A Few Thoughts About the Patriots Game, in no particular order

[Rocky Landing]

1 hour ago, PatsFanNH said:

It felt like the Bills were in control all game to me. Cam still bouncing balls all over the place but Meyers and Byrd made some good catches make him look good IMO.  
 

as I said before Talent won over pure heart. The Bills had a lot more talent on the field than the Pats had especially on O. 

IMO 8 times to many.  You were running all over the Pats D

Sorry, but Josh Allen ain't no Cam Newton.

[Seasons1992]

1 hour ago, Virgil said:

If you can't be happy at 6-2, then there is no pleasing you.

 

 

******A LOT of people just left the chat room.******

 

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, PatsFanNH said:

2. Dislike BB all you want IMO he outcoached McDermott and was one Cam fumble away from stealing a win the Pats had no right to.

 

*eyeroll*  Nice coaching call on the onside kick, Outcoacher Fan.  We appreciated the points.

 

 

1 hour ago, PatsFanNH said:

6.  This is now the Bills division to lose. So enjoy it.

 

Thank you, I am enjoying it.

[RichRiderBills]

I hated the deep shot...was a bad call by Daboll given the success of the running game. Poor choice to do that after a 2 yard loss 2nd and 12 i believe, which really made our 3rd down predictable and essentially killed 2 downs.

 

 

 

 

[muppy]

1 hour ago, sullim4 said:

 

That onside kick was a terrible call at that point in the game given the low percentage of success.  I thought it wreaked of desperation for a 2-4 team desperate for a win as opposed to a shrewd move on BB's part.

if it had worked the Bills would have been screwed so I disagree it was such a bad call ...it was only bad because it wasn't executed well and the Bills caught the ball. aka it didn't work. If it had he'd been called the evil genius as usual

[Logic]

Just wanted to chime in and say I appreciate the positive thread.

 

6-2 at the halfway point, with a 4-0 division record, is a great place to be.

 

There is just no pleasing some people, and the amount of negativity I’ve read on these forums after two consecutive Bills WINS is just absurd.
 

Good teams find ways to win. You are what your record says you are.

 

Good game, good first half of the season, keep improving and correcting problems. On to Seattle.

[Haslett_Stomp]

Thanks Virgil.  I look forward to your "thoughts" every week.  Adding to point #2, I'm really impressed with Singletary's blocking.  He leveled one of the Pats*** DL on one of Moss' bigger gains and consistently picks up the blitz.

 

 

Edited November 2, 2020 by Haslett_Stomp

[Scott7975]

1 hour ago, PatsFanNH said:

1. The Pats WR name you were looking for is Meyers.

 

2. Dislike BB all you want IMO he outcoached McDermott and was one Cam fumble away from stealing a win the Pats had no right to.

 

3. if the Bills had stuck to Running the ball they would have run away with the game but insisting on attacking the Pats secondary IMO kept the Pats in the game.

 

4. your RB ran hard and well..

 

5. The question is still the Bills D,who more like survived than one that game.  They will have do better against teams like Seattle etc.

 

6.  This is now the Bills division to lose. So enjoy it.

 

 

Really?  I think calling the onside kick was dumb.  Advantage McD this one.

[HappyDays]

1 hour ago, PatsFanNH said:

Dislike BB all you want IMO he outcoached McDermott

 

Uh, no. The desperate onside kick lost the game. Several times he surrendered drives by running on 3rd and long, he just happened to convert one of them because our defense is soft. If it had been Daboll that called a designed QB run at the end there most of this board would be blaming him for the loss and calling for him to be fired. Belichick is having a really tough time adjusting to life without Brady, meanwhile Brady is thriving. He is still the greatest coach of all time but this game he did a lot of stupid things that would have had me yelling at the TV if it was the Bills coach.

Edited November 2, 2020 by HappyDays

[Jerome007]

1 hour ago, CSBill said:

 

This, I totally agree. As many pointed out in the game threads, why did they switch when it seemed to go so well when Bates came in? When he was in there the Bills move quickly down the field and he got the key block on the first touchdown run by Moss.

