How do you feel about the Bills going into the 2023 season vs going into 2022?

[Nelius]

Good. Honestly fine. Another year of Josh Allen growth, what's not to like? Defense is better - currently healthy, getting healthier. I can't wait to see what this dline does. Rousseau might do some special things this year.

 

Big fan of the Kincaid pick-up. I think Cook might have a big year. The Diggs drama is really a distraction and nothing more. Nobody likes it, but it's not going to translate into losses for this team. If you still doubt Josh Allen you're a moron, but I get how being a contrarian can squeeze those dopamine drips faster. He's a proven A1 QB. Enjoy.

[Bad Things]

I feel much better about this year's team.

 

I thought the hype wasn't justified last year, but this year... look out!

[ProcessTruster]

Fantastic.   Better roster than 2022, no question.   Upgrades everywhere.  

 

Next question.  

[TAinLack.]

11 hours ago, billsfan89 said:

A little over a month away from camp how are you feeling about the Bills 2023 roster compared to how you were feeling as a fan about the 2022 roster going into the season? Do you feel better, worse, or about the same? Breaking it down position by position group I will leave my thoughts below. 

 

Special Teams - Better in 2023

The Bills in 2022 had Bass as a kicker and Ariza as the punter and a strong overall group of ST specialists like Tyler Matakevich and T.Jones. The only hole on Special Teams was the returning game was not really all that great. Going into 2023 the Bills still have Bass and instead of Ariza they have Martin who is a vet punter still fairly young coming off a good season with the Bills replacing Ariza. The Bills no longer have T. Jones but they still have a ton of other specialists on the roster including Matakevich. The Bills also going into 2023 have Hines and Hardy as returners which represents a massive upgrade over the options they had going into 2022. 

 

Secondary - Even 

The Bills were really shaky at CB going into 2022. Tre was coming off a serious injury and likely to miss time and not come back to form. Elam was drafted in round 1 but still a rookie. Outside of T.Johnson there wasn't much stability. But the back end at safety induced more confidence going into 2022. Not only were Hyde and Poyer a year younger but they weren't coming off major injuries. Going into 2023 I like Tre to have a return to form and Elam, Benford, and Dane Jackson are all more experienced this season. But I am also less confident in Po and Hyde both a year older and Hyde coming off a serious injury and Po coming off a year where he was really banged up. The Bills do have better depth at safety with Hamlin getting some snaps and Rapp a solid vet backup. Overall even money for me. 

 

Linebacker - Worse in 2023

The Bills entered into 2022 with Milano and Edumonds two high-quality young LB's and Edumonds was entering into a contract year so extra motivation on him, the depth at LB was not really all that great. Going into 2023 Milano is still there but Edumonds is going being replaced by Klein a decent vet and a third-round pick in Dorian Williams. I know a lot of people on here weren't Edumonds fans and I agree with the decision not to resign him. But the Bills will likely see a decline in LB play unless Williams or another player on the roster overachieves. 

 

Defensive line - Even 

If it weren't for Von's injury I would rate 2023 as having an edge with the Poona Ford and Floyd additions. But despite getting a second quality NT and a nice vet pass rusher in Floyd Von coming off a serious injury causes a lot of concern. Feeling about equal, I think the Bills should have a top-quality D-line going into both 2022 and 2023. 

 

The defense overall - Slightly worse going into 2023

I liked the defense in 2022 to be the best defense if not at least a top 3 unit going into 2023. But with the likely decline of LB play I think the Bills defense may regress a bit but should still be a top 7-10 unit in the league and could easily be a top 5 unit. But I do think that the defense will feel the absence of Edumonds and there are some more holes going into 2023. Still, the defense should be a good unit. 

 

QB - Even

Josh is still the franchise QB and the backups are of even quality. Not much to say here. 

 

RB - Better in 2023

I thought the Bills had a decent RB trio going into 2022. Cook as a second-round rookie, Singletary and Moss not super inspiring but not tragic either. 2023 the Bills have Cook with a year under his belt and swapped out Moss for Hines who is a much better more dynamic role player. The Bills then swap out Singletary and T.Jones for true power back in Harris and Murray. I think the Bills are much better situated at RB. 

