2018 is in the Books - what are the initial thoughts?

[row_33]

15 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

It became obvious that the offense took the hit this year in FA and draft other than JA.

When I seen the OL and WR for the year I knew that it was going to be a rough year.

We all will see what changes the O goes thru in the next 4 months.

 

I’m happy to find I’m feeling good about Allen heading into next year. 

 

 

[Big C]

3 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

Get Allen and OL and Weapons and sit back and enjoy the future. 

 

Agreed. The defense isn't perfect but a lot of the pieces are there and will continue to gel going into next season. Allen needs to OL and pass catchers and we will be a force. Even if he is never going to be a precision passer he will at worst be an electric playmaker a la Cam and Kap. Good enough to get to the show.

[LABILLBACKER]

2 hours ago, buffalobillswin said:

My initial thought is JA is leading this team to the playoffs next year

After today's game I think this is the last time in many years we will have only 6 wins. I haven't been this optimistic about the Bills future in over 20 years.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

2 hours ago, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

I want to know if it’s ok to want to be good this year? From about March, people were writing off 2018 and almost couldn’t care less about the games themselves. The defense is good. The QB is probably good enough and certainly better then what we normally have. There is plenty of money. The draft picks are plentiful and early enough to help. Can we go into 19 with no excuses? One of these “next years” has to eventually be a current year. I want to hear these guys say they are all in for winning and that the “process” is scoring more then the team they play.

 

OMG are you my long lost brudda?  Brudda!

[John from Riverside]

I am trying to figure out what ppl are watching when they say this OL was not bad....this OL was HORRIBLE

 

There is more to offensive line play then just giving your QB enough time to throw the ball before he takes hit after hit....and watching defenders tackling your running backs in the backfield.....

 

Our problems ALL start there......yes we need better offensive weapons but it makes absolutely no difference if a.   We cant keep a QB healthy unless he is scrambling on every other play and b.  Unless we have a LEGIT running game (you know....like we USED to?)

 

Sign FA offensive linemen.......draft free agent offensive linemen..and NOT in the late rounds like you did with Teller so that he can sit for half the season before he gets a chance to play......

 

We sit at 9.....NONE of the WR's make sense at 9.....but Jonah Williams does.

 

Draft Jonah....start him at either LT or LG

Move Teller to RG

Sign a better free agent C....double down and DRAFT a Guard in the higher rounds that ALSO can play center

We have 90 million dollars......for christ sake PLEASE improve the RT position so that we can run to BOTH sides of our offensive line......

 

You bought the house in Josh Allen.....now its time to buy the insurance for the house if we want this offense to resemble SOMETHING that looks like a NFL offense week to week......NFL offenses can run the ball when they need to.....they can run the ball regardless of who is carrying the rock......they take pressure off of young QBs and put them in good positions to score.

 

If we would have had that THIS year we are probably 9 and 7 or 8 and 8......how many games did we lose because our offense was flat putrid and hoping a QB would save it as inserted what......FOUR quarterbacks behind center?  PATHETIC.

 

Oh and....time to do something about the special teams......which were specially BAD

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 minute ago, John from Riverside said:

I am trying to figure out what ppl are watching when they say this OL was not bad....this OL was HORRIBLE

 

There is more to offensive line play then just giving your QB enough time to throw the ball before he takes hit after hit....and watching defenders tackling your running backs in the backfield.....

 

Our problems ALL start there......yes we need better offensive weapons but it makes absolutely no difference if a.   We cant keep a QB healthy unless he is scrambling on every other play and b.  Unless we have a LEGIT running game (you know....like we USED to?)

 

Sign FA offensive linemen.......draft free agent offensive linemen..and NOT in the late rounds like you did with Teller so that he can sit for half the season before he gets a chance to play......

 

We sit at 9.....NONE of the WR's make sense at 9.....but Jonah Williams does.

 

Draft Jonah....start him at either LT or LG

Move Teller to RG

Sign a better free agent C....double down and DRAFT a Guard in the higher rounds that ALSO can play center

We have 90 million dollars......for christ sake PLEASE improve the RT position so that we can run to BOTH sides of our offensive line......

