BuffaloBillyG

Now, I fully understand that making Brown (along with Gabe Davis) the new whipping boys are what all the cool kids are doing these days. I get why. But the fact is, Brandon Beane overwhelmingly believes in Brown's potential. Now, I still expect someone else to compete for the position...but my hope is that the rational that Beane has for the struggles Brown has had will be on the money. Brown was always going to take a bit to come into his own....but I can see this as a make or break year for him for sure.

I think the main thing to remember here is that they liked him enough 12 months ago to spend a 3rd round pick on him. They didn't do that with last year in mind. If Beane believed in his ability enough then, he's going to get the opportunity to earn that starting spot now. A GM is going to believe in his guys and his plan...and I wouldn't really want a guy in that role that changed his mind every 12 months. We will see if he was the right pick...but frankly no one really knows what we have in this guy yet.

Bates being the backup at all 3 IOL spots would be the perfect world IMO. Either way regarding Morse, there is a fair amount of risk with him. When healthy he is still a darn good C. Has experience and has been Josh's C for a long time. But that concussion situation as you point out is a concern. From a play standpoint I don't see a huge dropoff between Mitch and Bates. There is some, for sure...but not anything that is a red flag for me. and that cap space they could clear would be huge in getting an additional pass rusher and possibly another target for Josh. I see both sides to this one and would think that overall Beane would go with the experience and leadership Morse provides...at least for one more year. I think we are starting to see a slight (and it's only slight at t his point) shift in the though process this off season. With some of the moves they have made it points to me that they may be slowly realizing that status quo may not be enough unless a perfect storm hits. Having McDermott call the defense and the possibility of a more aggressive look there. Moving on from McKenzie to Harty stands out for me. Going from a guy that is better at "Water bug quickness" than pure straightline speed. Harris over Singletary may be a sign that they know they need a physical presence between the tackles from time to time over a "steady Eddie" that is consistent but neither a bruiser or gamebreaker. And what better type of G to run Harris behind than Torrence? Also, just as an outside the box thought...we all know that when we have Allen go for that QB dive on 3rd and 4th and short...he goes right. That would be likely right where Torrence would plug in. Lining Torrence up next to the mountain of a man Spencer Brown is...it's appealing to me to say the least. I think Kromer can use him in the same manner he used Incognito.

I think there are some signs that point to Torrence being a legitimate candidate for the Bills. I realize he doesn't fit the scheme or the athletic traits (RAS score) that Beane typically looks for in an OL pick. But there are a few things that stand out with him that align with what McDermott and Beane have said this off season. 1. They want Josh to take less hits. While McD was mainly talking about sliding when running I believe they realize he get hit (and possibly takes harder shots) in the pocket. Well, what would help that more than a guy that gave up exactly ZERO sacks in over 3000 snaps in his college career? 2. McD has mentioned....several times...about seeing the defense play with an edge. However I believe that he would like more edge and nastiness wherever he can get it. Mr. Torrence plays with that nasty that lacks on our OL. 3. They have had 2 visits with him (That I have seen reported) including a Top 30 visit. 4. IOL has been a priority upgrade for them this season. I believe that in addition to shoring up a weak spot...we know Beane also is always looking at more than just "this year". The signings of McGovern and Edwards combined with how much they like Bates tell me they may be looking into a future without Mitch Morse. If Edwards can return to form under Kromer or Torrence is selected Bates could slide to C this year or next and save the Bills about $8M on the cap by trading/releasing Morse as a post June 1st. They need that money and Bates is solid at C. Makes some sense to me. Again, while I admit Torrence isn't a perfect fit for the scheme we have seen up to now...I think his attitude on the field, talent level and upside may be enough for Beane to take a chance on in a weak draft

I hope so. Or trade out of the 1st completely. There are so few guys coming out this year with actual 1st round grades that if they pick at 27 it will likely be a reach. If a player they like slips to the early 20s I would suspect Beane to be aggressive and move up...especially if they are down to the last guy on their board with a 1st round grade...much like Elam last year.

At this point, I'm thinking that the end result will be DHop staying in Arizona under a reworked contract.

That Gabe Davis is a solid #2 WR. He's not a 1A like Tee Higgins. But he is a guy that could start on roughly half the teams in the NFL.

Hyde and Poyer are on the back 9 of their careers. Hyde is in the final year of his contract and Poyer's contract is not a huge deal to get out from if either or both have age catch them and under perform. Poyer coming off many various injuries last year and Hyde a pretty serious neck injury. I dont call it a lock either are back next year. I like Rapp and think he can fit, however he's not signed past next season either. Benford still may transition that way, sure. But how will that go? No one knows for sure. We are covered for this year however Beane seems to like drafting guys a year before a hole opens up. Safety in round 3 or 4 is what I expect.

His contract is set up so it can be restructured on a yearly basis. It clears about $30M against the cap each season to do so. They will simply continue to do so.

I think we will see more 5 man blitzes than we have in a long time. The biggest factor IMO is we no longer have Edmunds and that wingspan clogging the middle. That will change the whole approach to what they can do on defense.

