MasterStrategist

At least today, we had much better rhythm between the 20s...horrible redzone though. Agree during the 2 losses, offense had poor rhythm (except 2-3 possessions in that Titans game). Hard to say if it is playbook complexity, poor execution, or a combo of both. I agree many players have noted the complexity of our scheme. However, I have seen Josh and this offense perform like a top 5 offense, weeks 1-4. Hard to put it all on Josh, but when he misses quick easy throws and starts the games 1-5, or 0-3 that definitely hurts the rhythm. Two things bother me about Daboll: 1. When Josh is "off", he doesn't adjust. We need to come into games almost sith a backup gameplan that is more simple, less complex or whatever we want to call it. Put more pressure on the OL, Rbs in that situation. Run more bootlegs, easier completions to get Josh back into a rhythm. 2. Press man: we saw Baltimore, albeit their secondary is outstanding, and Kc/Ten run press man. Now Bal did it with cover 1, even cover 0 blitzes last year. while Kc especially played a bit of cat/mouse and bailed to cover 2 man. Either way, I want to see more "bunch" formations, motion, etc that helps our smaller WRs beat the initial jam and get rub routes. Diggs is our only Wr that I trust to get off a jam. At least today, we saw a couple bunch formations and motion with Diggs/others. 3. Complexity: although our scheme is "complex" (reads in pass game/routes etc), I would like to see some more creativity with formations. Especially designed to help the run game. Watch the Steelers, and they are a great example of formation "complexity" that makes them very diverse to defend against.

Just today, I give Daboll a pass on the run game. Being limited to 2 TEs, and injuries up front. As much as the red zone deficiencies, I think we would have been more angry not to drive the field. Just didn't have the timing or execution on some of the redzone possessions. Illegal formation was questionable, but also not a fan of a couple play calls. Need to avoid the penalties as well, once we get down there. Illegal formation, at least this week, appeared to be a poor officiating call. And erased a great read by Josh, and route by Davis. Days like today, where Josh did a solid job taking what the defense provided, I'm fine relying on the pass.game. But we know Josh will occasionally have his "off games", up to Daboll to adjust then, and agree Daboll hasn't done that well in our 2 losses.

Yeah great points. Some guys seriously need a few weeks to get healthy. Regarding Dodson, best guess they figure he is out a min of 2 weeks and figure they will likely need that roster spot (in next 2 weeks), better than having to put him on IR next week and losing an extra week. Or his injury is more serious than we know. Ford, would assume he would have gone on IR too, surprised by that. I would assume they think he has a shot at returning next week, along with perhaps Feliciano. Extra roster spot isn't needed per say for tomorrow, especially since Feliciano wasn't activated, and as you noted the Knox/Smith to Covid created 2 open spots. Pure speculation, but won't be surprised to see a couple roster moves at the deadline.

Great post. Agree, and Marlowe comment was in regard to them having ability to use him in the slot/nickle (5 Corners is what I meant for typically dressing and r safeties). Good point about Ford, that would make sense to IR perhaps. I didn't see alot of details on his injury, was it released if it was MCL sprain (assuming this)? As many said before the season, our weakest area of depth is LB. At least for now, can only hope Edmunds' shoulder keeps healing and we can get Milano back soon. Still perplexed by the 10 DL on active roster, but I guess they are going with best guys (as opposed to strict numbers by position) and hope for quick recoveries. Especially if we are moving toward "less rotation" with our front 4. I guess if they keep all 10 DL, they need to step up