 

You bought the house in Josh Allen.....now its time to buy the insurance for the house if we want this offense to resemble SOMETHING that looks like a NFL offense week to week......NFL offenses can run the ball when they need to.....they can run the ball regardless of who is carrying the rock......they take pressure off of young QBs and put them in good positions to score.

 

If we would have had that THIS year we are probably 9 and 7 or 8 and 8......how many games did we lose because our offense was flat putrid and hoping a QB would save it as inserted what......FOUR quarterbacks behind center?  PATHETIC.

 

Oh and....time to do something about the special teams......which were specially BAD

 

This is my big fear, looking at Carolina which I fear Beane and McDermott see as a model.

 

What they should do is what the Colts did .... expend very significant resources on OL.

Will they?  I don't know.

[John from Riverside]

1 minute ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

This is my big fear, looking at Carolina which I fear Beane and McDermott see as a model.

 

What they should do is what the Colts did .... expend very significant resources on OL.

Will they?  I don't know.

Fingers crossed.......Carolina also likes to run the ball....it is my hope that Beane and McD want to improve the running game.....and in turn...should improve the overall play.

[Big Blitz]

1.  We are set at QB.  Stop calling him franchise this or whatever.  He's Josh friggin Allen and this is his team.  Put your ego's aside for those who hated the pick so much (WGR) they have to preface any credit with crap like "yea I'd like the throw to be this....or I'd like him to stay in the pocket blah blah."  My DC Redskins fans down here consider him one of the more fun players to watch.  Massive arm.  Takes tons of shots down field.  Can run like crazy.  Only Baker had a better rookie year.  And that is just fine.  

 

2.  Zay Jones/Robert Foster.  I like them a lot as WR 2/3.  

 

3.  Need a new oline coach and a scheme that fully utilizes Josh more RPOs maybe.  

 

4.  Need a new oline and it starts at Center.  Get a vet RT and Center; Teller and Miller with Bodine is good depth.  Instant improvement.   

 

5.  Add DTs.  Still getting gashed.  

 

 

This is the most optimistic I've been about this team's future since the 90s.  

[LABILLBACKER]

4 hours ago, oldmanfan said:

1.  Our young QB and young MLB showed promise but also that they have a lot to learn. I think they each have the drive to do that and become fixtures on each side of the ball.

 

2.  Defense looked good overall.  We still need a true edge rush guy or more disruptive DT.  Hope we get one in the draft.

 

3.  We need to rebuild a lot of the O line.  Dawkins is the only guy who should be ensured of a job next year.  This should be a prime target for FAs.

 

4.  Make Shady a third down specialist, and find a one cut and go guy.

 

5.  Need a couple WRs, but Foster and Jones are keepers.

 

6.  Need a new O line coach and special teams coach.

 

7.  McD should overhaul his process for play challenges.

Agree with everything.  Our first pick will either be Jonah Williams or one of the big DT's. Agree Crossman and Castillo are done. Gotta draft 2 wrs out of the 10 picks. Torn between keeping Shady or not. If you can stick Jonah at LT, Dawkins at RT and sign Paradis at C then McCoy might just be serviceable as a platoon rb for 1 more year. And finally I'd like to see us use more of that 90 million than others are suggesting. Especially on the o-line.  The only decent wide receiver in free agency who would come at a value contract would be Tyrell Williams.

[DBilz2500]

3 hours ago, Pablocruise said:

Not paying McCoy 9 million to be a 3rd down specialist. Castillo actually ranks mid pack or higher but stuck with mediocre talent after Wood and Incognito retired

 Castillo ranks mid pack in what? 

[CaptnCoke11]

Excited about Josh Allen and Foster going forward.  Offense other than a few players needs a major overhaul.   The defensive line was a major disappointment.  They were pretty terrible against the run besides a short stretch in the middle of the season.  Zero pass rush other than Hughes.  

[GunnerBill]

5 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

Fingers crossed.......Carolina also likes to run the ball....it is my hope that Beane and McD want to improve the running game.....and in turn...should improve the overall play.

