MasterStrategist

Obviously a lot of ways to build a roster, but at the end of the day, it's about filling "critical" positions and building best sustainable success under the same cap/budget imposed rules that all teams follow. Doesn't matter if Gabe/Knox/Dawkins (even Motor/Cook/Moss) were all 2nd-4th round selections. or if they were all 1sts. If we find talent elsewhere in the draft, it shouldn't matter that we haven't invested as much of our 1st round capital into offense. Biggest problem has been serious lack of "pass rush", given how much they have invested into that position group. It's been our biggest hole, and hopefully with Von and another year of progression of our young DEs, that changes. Because our biggest opportunity to improve our overall success, is to be able to field a defense capable of slowing down high powered offenses in thr playoffs. That hasn't happened near enough, we were even fortunate to get past the Colts... Josh and the offense have plenty of weapons, we've been missing elite play from our front 4 to become a championship team.

I think Tremaine will be extended, why he hasn't been yet, is pure conjecture on anyone's part. But Beane has mentioned Tremaine as a "core" player, Mcd loves his nickle 2 LB scheme. While drafting Bernard could point to more versatile looks/4-3 (less nickle looks against certain personnel), I don't think it's a sign of anything more. Tremaine, at Darius or Fred money, would be a big mistake unless he truly takes it to that level. But Tremaine at "tier 2", $12-15m per year (as Marino suggests), is his value, especially for our system and ehat he ask him to do.

Couple posters, continuing to push the same convo from the OTA thread here (ie: lack of OL depth, concerns about our outside WR depth, etc). Back to point on Tremaine... I'm a big supporter, and think/hope an improved DL is going to make a world of difference. Not just because of improved talent, but maybe it lets him play more "loose", and trust his instincts more. Im fully aware that he plays a bit "robotic" at times, which is frustrating because he has the talent/movement skills, to be a more disruptive force...hoping this is the year the light flips, but he's still a solid/tier 2 MLB (#8-10 best), we could certainly do worse. But agree with many who are weighing the potential future cost, I'd put him behind Davis, Knox, and Ed for certain in terms of prioritizing...potential is there though, so I'm glad we can hopefully see him make it happen this year.

Re: Josh Allens carries in the final games, Ill give you TB, but this is what happens when you have selective memory OR just look at the final stat line (which I know you watch the games, so ill go with former). Let's select one of the games you mentioned, at NE and 12 rushes: 1. 2 of those "rushes" were scrambles/not designed runs 2. 2 of the rushes were designed, but 3rd/4th and 1, qb sneaks. Back to back in the 4th quarter on final "drive" 3. 2 were "kneel downs", which do count into the 12.... So that's technically 6 carries that someone could argue might be excessive. Because QB sneaks (Short yardage), scrambles. and kneel downs should never be used to advance your point. Bottom line, the OL played well/above average down the stretch/started to click, we started to get more balance running with Motor and we had historic point output in our 2 playoff games. Offense was not an issue. Our defense had inflated stats to be ranked #1, playing against several subpar Qbs and basically game (home NE) that the opponent decided to play a Peewee football offensive startegy...our dline was nowhere near physical or capable enough to generate "splash plays" during the season. Every team has a "lapse" game or 2, ours were Pitt and Jacksonville....but the 1st NE loss, Ten loss, Indy loss, and Chiefs playoff loss all proved we needed major upgrades up front. Funny that's exactly what Beane and front office decided to address. Coupled with lack of speed in our secondary, which even when Tre played, teams picked on Levi. Gabe will be just fine, we don't need him to produce 1,200 yards. We need him, Knox, Crowder, Cook, Shakir, McKenzie (likely elevated role) etc...this is one of the most versatile offense groups we've had in a long time..by no means do other teams have 3 stud outside WRs, let alone 2 (which we have). Injuries are unpredictable, but I trust Beane and staff have a plan ready if needed...new offensive playcaller likely going to mean expect a more balanced attack.

I'll support ya man and rooting for Speedy. They clearly brought in Austin to compete with him. He had 1 bad week at OTAs, but he will have plenty of chances until September. To quote a Mcdermottism, iron sharpens iron. Let the best man win that return role and likely 6th/7th WR spot.

As you likely know, these recent "transparency" laws don't mean much yet. Hospitals are super inconsistent, even if they comply, with what they put out there (ie: charge master price, specific insurer or medicare price levels). There's also very little consistency with billing patterns, unless as a consumer you know exactly what procedure code and modifiers will be billed/approved, 'shopping' is not necessarily like going onto Amazon and knowing the price. Information that it sounds like you understand, but why it's difficult for many to track

Agree. Sorry I should clarify that I don't expect Davis to put up his stats + Sanders (>1,200 yards). I think Davis is capable of reaching near 1k, in a 17 game season. But with all the weapons that we have, I think the targets won't be there. Also think we will be running the ball a tad more this upcoming season.

