Rocky Landing

For some of this game, I felt like watching the Chargers was like watching the Cowboys last night. You could tell the Cowboys weren't going to close, and that's how I felt about the Chargers coming out of the half. But the Chargers closed. Their defense built momentum throughout the second half, and their offense never lost focus.

Philly's not really known for its manners.

I was struck by how little they showed of Keon Coleman, as like many of us, I was expecting him to be featured, perhaps as much as Dawkins was. But in retrospect, I realize that very few starters, or established core players, were featured at all-- the exceptions being the O-line (minus Spencer Brown), Josh Allen, Ed Oliver, and a couple very brief interviews with Cook, and Benford. But no Coleman, no Kincaid, or Knox, no Shakir, No Milano, or Bernard, no Taron Johnson, and no Groot, or Epinesa. Also, no rookies! The whole series was basically focused on the O-line, and D-line as units (with no focus on the aforementioned), and bubble players who had especially steep paths to make the roster. Personally, I loved the series. And I'm glad that Beane/McDermott kept their cards so close to the vest. GO BILLS!

There was one, rather obscured shot of Keon Coleman catching a pass, and then another shot of Coleman asking someone if they were miced up. And I believe that was it for Keon Coleman.

I've found it interesting how well Knox, and Kincaid compliment each other. Knox came into the league as primarily a blocking TE-- he hadn't made a single TD in his entire college career. Kincaid, just the opposite, billed as a receiving TE, with remarkable hands, and a skilled route runner with a natural ability to get open-- but a lousy blocker. Upon arriving in Buffalo, they each set to work improving the opposite side of their game. Knox, especially, worked tirelessly in each offseason improving his receiving skills, including hiring an eye-hand coordination, and vision specialist. His work has clearly paid dividends. While Kincaid is the better, all-around receiver, Knox has made some incredible, clutch receptions. They're a helluva one-two punch at tight end.

I love the enthusiasm! Personally, though, I'm not expecting a whole lot out of Palmer, and even less out of Moore. Not to say they won't be affective, but I suspect there won't be a ton of three WR sets-- lots of 12, and 21 personnel, and Jumbo packages. And I think Keon, and Khalil will be getting the most snaps, assuming Shakir is close to 100%. We'll know better on Wednesday, I assume. I imagine we will be Palmer in three WR formations, and I wonder how many targets he gets in those? His selling point has been "natural separation," but does he get used to draw coverage from Keon? Of course, I am one of the idiots who voted "Superstar" in the Keon Coleman poll, so.... It will be interesting to see who gets some of those plays out of the backfield-- screens, sweeps, etc-- Moore, or Samuel. I would assume that Moore is the much faster player at this point in their careers.

To my eyes, from the extremely limited amount we've seen in the preseason, the Bills front seven has looked really good against the run, and average, at best, at rushing the passer. Obviously, those preseason performances can't be used much as a harbinger of how the Birds @ Bills game is going to go, but I could well imagine Harbough, based on what we know, dialing up a pass-heavy scheme for 9/7.

Cocaine, and woman-beating don't really fit The Process.

I voted under. Shakir led the team with 76 receptions in the regular season in '24. He's still on the team, last I looked. Kincaid had 44, and Coleman had 29. Kincaid's numbers will likely go up, if he gets a full season. Coleman's should go up, as well, and I'd be surprised if Shakir ends the season with the most receptions. But between Shakir, Cook, Ty Johnson, and all the others who will get opportunities, and perhaps earn themselves more targets, 120 combined receptions for last season's second, and third receivers seems like a stretch, especially if our offense is as balanced as it was last season, which also seems likely.

I voted "Superstar." I make no apologies for my homerism. Plus, I love to say, "I told you so," but only when it's a positive.

Dane Jackson

There seems to be an odd conspiracy theory, floating around TBD, that McD/Beane intentionally put a week-one starting cornerback onto the practice squad.

I have a slightly unhinged, homeristic theory that McD/Beane won't let HK near him, because they don't want the Ravens to know how good he is.

Rex Ryan might have done that-- he threw Ron Darby in right away, iirc, and it worked out well. Rex would likely have kept Hairston off IR for that reason. But, I don't believe that's how McD develops CBs, and I would say that Hairston's IR designation makes it very unlikely he sees the field in any meaningful way before week six at the earliest.

For what it's worth, Bills are slightly favored in Vegas, by average -1.5 points. (=doomed)

After spending all last season on the PS, Hardy should have looked much better in the preseason. As it was, he looked utterly lost-- like he had just been introduced to the Bills' defense. Really inexcusable. As athletic as he supposedly is, he's apparently in the wrong sport.

This offseason/preseason seemed pretty thin on fun, dark horse candidates. Or maybe I'm just getting cynical. He's on the PS. I'm still holding out my dream of him someday playing sixth O-line in a jumbo package, and catching a pass.

Rapp continues to be one of, if not the most, underrated players on the team. Forrest looked absolutely awful in the preseason!

Surprised because you thought someone else was a better P/KR, or surprised they kept a dedicated P/KR? I think he's going to develop quite well on the PS, and will end up on the 53-- this season, or next.

I was a little disappointed with Davidson, as well. But he lost his spot fair, and square, including on the PS. Maybe he could be a successful #2 TE somewhere? But a #3 TE has to be a stud at blocking, and on ST. Hawes will be both those things, and Kaleki Latu (assuming he is on the PS-- currently not listed) was better as well. Bills would have to sign him to the 53 to get him off the Jags' PS.

I have tempered my expectations, especially for week one.

We should all know by now that Beane is never done.

I don't even remember who, but someone on these boards told me that this is "arguably the most important game of the season." Also, how do you last three minutes with Collinsworth? Week one is a liar.

My predictions for this game: Bet the over (51.5, last I looked) Keon Coleman explodes. The Bills' front seven are going to make Derrick Henry look old. Win or lose, one of the media talking points out of this game is going to be, "has Derrick Henry lost a step...?" Lamar Jackson throws for 280+ yards. Jackson is sacked twice-- Allen not at all. At least one Bills secondary player, who has been crapped on by this board, exceeds expectations, and has a very good game. For good, or ill, special teams is going to make a huge difference in this game. Throughout the telecast, the words, "Super Bowl," are going to be used waaaay too much.

Not a single vote for a Bill in any category.