I will go with: O'Cyrus Torrence Gervon Dexter I think the Bills try and work on both lines early in the draft. Focus on Safety, WR, and possibly LB help a bit later than most want to believe.

So, what's everyone's upset special this week? I actually am going with Detroit over the Packers.

Had White played this week and aggravated anything on the poor Jets stadium turf...the same people bashing that he's inactive this week would suddenly be saying "Stupid McDermott playing White on that field. What a dumb decision".

You're already behind...

Sometimes high caliber athletes coming off serious injury have a harder time being mentally ready than physically ready. The knee heals but there is still some fear and uncertainty involved. Now I'm not saying with 100% certainty that is what is going on...but it really wouldn't shock me if he's going through some confidence issues in relation to how the knee will respond come game time.

To quote the (not) late and (not) great Douglas Marrone: "Obviously"

He gets to practice against Diggs and Davis all week. Think that will suffice. lol

Not shocked and frankly kind of relieved that White's first game back will not be on that poor stadium turf.

McD made it a point to say this week that getting Hines in on Tuesday as opposed to Monday has a surprising effect on getting him into the gameplan. I take this statement at face value. I think giving Hines a very light day today also gives the nod to James Cook that "hey, you're still part of our plans" With that in mind: 2 carries for 6 yards 1 catch for 9 yards 2 PR 14 yards. Fans will be disappointed and win or lose the hot takes on the trade will be magic all week.

Offense: I expect the Jets CBs to hold their own on the outside against Diggs and Davis. I think Diggs will still get some grabs...but I'm going to venture to say it will be his lowest output of the season. So, needing some other playmakers to step up...I see this as a McKenzie/Shakir game. Defense: Hamiln may be my new favorite player. Love the way he flies around and lays hits. Ok, his coverage is somewhat lacking at times...buut the guy is a difference maker and I believe the way he has played along with the way Poyer is on the wrong side of 30 and has been unable to stay healthy this year, Hamlin has a real chance to play his way to the starting role next season and beyond.

I believe most of the reason that there is a high coaching turnover is that owners and GMs often get blinded by stats of offenses and defenses that coaches run, rather than what really matters...can the coach relate to and lead a group full of men. This is also, by and large why I believe most college coaches fail at the NFL level. They have wonderful ideas but struggle to motivate players that cannot be motivated by fear and intimidation tactics. Coaches that are successful are successful for a reason. They are leaders first and foremost. They relate to the players, motivate and teach. Off your list I see a few guys that would fit that bill for me. DeMeco Ryans is an obvious choice. From things I've heard Mike Kafka would be one to keep a close eye on. And depending on the situation on my team...yes, Leslie Frazier. I thought he was actually the perfect guy for the Texans last year when they hired Culley. A calm steady coach after the hectic chaos of Bill O'Brein would have fit well...and that's the route they ended up going with Culley. Main difference is the experience level as a HC would have given a bit more of a legit chance. Houston seems to have gone that route again this year with Lovie.

Put into modern terms...Ray Guy was HIM.

I agree and to my point that I said that everyone not named Baker has loved him. It's not OBJ that would draw attention to himself as "The Piece that won aSB for the Bills". Rather that would of course become a media talking point. No fault of his....

A counter point: CMC joined the 49ers on a Friday. 2 days later he was up to snuff enough for 10 touches against the Chiefs. Now, I realize that CMC and Hines are different people in different situations. However getting Hines in on Tuesday and already practicing (and who knows if extra work has been put in after practice. Knowing Allen and reading about Hines....I would bet there is) there isn't really any reason that Dorsey can't have 8-10 plays scripted up with Hines in mind. I expect him to be active this week as the prime PR and see 10-12 snaps...especially if we happen to get up big. He's a pro.

Well, much like Odell's knee I'm torn on this. On the one hand you can never have too many playmakers. If the knee is up to snuff than he makes the offense better. I have no qualms about his attitude because it seems like everyone not named Baker Mayfield that has played with him absolutely loves him. And Baker is a tool, so I'll discount his feelings square away. Actually, for me it's the opposite and I feel like he would fit in extremely well with the cast of characters we already have in the locker room. On the negative side I feel like this roster that we have is good enough to compete for and win a Super Bowl already. Adding Odell would shift the focus to it being all him that put us over the top if we do win it all. Also, barring an injury to the WR room I just don't see where it makes sense to add him. If we do sign him...who gets the boot? Diggs and Davis are locks. With how many GMs reportedly liked Shakir I can't see Beane subjecting him to waivers and losing him for the future for a few games of OBJ. Kumerow is of value in multiple spots as is McKenzie as a slot/gadget/returner. Odell only plays WR, and not sure they want 3 WRs that only contribute to offense. My gut feeling is that unless there is another injury to the WR room they roll with what they have being that they added a potential playmaker at the trade deadline in Hines and Odell heads in another directinon. (My top 3 guesses are Minnesota, Philly and San Francisco in that order)