The Bills will be better in 2024 and everyone overreacted

[BeastMaster]

13 hours ago, ngbills said:

I like the concept but who is faster and younger? Lewis and Rapp have been here and are not faster or better. Younger ok. Like it or not Davis our #2 and has yet to be replaced. We did bring in 30 year old Hollins who is not faster or younger. But again I like the concept of younger and faster. 

According to their forty times, Hollins was faster, so you could factually say we got bigger, faster and got someone with better hands than Davis in Hollins for 1/8th of the cost

[Billsfanatic8989]

Re-tooling with Allen at QB is unacceptable. 

[GunnerBill]

7 minutes ago, Billsfanatic8989 said:

Re-tooling with Allen at QB is unacceptable. 

 

If you have a franchise QB for 3 contracts you normally need to do two at least two mini-retools in that period. It doesn't have to stop you competing - and I think the Bills will win the division and make the playoffs again next year - but it does mean in the midst of that re-tool that you have a year or two where you are treading water rather than getting better. 

[FireChans]

8 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

 

Developmental depth, bro. Not starters. As far as rookie "starters" go at this moment we need 2... and 1st and 2nd round picks are expected to start year 1 in the NFL usually.

 

Beane has spent money on vets in FA and the team has prioritized experience over youth in terms of depth. Now that's going to need to shift.

that’s both true. However, you said that 5 or 6 of our drafts picks could be serious contributors in 2024. That’s very unlikely and a bad plan. If that happened, it’s probably the best draft in Bills history.

 

Developmental depth doesn’t make your team better than solid experienced vets. That’s why they are called “developmental.” Because they suck and you are trying to develop them into not sucking.

 

Ultimately, that is the fatal flaw in your premise. Yes, the Bills need to and will get much younger. That’s exciting. However this will make them a worse team in 2024. Probably not by much, but unless they have an unbelievable draft class, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be worse. 

 

8 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

 

Honestly... I stand by that. I wish we did trade Gabe and just let Sherfield roll in as the #2 because we would have had all the blocking and Sherfield's catch % throughout his career has been much higher than Gabe's.

 

I can't remember if it was a Sherfield interview I was listening to or a podcast but there was some frustration on his part in his lack of use in the offense. He got very few reps throughout the year.

 

But did you notice how our offense started humming after Gabe got hurt against Pittsburgh and Sherfield came in???

Sherfield dropped gigantic passes in our playoff loss to KC. He’s a bum, so what do you expect, but he played a large role in the loss. 
 

anyway, Gabe signed a big deal and I don’t think Trent is on a team, so it sounds like no NFL team was slavering over his 1 seven yard reception in the postseason. 

[Mr. WEO]

15 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

This is an offseason I'm probably going to largely avoid the national media.  I just don't think they have a clue about what the Bills were, what they are, and what they will be.

 

First of all, I love what Beane is doing as we move into the beginning of the new league year right now.  Release the old and expensive players and retain a few valuable pieces.  All of this in order to get our CAP situation in order moving into future season.  Meanwhile, he's accrued 11 total draft picks as ammunition to go get the guys that he wants.  We aren't drafting 11 guys and you can bet we'll be trading around in the draft to end up with between 7-9 players.  Hopefully 5 or 6 of them turn into SERIOUS contributors in 2024.

 

Pretty sure all of these are what Beane is banking on.

 

But honestly, even without the draft and at a snapshot moment in Free Agency when all the Bills have done is re-sign Jones, Epenesa and Lewis and signed Morrow and Hollins, I think the 2024 Buffalo Bills are set up to be a better team than in 2023.

 

Coaching 

First of all, the Bills revamped their coaching staff almost completely.  They got a lot younger, so some fresh perspectives are likely coming into the fold.  On top of that Joe Brady will have an ENTIRE offseason to build and implement his own offense in Buffalo rather than using Dorsey's offense.  Our OC and DC are young and energetic and infectious by reports from all the players and media.  And what's more, McDermott will still be able to help Babbich grow where he needs to while focusing on more aspects of the team than he was able to last year.

 

Special Teams

Bass had the worst year of his career last year, but was a consistent kicker before that.  I don't think he goes anywhere but up... and bringing Haack in to (possibly????) compete for the punting job might be a sign Beane & Co. believe holding is a notable part of the problem.  And maybe it was????  Remember how bad a holder Bojo was and what happened to the Packers kicking game when he went over there as the punter?  If Haack's our punter... he's not a great punter, but hopefully we don't punt a lot  Returners are a dime a dozen to me and we have potential returners in Shakir, Isabella and Hamler already on the roster.  I'm sure we'll bring someone else in, too.