 

I think Hapless' point is that the Panthers have generally been a low level FA and mid / late rounder draft picks team when it comes to building an offensive line. They went to the Superbowl with Michael Oher at left tackle for crying out loud..... they liked to try and get by with other people's trash where possible. The one position they did always spend was center and I am pretty sure they will bring someone in there.

[GunnerBill]

My review:

 

Offense

 

Quarterback:  The Nathan Peterman debacle continues to leave something of a black mark but the Bills have come out of the season with a rookie showing considerable promise and a veteran backup who in his one opportunity won himself an extension and a chance to be the #2 here going forward. Interested to hear Josh Allen rave about Derek Anderson as a mentor and professional. Would like to see the Bills bring him onboard as an Assistant QB coach if, as expected, he hangs them up.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 7/10

 

Running Back:  I still think Shady McCoy can play. The few times this year when the oline has made holes he has still got through them. He has danced side to side a little more than I would like but the putrid run blocking is as much to blame for that as him. Chris Ivory is what he is - a limited backup banger and I believe the Bills should be looking for their next starting runner in the draft to split time with Shady in 2019 and take the job full time in 2020.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2020: 4/10

 

Tight End:  Charles Clay is done. The Bills will cut him and eat the $4.5m of dead cap - he contributed next to nothing this year, is no longer the blocker he once was because his knee doesn't allow him to anchor at the point of attack. Jason Croom has his moments but his blocking is bad too and he makes as many dumb plays as good ones. Suspect he is back for obvious reasons. Logan Thomas still sucks. Maybe this time he is finished.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 1/10

 

Offensive Tackle:  Dion Dawkins had an up and down year. He missed Richie Incognito alongside him and seemed less assured in his run game assignments. He is a solid pass blocker but his lack of true tackle length and foot quickness leads to an issue against speed rushers. He remains adequate at left tackle, I am still intrigued by his ceiling (which I think is very high) at guard. Jordan Mills remains what he is a bottom end starting right tackle. He is a FA and I would like the Bills to find an upgrade but I don't really want them to let Mills walk until they have, because whilst it can obviously get a lot better it can get a lot worse too. Not seen much of Conor McDermott but he doesn't appear to have taken a step forward. Need depth.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 5/10

 

Offensive Guard:  Vlad Ducasse started the year at left tackle and while his pass protection was passable he is blown up snap after snap in the run game. His benching gave us a look at rookie Wyatt Teller who also seemed to pass block a little better than he run blocked but showed at least some positive signs. John Miller played most of the year at right guard and other than Dawkins was probably our most consistent lineman, but that consistency was play that was a little below average. Is an impending FA and I don't expect him back. Ike Boettger was the more intriguing of the young guys they played a bit late on. Expect him to compete for a job in camp.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 2/10

 

Center:  Ryan Groy started and ended the season and while he is not terrible, he showed why he has been a backup to this point in his NFL career. He really seems to struggle with the protections and communication too. He is a FA and won't be back. Russ Bodine played the middle of the year and is much better from the mental standpoint - and his pass protection is serviceable too. But he gets about as much push in the run game as my 5 year old niece would. I think he is the perfect backup. An upgrade at starter is required.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 4/10

 

Wide receiver:  The Bills have started the process of rebuilding the receiver room in 2018 ditching the failed Kelvin Benjamin experiment and got some decent production from an UDFA and a 5th round pick of the 2017 Denver Broncos. I said repeatedly in pre-season I expected this WR group to suck but the season was all about finding out whether we had something in one or two of the young guys. I expect both Foster and McKenzie to be back in 2019 but they should be complimentary receivers not the focus of the passing game. Zay Jones had a better 2nd season but still has no business as a starter at this level.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 5/10

 

 

Defense to follow!!

