Alphadawg7

Happy with the win, but still grave concerns on the middle of our defense. Its been an issue all year.

But they are hesitant for a reason. A team never afraid of spending is reluctant to give him what he wants. If the Cowboys had been winning the division every year and making deep playoff runs, do you really think Dak wouldn't have his contract yet? I mean they would have paid him already and definitely before Cooper.

I get where you are coming from. But part of the Bills story was also being a perennial 7 to 8 win team for years and never having a shot at top end prospects at top of the draft. So if you build a team thats cap strapped and always stuck as a middling fringe playoff team, then you're facing being stuck in that state a long time. I get it, its a fine line, and I understand that at the end of the day, over paying a QB is part of the game. But there is a difference in over paying say a tier 3 guy to be paid like a tier 2 guy versus paying someone the kind of money Dak wants. If that bet on Dak doesn't get you any further, your organization is handcuffed and stuck for 4 plus years and likely never goes anywhere significant. I would have had less issue with paying Dak before they shelled out all that money to Zeke and Cooper.

Nice work on the article, but no disrespect, but I dont really think its not a mystery at all. Star opted out. Despite the stat sheet heroes around here who always want to cut him because they don't actually understand the trenches, he was very important in the middle of our D. He is a space eater and helps free up our penetrators and LB's. Without Star, our DT's inside are undersized and overwhelmed. Milano has been hurt a lot this year, and he is very important to our defense. Edmunds missed time has been playing hurt and doesn't seem to have the confidence back yet. Our secondary has had its own injury problems. We have several new pieces on defense where we did not have a preseason of full camp to really work with moving people around to figure out the strongest lineup and where each is best and worst at. Some of these issues have been plaguing other teams too. Its why defenses across the NFL have been historically bad as the league is looking at new records offensively across the board, including scoring. End of the day, health and the lack of size in the middle are our two biggest issues right now. One is out of our control (injuries) and the other was compounded when Star opted out late in the offseason. My hope is that Beane tries and find some size to plug into the middle before the trade deadline. If our interior of our line keeps getting chewed up and cant get off their blocks, well the LB's and DE's cant do their jobs either. Against a team like KC with no Milano, we needed our LBs in coverage more and that allowed Helaire to go off in the ground game beach their OL just pushed our DT's around. Oliver is a penetrating DT, he needs a space eater next to him to be effective. He wasn't drafted to be a run stuffer, he was drafted to put pressure up the middle on the QB. We need more beef next to him.

To be honest, I am not so sure the problem is specifically the personnel. I have personally hated the game plan and play calling the last 2 weeks Daboll has put together. We are often running out of unconventional formations. I feel like Daboll is being to cute with the run calls instead of committing to establishing the run game. Dont get me wrong, the OL has not done a good job at opening run lanes this year, so there is room for improvement there to say the least. But also, the run game has felt forced and full of over thinking to try and trick the defense. I would like to see more formations that are more conducive to successful run plays. But to go back to your question, I think Ford has been better at LG than he was at RT. But he also hasn't done as well as I had hoped. I can think of several occasions where I yelled F***ing Ford at the TV for example. Now we have released Spain, so the guard position is quite concerning again considering Ford may not be healthy.

Yes, those are among the few I pay what Dak is asking for. I didn’t say not to pay Dak, I said he hasn’t earned what he is asking for. He hasn’t proven he belongs in that company of those QBs. I said the contract he wants is a mistake. Clearly Dallas felt the same way. Show me one Tier 2 (or lower) QB who was paid as a top 3 QB that has ever won a SB. Hint, it’s never happened. Why? Because if you invest that much money into a QB, they better be able mask and over come the inevitable deficiencies in the roster because that cap choking contract is going to make it difficult to build a great overall roster. Dak has not proven to able to do that. They should have been winless this year with him under center before getting hurt had it not been for the inept onside recovery by the Falcons. They missed the playoffs last year. And in the worst division in the NFL. You really think Dallas misses the playoffs last year with Wilson, Rodgers, or Mahomes as the QB? You think they are a one win team this year with those guys under center? I think not. Can anyone with a straight face say that Seattle’s or Green Bays roster right now is much better than Dallas? No, you can’t. Seattle’s defense is atrocious too and GB defense is pretty bad and has less weapons on offense. Yet those teams have combined for one loss on the season while Dallas barely had one win with Dak before he was hurt. And Seattle has Rams, AZ, and SF in their division. GB has a stronger division than the NFC east too, and GB won 13 games last year. So yeah, I pay those other guys what Dak is asking for, but not Dak until he proves he can get the team over that hump.

