays. Furthermore, he would like to see running back Marshawn Lynch become a more focal point in the passing game, as he only amassed 18 receptions during his rookie season.
As for the guy directing their passing game, Schonert and the Bills have made it clear that Trent Edwards is expected to be under center into the foreseeable future. Schonert said he's aiming to put together a revised audible package for Edwards, putting more on his shoulders. In layman's terms: The Bills are taking the reins off the second-year pro. While it's highly unlikely they'll be chasing the touchdown record next season, the Schonert-directed offense is expected to open up the passing attack a bit, in contrast to the often conservative play calling in 2007.
The running game's also expected to see changes, as Schonert came right out and said he wants to bring in a fulltime fullback rather than flexing a tight end into the backfield. Additionally, expect to see Lynch in the game quite a bit more on third-down situations, as Schonert expressed his discontent with his absence from the short-yardage package. Beyond that, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Bills employ more of a one-two punch with the late-season emergence of running back Fred Jackson. It's not to say Marshawn Lynch's job as the incumbent starter is by any means in jeopardy, but the Bills like the notion of Jackson spelling him for a series occasionally.
The Bills weren't exactly a fantasy hotbed last season, as anytime you're among the league's worst on offense, your guys probably aren't producing. Such was the case in 2007, as fantasy owners of a projected stud such as Evans were left shaking their respective heads in disgust. Evans finished with a mere 55 receptions, the sixth-fewest of any No. 1 receiver.
The lone bright spot in terms of consistent fantasy value this past season was Lynch. The rookie totaled 280 carries for 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games. Not too shabby given the situation.
Schonert's promotion could translate into big things for Lynch, as getting him involved in the passing game and on third down demonstrates the Bills want to get the most out of the second-year back. He's an extremely talented runner, who if given more of an opportunity could develop into a stud.
As for Evans, the verdict remains somewhat in limbo. Schonert stated he wants to get him more involved next season, but the need for size at wide receiver is a major concern for the offense. Depending on how they address this issue could correlate on just how successful Evans' 2008 campaign will be. If they make a play at another bona fide No. 1 to fill that void, his production could be set back a notch. If they bring someone in that works strictly as a complement to him, it should work to his benefit.
Lastly, if they keep things as is, Schonert made it clear he wants to get Evans more involved, which if nothing else should be an improvement from 2007.
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