THE ROCKPILE REVIEW – Bills in Control

[folz]

Always love reading your recaps Shaw. Excellent post as always. 👍

 

 

I've been rewatching the highlights a bit and wanted to make a bit of a silly, but honest comment, I guess here is as good a place as any.

 

The Three Prettiest Things in the Win Over the Broncos:

[Not necessarily the best, or most important, etc.---the "prettiest".]

 

1. Jimbo Cook turning the corner. He makes it look so easy. The speed, angle, and smoothness are all at an elite-level. He just flows like surging water around a bend in the river. Beautiful. His patience, following his blockers, has become top-tier too...like a prime Leveon Bell.

 

2. Khalil "Tupac" Shakir "a, his hips don't lie." The spinning pinball finding extra yards every time he touched the ball. Definitely a thing of beauty. His spin move is a killer.

 

3. Maybe it was the orange pants, but Riley Dixon's punt mechanics. He just looked so smooth, soft, with great extension, etc. I don't really know how good a punter he is overall (can't believe it's his 9th year in the league and I haven't really been that aware of him), and again, maybe it was partly the uniform, but his punt motion is very balletic.

[Comebackkid]

5 hours ago, HOUSE said:

The thing to remember Buffalo is largely a 2nd half team. They tend to be conservative in the 1st half. Most opposing team fans miss this EVERY WEEK. A 10 point deficit means nothing IMO. 

they are becomming very (old) patriot like in how they win games.   first half...just sit back..play safe and analyze what the other team is doing..then 2nd half start rolling and dismantaling.   and suddenly they are up 3 scores out of now where. 

5 hours ago, Dillenger4 said:

But, we are the better team than the Ravens. Simple as that. Our D has to play hard again, contain lamar and it's over early.

why is that?

[Shaw66]

32 minutes ago, folz said:

Always love reading your recaps Shaw. Excellent post as always. 👍

 

 

I've been rewatching the highlights a bit and wanted to make a bit of a silly, but honest comment, I guess here is as good a place as any.

 

The Three Prettiest Things in the Win Over the Broncos:

[Not necessarily the best, or most important, etc.---the "prettiest".]

 

1. Jimbo Cook turning the corner. He makes it look so easy. The speed, angle, and smoothness are all at an elite-level. He just flows like surging water around a bend in the river. Beautiful. His patience, following his blockers, has become top-tier too...like a prime Leveon Bell.

 

2. Khalil "Tupac" Shakir "a, his hips don't lie." The spinning pinball finding extra yards every time he touched the ball. Definitely a thing of beauty. His spin move is a killer.

 

3. Maybe it was the orange pants, but Riley Dixon's punt mechanics. He just looked so smooth, soft, with great extension, etc. I don't really know how good a punter he is overall (can't believe it's his 9th year in the league and I haven't really been that aware of him), and again, maybe it was partly the uniform, but his punt motion is very balletic.

I didn't notice Dixon, but I agree about Shakir and Cook.  

 

Cook's speed on the edge is breathtaking. Each week, he looks faster. And what you say about his patience is correct. He waits and waits, and then he zips.  It's not an explosion - it's silent instant acceleration. 

 

And yes to Shakir, too. He is exquisite in the open field.  I'm not sure there's anyone like him.  

[RiotAct]

5 hours ago, CSBill said:

I’m confident that will not be an issue this week. The stadium will be swaying. 

OR… half the stadium will be asleep from the massive quantities of alcohol they consumed in the parking lots for 5-6 hours beforehand

 

 

[HappyDays]

12 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

When the Broncos scored their touchdown, the fans were stunned. The Bills weren’t.

 

This is one of the best lines you've had. Good stuff.

 

It is kind of unfortunate that we've become a victim of our own success. I still make it a point to enjoy every single win and every single big play. But once the clock hits :00 I'm very much in "ok, so what's next?" mode. It must be nice to be a Commanders fan right now. Winning this past Sunday was a cherry on top. Whatever happened in that game, and whatever happens from here on out, they already won the season. I remember watching the Jags wildcard game in 2018 without a hint of anxiety. Honestly I wouldn't have cared if we had lost 40-0. In retrospect that was pathetic of me. I'd much rather have the risk of ultimate heartbreak over that feeling of nonchalance. Ultimate heartbreak means ultimate glory if/when we go all the way.

[HappyDays]

10 hours ago, Sweats said:

they just seem content to stay within their gameplan, put in the work for a full 60 minutes, shore up the trenches and continue to build off of one play to the next.

