Rocky Landing

I do not want McD fired. Or Beane, for that matter. BUT I just don't see how this season was anything other than woefully mismanaged. Looking back at the evolution of how Allen's development, and the plan surrounding him changed, nothing they did made much sense. He was drafted as a "raw talent" who would need time to sit, and learn. The most common consensus on him on draft night was that he was the least NFL ready of the top prospects. And so, he was put into a three-way QB competition (which he lost) with the likes of AJ McCarron, and Late Nate Peterman. And, somehow, it was decided that Late Nate would be the starter? With Allen as his backup? And, why should we need anything even remotely resembling a vet presence? What the hell was that??? Then, after the inevitable happened (Nate crapped the bed), Allen gets thrown in with: the worst receiving corp, and the fourth worst O-line in the league. Are there two units more important to a QB's development than those? NOPE. Of course Allen got injured. Ignoring the O-line, and receiving corps was utterly irresponsible under the circumstances. It was a month into the regular season that they signed a vet mentor, and reasonable QB alternative. No matter how you slice it. Whatever one's theory on McD's philosophy going into the season-- whether it was a "win now," a rebuild, a purely developmental year for Allen, or even a straight up tank-- the mismanagement of this team, and of Allen in particular, was egregious.

One thing I'm looking forward to this offseason?: No goddamn quarterback competition!

Is it me, or does there seem to be a certain amount of scapegoating going on? Three positions that had absolutely abysmal talent-- O-line, special teams, and wide receiver-- and three coaches fires from those units... Not saying these guys should have stuck around necessarily (especially Crossman), but, it does make one think...

The AFC East is one retirement away from busting wide open. If Brady retires at the end of this season (a distinct possibility) then the seemingly endless cycle of just praying for a wildcard is over. If it happens next season (and if Brady retires, could Bellichick maybe follow him out the door?), then both Miami, and New York are going into the season with new HCs, and the Bills could find themselves on top of the division. Then, this becomes a very different discussion.

O-line does seem to me to be one of the positions that players often get better beyond their first few years. I think Mills is an example of this. So was Ritchie Incognito, for that matter. I don't think we should lose Miller, for that reason. I think Teller could end up being great. Really, I think this should be a discussion of who our starters are, not necessarily who we simply cut. We need more than five quality O-linemen. That being said, Ducasse is a nine year vet that isn't going to get any better, and IMO is a weak link. Cut him. I wouldn't miss him. Didn't love Bodine, either. Cut him. I know a lot of people were highly critical of Groy when he came in for Bodine in the first Miami game, but he also got better by the end of the season IMO. And, his versatility is what has kept him on the team. I think he should remain, but certainly not as a starter. Dion Dawkins has been an above average LT, but he he did have his issues this season. But, he was listed at guard in the draft. Is it out of the question to move him inside? Could Dawkins/Teller develop into a good guard combo? In my opinion, the best O-lines are the ones that play well as a unit, and I hope this is why Castillo is gone. O-line coach is such an important role. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the offseason.

My thought going into the draft was that Darnold, or Mayfield would be the only two QBs worth trading up for, and if they were unattainable (which, of course, they were), then we should not have traded up and gone for Lamar Jackson. I would have been happy with Allen at that spot, also, but didn't think he would be there, and was wary of his perceived downsides. And I very much didn't want Rosen. Attitude plays big with me, and I don't like his. Looking at it now, I'm a huge Allen fan, period. I'd be a fan of whomever we got. But, as a football fan, I really like being able to root for guys I respect as human beings, and Allen is a guy I can get behind. Great attitude, great leadership. I also like QBs who can be exciting to watch, and man, Allen fits that bill. These are the reasons I liked Tyrod when he was here, but of course, he had nowhere near the ceiling that Allen has. Allen could be the best QB to come out of that draft. I will say that the one thing that did bother me after the draft was the interminable QB competition to see who could be the most consistently mediocre to start vs. the Ravens. What a waste of time that was!

He could be dangerous if they've balanced his meds. A different kind of dangerous if they haven't.

I thought this was the second decade of a rebuild?

I agree with the sentiment. I would not be disappointed if we drafted high for other positions of need if that’s BOPA, but I hope we don’t go too high on defense. As this season wraps up, I think the highest priority has to be providing Allen with all the tools he needs to be successful. I’ve never been a fan of drafting based on need, but this coming offseason is different. We’ve established that Allen is the prospective future. We have to go forward in that regard.

Gray's doing a good job.

I really don't get this. Do you scan the discussion threads looking for an opportunity for a snarky insult? It's a relevant discussion because they're playing each other on Sunday. It's a relevant discussion because they're playing in the same division. It's a relevant discussion because Darnold was rated so much higher during the draft. It's a relevant discussion because so many Bills fans would have preferred Darnold 13 weeks ago. But, if you don't like the discussion, why participate? Just to piss in someone else's punch bowl?

Josh Allen has a much nicer face.

For real.

Man, Zay looks like an NFL WR.

I wonder if Kiko has the discipline for that job?

This is a pretty bad. However, it is no where near the level of Ray Rice. Hunt pushed someone into her, and they both went to the ground. Then, he kicked her over, but not with full force. Ray Rice knocked his fiancé out cold with a closed fist, full force, right to the head. He should definitely be suspended, and I'm sure he will. But, the comparisons to Rice are spurious.

Perhaps the more relevant question would be: Can the Bill's receiving corp devolve into Robert Foster being the #1 receiver?

To be fair, he had one fumble on the KR that bounced back to him. The other one that was overturned was a terrible call by the ref. He was WELL down when the ball came out.

He looks like the best kick returner we’ve had in a while, no?

They keep showing the Vontae Davis commercial. Total slap in the face of every Bills fan watching. F*** you, Fanduel.

Thumbs up on that.

Way to misrepresent people's position.

A little behind him (as was Says incompletion), but I love how fast the ball is getting out.

Really well designed plays. (Don't believe I've ever seen a point-after delay of game.)

I wonder where they would have placed Barkley?