Alphadawg7

Its actually astonishing the difference. There are a a lot of very frequent posters here in the offseason who post non-stop negativity who literally are ghosts when we win, especially in convincing fashion. The second we lose a game they flood the board for the whole week until we win again and disappear. With wins, we get very few new threads...after a loss its an insane amount of new doom and gloom threads. In the last 3 seasons, the Bills have gone 13-3 twice...yet there has been a fire everyone thread after just about every loss in both the 13-3 seasons.

Yeah I totally agree, the only thing that saves it is the stripes in terms of just being a refresh. But the old lion is much better and I think they could have done a much better lion in the new logo. The color and paint style save the helmet though for me and overall still is a win. But I am with you, the lion is a weak spot for sure

Love the color of the helmet and its style...as far as the logo goes, I like the refresh, but I would say its good but could have been better. Overall though, I think the new helmet is a win and I dig it. I would love to see a helmet with Bills colors using this style of base paint myself personally.

Unfortunately, the stats are not really going to answer this question for anyone, they are not apples to apples kind of situations. McKenzie played on the 2nd highest scoring offense in the NFL over the past 3 years, and only 2nd to KC by a total of 5 points. So statistically, he should have more stats because he will have more opportunities playing in this offense, and more importantly playing with Josh. So instead, here is how I would look at it. Sherfield, Harty, and Shakir are essentially replacing Kumerow, McKenzie and rookie Shakir who was not used a lot. Kumerow: Sherfield is significantly better WR than Kumerow in terms to what they can give us on the field as a WR. And that is not much of a surprise given Kumerow was here for his ST ability, not because he was significant contributor at his position on the field as a WR. So not a lot of reasoning or explaining needs to go into that consideration. McKenzie: Harty isn't on his own replacing McKenzie (last years version of McKenzie), that is a combo deal of Shakir and Harty. In fact, Harty is more or less replacing McKenzie's more suited role as a reserve WR that has gadget or niche value. By all accounts, Shakir is entering camp as the starting slot WR, and is expected to enter week 1 that way as well. McKenzie did not do well in that roll last year, and his roll on this team this year would have been more like his previous role of a gadget or creative use type player. That is where Harty comes in, but Harty brings a lot more to the table as an actual talent at WR than McKenzie did. The only thing McKenzie really did well was run fast, but unfortunately, his weaknesses as an actual WR limited the use of that speed effectively to shorter areas. He does not track the long ball well, so despite his speed he was never a down field threat or a guy who could take the top off the defense. He also had unreliable hands, inconsistent and even sloppy at times route runner, was not physical so struggled with contested catches or catching in traffic and could not fight for yards once he had the ball. More importantly, he was not very cerebral on the field either, which is important when playing the short to mid field with Allen at QB and the reliance on receivers improvising a lot. Now enter Harty...he is a more polished route runner and a true deep threat who can take the top off the D or take it to the house at any given moment. He provides a lot more pressure on the defense when on the field. For all Mackenzie's speed, he wasn't any more of a deep threat than older and slower Beasley was, and provided none of the short to mid field talent or value Beasley did either. With Harty, he has the speed and agility to handle any gadget play they would have rolled out for McKenzie, and probably better given he is a better route runner, but he also is a major downfield threat anytime he is on the field with Josh Allens arm. So in my personal opinion, I think the upgrades this year are actually noticeably better, maybe even significant when you look at the 3 guys (Sherfield, Shakir, and Harty) that are essentially replacing 3 guys (Kumerow, McKenzie, and seldom used rookie Shakir). Although, Harty does need to stay healthy too, that is a legit concern with his history and size. The good news is, Shakir is really replacing the role McKenzie had last year, so if Harty does get hurt, we aren't down a significant starter.

No offense, but you are only demonstrating you don't actually know how it works and are basing your incorrect assumptions here based on what you think is "common sense" on what you assume to be true for all contracts with no regards for the actual language and contract law applied to NFL players contracts. The fact remains, the option to convert is in the original contract, and that clause is NOT executable by the player, and ONLY executable by the team and the team does NOT need to consult with said player, seek their permission, nor speak with them prior to doing it. That is the entire point to the clause. And since you want to refer to "common sense", if you applied common sense here it would be absolutely clear to you that is how it works, otherwise no GM would be able to sign players to these big contracts that are going to screw the cap without a restructure IF it was dependent on said player "agreeing" and signing off on the restructure. To be honest, this isn't up for interpretation, its 100% fact. Players do NOT ever have to approve, be consulted, or given a reason when it comes to a team exercising the restructure clause that is in their contract. PS: All cap words and the bolded was just to highlight key words, not yell.

No. Not plausible. That is not at all how it works.

