Tag: Gregory Rousseau

Instant analysis: Fast starts, defense lead Bills in blowout win over Dolphins

Instant analysis: Fast starts, defense lead #Bills to blowout W over Dolphins (via @jdiloro):

The Buffalo Bills relied on their defense and fast starts on offense during each half to take the 35-0 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.

The first half started fast, reminiscent of last year’s final week 56-26 drubbing of the Dolphins, by scoring easily on their first two drives. It took 12 seconds of Bills offensive play to open the scoring for the game. Bills running back Devin Singletary burst through the Miami defense on a 46-yard rush:

On the Bills’ second drive, they moved down the field with little resistance once again, culminating with a Stefan Diggs touchdown reception. Buffalo grabbed a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter. It looked like a route, but the Bills’ offense went idle for the remainder of the half.

Fortunately for the Bills, their defense was dominant when Buffalo’s offense was forced to punt. The Bills recorded four sacks in the first half, including on two of the first three defensive snaps in the game. Gregory Rousseau, Matt Milano, Micah Hyde, and Taron Johnson all recorded sacks in the first half. Meanwhile, the Bills forced three turnovers, including a Levi Wallace interception, and a Taron Johnson forced a fumble that Matt Milano recovered. To conclude the first half, Taiwan Jones recovered a Jaylen Waddle muffed fumble attempt.

The Bills left little in doubt during the initial drive of the second half. Buffalo’s offense moved the ball 75 yards in eight plays, finishing with an eight-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dawson Knox.

With a 21-0 lead, the Bills defense continued to limit any sort of progress by the Miami offense. Buffalo allowed only 216 total yards on the game. Miami made 13 first downs on the game and only two first downs on the ground.

Buffalo’s defensive game plan was perfect, as they unleashed several players getting free hits on the Miami quarterbacks throughout the game. It was a creative attack, as the defense used multiple blitz packages to attack Tua Tagovailoa and Jacoby Brissett.

The Bills ended the game with six sacks and 11 quarterback hits. Buffalo denied Miami on all four of their fourth down attempts.

To add salt to the wounds, Buffalo’s offense popped in two more touchdowns. Zack Moss found the end zone on two touch runs, atoning from an early fumble in the game.

It was all good for Buffalo this afternoon in South Beach. Buffalo’s offense struggled through a few moments in the game but still won the game by 35 points. That’s something for the Bills, as it leaves a positive image of what this version of the offense could be moving forward.

Quarterback Josh Allen went 17-of-33 for 179 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Devin Singletary added 82 yards on 13 carries, while Moss ran for 26 yards on eight carries. They combined for three rushing touchdowns.

Stefan Diggs led the way in the receiving game for Buffalo, reeling in four passes for 60 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.

More impressively, Buffalo’s defense completely shut down any progress of the Dolphins offense.

Coming into this week, there were worries about the Bills offensive line and their ability to dominate a game defensively. Both boxes were checked. It’s exciting to see what Buffalo will look like when the entire team puts it together. Dare we say, it’s going to make quite the challenge for Kansas City.

Next week, the Bills will square off against the Washington Football Team and Highmark Stadium. Washington is currently 1-1 after defeating the New York Giants 30-29 Thursday night.

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An early progress report of the 2021 NFL Draft opt outs

A handful of rookies are getting their first football action in over a year and a half.

The 2021 NFL Draft gave us a group of players that haven’t really existed in the NFL before: multiple first round picks that didn’t play their final season of college football.

Due to the pandemic that seems to be never-ending, players were allowed to opt out of the season with no penalty or real scrutiny, paving the way for highly touted draft prospects to begin preparing for the NFL a year early.

Six players that opted out of the 2020 college footballs season were selected in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. Their acclimation and adjustment to the NFL will be fascinating to track this year as they jump right into professional action after a year away from the game.

Here’s how a few of these guys have performed up to this point in the preseason.

