A Few Thoughts About The Game, in no particular order.....

[rockpile]

I'd not give him an F right now. I wouldn't give him a C either. I would give him an Incomplete.

 

Until the dust settles. Until we can wear the game film out. Until we hear from the coaches.

 

I am fine with the realization that EJ is a rookie.

 

I would give him an F today. He will get over it but he had no game today (like the majority of the team today).

[KOKBILLS]

No doubt Coach, but we are missing our 3 top corners and a scumbag safety, so I was not surprised at all.

 

This was the difference in the game IMO...No way we get beat for two deep TD's with Gilmore, McLovin, Brooks, and Byrd in there...No way...

[skibum]

Regarding point #9, I have not seen any indication that Freddie's skills are diminishing. His big run tonight was classic FJ - he eluded a wall of tacklers, accelerated away from the linbackers, and pulled his trademark swerve to add a good 15 plus yards to the run. Yes, he got run down by the CB, but he has never been known for his breakaway speed. I think he's still every bit the bad mofro he always was.

[ALF]

Rex coached like T Rex today . I give credit where credit is do.

[Mark Vader]

Bill's right. The LG situation is the one we should be angry about. The organization choose not to resign Levitre and then completely blew off finding a LG who could play at any reasonable level.

I remember how so many people on this board brushed off losing Levitre. Saying that Guards are a dime a dozen.

 

Wonder if they still believe in that sentiment.

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

1) I like Kiko more and more every time I see him play. This kid is a true football player.

 

2) Colin Brown was a disaster today, from what little I could see. I am wondering if those who were just so happy to let Levitre walk because he got a big contract are willing at all to re-think your stances. Just asking.

 

3) Lawson can play, ya know? He isn't a star, but the guy is involved in the game on every play. Players like Lawson can win you football games.

 

4) Spiller truly sucked today. 10 carries for 9 yards and 2 fumbles. If anyone who has called him one of the most dynamic players in football and a great draft selection by the Buffalo Bills wants to chime in, please do so. This deserves discussion, so go for it if you will.

 

5) Last week, I complained about the camera work. This week it was worse. They didn't show the QUARTERBACK on many plays. Maybe this is a method to force fanatics to purchase more from their providers. I really don't know, but it's a disgrace.

 

6) Going where the wind don't blow so strange.

Maybe on some high cold mountain range.

Lost one round but the price wasn't anything,

Knife in a back, and more of the same.....

Same old rat in a drain ditch

Out on a limb,

You know better but I know him.

 

7) Manuel truly did display growing pains today. I am not at all down on him, but he played a lousy game. And btw, I think that his knee is still limiting what he can do, especially in terms of running the football.

 

8) Stevie Johnson looked as if he played through injuries today, and came away with decent numbers. But his stupid, narcissistic penalties are leaving me with very little tolerance. VERY little. Seriously.

 

9) Fred Jackson is a football player. Make no mistake, his skills are rapidly diminishing, but he plays football in every phase and I am glad to have him on this football team.

 

10) Let me put this in question form.....was it any different when Dareus left the field? The answer is obvious and sad imo.

 

11) Moats played a nice game today, and seems to (hopefully) be developing into a good linebacker.

 

12) The Jets were penalized 20 times. 20 TIMES, and we lost the football game. Should we at least glance at the head coach in terms of how something like this can happen?

 

13) Woods should get more chances and Graham should get far fewer. Graham is simply a lousy player. Woods can play.

 

14) GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

100% agree Graham is not a player, might never be, woods will be great, MD99 is close to becoming lost cause, Kiko is going to to pay multiple visits to Hawaii.

 

the following players are not NFL starting quality:

Graham

Brown

Most of the current starting secondary

 

Also:

I'm ready to let spiller and MD99 go when it's time. They just aren't consistant players.

 

[thebug]

I remember how so many people on this board brushed off losing Levitre. Saying that Guards are a dime a dozen.

 

Wonder if they still believe in that sentiment.

Never really gave it much thought......until today when I was thinking that it sure wouldn't hurt the running game to have Levitre in there........there was nothing doing...

