billsfan1959

Right. Also, in spite of some questionable decisions on Allen's part, in spite of some bad throws, in spite of some bad plays by his receivers (Williams in the end zone, Brown along the sideline, etc), in spite of some conservative play calling in some stretches, Allen still managed to make a lot of good plays (and some great plays) and put up 372 all purpose yards

Guys like Brady, Brees, and Manning are certain HOF caliber QBs. There are a few in each era. They are rare. They are the standard each team should strive for at QB; however, they are not the standard most teams will meet, nor should they reasonably expect to meet. Even the next level of QBs, the real franchise QBs, such as Wilson, Rodgers, and Roethlisberger, will at any given time, only comprise about a quarter to a third of all teams. It really is more luck than anything else as to whether or not a team finds one. As to longevity, I think it is a time in the league where rule changes and style of play are conducive to longer careers at the QB position.

This is patently untrue at worst and grossly exaggerated at best. You have been a strong critic of Allen and you are doing nothing more with this post than to say, "See how right I was?" and gloating after a loss. If what you need at this moment is to pat yourself on the back, have at it. It feels a bit unnecessary; however, it is your right.

Maybe you should just do that...

I actually posted in a thread about this around week 10 or so. I went back through each game and looked at each drive that ended inside the opponents 40 yard line that resulted in no points. At that time, I believe it was around 20 or so of such drives. They were really good in the red zone; however, there were a lot of drives that ended with no points between the 40 and 20 (and some in the red zone). I watched each of those drives and there wasn't a single, primary factor as far as I could see. Drives ended on bad decisions / bad throws by Allen, penalties, dropped passes, questionable play calls, turnovers, missed FGs, and some good defensive plays. It absolutely was a major difference in being near the top of the league in scoring or in the bottom of the league. It is an area they need to improve on next year.

I really don't believe the vast majority of posters believe everything is coming up roses on the heels of the loss last night. We all respond in our own ways. A lot of us choose to focus on the positive aspects of where this franchise stands at the moment. It is not burying our heads in the sand or turning a blind eye to what needs to be fixed or improved. As far as the front office, the coaching staff, and the players go, I have seen enough to know that, regardless of the outcome of the post season, every one of them would go into the off season being enormously self critical in a productive, evaluative way. That is who they are. Everyone laughs at the "culture" idea; however, that is what it breeds: Introspection and holding one's self accountable.

Somehow, I don't think you would be very open to the answer to your question.

I don't think the vast majority of posters on this board will crucify anyone for reasonable criticisms of Allen. He is a work in progress and there is plenty to criticize in his performances, within reason. There is also plenty to show he has the potential to be something special. There is always enough blame to go around in losses and last night was no exception. They played hard and lost a game they could have, and should have, won. From the front office to the players, they each know their role and what they need to do. I trust they will do it.

If God was good enough for Stevie Johnson, it is good enough for me...

Oh, this thread should be fun... To the OP: I went to my first Bills game 51 years ago. I have never been a fan of any other team and never will be. I (and many other Bills fans) have gone through far worse than the loss last night. I like the front office and HC, I like our QB, I like the core of the young talent on this team, and I love the direction this team is headed. There are a couple of teams out there in the AFC that are looking pretty good for the near future and I am sure it is a good time for their fans; however, I think I will stay with my team. Go Bills!

Because people are experiencing all sorts of overwhelming negative emotions and somebody has to be held accountable and punished for making them feel that way. I guess that is easier than learning how to deal with those emotions in, say, a more healthy way...

Based on this post and quite a few others, I would say the team wasn't the only one...

You can post all the criteria you want on what does or does not define a franchise QB; however, it is not a simple equation. Even if everyone agreed on what those criteria are, the question then becomes whether or not meeting or not meeting those criteria is a result of the QB's abilities, the talent around him, the coaching, or a combination of all of them. At this moment, Allen has shown a lot of growth since he was drafted and has also shown he has considerable improvement to go. The Bills have their full compliment of draft picks and the cap room to continue building the offense around Allen. I am looking forward to seeing what the Bills do this off season and how Allen responds next season. It will be his third year. The talent around him should be better. I think we will all have a better idea around this time next year.

I don't have any other teams that I would like to see win. However, there are teams I would like to see lose (Patriots, Ravens). So, I guess I'll root for whatever teams play them.

I am with you. I am looking forward to the off season and next season as well. Hated the loss tonight; however, I believe this team is headed in the right direction.

Why do some posters feel the need to be like this?

Actually, we don’t need you to enlighten us. Most of us are pretty knowledgeable fans.

Don’t you ever tire of your tantrums? We certainly do.

And the Bills almost sacked Watson on the play that ended up putting them in position for the game winning FG. Guess what “almost” means in football? Nothing.

Well, at least he is not as consistently bad as your posts.. So there's that...

He had some good plays and some terrible plays. There were times he looked calm and completely in control of the game, and then there were times he looked overwhelmed. He had a fourth quarter stretch of bad decisions and he also led them down the field when they needed it (including into field goal range in overtime before the penalty to Ford). He only put up 19 points, but he also managed to put up 372 total yards of offense. He is still a work in progress; however, I see the improvement and I see the potential. Looking forward to the off season and next year. Edit: oh yeah, I give him an overall C for the game.

Are you a ten year old?

They can generate enough, along with occasional blitzes

I think they are both worthy. However, when you talk about talent around the two of them, the conversation needs to begin with the offensive lines. IMO, between pass and run blocking, Baltimore may have the best offensive line in the league. It certainly is much better than Seattle's. A very good Oline can certainly enhance the production of the QB, RBs, and receivers. I believe Wilson did more, with less, and was asked to carry his team much more than Jackson was. It doesn't mean Jackson didn't have an MVP season, because he did. But, a reasonable person could make an argument that Wilson did as well.

That first game was definitely one of the best sports experiences I've had. Indescribable seeing the field, players, and game live for the first time.