johndhall1 Posted December 15, 2020 Posted December 15, 2020 4 hours ago, RochesterLifer said: Thank you for the thoughtful and enjoyable write-up. Regarding: #1. I had the thrill of seeing Pele play as a Cosmo against the Rochester Lancers back in the NASL days - a treat I'll never forget. #3. That 7:11, 13 play drive, to me, is THE statement of the season by our beloved Bills, establishing themselves as a championship caliber team. Let's see what the future holds! I saw Pele play at Holleder also. ‘73- ‘75 ish? I was a little kid.still have the pennant I got at that game 1
NoHuddleKelly12 Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 Thanks Virgil, I echo the sentiments upthread, I kept searching under your name as you and Shaw are postgame must-reads around here! Keep up the good work! 1 1
ganesh Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 7 hours ago, Seasons1992 said: I worried for your safety............constantly clicking Refresh to find a missed post. Glad you're well! this !!!!
GETTOTHE50 Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 I wish I was a headlight, on a north bound train 1
The Jokeman Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 7 hours ago, Virgil said: I really thought that XP was good. It looked good on the tv angle.
Gugny Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 8 hours ago, Virgil said: 4 - Crazy cat peekin' through a lace bandanna, Like a one-eyed Cheshire, like a diamond-eye jack. A leaf of all colors plays a golden-string fiddle, To a double-E waterfall over my back. Still waiting for some lyrics to speak to me. Nothing yet. 14 long weeks. Sigh.
BillsFan619 Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 8 hours ago, Virgil said: My apologies for the lateness of this, but work and a late night game really has taken it out of me lately. However, it's been good to sit back and listen to the post games and media reactions. The questions about what type of team we are seem to be answered and the optimism is contagious. Welcome aboard the Bills bandwagon 1 - Pele - Playing soccer in high school, I had a coach who idolized the soccer great Pele. He told me about people would go to a game and be incredibly disappointed with how he played up until halftime, but then he would absolutely take over and dominate the second half. My coaches point was, Pele used the first half to keep the game close and study the opponents tendencies. Once he figured them out, he would absolutely dismantle them. I thought about this after the Steelers game a lot in addition to all of the naysayers about the Bills inability to make half time adjustments. If ever there were a game where we did just that, it was this one. The Bills offense was night and day different coming out of the tunnel and completely imposed their will against one of the top rated defenses in the league. The pressure, the coverage, the gaps were all exposed and Daboll deserves a ton of credit. 2 - Momentum - The shifting of a games momentum is something you typically gradually feel. For this game, if you weren't lulled asleep by the punt-fest yet as the thoughts of depression creeped in about another poor Prime Time showing, you could see the entire game turn on the pick six by Taron Johnson. Of all the plays fans have been clamoring for, this was it. The Steelers had established their offense all season on their short passing attack. Our offense couldn't score. Our defense had yet to score a defensive touchdown all season. Johnson's anticipation, cut on the ball, and break away speed from JuJu was the most perfect moment that could happen for this game and defense. Within a few moments, all of your doubts and questions about this game and contender talk went away. There was no looking back. 3 - 7:11 - If there were one sticking point fans had beyond prime time games and defensive turnovers, it was the Bills inability to fully put teams away. The Bills controlled the clock for over the last seven minutes of the game and did it mainly rushing the ball. The Steelers knew what was coming and they still couldn't stop our rushing attack. A top tier defense couldn't stop the Bills rushing game down the stretch. Let that really sink in for a moment. Moss showed great cuts and acceleration again. Motor broke multiple arm tackles and Josh needs to learn to delay that slide another yard 🙂. Of all the impressive things that occurred in this game, this might stand out as the biggest win to me. Our ability to control the clock and open up the passing game with the run is something that will go a long way in our playoff run. 4 - Crazy cat peekin' through a lace bandanna, Like a one-eyed Cheshire, like a diamond-eye jack. A leaf of all colors plays a golden-string fiddle, To a double-E waterfall over my back. 5 - Disrespect - Mentioned in the post game, was the Bills being aware of Juju making a video of him dancing on our logo before the game. There were images of Ralph's statue with Steelers gear on him. The broadcast even showed highlights of the Patriots blowing us out on Sunday night a few years back. These are all things that Bills fans might previously look for small victories within the game for, but know there wasn't much we could do about it. Then, it was shown as Josh brought the team out of the tunnel, that he even mentioned how the Steelers could do the talking, but we'd be