(Cornerback Caleb Farley, who was drafted by the Titans in the first round, didn’t get a blurb because he just got his first action of training camp in Week 2.)

Instant analysis: Bills destroy Bears in Week 2 preseason action

Instant analysis: #Bills destroy #Bears in Week 2 preseason action (via @jdiloro):

This was as close to a perfect preseason game as could have occurred. The game dubbed as the “Mitchell Trubisky revenge game” fell in the Buffalo Bills’ favor in every possible aspect.

The Bills dominated the Chicago Bears in all facets, winning 41-15 in Week 2 preseason action.

Trubisky played the first half in flawless fashion for the Bills. The 2017 second-overall pick had a day against his former team, going 20-of-28 for 221 passing yards and touchdown pass.

From the first series, Trubisky was in control. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll started with a high tempo to start the game. From there, Trubisky was decisive in the pocket and accurate with his passes. It was an impressive first half, and it should give confidence that Trubisky can guide this team if he’s called upon in the regular season.

Along with the QB, the Bills running backs flashed throughout the game.

Devin Singletary had another nice outing, making it challenging to keep him off the field in the regular season. Singletary ran only two times, but the second rush found the end zone, as the third-year pro took a toss to the end zone on fourth down.

Matt Breida made a nice play in the red zone, taking a screen pass and cutting across to the one-yard line on an 18-yard reception. Breida rushed five times for 18 yards as well. Fullback Reggie Gilliam punched in two touchdowns from one-yard out.

Overall, it seems that each running back will have a role when the regular season commences. It also showed that the offensive line, even with starters mixed with reserves, can hold their own. In particular, it was promising to see left tackle Dion Dawkins get his first action of the preseason returning from his battle with coronavirus.

Buffalo dominated the Bears offense in the first half. The Bills had a 57-percent pressure rate in the first two quarters of the game. Greg Rousseau recorded another sack this week, causing massive problems for the Bears offensive line.

The Bills defense forced multiple turnovers as well. Cornerback Nick McCloud reeled in a late first-half interception to put Buffalo in position to add points before halftime. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich forced a fumble that rookie defensive back Damar Hamlin recovered.

The Bills defense only allowed on 145 yards in the first half. They forced four Chicago three-and-outs with Andy Dalton at the helm of the Bears offense. Half of the yards allowed occurred on one play, as Rodney Adams reeled in a contested catch against Bills cornerback Siran Neal. Adams scored on the play, giving Chicago their first points on the afternoon.

Buffalo’s special teams also found the highlight reel, as Marquez Stevenson returned a punt 79 yards to the house. The entire play worked well for the Bills’ special teams unit, as Stevenson caught the ball with at least 10 yards of running room.

Buffalo’s defensive line worked well today, which will make it challenging for Sean McDermott and company to cut the roster down its final form. The depth positions in the secondary could be an interesting point to watch moving forward as well, as the Bills have options behind Tre’Davious White, Levi Wallace, Micah Hyde, and Jordan Poyer.

As it’s the preseason, it’s a time to knick-pick at some things in the game. However, most of the issues occurred with players deep on the roster bubble. When Justin Fields entered the game, the defensive line had to adjust to a mobile quarterback who could make something happen outside of the pocket. Even so, the unit improved at keeping Fields at bay as the game progressed.

The only challenge from this game: the roster bubble questions will still exist. Jake Kumerow put together a nice game, but it was matched by a couple of drops. Isaiah McKenzie fumbled a punt but returned with a solid overall game, catching seven passes for 72 receiving yards. Matt Haack, who isn’t facing a challenge on the roster, did not have a stellar day punting. Davis Webb fumbled on consecutive possessions. Tight end Dawson Knox had a drop.

But I’m reaching for negatives, especially in a four-score victory.

It’s all smiles in western New York. The bottom of the roster will have one more chance next Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Highmark Stadium.

