Mister Defense

How dare you start a thread like this? Who do you think you are? Just to antagonize the haters, I assume. Just flaunting the very high quality nature of our team since McBeane established this excellent base of success. Picture: a furious Yosemite Sam, turning bright red, steam pouring out of his ears, cursing his brain off... That is what you do to that small but prolific group of posters with such a positive, upbeat OP. I hope you're happy. Those are meaningless stats you point to, and the haters will make you pay for such such a careless, ignorant, heartless thread like this. They will not stand for this. Shame!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk9C1ukV-EM

This year we should see a different Cole Bishop, like we saw a different Terrel Bernard in his2nd year, and in Benford's 2nd and 3rd years, as Bishop has the physical tools, skills and intelligence. Like them he just needed to learn how the NFL game works, so his skills can shine through. And with that the toughness you speak of. If he is good the Bills defense is good, and if he is very good, the defense may be very good. To me the quality of Bishop's play this summer and in the regular season may go a long way in transforming the defense. I think he comes through and is considered a very good NFL safety by the end of the season, a player who got better and better as the season progressed

I think you may be right, especially for a guy still reeling, and likely feels he always will be, because of one of the most ludicrous trades and contracts in NFL history in Deshaun Watson. But he seems to like giving away his draft picks still, as you point out, as if they don't have much value. In the end what happened in the draft may end up being one of the best things to ever happen to Sanders. He is now a more sympathetic under dog to many, while previously he was being thought of as an entitled, arrogant rich boy, someone many were rooting against. On the other hand, can you imagine the pressure on him if he was a top ten or even top round pick? With all the unrealistic expectations everyone, including his own father, were putting on him? Now, maybe all of that hot air his dad had been filling him with his entire life, including in public, may be gone. And the pressure is off to some degree. He can just play football. As the expectations for any quarterback chosen in the 5th round are very low, by anyone's standards.

I agree about both Strong, great potential, and Hamlin as a solid backup--not the most fast athletic guy but seems to know what he is doing out there, a big plus for the difficult safety position. I also think Forrest is a nice addition as a backup and maybe as a starter if Bishop is not the real deal. To me, Bishop may be the biggest question mark on the defense and maybe the most important X factor for the overall defensive improvement this year. With Hairston as the starter opposite Benford, if Bishop has improved his processing ability that you speak of then the defense can take a huge leap this year, with the improvements in the secondary alone. So Bishop will be the player I am most focused on this off season and in early games. And the high level defensive line additions will enhance the secondary's performance as well.

No, and same for NFL.com in general, which is very weak in format/ease of finding things, and also in content, for such a huge and overall savvy company. Part of the problem is that they feel they cannot be objective in their coverage, as they are basically covering themselves, while CBS Sports and ESPN can do that much better and do so. Ditto for most of the NFL Channel TV shows, such as GMF, which is soo boring, so lacking in content they need to repeat significant portions of their show each day.

Just sour grapes from Elam so I really do hope he is the starting corner for Dallas this year. Let's see him put his money where his mouth is. I only wish the Bills played the girls this season, as it will be fun with or without elam, but more fun with the guy. This coaching staff takes okay/decent CB prospects and turns them into starters, and sometimes stars. So I am not betting on Elam blossoming this year, playing for a much lesser team and organization. Despite his laughable comments. The good thing about the big miss with him is that the Bills likely upped their preparation for this and last years' drafts considerably. Looks like, on paper at least, they may now have high end talent at most of the CB positions. We will see soon how it comes together on the field. Bishop runs a 4.4, Hairston a 4.29, both hopefully replacing Hamlin (a 4.63 40) and Douglas (4.59). Should give every Bills' fan hope that they will see a very different secondary this year. (And Darrick Forrest ran a 4.4.)

This would make no sense at all for the Bills to do. Why would they get rid of a player who makes a bunch of good plays during the season, and overall is solid, if not very consistent or high level, for a player that made almost zero good plays last year? You don't cut a decent player and then bring in a completely washed out, done player, wayyy past his prime--ever. Miller is not miraculously going to become a viable NFL player again this off season let alone a good one.

No way, as this is a very bad idea. The Bills are in much better shape as far as pass rushers are concerned after this off season. They will now battle it out to see who starts, gets playing time, and who gets cut. One of the main problems last year is that he was dead weight, almost never made an important play in the pass or running game, a wasted roster spot. The Bills clearly (eventually) saw that and it would not even cross their minds to let Miller take a vital roster spot again. I doubt any team will, unless desperate. Or very foolish.

I have watched 30 or so episodes and found it okay sometimes, overall. But mainly liked it only when the Bills or something related was a topic. But I did not understand an integral aspect of the show, the points awarded, and did not have any idea who the host was, what his expertise was as far as sports. I really disliked that they never explained the points thing, what that meant, how/what the criteria were etcetera, in all of the shows I watched. Not once. Seems like a really bad thing to do, a way to turn off viewers, especially new ones giving the show a shot for the first time. Need to be aware of the audience and attempt to make things clear for them. That really diminished the show for me, not having any real understanding what was actually going on. If you don't have basic clarity, you will not be able to build or maintain your audience--and so are on borrowed time. Now that it is over, can someone explain that if they know? I assume they had a point system/criteria of some kind and that the host had extensive background in sports, other than as the host of this show-?

