Drunken Pygmy Goat

Allen to Benjamin could be a lethal combination. The days of depending on FGs, safeties, and pooch kicks to win games are long gone.

I put more of the negative runs on the line and blocking scheme, but that's just me. I think we all agree that the hourglass is running down with him, and that what we hope for isn't what we should expect.

I agree with why it makes sense to move on soon. I just don't see negative runs and injuries as being a sign of slowing down (as it relates to McCoy specifically). He played all 16 games last year, and even finished a game (Tampa?) where it looked like he took a very nasty hit on the knee before half-time. Shady has never been the fastest back in the league, and will get chased down at times, but I didn't see a noticeably "slower" McCoy. Perhaps his incredible elusiveness at times amazed me so much that I didn't notice a slower player??? Agreed, but my point was more about choosing a contending team. I thought the Eagles would be good and win the division before the season started, but I never thought they'd win a Super Bowl with a 2nd year (and eventually injured) QB. The Bills may be a bit farther off next year than the Eagles were last year, but I wouldn't rule out the Bills being a serious player for the postseason next year, especially if Brady retires. No way they get a 3rd. Given his age, salary, and impending free agency, I'd be happy with a 5th, even for a future HOFer. I would love to see shady retire in Buffalo in a couple years, but I do agree that, from a business standpoint, it makes a lot of sense to believe he won't (if he wants to keep playing past next year).

@Shotgunner I don't think his drop in YPC has as much to do with him, as it does the change in scheme and blocking principles of the Bills from 2016 to 2017. That, and having a much weaker WR group last year made things easier for defenses to stop the run against Buffalo. McCoy was much more of a focal point for defenses last year, IMO. And Woods is a very good blocker for a WR. Shouldn't runs for negative yards be more of a reflection of the offensive line and not the RB? In 2015 and 2016, the Bills ran many plays with pulling linemen, which greatly helped McCoy's YPC. That, and having a capable back to spell him (which he didn't have last year). I don't know the exact number, but the Bills used pulling linemen far less frequently last season. And he's not getting injured more frequently now. I don't know where people are getting that from. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McCoLe01.htm In 2015, Rex played McCoy way too much in preseason, and he took a bunch of hard hits on several runs, leading to his injury (hamstring???). I remember it clearly, and never understood why they kept him on the field after those hits. Watching him run last year, I don't remember any instance where I thought he had lost a step. The last part of your post, I agree with though.

I wonder if LeGarrette Blount thought the same thing when he signed with Philly and their 2nd year QB... Maybe you're right, but I wouldn't completely rule it out.

No you can't. He started every game last year, his 9th in the league.

Dareus was a Bill for several games last year, so he's disquified. And Mario should be ahead of Kelsay. Far, far ahead...

I think he finishes his career in Buffalo. He hasn't shown any signs of slowing down, suprising given his age and miles on his legs. And although that time is nearing closer, his great vision will help him to stay productive near the end. I can see him playing another year or two at this level, and probably retires after a third.

I think you have the wrong thread... When I'm Jonesing for football, I watch CFL. The rules May be different, but its "sufficient" for me, and serves as a reminder that the NFL season is right around the corner. Arena football just isn't my thing, but I'll attend a game just for the party atmosphere.

