Professor

Democrat & Chronicle: Bills

October 5, 2007) — ORCHARD PARK — The Buffalo Bills took a step in the right direction offensively last week when quarterback Trent Edwards was able to get the tight ends more involved in the passing game.

Robert Royal and Michael Gaines combined to catch seven balls, production unmatched since Sept. 29, 2002 when Buffalo beat Chicago 33-27 in overtime and Jay Riemersma and Dave Moore teamed up to snare seven passes.

Next on the plate of offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild is finding a way to integrate the pass-catching talents of rookie running back Marshawn Lynch.

"Anytime we can get the ball in Marshawn's hands, whether he's running the ball or catching it, it's great for the team," Royal said. "He's one of our best threats on the team, so whenever we can get the chance to get the ball in his hands we should do it."

Through the first quarter of the season, the Bills haven't done a very good job of that. Lynch, who came to Buffalo with a reputation as an excellent receiver out of the backfield, has just five receptions for 36 yards. He was blanked against the Jets.

"There's no question we've been working on it, it just hasn't happened," Fairchild said. "We probably haven't given him enough opportunities, and sometimes coverage dictates it. But he certainly has abilities and we're trying to grow in that direction."

There are a number of things factoring into Lynch's lack of a passing game role.

First of all, Fairchild said, the offense as a whole has struggled to do anything as it ranks 31st in total yards, passing yards and scoring.

"Up until last week we hadn't been functioning in any aspect, it's not just Marshawn in the passing game," Fairchild said.

Also, Lynch is a rookie, and like all rookies he's still learning. Everyone knows he can run and catch, but it's the little things that he has to start mastering, and one of those is pass blocking. That's why he has been pulled out on the majority of third-down passing situations in favor of veteran Anthony Thomas.

Although Fairchild characterized Lynch as a decent and willing blocker, "There are some schemes that A-Train (Thomas) has seen a little more than Marshawn as far as defensive structures and how they pressure out of those looks."

In 35 games at California, Lynch caught 68 passes for 600 yards and 6 touchdowns. Half of those receptions came in 2006, totaling 328 yards and 4 TDs. It was that production that led to the Bills using the No. 12 overall pick in the draft on Lynch as general manager Marv Levy clearly envisioned Lynch being a Thurman Thomas-like player.

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