 

That final line bears repeating because I think it defines this generation of the Buffalo Bills. I said it in the live game thread for Bills/Broncos that we are one of the best momentum teams I've seen in the NFL. Our league leading point differential over the past however many years is a testament to this, and to my eyes it's been even more stark this year. How many games have we watched where we're plodding along with a 3 point lead (or deficit) and it feels like we're one mistake away from a disaster, and then you check the scoreboard 15 minutes later and we're up by 25 with Trubisky warming up on the sidelines. It's really uncanny. Like we smell blood in the water and just start piling on in all three phases. And being able to win like that in a playoff game is just extremely impressive. It shows the level of experience we held over Denver.

 

Of course as we've seen over the years the problem with this manner of winning is that you aren't going to pile on other great teams. To win the Super Bowl this year we'll need to overcome our kryptonite - high leverage moments in close games against other great teams. Those moments lost us the Texans game, and the Rams gams, and the Chiefs game going back to the divisional round last year. We'll need to execute in those moments in three consecutive games to bring home the Lombardi.

[Sierra Foothills]

13 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

In the stadium, fans were loud for the Broncos’ first possession, were quieted by the quick TD, and then they watched with the same apprehension. The fans had doubts, and they didn’t seem to stand with the team on defense for the rest of the half. Slowly, as the Bills began to take over the game, the fans’ enthusiasm grew, but then it was the usual late-game party atmosphere for a blow-out win.

 

It won't be a popular thing to say but honestly, too many of our fans are spoiled. You can tell just from being here at TSW that many are stuck in "show me" mode. I see crowd shots and see too few people trying to make noise. I see where season ticket holders are disinclined to attend games and sell their tickets to whomever. This QB and team deserve better than fans that are lazy and entitled.

 

Thank goodness we still have a majority of great fans but too many bring nothing to the stadium.

 

13 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

Compare the Lions fans: It's all new to them, and their unbridled enthusiasm was on full display when the Bills were there a month ago. Lions fans seem to think that their team can and will roll through the entire NFL. They think that their disappointment last season was the final bump in the road, that now winning is almost a foregone conclusion. Maybe, but Bills fans have learned that it's more difficult than just showing up. It isn’t new to Bills fans any longer, and it seems this season Bills fans are just sitting with their fingers crossed, hoping this may be the year but prepared for a letdown.

 

Yep. As much as hate to say it (and again, it wont make me popular to say so) too many Bills fans are jaded and spoiled.

 

13 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

Thankfully, the Bills themselves had no doubts, no second thoughts, no fears. They just went about their business, being the team they intend to be – a team that can win by playing whatever style is necessary to win the game. They take the field knowing they’re prepared to play a style – running, passing, defending, that can be effective against the opponent.

 

I loved that the team showed zero panic. Talk about a workmanlike effort...

 

Plan your work and work your plan.

 

13 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

When the Broncos scored their touchdown, the fans were stunned. The Bills weren’t. The Bills just went about their business, playing the game they planned to play, Play by play, drive by drive, the Bills took over the game. They did it the way they planned, and they won. As the game went on, moving the ball became increasingly difficult for the Broncos and became easier for the Bills. It could have a more lopsided score, but the Bills play to win, not to have a fireworks display.

 

I saw where some fans were not happy that the Bills didn't win more decisively... as if style points matter.

 

The Bills did what they had to in order to win and they weren't interested in impressing anyone by needlessly running up the score or going pass happy on offense.

 

I for one, like that.

 

13 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

The Bills’ defense is disciplined, fast, and strategic. They can play to stop the run, then can smother passing games, They disguise well, and they don’t make mistakes. For a rookie quarterback, it’s too much to handle. Bo Nix had a nice season, but his playoff education began against the Bills.

 

The Bills defense is playing their best ball of the season. The team is healthier than they've been all season.

 

I'm VERY bullish on the Bills.

 

13 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

I like the offense, a lot. There aren’t many teams running an offense as good as what the Bills are showing. The Bills have answers all over the field, in two senses. First, they have excellent players everywhere. The offensive line is stellar – they execute in every phase. They pass block. They create seams in the run game. They power block when Josh sneaks. They get downfield.

 

The receivers are a dynamic mix of skills; they get open and they catch the ball.

 

Cook runs with surprising power at the point of attack, great awareness in those seams the offensive line creates, quickness to change direction, and surprising acceleration and speed in open field.

