Richard Noggin

What makes you say the bolded? Seems to me that when McD simplifies the LB/2nd level assignments, it results in predictable zone windows and/or separation vs man. McD (and everyone else, probably) needs LBs who attack the run with the vision and decisiveness of an RB but also drop deep enough against the pass and read the routes and the QB's eyes like safeties. Substandard Bills LBs have been abused, no? The concern about Williams vs eye candy, motion, cutbacks, and screens is at least reasonable. But you also have to admit the guy is a candidate to dislodge a ball or otherwise physically punish some Dolphins Thursday.

Incredibly contrary to Allen's growing tendency (on repeated display so far this season) of stepping up when there's an early lane (especially through the left side A or B gap) to buy time and to put 2nd and 3rd level defenders in conflict. He did it a TON vs Baltimore to my eye. He's just ELITE at avoiding pocket pressure (while still looking to throw) in ways I don't think we always appreciate fully. The OL is pretty good, but not nearly as good at pass pro as 17 makes them seem. Or if there's obvious pre-snap pressure coming, he'll do the opposite thing and adjust protections and routes to leave one blitzer/side unblocked and try to stand in there long enough to hit someone behind that vacated area. Burrow probably does that 2nd thing (standing in and delivering over/through diagnosed pressures, as you detailed) as well or better than Allen, but just isn't as big and durable (historically) as #17, so he pays the price in more impactful ways. I've seen him move dynamically UP into/past the pocket in some games, but it's not really his nature. He's got underrated feet that he should use a little more often against 3 and 4 man pass rushes.

Fascinating to see Jones shading the guard and Walker shading the center here; how did the Jets then block this up? Did they double Jones, or Walker? Or neither? Did the defensive front shift into this alignment, possibly, based on offensive shift(s) and leverage to the sideline? You can see the Jets heavily aligned to the boundary side. I have no desire to be right, btw. Just really interested in the evolving DL personnel, usage, and alignments and techniques and whatnot. Nielsen is here specifically to get more out of this unit. Loved that hire. Hope it works out as the season progresses.

I don't entirely disagree with your "unpopular opinion." The coaching DEFINITELY matters a TON, as does surrounding talent, but I agree that a QB prospect's own drive and ability to process criticism and failure with humility, while also maintaining the confidence necessary to perform under duress, is/are the most essential component(s). It's a rare combination of factors that coalesce to allow a young QB to improve and excel in the NFL. Caleb Williams appears to have some REALLY bad tendencies to hold the ball and to throw from bad bases too often. His insane arm talent is probably holding him back, in that he can sometimes make the impressive, improvisational, off-platform throws, and that skill (along with his scrambling) has got him to this point in his career already. So he seems aloof or resistant to change. There is reporting to back up this perspective, if you find that reporting compelling. Very interested in where the Bears season goes from here. I have a lot of respect for Ben Johnson's acumen and aggression, and have at times wished for him to replace McD. Like a Dungy-to-Gruden type of transition.

The bolded is really intriguing to me at this point, and primarily because McDaniel's players (especially defensively) do NOT respect him. And while each player knows they are being evaluated by every team on every snap, they also don't always rise to the occasion if the coach on the hot seat is a doofus. Of course it's possible that Miami comes out swinging for the fences and lands a few, but if the Bills can score points early and often, then I'm pretty sure Dolphins players won't be extra motivated to save their coach's job in a losing effort. Plus the OLB coach got arrested Friday night for DB, so that could feed into the anarchy and lack of professional culture. Could be dudes on that team who resent being associated with space cadets and dirt bags, and want to see real change NOW.

I recall seeing Walker lined up at 3T at least one time. But felt like more. I saw him out there with Jones (at least once, but probably more...not sure where to check snaps by alignment). Deone Walker is ideally a 3T on early downs and a 1T on passing downs, in general. He's no double-team buster against the run at this point of his career.

Yeesh. I will always appreciate his 2 picks of Mahomes, even if his appearance in last year's AFCCG was a big part of why we lost.

Lotta lame commentary in this thread. No one can dispute Milano's injury history. The Bills were hoping to get more out of him in the last year of his current deal. And they still might. Or they might not. But we don't need to whine about it and pretend like it's some kind of personal or organizational failure. It's the Just World Fallacy, that somehow all bad things are the fault of the person(s) who they happen to (because good things happen to good people LOL).

I want nothing more than for the Bills to INSIST that Achane is ALWAYS blanketed and then always hit HARD when the ball does unfortunately (for him) end up in his hands. He is the lynchpin to that offense imho. Get physical with him on every possible snap.

I'd certainly have no difficulty rooting against a Toronto team!

Hampton has a little bit of Trent Richardson to his game. Which means he's a heavy, strong, fast (but not quick) specimen but lacks the lateral agility and short area burst to win consistently against NFL pursuit. Jeanty has more wiggle/better feet and a more complete skillset than either imho.

We switched to the radio broadcast sometime after Tyrod replaced Fields, as we drove down to East Aurora to catch the final night of Borderland. The game script cooperated nicely with our plans for the day.

Always seemed like a dead vibe on the broadcast...something to do with fan distance from the field AND a contingency of disinterested attendees or neutral fans in random NFL jerseys. Is that accurate?

Didn't Kelce throw a sideline tantrum due to poor execution by his teammates, and THEN muff an absolutely crucial goal line catch into a devastating INT? Mmm that's delicious.

You think Andreesen leaps past Williams, Milano's obvious understudy, who already replaced Milano on the field last week? Instead the Bills will field 2 MLBs against a team that likes to get defensive 2nd levels on the move laterally and then attack the gaps and windows between and behind those downhill-minded defenders?