So we are in agreement he’s not a tier 1 QB. You don’t pay a tier 2 QB like he is tier 1. When has that ever worked out? Show me a SB champion with a tier 2 QB who was one of the 2 highest paid QBs in the league. Go ahead, find me one. I’d say I would wait, but since it’s never happened, there’s no point. When you invest that kind of money in a QB, he better be able to help your team over come other shortcomings because it makes it difficult to build a balanced good team around them with that cap choking contract. Dak has had enough around him for that team to do better. Yet that team hasn’t. There is no disputing this. Dallas themselves see it every day have resisted paying him what he wants. They have Cooper and Zeke what they wanted, but not Dak. Why do you think that is? Something is there they are not sold on that keeps them from agreeing he’s not worth that much. So clearly Dallas sees it differently than you, the people who see him everyday and know a million times more about him.

Divison titles in the worst division in football and one was his rookie year where he also didnt have to do a whole lot compared to now. Lets not pretend Dallas is meeting expectations the last few years. You like to use these words to mask the gross underachieving of that team. Everyone knows they are underachieving, so lets now try and make it sound more rosey than its been. So I am sorry. There is nothing at all you can say to convince me that Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, or Russell Wilson dont lead that same Cowboys team last year to the playoffs. Seattles defense is atrocious and Seattle looks to be the SB favorite in the NFC. Sorry, a guy making as much money as Dak wants should be able to get that Dallas team last year into the playoffs, ESPECIALLY in the worst division in football.

I mean not sure why you keep telling me Dalton is better than Dak, I have said that myself many times. You seem to keep veering widely from my point, which was solely about the amount he was seeking.

Come on. Who cares about college. Tim Tebow won in college. And sorry, Dallas has had a strong roster, you have praised it even. Dak hasn't won 13 games. Put Aaron Rodgers on that Dallas team and they win 13 games. Put Russel Wilson with those weapons together in Dallas and they win 13 games. Dak didnt even make the playoffs and was a lucky onside kick away from being winless on the season before getting hurt. Sorry, he's not proven he can win in the NFL yet. And while we sit here and debate it, the guys who REALLY know Dak also haven't been so keen to dump that money into him yet either. Why is that? If he's a slam dunk winner, they would have paid him a while ago. Im not saying Dak isnt better than Dalton, because he clearly is. Im saying the same thing I said when this convo first came up...Dak hasn't earned the size of the pay day he is demanding.

It was never about is Andy close to Dak. It was about building that team. And dumping all that money into the offense, and now being faced to pay Dak the over the top amount he was asking for, was not a recipe for more wins on the field IMO. So the question was always would their record be that much different with Dalton or Dak? And so far, its not given Dak wasn't winning again. I never had an issue with so much paying Dak, I had an issue paying Dak after they dumped all that money into Zeke and Cooper. I said repeatedly they are not going to be able to build a good enough team around him and then will be stuck with those contracts. You for one argued the opposite, but so far, the results speak for themselves. You argued the GM there has done a good job, something I argued against. Just like you argued the GM in Philly has done a good job, something I said was crazy and was a terrible job. Both those playing out right now, and I feel comfortable in my original arguments. Once again, this team is grossly underachieving, and after the excuse "Its Jason Garrett" has been removed, although I did agree he was not a good HC and needed to go. Nothing against Dak, wish him well in his recovery, he's a good QB...but...he has yet to show he can be a winner. And when I am paying out that exorbitant amount of money, I want to see some evidence he can win. Same issue with Cousins. Put up some impressive stats, but he wasn't a winner. He wasn't getting the job done, and just like Dallas, his own team was hesitant on paying him what he wanted until he showed he could lead the team to post season success. He did not. He moved on. He is not as good as he is getting paid. Dak is better than Cousins, but at the end of the day, Dak wants cap choking money. I think it says a lot that a team willing to spend big on players is reluctant to make the commitment to him that he is looking for. Just like Washington. They seem him every day, they study the film, they seem him daily as a leader around that team. Something is making Dallas hesitant...and end of the day, this roster has grossly underachieved the last few years and in the worst division in football too. QB's want that big payday, they get the most scrutiny. And for me, I just don't see that those elite traits to will their team to win games. I mean, they struggle to beat bad teams, let alone good teams.

