Are we lacking leadership?

[WhoTom]

13 hours ago, maddenboy said:

i've always thought that this is not leadership.   Leadership is a skill (not a trait you are 'born with').   Leading is a verb.

 

"watch me" is not leadership.   At best it is a template.  "hey guys, this is what it looks like to be good.  so take a picture and get to work on building one of your own"

 

It seems like coach-speak.  Coach says to the players "i know he is not actively teaching you guys.  so just watch him and try to pick up whatever you can"

 

Also, its not what a leader actually says.   Because leaders approach it as a skill to be learned, practiced, and part of the job of winning.  Of doing everything possible to win and improve others.

 

Who says "i lead by example?"  It is usually said by somebody else, as in "dont worry:  he leads by example."

 

 

 

When Josh hurdles a defender, stiff-arms and pancakes a would-be tackler, or takes a hit going for a first down, his teammates are thinking, "I need to step up my game." I was always inspired by coworkers who went above and beyond. I felt like I didn't deserve to be their colleague if I didn't strive to improve myself. That's leading by example.  And the most effective managers I had were like McD: they had high expectations, and if you didn't meet them, they offered advice and constructive criticism without chewing anyone out.

 

My Dad wasn't much of a talker and he rarely lectured, but he was a model citizen, an excellent husband, and a great father. My siblings and I learned from his example.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 25, 2023 by WhoTom

[LABILLBACKER]

2 hours ago, NewEra said:

Right- that’s why I mentioned the extension

 

No, I don’t believe that they will fire him after this season unless the defense stinks. 
 

if the defense stinks, we probably won’t make the playoffs (in my estimation).  If we don’t make the playoffs, yesc I think he could be fired. 
 

it’ll take a very bad season.  I don’t think it’s impossible considering the conference and our schedule.

It wouldn't shock me in the slightest to see McD fired and replaced with a dynamic offensive coach if the D blows and we miss the playoffs. 

[Dillenger4]

They don't lack "leadership".. they simply and truly lack toughness! This is not a tough team. We don't have that "guy" that can wreck an O line like a Watt or Bosa. Even Miami has a "guy" on their D line that wrecks us every game.

Also - Our O is very wimpy.

[Mr. WEO]

12 hours ago, Ya Digg? said:

I have an issue with the bolded part. First, you have no idea if Josh criticizes players behind closed doors-he doesn’t need to make a spectacle of it in front of the world during a game. Which leads to the second part-immature children throw tantrums on the sidelines at their teammates. I don’t understand why so many people think you have to embarrass your teammates on the sidelines in order to be seen as a good leader 

 

There is absolutely no chance that Josh is lighting into guys "behind closed doors".  None.  He's not that kind of guy--and that's OK.

 

To be that guy you have to have some authority to do so.  If you are going to point your finger in a teammates face, it better have at least 1 ring on it.  Brady, Jordan, Kobe famously did this--and it worked.  They absolutely made their teammates better. 

 

Hyde?  Tre?...Dawkins????!!  Nah. Perhaps Miller, if he's around. 

[Radar]

13 hours ago, 78thealltimegreat said:

Look Josh is a firey guy with his play but he also loves his teammates too much to call them out and criticize them.

Every team needs that guy who gets in players faces when they just aren’t playing well.

The Bills honestly really don’t kinda have that. 
And it shouldn’t have to be all on Josh he’s the freaking team. 
Get Steff Diggs to start calling out some these guys on the sidelines he seems like a good candidate. 

In your face is overrated today's players. What you do on the field is in my opinion more important. Yelling has a short shelf life.

[galept]

Just now, Dillenger4 said:

They don't lack "leadership".. they simply and truly lack toughness! This is not a tough team. We don't have that "guy" that can wreck an O line like a Watt or Bosa. Even Miami has a "guy" on their D line that wrecks us every game.

Also - Our O is very wimpy.

 

There it is. Buffalo lacks killers.

[PBF81]

2 hours ago, NewEra said:

Right- that’s why I mentioned the extension

 

No, I don’t believe that they will fire him after this season unless the defense stinks. 
 

if the defense stinks, we probably won’t make the playoffs (in my estimation).  If we don’t make the playoffs, yesc I think he could be fired. 
 

it’ll take a very bad season.  I don’t think it’s impossible considering the conference and our schedule.

 

Well, OK, but it would help to define "the defense stinks," and "a very bad season."   Those are subjective measures.  

 

It almost sounds as if you're saying that if the unimaginable occurs, then he could be fired.  I suppose, but that's extreme.  

 

Also, define "stinks"?  What, ranked out of the top-10?  Worse?  What ranking would it take for that to occur in your mind?  

 

Also define "very bad season"?  To me a "very bad season," given that we have Allen, would be fewer than 10 wins, going less than 4-2 in the division.  Barring an injury to Allen, I find it all but impossible that we don't make the playoffs, even if only as a 6th or 7th seed.  I don't envision that most coaches with Allen, Diggs, Davis, Knox, Kincaid, Cook, Harris would miss the playoffs entirely, on any team otherwise, even with a 20th ranked D.  

