Ayjent

We shall see. They must really like Mahomes and Reid knows how to develop players at the QB position - but I think they are going to get Mahomes into rhythm with simple passing to the playmakers on the team. I would imagine it is going to be a lot of horizontal and short passing with a heavy dose of run and RB/TE pass plays.

Alex Smith in Gruden's offense is a perfect fit, a seasoned veteran that knows what to do and makes the right throws, even if he isn't exciting. Yes it was partially money at play, but it was more about getting a guy that wanted to be there and could be inserted into the Offense without any hickups. Gruden has made other guys at QB like Colt McCoy look good in Washington. He is a good offensive coach, but the team hasn't been that good on Defense (they looked better last year but that seemed to be more about having some good talent than coaching, because once injuries piled up they were mediocre). We shall see how well Cousins does somewhere else and Smith in Washington, but my guess is that Smith will actually be better for Washington than Cousins will be for someone else.

Yep - they also watched him show his mediocrity down the stretch of the season 10 TDs/8 Ints 217 pass ypg in last 6 games and didn't play that well in divisional games (teams that play him most). I live in DC, and people are torn about what this trade means about losing Cousins, but I think it speaks volumes about how the team views his talent. He wasn't very impressive before Gruden got to DC, and I'm not saying that he hasn't improved, but it's far from a sure thing that he will go somewhere and light it up. There is going to be buyer's remorse somewhere.

Washington was ravaged with injuries and has probably one of the top 5 TEs in the league in Jordan Reed, a pretty good running game with a solid line (when healthy), and a good offensive coach. Cousins and Washington never saw his value on the same plane and that's why they didn't secure him. And Washington isn't a team that plays it cheaply when it comes to paying players. So people need to start putting the pieces together on this puzzle - Cousins ceiling is what you've seen with Gruden and it's not likely that he is going to go just anywhere and be as successful. He's a decent QB, but he is not going to be looking for anything but a big payday - and if you think that lip service about going to a winner matters, then you are delusional - that's called marketing yourself, and getting the fans of whatever team he signs with excited that a coveted FA QB thinks your team is a winner.

I think that is a fair assessment of those QBs, other than Cousins is a really good Peterman (and I'm not saying Cousins is really good). I think the Bills are going to have to pay to keep a dependable guy at QB while they try to identify a young guy, and I don't think Peterman, a Rookie and some bargain bin veteran QB is a good plan. If they do think Peterman is that guy, I have serious doubts about this staff and the GM. Peterman may do some things right, but he does a lot wrong - some of that can be attributed to rookie play, but from what I saw some of those things aren't going to change even with good coaching - he lost his technique and made bad decisions under pressure, had a bad feel for the pocket, and doesn't have a strong enough arm to get away with errant throws. I'm guessing that the coaching staff likes his ability to throw with anticipation and timing - but sometimes you fall in love with the prospects of a QB that can do what your starter can't do and forget about all of the things your starter does well that you take for granted (well until that guy is an embarrassing turnover machine). Consistency in doing more things right far more times than wrong is what makes the difference between a Hall of Famer and a guy that shouldn't see the field. I get the cost of Tyrod, but Tyrod puts them in a predicament because he was they guy that got the Bills to the first playoff appearance, and I truly do think they appreciate that Tyrod is a professional who works hard, protects the ball, has a good feel for the pocket and has shown in previous seasons that he can make plays. They also realize he isn't going to be a guy that you can rely upon to bring you back from a big deficit or win a game in crunch time with any frequency. I am always cautious of getting rid of a guy that is decent without having identified someone better and putting the team in a pickle with no proven commodity at QB. I'm not sure what to expect from Daboll - he wasn't exactly blessed with much talent in Cleveland, Miami or KC in his stints in the NFL, and he was blessed with a plethora of talent in Alabama this past season. I think his working with Hurts, who has his own limitations, certainly isn't a bad fit for Tyrod, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Tyrod part of the team this upcoming year. I think that is very much in play based on the way McDermott was talking about Tyrod after the season was over and I think it is clear that McDermott saw the OC as the biggest issue. If they can get Bridgewater I'm all for it. I'm lukewarm on Alex Smith. I think Cousins cost will be prohibitive (thankfully). All of those guys would cost a good amount.