Davis isn't replacing Sanders production alone, who is saying that? Those who believe in Gabe think he's a solid/capable #2....he's never been given this opportunity before and he's deserved it. But we also have Knox and Crowder/McKenzie in the slot, along with Shakir. Not to mention, we didn't draft Cook in the 2nd for him to ride the pine. Plenty of weaponry. Davis is the least of my concerns heading into the season. Eager to see how Dorsey plans to utilize, what I'd consider one of our most versatile skill position groups in quite a while.

I asked the same thing up thread, he's counting the rookie class. Which I think doesn't even add up. Von makes up $51m of the so called $90m, as well. I liked your post showing cap hits, Off vs Def, best way to show what we invested for this upcoming season at least.

100% accurate. But it won't change his mind, until he sees it...even then who knows. Crowder is more explosive with ball in his hands, can also play outside in a pinch. Although, I think Shakir will be the top backup outside. I still don't get the opinions some have about this skill group, it's top 5 in the NFL. A bunch of weird anxiety about losing Beas, who clearly lost a step or 2, and Manny Sanders who ran hot/cold during the season. We were a better/more explosive offense when Davis and McKenzie were both on the field. Not to mention Motor was improving, which I think was a playcalling issue all season long (balanced attack and type of run/blocking schemes). Now, add in Crowder, Cook, Shakir, and Howard...I am lost on what these posters wanted? Who did they want to sign or draft? It would have put Davis on the bench, maybe that's what this comes down to.

Noted that Davis is not high on your list. Many teammates, front office. and coaches have been singing his praises this offseason. That's what this truly boils down to for many...is Davis who we think can be a solid/consistent #2 opposite Diggs. Those in your camp think we needed to upgrade, while others have seen enough to have faith he will deliver for us.

Saying that the NFL has turned into an offensive league, isn't absent on me or others. I'm simply saying where would we have looked to "stack" offensive talent, that we don't already have? Oline is the only area, specifically G play, that I'd say sure. But they clearly think Bates can be an answer and Saffold will be a good/solid addition ( no worse than we've had, imo). The skill players are currently: Diggs, Davis, Knox, Motor, Cook, Crowder, McKenzie, Shakir, and Moss. Only potential gap is if Davis and Diggs go down for a prolonged period. This is a stacked group, that has 1 all-pro, likely 2 future pro bowlers in Davis and Knox, and other talent.

Yeah, we clearly spent more $$$s and draft capital on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Everyone should be able to agree ont that. "Opinions" come into play on what we could've/ should've done. To me, the investments were targeted just as I saw our weaknesses last season/couple seasons, and at areas that would most upgrade our overall team results: 1. Needed a premier pass rusher ✔️ 2. Needed more physical DTs/disruptive in the middle ✔️ 3. Upgradable at CB2, more speed and length ✔️ 4. Upgradable/Need playmakers with more YAC ability ✔️ Personally, alot boils down to what people think of these combination of players on offense. I think we upgraded in three major ways: 1. More playing time for Davis, over Manny 2. YAC and speed in the slot: Crowder, more PT for McKenzie and Shakir Vs Beas who had clearly lost a step or two 3. Versatility with player personnel: we clearly wanted a pass catching back with elusiveness (Mckissic) but then got a good one in Cook. Howard, even if not his former self, is a huge upgrade over Sweeney at TE2. He at the very least gives a receiving/RZ threat. On top of all that, I think Saffold is a better Guard than Williams (there's a clear reason he and other guys we cut are not signed). And, we have young talent that is still developing on offense that will command big $$$s in the next 2 offseasons (Knox, Davis). So get ready for the $$$ investment to flip soon. Not sure how educated fans can watch what happened to us in key games (ie: Chiefs, Titans, Pats game 1, even Steelers week 1) and realize that our defensive weaknesses were very real and needed fixed if we would have a shot to go to a super bowl

I didn't say that, btw, lol. But while you brought it up, what did this mysterious immediate pressure lead to? 500+ yards given up, and just 2 sacks? Oh yeah, great pressure by our front 4. You clearly missed the point that I was supporting from the other poster. Which was Cincys front 4 pressure and defense performed much much better than what we did. Our defense lacked a top edge rusher all season, for the past few years. Difficult to be a super bowl team, without one. But continue to find useless "immediate pressure" stats, that Jerry Hughes seems to always be great at, but not actually getting the sack. I think the front office agrees. Take care as well Where is the $90m coming from? By my math, it's $72m...of which Von is $51m. So....why are we throwing around this figure, when Vons contract heavily skews the discussion? Point being, the front office saw a glaring need to find a true difference maker to rush the passer. Outside of that 1 contract, we invested similar on both sides of the ball...albeit a bit more on defense, when considering our draft class.

