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

[Virgil]

2 minutes ago, Logic said:

Thanks for the writeup. Good, as always.

I respectfully disagree about AJ and Dobbins. I thought Epenesa had some bright moments both last season and in the game against the Lions on Friday night. There was one snap, in particular, where he and Rousseau met at the quarterback and it looked like they were gonna split him in half. Now that he's dropped some weight and no longer looks like a 5T and seems to have gained some burst, I think he has a bright future. I also feel like good Edge Rushers are so much more important to team success than running backs. I also haven't seen enough from Dobbins to make me feel like he'll be a substantially better pro than Zack Moss.

On the other hand, I have an edge rusher pick that I second guess as well, but for me it's Boogie Basham. I bought into the "we couldn't pass up the value, and edge rushers are so important" logic on draft night, but in retrospect, it's hard not to think Creed Humphrey or Aaron Robinson or Wyatt Davis wouldn't have helped this team more. Obviously, if Basham turns out to be a quality contributor, then I'm an idiot. I mean...I'm probably an idiot regardless, but I digress.

Oh, and If you're looking for a treasure trove of lyrics to pull from in your weekly writeups, it's hard to imagine a reserve more vast than Bob Dylan. Maybe that's too obvious, but it'd sure be a lot of material to work with. 

I don’t disagree that Epenesa has potential, but I view him as one of 6 guys.   With the question marks at runningback, I think Dobbins has the performance in college and current NFL that he’d be our unquestioned starter.  
 

That’s where most of my logic stops and starts. 

[Rocky Landing]

#4: https://athlonsports.com/college-football/inspirational-football-quotes

[Big Turk]

1 hour ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

Thank you, I was just clicking over to a stats site to pull the number and make the same point.

 

Our Punter doesnt really matter, because we simply don't punt.

 

I wouldn't go that far...situational football is still important, especially once you reach the playoffs 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

As it's the preseason for the refs, camera crews, networks, alongside the players; it's also the preseason for me in terms of getting myself back in that writing rhythm and mindset.  Typically, I would write these late Sunday night or Monday at work, thinking I was meeting a solid 24 hour turn around.  These Friday games just mess me up heading into the weekend because I can never find the time.  Also, I've been very in my own head around what more I can do with these recaps.  I want to change things up a bit, but also don't want to lose the core of how they read.  I'm still TBD (no pun intended) on that.  With that, these thoughts aren't going to be just around players, but where the team seems to be at while in preparation for this upcoming season.  Excuse the cobwebs and scattered nature, I'm just trying to warm up.

 

Also, I'm not going to waste much time on players who have no shot of making this team.  That goes for the horrific performance of the offensive line in the second half.  It's just not worth my or your time.

 

1 - Preseason Context - Preseason games are not real games.  I see so many fans who live and die by what they see in the preseason and it's never made much sense to me.  I'm not going to waste my time googling this, but I know there's a stat out there that shows how poorly 4-0 preseason teams perform in the regular season and to the contrary, how well 0-4 teams will do.  The Preseason is about individual match-ups in the most basic of settings.  There aren't any trick plays, stunts, disguises, audibles, pulls, or anything else.  The preseason comes down to a very simple message to all players:  Execute the fundamentals and beat the person in front of you.  That's it.  Case and point, if anyone thinks we are going to run as much as we did in the Lions game in the regular season, you are seriously crazy.  So please, take these games for what they are, practice against other teams with fans and a clock.

 

2 - Rousseau - It's incredibly natural for most fans to see what our first round pick can do during the preseason game and my eyes were locked in on the lumberjack every play he was on the field.  However, I believe there is a large amount of context to be found in what he was asked to do and the offense he was up against.  The Lions gained most of their yardage on quick curl routes and 3rd downs.  They struggled to move down the field with ease and got the ball off quickly.  Rousseau (I need a nickname for this kid quickly) was matched up against arguable the 3rd best prospect, and best overall OT in the draft, in Penei Sewell.  With no support, Rousseau was able to push Sewell back on multiple plays, one even resulting in an arm sack (which shows the strength of this kid).  While this is from just one quarter, it's easy to see the potential this kid has and I'd give him an A+ for his very first on field performance.  (Side note:  Honorable mention to Oliver who was playing out of position, got double teamed frequently, and still got some decent push up the middle)

 

3 - Running backs - We saw success early in the game with draw plays up the middle and Motor had two nice plays where he showed burst and the strength to break some arm tackles.  He also had a nice touchdown catch in the second quarter, which was overshadowed to me by the fact that he was out on the field in the first place.  Outside of that, there wasn't much to be excited about from the run game.  It didn't help that we made it obvious early that we had zero intention of passing the ball nor had any starters at pass catcher besides Knox and Gabe out there.  I was not very impressed with Breida as he didn't show that outside speed we are looking for.  Antonio Williams, who many wanted to see move up the depth chart, had a very lackluster day, but it's hard to evaluate him behind the putrid offensive line that was blocking for him.