 

WR- Even 

The Bills in 2022 had Diggs and not a lot else proven otherwise. Going into 2023 the Bills are in a similar spot. Davis disappointed in 2022 but going into 2023 the hope is that on a contract year with a full season under his belt as the WR2 maybe he can perform better. Hardy and Sheffield are nice adds to replace Mac and Kumerow but aren't major upgrades either. Shakir has a year under his belt but overall the feeling about the WR group is about the same as last season. 

 

TE - Better in 2023

Knox is still there and hopefully won't suffer personal tragedy which would impact anyone and then there is the addition on Kincaid who is far better than OJ Howard who entered into the mix at TE going into 2022. Just overall a lot more talent in the group with the addition of Kincaid. 

 

O-line - Better in 2023

The Bills in 2022 were heading into the season with their thinnest O-line group since 2018 and hoping to get a decent season out of Saffold at guard. 2023 they majorly upgraded the guard position getting a younger better-starting guard in Connor McGovern and the best guard in the draft in Torrence. In addition they brought in Edwards as more guard depth and Bates hopefully kicks back onto the bench. Queese is back again along with Snell who should provide some competition for Brown. Overall the O-line is just vastly better going into 2023. 

 

Offense overall- Better in 2023

With the addition of Kincaid, McGovern, Torrence and other smaller parts like Hines and Hardy the Bills have better offensive pieces around Josh by a significant margin. 2022 I had massive concerns about the O-line and O-line depth whereas in 2023 my only major concern about the O-line is who is Dawkins backup and whether could they find a better player to compete with Brown (Both of which were concerns entering into 2022). Kincaid adds what hopefully will be a quality weapon and the RB group looks better as well. 

 

Team overall - Even

Even though component by component, I feel as though the 2023 Bills may be better than the 2022 Bills I had Super Bowl expectations going into 2022 and I have the same Super Bowl expectations in 2023. I do think that the Bills are in a position in 2023 to compete better as I think the offense has the tools to be more consistent and while I think the defense may not be as strong it will still be a very good unit overall. 

 

TLDR: Bills have a better ST and offense going into 2023 but the defense is not as good going into 2023 as it was in 2022. 

Actually better, good depth, good draft and some nice free agent acquisitions.  Looking forward too a kick azz season!

[newcam2012]

11 hours ago, billsfan89 said:

I am more optimistic that the better offensive line and talent along with less pressure (Bills no longer the Super Bowl favorite) will help them stay under the radar a bit. The rosters are similarly talented just a little more balanced with better offensive talent and maybe a step down on defense.

 

The Bills are still legitimate contenders who may actually be better built to win in the playoffs 

How are they better built to win in the playoffs? 

 

On paper, the Chiefs and Bengals appears to be better. Both of those teams are huge obstacles. 

[newcam2012]

I have ambivalent feelings about this season. There are several positives, negatives, and unknowns. 

 

The offense on paper seems to be improved. We know the additions so no need to elaborate. 

 

Defensively is a big question mark for me come playoff time. I believe they will be fine in the regular season. McD should be an upgrade to Fraizer. Injuries, age, and the return of guys coming off injury will be key. Von, Hyde, and Tre. 

 

Coaching is a huge concern for me. I don't know if Dorsey can run an intricate offense. I don't know if he will utilize the various weapons on the team. 

 

McD has been pretty poor come playoff time. I have little confidence he can lead the time to a SB. He's been out coached in the playoffs for several years now. He has a lot on his plate now that he's calling the D. 

 

The AFC division appears to be loaded and the Bills schedule on paper is difficult.

 

I can see the Bills going 8-9 and missing the playoffs to 11-5 and making a SB appearence. 

Edited June 15, 2023 by newcam2012

[BuffaloBillyG]

12 hours ago, billsfan89 said:

A little over a month away from camp how are you feeling about the Bills 2023 roster compared to how you were feeling as a fan about the 2022 roster going into the season? Do you feel better, worse, or about the same? Breaking it down position by position group I will leave my thoughts below. 