Good try yourself. Lets state the facts: 1. Against KC in playoffs a. Cincy generated 4 sacks, while rushing just 3 guys (with a spy) on quite a few occasions. Mahomes ran 3x for 19 yards. KC had 375 total yards, 29 min TOP b. Buffalo generated 2 sacks. Mahomes escaped 7x for 69 yards. KC had 552 total yards and 36 min TOP Single game, yes. But like Magox said, it was obvious during the KC game and many times throughout the season, against above average offensez, what our 3 main problems were: 1. Lack of physicality up front/continued struggles in the run game 2. Lack of consistent pass rush, especially with our DEs. 3. Struggles at CB, emphasized once Tre went down. We needed a CB who could matchup with speed and length..enter Elam. a. Levi struggled against big bodied and/or speed WRs. b. Dane is better against big bodied WRs than Levi, but also has issues with over the top speed Pretty wasy to connect the dots and see what the front office/coaches thought were issues, based on the FA and draft priorities. We invested big money on #2, our 1st round pick on #3, and a manageable amount of $$ to address #1. You don't give up 550+ yards in the playoffs and think our pressure rate was good enough OR equivalent to what Cincy was able to adjust with. Hubbard and Hendrickson, were leaps and bounds above Hughes and Mario. No surprise we basically left 4 of our 10 key rotating DL walk in Fa or cut.

Exactly, high and mighty old timer who thinks he instantly knows more than practically every poster. Don't get too upset about it, he does this to everyone. Based on what I've seen, limited (thankfully) exposure to his posts: 1. Talks down to most posters, b/c he sits around with his 60+ yr old buddies talking football and makes him instantly knowledgeable. (although somehow he disregards that some of us actually have coaching/background playing experience, or could just be well educated fans). 2. He also is a season ticket holder, Bills sideline somewhere 20-30 rows up, between the 40s. Although his other old pals, have seasons and likely closer to field. 3. Every now and then stirs the pot (ie: go search his Beasley/McDermott thread from last season, pure gold...or other topics of "expertise", including Tremaine Edmunds). Bottom line, long time posters will get benefit of doubt. Just how it works in these parts. Back to WR/offense weapons topic, I agree with you, and actually like this year's collective group of skill players better. Why? Because we have a ton of versatility, and likely improving players. I don't look at "1-1", who did we lose and replace guys with. To me, it's a collective skill position group, that should each compliment another player. Cook, Crowder, Shakir, and Howard collectively bring more to the table than Beas/Manny, just my 2 cents.

Tua is a modern day Chad Pennington, and that might be his ceiling. Tua held that offense back, for several games last year, and couldn't hold off Fitz from getting playing time in prior years. Dolphins will need to have a top 5ish type defense to be a playoff team, in a conference loaded with star QBs/offenses that can score alot of points.

I always loved the attitude Mongo brought...he isn't wrong that we need some more "juice"/edge at times. Defensively especially, that's why I really like some of the guys we brought in as FAs. But, Mongo wasn't the reason we lost. Sorry Feliciano. Does you no good to come off as bitter, you lost your starting spot due to injury and honestly struggled prior to then. Also think this "clip" is pointless, need to watch the full interview for context:

All your comments on coaching, I disagree with: 1. Colts game: was more about our lack of physicality. No coincidence we basically turned over the entire dline in 1 offseason. 2. 13 seconds: alot went wrong, but if you want to point a finger at coaching, then let's start with the ST coordinator....now gone. Next, looking at how we aligned to defend the chiefs, no way Wallace played his position correctly or Milano was out of position. I'd put that on players. If anything, I would have ran a 3 man line and brought in Neal as an extra DB...thats the only mistake I could see, no saying that would have worked though. 3. TB OT game: our defense shut them down most of that 2nd half. It wasn't Edmunds role to play that WR 1-1 on that play, he scraped off his "man" making it appear like it was. TB executed well and caught us in a look, I'm not blaming the staff after they made great adjustments throughout. I'm in the camp thinking we had an "average" dline last year...at times good, other times they were a liability. Coaches schemed ways to make this a #1 unit, plus below average competition at several points helped too. Let's see what happens with the makings of a more well-rounded defensive group.

