Ask Kawika Mitchell
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM ETKawika Mitchell
30 comments
Buffalo Bills veteran linebacker Kawika Mitchell chatted live on NFL.com on Tuesday, June 23, taking your questions on the impact of T.O., the progress of rookie Aaron Maybin and making a playoff run in 2009.
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Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Hey everyone. Thanks for hanging out in the live chat today. Just got done working out, and ready to chat with you. Let's get it started! -
Jake, Fayetteville, NC
1:33 PM ET
Which rookie defensive player as impressed you the most during OTA's?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
One guy who has stuck out to me is rookie CB Ellis Lankster from West Virginia. He's a guy who has made a big impression to me. Every single day he was making an interception or some type of play on the ball. Every day in practice. -
Brett Barclay, Rochester, NY
1:36 PM ET
The Bills only had 24 sacks last season. What has Coach Fewell done or worked on this offseason to get more pressure on QBs?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Last year we had health problems, that was one of our biggest issues. We drafted Maybin, so we'll add some things to our defensive packages, and hopefully we'll be healthy. Us staying healthy is by far the biggest key. We should be able to bring pressure from all different angles and attack in different ways. -
Luis, Puerto Rico
1:38 PM ET
Hi Kawika! As a Bills fan my biggest concern during the offseason is how the O-line is working together. Since you're inside, how do you see them so far?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I think the one thing we did, we lost some key guys, but we brought in some veterans, who pick up the scheme really quickly. They seem to be getting it together very well. Based off last year, I think we can do better this year, regardless of who we lost. I think the chemistry can be better, and the group as a whole can be stronger. -
Kenny Davis, Houston, TX
1:40 PM ET
Kawika, how do you and the other members of the Bills feel about having to fly to Toronto for a "home" game?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I think I'm more excited about it this year. The fans know more of what to expect, and I think the following will be a little bit bigger. Plus, they made the tickets a little bit cheaper, which is good for us. I expect them to be louder and be more of a presence. As far as the travel, it's not a big deal. -
Robert, Springfield, Or
1:42 PM ET
Also, how big of an impact do you foresee TO having on the team? He's good talent but has a big mouth. Do you see this negatively impacting the team on or off the field?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I think he'll have a big impact. His mouth and what he has to say, I think that will lead a lot of the younger players, and the veterans who might need it too.
Performance wise, he has a lot of ability. I think he has a lot to offer this team. -
Jason, Elmira NY
1:44 PM ET
How do you think trent Edwards will handle TO?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I think you can learn alot from T.O. Trent is very laid back, but very much a leader. I think he'll learn from it though -- the experience that T.O. bring will be valuable.
Who knows what type of situations will come up, but I think he'll learn from it. We look at Trent as the starter, and I think he feels like he's ready to lead. He's been working out very hard and is ready to establish himself. -
Chris, Austria
1:46 PM ET
Hey Kawika, last year the pass rush was one of the bigger problems for the bills. The statistics say that you LBs were pretty effective when blitzing. Any chance that the Bills D will be more aggressive in terms of blitzing the upcoming year? Chris from Austria
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
We were pretty aggressive last year. I think we'll try to build off what we did last year and add some things, but I dont' see why we won't be even more successful this season. Our younger guys will have more experience, especially Poz and Keith Ellison. -
Tim (Season Ticket Holder), Cheektowaga, NY
1:48 PM ET
Kawika, you and Poz are awesome! I can't wait for the season to start. I like the moves that we made in the off season and the draft, unfortunatly I was hoping we would address the LB position. Who will be the starting strong side LB? Ellison, Bowen or rookie Harris? And do you think that is enough for us to reach the playoffs? I hope so, I'll be in the stands watching. Thanks
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I think it's going to be Ellison. I think he'll do a great job. He's basically been starting since he came here, he's gone in for injured players in the past, and has some experience. So yeah, I think it will be enough. -
Eli, new jersey
1:50 PM ET
Kawik how is Maybin coming along and do you think he will start this year?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
He's extremely explosive. He runs well. I think he adds some great depth at end, and anytime you have depth along the line, it's the key to success in getting at the QB. It's too early to tell if he'll be starting or not, though. -
Mike, San Diego
1:52 PM ET
Who's the toughest RB to tackle that you've faced (in the NFL), in your opinion?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
The guys who come to mind are LT, Jamal Lewis back in the day. Maurice Jones Drew right now is a headache. Oh and don't forget about Adrian Peterson. -
Dave S, Buffalo, NY
1:54 PM ET
Hey Kawika, I was wondering which of our (the Bills) division rivals you fell is the most formidable, or toughest, and why. Good luck to you guys this season - GO BILLS!!!!!!