 

Brady bewilders defenses with an astonishing array of formations and player combinations. The Bills rarely take two offensive snaps with same personnel on the field. The Bills present a different look and different threats all game long. Brady uses motion well; Curtis Samuel was this week’s example. And Allen understands everything that’s happening.

 

Allen runs, passes, executes, and leads as well as anyone in the league.

 

The result – the Bills run well, they pass well, and they score.

 

I see where some people were commenting on the dominance of the Rams defense in their big win over the Vikings last night... the same defense that the Bills hung 42 points on. The Rams had 9 sacks against Minny but ZERO against the Bills. The only thing that has slowed the offense this year are injuries, the unfamiliarity of many new parts, and the occasional bad play call. At this point I don't believe there's a defense in the league who can slow down the Bills O which is hitting on all cylinders.

 

13 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

The defense is the same – solid players everywhere, and everyone executes. Milano and Miller, the two guys with demonstrated star potential, have begun contributing. They don’t make every play like we saw before their recent injuries, but they have begun to contribute in ways that slow offenses.

 

The Bills have filled their roster with able backups, guys who step in and make plays, both on offense and on defense. Lewis and Bishop and Ingram can play, and Williams. Every receiver can make plays, every running back. Everyone does his job.

 

Now fully healthy, the Bills are finally "multiple" on both sides of the ball. I believe we'll see an assignment sound and deceptive defense and I'm excited to see what wrinkles the team throws at the Ravens.

 

13 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

There is no team in the league that plays team offense and team defense as well as the Bills, and that’s what makes them a great team.

 

Agree 100%.

 

It was posted elsewhere and bears mentioning again, even in spite of the injuries and new starters, the Bills were 3rd in points allowed at home... 16.3 points allowed.

 

 

[Sweats]

6 hours ago, HappyDays said:

 

That final line bears repeating because I think it defines this generation of the Buffalo Bills. I said it in the live game thread for Bills/Broncos that we are one of the best momentum teams I've seen in the NFL. Our league leading point differential over the past however many years is a testament to this, and to my eyes it's been even more stark this year. How many games have we watched where we're plodding along with a 3 point lead (or deficit) and it feels like we're one mistake away from a disaster, and then you check the scoreboard 15 minutes later and we're up by 25 with Trubisky warming up on the sidelines. It's really uncanny. Like we smell blood in the water and just start piling on in all three phases. And being able to win like that in a playoff game is just extremely impressive. It shows the level of experience we held over Denver.

 

Of course as we've seen over the years the problem with this manner of winning is that you aren't going to pile on other great teams. To win the Super Bowl this year we'll need to overcome our kryptonite - high leverage moments in close games against other great teams. Those moments lost us the Texans game, and the Rams gams, and the Chiefs game going back to the divisional round last year. We'll need to execute in those moments in three consecutive games to bring home the Lombardi.

 

 

 

From it seems to me, that when we try to go toe to toe or point for point with other teams, is where we seem to derail a bit. It almost feels like we take ourselves out of our gameplan and try to outshine the other team.........whereas when we stick to the gameplan, go for 1st downs instead of the monster plays, we chunk yardage our way down the field in increments is when we seem to make up the most ground and that is where the team seems to insert its dominance and impose its will.

It's almost like the Bills are saying, "we're going to do this all day long, try and keep up or just get out of the way".

 

From here on out, these games are going to be dog fights and i think the Bills have a tougher, meaner dog in the fight this year.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

Shaw66's game write-ups often remind me of Larry Felser's columns on Mondays.  They are very much appreciated.

[US Egg]

1 hour ago, Ridgewaycynic2013 said:

Shaw66's game write-ups often remind me of Larry Felser's columns on Mondays.  They are very much appreciated.

As a kid, and into my adult years, I couldn’t wait for Felser’s NFL game predictions with a quick quip, along with his keeping a running season tally of his record. It was so much more enjoyable than the bombastic broadcast panels of today.

[Figster]

7 hours ago, Sweats said:

 

 

 

From it seems to me, that when we try to go toe to toe or point for point with other teams, is where we seem to derail a bit. It almost feels like we take ourselves out of our gameplan and try to outshine the other team.........whereas when we stick to the gameplan, go for 1st downs instead of the monster plays, we chunk yardage our way down the field in increments is when we seem to make up the most ground and that is where the team seems to insert its dominance and impose its will.

It's almost like the Bills are saying, "we're going to do this all day long, try and keep up or just get out of the way".