I never said Dak wasn’t a good player. I said he doesn’t win enough for the money he is asking for. And clearly I’m right, because once again, they aren’t winning this year, and after they changed coaches. Same Dallas team. I said paying him what he’s asking for on top of Copper and Zeke is a mistake because the rest of the roster is going to be harder to fill out and this team isn’t going to go anywhere. Dak puts up stats, but he doesn’t win. So last I checked, games are won based on the scoreboard, not individual stats. And my biggest argument against paying Dak what he was asking for is that despite his stats, it isn’t good enough to carry the team. He’s NOT Aaron Rodgers, but wants to be paid more than him. He’s not Russel Wilson, but wants to be paid more than him. Look at those two rosters. Seattle’s defense is as bad as Dallas, might be worse. Yet Seattle is dominating, and why is that? Because of Wilson. Green Bay has no where near the offensive weapons Dallas has, and their only top end WR been hurt multiple games this year. Yet Rodgers and GB until this week had been dominant, and they also dont have a good defense. Daks excuse was coaching. They changed that, yet still same results. Again, not saying Dak isn’t a good QB, I said the contract he wants doesn’t match the results.

It’s like when everyone wanted to pay Cousins and it was clear he wasn’t worth the money he was gonna get. Dak > Cousins but the situation is similar because Dak is seeking an insane amount of money, and an amount that exceeds what he has led them to on the field.

Don’t be an idiot (I realize that’s a tall ask for you). That’s not what I said. I was referring to the insane money Dak wanted and whether or not to pay him what he was asking. I said Dak was a good QB, but that even with his best seasons and a loaded roster he didn’t win and committing that kind of cap killing money to someone who wasn’t winning enough was going to be an issue after all the money they already shelled out on the offense. That they won’t be able to build up the team around him, especially the defense. So actually, everything I said was spot on because Dallas was not winning with Dak and literally if not for the ineptness of Atlanta during an onside kick, they would be winless with Dak despite being a heavy SB favorite and in a bad division. In terms of Dalton, I did say I don’t know that their record is much different with Dalton over Dak. I never said Dalton is as good as Dak in terms of being a QB. So this is a false thread and you need to remove my tag or change your title, because it’s not what I was saying.

Or perhaps...Milano hurt again. Tre and Levi out. Edmunds playing hurt. All the new pieces didnt have a training camp, preseason, etc to get ready and gel. Harrison still working his way back.

How many over reaction “our defense sucks” threads do we need?

I realize that, but the point is, Dolphins could be a long term home if he excels there or could attract another team with a multi year deal if he excels there. So having a stronger shot at being the lead back on an offense that has some juice too could have a better effect on his potential suitors this offseason. In Buffalo, his odds of being the lead back are lower (but also not impossible if he's more productive than Devin has been), so his potential touches this year could be a lot less than Miami. Not saying he wouldn't sign with Buffalo, just saying that Miami likely offers an offense that can score with the potential of him leading the backfield within a few weeks. Again, I am talking touches and opportunities to make plays. Miami on the surface potentially offers him a bigger role. Buffalo has a ton of receiving weapons, Allens ability to run, and Devin to compete with here in terms of opportunities. But, if he wants a balance of an opportunity to win now and having a solid role, Buffalo makes more sense. Just comes down to what he will prioritize for himself in terms of winning now and future earnings. If winning now is all that matters, KC likely the lead choice. Balance, then its Buffalo. Future earnings and bigger role, its Miami.

