A few thoughts about the Bengals Game, from the game, in no particular order

[stevewin]

Speaking of PA - how about when Dalton ran for the TD and the announcer totally missed it and said run by Mixon stopped short of goal   After he said that I thought wow Dalton just ran one of the greatest fakes I've ever seen.  When they lined up for the extra point there were many confused fans.

 

Never seen so many people park in the lawns by where we go (whatever that road is that runs perpendicular to abbott by the gas station)  We got there before 11 and the place we usually go was already full.

 

Think this game was the fewest opposing jerseys I've ever seen.  Just packed with Bills fans.

 

Was glad to be on Bills side in the the shade.

 

I also think we are going to see more deep balls as the season goes on.  Early they hit Brown on a wicked comeback - and had him out wide alone with single coverage looks multiple times after that - thought for sure that first one was to set up a long ball later but it never came. 

 

It's crazy how often Daboll changes personnel - it's just continuous every play.

 

At one point I asked if Oliver was hurt - didn't notice him out there at all for a long time.

 

There was one play the D wasn't lined up right and Hyde was screaming at someone who was running around aimlessly to line up on the edge - which he did at the last second - then promptly blitzed to make the play behind the LOS  It was crazy.

 

That was such an unbelievably weird game - such domination early on but not fully capitalizing.  Then the 3rd period - with the crowd being totally taken out, and even when crowd got back into it, it was the all too well known nervous cheering thinking oh no don't blow this one!

 

BTW - flyovers should be fighter jets or nothing IMO.

[Kelly the Dog]

The deep ball to Foster was a rope right on the money. 

[SomeDudeAtHome]

20 minutes ago, stevewin said:

 

 

There was one play the D wasn't lined up right and Hyde was screaming at someone who was running around aimlessly to line up on the edge - which he did at the last second - then promptly blitzed to make the play behind the LOS  It was crazy.

 

 

There's a clip on buffalobills.com where Hyde talks about this after the game in case you're interested

[DCbillsfan]

Nice writeup.  Regarding the Bills D line, I believe the game plan was primarily to rush 4 and drop 7 into coverage.  Dalton has some good receivers even without Green and Ross is a burner.  Bengals came into the game with a number of 20 + yard pass plays so far.  Bills wanted to keep the play in front of them.  To a large extent, the game plan worked.  I'll admit though, I was expecting more of a pass rush with the Bengals O line beat up.  Dalton was getting rid of the ball pretty quick to counter Bills pass rush.

Edited September 23, 2019 by DCbillsfan

[formerlyofCtown]

4 hours ago, Virgil said:

Had the pleasure of attending the game Sunday, hence the delay in writing this up.  I also had the chance to since watch the recaps on youtube (which are about 10-15 min, amazing, and available quickly) of other games from around the league.  With that, this weeks thoughts are going to be a little different because I couldn't take notes or rewind plays.  There are also going to be things that I missed because of my vantage point, but also things I was able to pay attention to.  Either way, here we go.

 

1 - Stadium experience - Since I was at the game, I wanted to share a few things about what seemed to be different that previous years.  First off, a lot of the lawn parking popularity seemed to have shifted this year.  Some lawns, usually empty were packed and others were empty.  Also, seems like some people are starting to do more pre-paying.  It's interesting to see how much of a business it's become.  My normal spot, the old dentist office, was sold out by 9:30am, and I've never seen it sell out period.  

 

When going into the stadium, people really struggled with electronic tickets.  I get it, use tickets.  I'm sorry old times, but times are changing and you need to get used to it.  It really helps prevent fake tickets.  The security lines moved fine for me, but the ticket scanning took forever.  Personally, I love electronic tickets and put all of them in my apple wallet.  I do this for all tickets, including movie and plane.  It makes like so much easier as it doesn't require internet.  

