JoshAllenHasBigHands

That is a fire take. I don’t really know what feelings you’re talking about, but to pretend that his analysis isn’t the most technical stuff available to the average fan is just wrong. Also, the Rams aren’t faltering because of Gurley, the Rams are failing because teams figured out that if they change the coverage once the coaches line is cut off after 15 seconds, Mcvay can’t feed Goff the play.

As a rule, I don't respect two opinions when it comes to OC evaluation: 1. We need to run/pass more! This shows you don't understand the complexity of NFL offenses. 2. Look at the final score! There are so many moving pieces, and so many variables. There is so much nuance to being an OC, and so much depends on that guys relationship with the QB. The big things I look at are is the run game working? Is the QB improving? And, are there guys running free in the passing game. If the answer is yes, all the pieces are there and we just need to work on execution. But, you expect execution to a problem when you are returning two starters and your QB is a second year project QB.

People keep bringing this up. But I read that sequence as a challenge to the offensive line. That situation is one where you expect that, even with the defense know what is coming, your offensive line can plow the path. If they get it, that is a huge moral booster. Unfortunately, they just didn't get it. In any event, its not about scheme there. Its about the challenge.

I feel like we have argued enough about Star in other threads. Maybe lets focus on Milano (or Edmunds if you prefer) in this one. I just dont have the energy to do it anymore. Just look at what area of the line the player attacks either at the snap or once engaged by a blocker. Its also a little intuitive--where is the hole and where is the guy that isn't filling a hole.

Ok, if you have that kind of experience, I would be foolish to say you are wrong. If that is a negative, it is a negative. I think it is fair to say Edmunds is at least in a position to fill his gap, if he needs to, even if it results in a 5 yard gain. It think Milano cannot say the same.

Smarter people than myself have said that a big issue is McD's scheme. In fairness, its an intentional weakness. Like, if you are gonna have a hole (and almost all defenses do) you would rather it be the run D...

His gap is to the blocker's right. Disengaging from a blocker requires he be in position to make the move when the carrier gets to the hole. He was not "swallowed up" like you think the term implies. That's part of it. Although Milano is responsible for the gap, it is a huge gap. Part of the reason that happens is the way the DTs are lined up lends itself to allowing large holes to be opened.

People love saying this, but it isn't that simple. You don't just "get off the block." You engage the block to disengage to your responsibility. If he tries to shoot the gap to soon, he runs the risk of being blocked out of the play and blowing up a huge hole.

Edmunds attacks the right shoulder of the blocker--this tells me he is responsible for the cut back lane, and that the gap goes to Milano.

Edmunds is filling the A-gap between the center and the R guard. Milano is responsible for the other gap (where the run goes). The thing about run defense is it requires that everyone do their job. One guy doesn't, and the whole thing falls apart. Milano hasn't been doing his job, thus the big runs.

I will try to keep this brief. I am very concerned about Milano. This year, he has been everything that this board accuses Edmunds of being, i.e. bad instincts, can't diagnose plays, etc. In those Edmunds discussions, a fundamental issue being missed is that each defender is responsible for a certain gap. I don't have a gripe with Edmunds because it appears he always fills his gap. Run defense is all about 1/11, discipline, and fulfilling your responsibility. Edmunds does that. As a matter of fact, the same is true of Star, who also always fulfills his responsibility. People get mad at these guys for "not making plays" or not putting up stats, but they completely ignore play responsibility. In any event, Milano is doing a poor job of that this year. I started noticing this because people would post gifs to try to prove Star is doing a poor job on defense. If you understand gap discipline, it becomes abundantly clear Milano is the guy jumping into or missing his gap assignments. For example... On this play, Milano inexplicably goes right, rather than fill in the A-gap. By all appearances, that is his assignment here. Same thing here. Milano goes right, which is Hyde's responsibility. It is clear he needs to be going left. I am worried about Milano. This doesn't seem characteristic for him.

Every team is different, and every scheme is different. What works against one team may not work against another team.

This thread now has me rooting for Allen to throw over 300 yards and lose a game. I hate you all for making me feel this feeling.

How'd that work out for Gardner this weekend? The correlation isn't as strong as you think. It is ok to pass less, even in today's NFL. Do they need to score more? Yup. But the offense is returning two starters from last year, and one of them is a second year project QB. Takes time, man. It just is what it is.

Tough, but fair

This is written by Eric Turner at Cover1. If you are not following his work, you are not meaningfully following the Bills from an Xs and Os/play calling/understanding the game perspective.

I actually agree. If the defense is really that good, it will cope with JA's mistakes (as it did). He is electric when he is playing fast and loose. And, as time goes on, the mistakes will decrease. The overemphasis on his turnovers has slowed his progression. I also low key don't think turnovers are that big a deal.

Oh wow, I didn't realize that. My bad.

Good for you for getting ratio-d to death and sticking to it. But there is a reason for the ratio. That contract was signed a couple years ago. It is not unusual for players at the end of their contracts and careers to not produce at the level they are getting paid. Its part of the bargain. Now, if youre asking why he isn't cut, that would depend on the cap hit and who we have to replace him. Both of those lend themselves to keeping him. Also, he is a huge leader and he and his wife are really tight with JA.

Props to McD for not challenging. He has a terrible challenge record, and he is not rightfully gun-shy, but this would likely not get overturned the way they call it.

This is such an underrated point. Sure, we are beating bad teams. But, for how many years did the Bills lose those games, even in years they thought they had a shot at the playoffs? Beating the teams you are supposed to beat is 75% of the battle.

This is porn. But for real, Singletary is the reason that measurables aren't everything...

Woof

Meanwhile universally any "watch the tape" guy on twitter or elsewhere, with any sort of actual football training or experience (Joe B. aside), has said Star is actually playing well.

What happens on third down? Is Star taken out and replaced by Phillips, and Oliver is put in at the other DT spot. That would happen in a perfect world...