 

But yeah, I'll take the opposite tack.  

 

I don't think that our D is going to be very good at all.  Average-ish as I've often suggested.  IMO ranked somewhere in the teens.  But it's sucked in the playoffs anyway, low-end there as I've statistically laid out before, and if there's one thing we've learned it's that offense is what wins championships more often than not these days.  The Chiefs won last season with the 1st-ranked offense but the 16th ranked D.  The year before the Rams won with the 7th ranked offense and the 15th ranked D.  The year prior to that the Bucs won it on offense also, scoring a perfect 31 in three games and 30 in their other playoff game with Brady, they had the 8th ranked D.  D isn't necessary for a championship, why the team is so much more focused on the D, while being another issue, is problematic given that until this past offseason they've all but ignored the offense, and the OL in particular.  

 

After the heavy draft investment in offense, people are going to be looking for a commensurate improvement there.  If that happens, I see no reason as to why we can't still be 13-4, or let's simply say have 11+ wins, even with a very average D.  As you've no doubt read, I'm of the opinion that this offense is going to set records this season, franchise if not league.  Even if we don't do that but end up with the #1 Offense, and the 18th ranked Defense, I'd view that as bery successful and IMO it would take us to another division win and the best chances for playoff success since our D goes flat and doesn't cut it in the playoffs far more often than not.  

 

Pegula would look like a jacka$$ if he fired either McD or Beane, under pretty much any circumstances after giving them both extensions months ago when their contracts had one more season beyond this one as it was.  One of the largely held opinions by many in both fandom and media was why he gave them that extension with another year after this one remaining.  I also envision him giving those guys at least one mulligan.  

 

OTOH, the one thing that could derail the train as it were, IMO, is if we go say 2-4 in the division with Belichick, McDaniel, or Saleh outcoaching McD to the extent that the national media notices, and how would they not, and we finish say 3rd in the division, even if we get a 7th seed, I can see the fans and media forcing Pegula's hand.  But I see absolutely no circumstances under which Pegula would fire either after this season w/o being forced by public/media/fan pressure/opinion.  

 

It does seem that whatever happens, McD/Beane are here, or not, as a tandem, going to share the same fate if it comes to that.  

 

 

[NewEra]

1 minute ago, PBF81 said:

 

Well, OK, but it would help to define "the defense stinks," and "a very bad season."   Those are subjective measures.  

 

It almost sounds as if you're saying that if the unimaginable occurs, then he could be fired.  I suppose, but that's extreme.  

 

Also, define "stinks"?  What, ranked out of the top-10?  Worse?  What ranking would it take for that to occur in your mind?  

 

Also define "very bad season"?  To me a "very bad season," given that we have Allen, would be fewer than 10 wins, going less than 4-2 in the division.  Barring an injury to Allen, I find it all but impossible that we don't make the playoffs, even if only as a 6th or 7th seed.  I don't envision that most coaches with Allen, Diggs, Davis, Knox, Kincaid, Cook, Harris would miss the playoffs entirely, on any team otherwise, even with a 20th ranked D.  

 

But yeah, I'll take the opposite tack.  

 

I don't think that our D is going to be very good at all.  Average-ish as I've often suggested.  IMO ranked somewhere in the teens.  But it's sucked in the playoffs anyway, low-end there as I've statistically laid out before, and if there's one thing we've learned it's that offense is what wins championships more often than not these days.  The Chiefs won last season with the 1st-ranked offense but the 16th ranked D.  The year before the Rams won with the 7th ranked offense and the 15th ranked D.  The year prior to that the Bucs won it on offense also, scoring a perfect 31 in three games and 30 in their other playoff game with Brady, they had the 8th ranked D.  D isn't necessary for a championship, why the team is so much more focused on the D, while being another issue, is problematic given that until this past offseason they've all but ignored the offense, and the OL in particular.  

 

After the heavy draft investment in offense, people are going to be looking for a commensurate improvement there.  If that happens, I see no reason as to why we can't still be 13-4, or let's simply say have 11+ wins, even with a very average D.  As you've no doubt read, I'm of the opinion that this offense is going to set records this season, franchise if not league.  Even if we don't do that but end up with the #1 Offense, and the 18th ranked Defense, I'd view that as bery successful and IMO it would take us to another division win and the best chances for playoff success since our D goes flat and doesn't cut it in the playoffs far more often than not.  

 

Pegula would look like a jacka$$ if he fired either McD or Beane, under pretty much any circumstances after giving them both extensions months ago when their contracts had one more season beyond this one as it was.  One of the largely held opinions by many in both fandom and media was why he gave them that extension with another year after this one remaining.  I also envision him giving those guys at least one mulligan.  

 

OTOH, the one thing that could derail the train as it were, IMO, is if we go say 2-4 in the division with Belichick, McDaniel, or Saleh outcoaching McD to the extent that the national media notices, and how would they not, and we finish say 3rd in the division, even if we get a 7th seed, I can see the fans and media forcing Pegula's hand.  But I see absolutely no circumstances under which Pegula would fire either after this season w/o being forced by public/media/fan pressure/opinion.  