That should be your avatar when it comes to the Bills' offense, Beane's neglect of it, and the Bills' wide receivers. Yes, and I apologize, as of course, that (see italics) was not your intention. Just sharing, with no intent to make this about the Bills' offense. Definitely not.

Let me guess... The Bills have no players in their list? I am sure that is NOT why this is posted, why it is a thread. Could have just cut to the chase in the OP for what will likely be the dominant line of thinking for a group of posters, and just posted some variation of this at the outset, to save a lot of time (and wasted space, repeating and repeating and repeating...): I cannot believe how Beane neglects this offense...(fire him, fire him, fire him...) leaves our superstar quarterback with almost no good weapons... and almost nothing at wide receiver... the Bills' offense may suck this coming year as much as they did last year (is that even possible?)... Josh again will just be throwing balls down the field to phantom wide receivers, balls bouncing harmlessly on the turf, over and over... Brandon Beane must be fired, and not just now, years ago...we need a time machine, as that way we can prevent the offensive collapse that wrecked the Bills last season...(Doc Brown, can you help us out?) Poor, poor [MVP} Josh... All the other AFC contenders have far superior offenses, talent, the Bills are not in the same league... Most neglected, talentless offense in the NFL, maybe in NFL history... 2025: worst offense ever?

Yuk Was hoping this crap never happened. Hope the Bills give them as little as possible, though I assume the producers will be allowed to get a bunch. The Bills need no distractions this year, with maybe their best team in a while. Hard Knocks is for teams coached by Rex Ryan, and the Bears, the Cowgirls, and the like. Too bad.

In what way? As a player, during games, or in prep? I think he retires this off season, as he will never start again the NFL, and may not even get a contract offer. If he does, likely a vet minimum- ? He has been done for a while, just kept playing. He will absolutely not strike any fear in the Bills, as they know what he is not capable of now. He should not continue to tarnish his legacy by trying to do something he can no longer do at an adequate level. About $200 million made in salary alone, so he should be able to take a few years off and enjoy his life. Worst move of Brandon's tenure here, hated it the day it happened and still. A violation of the excellent processes he put in place, so it came back to haunt him.

I agree with all that you say about Nantz, one of the best. But Romo, who started off pretty well, though not as well as people said, seems unprepared, like he does not know specifics about the teams and players he is covering. Sort of like how Herbstreet was when he began the Thursday night gig--unprepared, so then they talk too much to compensate and then the cliches come rapid fire for the same reason. But the way Nantz and Romo gush over each other, their partner, is hard to watch, listen to, especially near the beginning and endings of the seasons, and during holidays.

No, no, no, you've got it all wrong. I just saw that in a dream

My thoughts: This season I predict that ol' Jimbo does not merely stare longingly into Tony Romo's eyes to tell him how much he loves him, but grabs him by the ears on national TV and kisses him hard on the lips for 30 seconds. At first Tony pretends to resist, but 10 seconds into hit he just gives in. They are married by Christmas. And become the first married couple to ever broadcast an NFL game together. Nantz starts introducing his partner as My sweet little Cowgirl, and Romo blushes and giggles every time.

At first I did not get this, the Cowboys getting to the playoffs, or possibly winning the division!? I was thinking Milton was a defensive player they got in free agency. But then realized it was their backup QB! I had not read a lot of this thread, so that is likely why I didn't get it at first. If Milton does start, and if he looks like he did against the Bills, and I had never seen a better rookie first game my entire life, then the Cowboys may actually have an outside chance to make the playoffs. But with Jones' leadership, his obvious lack of ability as a GM and team leader, and his huge desire for the spotlight, any real leap this year is much less likely. But Milton may end up being his best move, a low risk shot worth taking. As Dak will never lead a Cowboys' team to consistent playoff victories or the promised land. A different kind of bad leader than Jones, but not a leader of men either. I cannot think of one supposedly good, long term starting quarterback who has looked more confused, out of touch, and out of his league when playing good teams, good defenses, than Prescott. Thank our lucky stars the Bills have significantly better leaders at every level of their organization. This is a vital part of the Bills' success, and the opposite is true for the Cowboys.

Whoa!!! What an awful comparison! I read it a few times to see if there was a sign it was tongue in cheek. It is not. Comparing Goff to Dilfer!? Extremely different roles in their teams, with Goff clearly a seminal leader of his team, his yards and TDS as a QB a significant reason the Lions have been so successful. In Dilfer's SB year, 2000, he played 11 games for Baltimore and threw for 1500 yards, with 12 TDS and 11 INts. Again, here are Goff's stats the last three years: 2022: 65% CP, 4438 yards, 7.6 YPA, and 29 TDS and & 7 INTs 2023: 67%, 4575 yards, 7.6, YPA, and 30 TDs and 12 INTs 2024: 72%, 4,629 yards, 8,6 YPA, and 37 TDs and 12 INTs I would guess you have not seen Goff play much and the same could be said for Trent Dilfer? Goff has thrown for 96 TDS, ninety six, the last three years. Trent Dilfer threw for 113 TDS in his entire 13 year career. Goff is an extremely significant part of the Lions' success--just a quick look at his stats, his yards and TDs alone should stop anyone from making such a bad comparison. Hope you don't analyze or evaluate our Bills in such a lazy way!