Yeah, but you can get someone as good as Cousins for a lot less than Cousins in my opinion. He is a guy that has been the beneficiary of good coaching, and struggled with consistency before Gruden was there. I.e., I think Gruden is a pretty good coach and the McVay is certainly a good offensive coach as well. Before that Cousins was...well...okay, but not seen as a franchise guy - a borderline starter. The reason he may not stay in Washington, because they know that too. The only one that doesn't seem to know that is Cousins and some delusional fans that think he is a franchise QB and don't watch Washington every week. Cousins going to a team with a questionable OC or HC that is defensive minded is going to struggle badly and lead to a lot of fans being upset with them spending so much money on him (he is too expensive for what he is, and he can be a turnover machine with the wrong coaching).

I agree with taking any of those three at 21 or 22 (doesn't really matter) - would be interesting to see what the Bills would do trade-wise if two of those three were there for their picks. I think the Bills have an interesting situation with consecutive picks and two coveted QBs on the board - they could hold one of those guys for the highest ransom while not having to deal while being on the clock. Highly unlikely that two much less one will be there at 21, though. I wouldn't move up for Darnold or Rosen - too much to give up for too little in my opinion.

You are right, but no matter the sport there is some degree of human element (determination and ability to improve, ability to to succeed with different coaching staffs, fit with other players) in any analysis of future potential. Football analytics are still developing, and I'd say that there is still a considerable way for them to go and that they can improve. The eye test in my opinion is merely people saying certain stats of evaluation are just not accurate indicators of success and they are right. However, if you start to break down the players that "look" good and what they do and don't do, you start recognizing that there are stats and qualitative evaluations that can tell a better story.

I appreciate the effort that went into this, but the statistics are not related enough to anything that leads to a tangible analysis of the necessary skills to be a successful NFL QB. Rushing yards and passing yards for one's college career are just too broad and as the data shows there is no discernible trend and the sample size is small as recognized. There are several statistics that could be looked at but are not typically available for mass consumption to analyze a QB: First down percentage per play when QB passes/runs Third down conversion rate when QB passes/runs Sacks per drop back (this is only part of the story of pocket presence) Air yards per pass attempt Yards per pass attempt Turnover rate per pass/rush attempt Completion percentage on passes of 10 air yards or more (this is a better indicator of accuracy on intermediate and deep throws) Red zone efficiency adjusted for plays resulting in first down and touchdown conversions where QB passes/runs Passes deflected/batted down at the line of scrimmage? Then you have more qualitative measures: What responsibilities did the QB have pre-snap? Was the player aware of what should and should not be done in game situations? Did the player have awareness in the pocket and move to avoid pressure effectively? When the player broke the pocket how often did the player keep passing options open? Did the player have the ability to throw into tight windows? Did the player have the ability to throw receivers open? Did the player show bad throwing technique/decision making under pass pressure? So as much as people would like to rely on TDs/Ints, rushing yards, passing yards, and QB ratings - the more detailed stats which would likely require someone going through loads of tape with these measures in mind, and then there is still some uncertainty because most of the time you are not sure if what happened during a play was coached or the player going off script. Some things are just hard to quantify - like pocket presence and ability to diagnose a defense pre-snap. My guess is if you did this for the QBs drafted during the past 10 years you'd have a much better predictor of success in the NFL.