doing the dancing. And dance we did. There's just something to the fact that we can take the hits and back it up. I love that the team is tracking on all of these things and save their responses for the field and after the game. This team gets it, has a lot of pride, and is showing the world one game at a time. 6 - Records - While not earth shattering, the fact that Diggs was the first to 100 catches and Allen broke the single season total touchdown record in this game, while we still have 3 left to play is outstanding to me. Normally, I would give both of these guys their own spot, but they've been talked about so much at this point, that any doubters are comical at this point. Diggs and Allen are arguably the top 3 at their positions and it was on full display for this game. Diggs ability to get open and draw defensive attention while Allen calmly maneuvers within the pocket and not letting turnovers and pressure slow him down, is making for an epic combination. It may have been taboo to mention Kelly and Reed compared to Diggs and Allen, but not anymore. 7 - Defensive Backs - Short passing game, weak armed Ben or not; our defensive backs played an amazing game tonight. Yes, Wallace got turned around on his touchdown, but he made up for it on the last interception (I don't think anyone was more surprised by this pick than Levi. He didn't know what to do after). On multiple replays, you could see Tre and the other defenders eyes looking back to Ben while in coverage. They were locked in on the Steelers offense and dominated the passing attack most of the game. They also adjusted to playing more press after the first few series, which really paid off. The only real big plays came on offensive pick plays were our guys ran into each other. While it helps that Ben doesn't have the arm he used to, the confidence and swagger this gives our guys is immeasurable and you could see it on the sidelines. 8 - Pass Rush - The Steelers and Bills send pressure in very different ways. The Steelers adjust their defensive lineman to bunch on a certain side, and then send half-second delayed blitzes from the box. This makes it really hard for Josh to see where the pressure is coming from and where the coverage will be. It was very well executed and I have to tip my cap to them. The Bills typically put everyone in the box and either sent them all, or pulled some back. While both quarterbacks were under duress, once the game was said and done, the Bills hit home more than the Steelers. As said before, the Bills seemed to figure out that pressure at half time and Josh made them pay. My favorite blitz of the night was when Milano came in and physically pushed the Steelers halfback off his feet and into Bed. It wasn't a sack, but my god. Sorry for the shortened thoughts this week, but a lot of this has already been said over the past few days. It's great to be 10-3 and know this team has fully and finally arrived. We should expect to win every game going forward and a deep run through the playoffs shouldn't shock anyone. It's great to feel respected by the league and know that no game or time slot is above our head. Great game and good luck to everyone. Go Bills!!! 9. No need to apologize, bro. Love your thoughts! 10. We appreciate the hard work that you put in each week to make these thoughts happen. Have a great week! 1
HappyDays Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 8 hours ago, Virgil said: The Bills offense was night and day different coming out of the tunnel and completely imposed their will against one of the top rated defenses in the league. The pressure, the coverage, the gaps were all exposed and Daboll deserves a ton of credit. I give Daboll a ton of credit for making those adjustments at halftime but I also wish that had been the original game plan. It's not like Pittsburgh's pass rush is a surprise. You don't go against Watt and Heyward and expect long developing routes to open up. I thought the 1st half gameplan was just terrible and thankfully the defense held long enough for Daboll to figure it out. 1
John Gianelli Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 8 hours ago, RochesterLifer said: Thank you for the thoughtful and enjoyable write-up. Regarding: #1. I had the thrill of seeing Pele play as a Cosmo against the Rochester Lancers back in the NASL days - a treat I'll never forget. #3. That 7:11, 13 play drive, to me, is THE statement of the season by our beloved Bills, establishing themselves as a championship caliber team. Let's see what the future holds! I saw Pele in Rochester, too. Probably the same game. 1
QLBillsFan Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 13 minutes ago, HappyDays said: I give Daboll a ton of credit for making those adjustments at halftime but I also wish that had been the original game plan. It's not like Pittsburgh's pass rush is a surprise. You don't go against Watt and Heyward and expect long developing routes to open up. I thought the 1st half gameplan was just terrible and thankfully the defense held long enough for Daboll to figure it out. Half time adjustments were unreal. I hadn’t watched a lot of the Steelers other than highlights. WR’s had been pretty impressive especially Claypool. Thought our D game plan was solid and executed extremely well. Great to see our coaching prep and adjustments on the fly. Good signs for playoffs.