[Hapless Bills Fan]

It may be the coaching staffs thoughts here are that yes it's hurting him now, but once he settles down, may take all year, having run the hurry up he'd be ahead in the long run. Though could argue let him run this year at a normal pace, in the off season instill the hurry up for next year once EJ has more experience.

 

I've never coached football, but in most endeavors when someone is learning, you want them to start slow and become proficient at a slow pace then speed it up. Sometimes if you ask them to start fast, they never unlearn bad habits.

 

I remember how so many people on this board brushed off losing Levitre. Saying that Guards are a dime a dozen.

 

Wonder if they still believe in that sentiment.

 

For some reason this reminds me of the Groucho Marx quote "A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five."

 

You know: "Left guards are a dime a dozen. Send someone to fetch a dozen left guards". I think that the Bills thought amongst 4-5 second string/drafted/undrafted players they had a competent left guard. If it were only that simple, every football team would build a sound OL by doing this.

 

I do find myself wondering if there is some LG somewhere sitting on someone's practice squad or at home, who would be better than Colin Brown.

 

Once again, Sexy Rexy has scrutinized our film, found our weaknesses, and driven a wedge into them like 9 o'clock. Now everyone else in the NFL will be watching the Jets film and trying to copycat their approach until we prove we've fixed it.. Gailey never did adjust his approach for this fact.

 

Will Hackett and Marrone? On this question, hangs the Bills 2013 season.

Edited September 23, 2013 by Hopeful

[Chilly]

My thoughts:

 

1.) We've seen what QBs who can't take the top off of a defense does to the offense. Fitzpatrick had those issues, Edwards had those issues; EJ is starting to worry me here, with his inaccurate throws on long balls. We need him to complete some to keep them honest.

 

2.) PFF said Colin Brown was the worst starter in all of the NFL so far this year. I think he lived up to that this game. I'm not against letting Levitre leave for that amount of money, but the Bills absolutely shouldn't have done it without a backup plan. And they sure as hell didn't have a backup plan.

 

3.) This secondary being depleted really hurts. Jets WRs basically had their way with our secondary. The Jets WRs. The terrible Jets WRs. The Jets WRs who hadn't had a touchdown in like 250+ passes (or whatever the stat CBS showed).

 

4.) Hackett's offensive scheme is terrible. It feels like the Steve Fairchild run, run, pass, punt offense all over again. They also don't show a lot of creativity; Chan was excellent getting Spiller and SJ13 the ball in some space. Where are the quick slants to Spiller and Stevie? Where are the screen passes? Where are the swing passes?

 

5.) Is there anyone in the NFL that had a worse day than Justin Rogers? Kinda feel bad for the guy being thrown in that spot, but my lord.

 

6.) Is this a strength and condition problem? Why do the Bills get bit by the injury bug year after year?

 

7.) I'm so far unimpressed by our WR group. THere were lots of times today all the WRs were covered, and CBS even pointed it out. Graham seems awful, Woods doesn't seem to get open. I know SJ13 doesn't create a lot of space, but the person who seemed to create the most was Chandler - a guy who, while I lik ehim, doesn't seem like he would be a burner or run great routes. Hoping Goodwin can change this when he gets back.

 

8.) Bilal Powell ran for 150+ yards, and by far the worst problems on our defense weren't the run game. Ouch.

Edited September 23, 2013 by BlueFire

[mannc]

 

 

Since Ryan got there, the Bills get physcially manhandled and outworked all day long every time they play the Jets. Every time.

You've noticed that too, huh? It is the difference between good coaching and poor coaching.

[Mango]

The left side of the line got worked today. Brown is not an excuse for a total lack of production from Spiller. We almost exclusively run away from Brown. Spiller losing 5 instead of gaining 2 is all on him not this OL. Those guys aren't helping CJ, but he is making them look twice as bad. Scheming is an issue. Chan was great at scheming Spiller into space.

 

I am going to say it. Flame away if you will, not trolling. This roster with Pettine at DC and Chan at the helm with the offense would be in a much better place. We seriously miss his scheming. EJ with some of those timing routes in the spread with his arm, plus Spiller in space would be nuts

[Dibs]

.....