On Defense: 1. Physicality up front 2. Lack of front 4 pass rush 3. Corner speed (without Tre) On Offense: 1. Lack of balanced attack (albeit mich improved in playoffs, this was on Daboll) & redzone offense. 2. More YAC/playmakers 3. OL play On defense: 1. they attacked FA to improve the top 2 areas. Very showing that they let 4 prominent P/T guys go. 2. Von brings an entire different dynamic to our pass rush, hopefully helping Oliver too. But agree with posters saying we need 1 of our 3 young guys to take a big step. 3. Elam brings speed at corner and offers alot of different coverage options. I think this will be a great area of strength once Tre is back. On offense... 1. Daboll always had a way to frustrate me, more than impress, with how he ran his offense. Yes, playoffs was fire, but he was also conservative on a few drives to start 2nd half in the KC game that hurt us. Dorset is an unknown, but hopefully he along with the additions of Howard, Cook, and others will allow us to be more balanced, and lead to more consistent results. 2. the additions of Cook/Crowder/Howard/Shakir >>>>> Breida/Beas/Sweeney/Sanders. We needed more Yac and someone other than Diggs/Josh to be top contributors. It also took forever to get McKenzie and Davis more involved in the offense, that alone should help this year 3. OL: can't say we did alot, which may be ok and again probably my least concern. But will say Saffold >>>> Williams, OL continuity is a great thing, Bates helped our OL click toward end of year, and bringing back Kromer should only help. I'm hopeful for players such as: Brown, Bates, and Ford (yes him too). My biggest concern is backup C, maybe Mancz is good enough to be the man, but I don't like the idea of Bates being the backup there.

I look at this way: 1. AJE is still 'young'/developing: we all know by now that his rookie nfl strength/conditioning did not go to plan. Extreme weight loss/COVID forced these guys to spend much more time "virtually". He showed brief flashes last season/overall improvement, I think it's worth being patient to see if that continues. 2. Dline rotation: we know that our dline rotates heavily. Need 4 solid players. He's in competition for #3 role, but he's also 1 injury away from being "for sure" in our top 4, for those viewing him and Shaq as competing for the 4th spot. Likely to keep 5 DEs on the 53 roster as well. 3. Trade value: what do we truly gain by trading a depth/young developing piece? You risk jumping the gun perse, and becoming a Wyatt Teller/Jerry Hughes type. But let's say AJE is already close or at his ceiling, what position would we target? OL - maybe, DB - not likely, unless Tre is behind rehab schedule. Bottom line, I see more value in seeing if he turns into a valuable piece. Too quick to give up on a player at a premium position, on a cheap rookie deal, and think that whoever we trade for will make this team/receive PT similar to what AJE likely will. After this season, sure.

Just my opinion: 1. AJE is a near lock, he isn't getting cut...I'd take that to the bank. Heading into year 3, Beane isn't going to give up on him. Maybe next year, if he doesn't perform. 2. Crowder is a surefire lock: Beane specifically signed him as our replacement in the slot. Shakir is a 5th round pick, yes I have hopes for him, but historically Coach has brought rookies along slowly at WR and I'm not expecting our best slot WR to be cut. Shakir will be the #4, just as Beane stated recently. 3. Quessenberry is 'meh': Agree he's not a lock, but likely one of our top 8. I'd actually consider Ford more of a lock, go listen to Beane and he isn't going to give up on him yet. Ford has 'starting talent', obviously not reached that potential, but hopeful with a healthy offseason+Kromer, it will make a difference. Mentioned Ford above, but also would consider Moss and Hamlin locks. Again, Beane didn't mince words saying Moss was still battling back from his ankle surgery. Hamlin is going to eventually be a starter for us, maybe a season or two away.

I agree. The Hill/Kelce combo was lethal, perfect compliments to each other. Add in Mahomes unique/great skills and Andy Reid, one of the best offensive minds, and you have a near unstoppable offense. Great pass rush is the only thing that can slow it down. Trading Hill will cost them in the near term. I'm predicting them to finish 3rd in the division, behind the Chargers and Broncos. Afc West is loaded, and everyone is gunning for KC.

Fantastic analysis and write-up! I'm really interested how they use all their WRs this season. Thought they did a great job adding complimentary pieces, that will allow them to be extremely versatile with sub-packages. I'm not ruling out Speedy having a great camp. He impressed until he was injured last year, and was a standout playmaker at Houston. Battle for the 6th WR spot, and seeing if they keep a 7th WR again, will be fun to watch.

Some guys are more "football fast", than track speed guys. At least in Speedy's situation, he went out for track when in high-school and wasn't considered a great "out of the blocks" type. So I could see why he doesn't time in the 40, as expected. Hoping both these guys turn in great camps, we can find a spot for both of them on the 53. Speedy can play outside, but he's more a slot type as well. Pretty certain that the coaching staff was working him into the Mck offensive role last year. But it wouldn't surprise me to see him excel in year 2, he needed some nfl training, getting off the press and route tee combinations that he didn't necessarily get accustomed to in Houston. Hope he can crack the 53 again, and think he's a much better returner than the small sample size we saw in the Reg season.