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Instant analysis: Bills kickoff preseason with dramatic win vs. Lions

Instant analysis: #Bills kickoff preseason with dramatic win vs. #Lions (via @jdiloro):

The Buffalo Bills brought as much drama as possible to a preseason game, besting the Detroit Lions, 16-15, in Week 1 of preseason action. Buffalo ruined Dan Campbell’s head coaching debut for the Lions, as Tyler Bass’s 44-yard field goal with 19 seconds left ended up being the difference.

The first exhibition game for the Bills game gave an opportunity for several depth players to flash their skills and challenge for a depth spot on the roster. Buffalo rested several starters, including Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Emmanuel Sanders, Jerry Hughes, Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Micah Hyde.

The good news: Many of the reserves who should make Buffalo’s final roster kept Detroit off-balance when they were on the field. In particular, the Bills defense limited any meaningful progress by the Lions offense in the first half. When this group was pushed back, they still refused to concede a touchdown.

The Lions managed only three points in the first half, as kicker Randy Bullock completed an 18-play drive with a 28-yard field goal. Levi Wallace made a nice play in the end zone to deny progress as the Lions entered the red zone.

Offensively, the Bills made a commitment to the run game in the first half. Devin Singletary carried eight times for 42 rushing yards, while Matt Breida ran 10 times for 27 rushing yards. Meanwhile, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky threw only two passes in a quarter of work, completing one for 10 yards. With Buffalo’s receiving room basically set entering the season, the Bills could place an emphasis on the run game in the first half.

Singletary scored the Bills’ only touchdown in the game. The third-year pro was on the receiving end of a play-action pass, where he found the end zone with no resistance from the Lions defense.

While the night seemed to drag on, the fourth quarter became very interesting. As several deep roster players took the field, the Bills defense started to falter, allowing the Lions to claw back into the game.

The tackling of this unit was questionable at best. A massive swing occurred in one segment of the fourth quarter, as a Nick McCloud pick-six was overturned as an incomplete pass. On the play, Olaijah Griffin was flagged for a personal foul, setting up Detroit in good position for their first score of the game.

Craig Reynolds weaved his way through Buffalo’s defense for a 24-yard rushing touchdown. The Bills responded to negate the Lions two-point conversion, still giving Buffalo a 13-12 lead.

Buffalo’s offensive line had some struggles in the closing of the game, leaving Jake Fromm little time to throw. The Bills punted away, giving Detroit an opportunity to take the lead.

Lions quarterback David Blough responded with two big passes on the subsequent drive, completing a 35-yard pass to Javon McKinley and a 29-yard pass to Tom Kennedy. Kicker Randy Bullock was successful on a 28-yard field goal to give the Lions their first lead of the game, 15-13.

As they have done many times before, the Bills rallied their squad to mount a comeback. Even with third and fourth stringers, Buffalo’s offensive depth found a way to pull off the revival. On fourth down, Jake Fromm found Marquez Stevenson for 25 yards to extend the drive. From there, Fromm kept things under control, slowly moving the team into field goal range. From there, a Tyler Bass 44-yard field goal put the Bills in the lead for good.

Several players made the most of their opportunities on the field. Davis Webb showed that he could guide the offense, going 11-of-16 for 90 passing yards and one touchdown pass. Webb added 26 rushing yards on two scrambles. Fromm’s late-game response in the face of pressure was impressive. Singletary’s game gave some confidence in the run game. Stevenson’s performance on the final drive will keep him in the conversation for a depth receiver.

On the defensive side of the ball, Andre Smith seemed to be everywhere, leading the Bills in tackles with eight in the game. Cam Lewis followed with seven tackles. Joe Giles-Harris also made his presence known with six tackles.

First-round draft pick Gregory Rousseau was as advertised, recording his first sack in the NFL, albeit in the preseason. He recorded three pressures on 11 snacks. More impressively, his sack came against Penei Sewell, the No. 7 overall draft pick this year.

Tyler Bass showed that he is automatic, making all three of his field goals, including a 50-yard bomb in the first quarter and the game-winner from 44 yards out.