 

In the stadium, it was an absolute cookout.  The sun was brutal and even Hyde made comments after the game how they were gassed.  The last two minutes of the first half took forever. (Seriously, why did the Bengals wait until after two minute warning break to challenge the previous play?!)  Between that, reviews, and halftime, it took almost an hour to get through 5 minutes of game play. I was really surprised they kept going to commercial breaks so much in the 3rd when we were a solid 5 minutes behind other games.  It was so hot, that people went into the tunnels for a break.  My sister and I found a spot on one of the steps with large groups of other people.  No one blocked anyone's path, but security kept threatening to kick people out if they sat down.  They were honestly kind of ***** about it.  You had older people, flushed white, just trying to get a break from the sun and they just weren't having it.  Bad form.

 

In the last quarter, on the Bengals final offensive drive, that might have been the loudest I've heard the fans in as long as I can remember.  Maybe it was louder because we were only 9 rows deep, but it was deafening.  I was really proud of how the fans pulled it together, despite blowing the lead.

 

2 - Defensive Line - I'm going to start by saying that this is one of the harder units to evaluate because you don't know what their assignments are.  DT's, for example, are given high grades without acquiring any stats because they are setting up other players.  With that, I don't know what the gameplan was, but I was very disappointed in this unit.  The Bengals offensive line is notoriously bad.  I get that Dalton got the ball out quick, and that's where Frazier needs to start pressing the DB's a little bit, but we should have done more overall damage with our front 4.  We weren't playing contain, as Dalton is a statue, but we also rarely sent more than 4.  In my opinion, 4 should be enough to get more pressure than we did throughout the game. 

 

3  - Knox - I mean, I can't leave this out, can I?  I know it's been talked about to death, but holy crap.  I don't want to hear about Gronk.  Let's talk Shockey. I can't remember an angry run (see what I did there?) like I did.  The best part?  It was right in front of me.  I'm actually disappointed in all of you for not having more meme's and gifs ready to roll.  Seriously, get your priorities straight.  

 

Besides that, besides bringing the thunder, I'm really impressed with this kids speed.  The fact that he ran, and well, a TE sweep for yardage showed me this kid is going to get incorporated more and more into this offense.  I really liked what I've seen of this kid so far in both speed, hands, physicality, and blocking.  Also, dude looks like a goon, which helps at that position

 

4 - TBD Tailgate - I'm going to make a one time exception for the number 4 spot and really give credit to those that put together the tailgate. I got to meet some posters on here and put names to screen names.  It was a truly inviting atmosphere.  Moreso, I had a chance to meet SDS and it was impressive to see what's become of this site and how it brought people together.  Truly an accomplishment to be proud of.  

Side Note:  I took my sister to see the pinto experience as I had done it 4 years back.  I have to say, I don't like what it's become.  There was almost a 15 minute intro plugging podcasts and giving away shirts.  However, Pinto just kept making food selflessly the entire time and just a great overall dude.  The ketchup and mustard thing?  I guess it would be fun in the moment, but seemed strange to me with all the presentation of it.  

 

5 - Deep Shots - One big difference between this year and last is the lack of big plays downfield.  I'm not talking about the typical 15-20 yard downfield throws.  I'm talking about the endzone deep balls.  In this game, the Bengals typically played one safety deep and press.  Granted, they have a decent DB tandem, who are big boys btw.  There was one play early where they sent someone deep, but our offensive line didn't give Allen the time to let it develop.  The other deep shot we actually took made zero sense to me.  Allen's throw could've easily been intercepted as he threw it deep to exactly where the single deep safety was.  Overall, I would have liked to have seen Brown and Foster on opposite sides of the field, with both of them going deep.  Make the safety pick a side and at least take the shot.  I'm seeing way more press coverage with single safety coverage in the league.  We need to start making teams regret that.  The Pats started this party and we will see a healthy dose of it tomorrow.

