BuffaloBillyG

Ah, ok I may have misread that point about the 53. I still don't believe all 53 spots are locked in. There's still a lot of backend of the roster battles taking place IMO. As far as what the fans perceive, it's just that...the fans. We see far less of what players are doing so where we believe 2 players may be close...coaches see more and feel different. Not saying their call is 100% spot on...but it is what it is. As far as camp battles at specific positions, I think there were opportunities for certain players to "lock down" the win last night. Had Dodson played better he likely wins the MLB job. He played himself out of the battle IMO. On the other hand Torrence had a shot to really ***** the RG job...and I believe he did just that. Had he looked bad...Bates would have reentered the conversation. CB looks like the battle had been over anyway. Everything that I've seen it's looked like Dane has been locked in as CB2 for a bit now. And like you say, an injury changes a lot of things.

If the decision to start Dodson had been made they wouldn't have him playing that late in the game. He would have come out, stayed out and Spector would have likely come in after AJK to finish out the game. They aren't going to have him in that spot at that stage of the game if he was locked in as starter. The reason I say Kromer may get until the end of the season is that he's there now. McDermott is likely to give him the season to figure it out. Unless there are things behind the walls that we don't know (example, perhaps Kromer is an egomaniac and hard to work with). In any event it looks like he's not the miracle worker some hoped he could be.

The actions of the game itself would undermine your first takeaway IMO. Specifically, Dodson being pulled early and still playing through the 4th quarter. As for my takeaways, quite simple for me. 1. O'Cyrus Torrence is going to be solid. Played very well against a really good defense. Held his spot well and looked like the most solid OL we had out there last night. 2. Dorian Williams not getting a shot at MLB may have been a shortsighted mistake. Yes, he's inexperienced and has some growing to do in this scheme but if they couldn't coach him up to be at least ahead of what Dodson was last night, that's on the coaches. BONUS TAKEAWAY: Aaron Kromer is vastly overrated at this stage of his career. There were reports that he and Dorsey had "communication issues" last year that were fixed. There still seems to be issues. Would not shock me if he is gone sometimes between now and the end of the season.

They seem to be sticking him at Guard, but I'm wondering if David Edwards might see some reps this week at tackle.

McDermott says they talked about the penalties last week. Talking didn't work. Get the OL out there for some work. They look like the need it. I would sit most of the key skill position guys. On defense, rest Milano, the Safeties, Tre, Floyd and Groot. Possibly even Dane. Let Elam and Benford start and play a LOT. And get Dorian Williams some snaps at MLB. Kid is a gamer. He needs to see the field.

Hey while we're looking at good rookies from tonight...shout out to Torrence. Looked very solid out there against a good defense. Easily the bright spot on the OL tonight. He's going to be a good one!

Kyle Allen executed very well in that 2 minute drive. Credit where it's due.

Add into that Spector just making it in now...looks like MLB may well end up the AJ Klien show😬😬

Dodson playing in the 4th quarter isn't a great sign for his likelihood of keeping the starting job.

Never thought I would be overjoyed to see Kyle Allen come on...

Best time to figure that out would have been reps at the position in preseason. Even a few early season games he could take some lumps. Get him up to speed come January should be the goal.

Can we PLEASE let Dorian Williams get a shot at MLB?

Agree. Like what he's putting on tape so far tonight.

Barkley had a real shot to win the backup job. He may be playing his way off the roster completely.

Isabella sighting!

"A terrible break for Tommy Doyle" That unfortunately sums up his career figuratively and literally.

That looked painful. Doyle down.

People that spout PFF grades as a defense are often as intelligent on a topic as those that quote Wikipedia.

UPDATE: Matt Barkley is not going to deliver anything but pizza in the near future.

Who? 67 year old Peters? 77 year old Matt Ryan? Who?

All these penalties are going to make McDermott go all Dodson on SOMEONE at the half.

Micah Hyde. QB2.

By halftime opening night you will be back in hiding. Or banned by then. Either way adios.

Apparently "not much"

Matt Barkley tackles better than any MLB on the Bills I've seen tonight.