Learning to Close Games out.

[MClem06]

Winning is nice. Don't get me wrong I am not complaining one bit, the fact we were in all of these games with a chance to win and a couple of W's is awesome. I would just love for one of these games to be a blowout in our favor or for us to keep our foot on the gas until the end of the game. Starting at the second half against Baltimore they stalled. I've gotten past the fingernails and into the flesh of my fingers with this type of drama every week waiting for the Bills to be the Bills of the past 13 years. 4-0 could've been reality with certain things done differently in both losses. 2-2 is ahead of my expectations and probably ahead of 80% of most fans. I have to point out how EJ was selling the playaction. There were several times when the NFL camera operator didn't know where the ball was. He sells it very well and I think that was the most promising take away from the game yesterday besides Super Gonzo Alonso. EJ's stats were deceptive, If the fall downs and drops and feet out of bounds and flags would all have been negated, EJ was looking at a 250 yard 3 TD game. GO BILLS

[Just in Atlanta]

Agreed. Solid teams win close games, even when they play bad.

 

New England played bad against us, and won a close one. We played bad against Carolina, and won. We just beat the Superbowl champs, despite a putrid offensive showing in the second half.

 

Gailey's squad was rarely able -- with exception of the Raiders and Pats two years ago -- to win close games. What we're seeing here is most likely the beginning of a new era of football excellence. My only worry right now is not EJ (he will improve) but our offensive coordinator whose playcalling could be figured out after the bye.

[BringBackFergy]

This is a good thread idea. Each of our 4 games have been within reach (or in need of safeguarding). The Pats game was lost due mostly to amazing QB and WR play on the last drive by the Pats. Not sure there is another way to stop that because Amendola made two first down catches that were threaded perfectly. The Carolina game was closed out on a last second TD by EJ but we had other opportunities which EJ learned from (as did the Defense). The Jets game could have been closed out but was EJ's first road game, nerves and our defense was depleted (Rogers victimized). Not sure there was a way to close that out. BUT the Ravens game was out first "team effort" in closing out a game...especially the defense. Amazing. EJ learned quite a bit and each game I see improvement. Cleveland will be a tough game (away, prime time, great defense). You are correct...we need a commanding win to build even more confidence in EJ (and even Marrone and Hackett). I look forward to them closing out many games this year.

[YoloinOhio]

I guess I see it as our offense is not explosive enough (yet) to where I ever expect them to be able to put a team away by continuing to score points, at least offensively. It seems like we never have a team that is strong both offensively and defensively. Either our offense puts up a ton of points like with Chan and our Wanny-fense can't stop the other team or we need to hang on by a thread via our defense because our offense can't do anything once the other team adjusts at halftime. It is like or game plan going in is good... but then in the 2nd half when that is adjusted to they aren't sure what to do next.

Edited September 30, 2013 by YoloInTheBlo

[xsoldier54]

I think this offense will continue to get better. They have shown flashes of being very good, but have been inconsistent thus far. That should change as EJ and Hacket get a few games under their belts.