 

[nucci]

They really messed up the beginning of the season with tearing the offense down to nothing and thinking Peterman could play QB

[CaptnCoke11]

6 hours ago, LABILLBACKER said:

Agree with everything.  Our first pick will either be Jonah Williams or one of the big DT's. Agree Crossman and Castillo are done. Gotta draft 2 wrs out of the 10 picks. Torn between keeping Shady or not. If you can stick Jonah at LT, Dawkins at RT and sign Paradis at C then McCoy might just be serviceable as a platoon rb for 1 more year. And finally I'd like to see us use more of that 90 million than others are suggesting. Especially on the o-line.  The only decent wide receiver in free agency who would come at a value contract would be Tyrell Williams.

A platoon running back with a 9 million cap hit his bad business.  He’s done.  Just move on and be done. 

[GunnerBill]

Defense

 

Interior D-Line:  Our best defensive tackle in 2018 was still, all things considered, Kyle Williams. Good luck Kyle on whatever you do next. Put this man on the wall! Harrison Phillips had a good rookie campaign and is probably a bit better than Kyle against the run, but he offered next to nothing in terms of passing game penetration. Which brings me nicely onto the not so shining Star..... in fairness Lotulelei got better as the year went on. I thought he struggled (and to be honest looked out of shape) through 6 weeks but he ended the season on an upward swing and is a limited but serviceable run plugger. Jordan Phillips was probably our most disruptive pocket pusher inside, but his fundamentals are a little inconsistent and so he is a boom or bust type player every snap. All in all, not too bad but need more disruption.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 6/10

 

EDGE:  You could legitimately make an argument that Jerry Hughes and Lorenzo Alexander were not just the Bills best two pass rushers this year but their best two players - period. 'Zo was really found a nice in this D this year after being used strangely for much of 2017 and Jerry had one of his best years even if the 7 sacks he finished with don't jump off the page. However, those two are 173 between (okay.... 67 by the time next season starts) Shaq had a very good year and has also found a role but it is as an edge setter and a guy who can fake pressure and drop (he has got his hands on 6 passes this year on simulated pressures) but his pass rush impact is negligible. Trent Murphy played the whole year hobbled, isn't worth the money they are due to pay him next year and they should save what they can and cut ties. They desperately need a young pass rusher. It is one of the biggest needs on the team.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 4/10

 

Linebackers:  Matt Milano had a very good sophomore year. He continues to look every inch the modern NFL linebacker - capable in coverage and playing with speed sideline to sideline. Took a step forward in his run defense too and for an undersized guy in that respect held up well. Pencil him in for the future - he is here to stay. Tremaine Edmunds had an odd rookie year. He makes plays that most people playing MLB in the NFL simply cannot make. But his fundamentals and lane discipline in the run game was a major issue. He seems to identify the right gaps and then get overexcited and chase the ball which has allowed offensive linemen to take him out of the play. Needs to improve a lot but the ceiling is still sky high. I expect the Bills to persevere with him at MLB one more year to see if it clicks before even thinking about shifting him outside. Alexander played mainly as a guy attacking the line of scrimmage which suits him much better and Julian Stanford played better in limited action than I expected and he likely stays around in 2019.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 6/10

 

Corner:  Tre'Davious White is, for my money, the best player on the Buffalo Bills. A few people were getting carried away halfway through the season and declaring him the best corner in the NFL already. Perspective is needed - he is not there yet - but he can get there. He is solidly in the top corners in the league and he is bordering onto elite company. Hope the head issue yesterday is nothing to worry about (as has been mentioned he has already had one concussion - thanks Gronk). We shuffled through some disasters opposite White before finally giving Levi Wallace his head. Wallace lacks ideal speed but he understands the Bills zone scheme really well and had a very promising season. I'd still like competition brought in for the #2 corner spot but Wallace is the man in possession. Taron Johnson had an outstanding rookie year in the nickel before injury struck. He has that short area quickness and change of direction all good nickels need. I think he is going to be here a while.  Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 7/10

 