 

4 - This is typically where I post lyrics from a song by one band for the entire season.  One year, I did movie quotes, but that was harder.  In the past, I've used the Grateful Dead (Always for you Bill), Dave Matthews, and Barenaked Ladies.  This year, I haven't decided what I'm going to do.  If you read this and have ideas, let me know.  I'll post this same message in all three game recaps and see if there's a consensus. 

 

5 - Bass - In full transparency, I've always enjoyed the jokes about kickers in the NFL.  While I understand the mental pressure of having the game on the line, I still never put much thought into kickers.  If they made the kick, they did their job.  If they missed, cut em!  Bass has slowly changed the way I pay attention to kickers.  Early last season, you could clearly see the power of his leg as he would just boom the ball off his foot.  But also, you could see the ball had a strange trajectory when he kicked it as if the ball had a mind of it's own.  There were definitely moments early one where many wondered if we kept the wrong kicker and we saw him improve as the season went on until we got to the point where you expected him to hit everything.  So far, through training camp and in this game, he truly is Bass-omatic.  His swagger and confidence each time he walks onto the field is evident and his kicks are going right down the middle with the same level of power.  It's been interesting to watch his development and hope he keeps it going.

 

6 - Haack - Of all the offseason moves I didn't understand, not resigning Bojo is one of them.  Beane made some cryptic comments that led me to believe Bojo wanted to get paid, but then he took a competition role with the Rams.  While we didn't punt a lot last season, I figured Bojo was a no-brainer to be resigned and wouldn't cost a lot (which he didn't for the Rams).  However, after just one game watching Haack, I'm good.  This guy has an absolute leg and is a pure assassin with it.  I don't understand why the Dolphins let him go.  He pinned two punts inside the 20 from the opposite side of the field and really had a good showing.  This, like so many other thing, is just proof of why I'm a fan and Beane is a Wizard.

 

7 - Refs - After one full weekend of preseason games, I'm officially on notice of the refs.  There were WAY too many flags in this game and the theme was leading with the helmet.  Like holding, I can't deny that this happens a lot in every game, but many of these looked like calls that normally don't get flagged.  I'm hoping this was an exhibition for the refs and they are leaning towards guilty until proven innocent while they practice, but if not; we are going to be in for a long season. 

 

8 - Fromm - Typically when I write these, I don't have the time to read other people's comments about the game.  However, with my aforementioned delay, I see a lot of Fromm bashing going on.  A lot of context needs to be considered here.  He was a 3rd string quarterback last season who hardly gets any reps.  There was no preseason last year and practices were limited.  This year, he's still a 3rd string QB (maybe) and this game was his very first live action against another team.  Take that, put him behind an abysmal offensive line and rookie receivers, and he still found a way to lead a game winning drive.  All I'm saying is, there's nothing to really evaluate him on from this game.  I have wondered if Mitch would became a trade candidate if other QB's keep going down around the league, but I still don't know that Fromm is our number 2 quarterback.  Webb looked very comfortable and made some good throws.  (Side note:  Allen and Webb are seen around each other a lot and I think Allen helps him out more than anyone else)

 

9 - Boogie - From the time he was drafted, all the analysts say that Boogie was the most pro ready of any of our draft picks.  With that, I was very surprised to see him still on the field well into the second half.  He was lining up more on the right side, but also lined up at DT a few times.  I can't say I saw a lot in him to give me optimism and he seemed held in check in one on one match-ups.  There's not much to say here, but I did watch him and Epenesa a bunch and don't see any threat to Addison or Hughes.  The playing time of Boogie, Epenesa, and Obada was definitely interesting.

 

10 - Progress - As we went through the drought, preseason was always a telling sign to me regarding where our team was regarding evaluations.  It wasn't about the Bills so much as the other teams.  Teams that knew their starting lineup and scheme would trot their starters out for a series, go 6-6 and score points on the first drive.  It was truly a practice for them while we are trying to figure out who will be 7 of our 11 starters.  In this game, it really felt like we were the other team.  We didn't have the majority of our starters out there and I feel comfortable saying our talent dominated theirs.  It was nice to watch the Lions rotate guys in and evaluate, with job battles on the line, while we just showed up because we have to.  This game was a prime example of why some teams don't want preseason games and others need it.  It's nice to be on the other side.