 

Even the broadcasters were questioning the change. I hope McD was asked about it in the post game presser.

 

Also, great job as always, Virgil. Thank You.

I can't know for sure of course, but IMO It's not because of how Bates played but that it was the center position. The coaches must have felt Feliciano was much better at calling plays for the line. And overall wow did #76 made his presence felt today. Welcome back!

 

 

Klein blitzing was awful when blocked he was stiffened on the spot. Every blitzer can do something if unblocked...

 

 

[Coach Tuesday]

29 minutes ago, RichRiderBills said:

I hated the deep shot...was a bad call by Daboll given the success of the running game. Poor choice to do that after a 2 yard loss 2nd and 12 i believe, which really made our 3rd down predictable and essentially killed 2 downs.

 

 

 

 

Totally agree.  You throw a 7 yard hitch there for a manageable third down.  Such a bizarre time to dial up a deep shot.

[Virgil]

1 minute ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Totally agree.  You throw a 7 yard hitch there for a manageable third down.  Such a bizarre time to dial up a deep shot.

 

I think you have to take 2 to 3 deep shots a game, if only to keep the defense honest.  Preferably, you want to do this on 2nd and short, but I respect the call.

[Rocky Landing]

36 minutes ago, RichRiderBills said:

I hated the deep shot...was a bad call by Daboll given the success of the running game. Poor choice to do that after a 2 yard loss 2nd and 12 i believe, which really made our 3rd down predictable and essentially killed 2 downs.

 

 

 

 

The deep shots are important for all the plays that come after. As the Bills play calling goes for short yardage throws, and runs, the defense starts to tighten the field, bringing the pressure closer to the line of scrimmage. The deep shots, even if they're unsuccessful, will "keep the defense honest," as they say, and force them to respect the deep threat. It takes pressure off the run game, and short yardage plays-- crossing routes, slants, etc-- that ultimately win the game. 

[CLTbills]

2 hours ago, PatsFanNH said:

1. The Pats WR name you were looking for is Meyers.

 

2. Dislike BB all you want IMO he outcoached McDermott and was one Cam fumble away from stealing a win the Pats had no right to.

 

3. if the Bills had stuck to Running the ball they would have run away with the game but insisting on attacking the Pats secondary IMO kept the Pats in the game.

 

4. your RB ran hard and well..

 

5. The question is still the Bills D,who more like survived than one that game.  They will have do better against teams like Seattle etc.

 

6.  This is now the Bills division to lose. So enjoy it.

 

 

Did you forget that he kicked an onside kick that backfired and the Bills took that starting field position and turned it into 7 points? Did you also forget the part where he kicked a field goal on 3rd and 1 at around the 15 yard line, with 12 seconds still on the clock, which is MORE than enough time for a shot to the end zone?

Those two decisions very possibly cost the Patriots the win today. Is that what you call "outcoaching?"

 

This board would be (rightfully) INCENSED if McDermott had pulled some crap like that. 

Edited November 2, 2020 by CLTbills

[PonyBoy]

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

When I think of NFL divisional rivals, I always think about the Packers and Vikings.  No matter how good one of them got, they always played each other hard and close.  Coincidentally, they also played today and the Vikings pulled out the upset win.  When you play in the same division, the coaches and players simply know each other better and the results don't match up with what the pre-game analytics would suggest.  Then we have the Bills and the Pats today....

 

1 - Daboll - I've been incredibly critical of Daboll's rushing attack play calls this year.  He's lacked creativity and seemed to run because he felt he technically had to.  Today, he deployed a rushing attack that I hope he maintains for the rest of the season (in quality, not quantity).  He put Motor and Moss on the field at the same time, used zone runs, and pulls guards.  The result was our best rushing game of the season.  I can't speak for the wind today, but I would have liked to have seen some more passes once the rain stopped, especially against the depleted Pats secondary.  Regardless, solid gameplan that should have put up 10 more points than we say (Int and drop). 