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Dave, our whole division was tough last year. I have to say all of them are equally tough. They all bring something different. Miami has the Wildcat, the Patriots have that spread offense, and last year the Jets had Brett Favre. They're all tough. They all cause problems because they're so different in what they do. -
Jason, Buffalo, NY
1:56 PM ET
Is Schobel looking healthy yet?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Hi Jason. He was out there, he didn't practice a great deal in OTAs or anything, but he's looking more fresh than last year. -
Adam Jones, South Korea
1:57 PM ET
you guys looked great at the start of last season going 5-1 by week seven but then the team started to drop off. what do you think was the main reason the team start losing? and what are you going to do to prevent that from happening this year if you have another good start ?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Well, any team has the ability to lose games. We have to have that mental toughness as a team to turn it around and win some during the stretch. We didn't do that. We didn't have that last year. We didn't have that chemistry that built off of that.
I think we've started donig the right things this offseason. We had a lot of good chemistry this offseason, working out together and getting to know each other. I think that's a huge part in this league, to have tht bond. I think we're on our way. -
David, Urbana,Ohio
2:00 PM ET
Who is the toughest QB you faced last year?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I would probably say Cutler. He was the most talented that we played. But I know that we had a lot of film from the previous year to prepare with.
He's tough to game plan for. He's really good with his feet, and he's got an extremely strong arm. Plus, the receivers he had in Marshall and Royal, that made it tough. -
Dave, Erie,Pa
2:03 PM ET
Promise me a victory,week one vs the pats on monday night!
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Well Dave, that's our No. 1 goal for this year, is to win on that Monday Night against the Pats. It's been awhile. We didn't do too well in the AFC East last year. They're the one we have our sights on.
The theme for 2009 is change. We have a new president, and a new Buffalo Bills team, too. -
kekoa, waimea
2:05 PM ET
Sup Kawika, will James Hardy have a bigger impact this year with the addition of TO?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I think Hardy will have a bigger impact, but because he has more experience. The addition of T.O. helps all the receivers, because he'll open up the other guys by drawing coverage. -
Rick, Lockport
2:06 PM ET
What do u like to do in your down time during the offseason?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
During the offseason I like to travel. We try to take on big trip each year. Other than that, it's just working out and spending as much time with my family as I can. I'm not like Dhani Jones, though, traveling the world and what not. Our big trip was to Hawaii this year, and we did a football camp with kids. -
Tony Sullivan, Cambridge, Ontario
2:08 PM ET
Yo Kawika, After I watch you guys stomp the Colts in the last game of the year, Where's the place to be for some food and clubbin in B-town?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Hey Tony. Some hot spots are Encore, The Wine Thief and the Snooty Fox. -
Jeremy , Philadelphia
2:10 PM ET
Who is your favorite player to watch that is not on the Bills?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I would say three guys -- Dwight Freeney. He's interesting to watch. Larry Fitzgerald, especially last season. And then I'd have to go with Adrian Peterson. -
Chris Messing, Buffalo
2:11 PM ET
What do u think of Michael Vick? And would u want him as a team member?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I think Vick has served his time. He was an incredible football player, and if given another chance, I think he could continue to be a productive player. I wouldn't mind having him as a teammate. If he can help us win games, why not? -
Mike, Miami
2:14 PM ET
As a kid, who was your favorite NFL football team?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
The Oakland Raiders! I still live the Raiders, their attitude, toughness, the black uniforms. My brothers and I rooted for the Raiders together. None of the Florida teams were good back then. -
john, oakland ca
2:16 PM ET
who is your teams fastest player?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Man, probably Lee Evans or Leodis McKelvin. The edge probably goes to Evans. -
Shaun McElreath, Rhode Island
2:17 PM ET
What is your view on how important the first round of OTA's are where most veterans prefer to opt out and take the stance that it is more for the younger blood of the organization?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I think they're pretty important. Whatever work out you do, you can't do a football workout alone. As a veteran, it refreshes my mind and allows me to get real football conditioning. That's what I try to take away from it. As far as learning the playbook and those types of things, it is for the younger guys. -
Tony, Kenosha
2:19 PM ET
Whats your Favorite stadium to play in,and keep up the good work
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Ralph Wilson, of course! Not really though. If it's not a home game, on the road I could care less where we're at. The fans aren't going to like you, and you won't be comfortable. Home is where it's at. -
Mo, Rochester, NY
2:20 PM ET
Who maxes out the highest on the Bench, you or Poz. The Kid looks HUGE this year.
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
The kid is built like Mr. America, but on the strength side, I definitely have him. I call him Superman all the time. -
Joey, Europe
2:22 PM ET
You ready to get ran over by shonn greene?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Hey Joey, who is that? -
Luke, Buffalo
2:23 PM ET
this may be a loaded question, but do you honestly think the Bills can make a legitimate playoff run this year?
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I honestly do. We have some guys who have been together for a couple of years. Obviously the coaches are under pressure to get it done. I think motivation is high right now. I do think we can do it. -
Jake, Buffalo
2:26 PM ET
One team, favorite cheerleaders. Go.
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
I can do that. Tampa Bay. -
Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills
Alright Bills fans, chear loud, and cheer proud. Thanks for your time today, I enjoyed the chat.
