One of the more highly-anticipated debuts for the Buffalo Bills was delayed until the regular season as a result of a very scary and lengthy concussion protocol. Center Mitch Morse finally hit the field after missing the entire preseason. How did the new linchpin of the offensive line do? Let’s take a look.

Play 1

The silent count is pointed out only on this play, but the Bills made liberal use of it the entire day. With our first Mitch Morse play we see good use of peripheral vision, which is invaluable for a center. C.J. Mosley tries to skirt around the small pile in front of him and Morse directs Jon Feliciano with a shove as well as helping out the initial block. The end result is a hell of a pocket for Josh Allen. There’s some strength being shown and solid technique, but it’s the incredibly savvy move of shoving his teammate that makes this a “wow” play in my opinion.

Play 2

There are several unconventional things here—most notably going back-to-back with Quinton Spain and the casual shove while on the run. Still, they’re effective. There are some things you can’t teach and Morse’s initial tape makes it look like we’ll get excellent illustrations of that point from time to time.

Play 3

The New York Jets’ defensive game plan led to a frequent need to pass off blocks for the Buffalo offensive line. Mitch Morse didn’t seem fazed by this at all. He gets enough of the first block here to let Jon Feliciano show off his nasty streak. Morse definitively wins his second block although he was flirting with a penalty. A swim move from the third defender beats him cleanly, so he’s not infallible by any means.

Play 4

If there’s a single flaw that came up more than once in this game, it was a tendency for Morse to overextend a little bit with his forward lean. On this snap that tiny extra lean-in combines with a right arm that’s extended too long for a bad result.

Play 5

I’m trying my best not to show dominant highlights. Take the last play as a negative and this one as a little more neutral. Mitch Morse’s speed to move-block is good. It looks like he was clearing a decent lane. Getting tripped at the end is unfortunate. Morse looks good overall, but the impact of his effort is hard to see.

Play 6

Sustaining blocks can be just as much of an art form as initiating them. A friendly reminder that “grabbing” isn’t the same as “holding.” Because Morse isn’t forcibly acting on Bronson Kaufusi this is a good no-call. Mitch Morse is tenacious as can be with that right hand and Kaufusi can’t get back into the play. It’s another bit of improv from Morse as this move appears a bit odd. It’s also another glimpse at an attitude that should fit in well within the locker room.

Play 7

Let’s show a better lead block after all. The entire team executes the play incredibly well. Mitch Morse is across a ton of space. When it’s his turn to make the block he takes Jamal Adams right out of the play. Devin Singletary hesitates because of Marcus Maye, otherwise this is probably a touchdown.

Play 8

Another lead block, this time for Allen. Even though Morse knows he’s about to get clipped at the ankles, he sells out for the block ahead of Allen. As a result, Allen never gets hit.

Summary

Mitch Morse didn’t have a perfect game. A botched snap with Allen cost them the ball. An off-target snap to Allen was thankfully reeled in. An ineligible receiver downfield flag set the team back. By and large, though, mistakes were one time only.

Rationally, we shouldn’t jump to extreme conclusions after one game but, after a shaky offensive line in 2018, the Mitch Morse addition makes it hard not to jump. Morse didn’t demonstrate any Achilles heel against the Jets. In contrast, he showed a good many strengths. Through one game, Mitch Morse has been as advertised.