 

Offense

 

OL-First of all, 4 out of 5 pieces on our OL will be back.  And the 1 new piece might end up being a familiar face who played a big role on the team last year.  The Bills clearly believe in McGovern as a Center, so I'll trust their judgment.  If Edwards is the LG next to him, I'm fine with that, too.  He was the starting Guard for the Super Bowl champions a few years ago so he has the talent and experience.  Alec Anderson seems like a dark horse to come in and start at that position, though.  We'll still very likely draft a young IOL, though.  Plenty of other young developmental OL talent to be excited about with the likes of Van Demark and Gourage.  and then we'll have what I believe will be one of the best right sides of an offensive line in the NFL with Torrence and Spencer Brown next year.  And Dawkins gonna be Dawkins.  As far as the IOL moves, I was listening to Daniel Jeremiah on his Move the Sticks podcast yesterday and he was saying how he spoke with Brandon Beane relatively recently about OL and Beane was talking about how it's becoming more and more important to have a more stout, strong IOL nowadays than more of an athletic IOL with what's happening on the defensive side with DTs.  I thought it was interesting and seems like that might be a reason for the Morse release and move for McGovern.

 

QB-See above about Joe Brady.  Otherwise, not much needs to be said here.  Let's just hope that our freak QB stays healthy this year and doesn't get injuries that affects his throwing motion the way he did the last 2 seasons.  If he has to sit for a week or 2, I think we should all feel a little better with Trubisky than Kyle Allen

 

WR-See above about Joe Brady.  I think Diggs was hurt in the 2nd half of the season.  I don't know what game that was where he was thrown to the ground, but I think he was playing hurt for awhile.  Yes, he's getting older, but Diggs is still a #1 WR.  He just needs more talent around him, and with Shakir's development last year, we'll likely see him as a bigger part of the offense.  I really think either Isabella or Hamler makes this roster.  I don't know which one, but one of them is going to be our 4th or 5th WR/gadget guy/ returner.  Mack Hollins feels like a roster bubble guy.  Justin Shorter might be the guy to replace Siran Neal as the gunner and will be sitting in the 5th or 6th WR spot.  So a lot depends on who we draft at WR.  And I think everyone knows we're drafting a WR in round 1 or 2.  Whoever it is, let's hope he's better than Gabe.  Long term I think odds are he will be.

 

TE-A healthy Dawson Knox and a year 2 Dalton Kincaid with an entire offseason to work on his game????  Sign me up!!!

 

RB-We all saw the weapon James Cook can be.  Dude just needs to spend plenty of time on the Jugs machine.  RBs are a dime a dozen... we'll find a couple to fill roles and be just fine.

 

Defense

admittedly D is our biggest worry.  But I think we have less to worry about than feared.

DE-Groot was hampered by a foot injury most of last year, which was obvious.  Von was clearly still recovering from his ACL tear, which was obvious.  I expect both to be better in 2024.  I don't really understand those who think Von just all of the sudden sucks.  He had an ACL tear and tried coming back to play full time less than a year after it happened.  Most athletes say they take a couple years to feel like themselves after an ACL tear.  Just ask Tre White.  Epenesa re-signing is exciting!  If he takes another step in 2025 then our top 3 rotational edge rushers would be an upgrade from last year even with Floyd leaving.  I almost anticipate Lawson coming back, but even if he didn't and Jonathan and Kline were our 4th an 5th DEs, that would still be pretty solid depth.

 

DT- Oliver and Jones is a lethal duo.  Just getting Jones back and healthy for a full season will be an upgrade.  And Jones has been pretty healthy for his career up until this past year.  I don't think he missed a regular season game in the previous 5-7 seasons.  But that's it for DTs other than Ankou, who frankly might make the team and just might be an upgrade on Settle/Ford/Phillips.  But we're going to draft at least one and acquire one... maybe post June 1st as our late offseason Floyd signing.  But it's all about Oliver and Jones, really.  We didn't have Daquan most of last season.  If we do in 2024, that's an upgrade.

 

LB-Everything I said above about Daquan Jones and what the impact would be in getting him back is amplified with all of the same stuff for Milano.  Losing Milano last year was the most devastating thing that happened to our team.  He was absolutely unbelievable to start the year.  His injury isn't the kind of injury that lingers once he rehabs and heals, so I'd expect him to be back to himself.  Top that off with the now-known-commodity of Terrel Bernard and we might have the best starting duo of LBs in the league.  Throw in Dorian Williams, who I believe will be used as an X-factor in a league that is shifting more and more towards 3 LB alignments because of the heavier personnel and the LB Unit will already be better in 2024.