 

My grudge - I'm wrong a lot.  Like, a lot.  Guys I target in the draft typically perform to the opposite of my expectations and Beane is proven Wizard.  However, with the drafting of two DE's in this draft and Epenesa still not looking like someone ready to earn that starting spot, I'm still annoyed that we passed on Dobbins, who was taken one pick later by the Raven.  When I look at this team and see Hughes, Addison, Roussseu, Boogie, and Obada and realize we would have Dobbins in this offense, I feel like Beane missed there.

 

 

Regarding #5 & 6, the punter Haack;

 

I've commented before, I wonder if a big reason Bojo is gone is because yes he wanted more money and sounds like didn't want to commit for 3 years.  But I wonder if a bigger thing was they didn't like Bojo's holding on kicks.  How many times were the laces pointed the wrong way both on kicks missed and even some made ones.  On others was the ball spot off maybe an inch or two from where Bass was expecting it?  Bojo just wasn't very consistent??

 

[Just in Atlanta]

If you're going the classic rock theme, may I suggest Pink Floyd? 

 

Other ideas:

 

• A more modern example - Radiohead
• Shawshank Redemption
• I also support the Bill Murray idea
   

[uninja]

For #4 quotes from 'The Office' (in homage to one of Josh Allen's favorite TV shows). Close second could be Parks & Recreation or the Anchorman movies.

[DrDawkinstein]

19 minutes ago, Big Turk said:

 

I wouldn't go that far...situational football is still important, especially once you reach the playoffs 

 

Who was the coach (college? XFL?) who didnt even carry a punter on the roster? I'm into it.

[Solomon Grundy]

2 hours ago, Big Turk said:

Bojo wasn't resigned because while he boomed punts, he had difficulties pinning teams inside their 20 and kicked a lot of TBs.

 

Haack was exceptional at doing this, so clearly the Bills think they can gain several yards of field position this way on punts, especially on ones that have a chance to pin teams deep in their own end.

 

It's the difference between how fans see the game and how coaches and personnel people see the game.

 

We see it as "holy crap he kicked it 70 yards!!!", they see it as "if he would have only kicked it 55, we could have gained 5 yards by pinning them at their 15 instead of kicking a TB"

Not to mention Haack’s importance as a placekick holder

[nedboy7]

Bob Dylan has some great lyrics.  And its an endless well.  

[qwksilver]

Thanks as always. You get 2 more of these before the real bullets fly.

I think AJE will be just fine, he looked better as the year went on last year. Time will tell soon enough on all the new DEs.

 

#4 Springsteen would also work for me, and throw another vote for The Hip on the pile for me.

 

 

[EC-Bills]

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

 

Zeppelin is a solid recommendation.  I think I did the Beatles actually.  I forgot how long I've been writing these

Zepplin is good.  If you really want to get folks riled up, there is always Bon Jovi.

[Robert Paulson]

5 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

 

Id rather you go Tragically Hip lyrics.

i second the Hip!

[HappyDays]

Try sitcom quotes. There are a ton of options to choose from to keep it fresh. Alternatively HBO shows. The Sopranos alone could get you through a season of A Few Thoughts.

Edited August 17, 2021 by HappyDays

[The Firebaugh Kid]

6 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Rousseau's nickname is Groot.  

Which rhymes coincidentally with Bruuuccccce. Gonna be fun on Sundays 

[ticketssince61]

Love the write-up

 

Watched the game on NFL game pass condensed: pre-season games are WAY TOO BORING even condensed. Could barely make it through w/out dozing off.

 

Surprised anyone voluntarily pays to go to them

 

 

[NoHuddleKelly12]

So nice to see you back at it OP! Very much have enjoyed your write-ups and look forward to many more! My 2 cents for #4 would be sports movie quotes…
 

“Skip:  What's our record Larry?

Larry:  Eight and 16.

Skip:  Eight and 16...how'd we ever win eight?”

