2021 Buffalo Bills - Same as it ever was*** (3 Viewers)

[GroveDiesel]

I wonder if they have White shadow Crabtree or Cooper like he did with AJ Green after the injuries occurred in that game.

And that right there is why not having Gaines and possibly Poyer is such a problem. Even if you could stick White on Cooper or Crabtree to limit the damage, one of Cooper or Crabtree is going to be defended by Shareece Wright.

If they had Poyer, I'd be at least somewhat hopeful for the idea of a bend but don't break defense where the safeties have been fantastic at preventing touchdown in the red zone. But without Power potentially, Oakland could put up a whole bunch of points.

The front 7 are really going to have to get after Carr this week if the Bills are going to have a chance.

 

[Gottabesweet]

And that right there is why not having Gaines and possibly Poyer is such a problem. Even if you could stick White on Cooper or Crabtree to limit the damage, one of Cooper or Crabtree is going to be defended by Shareece Wright.

If they had Poyer, I'd be at least somewhat hopeful for the idea of a bend but don't break defense where the safeties have been fantastic at preventing touchdown in the red zone. But without Power potentially, Oakland could put up a whole bunch of points.

The front 7 are really going to have to get after Carr this week if the Bills are going to have a chance.

Carr doesn't get sacked much, I believe 9 times so far.  We'll have to win the field position battle and spring a Punt and turn it into points and more importantly McCoy needs to get going.  Also Tyrod's sweet spot, if he can pick up 35-50 yards running to add onto the RB total would be huge.

Wonder how the vegas line moves if they announce Poyer out as Gaines just was announced out.

 

[Tommy Collins]

This is the 1 game I'm going to this year. Tyrod better get his #### together and prove all his apologists right because to win this game, we're going to need to score a LOT of points.

When EJ Gaines missed Cinci game, AJ Green had 189 yards receiving, and if it wasn't for those lucky breaks, it was a blowout. 

When Gaines misses the 2nd half of last week, Winston throws 3 TDs and 204 yards in the 2nd half.

A healthy Gaines & Poyer, I liked our chances. Now I'm not so hopeful. I think those 2 games show how important EJ Gaines is to this team.

Lock. Him. Up.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Raider fan coming in peace, looking for the vibe Bills fans feel about this game.

Interesting to see a lot of worry and pessimism on both sides of the ball. And I guess for good reason. Raiders had a terrific game last week, but really the only terrific game we've had all year, and I don't think any Raider fan is confident that's the new norm given the many holes we have (particularly in our secondary, our struggling O-line, etc.) and our general track record traveling east for the early game.

Similarly, the Bills have tremendous talent but like the Raiders struggle to put them together consistently. Still, the way this team has won games and stayed in the hunt in the division and conference is admirable. Sean McDermott has really instilled a "right now" mentality with this team and a 4-2 start is super solid and needs the respect that deserves.

Both coming off tough battles, both looking (arguable needing) to win to keep their season trajectory going. Raiders really need to focus on stopping the twin attack of Shady and Taylor on the ground, and preventing the long sustained clock-chewing drives the Bills can create with the run game. Bills need to take advantage of the inconsistent O-line play and get the pass rush on to hurry Carr, who still doesn't look 100% coming back and if rushed, can throw some pickable balls, especially those that go deep. 

This should be a great game, and one (if Shady doesn't explode) that may come down to our kickers.

Interested in other thoughts, good luck this weekend!

 

[Gottabesweet]

Only posting this in here, Anyone local or any Bills fans.  The tailgate I'm apart of and our local sportscaster on WGRZ Channel 2 Buffalo Jonah Javad @JonahJavad on twitter.  Will get sprayed with Ketchup and Mustard at our popular tailgate @pintotailgate

All proceeds will go to 26shirts.com Buffalo which is a company that every 2 weeks rolls out with a Buffalo themed T-shirt and each 2 weeks all proceeds go to a family in need.

https://www.gofundme.com/wgrzs-jonah-javid-pintotailgate

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

@AdamSchefter  Oct 27

In exchange for Marcell Dareus, Buffalo is receiving 2018 sixth-round pick that can go to fifth-round pick based on performance, per source.

It would have been nice to get something more like a 3 or 4 for him, but I don't mind at all. Get this lazy turd and his huge salary off the team...

 

[IvanKaramazov]

@AdamSchefter  Oct 27

In exchange for Marcell Dareus, Buffalo is receiving 2018 sixth-round pick that can go to fifth-round pick based on performance, per source.

It would have been nice to get something more like a 3 or 4 for him, but I don't mind at all. Get this lazy turd and his huge salary off the team...

