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By Bills Insider Lou Paone - July 5, 2004
Entering last season, Eric Moulds had no idea things would go so bad.
After 1287 yards and 10 scores in 2002--and the departure of Peerless Price to Atlanta--you would have expected his numbers to increase. Josh Reed was deemed ready to take over the second receiver spot, and Bobby Shaw was brought on just in case he wasn’t.
But 16 games did nothing to prove that true. Moulds' 780 receiving yards, 1 TD, 12.2 YPC, and 10 receptions of 20+ yards were his lowest totals since 1997--his second year in the league during which he played third fiddle to Quinn Early and Andre Reed. But to the eight-year veteran's credit, there was a good reason for this crash.
Moulds spent all of last year either injured or double-teamed. Josh Reed proved not ready for the 2nd receiver role, and Bobby Shaw wasn’t nearly the player the Bills had thought when they signed him. With nowhere to turn besides those three, the Bills’ pass-happy philosophy made their offensive attack predicable and ineffective.
However, the addition of new head coach Mike Mularkey, and an off-season of healing—has placed Eric Moulds in a friendlier role.
On the rebound.
The reasons for hope are plentiful. For one, the two-headed running attack of Travis Henry and Willis McGahee—along with Buffalo’s new found commitment to rushing the football, will make opposing defenses look run first instead of pass. Thus, creating more room downfield.
Secondly is the addition of Lee Evans. His height and speed makes him a Peerless Price clone. Although he is a rookie, the former Wisconsin Badger is said to be more ready for the pro game then Price was his rookie year. Even in a small role, Evans’ speed should stretch the defenses enough to open some space and eliminate teams doubling Moulds. The growth of second year pro Sam Aiken should help too.
A third positive is moving Josh Reed to the slot. A receiver’s third year is usually a charm, and the odds are he will break out in 2004. The same role during his rookie campaign netted him 13.8 yards per catch and eight receptions of 20+ yards (compared to 10.1 and five last season). After learning from Moulds for the last two seasons, it’s time the student made the professor proud.
And finally, but most importantly, the psyche and arm of Drew Bledsoe. Offensive coordinator Tom Clements and quarterbacks coach Sam Wyche have spent much of the off-season teaching Drew how to check down on his reads. Holding on to the ball less will put faith back in the passing game. Utilizing the short routes will make the corners and safeties creep up. It only takes a few big plays to change the complexion of a game, and Moulds is the guy who can do just that.
Or is he??
Much has been said about the health and skills of the eight-year pro. A groin injury nagged him all last season, and some say it may have caused his skills to diminish. Moulds has proclaimed that he is 100% healthy coming into this summer’s camp, and there are many that completely agree. Adding the fact that Moulds has averaged 1328 yards and eight touchdown receptions in even-ending years, and 892 yards and four scores in odd-ending years since 1998--and you'd think that a recovered groin isn't the only sign for recovery.
In order for the Bills to compete for a playoff spot in 2004, they will need a solid year from Moulds. All signs point to just that--but you really can't tell until they lace'em up.
The only thing guaranteed is that Moulds is ready--and hungry--to rebound once again.
Entering last season, Eric Moulds had no idea things would go so bad.
After 1287 yards and 10 scores in 2002--and the departure of Peerless Price to Atlanta--you would have expected his numbers to increase. Josh Reed was deemed ready to take over the second receiver spot, and Bobby Shaw was brought on just in case he wasn’t.
But 16 games did nothing to prove that true. Moulds' 780 receiving yards, 1 TD, 12.2 YPC, and 10 receptions of 20+ yards were his lowest totals since 1997--his second year in the league during which he played third fiddle to Quinn Early and Andre Reed. But to the eight-year veteran's credit, there was a good reason for this crash.
Moulds spent all of last year either injured or double-teamed. Josh Reed proved not ready for the 2nd receiver role, and Bobby Shaw wasn’t nearly the player the Bills had thought when they signed him. With nowhere to turn besides those three, the Bills’ pass-happy philosophy made their offensive attack predicable and ineffective.
However, the addition of new head coach Mike Mularkey, and an off-season of healing—has placed Eric Moulds in a friendlier role.
On the rebound.
The reasons for hope are plentiful. For one, the two-headed running attack of Travis Henry and Willis McGahee—along with Buffalo’s new found commitment to rushing the football, will make opposing defenses look run first instead of pass. Thus, creating more room downfield.
Secondly is the addition of Lee Evans. His height and speed makes him a Peerless Price clone. Although he is a rookie, the former Wisconsin Badger is said to be more ready for the pro game then Price was his rookie year. Even in a small role, Evans’ speed should stretch the defenses enough to open some space and eliminate teams doubling Moulds. The growth of second year pro Sam Aiken should help too.
A third positive is moving Josh Reed to the slot. A receiver’s third year is usually a charm, and the odds are he will break out in 2004. The same role during his rookie campaign netted him 13.8 yards per catch and eight receptions of 20+ yards (compared to 10.1 and five last season). After learning from Moulds for the last two seasons, it’s time the student made the professor proud.
And finally, but most importantly, the psyche and arm of Drew Bledsoe. Offensive coordinator Tom Clements and quarterbacks coach Sam Wyche have spent much of the off-season teaching Drew how to check down on his reads. Holding on to the ball less will put faith back in the passing game. Utilizing the short routes will make the corners and safeties creep up. It only takes a few big plays to change the complexion of a game, and Moulds is the guy who can do just that.
Or is he??
Much has been said about the health and skills of the eight-year pro. A groin injury nagged him all last season, and some say it may have caused his skills to diminish. Moulds has proclaimed that he is 100% healthy coming into this summer’s camp, and there are many that completely agree. Adding the fact that Moulds has averaged 1328 yards and eight touchdown receptions in even-ending years, and 892 yards and four scores in odd-ending years since 1998--and you'd think that a recovered groin isn't the only sign for recovery.
In order for the Bills to compete for a playoff spot in 2004, they will need a solid year from Moulds. All signs point to just that--but you really can't tell until they lace'em up.
The only thing guaranteed is that Moulds is ready--and hungry--to rebound once again.
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