 

2 - Motor/Moss - These guys really made the most of their opportunities today and really impressed me.  Moss's rush before the first touchdown validated the Bills selection of him in the 3rd round as he showed speed, power, and a quick cut.  His two touchdown runs really showed his power, even with some help from Feliciano and Winters pushing him in.  Both guys broke some arm tackles and solid burst.  I'd give the edge today to Moss for overall production, but they both made a solid argument for MVP.  The touchdowns determined the winner for me.  Call-out to Motor for making a solid block on one of Moss's runs.  Love that team effort.

 

3 - Feliciano - I didn't know I could miss a guy I barely paid attention to before and an offensive lineman at that.  On each of the big run replays, Feliciano absolutely mauled his defenders.  He probably should have been called for a few holds as I saw him straight up tackle a guy once.  Man, he really made a difference out there, again with the touchdown support.  It's really unfortunate that Morse went out with a concussion (especially being his potential 5th), because the line could look a lot different in the rushing attack with Morse, Feliciano, and Ford anchoring the middle.  Either way, solid effort in his first game back and in transitioning to Center.

 

4 - You say you got a real solution, well you know, we'd all love to see the plan

You ask me for a contribution, well you know, we are doing what we can

But if you want money for people with minds that hate

All I can tell you brother is you have to wait

Don't you know it's gonna be alright, alright, alright.

 

5 - Pats Defense - First off, can we talk about the Hoodie' son's mullet?  Is he trying to one-up his day for style points?  Moving on.  The pass rush of the Pats today was solid and didn't make Dawkins or Williams look great at times.  They were edge rushing wide on most past plays and sped up Allen's clock.  They may not have brought Allen down much, but he took some shots today and made things uncomfortable at times.  The Hoodie was also up to his old tricks of standing all 11 guys pre-snap and showed 8 in the box.  I'm curious to see what the All-22 shows and hear more about the wind, because I'm curious how the coverage was downfield.

 

6 - Klein - For a FA target that we gave 6 mil a year too, I really expected more out of AJ this season.  He's been mainly non-existent and his snap rotation seems low.  Today, he missed at least two tackles today that resulted in solid gains.  Most of the plays today that gave me the typical Pats/Bills flashbacks, were attached to missed tackles where Klein was involved and in the area.  Overall, just not seeing the production from him that justifies us targeting him or his contract. 

 

7 - Allen - I hate to keep talking about the wind and the offensive scheme, but it's safe to say that any evaluation of Allen has to take those into consideration.  However, I think Allen overall played a solid game today and, more importantly, never seemed confused or raddled by the Pats defense.  His interception was a mis-play by Diggs.  Davis dropped a wide open touchdown pass that was a great play by Allen.  Josh had a few solid runs and took what was given.  His one deep shot missed, but I liked the shot.  There was a deep crossing route to Diggs that Diggs claimed to have his arm held, which would have extended a drive, but never saw a replay.  Overall, not a great game but also not a bad game.  I loved seeing the fire in Josh on his rushing TD and can't wait until the rematch in New England.

 

8 - Defense - Talk about a tale of two halves.  Based off the first half alone, I didn't think the Patriots were ever going to core a touchdown against us.  Not only did they score a touchdown in the second half, but they scored two and quickly.  On the second touchdown drive, we looked very Bills/Pats Billsy with missed tackles and penalties.  Penalties and mistakes overall kept the Pats in this game.  As for Frazier, I don't know why Tre didn't shadow Meyers once he showed to be the go-to guy for Cam.  This is now two weeks in a row where we've been susceptible e to the outside toss/pitch.  Then, on the last drive, you all felt it to.  I went from calm to panicked in about 10 seconds as the Pats drove down field to possible win the game at the end.  I couldn't wrap my brain around the concept of losing this game after the first 55 minutes of feeling completely in control.  But, thanks to the Zimmer and "Next Man Up Marlow", we got to see Cam sitting on the sideline in total shame and despair and Josh take the knee.  24 points should have been enough to keep this a stress-free game, but Frazier and the defense still showed we have a ways to go.