He's been pretty much invisible this year.  This works for me.  Gotta figure his contract was an impediment to getting a better draft pick.  

 

[GroveDiesel]

Ugh. I don't necessarily blame the Bills, but, ugh.

 

[themeistersinger]

So wondering how the cap hit works out with Dareus.  I know the Bills are on the hook for the bonus money paid already.  Hopefully the Jags are on the hook for all the future payments.

I kind of recall Dareus dumping on Marrone after he left - am I remembering that right?  Seems kind of odd that Jacksonville of all places would be the final destination.

 

[GroveDiesel]

So wondering how the cap hit works out with Dareus.  I know the Bills are on the hook for the bonus money paid already.  Hopefully the Jags are on the hook for all the future payments.

I kind of recall Dareus dumping on Marrone after he left - am I remembering that right?  Seems kind of odd that Jacksonville of all places would be the final destination.

Bills have dead money hits the next two years, but save around $5M on the cap next year and $2M in 2019.

 

[flysack]

Ugh. I don't necessarily blame the Bills, but, ugh.

This.

The writing was on the wall though. And considering how the team has played so far under McDermott, I'm leaning toward this being a decent house cleaning move with a 6th round tip for the effort.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Really nice win today.  4-0 at home, and a win over a good team coming off a huge momentum-boosting win + extra rest.  This is really the first time I think we've seen the Bills really start to turn the screw on an opponent down the stretch.  Can't rely on a 4-0 turnover margin every week, but it's nice to see them essentially put a team away after generating those turnovers, unlike last week when they let the Bucs hang around.  Honestly, the offense could've done better if not for shooting themselves in the foot with backbreaker penalties (one of which was a bad call on that Matthews one) three separate times.  

The Bills, Eagles, and Seahawks are the only teams currently undefeated at home.

At 3-1, I said I'd start to believe if they can get to 6-2.  Next week won't be easy, road game, divisional opponent, another team that has been playing much better than people anticipated.  I'm not necessarily optimistic about it but they've been proving me wrong all season so far.  If they can go into NJ and win on Thursday night in convincing fashion, we might actually have something here.

 

[GroveDiesel]

A hard to believe stat I saw during the game is that the Bills have the longest streak of home games where they have scored 20+ points. They've scored 20+ points in 14 straight home games now. With their offense, no way would I have though that. The next highest streak by a team was like 9.

 

[flysack]

A hard to believe stat I saw during the game is that the Bills have the longest streak of home games where they have scored 20+ points. They've scored 20+ points in 14 straight home games now. With their offense, no way would I have though that. The next highest streak by a team was like 9.

And it's the Pats.

The schedule did do them a favor this year: it gave the team room to grow and gain confidence in McDermott's system before facing the Pats. I'm not saying they'll win, but it should be competitive.

 

[flysack]

If they go 10-6, playoffs or not, can you see them passing on a QB next year and going WR and LB instead?

Say what you will about Tyrod's weaknesses, he is doing a lot with what he has: a defense that gives him good field position, an elite RB, and no receivers worth a crap. 

His stats are rarely world-beating. He didn't even top 200 yards passing vs. Oakland. But he did go 20-27. He's like a game manager who can occasional hit a bomb throw and scramble like mad. 

 

[flysack]

Also, Watkins LA work makes me thinking more and more that all us #####ing about Tyrod never seeing Watkins may have been more about Watkins than Tyrod.

What the hell is up with Watkins? The guy clearly has elite burst, good speed, good hands. Does he just run bad routes? Does he fail to get separation? What is it with him?

 

[Gottabesweet]

10 random thoughts

 Tyrod critics get quiet as the weeks go on.  Didn’t pass for a lot, but was again efficient, made people miss with his legs, extended plays and didn’t turn the ball over.

Matt Milano is our fastest LB, it’s not saying much but was evident yesterday in coverage.

Trae Elston was solid in relief duty yesterday.

This D swarms to the ball, I enjoy it.  They give up plays but they seem to REALLY play for each other.

Glenn returns, the offense runs for 173 and 168 yards back to back weeks. Don’t trade him.   Send Mills or Henderson for a PLAYER to help you elsewhere.

Hauschka forced a fumble on a punt…. This dude.

Ed Hoculi tried to do whatever he could to get that game to be closer than it was,  He failed.  Dude just loves hearing his own voice.

Stop running Tolbert on sweeps, minor complaint, we ended up holding because he’s slow to the corner.