Surprising to see Spain cut this week, but equally intriguing was the signing of Zimmer to the active roster. 1. He was rumored to be signed to another teams roster, very likely pushing our hand. He has had flashes as a rotational piece, so the decision on this merit was not surprising 2. More interesting, is the numbers game. Now with 10 DL, 5 DTs and 5 DEs, this is the most for any McDermott coached Bills team (unless I missed something). Yes Covid has changed alot, but still can't see us keeping 10, especially with key injuries that has caused our numbers to be low at CB, potentially LB, and OL This week, we are possibly looking to need to promote from the practice squad: 1. CB - up to 2. If White and Lewis are both out, this is a must. 1 if White or Lewis is out, and this still leaves us with only (Neal, Lewis or Tre, Taron, likely Dane promoted, and Marlowe at corner - typically we dress 6) 2. OL - with 7 healthy to play, 1 is likely needed. Could be Feliciano getting activated, or another player from our PS promoted 3. LB - with Dodson out, if Milano plays we likely promote nobody. But if Milano sits, that leaves us with 4 LBs, and we must promote 1 Keeping in mind, we are allowed 2 "free" PS call ups per week, without signing them to the active roster. That said, it won't surprise me if we need 3 PS (or Feliciano signed) elevated for this week. Leaving me to think someone is getting cut at DL. We shall see, but with all the injuries, something must be done

I should also add, I'm very annoyed with our offensive gameplan against press coverage. We did very well against Miami, but they ran more Cover 1...Chiefs brought their safeties up, then bailed to Cover 2 man many times our past game. Daboll needs to get the "bunch" or tight formations, that design more natural rub routes or opportunities to shed the initial 'press/punch. Brown was hobbled and couldn't get off his jam, Davis is still adapting, and Beasley gets out physically at times...which is the downside of smaller Wr room. But we need to motion, or design ways to get off the press....also need to run Play action (from under center) more often

Defense typically sets a tone for a team, emotionally and confidence. This team has zero confidence on defense right now, plays with little to no emotion, and no fans doesn't help either. Leaders like Kyle and Zo would have helped, but this unit couldn't have asked for a better confidence booster than the Jets, now they just need to execute. On offense, I agree there is something off with the run blocking and/or play calls. Josh had shown tremendous growth, weeks 1-4, I think Daboll needs to take some pressure off him, and get more balanced with the running game, especially when Josh comes out "cold" missing throws. Josh also can't start games 0-4, or 1-5 and expect to get chunk plays every game. We need consistency and then take our shots

Yeah in addition to Crowder being real good, we have horrible coverage from our nickel this year. Dane Jackson may finally get his shot, if Cam is out this week

Only guard that could pull for us last year. Very odd move. Mongo obviously would be a big boost, but man this is a peculiar move and with the benching of Murphy/Harrison, the coaches are sending a message about something (performance, attitude, or something else)

Defense: horrible gameplan, again, and absolutley nobody who can make a play up front Offense: reminded me of Baltimore from last yr, press man except chiefs bailed to cover 2 or cover 1, but no crossing or rub routes. When are we going to run bunch formations and create rub routes?

needed to play chippy and aggressive all game, this soft crap only works if offense is scoring all the time

Yes sir. Time for someone on that dline to say enough of this and make a play

I guess. I know KC is ultra talented on offense, but their oline is banged up and we can't generate any pressure if our lives depended on it. Dline looks way outmatched the past 2 weeks

defense good grief, show some physicality

Maybe need some more talent up front too. Oliver, Edmunds, Butler, Jefferson, and Addison are big disappointments right now

I honestly think this is beyond Frazier, and a lack of defense line talent. We've seen mcdermott step in before, as needed, to make adjustments. But nothing is working right now. They might need to consider a trade or adjusting to a more blitz heavy team.

Really struggling with our front 4 right now. Edmunds isn't helping either, but his def line is a big concern

Hot take....this might be the worst def line in our history in quite some time. Beane has been the man building this team, but his pursuit of "b grade" def line and rotational players is not working this yr . Addison, Butler and Jefferson have yet to produce anything of relevancy

Not normally to get on a specific player, but he has has done jack so far this yr. Would like to see some reasonable counter to that. I think McDermott really needs to consider some dramatic adjustments after this embarrassment

Tremaine looks like a waste right now, wtf is going on with this defense

this defense is too weak right now, needs more physicality up front and at lb

Looked like they were giving him a rest

Looks ok, time consuming drive trying to stay loose...or let's hope

Knox and Motor time

He had been playing very well for them