 

From here on out, these games are going to be dog fights and i think the Bills have a tougher, meaner dog in the fight this year.

Milano is back!!!

 

 

 

Edited January 15 by Figster

[JP51]

Well said... and as usual agreed... we are gonna find out if things have changed... lots of guys need to bring their A game for the rest of the season... lets hope it happens.. 

[Wraith]

12 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

I saw where some fans were not happy that the Bills didn't win more decisively... as if style points matter. The Bills did what they had to in order to win and they weren't interested in impressing anyone by needlessly running up the score or going pass happy on offense.

The thing is, the people that feel that way are very wrong. The Bills had the most lopsided win of the Wild Card Round! By every metric! 

[JP51]

1 hour ago, Wraith said:

The thing is, the people that feel that way are very wrong. The Bills had the most lopsided win of the Wild Card Round! By every metric! 

I dont care if we beat the Ravens 2-0 and Josh goes 1 of 15 for 6 yards... lol at this juncture just stay in the tournament 

[Shaw66]

1 hour ago, Wraith said:

The thing is, the people that feel that way are very wrong. The Bills had the most lopsided win of the Wild Card Round! By every metric! 

This is such an interesting point.  It seemed that every ten minutes, the Bills looked better than the previous.  And then better, and then better still.  But it happened in a slow, methodical, gradual way that people didn't notice.  

16 hours ago, HappyDays said:

To win the Super Bowl this year we'll need to overcome our kryptonite - high leverage moments in close games against other great teams. Those moments lost us the Texans game, and the Rams gams, and the Chiefs game going back to the divisional round last year. We'll need to execute in those moments in three consecutive games to bring home the Lombardi.

I agree. But this team feels different. 

[Shaw66]

9 hours ago, Ridgewaycynic2013 said:

Shaw66's game write-ups often remind me of Larry Felser's columns on Mondays.  They are very much appreciated.

WOW! Thanks so much for that.

 

It made me think of how much I loved reading Larry Felser's work.  During the season, I'd go immediately to the sports section of the news to see what Felser was saying.  There were columns where I learned football, because he asked players or coaches how the play worked. Columns about the background of a player, where he came from, how his football career developed.  The guy had a genuine curiosity in everything about the team, but especially about the game. 

 

Above all, his columns the day after games were excellent and insightful.  He told us the keys to the game, the turning-point plays, the winning strategy. It was consistently excellent.

 

Felser was really good for a long time. 

[nosejob]

On 1/14/2025 at 5:14 PM, 1st&ten said:

Many of my friends have a lot of  apprehension about the Raven's game. I'm having good vibes about this game. I won't get into all the reasons why I think the Bills will win but I think they will win by 8-12 points.

When the Texans beat KC, there's gonna be double the electric.

[Whites Bay]

16 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

At this point I don't believe there's a defense in the league who can slow down the Bills O which is hitting on all cylinders.

 

 

 

This is where my head is, and it pretty much started after the Lions game.  And, yeah, I get it - the Lions Defense when the Bills played them was not the Lions Defense at the beginning of the year when it looked like they were the odds-on favorite to be in the Super Bowl.  But what impressed me about that particular game (okay, on the rewatch) was the movement and sheer power of the offensive line.  My god, the way the tackles are pulling and just LIGHTING PEOPLE UP.  I'm looking for flags to be thrown just for sheer violence.

 

The national narrative is "Josh Allen, Josh Allen, Josh Allen...".  Yep.  It should be.  But Allen has enough time to get a barbecue going back there this year.  It's just a wicked combination to have THAT quarterback (who has really matured, and it seems to me "calmed down" (girlfriend situation has really turned around)) directing traffic behind THAT offensive line.

 

I'm not predicting victory this weekend AT ALL.  My BBFS is strong.  But this ain't going to be the beatdown that we saw the last time the Bills faced the Ravens.

[Pete]

History of the Buffalo Bills!  Awesome!  I’ve watched 50 times

Edited January 15 by Pete

[Shaw66]

4 hours ago, Whites Bay said:

 

The national narrative is "Josh Allen, Josh Allen, Josh Allen...".  Yep.  It should be.  But Allen has enough time to get a barbecue going back there this year.  It's just a wicked combination to have THAT quarterback (who has really matured, and it seems to me "calmed down" (girlfriend situation has really turned around)) directing traffic behind THAT offensive line.

 

 

Yes.

 

And don't leave out Brady.  There's real offensive excellence on display, and he orchestrates it.