Big game Thursday.  Couldn’t imagine being 6-2 with 10 days rest.  Jets will be tough, short week and they aren’t giving up yet.

Clay stretched in practice last week, I bet we see him AFTER the Jets game,  Hopefully we get Gaines and/or Poyer back.

 

[GroveDiesel]

10 random thoughts

 Tyrod critics get quiet as the weeks go on.  Didn’t pass for a lot, but was again efficient, made people miss with his legs, extended plays and didn’t turn the ball over.

Matt Milano is our fastest LB, it’s not saying much but was evident yesterday in coverage.

Trae Elston was solid in relief duty yesterday.

This D swarms to the ball, I enjoy it.  They give up plays but they seem to REALLY play for each other.

Glenn returns, the offense runs for 173 and 168 yards back to back weeks. Don’t trade him.   Send Mills or Henderson for a PLAYER to help you elsewhere.

Hauschka forced a fumble on a punt…. This dude.

Ed Hoculi tried to do whatever he could to get that game to be closer than it was,  He failed.  Dude just loves hearing his own voice.

Stop running Tolbert on sweeps, minor complaint, we ended up holding because he’s slow to the corner.

Big game Thursday.  Couldn’t imagine being 6-2 with 10 days rest.  Jets will be tough, short week and they aren’t giving up yet.

Clay stretched in practice last week, I bet we see him AFTER the Jets game,  Hopefully we get Gaines and/or Poyer back.

And, I'm surprised that it's the case, but Vlad Ducasse has been pretty decent. Definitely a large upgrade from Miller. I'm not sure if it's a scheme fit thing or what, but there have been a whole lot less problems up the middle the last 2 weeks.

Now if we can just get Dawkins over to RT to replace Mills, the O-line could actually be pretty solid. Mills was definitely the weak link yesterday.

 

[Tommy Collins]

 Tyrod critics get quiet as the weeks go on.  Didn’t pass for a lot, but was again efficient, made people miss with his legs, extended plays and didn’t turn the ball over.

My criticism hasn't changed. He's still only doing 1, maybe 2 reads, then quick to dump the ball off to McCoy. Several times he got happy feet when the pocket was clean and started moving around for no reason. In 2015 he had a great, great deep pass. The past 2 seasons he's been unwilling to make the throws. When he did throw it down field yesterday, it generally was a good play, but he's just not aggressive. He reminds me of Alex Smith before they drafted Patrick Mahomes. Just a dink and dunk, check down offense.

The turnovers aren't always going to be there. Can this offense produce touchdowns without them?

If they go 10-6, playoffs or not, can you see them passing on a QB next year and going WR and LB instead?

Say what you will about Tyrod's weaknesses, he is doing a lot with what he has: a defense that gives him good field position, an elite RB, and no receivers worth a crap. 

His stats are rarely world-beating. He didn't even top 200 yards passing vs. Oakland. But he did go 20-27. He's like a game manager who can occasional hit a bomb throw and scramble like mad. 

McCoy isn't going to  be elite for much longer due to his age. So he won't have that crutch anymore. And you can't always bank on turnovers. We need a QB that can make plays on his own and not rely on a top run game or great field position.

 

[humpback]

Agreed- Tyrod is what he is, which is a great athlete but not a great QB. I suppose they can win if they build a super team around him, but it's much easier to win with a better QB.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Agreed- Tyrod is what he is, which is a great athlete but not a great QB. I suppose they can win if they build a super team around him, but it's much easier to win with a better QB.

Wasn't saying he's the long-term answer but the guys are playing for him and he's playing well. He's been good this year, regardless of what others think.  Not many GREAT QB's in this league, which is why they'll go after one next year.   

http://www.wgr550.com/articles/opinion/dont-be-afraid-give-taylor-credit

 

[humpback]

Wasn't saying he's the long-term answer but the guys are playing for him and he's playing well. He's been good this year, regardless of what others think. 

http://www.wgr550.com/articles/opinion/dont-be-afraid-give-taylor-credit

Didn't say he wasn't, just think he's too limited to be a franchise guy.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

Agreed- Tyrod is what he is, which is a great athlete but not a great QB. I suppose they can win if they build a super team around him, but it's much easier to win with a better QB.

Very similar to the Doug Flutie days... Fun to watch, makes a lot of plays, wins some games, but too limited of a skill set to really carry a team to the next level.

 

[GroveDiesel]

One reason I love McDermott is that he understands the line between confidence in arrogance. Where Rex would have been crowing like crazy at this point, McDermott just said "We're 5-2. No one gives awards for being 5-2."

He understands how to build a team that plays well together and has confidence in each other, but also understands that there is always work to be done.

