Rocky Landing

I know I am-- to a fault.

Christian Wade is single-handedly making me look forward to the preseason games.

Ahhh... I haven't been to the Lilac Festival in literally decades...

I know a lot of hay has been made that our woes in the running game is more about the O-line than it is about the running backs, and I agree that that is a big element in getting an effective run game.. But, I also think there was a real issue with timing, as well, and that was a question of scheme. I saw a lot of plays where the RB just hit the gap a step, or two too late, and it was just a question of the timing of the play. Sure, the O-line could have held the gap a little longer. But, I feel like I saw a lot of plays where if the RB could have hit the gap a little earlier, they would have had a lane into the secondary before they made contact with the opposing backfield. And that's on coaching.

This is by no means my worst take-- not even close. But, for some reason, I feel like this is a good thread to drop this on. To whit: When we first acquired AJ Klein, I read numerous opinions about what a beast he was, and how he was especially adept at stuffing the run. I read this both on here, in the media, and on the Saints fan forum. So, I went onto GamePass, and watched the three games that Klein had the highest statistical impact from his previous season, and what I saw was a guy who was slow to the ball, would wait until the play came to him, and had less than half the intensity of Matt Milano (a high bar, IMO, but still...) What I saw when he arrived in Buffalo was: Exactly that. In short, I thought Klein was a bum. And then... Somewhere in midseason, and I can't remember precisely which game it was (and perhaps someone, who doesn't think I'm crazy, could remind me), Klein seemed to flip a switch. He was all over the field, making plays, tackles for loss, pressuring the QB, and effectively dropping into coverage. And he kept this level of playing for the rest of the season. This happened, right?

SJF is such a beautiful campus, in a beautiful area of the city. I actually spent my first semester of college at Nazareth College, a nearby sister college to SJF. But, if they end up staying in Orchard Park, it's what-- an hour drive? That's nothing by Los Angeles standards. That's my morning commute on jobs that take me over the 405 pass. But, yeah, SJF would be ideal.

I agree with all of this, as long as ST doesn't suffer as a result. Field position was a consistent asset last season. As to the O-line, I do agree they need to open gaps, and keep them open for longer. But, I also think there was a real issue with timing, as well, and that was a question of scheme. I saw a lot of plays where the RB just hit the gap a step, or two too late, and it was just the timing of the play. That's on the coaching staff.

I really hope they do. I was born, and raised in Rochester, and I've never been to one of the Bills training camps. I've lived in Los Angeles since '91, but I'm itching to get back there for a visit (many family members still living there), and would definitely time it to see one at SJF.

There are going to be some cuts made, and there will be some unhappy fans. In my opinion, running back is going to be perhaps the tightest competition in training camp. Singletary is better than a lot of people realize. I wouldn't be surprised if he were the odd man out-- or more specifically, the player who becomes redundant. I actually think he's a better running back than Moss, but Moss is exceptional in pass protection, and that will solidify his roster spot. Breida may end up being our best FA acquisition. He has the kind of acceleration that Motor, and Moss lack. He had some great plays with the 49ers. If he excels in TC, he could become our feature back. (Although, if he does, I doubt he will see as many snaps as Moss. Moss' pass pro is that good.) Christian Wade also has exceptional acceleration, or at least he did a couple years ago, the last time we saw him in live action. One would assume he would be a long shot to make the roster. But, the truth is, we really don't know how much he has progressed on his two seasons on the PS. Taiwan Jones is probably safe for his special teams, but I hope we don't see him on the offense in anything but garbage time in a late-season, meaningless game. Antonio Williams looked really good in the few plays he had at the end of the season, and he may be the closest thing we have to a power back, which could conceivably place him on the roster.

Quarterback controversy!

As poorly written, and as transparently bitter, and petty as it is, it's actually kind of an interesting read. I don't think I'm alone when I say that I actually had some of the same reservations about Diggs, when we traded for him, that the author is trying tar him with. I think a lot of us saw a clearly talented player that might end up being the prima-est of prima donnas. But, he ain't. He supports his fellow teammates, mentors the rookies, talks up fellow wide receivers, and is, by all accounts, an ideal teammate. He has shown a level of maturity in Buffalo that we can be grateful for. Joe Johnson (the author of the article) can cry in his corn flakes all he wants, but he doesn't seem to have one tenth the integrity of Stephon Diggs.

