Brand J

FIFY. Edmunds never had a single game close to the numbers Bernard put up last Sunday. And I can’t even identify a signature Edmunds game.

My fault for assuming you were intelligent enough to know that teams have always had options to return the ball… or not. And of course they’re taking advantage of the new rules for better field position, that’s why I said moving the ball back to the 20 would result in more returns - which the league doesn’t want. The XFL model is a more exciting play, because… get this… it’s a play! It’s not simply a 80% chance of a fair catch, or a ball bouncing in or through the endzone. Perhaps the touchback is more your cup of tea versus the XFL return model. You should have just led with that.

This is how I categorized him, slightly above average, but wouldn’t argue with those who called him “average.” My slightly above average credit was for his physical attributes, the sideline to sideline range and length he brought. Those attributes are in the upper echelon of MLBs in the league.

Teams have ALWAYS had a choice and options, when have they not? 😂 When MULTIPLE RULES are enacted to minimize a particular play - in this case the kickoff, hence the “endangered kickoff” article I linked - then yes, those rules are responsible for removing returns from the game. Not entirely of course, 20% of kicks are returned today, which is a far cry from the once 90% return rate we enjoyed before concussions became a concern. It’s as simple as that. Sorry this is too much for you to comprehend. I don’t disagree, but do wish they’d find a model that allows some sort of excitement in its place. If not the XFL model, then something comparable that doesn’t involve players crashing into each other at top speed.

How would that fix it? It would just incentivize teams even more to fair catch the ball when teams kick it shorter. If you want more returns, you push the line of scrimmage back, not forwards. I liked it when touchbacks started at the 20.

No one is arguing laws against returning a kick, except you. Rules have been put in place to greatly reduce the amount of kickoff returns, that’s fact. There, I’ve said it 3, 4, 5 times already. I’ve repeated to you ad nauseam what has been done since the 90s to create higher and higher touchback percentages. I also suggested the XFL model which protects against high speed collisions, which in turn lessens the risk of concussions, something you objected to in my first post, when you agreed the league wants less kickoff returns. You’re in your own little made up argument.

Brown has the temperament, athleticism, and long arms to be a very good RT, but he’s just so tall and angular that I’d like to see him put on 20 pounds of functional weight/strength. Since his center of gravity is so high, DEs have the option of bull rushing or going right around him. If he was stronger and heavier I feel like he’d have more of a chance to hold off his defender once he got his hands on him. Right now he’s not strong enough so the height works against him.

Did you even read the statistics in the article I posted? How in the 90s a touchback was rare, versus today where the touchback percentage is 80.9%? The league has made an effort to greatly reduce the number of returns, a fact even you alluded to, so then how can you say in the next breath they’re not being legislated out of the game? These are the facts: - The kickoff was moved 5 yards closer to the endzone, which naturally resulted in more touchbacks. - Teams started kicking higher and shorter in an effort to force a return, so the league gave returners permission to fair catch the kick, thereby putting it at the 25 anyway. - A player can decide to take a kick out of the endzone, of course, but this assumes they have a play on the ball and it’s not booted out of the endzone as we’ve so often seen. Kickoffs are certainly being legislated out of the game, the article and the return statistics prove that fact. The XFL model, as I stated, eliminates 200+ pound players crashing into each other at top speeds, which lessens the concussion concerns.

Yeah, who knows if he ever even loved the game, or was just playing it because he was good and that’s what his parents expected (and of course there was money, lots of money at the end of the rainbow). There are A LOT of players like that in the league, guys who have admitted they don’t love the sport. Whenever you get a player with Edmunds physical attributes and the passion, relentlessness, and eat/sleep football it requires to be an all time great, you get a hall of famer. Those guys are rare, while Edmunds is fortunate to be a pro bowl alternate.

Well, that was a punt return, but I understand where you’re coming from. At the same time, guys like Devin Hester never would’ve made a name for himself if he played today. He was a position-less player, neither a corner nor a wide receiver, but was still able to carve out a successful NFL career. Some even argue Hall of Fame. There could be another Hester on a roster right now, but when most of the kicks are booted through the endzone, that player is now relegated to being an unknown.