Tyrod isn't the best passing QB. No argument from me on that, but the blocking schemes weren't great. The run game took a step back, and they tried to make Taylor into the QB that he isn't (more pocket passing), rather than tailoring it to his strengths like the last 2 OCs. Dennison completely tried changing the things that this personnel did well and only changed after the players strongly advocated to go back to what worked. Remember these issues under Ryan's Defenses? Guys being coached to a scheme that they know isn't working well enough and away from what they know does and has in the recent past. I don't think that the argument about how many OCs does Taylor need to go through is relevant. Roman was a sacrificial lamb for Ryan and the least of the issues wrong with the team, and Lynn was hired as HC. So Taylor actually helped make someone into a HC rather than a casualty. Dennison's predecessors had plenty of success with Taylor and the offenses under Taylor were a huge improvement over the most of the offenses the Bills had before him. I'm not saying Taylor is the long term answer - he is not, IMO. However, I don't think you throw him out of the picture until you are sure you've got something better. Dennison on the other hand is not the guy for the job of OC, either, but as I said and as Shaw said, I don't think there is a significant chance he is fired. McDermott doesn't strike me as a cut throat guy that would throw his OC under the bus after a playoff appearance. It's not necessarily the right move to keep him, though, if better options become available. I really think they need a good OC that knows how to develop a QB if they plan on developing one. However, this may not be what they are really interested in doing given their draft position and the amount of veteran QBs that are likely available this off-season.

You should finish the thought : "Dennison should stay home and retire." I'm not a fan of coaching that puts a rigid system in place that only certain players can do well in. Systems aren't necessarily bad, but one that requires certain talent at high levels is just too inflexible for the realities of NFL rosters over the course of a season.

I think it's a less than 50% chance they fire Dennison. But I thought it was a bad hire and it proved itself out. You can point to Tyrod for the Offensive struggles and you wouldn't be incorrect in doing so, but you also have to put a lot of culpability on the OC that was too stubborn to mold a system around his talent. A guy that is looking for the right piece to his system is doomed to failure in the NFL, because injuries are just part of the game and the ideal component is always a play away from being unavailable. The coaches who adjust and evolve with the strengths of their personnel are the best coaches. I'm not saying Dennison didn't adapt, but it was really just half-measures and some elements of his offense that are just not suited to the personnel remained staples in the playcalling - such as the zone read runs wide - those were consistently met with TFLs. The playcalling lacked aggressiveness and seemed designed to get 10 yards in 3 plays, rather than attacking defenses. Mistakes were almost insurmountable if the team got behind the chains, and the play calling seemed satisfied with no turnover punts if 2nd and long presented itself. The NFL rewards passing more than running, and 2nd and long can easily be wiped out by defensive holding, illegal contact, and pass interference - some teams even design plays around trying to get those calls. Running on 2nd and long in an obvious run formation just doesn't cut it.

He was much better than Dennison, but as people are pointing out - he had his flaws as well. One thing about him, though is that he can get good production out of his offense with plugging in guys that may struggle in other schemes and he works well with what he has. That's a good trait. However, he could baffle you with playcalling at times and it seems like plays came in way too late too often, and didn't let the QB make calls at the line. If you are drafting a guy that has mobility and needs some development Roman wouldn't be a bad guy to have as OC, and I'd swap him out with Dennison in a heartbeat regardless of who the QB is. However, the Bills need to find someone better than both Roman and Dennison.

Don’t trade up for any of these bozos at QB. Rosen and Darnold are mediocre at best NFL QBs. Mayfield is actually better, but not much and I have doubts about his decision-making on throws. These guys will all be gone early and good riddance on Darnold and Rosen - that can be some other fanbase false hope. I do think Mayfield is the best of this class, but will be 3rd off board. The next best option is Lamar Jackson in the draft, and I think the Bills can get him without moving up, but Jackson and Allen will both go in 1st. Question to me is whether it is worth drafting Jackson there - I’d say yes, but it depends on if Dennison remains and whether really good OLine or DLine players are available. This team needs an infusion of talent, an QB isn’t going to solve the problems this team has and is going to have as guys like Williams, Incognito, MCoy and LorAx decline/retire. This draft is a time to restock the cupboard.

I think people get excited to see a guy who throws a good pass from the pocket on a timing route. It’s something that Tyrod doesn’t do very often. I get it. However, Peterman lacks presence in the pocket and looks like he has a weak arm. Those things just don’t improve much for QBs, and honestly that is a really bad combo unless you’ve got the best OL in the NFL. That’s also why he has thrown so many picks in so few throws: bad presence in the pocket combined with weak armed throws under pressure. It’s not hate, it’s just what he is and it’s not a NFL caliber QB.