(Bull Durham)

 

[BillsFan619]

8 hours ago, Virgil said:

As it's the preseason for the refs, camera crews, networks, alongside the players; it's also the preseason for me in terms of getting myself back in that writing rhythm and mindset.  Typically, I would write these late Sunday night or Monday at work, thinking I was meeting a solid 24 hour turn around.  These Friday games just mess me up heading into the weekend because I can never find the time.  Also, I've been very in my own head around what more I can do with these recaps.  I want to change things up a bit, but also don't want to lose the core of how they read.  I'm still TBD (no pun intended) on that.  With that, these thoughts aren't going to be just around players, but where the team seems to be at while in preparation for this upcoming season.  Excuse the cobwebs and scattered nature, I'm just trying to warm up.

 

Also, I'm not going to waste much time on players who have no shot of making this team.  That goes for the horrific performance of the offensive line in the second half.  It's just not worth my or your time.

 

1 - Preseason Context - Preseason games are not real games.  I see so many fans who live and die by what they see in the preseason and it's never made much sense to me.  I'm not going to waste my time googling this, but I know there's a stat out there that shows how poorly 4-0 preseason teams perform in the regular season and to the contrary, how well 0-4 teams will do.  The Preseason is about individual match-ups in the most basic of settings.  There aren't any trick plays, stunts, disguises, audibles, pulls, or anything else.  The preseason comes down to a very simple message to all players:  Execute the fundamentals and beat the person in front of you.  That's it.  Case and point, if anyone thinks we are going to run as much as we did in the Lions game in the regular season, you are seriously crazy.  So please, take these games for what they are, practice against other teams with fans and a clock.

 

2 - Rousseau - It's incredibly natural for most fans to see what our first round pick can do during the preseason game and my eyes were locked in on the lumberjack every play he was on the field.  However, I believe there is a large amount of context to be found in what he was asked to do and the offense he was up against.  The Lions gained most of their yardage on quick curl routes and 3rd downs.  They struggled to move down the field with ease and got the ball off quickly.  Rousseau (I need a nickname for this kid quickly) was matched up against arguable the 3rd best prospect, and best overall OT in the draft, in Penei Sewell.  With no support, Rousseau was able to push Sewell back on multiple plays, one even resulting in an arm sack (which shows the strength of this kid).  While this is from just one quarter, it's easy to see the potential this kid has and I'd give him an A+ for his very first on field performance.  (Side note:  Honorable mention to Oliver who was playing out of position, got double teamed frequently, and still got some decent push up the middle)

 

3 - Running backs - We saw success early in the game with draw plays up the middle and Motor had two nice plays where he showed burst and the strength to break some arm tackles.  He also had a nice touchdown catch in the second quarter, which was overshadowed to me by the fact that he was out on the field in the first place.  Outside of that, there wasn't much to be excited about from the run game.  It didn't help that we made it obvious early that we had zero intention of passing the ball nor had any starters at pass catcher besides Knox and Gabe out there.  I was not very impressed with Breida as he didn't show that outside speed we are looking for.  Antonio Williams, who many wanted to see move up the depth chart, had a very lackluster day, but it's hard to evaluate him behind the putrid offensive line that was blocking for him.

 

4 - This is typically where I post lyrics from a song by one band for the entire season.  One year, I did movie quotes, but that was harder.  In the past, I've used the Grateful Dead (Always for you Bill), Dave Matthews, and Barenaked Ladies.  This year, I haven't decided what I'm going to do.  If you read this and have ideas, let me know.  I'll post this same message in all three game recaps and see if there's a consensus. 

 

5 - Bass - In full transparency, I've always enjoyed the jokes about kickers in the NFL.  While I understand the mental pressure of having the game on the line, I still never put much thought into kickers.  If they made the kick, they did their job.  If they missed, cut em!  Bass has slowly changed the way I pay attention to kickers.  Early last season, you could clearly see the power of his leg as he would just boom the ball off his foot.  But also, you could see the ball had a strange trajectory when he kicked it as if the ball had a mind of it's own.  There were definitely moments early one where many wondered if we kept the wrong kicker and we saw him improve as the season went on until we got to the point where you expected him to hit everything.  So far, through training camp and in this game, he truly is Bass-omatic.  His swagger and confidence each time he walks onto the field is evident and his kicks are going right down the middle with the same level of power.  It's been interesting to watch his development and hope he keeps it going.

 

6 - Haack - Of all the offseason moves I didn't understand, not resigning Bojo is one of them.  Beane made some cryptic comments that led me to believe Bojo wanted to get paid, but then he took a competition role with the Rams.  While we didn't punt a lot last season, I figured Bojo was a no-brainer to be resigned and wouldn't cost a lot (which he didn't for the Rams).  However, after just one game watching Haack, I'm good.  This guy has an absolute leg and is a pure assassin with it.  I don't understand why the Dolphins let him go.  He pinned two punts inside the 20 from the opposite side of the field and really had a good showing.  This, like so many other thing, is just proof of why I'm a fan and Beane is a Wizard.