Jets at 26, lol.

That's actually a really old joke from this board from years ago. I have no business meetings. Ever.

I would be surprised if he led the team in sacks, but I do agree he's primed for a breakout year. He certainly doesn't have the sheer athleticism of Rousseau, but he is extremely coordinated, and has, I think, a remarkable ability to throw opponents off balance. Also, at least towards the end of last season, for someone whose knock was that he was slow, he sure looked pretty fast.

Efe Obada's going to surprise a lot of people. Maybe not the sack leader, but I have a feeling he's going to be one of those players that comes to Buffalo, and thrives.

I've been busy in high-level business meetings all weekend, and haven't had a chance to read through this thread. How many times has the "wild goose chase" joke been made?

CJ Spiller.....

That ship has sailed.

It sure feels weird to be at pick 30. Usually, having been middle of the draft for so long, there were always a handful of guys you were really hoping for-- watching guys fall, and other guys getting taken that you were really hoping for. It was stressful. But now, all the way down at pick 30, the board will be so broad, it's hard to know where Beane will even value a relatively broad range of players. And, there is one thing that we as fans really can't know, that is clearly a huge priority for Beane, and McD: How well prospects interview. Culture is of paramount importance to these guys. Does a prospect have integrity, and good character? Do they have the competitive drive they require? Do they have that rare balance between ultra-high self-confidence and humility? How well can they be coached? The culture Beane, and McDermott have built is one of the most fun things I have experienced in 30 years as a Bills fan. And it's the reason I certainly do trust these guys to draft their guy, boom or bust.

I think the question this thread begs is: Which positions are in most need of an upgrade? In my opinion, the needs at upgrade would fall in the following order: D-line (run defense and pass rush) Running game (not all on the running backs) Tight ends Defensive backs Line backers K/P return Interior O-line Everything else...

As I recall, the story on Epenesa was that he had limited reps in college, and was not polished at his position, but had natural ability, especially in his upper body, and hands. He had a talent for throwing opponents off balance, and using chop moves, and such to take away an offensive lineman's leverage. Or something like that. But I think, like Allen, and Edmunds, they saw high potential in a less polished player. Maybe a better way of looking at it is that, in their earlier draft picks, they're placing a higher priority on the ceiling than the floor?

Interesting. Out of curiosity, where do you have Oweh on your board? Because I wonder if Beane/McD don't have him higher than you (or most) would, and I'm just saying that based on their draft history. Josh Allen, Edmunds, Epenesa-- all drafted high on their merits of athleticism, and potential, but with limited experience, or pro-ready ability. It seems to me that Oweh fits that mold precisely.

Well, Gunner, I'll say it: I think you're wrong at pick 30. Personally, I'd actually be pretty excited by an Etienne pick (or a Najee Harris pick, for that matter), but I have a hard time believing that either of those two players will be on top of Beane's board come pick #30. BPA at a position of need, right? Even Jayson Oweh, considering Beane, and McDermott's propensity for grading players high on athleticism over experience, or development, I would think would be higher on their board. Tell me if you disagree, but Etienne, at #30, would be a reach compared to some of the other players (who represent other positions of need) who are available in your mock, no?

The duo of McDermott and Beane On the AFCE HC scene: Billy B. is a cheat Mikey Flores ain’t elite And Bobby Saleh is weak in the spleen.

Pitts is a pipe dream. Trading that giant amount of draft capital is the sort of malarkey that fans ponder-- not professional GMs. I wouldn't mind trading up for the right guy. But, consider that in the first 29 picks, there will likely be five QBs taken, probably five WRs, Pitts will go as well as Sewell, and Slater. Depending on the breadth of Beane's board, there's going to be a broad range of talent to be had with either a more modest trade-up into the early twenties, or just standing pat at 30.