It was a bizzaro scenario for the Bills - a series of events that just hasn’t gone the Bills way in forever. The Bills aren’t an exciting or particularly impressive team in any particular aspect other than heart and determination. The team had some highs and lows and if you were to ask me whether the staff was good I’d say hmm...lots to like, lots to dislike, but you have to give the staff credit for keeping the train from going way off the rails after that horrendous stretch following the 5-2 start. Maybe not the best game day and Xs and Os coaching, but mental prep and getting team to have an undeniable work ethic is clearly present and has a lot of merit. They could be better for sure, but still an impressive feat. I like Tyrod and I think you can do much worse at QB, but at the same time I understand the criticism and desire for a more explosive passing game. However, you don’t get rid of a guy as good as him without being sure you have a better option. I think that there was an embarasiing amount of hubris starting Peterman. It was really an ill timed decision and even more Ill conceived game plan against that defense. Moreover, if there was any need to change starting personnel they should've started on the OLine considering how poorly they played in the 2 prior games. If they get a chance in the first or second round round with a guy great, go for it, but no need to trade up giving up away draft position or picks. This team still needs an infusion of cheap, gifted young talent to build a long term winner. I think McDermott has put together a good teaching staff, not necessarily chess masters on game day though. I think the staff remains intact, but I’d like to see the team evolve more to the talent they have rather than rigidity in scheme. Although I think they did evolve some during the season after the rough patch.

This list loses all credibility right here - 14.Beth Mowins, Jay Feely: CBS: They've only called a handful of games this season, but Mowins is solid. Sorry, I'm not against a female calling an NFL game, but she sounds like a Robot and talks way more than Jay Feely. Her voice is grating, and I just want Feely to start talking, so that she talks less. Feely was a kicker and he doesn't add much to the broadcast - I'm not sure if he isn't just nodding his head and binge watching something on Netflix during the broadcast. The "Chick n Kick" combo blows. Every time they call a game, it feels like a broadcast of Friday night college football game between Florida International and Louisiana Tech on ESPNU that no one is watching or even in the stands for - I would have preferred the field audio with no commentary. As for any team including Chris Spielman...it should always be last or next to last given the team above. Listening to Spielman call a game is just infuriating, his insight is often just flat wrong.

The last one I can think of is a Monday Night game against the Panthers a couple of years ago. But they get the lion's share in their favor. Maybe it's just chance, but it certainly doesn't feel that way. If it is just chance, maybe it's time for them to be screwed more times than not.

Do you think maybe Hughes was actually one of the people who took offense to this garbage that was going on and let the refs know about it? He's a hot head and takes bad penalties, but I think in this case we need to give Jerry the benefit of the doubt. It's an embarrassment to the game that after everything that happened the Bills are the ones that came out with a 15 yard penalty and Gronk was not ejected. The refs should be embarrassed, the NFL should be embarrassed, and the Patriots should suspend Gronk on their own regardless of what the league does if they have any class. Problem is that not a damn one of those things will happen.

Jauronic: playing not to lose with highly motivated, but marginally talented players. I hate to agree with this line of thought but there is absolutely nothing that is aggressive or adaptive about this team except it’s desire to move players from the previous regime, and it does seem a lot like history repeating itself. I was skeptical about this hire,especially the staff put together and the jettisoning of players. Then they looked like they might just know what they are doing collectively although nothing made you feel like things were stable, but we’ve watched the Pats do this smoke and mirror act for years where guys just come together as a team and start playing well together. maybe we had our own guy capable of that as well...nope.

Bill Barnwell writes in his column how Dennison has cut back significantly on using Shotgun sets with Taylor and McCoy which had been very productive in the past for the Bills.

How did you evaluate Peterman? Seriously...if that's the kind of situation this team is going to put players in to evaluate them, I feel really bad for the players. He looked like hot garbage, but there are few QBs that could have commanded a decent offensive performance with that blocking and gameplan. Again, I don't care who the QB is as long as the Bills win, but that was a really bad time (when your line has been a sieve the past two games) and really poor way to evaluate a rookie QB. I guess you can rationalize this as ballsy, commendable coaching and a fair evaluation of a player, but I see it a lot differently. I think it is way more likely that the coaching staff is scrambling and grasping at straws, and it was the equivalent of grabbing a powerline instead of a straw. How are they going to evaluate the next guy and what kind of awful situations are they going to put him - that's what this staff has me seriously questioning after this game, not that they made a cold, calculated move. It also shows me that if they have adverse circumstances where injuries force them to adjust their schemes they are going to be listless.