 

Special Teams - Better in 2023

The Bills in 2022 had Bass as a kicker and Ariza as the punter and a strong overall group of ST specialists like Tyler Matakevich and T.Jones. The only hole on Special Teams was the returning game was not really all that great. Going into 2023 the Bills still have Bass and instead of Ariza they have Martin who is a vet punter still fairly young coming off a good season with the Bills replacing Ariza. The Bills no longer have T. Jones but they still have a ton of other specialists on the roster including Matakevich. The Bills also going into 2023 have Hines and Hardy as returners which represents a massive upgrade over the options they had going into 2022. 

 

Secondary - Even 

The Bills were really shaky at CB going into 2022. Tre was coming off a serious injury and likely to miss time and not come back to form. Elam was drafted in round 1 but still a rookie. Outside of T.Johnson there wasn't much stability. But the back end at safety induced more confidence going into 2022. Not only were Hyde and Poyer a year younger but they weren't coming off major injuries. Going into 2023 I like Tre to have a return to form and Elam, Benford, and Dane Jackson are all more experienced this season. But I am also less confident in Po and Hyde both a year older and Hyde coming off a serious injury and Po coming off a year where he was really banged up. The Bills do have better depth at safety with Hamlin getting some snaps and Rapp a solid vet backup. Overall even money for me. 

 

Linebacker - Worse in 2023

The Bills entered into 2022 with Milano and Edumonds two high-quality young LB's and Edumonds was entering into a contract year so extra motivation on him, the depth at LB was not really all that great. Going into 2023 Milano is still there but Edumonds is going being replaced by Klein a decent vet and a third-round pick in Dorian Williams. I know a lot of people on here weren't Edumonds fans and I agree with the decision not to resign him. But the Bills will likely see a decline in LB play unless Williams or another player on the roster overachieves. 

 

Defensive line - Even 

If it weren't for Von's injury I would rate 2023 as having an edge with the Poona Ford and Floyd additions. But despite getting a second quality NT and a nice vet pass rusher in Floyd Von coming off a serious injury causes a lot of concern. Feeling about equal, I think the Bills should have a top-quality D-line going into both 2022 and 2023. 

 

The defense overall - Slightly worse going into 2023

I liked the defense in 2022 to be the best defense if not at least a top 3 unit going into 2023. But with the likely decline of LB play I think the Bills defense may regress a bit but should still be a top 7-10 unit in the league and could easily be a top 5 unit. But I do think that the defense will feel the absence of Edumonds and there are some more holes going into 2023. Still, the defense should be a good unit. 

 

QB - Even

Josh is still the franchise QB and the backups are of even quality. Not much to say here. 

 

RB - Better in 2023

I thought the Bills had a decent RB trio going into 2022. Cook as a second-round rookie, Singletary and Moss not super inspiring but not tragic either. 2023 the Bills have Cook with a year under his belt and swapped out Moss for Hines who is a much better more dynamic role player. The Bills then swap out Singletary and T.Jones for true power back in Harris and Murray. I think the Bills are much better situated at RB. 

 

WR- Even 

The Bills in 2022 had Diggs and not a lot else proven otherwise. Going into 2023 the Bills are in a similar spot. Davis disappointed in 2022 but going into 2023 the hope is that on a contract year with a full season under his belt as the WR2 maybe he can perform better. Hardy and Sheffield are nice adds to replace Mac and Kumerow but aren't major upgrades either. Shakir has a year under his belt but overall the feeling about the WR group is about the same as last season. 

 

TE - Better in 2023

Knox is still there and hopefully won't suffer personal tragedy which would impact anyone and then there is the addition on Kincaid who is far better than OJ Howard who entered into the mix at TE going into 2022. Just overall a lot more talent in the group with the addition of Kincaid. 

 

O-line - Better in 2023

The Bills in 2022 were heading into the season with their thinnest O-line group since 2018 and hoping to get a decent season out of Saffold at guard. 2023 they majorly upgraded the guard position getting a younger better-starting guard in Connor McGovern and the best guard in the draft in Torrence. In addition they brought in Edwards as more guard depth and Bates hopefully kicks back onto the bench. Queese is back again along with Snell who should provide some competition for Brown. Overall the O-line is just vastly better going into 2023. 

