Success

I mean, can't he just watch what other teams do and copy it? I'm definitely not an expert - but it definitely seems like our offense is simple, unimaginative, and easy to defend.

I really respect how they've turned it around. I watched some of that Pats blowout against them - they didn't look like an NFL team. Absolutely bumbling. Since then, they've been really solid. That said - if we can't beat them w/ Dalton at QB, after a bye, we've got no business talking about SB aspirations. I expect this to be a comfortable win.

I was kind of hoping that we'd trade up for Brian Thomas in that draft, but McConkey wasn't really on the radar as a 1st rounder. Still, everything is easy in hindsight. The draft really is a crapshoot, even when you pick in the top 10.

2 guys being out for the game?

The Bijan play? Some of the best players in league history have had plays like that when a top RB is at full speed.

I think Hoecht will add quite a bit to our run defense, so hopefully not many runs will get to the 2nd level. The Panthers passing O is pretty mid.

Even in his pressers, he just seems weary. There is probably some frustration about the team & some of our weaknesses than he isn't expressing vocally. I know I'm speculating, but the body language just isn't good right now.

I think Bishop is really progressing & will be very good for us by season's end. But otherwise, agreed.

Can't wait for that game. So tired of the Pats hype already. I have zero worries about that team sweeping us. The bye won't make a difference.

Ugh. I was hoping some of the limited guys would move to "full." If we don't have Samuel, Palmer or Kincaid - it seems a little odd that we weren't more aggressive about adding a WR during the bye. Hopefully they know something we don't, and either Samuel or Kincaid or both are playing on Sunday.

All true - but it was probably LaFleur & Smith more than Vrabel. They really got the most out of Tannehill. McDaniels is pretty good too, though.

Bills 33 Panthers 16 I respect what Carolina has done, but we're good off the bye, and I think the offense rights the ship this weekend and gets back into 30+ territory.

The emergence of the Pats as a solid team could be good for us. I feel like every one of these mid-season games is crucial now - and I'm sure the team does too. Could help sharpen this team for a better run in the playoffs.

Having a very clear, very obvious need and not addressing it - when he can. Because Cooper didn't work out doesn't mean someone like Meyers wouldn't.

Not making a trade for even a Meyers-level WR would be kind of a shocking disconnect from the sentiments of the fanbase and almost all of the national sports media. It would be arrogance, imo.

Will McDermott still be coaching the Bills next year? "We'll see."

After that last game, I'm mystified as to why we haven't heard anything. Even fully healthy, we need a WR. No telling if Kincaid or Samuel will be able to go either, or if they can, if they'll be healthy & effective. I'm trying to remind myself that you do need 2 parties to trade, and other teams might be holding out until closer to deadline to get a better deal. But these seem like desperate times in the WR corps. I don't think most of us would object to an overpay to get it done now.

With Palmer out (seems likely), we really need Samuel & Kincaid to be out there, and good.

Wasn't that diagnosed as a high ankle sprain? He can play, but that would definitely limit his mobility.

Could we really not trade for a WR because of organizational arrogance? Or is it that they simply can't find a way to make it work w/ the cap? I'd certainly trade a higher pick to get the trade partner to take on some of the contract for a year...

The national narrative at this point is beyond hyperbole. It's like another reality. There really isn't any discussion of how easy the Pats schedule is. It's really gone right to "they're back on top & here to stay." It all feels kind of insane.

Maybe another year. Not this one. There are no standout teams, and we're still right in the mix. If we get healthy & hot in December & January, we could make a strong run in the playoffs. Meniscus tears are NOT career ending.

If the Dolphins would do that deal, we'd be silly not to. We're not going to get a player in the 2nd who is close to Waddle's caliber (most likely). So many draft picks don't work out. Waddle would fundamentally change our offense, and make everyone in the WR corps better.

That injury update wasn't exactly what I was hoping to see after the bye. We need one of Kincaid or Palmer back. Given this report, I'm very surprised we didn't make a move for a WR w/ the time off.

This thread is too gloomy. We would have beaten the Falcons with just a teensy bit more health. Kincaid, or Palmer the full game. We were down to very little in terms of receiving, and even the announcers noted that. We'll be in better shape this Sunday, and I'm pretty excited to see what Hoecht adds to the D. Maybe we'll even get a little Hairston. But it's a big break to have Dalton in there. He's still a capable thrower, but obviously not as elusive when scrambling and we should be able to get good pressure on him. I think we win this one comfortably. We've generally done pretty well out of the bye.