All good and not trying to be rude here...but yes it does mean that didn't happen. There is no plausible scenario where Beane literally told Diggs "We are restructuring you to sign DHop". That is my whole point, that is media/fan fantasy land and is not realistic. Beane would not tell a player he is restructuring him to get another player, and he 100% would never do it if he didn't already have the deal done with the other player. And that is the narrative I was responding to earlier in this thread. And just about all credible information out there (including Diggs own interviews) suggests Diggs wants more touches or involvement and was unhappy with his personal role in the offense second half the season where is usage rate went way down. And even the now infamous play where Diggs was upset on the sideline was after a play Diggs was open and didn't get the ball. So not only is it not plausible from Beanes side that he would ever consult with or assure Diggs that they are using the savings to sign DHop, but it doesn't even fit the narrative if anyone is actually paying attention to what Diggs and others have publicly stated since the end of the season. Again, all good bro, but this idea that Diggs is upset we didn't sign DHop is just not realistic.

Actually it’s not plausible, that was the issue I had with it. GM’s do not seek permission from players to restructure, it’s already built into the contract and known ahead of time. So ironically of all the “plausible” scenarios this is about the only one that’s not really plausible or accurate to how those things work. Yet this sports show has no clue and is talking about it not as a “plausible” scenario but as fact. So this was especially bad journalism IMHO and misleading their audience to think it could be the issue when it’s not really plausible.

I think you over estimate the intelligence of the viewing audience. These guys on that show are talking like it’s confirmed facts, when it’s just their opinion on what they think it is. It’s why media is so bad now, authentic reporting is no longer a prerequisite and why so much false info is spread no matter what the topic.

Thanks Gunner, this is what it certainly sounds like to me as well, so thanks for confirming some inside insight on it. Diggs in interviews since the loss even alluded to as much in so many words. Talked about how the first half the season things were just easier. Said we were wining still but it just felt harder and like they had to find ways to win in the second half in terms of the offensive flow. Which coincides with a big drop in his usage too during that span.

That is not the same thing though. Sure Diggs, or any player, can say what he wants to say to whoever he wants to say it to. But that isn't the narrative we were just discussing where it was being suggested here in this thread that Diggs was upset because Diggs agreed to have his contract restructured (factually incorrect as the restructures are already built in and the GM does not need to consult with said player to execute or need their blessing) for the purpose of signing DHop to which they say is now why he is upset. So sure, any player can tell a GM anything they want, nothing stopping that. But no GM is asking a players permission to restructure a contract, let alone on a promise to sign some other player we may not even sign.

It was bad because he was communicating his opinion as fact

Wow, what show is this? This is literally some of the worst journalism I have ever seen.

No not at all, Diggs was most likely not even in touch with Beane or the team about this at all. The restructure is built into their contract, and they know they are coming and its the GM who will be doing it. Bills entered the offseason over the cap, everyone knew restructures were happening before we even pursued anyone. No disrespect, I know you are just trying to find ways to understand something we don't know the whole story on, but the odds of this are at 0%. I can assure you the players do not have any say in this and are not consulted. Fans tend to think players have all this insight, knowledge, input, influence, etc when it comes to GM decisions, who they target in FA or draft, etc. It is just not the case at all, GM's do not discuss these matters with them. That doesn't stop players from wanting or even trying to recruit players when they know they are available, but this idea that Diggs was told what the cap space was going to be used for and then upset when it didn't happen is just not based on how things actually happen or work. See my post above

I have a lot of time to do things...like block you. In all the years I have been here, you are the first person I have blocked. Congrats.

I get that, just saying its also only speculation or rumor Diggs is even mad at Allen too. Tensions rise in games all the time between players, teammates, coaches, etc, its not that unusual. And we don't even know what Diggs was actually specifically frustrated with on those sidelines, even that is all speculation from people who "know a guy, who knows a guy". Everyone important played it down as not a serious problem, and I would think if it was a rift between Allen and Diggs that would somewhat serious. But hey, none of us truly know, all this is our own opinions based on what we know. So no one is "wrong" or "right" here, just different viewpoints. And based on what I saw and read, it seemed like it had to do more with some sort communication issues and maybe the new positional coach. All that matters now though is that Allen has publicly shown love to Diggs and Diggs has done the same. So even if there was something with Allen, it appears to be over, even though I personally don't think Diggs missing that first day was about some issue between him and Allen.