Overall, the Bills had a nice start to their 2021 campaign. Most of the mistakes that occurred were by players who were not threatening to make the 53-man roster, so all in all, this result is just what Buffalo needs to get the ball rolling for a successful season. It took the entire roster to seal this victory for Buffalo.

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Calais Campbell helping Bills rookie Gregory Rousseau

Calais Campbell helping Bills rookie Gregory Rousseau

The Baltimore Ravens have benefited by having defensive tackle Calais Campbell on their roster both on and off of the field. He still provides a boost on the interior for the Baltimore defense on Sundays, but off of the field he brings leadership qualities that are extremely valuable to the younger players on the roster.

Despite being a member of the Ravens, Campbell isn’t just helping players from his own team grow. The veteran defensive tackle is giving a helping hand to Buffalo Bills rookie Gregory Rousseau, who was the 30th overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft.

Campbell has been in Rousseau’s corner for a long time, as he’s publicly endorsed the rookie before.

There have been reports that Baltimore liked both Rousseau and fellow edge rusher Odafe Oweh, the latter of which the team ended up drafting with the 31st overall selection in 2021. Both will look to realize their potential, and Campbell will seemingly be a key figure for both players.

Ravens reportedly had Odafe Oweh and Gregory Rousseau ‘similarly-graded’ on draft board

The Baltimore Ravens drafted Odafe Oweh with the 31st overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. However, the team also liked Gregory Rousseau

The Baltimore Ravens made edge rusher Odafe Oweh one of their two first round picks in the 2021 draft, with the other being wide receiver Rashod Bateman. The organization seemingly fell in love with Oweh’s potential, and will hope to develop him into the next star pass rusher to put on a Baltimore uniform.

It was no secret that the Ravens needed pass rushing help after seeing Matthew Judon, Yannick Ngakoue, and Jihad Ward depart in 2021 free agency leaving a massive void at the edge defender position. While the team did re-sign Tyus Bowser and Pernell McPhee to go along with third year player Jaylon Ferguson, they needed more after losing so much production.

That’s where Oweh comes in. He should likely get a rather hefty amount of snaps out of the gate as the team looks to see what they have in him. However, Oweh wasn’t the only developmental pass rusher that Baltimore had their eye on in the draft. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reported that the Ravens also liked University of Miami edge defender Gregory Rousseau and had him high on their board, and he was similarly rated to Oweh.

“All indications are that the Ravens prioritized coming out of the first round with a pass rusher and they considered Rousseau and Oweh, who were similarly-graded players on their board, at 27. They ultimately decided on Bateman, believing that he would have been taken before they were on the clock again at 31, and rolling the dice that either Rousseau or Oweh would still be there.”

It seems like Baltimore felt that pass rusher was a critical need for them, so they prioritized drafting one in the first round. They figured that Bateman would get scooped up before they had a chance to pick again at No. 31, so they took the wide receiver while hoping that either Oweh or Rousseau would make it to their second first-round pick.

Luckily for the Ravens, although Rousseau was taken by the Buffalo Bills with the 30th overall pick, Oweh fell into their laps at No. 31. Rousseau accumulated 15.5 sacks in 2019, but is relatively new to the edge position, playing wide receiver and safety before transitioning to the defensive line full time.

Oweh and Rousseau would have both been good options at No. 31, and it seems like Baltimore would have been fine taking either one of them. Oweh was the player that ended up falling, and the Ravens will look to develop him into a star.

Why Bills fans should be excited about Gregory Rousseau

Breaking down the Buffalo Bills’ selection of Miami edge defender Gregory Rousseau in the 2021 NFL draft

The Buffalo Bills selected Miami edge rusher Gregory Rousseau with the No. 30 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Rousseau only really played in one season at the collegiate level, but what a season it was. He finished the 2019 season with 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss, dominating ACC offensive tackles on a weekly basis. He accelerates well off the snap, especially for someone as big as he is.

