Published: September 21, 2009 10:55 pm      

TIM'S TAKE: Dear Trent, go down quietly

Notes collected from another Monday morning DVR and coffee session:

• Seems like Trent Edwards picks his spots when it comes to sticking his hat in a pile.

For example, on Terrell Owens’ game-opening reverse, Edwards did just enough to keep Gaines Adams off Owens. He certainly didn’t put himself much in harm’s way, but rather got in the way just enough to make a difference. Later, though, he put a shoulder into defensive back Albert Mack. And while he got the better of the smallish Mack, running out of bounds would have been just as efficient.

Reminder to Edwards — the team’s chances of reaching the postseason without you are nearly nil. Last season proved that. Run out of bounds, or slide feet first whenever possible.

• On the second play from scrimmage, rookie right guard Eric Wood gave a big fist pump after Freddy Jackson ran up the gut for a pretty routine 5-yard gain. Know why? Wood laid a monster pancake block on Tampa defensive tackle Ryan Sims. A few series later when the Bills had fourth and inches, where did they run? Right behind Wood, who again pushed his man two yards off the line.

Although he’s just two games in, Wood looks like he’s going to be a staple in the team’s lineup for years to come. Refreshing, huh? An offensive lineman taken in the first round who doesn’t look overwhelmed, out of shape, or unmotivated?

On a side note, the Fredericksburg, Va., newspaper referred to Mike Williams as a “non-versatile tackle” after the former Bill was forced into duty for the Redskins in a thrilling 9-7 victory over St. Louis.

• A few quick things on Lee Evans’ touchdown — give Edwards credit for changing the play at the line of scrimmage. Last year, it seemed whenever the Bills audibled, the offense downshifted from a pass to a run. This was the opposite. Edwards shifted second tight end Shawn Nelson into the slot on a third and one to help pull the safety over. When the Buccaneers forced the issue by putting eight men in the box and using press coverage on the outside, Edwards did the appropriate thing by taking a shot. Especially since it was close enough where the team could have gone for it on fourth down ... Did Evans get both feet in bounds? Sure looked close. And for some reason or another, Fox didn’t exactly scrutinize Evans’ tap dance, showing a quick look before cutting to a commercial. ... We’ve harassed Derek Schouman for his blocking before, but he stood Adams — who led the Bucs in sacks last year — straight up to give Edwards enough time to settle in and make the throw. It takes small plays at the line to make big plays downfield.

• Pressure up the middle from Kyle Williams and Marcus Stroud forced Byron Leftwich’s hand on the Donte Whitner’s interception, and while Whitner made a great play on the ball, we’re surprised he casually jogged into the end zone. Remember how he stuck Oakland’s Johnnie Lee Higgins in the end zone for virtually the same thing? Whitner said in the post-game press conference he was conserving energy because he knew the defense had to go back on the field. For the record, Whitner even threw a wave Leftwich’s way as he headed upfield. Act like you’ve been there, Donte. And not to rain on his parade, but a few minutes later, it was Whitner’s poor angle on a deep ball down the middle that allowed Kellen Winslow to get the Bucs on the board.

• While Owens’ TD catch got all the time on SportsCenter, the biggest play of the game came when Buffalo stuffed Tampa on fourth and one from the Bills 43. At the time, the Bucs were only six points down and Buffalo’s offense was struggling.

Kawika Mitchell shot the gap between the center and left guard and nearly stole the handoff from Leftwich. Although he didn’t get credited with the tackle, he got a hand on Derrick Ward’s leg and started the back stumbling. Whitner and Marcus Buggs cleaned up the mess and the Bills avoided a dangerous situation.

• Give the Bills credit for open-field tackles on dumps to the flat. Whitner, Bryan Scott, Terrence McGee and — before he left — Leodis McKelvin made great plays on the outside to prevent the short passes from keeping Tampa drives alive.

• If he keeps blocking like he did on Sunday, we wonder how long it will take before Karl Malone takes more genetic credit for Demetrius Bell.

• The best reaction shot of the telecast came in the background just after T.O.’s drop. As the field level shot panned past the Bills bench, Stroud is jumping up and down, waving his arms. If only we had him miked up.

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