Above is my original comment...literally stating IN MY OPINION its a done deal. Below is every comment I made after to you and some others I was talking with. Literally stated over and over again that it was MY OPINION and based on things I heard on various sports talk yesterday and some things I saw online and social media. What is your real problem here? This has been such a waste of time. I dont owe you a damn thing and I could care less if you want to challenge what shows this was mentioned on. Its not my job to take crib notes for you and validate the stuff on sports talk shows. Your whole angle here has been absurd and utterly pointless. You don't believe me that DeAndre Hopkins and the Pats visit were on the news, or that there is buzz they are the front runners...then who the F cares. Turn a TV on, catch up on YouTube, listen to a podcast...its been talked about quite a bit on a lot of shows...or don't, and instead go around trying to puff up your chest and claim it didn't happen even though you have no point of reference and didnt watch or listen yourself...who cares, what ever floats your boat. I have a newborn baby 4 weeks old tomorrow, I have all kinds of sports talk shows and podcasts on in the background all day as I chill with my kid. You are the last person I need to validate that to and won't waste any more time with your pointless and childish agenda here. NOTE TO SELF: This is why to stay away from this thread.

Cannot Backup? You mean sharing my opinion that based on recent things I have seen and read that I think there is a strong chance he will be a Patriot? Geezus man, you DHop holdouts take this stuff way to serious and personal. Now you want to hold me accountable for what others are saying in the media and online as if I am the one originating it? I want DHop to be a Bill too...but running around denying any and all other possibilities to prop up your hopes isn't gonna increase the odds. At this point, its a VERY LOW possibility he will sign with the Bills and substantially higher chance it will be elsewhere. And right now, the talk is that NE is the front runners. Stop asking me to backup other peoples reports.

I wanted to like this...I had hoped it was gonna be funny or witty. But it was just lame and boring. #Dissapointed

Keep holding out hope...but I would bet money he signs with NE. And there is more out there on it than you realize, but I am also not gonna do everyones due diligence on it either. Like it or not, popular expectations and beliefs as of today are his most likely landing spot is NE.

It was on a bunch of sports new yesterday. Maybe media was exaggerating it, but saw it mentioned multiple times while watching various sports shows yesterday that he was expected to sign there. Then after that, Hopkins posted the pic of him and Judon inside the Pats locker room with the caption "La Familia". So feels like there is a lot more smoke here than in prior reports of where he might land. But also wouldn't be surprised if something changed, just feels like there are a lot of strong indicators he most likely signs with Pats at this point. Which if he does, then it will show that money played a bigger role in his decision than playing with a top tier QB. Which is fine, wouldn't blame him at all for that given this is his last relevant contract of his career.

Here is all anyone needs to know when it comes to Harty vs McKenzie McKenzie is a gadget player whose only singular strong attribute is straight line speed but couldn't apply that to be a valid deep threat. Harty is a legit deep threat who can take the top off the defense. He does WR things better in almost every aspect of the position than McKenzie despite being similar in stature. Love McKenzie, his energy, personality etc. But end of the day, he was out over his ski's as a starting slot WR. He is a valuable gadget guy, but not someone you can rely on as a heavy minutes player. He isn't a polished route runner, he doesn't have great hands, he isn't cerebral on the field like Cole was, he isn't very good at tough or contested catches, he isn't physical, and he doesn't track the long ball well. Harty is more of a talent as a WR and can do more WR things on the field. His biggest issue is availability in terms of staying healthy. I don't see Harty as a guy who can be relied on as a starter either with his injury history, but I do feel like he is more of a legit WR when he is on the field and if you lose track of him he can burn you over the top and score on any given play. I trust him to not only track the ball much better but be someone who can make a catch in traffic down field too. Going from McKenzie to Harty is a noticeable upgrade IMHO.

True, and I think for sure you are right about it the first time. Him and the agent trying to make it happen. But this time, it comes off the back of many reports that a deal is expected and an announcement is looming. And its also time he signs, I don't think there are any other offers out there for him to consider at this point. The interested teams are limited, so I am pretty sure he knows what he can get in each of those spots now, and NE always felt like the place he might get the most right now given the tight cap spots of his two top choices of Buffalo and KC. But you are right, nothing is certain...I however feel the odds are pretty strong he will be Patriot soon. I would love him in Buffalo, but after all our moves of late, I don't think its in the cards.

But, he wasn't in Buffalo and post something calling someone on the Bills his family while they stood together inside a Bills locker room, so not the same thing IMO. Hopkins was standing inside the Pats locker room with his arm around Judon. All reports are that a deal is all but done and an expected announcement is looming. None of that happened with Buffalo or in his Buffalo Solider tweet. So, I think the odds are significantly stronger here that he will be a Patriot. I would wager money on it this time where as before it was all speculation to what it even meant and all the connections to Buffalo were fan driven narratives based on hope.

This the same poster that during the draft kept making long lists of the obvious players still on the board the Bills might take with their next pick so he could clout chase and say "he correctly predicted the pick" lol So no surprise to see him frame a thread like this to back door his way into a narrative he is trying manufacture of slamming McD again