Logic

For reference, we just drafted Austin Proehl in the 7th round. That's the kind of "talent" you usually get at that point in the draft. So to trade a CONDITIONAL, FUTURE 7th round pick for the type of talent and speed Coleman has is awesome. Over the first 16 games of his career, he has over 50 receptions for over 600 yards and 5 TDs. If he does nothing else but provide a deep threat and help keep the defense honest, he's more than worth what the Bills paid. If he does literally nothing and gets cut, the Bills have lost only a 7th round pick at worst. And even then, the trade was a CONDITIONAL 7th round pick, so if Coleman doesn't make the team, the Bills might not lose anything. It's a scratchoff lottery ticket for basically free. Love it.

I absolutely LOVE this move for the Bills. Coleman is just what the doctor ordered for this Bills offense. A legitimate deep threat to line up opposite Kelvin Benjamin and keep the defense honest. This allows Zay and Kerley to operate out of the slot, where they can do the most damage. I'm admittedly a relentless optimist, but count me among those who think this trade will be looked back on as an absolute steal.

Does Phillips play special teams? If not, it's going to be very hard for him to make the 53 man roster. When you're 5th or 6th on the WR depth chart, you HAVE to contribute on ST. For those that don't believe me and think that receiving talent alone will get you a spot more often than not, go watch Brandon Reilly's 2017 preseason.

Sure seems to me like he's able to high point the ball and to play like Tarzan. I don't know too many untalented #2 receivers that would make that catch between Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. Personally, I think both pro and anti Benjamin people are over the top in their praise and criticism, respectively. He's probably not as good as his supporters claim he is, and he's definitely not as bad as his detractors claim he is. Exaggeration and hyperbole on both sides.

So far, I actually agree. I'm surprised to find myself feeling that way, as I've been firmly on the "let Allen sit for 10 games or more" train, but...you put it pretty well. Peterman seems to have a lot of those "CB undercuts it, takes it the other way for 6" kind of throws, and McCarron seems to be taking a ton of sacks and hanging his WRs out to dry. If that's the case, just start the kid.

Add Back Shoulder Throws to that arsenal. He seems to be great at those. Don't know that I've EVER seen a Bill be good at them.

As Geoff Schwartz said on Twitter, NFL officials typically over-call a new rule in preseason of the year said rule is instituted. This is to set an example and show teams how the rule will be applied. Most recently, this happened with the "hands to the face" rule that was instituted. Was called a ton in preseason, not nearly as much once season started. Here's hoping the same happens with the helmet rule.

Two out of the three applications of the rule tonight were on point. The call in the end zone against the Bears was garbage. We'll see how things go when the regular season starts.

Are you asking if the existential reality of the utter meaninglessness of football, of sports, and of life in general cause me to enjoy watching the Bills less?

Yes.

1. Wonder Years 2. SU Basketball 3. Johnny Flynn highlights .....

Yes. Decker fits the...um....PROFILE of wide receiver that Belichick seems to like. Ahem.

I may be in the minority, but since it seems clear the Bills are going with a youth movement, I'd like to see mostly youngsters make the squad at WR. Something like: Benjamin Jones Reilly Dupre Phillips McCloud Foster I mean...no one expects much from the Bills this year anyway, right? So why not go with the high upside guys and let the offense grow together? Is anyone really interested in watching 30-year-old Rod Streater or 30-year-old Jeremy Kerley lead the team in catches? How does that help us win in 2019 and beyond? So that's a "no" to LaFell. Let's get the young guys a bunch of reps so we know what we have on offense going forward.

Figures. I have Kelce and Hill on my fantasy roster. ?

Well, shoot! That invalidates my entire point! Thank you for your valuable contribution to this thread.

The greatest coach/QB combination in history will do that for you.

Not to pee on your pity parade, but the Pats* only brought in Eric Decker because Jordan Matthews, Kenny Britt, and Malcolm Mitchell are all hurt and they need bodies. Also, while Edelman is suspended and discluding Gronk (who's a tight end), New England has a worse WR corps than Buffalo. But please continue.

Looks like you were right. Owa got cut, and Lawson started today with Murphy getting a rest day. Count me among those that really hopes Shaq DOES make the roster and contribute. I can't think of a bigger boost to the defense than Lawson becoming a 10-sack-a-year guy.

Is this true? If so, it's extremely surprising to me. Everything I've seen has indicated Washington has been unimpressive and is on the roster bubble. Through five training camp practices, I have yet to read a single positive word about Washington's play. I hope this IS true. Having a quality 3-tech in line to replace Kyle next year would be awesome. I have my doubts, though.

Agreed. For that reason, I just use other teams' playbooks. Honestly, using the New England playbook is probably the most "accurate" thing to do this year, if you want to match what the Bills are running in real life. If you pick Buffalo's playbook, you'll just be running last year's Dennison scheme. Yuck. Gosh, you got me. Bringing offseason optimism to a football discussion forum. What on earth was I thinking?!

Everything the Bills have done at the DE position this year (bringing in Murphy, Fede, Odighizuwa, Russell, etc) suggests that Lawson is a goner. As I see it, they're lining up a list of potential backups to Trent Murphy. #90 is as good as gone. The writing is on the wall.

Here's the thing: It is possible to scheme up inferior offensive talent and get production out of them. Everyone knows the Bills offense lacks playmakers. With creative offensive playcalling, though, the likes of which Daboll is already demonstrating in camp, you can scheme guys open. Players like McCloud, Foster, Dupre, and Reilly are making plays in camp against a good defense because the playcalls are creative, the formations are put together with intent to create mismatches, and the playmakers we DO have (McCoy, Benjamin, Clay) are being moved around the formation. So anyone who says "Schemes don't matter, its all about execution!"...I disagree. I think schemes DEFINITELY matter. I think you're going to see the Bills offense improve from last year not based on upgraded talent, but based on creative playcalling and exploitation of mismatches. That's Daboll.

Seeing reports from camp so far of the Bills' offense featuring multiple RPOs, sprintouts, triple option looks, ample pre-snap motion, empty sets out of 21 personnel, formations that force mismatches... Could it be that for the first time in what feels like, I dunno...20 years or so...the Buffalo Bills could actually run a modern NFL offense?! I know, I know, it seems impossible. But I am absolutely LOVING what I'm hearing/seeing so far in terms of formations, concepts, and personnel. Very encouraging!

If we're going young, then 30-year-old journeyman Streater does nothing for me. Also, you left out Dupre, who is getting lots of first team reps and impressing. For me: Benjamin Zay Kerley Reilly Dupre Foster Ray Ray Proehl to practice squad. If they only keep 6 WRs, then drop Kerley.

Right. As I said above, I agree. But there was some discussion that Astro might not be doing the reports this year. If that's the case, what I presented is the next best option.