Rocky Landing

Helps to keep low expectations, I suppose...

I think it may have all started in week 16 of the 2020 season, which I think was the last game Barkley played in. If I remember this correctly, it was vs. the Patriots* in the fourth quarter. We were ahead significantly, and Barkley took over. He got flushed from the pocket, and tried to extend the play rather than throw it away. He tossed it high to Beasley towards the sideline, and really kind of hung him out. Beasley, being Beasley, went up for it, and got creamed. It took him out for week 17, and messed him up for the playoffs. Many on this forum lost their minds, and really blamed Barkley for his lack of judgement in making the throw at all, and for the impact it had in the playoffs. I'm probably getting some of the details wrong, but I do remember it being a point of contention on this forum.

I think that notebook, and his sit-down interview likely identified Elam, in their minds, as a process guy, and dedicated to self-improvement. Obviously, they felt confident that they could develop him into an effective, zone CB-- and they might still. But, it is taking a while....

If I recall correctly (I might not be), wasn't it Knox's second offseason that he hired the eye-hand coordination specialist, and spent the bulk of his offseason working on those issues?

I don't really follow enough teams in the NFL to say this with absolute certainty, but it strikes me that there is a real shortage of quality O-linemen in the league at the moment-- especially compared to the number of quality D-linemen. There's a lot of handwringing on this forum about the quality of our O-line depth, but is there a team in the league without that problem? In fact, there are numerous teams who don't have a quality starting RT. In fact, there are numerous teams that have issues at starting LT. I know it's only preseason, and I am an unapologetic homer, but yesterday left me feeling pretty good about the O-line.

In his defense (weirdly), the fact that his terrible drop was on what should have been an easy reception, in a game in which he made some very difficult catches, might lead one to believe that his drop issues could be corrected? Very similar to Knox's early career issues, right?

Regarding the running backs, I have not at any point understood how Harris would be considered an upgrade to Singletary. Their stats in the last few seasons have been very, very similar, with Harris running with the Patriots*, and a better O-line, and Motor in our spread offense. But, of course, the biggest issue with Harris has been his durability, and that has already reared its ugly head. With Cook as the every-down back, and Murray as the downhill power back (that we've beed missing for so long), why waste a roster spot on a RB that can't stay on the field? Mimms showed real developmental potential, and Evans had a nice return, and whoever ends up our third RB should certainly be a ST player as well.

Such a likable guy. He knows perfectly well that, at the very least, he's a lock on the PS, and he really seems to love his life there. He sticks up perfectly for Kyle Allen in this interview. The thing about Barkley isn't just that he's so comfortable, and knowledgable with the offense, it's also that they are so comfortable with him. I know a lot of people disagree, but I feel like he's a decent two-to-three game placeholder that can win some games-- as long as he is given ample protection. That's been a big "IF" for this team in the last couple seasons, but they really seem to know how to use Barkley's limited ability to their best advantage.

If you go onto NFL.com/news, there are two articles that mention the Colts at Bills. 2021 NFL Preseason, Week One: What We Learned from Saturday's Games, in which we learn that Damar Hamlin returned to the field... and nothing else. Next to that, there is an article about Damar Hamlin returning to the field. Perhaps now the national media can start reporting on some of the other aspects of the Buffalo Bills? And yes, of course that is a rhetorical question.

I really wasn't trying to be incendiary, or anything. It's just that the story has been covered endlessly by the national media. In fact, if you go onto NFL.com/news, it's literally the only part of the game that's been covered.

Jesus, don't get so triggered. "The incident" has utterly dominated everything the national media has said about the Bills since it happened. I was watching "Inside Training Camp" the other day, and it was the only thing reported about the Bills camp. "Damar Hamlin walked out onto the field... now onto the Jets..." And yeah, it's his first game back. They may now start talking about Damar Hamlin, the player. And in my opinion, it does him a disservice to continually define him by that extremely rare occurrence.

Some thoughts on the game. Regarding running backs: I’ve said since they got him that Harris would be a lateral move from Motor at best, but likely a downgrade- the biggest issue being durability. Of course, Harris is out because he’s dinged up already. Mimms should get quite a few more looks before the cut down. I said during the game: Murray’s the sort of downhill power back we haven’t had in a long time. Glad he’s here. can Evans be K/PR? Regarding wide receivers: Shavers > Shorter, inconsistency notwithstanding. Would have liked to have seen more of Harry and Isabella as WRs. Neither seemed too inspiring as K/PR. Like everyone else, I want to believe in Shakir. And honestly, I think he’s going to pull it together. He has big play ability. Regarding O-line: I’m nowhere near as concerned with the O-line depth as many one here. It’s not as if the entire first unit’s going to go down to be replaced by the #2s. And the first unit looked pretty good to me. Certainly upgraded from last season. Regarding the D-line: Dang, that’s a deep unit! Poona Ford has the thighs of a Rhinoceros. I don’t know that Ed Oliver is going to have the “break out year” many think he’s going to have. Boogie is one of the more underrated players on the team. He is a bit slow for his position, but he makes plays. That being said, (as many others believe), I think he might be a smart trade candidate. Regarding the secondary: When do we get to stop talking about the heroic return of Damar Hamlin?

I want him over Harris.

Barkley loves his life. If he doesn't win the #2QB job, he's the de facto PS QB, and he's happy with that.

Drink up

Who cares if he can play well.

Hey-oooh!

The Colts fans in Indianapolis must love listening to these guys...

In thought Vlad was "The Tree Stump?"

And there's no reason to believe that Harris will last an entire season.

Albeit against scrubs.

And they've had Neal all over the field. He's really showed his versatility, IMO. And he's elite on ST.

I'm good with that.

Minshew is the backup we wish we had.

Murray is the kind of downhill runner we haven't had on the team in a long time.