finn

I'm cautiously optimistic Milano will contribute some big plays going forward, but I wonder what happened to Bernard, who looked like a budding Pro Bowl player last year. The secondary looks pretty good, even with Hamlin, who is dependable in both good and bad ways. Oliver and Rousseau can disappear some games, but they can also dominant, and I think Von may really help in the playoffs if the offense can build a big lead. Bottom line: This defense is at its best when the team is ahead, but it has shown it can help (a lot) with turnovers. Now ask us about Special Teams. 🤔

I have nothing against Lamar, Henry, or Saquon, but I'd like to see OPY go to Darnold. Too bad they tweaked the criteria for Comeback Player of the Year; he'd be the perfect candidate.

The Jets game seems to have done the trick. It was like an "Ok, fine, whatever" moment for the fence-sitters and maybe even some Lamar supporters, from what I can gather from a short selection of the media blather (which is all I can stomach). Those two TD passes by Allen, along with that incredible (but for Allen routine) pass to Coleman that Coleman dropped and the bucket pass to Coleman that was called back, appear to have done the trick even for the "What have you done for me lately?" crowd.

Shoot, I didn't know McGovern and Edwards will be free agents next year. That helps explain why Beane drafted a center so high in VPG. Not much depth at guard, especially if they want to keep Anderson available to play as a sixth lineman on plays. High draft pick coming? But re the thread, I agree it's nice to not worry about the tackles or even the depth at tackle. The play of the line this year might be the most important factor of the Bills' success this year, aside from the Supernova at QB, followed by the excellent trio at RB. Three elite units on a team with, arguably, no other unit much above average anywhere. (One big caveat: the defense's penchant for big plays, which recall the Super Bowl Bills.)

And you do? You sneer at the poster without addressing his arguments. Got to work on your game, oldmanfan.

I did take a second. Look, he's our hero, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's not human with human flaws, nor does it mean that as an admirer I need to admire everything he does and says. Of course his teammates support his goal. I would, too, out of respect and admiration for him, not necessarily because it's a noble goal. Yes, maybe the streak means something to him that I know nothing about--a promise to his grandmother or something--but I suspect it's an ego thing. It's fine: trivial, not a big deal, and very easy to shrug off, even be fond of, maybe. But I am mildly surprised that Superman is human.

Yeah, but the men in the locker room know the difference between playing through pain and taking a few snaps to keep alive a streak. The first is real and important and for his teammates; the second is phony and for show. I love Allen, but I don't think much of this priority of his.

Seems like a silly streak to care about. Does he want to be seen as an iron man or tough guy? His many enemies will be eager to divide his TDs, yardage, and so on by an additional game to argue his stats aren't impressive.

True, but the Bills might have inadvertently created the next big thing in offensive football. You need an excellent line to buy the QB time and an elusive quarterback who can scramble and create. The receivers don't have to be great, just competent, because, given enough time, someone will get open at some point. It's brilliant, because if the designed play is there, fine. If it's not, you go into backyard-football mode. In short, an offense designed to do what other offenses resort to only as a last resort: scramble. How do you defend against that?

I think Allen has it wrapped up, although it won't be unanimous. Could be given to both, but the arguments about wins, Henry, and pre-season takes outweigh the stats argument, which is hardly a slam dunk anyway. Also, Allen has a far more jaw-dropping plays. Jackson's has a few, including some electrifying runs, but most are rainbow throws to wide-open receivers.

Perfect description of Coleman's leaping ability.

Waiting for the TD pass to "tackle eligible" Anderson to set a new record for number of receivers with TDs in a season. Or maybe save it for the playoffs.

That doesn't include the incredible passes his receivers dropped or that got called back by penalty, like the dime to Coleman, the falling down perfect pass, and the later Coleman drop.

In order, the Jets players I'd least like to see play against the Bills: Williams, Adams, Gardner, Rodgers.

I have high hopes for the Bills overall, but I suspect Milano will continue to be a net liability out there. He just doesn't have time to get back to peak form, given the rate of improvement he's shown to date and his continuing fragility. In the playoffs, you don't want your guys hesitating, missing tackles, and getting blocked out of the play on a regular basis. I'd rather see Dorian Williams play. He's making fewer mistakes this year, and he flies to the ball like no one else out there. You know, given this defense, Babich deserves a lot of credit. He just doesn't have a lot of talent to work with. Milano, DeQuan, and Douglas are declining fast, Bernard has gone quiet, Epenesa is a warm body, Oliver runs hot and cold, Hamlin must be the slowest safety in the league, and the rookies aren't contributing much yet. Babich is right to stress turnovers. They just can't compete otherwise, as we saw in the Patriots game. In short, Allen has gone supernova in a trough year for the defense.

Yeah, I've noticed the falloff, too. He had that terrific interception against the Chiefs to seal the game but has been quiet since. I haven't seen him sent on blitzes much this year, which is puzzling, because he was very effective in that role last year. (Hamlin is so bad blitzing it's almost fascinating.) I really thought he and a returning Milano would dominate late in the season. Instead, it seems Dorian Williams is the most dynamic linebacker, and only Benford, Rapp, Rousseau, and on occasion Oliver and Miller have really shined on defense.

This happened earlier when Allen's ball hit the helmet of a Pats linebacker. Just good coverage.

Steelers seem sooo weak. No imagination or courage in their play calling, poor execution, just flat, disinterested, going through the motions kind of playing. How may third and sevens have we seen?

I suspect Joe Brady is keeping Cooper in mind for the playoffs. If the Bills can lull even homers like us into thinking Cooper is no longer a big-time weapon, he'll have the defensive coordinators just where he wants them. Just watch. The full Bills offense has yet to be seen.

I think I would rather face disgruntled Rodgers, especially on a gamy knee, than a fresh, cautious, elusive Tyrod Taylor.

Burrow, Lamar, and Allen are playing on a different level than the other quarterbacks in the league. You don't want to face two of the, even with the third on your side.

Nothing worse than panalties. Nothing.

Maybe that's just as well if Babich is going to continue blitzing the slowest player, least athletic on the defense in Hamlin. I don't have the numbers, but it seems Bernard is a far more effective blitzer.

Throughout James' rookie year and even into his second year, he was routinely introduced as Dalvin's younger brother. And I notice that's not the case anymore. The arrow on this guy is still up. Speed, vision, toughness, moves, he has the whole package. Even without exceptional size, he's been durable. I love how he outruns safeties and sometimes cornerbacks. Fast, fluid, even graceful. And he's not dropping balls or fumbling anymore. Yes, re-sign him. He's still only 25, very likely with his best years ahead of him. One more contract, no more than three years. Allen, the same elite O-line, and the same running back trio. Add just one big-time receiver, and the Bills will be even better on offense next year, which is saying something.

I agree, but I'm also resigning myself to the probability that no one is going to rescue the defense in the playoffs: not Hyde or Milano, or Calais Campbell or some other released veteran. Cole Bishop won't suddenly blossom into a star, Lewis Cine won't be a revelation, and we'll remain paper thin at linebacker and safety, where the starters are no more than adequate. My hopes for the defense lie on their record of forcing turnovers and, oddly, Von Miller, who may finally be ready to resume the level of play he showed his first eight games here. Plus, I like what Babich has been doing: even on its weakest days, his players have shown resilience and spirit, and he has adjusted astutely on the fly. Given the hand he was dealt, he's done well. Bottom line: I think this defense will do its part. They may not carry the team at any point, but they won't let it down, either.