finn

Groot had a clutch goal-line tackle on third down, saving a touchdown. First time I've noticed him all season.

That's when Ty Johnson subbed in, got the ball and hesitated, then ran into a wall. Not what you want. He hasn't shown up this year yet this year, either as runner or a passer. That dropped TD pass against the Dolphins is etched on my brain, in part because, as Collinsworth said, you will not see a better-thrown football. It's still early, but so far RB depth has gone from team strength to nothing special, at best.

Slow for sure, but all the missed tackles worries me the most. The runners especially just bust through arm tackles left and right. Cook and Allen bailed the team out this week.

Why isn't he a head coach yet?

I don't think I and others were wrong criticizing Brown. He WAS awful, a real liability. But people were calling him to be benched, not cut. That might have been the best choice. He learned, but only by risking Allen's health.

Not a power back anymore, not particularly elusive or creative. Remind me of his strengths. I recall thinking he ran with a lot of heart and, yes, power. Are we sure that's gone? He hasn't had many carries this year.

Moore is a nice surprise. Another McKittrick, hopefully more clutch.

Oddly, despite his enormous size, his best plays key on his quickness and movement skills, especially his swim move. He doesn't seem to anchor well, and he gets pushed out of the play. More of a three-technique than a one-technique. If he learns to play with more leverage, maybe builds up his lower-body strength, he could be extraordinary. I'd like to see him and Groot inside with their arms up.

It's not even really a weakness, more like the only piece that's not extraordinary. One Jefferson, Chase, or Waddle and this would be a dream-team/All-Pro offense.

Didn't see this posted: https://x.com/benbbaldwin/status/1970850177662718211/photo/1

Plus, McDermott was so unhappy with how his defense played against the Dolphins, I can't see them being complacent against the Saints. I'm more concerned that an easy win will cause them to let their guard down the following week against the hungry Patriots, who played us hard in both games last year. One-score victories in both. I still haven't gotten over them beating the Bills two years ago in another October game.

LOL. I agree that the reinforcements on defense will help. At the very least, the prospect of them returning en masse will make Beane very reluctant to give up assets for help at CB and DL. Plus, it's too early for any kind of trade, since it's not clear yet that the team weaknesses will stay weaknesses. For example, Bishop might still develop, Hancock might be a revelation for all we know, and Strong is already showing promise. For the time being, if I'm McBeane, I'd be watching Ray Davis closely and keeping an eye on the practice squads around the league. I love Ty as a third-down back (or at least I did last year, when he wasn't dropping passes), but I'm with those who want a change of pace bruiser to keep Cook healthy and close out games, and the slimmed-down Davis is not appear to fit that bill anymore. RB is about the only position where you might find real talent on a practice squad, a player that can play now and make an impact.

They heal, yes, but very slowly, sometimes very slowly indeed. Two weeks minimum and up to several months. And that's with resting it; it won't heal otherwise. But a lot depends on where it is and how severe it is. Of course, he's getting the best treatment available, too. Source: my own experience. A bone bruise on the knee, which has sidelined me since May. Getting better, finally, but naturally I tried to play through the pain, which only got worse. I wonder if the Bills are considering putting Rousseau on IR so he can heal up. With a stretch of "easy" games, it might be wise.

It's a delicious dilemma, but years of Chiefs hatred asserts itself, and I want them to lose and lose very badly to the Ravens. Then we beat them and their playoff hopes are in question, heh. Plus, there's no question the Ravens will win their division; it's just a matter of staying ahead or even with them, which shouldn't be too hard given the two respective schedules.

Yeah, credit all around: Kromer, the players, Beane, Brady. It looks like we're seeing that a rare synergy of five players all in or just reaching their prime in a system they've had three years to learn from a first-rate coach--just when the team has the best quarterback and one of the best running backs it ever had. It's all coming together (he says, fighting the impulse to list concerns).

Micah's strengths weren't confined to the mental game. When he intercepted Mac Jones in the playoff game against New England, he covered 21.4 yards in 2.9 seconds.

Forgot about old Jeff Saturday.

I don't understand why any team would play Wilson at this point, or even last year. He'll thrown the pretty bomb once a game, but he's just so ineffective otherwise. Just saw the highlights: First and goal at the four-yard line, needing a TD, he throws it out of the end zone--not chance for the receiver--three times, and scrambles for a loss the other time. Would Dart really do worse?

Not worried about this game, but the prospect of a walkover just before a divisional game against a hungry team that keeps losing games it should win does give me pause.

Missed all the games yesterday. 😕 But I gather "Indiana Jones" had another very good/great game. I'm surprised no one is saying Daboll and Shoen blew it by not keeping him, along with Saquon, of course. Dart might ultimately be the answer, but with Jones in place, they could have used that 25th pick on a player that could have helped them right away.

A 4-3 with Milano, Bernard, and Thompson might be a better answer to balanced teams than having Taron always on the field. He does a good job against the run, but these three can cover also and bring more muscle. Maybe keep Taron for third and long, especially since he's getting older. Of course, so is Milano and Thompson. I'm with those who advocate drafting a linebacker early next year.

That may not be fair. The Athletic writer mentioned that he's playing with a bone bruise on his knee. I've had one myself for months, and I haven't been able to do anything but walk for short distances. No hiking, no tennis, no running, no nothing. If his injury is similar, he's playing through some serious pain.

Outside the Pantheon figures, Hawes, Moore, Walker, and Kincaid all contributed a lot, and I bet Torrence and others on the O-line did, too. Lots of no-shows, though (pending the all-22): Epenesa, Sanders, Knox, Rousseau...Benford, Rapp and Bishop weren't exactly stars, either. White's performance was a mixed bag.

You don't expect such a monstrous frame to be so nimble. He's light as a dancer. Who is Epenesa? 😕

Not sure it was fluky. Bernard saw the pattern Tua was repeating and that had been working up to then. I wonder if the coaches noticed it first.