 

You know: "Left guards are a dime a dozen. Send someone to fetch a dozen left guards". I think that the Bills thought amongst 4-5 second string/drafted/undrafted players they had a competent left guard. If it were only that simple, every football team would build a sound OL by doing this.

......

 

Of the 64 starting OGs in the league, half of them(32) were drafted after the 3rd round(4th round - undrafted).

Over a quarter of them(18) were drafted after the 5th round(6th round - undrafted).

 

This doesn't mean that they are a dime a dozen.....but since nearly every team in the NFL finds at least one guard from your theoretical second string/drafted/undrafted players, the fact that the Bills took a shot at finding an OG from this group is not a hangable offence IMO.

 

List of starters below(4th+ rounds)

 

4th Round

NYJ: Willie Colon

CIN: Clint Boling

IND: Mike McGlynn

PHIL: Todd Herremans

WASH: Kory Lichtensteiger

DET: Dylan Gandy

DET: Rob Sims

GB: TJ Lang

GB: Josh Sitton

NO: Jahri Evans

 

5th Round

BUF: Colin Brown

CLE: Jason Pinkston

JAX: Uche Nwaneri

ATL: Garrett Reynolds

 

6th Round

IND: Donald Thomas

SD: Jeromey Clary

CHI: Matt Slauson

MIN: Brandon Fusco

MIN: Charlie Johnson

NYG: Kevin Boothe

 

7th Round

DAL: Mackenzy Bernadeau

SEA: JR Sweezy

ARI: Paul Fanaika

 

Undrafted

NE: Daniel Connolly

MIA: Richie Incognito

PIT: Ramon Foster

JAX: Will Rackley

OAK: Mike Brisiel

DAL: Ronald Leary

CAR: Garry Williams

STL: Harvey Dahl

SF: Alex Boone

[BillsVet]

I remember how so many people on this board brushed off losing Levitre. Saying that Guards are a dime a dozen.

 

Wonder if they still believe in that sentiment.

 

Notwithstanding the 20M in cap room they possess.

 

They finally realize, after Nix was effectively moved to GM emeritus, that they need a QB. But not before they allow their best OL out the door and thus make that rookie QB's life more difficult by plugging in NFL retreads like Colin Brown.

[BRH]

Your choice of that lyric from "He's Gone" was absolutely perfect, sir.

[CardinalScotts]

I usually agree with your thoughts ..today no different except - Moats played a nice game today, and seems to (hopefully) be developing into a good linebacker.

Totally agree on Stevie dude your 27 years old now, grow up. Chan pulled your ass last year and it might happen again- the guy doesn't get it. He's a good player although not a #1 but he plays hard everyweek so he gets a free idiot play weekly? Be a leader stay off the radio

[DC Greg]

1) I like Kiko more and more every time I see him play. This kid is a true football player.

 

2) Colin Brown was a disaster today, from what little I could see. I am wondering if those who were just so happy to let Levitre walk because he got a big contract are willing at all to re-think your stances. Just asking.

 

3) Lawson can play, ya know? He isn't a star, but the guy is involved in the game on every play. Players like Lawson can win you football games.

 

4) Spiller truly sucked today. 10 carries for 9 yards and 2 fumbles. If anyone who has called him one of the most dynamic players in football and a great draft selection by the Buffalo Bills wants to chime in, please do so. This deserves discussion, so go for it if you will.

 

5) Last week, I complained about the camera work. This week it was worse. They didn't show the QUARTERBACK on many plays. Maybe this is a method to force fanatics to purchase more from their providers. I really don't know, but it's a disgrace.

 

6) Going where the wind don't blow so strange.

Maybe on some high cold mountain range.

Lost one round but the price wasn't anything,

Knife in a back, and more of the same.....

Same old rat in a drain ditch

Out on a limb,

You know better but I know him.

 

7) Manuel truly did display growing pains today. I am not at all down on him, but he played a lousy game. And btw, I think that his knee is still limiting what he can do, especially in terms of running the football.