I do think the Edmunds family is a disciplined, hard working one. I read stories about how his mother, a former athlete, cracked the whip and had them working out at 5 in the morning. There was a lot of tough love as I understand it. I don’t think Edmunds is an idiot, or lazy, I just don’t think he has an absolute passion for the game. One who takes it personal if an offense pops a run against him, completes a pass in his zone, sells out and throws his body around to make stops wherever/however. He’s not that type of player. He doesn’t strive for legacy and a gold jacket. We’re all frustrated because we thought he could do so much more, but it is what it is. Everyone can’t be a superstar, even if they have the physical measureables to be one.

@Rochesterfan You are the king of disagreeing and downvoting everything without any rational thought or insight.

It’s less about keeping the return rate low and more about high speed collisions. The XFL model, with players on both sides 5 yards apart, lessens the overall concussion concerns. They’re not running 30-40 yards and blasting a guy at full speed.

I’m not for dumping the kickoff return because it has shown its value to the game. Fully with you on the onside kick. A 4th and 15 from the 35 yard line would be great, but I can see the opposing view.

Almost every kickoff is a touchback now, 4/5 of them to be exact. That is death compared to earlier numbers, where just a few years ago 3/5 got returned. I’m not even comparing it to the 90s where 9/10 were returned. Remember the two TD returns Hines had last year that ignited the team? Yeah, those sort of exciting plays are being legislated out of the game, which is exactly what the NFL wants.

80.9% of kickoffs this year have resulted in a touchback. I do hope they go the XFL route to allow returners a chance to shine. Devin Hester, Dante Hall, Brian Mitchell, Josh Cribbs, and so many others would be obsolete today. The Endangered NFL kickoff

Loved seeing it. And I don’t remember too many* of those moments between Allen and our last MLB. *When I say “too many” I actually mean “one.”

From what I remember, Dallas was rumored to love Bernard. We didn’t have a 4th round pick after trading up for Elam, so it was either the 3rd round or taking a chance he’d be there late in the 5th. Of course you could always try to trade back or trade up, but no guarantees there either. Taking Bernard in the 3rd meant that the Bills really loved his tape and thought he’d bring more to the table than a backup LB or special teamer. They think the same of Dorian Williams too. Glad he’s panning out so far, but it’s a long season. Mistakes will be made. Still, lots to be excited about.

All I know is McD called McDaniel’s scheme “revolutionary” in the presser today. He’s scheming all sorts of creative ways to get guys the ball, a lot of misdirection, sleight of hand, magical stuff. No one is calling the Bills offense revolutionary or innovative. I think they could be so much more and I’m not a Dorsey hater. BUT it is extremely tough finding that guy who is a schematic genius. Panthers thought Joe Brady was one, now he’s in Buffalo as a QB’s coach after his failure.

Where’s option C, get somebody else?

The TD he allowed to Kelce in the back of the endzone was inexcusable I thought. You’re 6’5” with a crazy wingspan, NO WAY should that ball have made it to Kelce. Nevermind the fact his awareness was lacking and he didn’t know Kelce was in his zone, if he simply jumped more than 6” off the ground he could’ve, would’ve, and should’ve knocked down that pass.

Tua has only been sacked once in 3 games. McD will have to come up with his best defensive game plan with a relatively slow secondary against the fastest collection of weapons in the NFL. The answer is in the Dolphins OL. Gotta whip them with 3 or 4 and get Tua to hold the ball.

Edmunds has never played with an all out hustle and fierceness. I remember against the Chiefs in, I believe the first playoff game, he was jogging as Tyreek caught a pass and almost went for a TD before our DT ran him down (name escapes me). I believe that was the play, someone correct me if I’m wrong. I pointed out how Edmunds looked like he was going half speed on the replay before his weak tackle attempt and got eye roll emojis. It was there my criticism of him really picked up.

I’ve also noticed Allen is starting to have a lot more trust in the front 5 and isn’t bailing from clean pockets like he was in game 1. When he does get pressure, he isn’t immediately looking to run left or right, he’s manipulating the pocket now, side step here, side step there, it’s what made Brady so frustrating to sack. Hopefully the OL continues to give Allen that trust!

I laughed when the excuses for Edmunds not making any plays was that “he had too much on his plate/it’s not his job/he doesn’t play the same position as Milano, doesn’t have the same freedom to roam.” No, he just wasn’t a playmaker. Bernard undoubtedly has a nose for the football and is making the plays our last LB could not.