 

6 - Running Game - This was probably our best rushing performance of the season.  Not to say that anyone broke 100 yards, but Gore had some solid runs, showed some burst, cuts, and a few +5 yard runs.  I was remiss when we cut McCoy without replacing him, but Gore was solid.  The line blocked well enough for him and he ended with a decent average.  On the other hand, Yeldon continues to be a concern for me.  The fumble was on him and he doesn't seem to make much of his opportunities.  When healthy, I think we will be in good shape with Gore and Singletary, with Singletary being the pass catching back.  But again, it was a step in the right direction

 

7 - Allen - I was surprised when I saw that his completion percentage was higher this week than last week.  I thought Allen played exactly like he has in the first two games, great for 65% of the game (no pun intended).  He made an absolutely inexcusably bad throw for an INT.  But, on that same play, he probably had that terrible intentional grounding call in his head.  On the flip side, I think about how many sacks this kid avoids and turns into plays.  I know you have to take the good with the bad, but he's got to stop with they throws across his body while falling backwards.  It's at least once a game.  

 

Other than that, his short pass accuracy was on point.  He's continuing to grow at the position and was again unshakable on the game winning drive.  In watching the other QB's this week, I can honestly say we are on pace to have the best QB of his draft class.  (More on that next)

 

8 - McD - How many times do people go back and criticize individual points in a game and try to talk about "what if we" or "why did we".  In this case, the decision to go for 2 after the penalty was an absolute difference maker in the game and we are talking about OT possibly, as well as a loss.  In terms of coming out prepared, one first down by the Bengals in the first half and no 3rd down conversions until the 4th quarter sums up the defensive performance.   McD's job is to win games and, no matter how close it got, we came out prepared, buckled down when needed to, and got the win.  I'm worried about the lulls we hit in games, more on that in a bit, but overall, solid job.

 

BUT, because I have to.  I really question our play calling at 1st and 10 on the 40 yard line when we were up 14-7.  We needed about 5 yards to get into FG range and make the game a two score affair.  We didn't call a single run or short yardage play and ended up punting.  To me, that was a missed opportunity.  

 

Lastly, I truly believe we have the best coach/QB combo for our situation.  For what Allen is given, asked to do, and situations he's being put in, I think there's a plan and it's coming along well.  Both are developing together well and I see this only growing in time.

 

9 - Receivers - I am continuously impressed with the hands on Beasley and Brown.  Both of them made fully out-stretched catches as well as found the first down makers.  Brown's field and play awareness is incredibly under-rated.  I don't know how much of this are the options he was with this self-proclaimed "complicated offense" or just him adjusting on the fly, but he's done a great job adjusting to plays and being Allen's safety option on broken plays.  I do believe that the Bills need to make a decision on our number 3.  I like McKenzie in the situations we are using him, but this back and forth between Zay and Foster needs to ironed out.  Zay had a great play in the game, but other than that, both weren't really heard from.

 

Also, I want to point out again that this is only the 3rd game where Allen has an entirely new offense around him.  If the offense is as complicated as Brown says, it takes offensive players, lineman included, a long time to find their timing and rhythm.  I think they've done a great job so far and it's been worse with other teams (more on that later)

 

10 - 3rd Quarter offense - I've always believed that next level coaching occurs at halftime.  You have all week to prepare for a team, as do they for you.  But, halftime adjustments can make or break a game.  The Bengals did it, we didn't and it almost cost us the game.  This is not 3 weeks in a row where we came out of the locker room extremely flat.  I don't know what the disconnect it, but it's a problem that will get us beat by better teams.  If you look at the Chiefs, they do all their damage in the 2nd quarters, but do enough where they can coast out the second half.  We aren't them.   Either way, I really hope that they figure out these issues as the Pats won't be as gracious.

 

Also, for the complaints about Allen not breaking 300 yards per game, all you need to do is look at the 3rd quarters.  If you proportioned out his yards from the other 3 quarters, he'd have broken 300 all three games.  

 

Bonus - Around the League:

 

Lamar - I'm sorry, I get the fantasy points and big play ability.  But if you want to talk accuracy and carelessness with the football, watch the breakdown of this game.  He hits guys on comebacks, or standing still, typical of your college spread offense.  He does his some people in stride.  However, when a play breaks down and the defense doesn't let him scramble, he is a dangerously bad.  He had at least two throws that were absolute prayers and his receivers bailed him out.  

