ReutersShawne Merriman had 39.5 sacks in his first three NFL seasons, but has had just five sacks in four seasons since then. That leaves many observers to conclude that Merriman is done as an effective NFL starter.
But Bills coach Chan Gailey has observed Merriman up close and says he looks as good as ever.
“He works hard. He looks quick. He looks healthy,” Gailey told the Buffalo News. “That part of it has been refreshing for us, to see some what of I think we’re going to see is the old Shawne Merriman this year.”
Merriman just turned 28, so he would still seem to have time to return to his previous form. But knee and Achilles injuries have caused Merriman to miss 35 games over the last four seasons. And when he has played, he hasn’t looked much like the three-time All-Pro who played for the Chargers from 2005 to 2007. Merriman admits he has some rust to shake off.
“I feel very good,” Merriman said. “I’m still working out just little things. I’ve not been playing football for a long time and just getting back comfortable with the game. That’s one of my biggest keys, getting comfortable, especially playing a different position as well. I feel pretty good up to this point.”
Bills fans will feel a lot better than “pretty good” if Gailey is right that the old Shawne Merriman is back.
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Did he say the old Shawne Merriman or an old Shawne Merriman?
He’s on roids again?
Cue steroid jokes in 3…2….1…
Wasn’t the same thing said last year?
Get ready for a “random” drug test Shawne…
What? He’s back on steroids?????
Weve seen the old Shawn merriman for the last 4 yrs
I’m a Buffalo Bills Fan For Life,but to Shawne Merriman stay healthy for a season ,,,l.o.l. I have to see it to believe it!!! I believe Chan Galley said the same thing last season and the season before!!! We soon will see!!! Go Bills!!!
He plays in Buffalo, so nobody will know what he did this year.
Like, sack-master old?
Or like….old-man old?
The ‘lights out’ dance has had less sightings lately than the hustle.
Chan been playing Madden 07 or something?
I seriously doubt he’ll be anything like he was during his first few seasons, but if by some miracle he is, the thought of old Merriman and Mario Williams is kind of scary.
I’m sure Maurice Jones Drew would love to see the old Shawne Merriman!
Why do teams even say $hit like this? Just let them show it on the field when it’s time.
Hint hint Rex Ryan.
Same story every offseason for the last few years……
he was a beast with Maryland , just like E.J. Henderson. must be a terp jinx for linebackers
the season can’t start soon enough!
The “old” Shawn Merriman was loaded with HGH and Steroids. Does anybody think that it is a coincedence that his body started breaking down almost right after his susension for roids?
Unless this guy started to juice again he will only be a shell of his former self.
Considering the improved DL I’m sure he’ll be better than he’s been lately. Not exactly a high bar to reach.
He won’t make it to the bye week without breaking down.
Four continuous years of futility!!!!
He showed NO flashes of ANY brilliance from 2008-2012 and is an injury probe wreck!!!
Buddy Nix can be a good GM, but he can’t coddle one of his former draft picks!!! It’s hard to say goodbye to those you have heart for, but goodbye should’ve been said to Merriman after 2010!!!
He can’t play anymore!!!!!
He will be injured by week 3!
I used to admire Jeff Fisher before he called for that cheap shot on Lights Out.
Jefff Fisher sent a straight shot to Merrimans knee and that was the start of the injuries. Jeff Fisher hired Greg Williams funny isn’t it? Not to Shanwes knee I bet.
are the bills in the same leage as terrell owens wranglers?
I dare any of you punks who cry steroids to say that to his face. How come I never hear that said about Brian cushing, or the dozens of other players who went tilt over the years? He can play and will, at a very high level, without injury. He had his achilles fixed sugically. He’s fine now. 80% of the league took steroids when he did, but small minds got to be vengefull.
I’d like to see it happen, but I am not gonna set myself up for disappointment.
Truth is, Chan is usually careful to say things like this. He’s a no B.S. kinda guy.
I am looking forward to seeing what a lot of people in the NFL will have in the tank this year. Consideration to the fact that there was no real off season last year had a big role in a lot of different player’s performances.
I am willing to come into the 2012 season with a clean slate. Merriman had the surgery, Fitz worked with a QB coach. I am looking forward to seeing my team emerge as a true contender again but I without hesitation say its time to put up or shut up Buffalo.
Go BILLS
At this point “old” is the only version we get of him.
“Shawne Merriman had 39.5 sacks in his first three NFL seasons, but has had just five sacks in four seasons since then.”
That’s a hell of a fact and tells you all you need to know.
Merriman shows why it pays to do steroids. He has played poorly and been paid for it for four years. And he still has a job and gets publicity. He totally banked on roids.
the old shawne merriman? tila tequila just went into hiding