Hours Before Kickoff: Week 3

Coaches always say they want smart players. But it there such a thing as being too smart?

Two years ago Myron Rolle, an All-American safety out of Florida State, was selected in the sixth round by Tennessee. Rolle was also a Rhode’s Scholar recipient with a degree in medicine and plans to become a neurosurgeon after his pro career.

One scouting report critiqued Rolle because he might have interests outside of football. Apparently saving lives isn’t as important as hospitalizing receivers.

Ryan Fitzpatrick might had been viewed the same way. He was a four-year player for Harvard University and graduated with a degree in economics. Fitzpatrick scored 48 out of 50 on the NFL Combine’s Wonderlic test in just nine minutes. With intelligence oozing out of his ears, Fitzpatrick had to wait until the seventh round to be selected by St. Louis in 2005.

Nevermind that Fitzpatrick was the Ivy League Player of the Year in his senior season. Or that his 6,721 total yards broke the Crimson career record.

That didn’t matter as much as Fitzpatrick coming from an Ivy League school with an economics degree. Scouts maybe thought Fitzpatrick had plans to work for the President and get the nation’s economy pointed in the right direction (this administration could really use Fitzpatrick if you think about it).

Fitzpatrick had to wait until his third stop in Buffalo to prove can excel in NFL statistics. In his first season as the starter, Fitzpatrick is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes with seven. He’s thrown just one interception. The Bills offense leads the NFL in scoring with 39.5 points per game.

Fitzpatrick was great in week one after throwing a career high four touchdown passes against Kansas City. He was even better leading a second half comeback over the Oakland Raiders. Fitzpatrick sealed the win with a touchdown pass on fourth down.

A lot of people thought it was a mistake when Buffalo didn’t select a quarterback in the 2011 Draft. The Bills believed in Fitzpatrick after he completed 57.8 percent of his passes for 3000 yards, 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 13 starts.

Buffalo has tried for years to find a franchise quarterback. They’ve been through nine QBs since Jim Kelly retired before handing the reins of the offense to Fitzpatrick. After two games, it looks like a smart move.

A few things I’m looking for:

The Specialists: Keep a close eye on third down back C.J. Spiller and the versatile Brad Smith. Both can generate big plays with the slightest openings.

Injured Reserves: Two players have been sent to I.R. and three starters are expected to miss the game. The backups have to step in and not miss a beat.

I’m Sorry, Mr. Jackson: Fred Jackson is for real as he leads the NFL in rushing. He’s explosive so don’t let him see daylight.

This has all the makings of an explosive matchup. The Patriots have a better handle of their weaponry as they eventually put the Bills away.