Pine Barrens Mafia

Doesn't keep them from winning, though, does it? I'll refrain from a trite 13 seconds mention when it comes to the defense.

Thanks for the acknowledgement. The thing that makes it difficult for me is, I live in Eagles country. I see the offense they've built in a couple seasons with a MUCH inferior QB, and I wonder to myself why the Bills couldn't do the same. AJ Brown is a monster opposite Devonta Smith while ALSO building a monster running game AND having a really solid top-to-bottom defense.

agree

And yet, the needle of performance on defense hasn't moved in any significant way. Why is that? Given all the investment, it should be the best of the best, and it's just not.

Mindboggling

Reading is fundamental, RiC. That post was speaking specifically about WR and OL Do try and keep up

A team is, by definition, a collection of players. If the players aren't good enough, then the team isn't good enough. That's the problem I think we're facing with groups like the OL and the WRs. Outside of Diggs, Morse and MAYBE Dawkins, the rest just aren't good enough. At this point, I think we're talking past each other. I agree that they've absolutely sucked at building an OL, and may even be worse with evaluating receivers. And how the HELL did you remember Jamil Douglas being on the team?

Ok, guy. So then you tell me who else is irreplaceable on the team outside of those two. Who else's loss would sink the season?

yeah, I did, and in retrospect was wrong. This year I won't predict total collapse. But I won't pretend I like their philosophy when it comes to giving all premium draft selections to the defense, nor will I lie about what I think about some of the more over-rated players on this roster here on TSW. I'll make sure to consult with you next time, ok?

no he wasn't. he's NEVER performed to the level of his draft selection.

Agree completely. Beasley was a HUGE outlet for Josh. Was hoping Shakir would take over there but McDermott has him squarely in the dog house

Slowly but surely, people are seeing what I've known to be true for years.

Exactly. Which is why I think McDermott and Beane, while having successfully resurrected the franchise, may not be able to take it all the way. They just don't seem to know or care about offense.

But wait! It sounds like you don't like their teambuilding philosophy, WHICH IS WHAT THIS FRICKING THREAD IS ABOUT.

I believe it to be true. I mean he looks LOST out there.

*2 last game wasn't great either

My college team, PSU, is in the same spot. They've got a guy who's built a program that's good enough to make bowl games consistently, but never good enough to reach the pinnacle. I mean, I hope you're right, but that's not a super place to be.

"burn it all down" is a polemic. No one's looking to "burn it all down," let alone me. What I am asking is, at what point does it become OK to question the teambuilding philosophy and coaching?

because we had to play on the road. i mean that's the bottom line here. These losses matter, and by losing to an inferior team, the Bills have ratcheted up the pressure on themselves going forward.

Exactly. They've played fast and loose with the offense. I don't like that one bit. WHY they do it is a whole other question.

I mean who else besides Diggs and Allen can this team go a protracted stretch without and still function properly. Certain players are irreplaceable. Some not so much. An example: Would this team's season be sunk if one of the DTs goes out injured for the year? Doubt it. Would this season be over if Diggs was lost for the year? Absolutely.

>.> I think i've been clear in other threads he's played horribly. Let me phrase this in a way you'll more easily understand: Do you think the offense would function more efficiently with a better #2 wideout and a competent running game so that 17 doesn't have to be perfect every week? Or, do you think it's more valuable to continue to waste capital on DE/DT/CB year in and year out?

I think it's pretty clear Morse is. If we get a much MUCH better performance from 17 than we've seen the past couple weeks, you have a point. But when he's off, there's no one to help win.

I mean, yeah, maybe. We were just humiliated pretty handily by an inferior team who in turn was humiliated by an even WORSE team the week prior. Think they win this week against a much better team than the Jets?

Some teams more easily than others.