 

Baker - I don't know how badly the Titans broke Baker in game one, but this guy plays scared.  Even when only rushing 3 against him, Baker bailed out way too quickly.  He also scrambled out in a way where the defenders could corner him.  On the last drive, he had a few plays where he could have stepped up into the pocket and probably picked up a first down on his feet up the middle.  

 

Back-Ups - Did Eli and Cam just lose their jobs permanently?  

 

 

That's all folks.  3-0 Baby with the Cheats coming to town.  For more post game, please visit @Shaw66 breakdown.

 

Go Bills!!!!

 

 

Recievers-If Allen through a more accurate pass to Zay 2 weeks in a row we are getting a TD in back to back weeks including a long TD this past game.  This is how this offense works, or maybe the Patriots should make up their minds on what WRs they are going to use.  We dont have a true depth chart beyond 1 and 2 at WR.  Just like the Pats do not.  We also don't have a depth chart at RB just like the Pats do not.  We have role players.

 

I can't figure out why many on this board with advanced football acumen don't understand this.  McDermott has pointed this out on several occasions when it comes to skill positions.  This is also likely the reason Shady is no longer here.

 

Halftime adjustments-If you are dominating a team at the half then what do you adjust.

1. I think we made excellent adjustments at the half in the Jets game.  We were shut out in the first half and won the game 17-16.

2. We seemed to adjust just fine once we figured out what the NYG/Cinci were doing and won in the 4th.

3. I think our biggest need is to reduce stupid turnovers like the Allen fumble.  I don't mind Allen through an interception while trying to make a play as he has made big plays in the same situation.  But on his fumble on the sideline, that could have really cost us.

Edited September 23, 2019 by formerlyofCtown

[CSBill]

You highlight the 2 point conversion. That decision and the execution thereof were huge! And as you mention, it affected the game in the end. Without it the Bengals only need to kick a FG to tie the game late. McDermott and Allen deserve credit for that early moment. 

[CardinalScotts]

32 minutes ago, Kelly the Dog said:

The deep ball to Foster was a rope right on the money. 

yes it took a tremendous defensive play finger tip at the top of his leap

 

[Augie]

4 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Great stuff, Virgil.  Always look forward to your write-ups.  Don't forget ... you promised me a hug this coming Sunday.

 

 

 

I met Virgil, and I didn’t have to pay extra to avoid the hug....or the underwear helmet. I think I won.....it’s so confusing.....

[dwight in philly]

4 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said:

 

Well you said it's an old dentist's office, so I'm wondering how ancient he is.

Dont you think you are trying too hard ? come on 

[GoBills808]

Cheers man great writeup

[Saxum]

4 hours ago, billsfan1959 said:

I counted at least five big plays he made doing just this sort of thing - including keeping scoring drives alive. Hopefully, he will continue to get better at learning when not to pull the trigger. However, that is part of his game and he makes far more good plays than bad. I don't seem to hear too much complaining when he does something like evade a rush, running toward the sideline, throwing off balance, 25 yards downfield, over one defender, infront of another defender, right into Brown's hands. He's a gunslinger. Better get used to it.

 

He reminds me a lot of Farve which is a complement for he was the best gunslinger ever in NFL.

[Virgil]

1 hour ago, formerlyofCtown said:

Recievers-If Allen through a more accurate pass to Zay 2 weeks in a row we are getting a TD in back to back weeks including a long TD this past game.  This is how this offense works, or maybe the Patriots should make up their minds on what WRs they are going to use.  We dont have a true depth chart beyond 1 and 2 at WR.  Just like the Pats do not.  We also don't have a depth chart at RB just like the Pats do not.  We have role players.

 

I can't figure out why many on this board with advanced football acumen don't understand this.  McDermott has pointed this out on several occasions when it comes to skill positions.  This is also likely the reason Shady is no longer here.

 

Halftime adjustments-If you are dominating a team at the half then what do you adjust.

1. I think we made excellent adjustments at the half in the Jets game.  We were shut out in the first half and won the game 17-16.