 

8) Stevie Johnson looked as if he played through injuries today, and came away with decent numbers. But his stupid, narcissistic penalties are leaving me with very little tolerance. VERY little. Seriously.

 

9) Fred Jackson is a football player. Make no mistake, his skills are rapidly diminishing, but he plays football in every phase and I am glad to have him on this football team.

 

10) Let me put this in question form.....was it any different when Dareus left the field? The answer is obvious and sad imo.

 

11) Moats played a nice game today, and seems to (hopefully) be developing into a good linebacker.

 

12) The Jets were penalized 20 times. 20 TIMES, and we lost the football game. Should we at least glance at the head coach in terms of how something like this can happen?

 

13) Woods should get more chances and Graham should get far fewer. Graham is simply a lousy player. Woods can play.

 

14) GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Agree on many of these points, especially the positive ones regarding Kiko, Lawson, Woods, Fred and Moats.

 

A few points I take contention with are:

 

CJ... We have not run one play this season, ONE PLAY, that gives him an opportunity to operate in any kind of space. Did Hackett look at any of the film from alst year? The screen pass was so effective for us, and we OVER used it. Maybe one or two screen occasionally where CJ has the chance to make people miss in the open field would work. Has anybody forget that we used to use him as a WR? Maybe split him out and throw a quick screen? CJ makes people miss, he's faster and shiftier than almost anyone in the league. Please Hackett, play to some of his strengths a little more.

 

Stevie... One of, if not the best, game changing playmakers we have on the team. We were in this game because of the plays he made. Stevie is a hell of a player. Sometimes his competitiveness makes him forget himself. I'll take that guy any day over almost anyone. So glad he is a Buffalo Bill.

 

 

 

A lot needs cleaned up on this team. But I like a lot of the guys we have. Keep learning EJ/Hackett, and please learn/adjust from mistakes. The heart and effort is there because of leaders like CJ, SJ, Kyle, etc. Just hope they stay hungry and want to win, win win. Go Bills.

[Trader]

EJ was not good today but he did not turn it over either. He needs to learn how to throw it away when nothing is there. The game was lost because the Bills big men got their collective butts kicked by the Jets big men on both sides of the ball. Geno had time to throw and EJ did not. The Jets had running lanes the Bills did not. The early loss of our starting corner was also a huge factor. I do think Easley or Hagen need to get a shot at WR. The only thing that kept this game close were the Jets turnovers and penalties. I am glad they found the TE in the second half. Stevie Johnson has to stop getting penalized we just can't afford to give away those opportunities. I liked the way Leonard and Alonso have stepped up. I thought the butt kicking by the jets was complete and they should have hung fifty points on the Bills.

[enlightener]

Stevie Johnson looked as if he played through injuries today, and came away with decent numbers. But his stupid, narcissistic penalties are leaving me with very little tolerance. VERY little. Seriously.

Why so serious?

[Big C]

Stevie's taunt caused Wilson to lose his cool. He was flagged 3 times on that drive. I think it all worked out OK.

[North Cal Bills Fan]

1. Rogers is a tire fire period. Not doubling his man every damn play was a mistake. Can we please sign a cb now!

 

2. Ok so lets just say we play without a LG would there be a difference? The way Brown is playing he would be benched on a HS team.

 

3. EJ struggled today. Happy feet till the drive that tied it. His ball placement was horrendous and timing was off. Lots of throws off his back foot. Yes he was pressured but why in the hell did we wait till the end of the 3rd qtr to keep the ball on that stupid ass option play when it has been open for 15 yrds since the pats game.

 

4. Nate nate Nate, can u please make up 1 or 2 running plays with a damn full back and stop that stupid one play (our only running play) were EJ pretends to keep and CJ looses 5 yrds on the strung out play to the side line cause our guards cant stop any d tackle in the league?

 

5. I know were growing and i know all will be forgotten once we get win #2 but wow gave away yet another opportunity and its still frustrating.

 

6. When o when will we win a game against the damn Jets when its not to f up our draft position????? Yea i know maybe next year.