Rousseau has a lengthy and well-built frame with massive limbs, making it tougher for the opposition to lock him out at the point of attack. He has shown promise in regards to his pass-rushing arsenal in his hands, and he plays with a motor that runs hot on a down-by-down basis.

With a group of edge rushers that was on the older side, the Bills made the smart move of adding a young, high-upside prospect in Rousseau, who can be gradually brought into the defensive rotation over time. He and 2020 second-round pick A.J. Epenesa gives Buffalo an enticing tandem off the edge going forward.

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3 biggest needs for Ravens entering 2021 NFL draft

The Baltimore Ravens have a very competitive roster already, but they have a few needs that need to be filled. Which needs are most glaring?

The Baltimore Ravens have put together a very competitive roster. They have a plethora of stars surrounded by depth all around, which makes the team not only good at the top, but good all the way to the last man. There is a nice foundation already in place for the Ravens, as young studs such as Lamar Jackson, Ronnie Stanley, and Marlon Humphrey will carry the torch for a long time in Baltimore.

Despite having such a talented roster already, the Ravens now have the opportunity to get even better by drafting immediate impact contributors at positions of need in the 2021 NFL draft. Rounding out their roster should be a top priority for the team, so what needs are their most glaring heading into the draft?

Ravens 2021 Draft Prospect Profiles

The Baltimore Ravens will be looking to capitalize on a very deep 2021 draft class. Here are draft profiles for some of the biggest names

The Baltimore Ravens will have great players to choose from at many different positions during the 2021 NFL draft. With a few big needs and a couple of other sneaky ones, having nine picks will certainly help Baltimore come out of this draft with a phenominal class.

Throughout the draft process, there have been plenty of rumors and rumblings about players that the Ravens could be interested in and potentially select. Here are the draft profiles for the prospects that have been linked to Baltimore the most.

 

Wide Receiver:

Rashod Bateman, Minnesota

Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU

Kadarius Toney, Florida

Dez Fitzpatrick, Louisville

 

Tight End:

Brevin Jordan, Miami

 

Offensive Line:

Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State

Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame

Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma

Landon Dickerson, Alabama

 

Defensive Line:

Christian Barmore, Alabama

 

Edge:

Azeez Ojulari, Georgia

Kwity Paye, Michigan

Jaelan Phillips, Miami

Gregory Rousseau, Miami

 

Linebacker:

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame

 

Safety:

Trevon Moehrig, TCU

Ravens Draft Prospect Profile: Gregory Rousseau

The Baltimore Ravens might opt to choose a edge rusher on night one of the 2021 Draft. Gregory Rousseau could be an option for the team

The Baltimore Ravens could be looking for edge help during the 2021 NFL Draft. There are plenty of intriguing prospects who they could look at to fill their hole at edge, one of which is Gregory Rousseau.

Rousseau opted out in 2020, but had a dominant 2019 season that included 59 total tackles and 15.5 sacks at the University of Miami. He’s an outstanding athlete, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 260 pounds, and uses that to his advantage by using his length to overwhelm blockers and get to the quarterback. He can also bend around offensive tackles, using his frame to get past them.

While Rousseau certainly has the size and production to be a productive player at the NFL level, he’s still learning how to play the edge position. He primarily played wide receiver and safety in high school, so he doesn’t have a lot of experience rushing the passer or setting the edge against the run.

Not having a lot experience at edge is the main knock on Rousseau, as he needs major refinement in his game in order to fully blossom into a star. With Baltimore, he would have a chance to learn from players such as Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe, and even Pernell McPhee, so there might not be a better landing spot for Rousseau’s development than with the Ravens.

Campbell has publicly praised Rousseau and has even acted as a mentor for the young Hurricane. If Baltimore wants to take a chance on crazy potential, Rousseau would give them a raw prospect who has a real shot to become a star with the right coaching and mentorship.