 

9 - The Hoodie - I've never hidden my disdain for the Cheat as I find him to be a poor example of winning at all costs.  You can call BS all you want, but I would trade one Super Bowl ring if it meant him being our coach.  His system only works when they win, and it's clear that's what earns him such a long leash with the players.  I've wondered if a primary reason for all their opts outs this season were because of the culture he creates.  I think his ego is ridiculous.  I think his son being on the defensive staff is ridiculous.  I still remember Brady throwing bombs to Moss in their 16-0 season because they were going for records.  I think about his press conferences, the way he pushes the rule book, and just overall demeanor.  I can go on forever, but it incensed me when they ran draws on 3rd and long, showing they had no respect for our offense.  His offensive kick backfiring into a touchdown felt amazing.  His timeouts while we were taking a knee rubbed me the wrong way too.  Yes, I'm bias in my dislike of him, and I couldn't be happier to see him walk off the field a loser today.

 

10 - McD - Gameball has to go to McD today for his first win against the Pats.  It may not have gone how anyone wanted it to, but a win is a win and we are 6-2 halfway through the season.  Our schedule doesn't get any easier next week, so this win was important.  We are one more division win from controlling all division tie breakers (don't even try to show me all the mathematical scenarios to prove me wrong, you know what I mean).  This was a solid win and had the defense played their part in the second half, would have been a solid win.  Great first half of the season and hopefully this gets the monkey off your back.

 

Shout out - Bass - It's easy to take for granted the 3 extra points and short Field Goal today, but Bass was solid against the win for all 4 kicks.  He misses even one of those, and we are possibly losing this game on the last drive.  All of his kicks were right down the middle.

 

*Disclaimed - If you are going to come on here and bash the close win against a depleted offense, just post it somewhere else.  In a week where the Dolphins embarrassed the Rams, Vikings ran over the Packers, and the Bengals crushed the Titans, any win in the conditions today is a positive.  If you can't be happy at 6-2, then there is no pleasing you.

 

Go Bills!

#5? Ummm... based on your profile picture, you have a mullet too. Hello pot, my name is black kettle. Lol. Teasing man, good write up as always.

[Rocky Landing]

5 minutes ago, CLTbills said:

Did you forget that he kicked an onside kick that backfired and the Bills took that starting field position and turned it into 7 points? Did you also forget the part where he kicked a field goal on 3rd and 1 at around the 15 yard line, with 12 seconds still on the clock, which is MORE than enough time for a shot to the end zone?

Those two decisions very possibly cost the Patriots the win today. Is that what you call "outcoaching?"

 

This board would be (rightfully) INCENSED if McDermott had pulled some crap like that. 

In all fairness, these are the sort of decisions that easily could have swung the game in their favor. Belichick was trying to win a game against a superior team, and he came frighteningly close. You don't win such games by playing it safe.

[Chicken Boo]

So we're blaming Diggs for the interception?  Typical.

[CLTbills]

6 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said:

In all fairness, these are the sort of decisions that easily could have swung the game in their favor. Belichick was trying to win a game against a superior team, and he came frighteningly close. You don't win such games by playing it safe.

The onside kick, I'll bite. But the FG? That's playing not to lose. That's Dick Jauron ball. Why wouldn't you at least attempt to score 7 in that situation?

Edited November 2, 2020 by CLTbills

[BobbyC81]

2 hours ago, sullim4 said:

 

That onside kick was a terrible call at that point in the game given the low percentage of success.  I thought it wreaked of desperation for a 2-4 team desperate for a win as opposed to a shrewd move on BB's part.

If it was successful it would’ve been called a shrewd move.  Thank you Matakevich.

[Virgil]

21 minutes ago, Chicken Boo said:

So we're blaming Diggs for the interception?  Typical.

He even said he made the wrong cut at the end  

 

Allen hater, typical