One of the things I liked reading from Sal Capaccio is that some coaches focus their time only on the elite guys trying to squeeze out every bit of edge they can get there. McDermott is the other type that coaches up every single guy on the team because he understands it's a team game and that you need every guy to do his job the best he can.

McDermott is a true talent developer. I haven't been this confident in a Buffalo HC since Marv Levy. Hopefully McDermott doesn't let me down.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Taylor definitely has his limitations, but we could do a lot worse.  We have done a lot worse.  He's not going to single-handedly win games for us with his arm, but he's definitely good enough to win with.  The fact that he doesn't turn the ball or take a bunch of sacks is all by itself a huge improvement over some of the guys we've had back there in the past.  The fact that he plays (relatively) mistake-free football gives us a puncher's chance on any given week.  

Of course we should be looking to upgrade the position, because Taylor is clearly not elite.  But is as good as or better than at least half the guys currently starting around the league.    

 

[Alluro]

Tyrod is a God compared to the garbage we've had since Flutie, or Bledsoe's first year. We can actually win games with this guy. I'm willing to give Tyrod an extremely long leash before I start suggesting the Bills can't win with him. If we make the playoffs (the first time in 18 years!), Tyrod gets his own statue. 

 

[humpback]

Taylor definitely has his limitations, but we could do a lot worse.  We have done a lot worse.  He's not going to single-handedly win games for us with his arm, but he's definitely good enough to win with.  The fact that he doesn't turn the ball or take a bunch of sacks is all by itself a huge improvement over some of the guys we've had back there in the past.  The fact that he plays (relatively) mistake-free football gives us a puncher's chance on any given week.  

Of course we should be looking to upgrade the position, because Taylor is clearly not elite.  But is as good as or better than at least half the guys currently starting around the league.    

He led the league in sacks last year despite far fewer attempts than most- he takes plenty of sacks.

The reason he doesn't turn the ball over much is because they have a very conservative offense and don't ask him to do much- Shady has almost twice as many receptions as their next leading receiver, who is a TE.

Like the guy, think he would make a great back-up, but this is a QB league, and I just don't see the Bills getting very far with him as the starter. I was fully expecting this to be the year they finished with fewer than their normal 6-8 wins so they could finally be drafting high enough to get a top prospect, but  .

 

[flysack]

Very similar to the Doug Flutie days... Fun to watch, makes a lot of plays, wins some games, but too limited of a skill set to really carry a team to the next level.

Agree with this. Doug Flutie comparisons are very apt.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Dolphins trading Ajayi is a major plus for the Bills and their 2 games.

Kerley is suspended for this Thursday's tilt against the Jets.

Poyer says he thinks he'll play Thursday. Humber says he'll play Thursday as well (although I'd love to see a lot of Milano)

Gaines and Clay could both be back for the next game.

Plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

ETA: Actually, Gaines just said this afternoon that he expects to play unless otherwise told no by the team. I would almost prefer he rest one more game and get another 2 full weeks of recovery.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Taylor definitely has his limitations, but we could do a lot worse.  We have done a lot worse.  He's not going to single-handedly win games for us with his arm, but he's definitely good enough to win with.  The fact that he doesn't turn the ball or take a bunch of sacks is all by itself a huge improvement over some of the guys we've had back there in the past.  The fact that he plays (relatively) mistake-free football gives us a puncher's chance on any given week.  

Of course we should be looking to upgrade the position, because Taylor is clearly not elite.  But is as good as or better than at least half the guys currently starting around the league.    

 

[Gottabesweet]

#Bills GM Brandon Beane said no moves by the team are expected before today’s NFL trade deadline at 4P - Vic Carucci

Expected, but was holding out hope.  Hey maybe Boldin will cave and come play for us in December if we are in it.  I doubt we'd welcome him back with open arms.

Surprised nobody gave us a 7th next year or the year after.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

@AdamSchefter  Oct 31

Panthers traded WR Kelvin Benjamin to Buffalo for 3rd and 7th round picks, per source. Benjamin rejoins HC Sean McDermott, GM Brandon Beane.

 

[flysack]

I'm really willing to give McDermott the benefit of the doubt, but we traded away a fast, oft injured WR to pick up a big plodding oft injured WR?

And they still have no one to throw it deep.

And KB's contract runs out at the end of the year. 

So weird.

 

[flysack]

What I don't get is why would Carolina let him go? 

 

[Deamon]

I'm really willing to give McDermott the benefit of the doubt, but we traded away a fast, oft injured WR to pick up a big plodding oft injured WR?