Bell has cared about money more than winning thus far. This season is nearing half over, I doubt he makes a decision rooted in just winning. Im sure he wants to win still, dont get me wrong, but the Dolphins may not be a winner this year, but they have a real shot at being a playoff team next year. They got talent at WR and TE, a young promising QB likely taking over later this year or by next season. Plus the defense is scrappy and the coaching staff is getting the most of its players. And Bell could within a couple weeks be the starting RB there assuming he is performing and picks up the offense quick enough. And if Bell brings a spark to that run game, he could be resigned there and be a key piece to their future. While a lot of people doubt Bell having much left in the tank, he certainly doesn't feel that way and thinks he is still a premiere player. In KC, he likely doesn't see a ton of snaps. If he has a new perspective now and does prioritize a championship team this year, then obviously KC is a great choice fore that. But at 27, I think he was a more defined role, and KC loves their young back. In Buffalo, we have 2 RB's we used consecutive 3rd round picks on. But neither has really seized the job here as someone who should get the lion share of the carries. Obviously Devin has a much more substantial value to us right now than Moss has given he's been out several games. And with the run game struggling, but still having an explosive offense, they could make a case to Bell he can come in at least split carries with Devin while Moss learns the game as the 3rd guy. And if Bell excels, he could take on the lead back role while Devin becomes more that complimentary piece (although I don't think Bell would supplant Devin personally). So Bills do offer the potential to both win now and give him a decent to larger size role. This is why I think of the 3 teams now mentioned as a finalist, Miami should be the most appealing if he wants a large role and potential to get a new contract. I would say Miami, Buffalo, KC in that order make the most sense. But who knows. Maybe being on such a losing franchise for last 2 seasons made him miss winning and his priorities have changed.

I thought Miami was the best place for him out of the choices. They dont have a lead back really, and are a scrappy up and coming team with the QB of the future waiting in the wings already. Lot of talented offensive weapons. They also possess both the first and 2nd round picks of the 1 win Texans too to help build that OL.

Yes he’s better than the backups there, I just think he would want an opportunity to get more touches.

I think its a combination of things though. For the pass rush to get home, it needs coverage to be in place. You can't sack a guy if he has an open receiver so early he can fire it to. So don't underestimate the impact missing guys like Tre, Wallace, Milano, and Edmunds have had during parts of the season on getting pressure on the QB. Also, the loss of Star as a space eater is something a lot of people under estimated around here too. But I still think once Milano and Tre come back (hoping for this week) it will make things at least a little easier on our pass rushers.

Missing our Pro Bowl LB and starting two corners and anchor of the DL in Star...solution is fire the DC? LMAO at these precious hot takes. Its way too early for that...and after one loss against one of the 5 best teams in the AFC none the less.

Haha no problem

Yeah, I think its fair to assume it had to have had some impact on them. Caused some frustration, even distraction. And while Titans were in the same limbo, their side of it was a little different. I mean they were chomping at the bit to play, probably pissed off so many people wanted to give them a forfeit, and had all that extra rest and time to prepare for the Bills game too, at least in terms of things like film study and game planning. Not to mention they had home field advantage with fans in the stands. Its definitely not an excuse, Bills were just out played, sloppy, and flat in just about ever facet of the game yesterday. One thing I will say is this...we are a very well coached team overall and we have a very fiery and competitive leader in Josh Allen, and also guys like Diggs too. A game like this can also be one of those humbling games that brings them back down to earth and lights that pissed off fire in them. I still think we are going to play the Chiefs tough and I am not expecting the same kind of mental lapses and self inflicted wounds that whole game either.

Yup, they have finally gotten their dark cloud to bask in. Funny, I had to leave a text chat with 2 other Bills fans at halftime last night. One of them never says a peep in this group chat the 3 of us are in when things are going well. Never an excited text when something big happens in a game for us. Just me basically talking to myself. BUT: He never shuts up with negativity when things are not going well. Its like he cant wait to spew negative diarrhea in the group chat. I call him out on it all the time and finally just left the group chat at halftime yesterday because just tired of his negative ranting all the time. I mean he barely spoke all season and all of a sudden yesterday he is back to just spewing negative nonsense from outset of the game.