Okay, thanks for the info, clarification. But for that one game I am not saying the comeback was the result of a remarkable performance by Goff, only that the one game should never be used as a seminal example to define a player. Even great, HOF quality quarterbacks have those kind of games, as Kelly did. And it was clearly not a common thing for Goff last year, or over the last several years. He has not had a lot of interceptions and has one of the lowest int % rates in NFL history. And the rest of his stats clearly speak for themselves. It would be like taking one of Michael Jordan's worst games statistically, and making the case that he is not that good, over payed, and using that one awful game to make the case. Almost no one would do that because it would be completely illogical, a red herring. (I would never define your career by your worst game, fumbling the ball on a punt return against the Browns in 2009 to just hand the Browns that game, 6-3. As your fumble allowed the Browns to kick a short filed goal to win. But I was really PO'd at you, I have to admit! Almost over it now though.)

Okay, but the first 'point' is just a literal statement--albeit with some loaded language--and so your point is completely missing. As it is just stating that he played poorly but still won. (Can be said about most/all good/great/HOF quarterbacks, and likely several times, in each career. So what is your point?) Secondly, obviously true, overall that the Lions were in the driver's seat last year because they had a better team than their opponents. BUT, having an excellent quarterback, as the other three teams mention also do, is a seminal, even vital part of that team. Would you agree with that statement, and that having those 4 quarterbacks were essential parts of that team concept for each and for their success? Goff's stats the last three years: 2022: 65% CP, 4438 yards, 7.6 YPA, and 29 TDS and & 7 INTs 2023: 67%, 4575 yards, 7.6, YPA, and 30 TDs and 12 INTs 2024: 72%, 4,629 yards, 8,6 YPA, and 37 TDs and 12 INTs Those are superb stats, wouldn't you agree? And would you agree quarterback play like that, excellent across the board the last 3 seasons, was an essential part of that team idea you speak of? And that without superb quarterback play like Goff has demonstrated, it is likely the Lions did not do nearly as well as they did? Again, kind of difficult to actually understand your main points, so you may agree with what I say above-?? I don't know

i have no idea what you mean by that first sentence-? Why do you say that? And why would those good quarterbacks get blown out in games if they through those picks? Are you saying that their teams are not on the same level talent wise as the Lions? it seems to-? discount his role in that comeback. i remember when Kelly threw 3 interceptions in the first half and then led the Bills to a victory in the 2nd half. Of course they had a good, talented team, but Kelly of course played a pivotal role in that victory.

I agree with you overall on the Lawrence, Tua, and Prescott sentiment, as they are way overpaid. Though Tua looked tougher, and like a better leader, after coming back from the injury last year. Let's hope that does not continue this season.. And I do think that Love's contract, that amount, was a little premature, based on one year mainly. But I would definitely not lump him in with the others. He looks like he will be the real deal, not a pretender like 'poor' ol' Dak. But I'm really surprised to see you put Goff in that group! He is in a completely different category, has led his team to a Super Bowl and then has had significant success with the Lions, several championship games. In addition, he has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL lately, and is clearly a big part of the Lions turnaround and success. Even in his 5-? interception game last year, he did not let it phase him, and led his team back for the victory. Not in Allen or Burrow or Mahomes' company, but in the tier just below them. Seems to have a similar demeanor as those 3, though not the same skills.

But need to see the forest through the trees... How many of those teams pose a legitimate challenge the Bills? One? Did you see that the Bills got some dudes in the draft that may help them out a little? A couple of D tackles, a high level defensive end. a great CB, and depth too. Just check out the first five rounds, for example..

Well yes-- I think that is partly what I have implied in other threads on this too--this is not a huge amount of money here, separating them. Not talking about the kind of contracts others who are elite at their position get payed. Though Barkley, and now Henry, and a bunch of other backs in the league, are clearly changing that dynamic. So, definitely worth it, right? Is that what you are saying?

Been saying that more and more on here over the last month--they could get still Cook at a bargain price, with a very guaranteed contract, with at least one of the years 15 million. But that won't be the case if they wait until next year. And what you say above may easily come to fruition next off season, as who does not expect Cook to have a monster year? 1200+yards rushing? 4-500 receiving? 12+ touchdowns, easily-? Now, Brandon, now., get it done... They are going to save a boat load on defense in the coming years if they were even moderately successful in this draft. Beane and McDermott know this now; it should help them to get this done. So, now. Before they get to camp. No way do the Bills want this albatross hanging over their heads this season, one of such promise. It would be a huge violation of their processes and culture, if they don't do the right thing by Cook.