I’ve got no dog in the hunt as to the QB, but I’m clearly pointing out that to put the offensive ineptitude on Taylor is completely misplaced, when the line is getting abused repeatedly and the offensive coordinator has no counter, schematically or personnel wise. I like what Taylor can do by buying time and making plays with both his arm and his feet, but I also think the team could improve at that position. He has limitations, but he’s a lot better than the Bills have had in a long time and the offense before Dennison was pretty capable by Bills standards. I just think they need to be sure that they have that guy before they get rid of Tyrod or this could get real ugly. I’ve seen them move on too quick without stability and certainty in that position and it never works out. Also, never said that the Bills should go to a quick passing game, I said they should go to a spread alignment. The reason is to give him more time to asses the rush. Thinking a 5th round pick that isn’t nearly as mobile as Taylor was going to have success with a pass focused game plan against a good pass rushing team was ludicrous with the way the line had been playing, especially with no mix up on the line. And although McDermott is taking the credit for the bad decision, you have to wonder what the hell is going on. To me it was I’ll timed because there are consequences to this thing blowing up while you are still in the hunt,and it was already a hot mess coming in. And maybe it was a desperate move rather than a measured one - certainly looks that way to me.

And now they've still got a bunch of guys not giving effort that they kept and brought on to the team, but they are just less talented. If you're going to tell me this isn't the worst stretch of listless play in the history of the playoff drought, please enlighten me to what is. I've never seen a team go sour so fast in my life. You had a team at 5-2 that started to mail it in during the second half of the Jets game. Maybe giving effort has something to do with coaching putting players in the best position to succeed. And if players can see that is not happening, it's tough to not think about self-preservation first and foremost. Dennison and his staff are pretty poor, and by effectively laying blame to the QB (benching Tyrod) for the offensive woes after the OLine looked like it would have trouble be the starting lineup for a college cupcake. The fact that there was no shake up in the OLine is just mind boggling to me - are they watching the game film? There may have been plays to be made to open receivers, but if the QB is getting constant pressure from all angles on designed in the pocket pass plays what the hell do you expect? With a less elusive guy you saw what you can expect - turnovers, and lots of them, and a generally ineffective offense. I can't imagine being a player on this team right now - it would seem pretty clear to me that if these guys didn't bring you in, there is a good chance you are on your way out eventually, regardless of your talent. The team has received that message loud and clear and the results are showing on the field. This is the job of the HC to get this shipped righted and it appears to me the captain has no clue how to get things under control. We shall see, but this is going to be a true test of whether he has what it takes to be a good HC.

The QB in the pocket is not even close to the whole problem with the scheme. It's the run blocking, the situational playcalling, the lack of adjustments, the personnel starting on the right side of the line, etc. However, to your point. Can Taylor be effective when the scheme highlights his strengths? The answer is yes. When teams try to force him to stay in the pocket that is one thing, but when your OC forces him to do it, doesn't that benefit the defense? It's not like Dennison doesn't have a blueprint for what works and a lot of resources in the players that ran that scheme last year. He clearly only wants to run his Offense and thinks it is superior, regardless of the results last year. Look if you aren't making things better with a change, then it's not a good change. And it hasn't been growing pains learning the Offense, it's that it is that the guy comes off a clueless as to what actually works well and what doesn't. News flash - not much is working well. The problem in the two prior games (not including yesterday) was that the pass rush up the middle was completely disruptive and there were no escape routes because the blocking outside wasn't much better. They could have gone to more spread shotgun sets to counter the tactic of bringing 5 guys almost every play (this is how the spread offenses and hurry up developed after teams were blitzing relentlessly with success), but they continued to run the same stuff out of the same formations with the same amount of success until the defenses backed off and the games were out of reach.