Safety:  Hyde and Poyer have completed their second season together as the Bills centre field duo - and have established themselves as one of the league's best pairs in that time. Jordan Poyer didn't quite play up to his 2017 level, he had some issues in the run game (was exposed by Edmunds' rookie struggles at MLB) but he was still an effective pass defender with 6 passes defensed and 4 INTs (13 and 5 respectively last season). Micah Hyde's passes defensed and INT numbers were down on last year too.... but both safeties were thrown at less than in 2017 - teams were staying away from them. Hyde had an excellent year and is an obvious leader on the team. Rafael Bush was used in the dime and nickel packages and was only adequate at best so depth remains a slight concern. Comfort level with where we are heading into 2019: 8/10

 

 

 

Edited December 31, 2018 by GunnerBill

[dubs]

7 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

I am trying to figure out what ppl are watching when they say this OL was not bad....this OL was HORRIBLE

 

There is more to offensive line play then just giving your QB enough time to throw the ball before he takes hit after hit....and watching defenders tackling your running backs in the backfield.....

 

Our problems ALL start there......yes we need better offensive weapons but it makes absolutely no difference if a.   We cant keep a QB healthy unless he is scrambling on every other play and b.  Unless we have a LEGIT running game (you know....like we USED to?)

 

Sign FA offensive linemen.......draft free agent offensive linemen..and NOT in the late rounds like you did with Teller so that he can sit for half the season before he gets a chance to play......

 

We sit at 9.....NONE of the WR's make sense at 9.....but Jonah Williams does.

 

Draft Jonah....start him at either LT or LG

Move Teller to RG

Sign a better free agent C....double down and DRAFT a Guard in the higher rounds that ALSO can play center

We have 90 million dollars......for christ sake PLEASE improve the RT position so that we can run to BOTH sides of our offensive line......

 

You bought the house in Josh Allen.....now its time to buy the insurance for the house if we want this offense to resemble SOMETHING that looks like a NFL offense week to week......NFL offenses can run the ball when they need to.....they can run the ball regardless of who is carrying the rock......they take pressure off of young QBs and put them in good positions to score.

 

If we would have had that THIS year we are probably 9 and 7 or 8 and 8......how many games did we lose because our offense was flat putrid and hoping a QB would save it as inserted what......FOUR quarterbacks behind center?  PATHETIC.

 

Oh and....time to do something about the special teams......which were specially BAD

 

I do agree with this. The O-line was terrible and it needs to be priority one. I wonder if Castillo was a factor in how bad they were but regardless, it needs to be overhauled with talent. 

 

Look at the season Luck had with a better oline this year. Huge difference. 

[jethro_tull]

Are the Bills in better or worse "condition" than the 2017 (5-11) Chicago Bears ?    Arguably I say better.  Mirror what the Bears did to support Triubisky-

Surround JA with more weapons, build / develop the OL and fortify the DL and next year's Bills could be right where the Bears are now- arguably a shot at the Super Bowl.   

[Straight Hucklebuck]

10 hours ago, ColoradoBills said:

Predicted a 6-10 season.  I know there are people that doubt Daboll but I think McDermott and Beane are believers and he

will take control of the offense more in 2019.  I expect him to be involved heavily in the FA and draft.

Daboll will tailor an offense next year that will emphasize Josh Allen's strengths.

 

FA money will help fills holes/depth on D.

 

Barring anything crazy I see the Bills much improved next year and fighting for the Division/Wildcard.

I'm pretty optimistic about their future.

Fighting for a Wildcard, or actually solidly in the Playoffs? 

[GunnerBill]

13 minutes ago, jethro_tull said:

Are the Bills in better or worse "condition" than the 2017 (5-11) Chicago Bears ?    Arguably I say better.  Mirror what the Bears did to support Triubisky-

Surround JA with more weapons, build / develop the OL and fortify the DL and next year's Bills could be right where the Bears are now- arguably a shot at the Super Bowl.   

 

I would argue slightly worse. I feel better about Josh than I did about Mitch this time last year but in terms if what the two teams needed I'd say slightlt worse. The Bears needs a year ago were:

 

- a top end pass rusher (we also need);

- a rangy playmaking MLB (hopefully we already have);

- a tight end (we also need);

- wide receivers (we also need).

 

In addition we also need (and the Bears already had in place):

 

- some youth and dynamism at running back;

- an offensive line.

 

So I think we have a little further to go than they did.