Published: September 28, 2008 11:36 pm            

SCHMITT: Rams went at McKelvin, without success

McKelvin gets his chance, and makes good on it



Thoughts compiled on a lazy Sunday in which the Bills needed a few quarters to mentally get off the couch.

• Here’s what NFL teams do — attack potential points of weakness. When Terrence McGee left Sunday’s game late in the first quarter and a wide-eyed rookie got his first real crack at playing defense, the Rams instantly tested him.

Donnie Avery lined up in the slot, and quickly leaked into the right flat, hoping to catch the rookie sucked inside.

The play went for 15 yards, and you assumed that was the beginning of a long day for Leodis McKelvin.

But here’s what good NFL teams do — they replace quality with quality. McKelvin was surprisingly solid from there on out, and the Rams didn’t get a chance to exploit him.

In fact, the only time McKelvin got beaten, he stuck St. Louis’ Dane Looker so hard, the receiver put the ball on the carpet. And McKelvin reached down and picked it up, on the insistance of Ko Simpson.

If McGee can’t go next week against Arizona — a team loaded with dynamic receivers — expect the Cardinals to gameplan at McKelvin.

But the sooner he becomes the player they expected him to be, the better. You can never have enough quality defensive backs.

• Speaking of corners — how smart does Jabari Greer over Nate Clements at a savings of $70-something look?

• Marshawn Lynch sure knows how to inflict pain. His straight-arm of Will Witherspoon looked good the first time, but even better the second.

The thing that’s starting to worry me about Lynch is the abuse he takes. The Bills are ascending, meaning he could be part of a potent offense for years to come. The punishment he’s taking as offensive linemen play matador up front puts him at risk this year — and beyond.

• While last year had lots of “told you so” moments — my favorites included “start Trent and dump J.P.”, “get Freddy Jackson more involved on offense,” and “Steve Fairchild’s timidity is holding this team back” — this year has been more humbling for yours truly.

First, Ashton Youboty becomes the team’s best tackler. Never saw that coming.

Then on Sunday, Jackson rips off a couple nice punt returns after I went on our Buffalo Bills Podcast and said the Bills would be wise to keep him off returns. Jackson keeps enhancing his value as the weeks progress, and is yet another of those quality depth players division-title winners usually sport.

Can you say Kenneth Davis?

• Donte Whitner’s first career sack sure was a big one as he came off the corner and buried Green into the turf.

Two thoughts — when does the national media start singing his praises, a la Bob Sanders or Ed Reed?

And note to Donte, a little lower next time. There’s no reason to risk a 15-yarder for a blow to the head.

• Although they’re still performing, isn’t it nice that nobody’s talking about Brian Moorman and Rian Lindell? When your kickers are your best two players, you’ve got big problems.

• I know they’re coming off an egg, but the Cardinals will be even more dangerous in light of their lopsided loss to the Jets. Arizona will be mad, at home, and Kurt Warner has been begging to open the offense up more.

His 373 second-half passing yards might force the Ken Whisenhunt’s hand this week.

Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.

        

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