In Summary

Re 1: Probably more disappointed in the O-line. Not much time for Allen. Re 2: 3rd and really long and throwing lower percentage bombs? It was as though Daball/Josh wanted highlight plays more than they wanted a 1st down. Ill-timed indeed. Other: The number of flags in games has conditioned me to not enjoy the play as it happens (e.g. the McKenzie return). I just expect a flag and a nullified play.

Seems like an ideal game for some 4-3 with lots of snaps for Star and Klein - even with Julio Jones playing. I honestly don't think the Bills care about backs running on them for under 80 yards (or so) a game, but Henry is next level.

Thus the term I'm now hearing at the draft, "Best player available at an expensive position". Too costly to get quality pass rushers in free agency - have to grow your own. Not an absolute, but we now hear this.

Serving me wings with ranch is an insult to my Buffalo culture. Wings with ranch, martinis without vermouth, reubens with thousand island dressing instead of Russian - this is not progress.

Was Sorenson the guy who had coverage on that long pass to Knox where Josh threw after rolling out? If so, I thought Sorenson kind of gave up on the play not thinking that the ball was coming his way after that length of time.

Yes, the Bills hit and Poyer continues to impress me the most on the D in that department, but the modern shut-down effort doesn't include the head-hunting safeties and QB hits of the past. I'll agree that the Bills were physical relative to a modern standard, but a dominating defensive performance just looks different in 2021 than in 1981.

I agree with that quite a bit.

No problem. I wouldn't be able to explain the finer mechanics, but I get your follow-through point. I think he got away with some throws with poor mechanics against Houston and Miami. They sailed as you said but receivers were way open or he got a little lucky. I was concerned he wouldn't aggressively correct this and a better defense would make him pay. I didn't see that last night.

Virgil's day after posts have a nice tone and tenor. Thanks. For Buffalo not to reestablish it's defensive identity would actually be surprising for a McDermott team. I enjoy a smothering defense as much as I enjoy the 300+ yard passing performances. Allen looked confident and played smart - especially considering the weather conditions. No back foot throws and held onto the ball. With an emerging Knox, Buffalo finally crosses the threshold where there are just too many threats for opposing defenses to handle. Poyer had a nice hit later in the game. He consistently hits which I love because a "finesse defense" scares nobody. I think you're still allowed to hit and intimidate without going full on Bill Romanowski or Vontaze Burfict (??). Bleeding the clock with effective runs when you're playing with a lead later in the game is a beautiful thing. Each 1st down is just crushing to the opponent.

He just can't talk less or stick only to football. He's a fanboy for whoever makes the latest play. Annoying.

Only 2 more minutes of Collinsworth.......

To me, this game is about the Bills offense and their offensive line. The other units for both teams are known commodities. Things that will make me cringe: Stubbornly sticking to 4 receiver and empty sets when they're not working. Bills' WR4 may be better than the coverage (playing the individual matchup), but the offense becomes predictable and you're leaving Knox and Moss on the sideline. Josh making back foot throws (even if he got away with it against Houston). Letting the ball get punched out of your arms. It's a no-brainer to do this to Josh and our backs at every chance.

I think he was close a few times. Just a kid getting his first start.

I'd like to see Spencer Brown, Dodson, and maybe a couple others get some snaps in this game.

Poyer's run support and willingness to hit impresses me. I'd say he's a top 3 defender on this team along with Milano and White.

It can hurt when someone Knox you over.

I expect a McDermott/Frazier defense to perennially be good enough to win several games a year. Having the intermediate/long passing game as our primary team identity isn't that important to me on a weekly basis.

I stream the Sal segments if nothing else.

...and if JJ Watt was in his prime it might be him. Mad respect for Donald though.

Can't call him a god. I'm a fan, not a fanboy.

Really happy to see the organization bring in Bruce for a day and show respect for a Bills great (Bills GOAT?).

Are expectations different than predictions? My expectation (for the Bills) is that the run defense improves to the point where they are not inviting teams to run when games are close or the opponent is chewing clock. My prediction is that this will happen.

273 miles away.

Trash

I'm very happy with the team. I agree with the Steve Tasker point about simply playing better in the biggest games. Injuries are fate. Daboll being distracted I think is somewhat likely (but only conjecture). Remember that the Bills suggested a rule change to disallow other teams from approaching assistant coaches during a playoff run (or some such). Surely there was something there to initiate that.