BigAl2526

Matt Milano dropped a potential pick six, and it was the difference in the game. Miami had the advantage of sitting in the shade on the sideline while Buffalo cooked in the hot sun, and it was the difference in the game. Buffalo played the whole game with 4 backups in the defensive backfield, and it was the difference in the game. A fumbled exchange from backup center Van Roten halted a long potential scoring drive when even a field goal changes the outcome, and it was the difference in the game. My point is a whole bunch of things went wrong in this game, and only one of them going right may have changed the outcome. Such is life in the NFL.

I'm disappointed. I think the Bills could have won if any of a number of things had happened, and they could have happened easily. Factors in the loss include the injuries, (of course) the heat and a few key plays. The early fumble in which Buffalo gave up the football deep in their own territory, Milano's failure to catch the ball on a potential pick six, are just two of the key plays. I think the rematch will look very different. If Buffalo is reasonably healthy at that point, I think they win decisively.

Oliver and Jackson. Phillips is listed as questionable, as is Tim Settle. I don't think either of them is listed as a starter, even though they get plenty of reps.

The language on the Bills web site suggests Bryant (and Emili) were "signed" to the 53 man roster. They elevated JaMarcus Ingram and Greg Mancz were "elevated." I presume the Bills can cut Bryant and Emili and sign them to the PS, but there is no particular of teams claiming them on waivers over and above the fact that while on the PS other NFL teams can poach them anyway. The only risk is if they play really well and garner attention from other teams that need DT help.

Obviously, Tua has physical shortcomings relative to Josh that are never going way. Deep passes are going to float. That's the only way he can throw deep. Tua will never be the running threat that Josh is. Still, he can be an effective QB. The problem for the Bills is every player in the secondary for the Bills will essentially be a depth player except for Taron Johnson. Elam and Benford are starting because Dane Jackson is injured and Tre White is still on IR for a couple more weeks at least. Then, of course, Poyer looks to be out and Hyde is gone for the rest of the season, leaving Johnson and Hamlin to play. All four guy have played well for the Bills when they've been on the field, but with Waddle and Hill lining up across from Benford and elam, the pressure is going to be sky high. I think the Bills win, but this is not going to be easy.

I would guess that Brandin Bryant is going to get ample reps with Oliver out and Phillips hurt - even if he plays.

I had a post in the Micah Hyde injury thread about free agents. The bottom line is, there's not much out there. Teams are probably not going to be highly motivated to help Buffalo's anticipated Super Bowl run by trading a quality veteran too Buffalo at a fair price. They will fill Hyde's roster spot with someone who can play safety or perhaps fill it with a CB and move Siran Neal's primary responsibility back to safety. Either Johnson or Hamlin is likely to start the rest of the year, and the guy who doesn't start will end up as the primary backup.

Looking at the free agent market, the market for safeties is pretty bare. Landon Collins is apparently still available. He was never really very good in coverage, but he was particularly bad last year, recovering from an achilles tendon injury. He carries quite a bit of weight for a safety. Possibly a candidate for McDermott's famed "big safety." Whomever Buffalo might sign, I think the best we can expect is a backup. I think it's pretty obvious that Jaquan Johnson or Damar Hamlin will be starting the rest of the way. Buffalo does have two DBs listed on the PS. One of them, Jamarcus Ingram, is listed as a CB, but both guys are easily big enough to play safety, if Buffalo opts to fill the roster spot from within.

Is she a Bills fan? That's all that matters.

Isn't there always a 40% chance of thunderstorms this time of year in Miami? I did see an expected high in the mid-80s. I'm sure it will be humid, but mid - 80s and humid is a lot better than mid-90s and humid. If it rains, it may cool temps down for a few minutes thereafter. Lightening, of course, will cause a game delay.

Tonight's game - Chargers vs. KC certainly gives Josh room to open up a lead in the MVP race. Both Mahomes and Herbert have had some good plays, but they have been far from spectacular.

At this point, I'm seeing thunderstorms during the day, and scattered thunderstorms in the evening. I would guess, the storms will be winding down by the time the game happens, so hopefully there won't be any lightening delays. I could imagine the turf being wet though.

I have nothing against the offensive line play, but I think it's obvious that Buffalo anticipated that the Rams would have a strong pass rush, especially with Aaron Donald. The quick hit passing game was their way of scheming against it. It worked like a charm.

I respect and admire Daboll's coaching ability. The "process" is real and Daboll has brought it to the Giants (in addition to smart coaching). I have no emotional investment in the Giants however.

Opponents facing the Bills have something of the same dilemma of how many forces do you commit to containing Kelce. Too much attention means other targets are too open. Too little and Kelce kills you. With Buffalo, it's not a tight end. It's Stephon Diggs. Commit too much attention to him from safeties and Gabe Davis can kill you, or McKenzie, or Knox, or Allen's running. It's as much Mahomes' (and Allen's ability to make good reads and go to the right receiver or running play) as it is Kelce's elite ability. If you don't pay enough attention to Diggs, then he'll run up ten catches and more, and well over 100 yards in receptions. When working to its potential, Buffalo's offense is every bit as explosive and unstoppable as Mahomes, Kelce and company.

I couldn't be sure whether he had Parkinson's or a tremor. I have a tremor in both hands, but not Parkinson's, thankfully.

Did you wear your Bils jersey? That's all that really matters.

The first week of football didn't quite put the Ravens in the driver's seat in the AFC North, but it came about as close as the first week in the schedule could.

Just make sure you've got developmental coaches on staff with the potential to move up.

If scary means, "I don't see any way we can win," then no, I'm not afraid of any opponent. The thing is, Buffalo is also capable of losing any game they play. They have to stay diligent and aggressive. Realistically, they will not go 17 - 0 in the regular season, but there is no team I'm chalking down as a loss at this point. When they lose, it will be because of a lapse in focus and intensity, and mistakes.

I read one comment that said Tim Settle was a wrecking crew yesterday. Buffalo is two deep across the defensive line with starting caliber players. Rousseau, Basham and Epenesa are all improved over last season, and Jordan is a far superior 3 tech versus Oliver's backup last season. I wouldn't be surprised if Derrick Henry matches his total rushing yards against the Giants when the Titans face the Bills, but I think the Bills can win with Henry having 82 yards. Buffalo is better than the Giants both on defense and offense, and they are far more physical than they were last season. There is no reason to fear the Titans.

I'm happy at this point with the thought that the Bills are really good, and should be in the thick of the chase for a Super Bowl championship.

Among QBs in the MVP race, today Rodgers had a terrible day versus Minnesota. Brady is very pedestrian versus Dallas. Herbert had an excellent game - not as many passing yards, no interceptions, but only one yard rushing in 4 attempts. Joe Burrow had a lot of yards, but tossed 4 interceptions in a losing effort. His completion percentage was around 60%. Mahomes had an outstanding day tossing 5 TDs and 360 yards. If stats are what determines the winner, combined with leading one's team to victory, Mahomes and Allen are probably 1 and 2 in the race at this point, but it's a long season.

Happy Birthday, young fella!

It was one play. I'm not forming "set in stone" opinions about a guy based on one play.