MasterStrategist

Well you either Defer or Receive, so you're saying Defer to 2nd half? I'd actually elect to receive, then Ne would pick to put wind at their back. Basically gives us a chance to pick wind in 2nd half. So we'd have wind at our back 2nd and 4th qtr, which in my mind are most critical.

Two games with Edmunds out, exactly my point

Listening to Coach's weekly press conferences, Feliciano seemed like he was still working his way back...not a sure thing to play. Calfs are tricky and IMO, he is not a major upgrade over Ike to play at less than 100%. That's like saying my 1995 Chevy cavalier can smoke your 1998 Honda civic. Bottom line, Feliciano isn't healthy enough from his calf yet. And he's not some special talent at G, in fact, played quite poorly against Pitt, KC, Tennessee, and Washington.

Who was a practice saying we were planning to use a base 4-3 with Klein this game? We run a base nickle defense, Klein is an important part of ST and a solid backup, but doubt it has a huge impact on defense.

Refs shouldn't have blown that dead. Very close to a fumble, they're told to let it play out and can always reverse the call. I see 2 steps, and a 3rd step/football move before its knocked out. Should be a fumble.

How we lost can be explained by horrible playcalling, IMO. Daboll refused to be balanced, or at least the threat or running. Defense balled out, maybe lapsed some in the 2nd half of Steelers and the blocked punt, but if we decided to play more balanced those games then we win. Lessons that will hopefully sink in when it really counts in the playoffs.

Ball moved after it hit the ground, at least IMO, without clear control as Ray Ray looked to "trap it". Lame excuse. Steelers 3rd stringers on their OL are doing the same thing.

Steelers should try wrapping their arms around the Ravens ballcarriers....tackling is horrible.

Depends, I think NE will play single high safety or Cover 0, to dare us throwing deep. Josh needs ro not overthrow, actually underthrowing and hoping for a DPI might be a solid opportunity for cheap yards.

Ball definitely hit the ground, without hands under it. Probably will be overturned.

Hmm...I would say it was an equivalent QB class at the time. Mayfield/Darnold/Allen were all 1st overall pick candidates at various points leading up to the draft. Rosen was even highly thought of by some evaluators. In terms of performance, Mayfield has a historic rookie season. Probably borderline top 5 of all time. Mac Jones, IMO, is having a similar season so far. Josh's class had 2 MVP candidates, him and Jackson, and a solid QB in Mayfield. Rosen, Darnold are busts. Will Jones' class be similar? Maybe in year 1 it will have similarities.

Same key issues go focus on: 1. Finishing drives with points, preferably TDs. Would it surprise people that we crossed the 50-yd line 7 times! against the Jags, and only came away with 2 FGs. Our offensive struggles haven't been moving the ball, its finishing with scores "consistently" and not stalling at the 35-45 yard line of opponents. 2. Win the turnover battle. We need to play turnover-free on offense, NE is coached well to punch/strip the ball. Then on defense, NE offense has also done a great job of scoring points/moving the ball, so we need to be opportunistic and keep them to FGs if anything. 3. Stay balanced on offense. Run/pass, but also with formations, and taking timely shots downfield. 4. Penalties have been drive killers for us, on both sides of the ball. Need to stay disciplined and not give cheap yards. 5. Play with intensity and energy. Need to set the tone early and keep the fans engaged/loud throughout. Go Bills!

I like McKenzie on offense, as another weapon. But "Speedy" is a more natural returner, one of the best in college football. He just has the vision and typically sure handed. Just a matter of time before Speedy takes one back for 6. He also doesn't "dance or hesitate", he knows when to hit it straight up the field and just get positive yardage (which also sometimes helps to avoid penalties when he follows where the blocks were intended). Now McKenzie has more "wiggle", but it's the vision, instincts and sure handed traits that are critical. Stevenson reminds Mr of a young Roberts, and was drafted to replace him.

Missed easy TD followed by missed FG, NE very fortunate

Not that simple, their OC is probably the best or one of the best in the business. Yes they have a good run game. But they use so many blocking schemes, screens, play action, etc...it's their creativity/multiple looks that makes them difficult to prepare for and defend.

NE also has guys running wide open everywhere, alot is scheme.

Maybe this has already been said, but if you want to to shut down a running game then go with a 5 man dline. That puts a lot more pressure on the secondary and LBs, as well as limiting coverage options/blitz schemes. But it's a possibility, closest thing I've seen us do is move our 3rd LB to "on" the ball over the TE or 9 technique. We shall see what adjustments are made, but I'm confident in Mcd and Frazier.

Huge 4th down conversion

Like others said, nothing good immediately comes from losing an all pro like Tre. But an eye toward the future, this gives Dane a chance to show what he has. Imo, Levi has proven he's a starter in the NFL. No guarantee we resign him. This gives Jackson "an extended interview", and could prove he's a viable #2 going into next season. Lots of variables at this position, ie: is Tre ready early in 2022, do we resign Levi, do we draft a CB early. etc. Bottom line the main positive is that this gives Jackson time to show what he has and the staff extra film to determine how to handle CB heading into 2022.

Dane will be fine, he's not Tre but few are. I've seen Dane play high school, where he was an excellent dual threat QB (recruited by some schools at that position) and then go on to play at Pitt. He's a team first, great kid. Polite, quiet and hard working. Thought he was going to beat out Levi for the #2 spot this offseason, but anyone saying we don't have depth is crazy. He will step in and do solid for us.

Not to downplay the loss of Tre, prayers out to his recovery. But before we talked about a run to the superbowl, we had concerns about winning our division and beating NEs physical style of play. Our 4 losses this season came at the hands of more physical teams in the trenches and/or offense concerns. We need to get the issues fixed that doomed us against Indy, and others. Adding another issue to the list, replacing Tre, is a concern but there were more pressing issues and still an opportunity to overcome. On top of that, very few teams go unscathed with their premier players and have to battle through adversity as well. Add us to the list of GB, TB, Bal, Pitt, Cle, etc etc that have had major injuries also occur.

Josh staring down and locking onto his 1st read for too long. Needs to get to 2nd progression much faster

Yes, but vision is the most important trait

I think Vicious works for the team, in some field work/facility role. I've seen his face at games standing near at/near the tunnel. If true, he might see portions of practice and would be able to tell who is getting reps/types of plays/etc

I like Isaih, but he's made 2 critical return errors this season. Colts and WFT game. He's not getting used on offense, and Speedy was specifically drafted to replace Roberts. Kumerow over Isaih can be debated, but he brings better blocking and STs. Butler was a big part of thr problem last week, he got absolutely man handled all game and has done absolutely nothing this season. Good for the staff/admin to bench him.