 

CB-Our starting CBs are pretty much all studs.  Taron, Rasul and Benford are all really good to exceptional.  I really do think Elam still has a decent shot with this new coaching staff and potentially new (maybe only slightly) system that will utilize some more man principles.  I wouldn't sleep on him finding a way into a significant or even starting role.  When he does get on the field, he makes plays.  We'll draft a CB or 2.  We always do.  The difference will be that there will be room on the roster for them to actually make the team rather than get poached by other teams the way Alex Austin or Nick McLeod were.  And don't sleep on the 2 guys on our PS.  Ingram might make the team to play a critical backup role.

 

S-Personnel-wise, this is likely the position we have to worry about the most.  But at the same time, Sean McDermott throughout his entire career has always turned other teams' trash into his treasure when it comes to the Safety position.  From the Eagles to the Panthers to the Bills, you can go and track all the safeties that have come through those teams and find quality to elite contributors.  It's actually pretty insane the way he does it.  I expect he does it again.  We'll likely get a guy in FA and draft a guy, but I'm really not gonna be shocked if our starting Safety tandem is Taylor Rapp and Cam Lewis.  Everyone is going to freak out if that happens.  I won't.  McDermott knows the safety position better than anyone.  I don't even think that's hyperbole.  We'll be good.

 

 

Now... am I predicting Super Bowl???? Heck no!!!  Too many variables always come into play and the playoffs are one-and-done so you just never know.  However, the widespread national narrative and narrative among some on this board is that Buffalo's Super Bowl Window is closed and what we're seeing this offseason is the start of a rebuild.

 

Not a rebuild folks,  We're re-tooling.  And the tools we'll have in 2024 will be sharper, shinier and more effective!!!  I can't wait to see who else we add in FA.  I can't wait to see who we draft, but outside of the positions we just need to bring in some bodies to fill them (RB, DT, & S), I'd feel pretty good about where we are even at this moment.  The great thing is that we still have additions coming.

 

It's gonna be a great 2024 season!!!  Go Bills!!!

 

Why do you feel you have special insight that the entirety of "national media" doesn't have?

 

Why is the fact that the Bills have inexperienced young/energetic (according to the "media"--would that be "the national media"? lol) a benefit? 

 

Elam made "a" big play.  Otherwise, it seems McD thinks little of this kid.  Milano tore his ACL and broke his leg.  What in your experience allows you to conclude that combination of injuries "does not linger"?

[ngbills]

1 hour ago, BeastMaster said:

According to their forty times, Hollins was faster, so you could factually say we got bigger, faster and got someone with better hands than Davis in Hollins for 1/8th of the cost

When was that 40 time? The guy is older than Diggs. 

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

The top team are improving and we are falling behind. If we even have just an average draft we will probably be rebuilding in 2025. McD look outmatched in the playoffs and is a few steps behind when making adjustments. 
 

If this year goes how I predict get ready for the media to say Josh Allen’s career is being wasted in Buffalo. 

[Ramza86]

Until we find out if we get any early surprise good starters from the draft. 

I feel the same about the team as last year. 

Health is our biggest enemy this year as we are currently THIN.

[Buffalo Super Fan]

Judging right now by the 2024 Buffalo Bills choices of where they spend the little cap space and money they have the Buffalo Bills will be worse in 2024. And will struggle to get to a wildcard playoff berth. Things will have to go right on tie breakers when the Bills are back to in the hunt again. As a Bills fan I hope I am wrong but this team is going to have to really hit the jackpot on there draft picks to fill the holes the Bills secondary has in my opinion. Go Bills! Let’s Go Buffalo 

[Success]

3 minutes ago, Buffalo Super Fan said:

Judging right now by the 2024 Buffalo Bills choices of where they spend the little cap space and money they have the Buffalo Bills will be worse in 2024. And will struggle to get to a wildcard playoff berth. Things will have to go right on tie breakers when the Bills are back to in the hunt again. As a Bills fan I hope I am wrong but this team is going to have to really hit the jackpot on there draft picks to fill the holes the Bills secondary has in my opinion. Go Bills! Let’s Go Buffalo 

 

It's not wrong to be cautious, but I haven't heard too many here say we'll struggle for a WC spot.

 

The AFC East simply isn't that good of a division.  Miami is our biggest competition, and they have lost as much as we have this offseason, if not more.  The Jets w/ Rodgers might be somewhat tough, but I don't see them taking the division.

 

As long as Allen stays healthy, I think the division title is more or less a given.

 

[Turbo44]

4 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

Why do you feel you have special insight that the entirety of "national media" doesn't have?