2. We seemed to adjust just fine once we figured out what the NYG/Cinci were doing and won in the 4th.

3. I think our biggest need is to reduce stupid turnovers like the Allen fumble.  I don't mind Allen through an interception while trying to make a play as he has made big plays in the same situation.  But on his fumble on the sideline, that could have really cost us.

The other teams you mention spread the all around to players on the field.  I don’t know that they rotate the receivers like we do.  I’d be curious to see the snap counts compared to others.  I also believe in getting players into rhythm. 
 

As for the adjustments, even Allen and McD admitted there were issues there.   Regardless, you can’t think shutting down almost completely on offense in the third quarter is ever a good the g. 

26 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

I met Virgil, and I didn’t have to pay extra to avoid the hug....or the underwear helmet. I think I won.....it’s so confusing.....

Yeah, we only played tummy sticks for a few moments.  Completely normal 

[3rdand12]

4 hours ago, CincyBillsFan said:

Great write up!

 

I have a theory on the deep balls.  I suspect they've focused all their time getting the short passing game down that they've neglected the deeper plays.  I expect we're going to see some strikes downfield every soon.

 

 

I have to agree. Daboll and Allen are building something. we might see something exciting this sunday. as Virgil mentioned, getting Foster and Mr Brown split wide or wherever but running fast as hell.

 

Thanks Virgil luv ya man

2 hours ago, billykay said:

The start of the 2nd half saw Cinci receiving & we gave them the wind. Why ? Was it because we wanted the wind in the 4th quarter ? I've never seen a coach do this. Interestingly, when we got the wind at our back, the wind had died down. Can anyone out there explain this.

My friend said there was no wind on the field. only in the tunnels and above (punts and kicks) he has season for his whole life and know the field

[Buffalo716]

For all the people talking deep ball, it will come with time

 

It really is A LOT harder to connect on balls 40-50 yards downfield than people make it out to be

 

The timing literally needs to be precise and being off by 1 foot is the difference between TD or Int or incomplete

 

Eli manning and Andy Dalton throw great deep balls and were way off downfield in both games. Sam Darnold couldn't hit on a pass past 12 yards

 

Allen has lots of new receivers and timing is literally the most key thing

 

All the shirt stuff will open up the deep stuff later

[fansince88]

2 hours ago, SomeDudeAtHome said:

 

There's a clip on buffalobills.com where Hyde talks about this after the game in case you're interested

What did he say?

[Stallions]

Thank you for this great write-up.  I can't get to the games anymore due to health issues and it's wonderful to read your descriptions about the game and atmosphere.  You can only feel so much from a TV screen.

[formerlyofCtown]

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

The other teams you mention spread the all around to players on the field.  I don’t know that they rotate the receivers like we do.  I’d be curious to see the snap counts compared to others.  I also believe in getting players into rhythm. 
 

As for the adjustments, even Allen and McD admitted there were issues there.   Regardless, you can’t think shutting down almost completely on offense in the third quarter is ever a good the g. 

Yeah, we only played tummy sticks for a few moments.  Completely normal 

I do agree it needs to get better but it is not as bad as some make it out to be.

 

They could anticipate what they think a team may do.

Edited September 24, 2019 by formerlyofCtown

[ganesh]

3 hours ago, formerlyofCtown said:

 

3. I think our biggest need is to reduce stupid turnovers like the Allen fumble.  I don't mind Allen through an interception while trying to make a play as he has made big plays in the same situation.  But on his fumble on the sideline, that could have really cost us.

Don't forget the Yeldon fumble. If we don't have that fumble deep in Bengal's territory. we would have put away the game right then and there...there was not going to be any comebacks when you are down 21.

[formerlyofCtown]

2 minutes ago, ganesh said:

Don't forget the Yeldon fumble. If we don't have that fumble deep in Bengal's territory. we would have put away the game right then and there...there was not going to be any comebacks when you are down 21.

I believe these things will get corrected.

[thebug]

5 minutes ago, ganesh said:

Don't forget the Yeldon fumble. If we don't have that fumble deep in Bengal's territory. we would have put away the game right then and there...there was not going to be any comebacks when you are down 21.

Yeah that was huge!