 

Offense overall- Better in 2023

With the addition of Kincaid, McGovern, Torrence and other smaller parts like Hines and Hardy the Bills have better offensive pieces around Josh by a significant margin. 2022 I had massive concerns about the O-line and O-line depth whereas in 2023 my only major concern about the O-line is who is Dawkins backup and whether could they find a better player to compete with Brown (Both of which were concerns entering into 2022). Kincaid adds what hopefully will be a quality weapon and the RB group looks better as well. 

 

Team overall - Even

Even though component by component, I feel as though the 2023 Bills may be better than the 2022 Bills I had Super Bowl expectations going into 2022 and I have the same Super Bowl expectations in 2023. I do think that the Bills are in a position in 2023 to compete better as I think the offense has the tools to be more consistent and while I think the defense may not be as strong it will still be a very good unit overall. 

 

TLDR: Bills have a better ST and offense going into 2023 but the defense is not as good going into 2023 as it was in 2022. 

Couple points about the defense:

 

1. I get the idea that the feeling is we are worse off at LB. However for right now I would have to call that an "incomplete" as we really don't have enough information on what we actually have there. It could be anywhere from very bad to very good. 

 

2. I'm a big believer that sometimes you can get better by losing something. While I do appreciate Leslie Frazier and think he's an excellent Monday through Saturday coach, his style is and has always been way too passive. I believe McDermott will not be passive. The added aggression will take what we have and make it better. I listened to Groot's presser yesterday and came away with the impression that the players feel this as well.

 

3. CB...even? Benford and Elam both have a full year under their belt. White is in the window where guys that suffered that kind of injury bounce back. Dane Jackson has some solid experience now. This is a good group. Arrow definitely up there for me.

 

4. The addition of Floyd and Poona to what was largely the same group from last year is an immediate upgrade. Von will be back sooner than later. Throw Groot in that trio and suddenly this Bills pass rush has the potential to be one of the tops in the league by years end.

[MikePJ76]

N0t being the fav0rites and talked ab0ut like they sh0uld win the super b0wl is g00d.   Being pr0m0ted by the nfl's d0pey media is n0t a g00d thing.

 

Flying under the radar is the way t0 g0.  H0pefully the diggs stuff is 0ver.  Let th0se pe0ple talk ab0ut KC, Philly, Dallas and the jets 0r the next 4 m0nths bef0re the seas0n starts

[Don Otreply]

Well, on offense we appear to have a functioning O-line, and that is a step up from last season. Our #3s and down WRs are very likely to be noticeably better than last season, that’s a plus. Our TE / slot receiver group is as well up graded.   The RB group is up graded, another plus.  If our QB starts taking the underneath passes with more regularity that will improve that position as well.  Overall the offense should be able to perform better than last season. The lynchpin will be KDs scheming, play design and play call sequence, and of course execution of plays by the offense. 
 

With McDermott taking over on defense I see a more aggressive D that is able to make in game adjustments as needed, this will help dramatically. With our core defensive players being healthy, and hopefully staying so, and with the 2nd year D guys coming into their own so to speak, and the new additions via draft and FA, the defense should be harder to scheme against, so I see a better game to game defense than the past seasons version. 
 

Sure hope I’m right, 😁👍

 

GO BILLS!!!

[newcam2012]

53 minutes ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

Couple points about the defense:

 

1. I get the idea that the feeling is we are worse off at LB. However for right now I would have to call that an "incomplete" as we really don't have enough information on what we actually have there. It could be anywhere from very bad to very good. 

 

2. I'm a big believer that sometimes you can get better by losing something. While I do appreciate Leslie Frazier and think he's an excellent Monday through Saturday coach, his style is and has always been way too passive. I believe McDermott will not be passive. The added aggression will take what we have and make it better. I listened to Groot's presser yesterday and came away with the impression that the players feel this as well.

 

3. CB...even? Benford and Elam both have a full year under their belt. White is in the window where guys that suffered that kind of injury bounce back. Dane Jackson has some solid experience now. This is a good group. Arrow definitely up there for me.

