Archives for September 2023

‘This offseason has had its challenges for the head coach. Taking over play-calling for the defense puts a target squarely on his back if that unit falters. Surely he knows that, and I give him credit for shouldering that responsibility. He also fumbled the Stefon Diggs situation, setting off a day’s worth of drama when he said he was “very concerned” the team’s star receiver wasn’t at the first mandatory practice of minicamp. I understand that some fans feel the team has underachieved in the postseason under McDermott’s leadership. Some of that criticism is fair. It also will intensify if the team reaches the playoffs again and can’t advance. The Bills might not like the idea of “Super Bowl or bust,” but it’s actually a positive sign for where they are as an organization. Anything less than a championship will feel like a disappointment, because they have a legitimate Super Bowl window that is open right now. That doesn’t mean they are guaranteed to win it, but I wouldn’t move on from McDermott until that window is closed. It’s hard to predict when that moment will become apparent, but it doesn’t feel like it has arrived yet. Furthermore, they just signed McDermott to a contract extension through 2027.’

‘The first offensive team meeting of the week serves as an introduction to the opponent’s personnel and general schemes. That meeting breaks and the pass plays are installed to separate groups – the skill-position players (by Dorsey) and the line (by Kromer). The next meeting block is for the individual position groups.’

‘At a listed 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Davis is the kind of player who should be used on tunnel screens (quick throw laterally to the receiver) and other high-traffic routes in which he can power through defenders before turning on his speed.’