Hapless Bills Fan Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 5 hours ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said: It started out a slugfest Some might say a boring defensive game. I might be a rare bird, but I'm fascinated by defensive games. I'm always trying to get into the chess match of the thing. I felt like the Bills set the tone from the very first kickoff where Ray-ray McCloud made the foolish decision to bring the kick out to be met by a serving of Matekavich with a side order of Siran Neal on the 10. 5 hours ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said: the one Steelers TD drive was inevitable. It had nothing to do with a prevent defense. I find that this typically happens with as good a team the Steelers are. Just can’t stop everything. When did Taron Johnson go out with a concussion? 5 hours ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said: Josh went from a poor start to at one point 11 for 11 on passing and Collinsworth was astonished 😯. Another convert from the ranks of doubters. "I feel like we're watching 'a star is born'." I kinda felt like that at the beginning of the season, Collinsworth, what took ya so long? (maybe he only watches the games he covers?) I worried during the Tenn. and KC games until Hasselbeck pointed out the linebacker brace and talked about his own experience with that injury. 1
Virgil Posted December 16, 2020 Author Posted December 16, 2020 1 hour ago, Gugny said: Still waiting for some lyrics to speak to me. Nothing yet. 14 long weeks. Sigh. soon my love 55 minutes ago, HappyDays said: I give Daboll a ton of credit for making those adjustments at halftime but I also wish that had been the original game plan. It's not like Pittsburgh's pass rush is a surprise. You don't go against Watt and Heyward and expect long developing routes to open up. I thought the 1st half gameplan was just terrible and thankfully the defense held long enough for Daboll to figure it out. I think that sometimes you have to see how your guys hold up. You may know what’s coming, but that doesn’t mean your guys can handle it. They saw what worked and didn’t , then adjusted. I can tell you how hot the flame is, but you won’t know exactly how it will burn until your hand gets near it
Figster Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 58 minutes ago, Virgil said: soon my love I think that sometimes you have to see how your guys hold up. You may know what’s coming, but that doesn’t mean your guys can handle it. They saw what worked and didn’t , then adjusted. I can tell you how hot the flame is, but you won’t know exactly how it will burn until your hand gets near it I agree, make them stop what you do best 1st before making any adjustments. Josh Allen is good at buying extra time with his legs. I think getting the RB's more involved in the Offense as of late has helped a great deal when it comes to making halftime adjustments IMO. 1
MJS Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 3 hours ago, Gugny said: Still waiting for some lyrics to speak to me. Nothing yet. 14 long weeks. Sigh. Twinkle, twinkle, little star How I wonder what you are Up above the world so high Like a diamond in the sky Twinkle, twinkle, little star How I wonder ... what you are... 4
ganesh Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 3 hours ago, HappyDays said: I give Daboll a ton of credit for making those adjustments at halftime but I also wish that had been the original game plan. It's not like Pittsburgh's pass rush is a surprise. You don't go against Watt and Heyward and expect long developing routes to open up. I thought the 1st half gameplan was just terrible and thankfully the defense held long enough for Daboll to figure it out. Yes..But the surprise element in the 1st half was their DBs repeatedly blitzing.. That changed the game plan and required adjustment. I don't really know why we keep second guessing these people who are paid to do their jobs. 1
PaoloBillsFanFromItaly Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 " For this game, if you weren't lulled asleep by the punt-fest yet as the thoughts of depression creeped in about another poor Prime Time showing" I don't agree on this one, for the first time this season I was confident in Bills defense, even if a couple of third down stops were due to receivers dropping the football. When Taron Johnson picked the ball I screamed in excitment and I was sure that momentum was in our side because the offense lighting up is only a matter of time.
Chandler#81 Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 12 hours ago, Virgil said: I really thought that XP was good. it WAS!! Dammit!🤬 1 1
Warcodered Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 10 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said: it WAS!! Dammit!🤬 So it happened again? Does he have an oddly specific curse?
Chandler#81 Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 15 minutes ago, Warcodered said: So it happened again? Does he have an oddly specific curse? I fear it’s worse than that. The Referees are an oddly specific curse.
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted December 16, 2020 Posted December 16, 2020 7 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said: When did Taron Johnson go out with a concussion? 3rd QTR . Johnson exited the contest early in the third quarter following Pittsburgh running back James Conner‘s one-yard run. He was able to walk off the field but was ruled out just before the fourth quarter began 2 hours ago, Warcodered said: So it happened again? Does he have an oddly specific curse? Refereeitis
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