 

4. The addition of Floyd and Poona to what was largely the same group from last year is an immediate upgrade. Von will be back sooner than later. Throw Groot in that trio and suddenly this Bills pass rush has the potential to be one of the tops in the league by years end.

Bold statement saying the Bills pass rush could be one of the best come seasons end. I don't see it. 

 

The LB group is absolutely worse. No matter who starts at MLB all the guys are young and not NFL starting material. 

 

I think the Bills will be fine at CB. McD had gotten the best out of that group for awhile. Tre needs to be a good version of Tre. The young guys need to continue to grow. Plus, Hyde and Poyer are really good still. 

 

The offense has a chance to be elite. I'd go further and say they should be elite barring serious injuries. Allen is that good. The Bills have to use the whole field, utilize all their weapons, mix up the run and pass, be unpredictable by using motions and RPOs, limit turnovers, and execute in the red zone. I absolutely think they are capable of being almost unstoppable. 

 

I think the season's success depends mostly on the offense. We've seen a shift in the Bills mindset sort of speak. First time in a longtime Beane and the Bills management have concentrated so much on the offense. I really like it. Go down swinging with Allen and Co..

 

 

Edited June 15, 2023 by newcam2012

[SoCal Deek]

Interestingly I feel about the same as I did in the midst of the drought except that now my expectation is for four or five more wins than I had during those years. The 7-9 Bills have, thankfully, turned into the 12-5 Bills. However ….until they show me something during the playoffs I just enjoy the regular season with very very few Super Bowl aspirations. 

[BuffaloBillyG]

6 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

Bold statement saying the Bills pass rush could be one of the best come seasons end. I don't see it. 

 

The LB group is absolutely worse. No matter who starts at MLB all the guys are young and not NFL starting material. 

 

I think the Bills will be fine at CB. McD had gotten the best out of that group for awhile. Tre needs to be a good version of Tre. The young guys need to continue to grow. Plus, Hyde and Poyer are really good still. 

 

The offense has a chance to be elite. I'd go further and say they should be elite barring serious injuries. Allen is that good. The Bills have to use the whole field, utilize all their weapons, mix up the run and pass, be unpredictable by using motions and RPOs, limit turnovers, and execute in the red zone. I absolutely think they are capable of being almost unstoppable. 

 

I think the season's success depends mostly on the offense. We've seen a shift in the Bills mindset sort of speak. First time in a longtime Beane and the Bills management have concentrated so much on the offense. I really like it. Go down swinging with Allen and Co..

 

 

I really don't think it's that bold when you look at it. Especially when you factor in the probability of McDermott being open to running more blitz packages when the situation calls for it. A lot of the possibility revolves on Von being even 75% of what he was pre injury and Groot taking a step forward...both things I see as strong possibilities.

 

The MLB group is an unknown. But even more unknown is the way they will be utilized. They aren't just plugging anyone in and saying "go do what we asked Edmunds". I'm sure a couple years back there was equal trepidation on KC fans part about Bolton. You and I don't KNOW if a guy can start in the NFL...until they start in the NFL. I didn't like the Williams pick at first but do think he could turn into something good. As long as whoever wins that position battle does their 1/11th and plays the position the way they are asked it shouldn't be that much of a dropoff.

 

I pretty much agree with you on the offense and CB position. It will be interesting to see if McDermott is planning on running press more than Frazier did. If he does that elevates Elam's value and impact immensely IMO.

 

[mjt328]

On paper, the Bills probably have a better roster than last year (outside of middle linebacker).

But it's hard for me to be optimistic after the way 2022 played out.  

 

At this time last year, everything really seemed to be falling into place.  Most observers felt we had the best roster in the NFL.  Very few holes.  Very few questions.  Our rookie punter was even catching national attention.  The schedule was tough, but the AFC East didn't look particularly challenging.  Our main competition (the Chiefs) looked vulnerable after losing Tyreek Hill.  We even seemed to have the magic touch when it came to avoiding injuries, which many credited to our top-notch training facilities.

 

Maybe I just got my hopes too high.  But last year really broke and emotionally drained me.