 

Why is the fact that the Bills have inexperienced young/energetic (according to the "media"--would that be "the national media"? lol) a benefit? 

 

Elam made "a" big play.  Otherwise, it seems McD thinks little of this kid.  Milano tore his ACL and broke his leg.  What in your experience allows you to conclude that combination of injuries "does not linger"?

According to Beane and McD, milano broke his leg but had not ligament damage 

[GunnerBill]

4 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

Why do you feel you have special insight that the entirety of "national media" doesn't have?

 

Why is the fact that the Bills have inexperienced young/energetic (according to the "media"--would that be "the national media"? lol) a benefit? 

 

Elam made "a" big play.  Otherwise, it seems McD thinks little of this kid.  Milano tore his ACL and broke his leg.  What in your experience allows you to conclude that combination of injuries "does not linger"?

 

Milano didn't tear his ACL. Was just a leg break. 

[ngbills]

1 minute ago, Success said:

 

It's not wrong to be cautious, but I haven't heard too many here say we'll struggle for a WC spot.

 

The AFC East simply isn't that good of a division.  Miami is our biggest competition, and they have lost as much as we have this offseason, if not more.  The Jets w/ Rodgers might be somewhat tough, but I don't see them taking the division.

 

As long as Allen stays healthy, I think the division title is more or less a given.

 

MIA still has Hill, Waddle, Achane and Moster. They added Smith at TE which is an upgrade. Brewer is a solid add at C.

D is the concern after losing Wilkins and Howard, but they do have Chubb and Phillips coming back, plus added Poyer, Brooks and Barrett.

 

I dont see how they have lost more than the Bills. With the O they will always be a tough match up. We are move question marks when it comes to impact players. 

[Ghs24mike]

19 hours ago, ngbills said:

All those day three picks should be fighting with Hollins, Morrow, Lewis, Rapp, etc for jobs. 

So you lose Morse, Poyer, Hyde, White, Floyd, Davis and that equals better? Those guys must have sucked. 

Bills must think McGovern is a suitable replacement for Morse

 

Poyer and Hyde had lost a step. I anticipate our safeties will be better this year. 

 

White hasnt played in 2 years. Really doesnt change anything

 

We will more than make up for Davis in the draft

 

Floyd might be the only piece that we "lost"- but a 90% Von this year replaces what he did. 

 

So yes, with those moves, another year in both systems, Milano coming back, and Kincaid and Bernard taking another step yes they will be better.

[Buffalo Boy]

[bigK14094]

I agree w the view that Diggs was hurt second half of the 23 season.  Not only the stat story, but, if you watched him closely, he was in great pain often after being hit or hitting the ground.  He played on like the pro he is, and I look for him to return to form in 24.  I was really surprised the media didn't see what I saw, as that story line was never covered during the season. (Diggs not being on the injury report and all)

[Ralonzo]

The Bills don't have to actually be better to finish better. Win the games you're supposed to.

[Mr. WEO]

56 minutes ago, Ghs24mike said:

Bills must think McGovern is a suitable replacement for Morse

 

Poyer and Hyde had lost a step. I anticipate our safeties will be better this year. 

 

White hasnt played in 2 years. Really doesnt change anything

 

We will more than make up for Davis in the draft

 

Floyd might be the only piece that we "lost"- but a 90% Von this year replaces what he did. 

 

So yes, with those moves, another year in both systems, Milano coming back, and Kincaid and Bernard taking another step yes they will be better.

 

If they draft a rookie WR who will have 7 TDs and 750-800 and 1st downs on 75% of his catches that would be great.

 

But Davis was the best WR Beane has drafted. 

[ngbills]

1 hour ago, ngbills said:

MIA still has Hill, Waddle, Achane and Moster. They added Smith at TE which is an upgrade. Brewer is a solid add at C.

D is the concern after losing Wilkins and Howard, but they do have Chubb and Phillips coming back, plus added Poyer, Brooks and Barrett.

 

I dont see how they have lost more than the Bills. With the O they will always be a tough match up. We are move question marks when it comes to impact players. 

And now that added Fuller to replace Howard

[Aussie Joe]

2 hours ago, ngbills said:

MIA still has Hill, Waddle, Achane and Moster. They added Smith at TE which is an upgrade. Brewer is a solid add at C.

D is the concern after losing Wilkins and Howard, but they do have Chubb and Phillips coming back, plus added Poyer, Brooks and Barrett.

 

I dont see how they have lost more than the Bills. With the O they will always be a tough match up. We are move question marks when it comes to impact players. 

Still got Tua right ?