And they still have no one to throw it deep.

And KB's contract runs out at the end of the year. 

So weird.

But look at the net picks you guys picked up after both those trades.... and how much better your team is now than last year. 

 

[humpback]

I'm really willing to give McDermott the benefit of the doubt, but we traded away fast, oft injured WR to pick up a big plodding oft injured WR?

And they still have no one to throw it deep.

And KB's contract runs out at the end of the year. 

So weird.

He was a 1st round pick, and I believe they picked up his 5th year option so they'll have him next year too (for a pretty high salary).

 

[flysack]

He was a 1st round pick, and I believe they picked up his 5th year option so they'll have him next year too (for a pretty high salary).

I didn't know about the 5th year option. That at least makes me feel a bit better. Though the Bills are still awfully slow at WR - their corps is 3 possession WRs and a sometimes good TE. 

 

[flysack]

But look at the net picks you guys picked up after both those trades.... and how much better your team is now than last year. 

Oh agree. It's just strange to trade away Watkins only to trade for Benjamin later in the year. I get the Carolina connection. McDermott must really like the kid and KB must like him too. 

What did the Bills get for Watkins? I forgot. A 2nd rounder? Was it more or less than what they traded for KB?

 

[GroveDiesel]

Oh agree. It's just strange to trade away Watkins only to trade for Benjamin later in the year. I get the Carolina connection. McDermott must really like the kid and KB must like him too. 

What did the Bills get for Watkins? I forgot. A 2nd rounder? Was it more or less than what they traded for KB?

2nd rounder and EJ Gaines.

So if you want to combine the two trades, it would be Watkins+3rd+7th for Benjamin+Gaines+2nd

 

[Deamon]

2nd rounder and EJ Gaines.

So if you want to combine the two trades, it would be Watkins+3rd+7th for Benjamin+Gaines+2nd

Hmm... ya I guess the Rams pick is going to be worse than we all thought going into the year.  Likely will be a later 2nd round pick.

You win that on all fronts.  

KB > Sammy. 
2nd > 3rd. 
Gaines > 7th

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

2nd rounder and EJ Gaines.

So if you want to combine the two trades, it would be Watkins+3rd+7th for Benjamin+Gaines+2nd

That's fine when you look at it like that, but I'm leery of KB's character. I have to defer to McDermot on that, since he know's KB personally, but the injuries, coming into camp overweight, lack of production lately make me wonder if his heart is really into it.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

I will say that I can't fault the current regime for any of their player acquisitions, so far. They've brought in a lot of no-namers, or JAGs and put together a very competitive team. Hopefully this pans out as well. You can debate some of the moves and players they got rid of, but they've hit the mark on what they've brought in.

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

What I don't get is why would Carolina let him go? 

That was one of the first red flags for me when I heard about this, but then I remembered that McDermott/Beane know the guy first hand.

 

[GroveDiesel]

He's not a world changer, but being able to put Benjamin and Mathews on the outside and Jones in the slot makes the offense better IMO. 

And once Clay is back, it's almost like a real NFL offense.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Kind of funny too that when talking about Watkins, a lot of fans pointed to Benjamin and OBJ as proof the Bills reached for Watkins (and they were right). Now the Bills have traded Watkins away and traded for Benjamin.

You know, at this point, I'm going to stop worrying so much about what the end result of this season is. It's been fun so far and I'm enjoying this Bills team more than I have in a long while. So I'm going to choose to just enjoy the ride.

 

[Buckna]

He was a 1st round pick, and I believe they picked up his 5th year option so they'll have him next year too (for a pretty high salary).

5th year option was only $8,459,000 because Benjamin was drafted outside the top 10 of the 1st round (avg of the top 25 WR salaries IIRC?) For contrast, Watkins 5th year option would have been about $13M.

 

[humpback]

5th year option was only $8,459,000 because Benjamin was drafted outside the top 10 of the 1st round (avg of the top 25 WR salaries IIRC?) For contrast, Watkins 5th year option would have been about $13M.

I know, but I consider that "pretty high".

 

[GroveDiesel]

Beane on Benjamin: "I know him well. He's tough, a blue-collar kid. He'll fit this town very well."

https://twitter.com/viccarucci/status/925484792644276225

 

[flysack]

When you look at it this way -

We essentially traded Ronald Darby and a 7th, for Jordan Matthews and Kelvin Benjamin.

It looks great for the Bills. 

 

[flysack]

I know, but I consider that "pretty high".

Not if he hauls in 1000 yards and 10 TDs next year. Which is very possible.