Nice bump. I'm not going to question Fairchild's credibility (and being fired as an OC shouldn't lead people to believe that he doesn't know what he's talking about), but his analysis was probably a bit too shiny to me. Only once or twice did he point out a flaw in Allen's game (leaving the pocket early, touch on short throws). In most evaluations, you list multiple strengths and weaknesses. The way Allen is described here, you would think the Browns would have ran to the podium and taken him 1st overall. This doesn't mean I'm not a fan, I just think the analysis may have left out some of the things that Allen doesn't do as consistently as he needs to at the next level. Just because he can do something, doesn't mean he does it well all the time. Granted you can find those types of flaws in all QBs at times, but there was no mention of them. That said, I think the general idea that fans have when they read about a player's weakness is that it's a major issue, when many times, it's more of a consistency issue. Just because Allen may have opened his hips on some throws to the left, doesn't mean he hasn't done it without opening his hips. We tend to focus on the negatives a bit more than we should, and often forget about the strengths. IMO, Allen's strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. His talent is undeniable, and he does excel in several areas that you want from a professional QB. Trusting his arm too much may get him in trouble at times, but that's the mentality that you want. Trust in yourself, and trust in your receivers to make the play if you just give them a chance. And what flaws he does have seem to be correctable, and it doesn't seem like there's many. He's very smart, tough, and was a late bloomer beginning his collegiate career. Uber talented QB that played with marginal talent last year. I think he's come a long way in 3 years, and if coached properly and surrounded with decent talent, I think we'll be in good shape to truly contend for championships.

It's the NFL. Guys need to have thicker skin, and understand that they won't be coddled. Mike Singletary wasn't a big fan of Buddy Ryan at first. As a young player, he was constantly in Mike's ear and on his back, and it rubbed him the wrong way. It wasn't something that he was accustomed to in college. But Buddy took him aside one day and said "son, you're going to be great". Once he did that, Mike fully understood why Buddy was being so hard on him, and it changed his mentality, and his opinion of Buddy. All coaches have their own way of "treating" players. It's their way of "pushing" a player to do better. But they all have the same goal. They all want to win, and they have the players' best interests in mind. Sometimes, tough love is best. A person might not see it that way initially, but they'll look back one day and realize it was needed at the time, and that they're better now for it, not just in football, but in life. Talent alone isn't the difference between being good and being great. It's how an individual responds to someone pushing them. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. The way McCoy and the players around him responded to Daboll in that instance didn't make them stronger at all. It showed weakness. Maybe Daboll was being harder than he needed to be in the moment, but it's probably more of a reflection of his competetive nature. If Allen isn't able to see that in the instances where Daboll, or anyone, is hard on him, his fate will be the same of all the players before him that had all the talent in the world that never elevated to higher levels, due to having thin skin and lack the drive to be the best. Given his background, and being told "no" throughout his playing career, I think he'll be fine in that regard, but we'll see.

"I expect perfection. I know that's not possible all the time, but I think we need to all hold ourselves to a high standard of really setting the tone and expecting the highest detail and the highest execution from all of ourselves." Not making any comparisons here, but this reminded me of old quote from Vince Lombardi. Something like "We strive for perfection. Nobody's perfect, but in the pursuit of perfection, you can achieve excellence". Lombardi certainly was a fiery coach. Maybe Daboll was being too hard in the moment, but it was Cold McCoy for Pete's sake, and it was the Browns...not exactly you known for their high structure characteristics. McDermott is all about accountabilty, but is also very structured. I'm sure if Daboll were to get "out of line" a bit, McDermott would be in his ear. And I'm sure Daboll has learned a lot from mistakes over the years.

There was still time in the clock after the kick...

I'm still amazed that he was able to hold on to the ball on that play Didn't they beat the Giants on the road in week 17 that year?

The post said we had "good luck" with players from small schools. He obviously wasn't as successful as Fred or Andre, but started many games and had a decent career. Not may FCS players can say that a about themselves.

Megahand, and IIRC Arthur Moats

Please leave...and do some homework

What's up with the little mermaid?

It is you... https://m.facebook.com/groups/1405930252956886?view=permalink&id=2113473268869244

Are you the guy that posted this word for word on Facebook, and got roasted?

Edited for accuracy

Nice...I didn't even notice that one. He did make up for it though later in the game.

I was looking for "Kelly is God" and "Batavia Part Zone" signs, but the Brady sign will suffice. No Bills Elvis or Chef guys either. Elvis guy was in Madden though

Check out his page. There's several other illistrations, including Soccer, although the images are snipetts.

Thanks