Starting with the preseason mess with Matt Araiza, to the death of Dawson Knox's brother, to the first major injury to Micah Hyde, to the IR-fest that started in Week 3, to Josh Allen's elbow, to the fumble against the Vikings, to Buffalo weather once again becoming an issue, to Damar Hamlin almost dying on the field.... with everything culminating in an absolutely embarrassing show against the Bengals. 

 

Everything that could go wrong seemed to.  And just when I was ready to wipe the slate clean and get my hopes up for 2023... Stefon Diggs.

 

[blacklabel]

I like that they aren't the media favorites this year. I like it when they're under the radar. 

 

I think on paper they look improved. The situation at guard got better, and hopefully Spencer Brown is healthy because I'm sure they want him to lock down that right tackle spot. Torrence looks like he could be a good one. Hopefully things fall into place a bit better than last season. Thought Kromer would have the OL performing better but I think he was a bit of a letdown last season. 

 

I like that they shuffled things up at receiver and added Kincaid. We'll see how they play it but I'm interested to see what Shakir can do with a larger role. Also interested in seeing what Shorter can do. If I had to guess I'd say the WR group, at least at the start of the season will probably be Diggs, Davis, Shakir, Harty, Sherfield, Shorter...maybe they keep seven, I dunno. 

 

Run game could be solid with Cook, Hines, Harris, and Murray, I'd guess? 

 

It'll be interesting to see what McDermott does with the defense. Getting Hyde and Poyer back at full health will be good. Hopefully Tre can get back to his old form. Everyone wants Elam to lock down CB2. And we'll see who they roll with at MLB. I expect them to be a little more unique with their looks and pressures. Hopefully more aggressive as well. 

 

Like I said, it all looks good on paper. Just gotta put it all together. 

Edited June 15, 2023 by blacklabel

[Kellyhero68]

14 hours ago, Nextmanup said:

I felt much better last offseason.  People were saying we were the favorite to win the SB.

Now they are saying we are the 8th best team in the league.

 

We are due for a regression year.  That schedule is brutal.

 

Not sure the team is improved where it matters.

 

 

The Bills Schedule is brutal, but so is all the other teams in the AFC East and the AFC in General. Look at the schedule for the Jets, Dolphins, Bengals, and Chiefs. The whole AFC improved and the AFC East plays the AFC WEST and NFC EAST. With a new defensive play caller teams will find it harder to prepare for us as Frazier ran a vanilla zone defense. McDermott who coached under Jim Johnson will run more exotic Blitzes. And The adding in of KinCaid and bigger backs will change our Offense,

Edited June 15, 2023 by Kellyhero68

[die hard bills fan]

This is the year.

[Royale with Cheese]

14 hours ago, Nextmanup said:

I felt much better last offseason.  People were saying we were the favorite to win the SB.

Now they are saying we are the 8th best team in the league.

 

We are due for a regression year.  That schedule is brutal.

 

Not sure the team is improved where it matters.

 

 

 

We are still 3rd in odds for the Super Bowl.

Where is the 8th coming from?

 

https://www.thelines.com/odds/super-bowl/

[teef]

1 minute ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

We are still 3rd in odds for the Super Bowl.

Where is the 8th coming from?

 

https://www.thelines.com/odds/super-bowl/

he doesn't know.  didn't we play this game last year too?  we had such a tough schedule that there was no way we didn't regress.  people were predicting stretches where we could lose 3 out of 4 games, etc.

 

i'm just going to go into this season with zero expectations, and just enjoy the ride.  it's a sport. let's have fun with it.

[Royale with Cheese]

7 minutes ago, teef said:

he doesn't know.  didn't we play this game last year too?  we had such a tough schedule that there was no way we didn't regress.  people were predicting stretches where we could lose 3 out of 4 games, etc.

 

i'm just going to go into this season with zero expectations, and just enjoy the ride.  it's a sport. let's have fun with it.

 

You don't know the "people"?  The "people" all know.

[SoCal Deek]

I’ve read all the position by position analysis here and to me the biggest change won’t be on the field, but instead on the sideline, where McD will be running the defense. If that doesn’t make a difference this year, for better or for worse, everything else pales in comparison.