 

7 - Refs - After one full weekend of preseason games, I'm officially on notice of the refs.  There were WAY too many flags in this game and the theme was leading with the helmet.  Like holding, I can't deny that this happens a lot in every game, but many of these looked like calls that normally don't get flagged.  I'm hoping this was an exhibition for the refs and they are leaning towards guilty until proven innocent while they practice, but if not; we are going to be in for a long season. 

 

8 - Fromm - Typically when I write these, I don't have the time to read other people's comments about the game.  However, with my aforementioned delay, I see a lot of Fromm bashing going on.  A lot of context needs to be considered here.  He was a 3rd string quarterback last season who hardly gets any reps.  There was no preseason last year and practices were limited.  This year, he's still a 3rd string QB (maybe) and this game was his very first live action against another team.  Take that, put him behind an abysmal offensive line and rookie receivers, and he still found a way to lead a game winning drive.  All I'm saying is, there's nothing to really evaluate him on from this game.  I have wondered if Mitch would became a trade candidate if other QB's keep going down around the league, but I still don't know that Fromm is our number 2 quarterback.  Webb looked very comfortable and made some good throws.  (Side note:  Allen and Webb are seen around each other a lot and I think Allen helps him out more than anyone else)

 

9 - Boogie - From the time he was drafted, all the analysts say that Boogie was the most pro ready of any of our draft picks.  With that, I was very surprised to see him still on the field well into the second half.  He was lining up more on the right side, but also lined up at DT a few times.  I can't say I saw a lot in him to give me optimism and he seemed held in check in one on one match-ups.  There's not much to say here, but I did watch him and Epenesa a bunch and don't see any threat to Addison or Hughes.  The playing time of Boogie, Epenesa, and Obada was definitely interesting.

 

10 - Progress - As we went through the drought, preseason was always a telling sign to me regarding where our team was regarding evaluations.  It wasn't about the Bills so much as the other teams.  Teams that knew their starting lineup and scheme would trot their starters out for a series, go 6-6 and score points on the first drive.  It was truly a practice for them while we are trying to figure out who will be 7 of our 11 starters.  In this game, it really felt like we were the other team.  We didn't have the majority of our starters out there and I feel comfortable saying our talent dominated theirs.  It was nice to watch the Lions rotate guys in and evaluate, with job battles on the line, while we just showed up because we have to.  This game was a prime example of why some teams don't want preseason games and others need it.  It's nice to be on the other side.

 

My grudge - I'm wrong a lot.  Like, a lot.  Guys I target in the draft typically perform to the opposite of my expectations and Beane is proven Wizard.  However, with the drafting of two DE's in this draft and Epenesa still not looking like someone ready to earn that starting spot, I'm still annoyed that we passed on Dobbins, who was taken one pick later by the Raven.  When I look at this team and see Hughes, Addison, Roussseu, Boogie, and Obada and realize we would have Dobbins in this offense, I feel like Beane missed there.

It was a pleasant surprise to come onto TBD and see “A few thoughts about…”. It’s awesome to read these again, Virg.

 

I know you mentioned it would be harder but doing movie quotes would be awesome.

[BillsFan619]

54 minutes ago, ticketssince61 said:

Love the write-up

 

Watched the game on NFL game pass condensed: pre-season games are WAY TOO BORING even condensed. Could barely make it through w/out dozing off.

 

Surprised anyone voluntarily pays to go to them

 

 

I have a couple questions for you about Game Pass (GP) if you don’t mind. It’s my first year having GP. I finally pulled the plug on DIRECTV.

 

I’m on my free one week trial so this may be the reason I’m facing this problem, but since it’s my first year, I thought I’d ask. Every time I go on to GP, I have to push “start free trial” for GP to come on and work. It eventually does and it tells me I’m now subscribed but I have to push “start free trial” every time I go on GP. Will that stop and will I be fully connected to GP once my free week is over with?

 

Also, I have the “showing scores” option off and it’s still showing scores. Is this a preseason thing or will they continue to show scores in the regular season even though I have that option off?

 

Thanks, any information you have will help.

[CNYfan]

4.  The Big Lebowski

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

"All I wanted was a Pepsi. Just one Pepsi! And she wouldn't give it to me!"