 

It does seem that whatever happens, McD/Beane are here, or not, as a tandem, going to share the same fate if it comes to that.  

 

 

It’s a post on a message board. I don’t have the time nor to I feel the need to break things down into detail in order to satisfy your defining needs.  Thanks for the advice though.  

You’ll know if the defense stinks.  

[PBF81]

3 minutes ago, NewEra said:

It’s a post on a message board. I don’t have the time nor to I feel the need to break things down into detail in order to satisfy your defining needs.  Thanks for the advice though.  

You’ll know if the defense stinks.  

 

But you expect me to break things down in avid detail at times.  

 

Sure.  

 

I also didn't realize that to break down in a sentence or two how you define "defense stinks" as being some arduous time-consuming task.  ... given how much you post otherwise.  Just sayin'.  

 

 

Edited August 25, 2023 by PBF81

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Not worried about leadership on this team.

I am worried how they handle pressure. Last year was intense but this year will be even greater. Will be interesting to see how they handle adversity. Last year despite not looking like a great team they still won 13 games. 

This year they may play better and look better but win only 10 or 11 games. Will the added losses cause unrest or just make them more ready for playoff football???

[26TrapDraw]

We don’t Rack Readership

we rack Disiprine!!!!

[benderbender]

Anyone notice that only NBA hot takers are the one's with these opinions? 

[machine gun kelly]

This team doesn’t need more leaders, and players criticizing other players isn’t leadership.  Demonstrating an introspective desire for perfection and discipline shows leadership.  Letting your teammates know I won’t personally allow any sloppiness from myself.  I’m going to keep working on each basic skill until I master one.  That’s leadership.  Not tolerating mediocrity and surrounding yourself with like minded others is infectious with groups in the team until you don’t want to not be on the bus.

 

McD has flipped a horrible culture for 17 years of crap.  It seems some here have a short memory.  I’m 55 and I remember what it’s like when it really sucks.  We just finished 13-3.  Do you know how ridiculous this sounds to Houston fans as an example?  That’s a lack of leadership.  Las Vegas, AZ, and even Dallas.  That’s a lack of leadership.  Players want to come to Buffalo.

[dpberr]

As others have stated, they lack killers and intensity.  

 

This whole team has a feel of middle manager calm and discipline because that's who Sean McDermott is.   It works until you hit adversity.  

 

I bet you $50 that Ken Dorsey got talked to about his rage in Miami last year, and how "we all have to act like the professionals we are..."  

 

 

 

 

[BillsPride12]

54 minutes ago, galept said:

 

There it is. Buffalo lacks killers.

This guy begs to differ 

[NewEra]

36 minutes ago, PBF81 said:

 

But you expect me to break things down in avid detail at times.  

 

Sure.  

 

I also didn't realize that to break down in a sentence or two how you define "defense stinks" as being some arduous time-consuming task.  ... given how much you post otherwise.  Just sayin'.  

 

 

Ok, here’s the breakdown:  If the defense stinks, you’ll know.  
 

 

[mjt328]

There are different kinds of leadership.

 

I believe the Bills do have great leaders on the team, ranging from the coaching staff to the players on the field. 

I'm just not quite sure they are the kind of leaders needed to ultimately win an NFL championship.

 

For example.. The job done last year to keep this team together during the Damar Hamlin situation was amazing.  Nobody should ever discredit McDermott for the way he handled an unprecedented on-field tragedy, and got his team to continue winning games.  He also must receive the credit for transforming a two-decade losing culture at One Bills Drive into one of the most respected franchises in the NFL.  But when you look at situations such as 13 Seconds, or his comments regarding Stefon Diggs absence in mini-camp... it's also fair to question his ability to make quick/wise decisions on the spot.  Which is a vital characteristic for someone in his position.

 

In terms of Josh Allen, you probably can't find an example of a harder-working Quarterback.  He sets the example and the tone for this offense, and is certainly respected by his teammates.  But he also seems to lack the poise and calm that other top QBs often showcase in the big games.  When things start spiraling out of control, he often does too much, leading to too many turnovers/mistakes.

 

Teams usually resemble their leaders.  There is probably a reason the Bills are known for making mistakes in the biggest moments.

 

 

 

[78thealltimegreat]

13 hours ago, Ya Digg? said:

I was more getting at that some people think the only way to show leadership is to yell at your teammates, in public or behind closed doors. Your right though, Josh isn’t like that at all and I appreciate it

I hear ya man he’s just a an intense player it honestly should be Von the man is going to Canton Ohio on the first ballot 

[FilthyBeast]

I think this team has solid leaders in the lockerroom but a massive void where it matters at the top in terms of HC.

 

Need a true 'wartime' HC to take the next step and get past the divisional round and beyond.

[78thealltimegreat]

1 hour ago, Radar said:

In your face is overrated today's players. What you do on the field is in my opinion more important. Yelling has a short shelf life.

I don’t know I still think there’s a place for a fiery leaders not everybody is the this is my job crowd. Tom Brady was legendary for calling out teammates in practice