How much do we need to change to get to the SuperBowl? Not that much actually.

[SoonerBillsFan]

I get all the "buts" on how many excuses are being made, but I feel this time around its more facts than excuses. That said, lets get into it!  First, and @Simon don't have a stroke, but I really like Sean McDermott's end of season presser. There is just something different about him and it showed at the presser. He knows we need to improve our weaknesses and hinted he wants to be active in FA. He also said he agrees we need to stretch the field vertically. 

 

So what needs to be done.  First off I have done some research into Mr. Jim Johnson, the man that McDermott and Spags learned from as for as Defense is concerned.  What I don't get is how night and day the two are. McDermott is conservative and Spags just brings the dad gum sink!  Coach Johnson was a master of disguising blitzes and bringing them from anywhere keeping offenses off balance. I want to see McDermott lean on that more this offseason.   BTW Neat note, did you guys know Coach Johnson was a TE for us during the AFL years? 63-64!   Lastly on Scheme, I am giving Babich a pass on this season. Look I know from experience, going from coaching a position to play calling is a world of difference, he will learn from this year and improve.

 

Offensively, I want to see us stretch the field more and scheme more specific folks open. I want to see Kincaid hit the weight room and work his butt off on routes and contested catches.  I think if we can add some speed to the room and keep the core of Shakir, Coleman, Samuel (Maybe) Hollins, we would be ok.  I like what Sean said about not needing the speed to be say a #1 WR, but we need to stretch the field.

 

As for as personnel, stop drafting rotational linemen please? And Quit drafting upside. Just draft some guys who can come in and play football.  It has been discussed ad nauseum that Beane hasn't hit well on his 1st and some 2nd round picks. That needs to change this offseason.  

 

We need:  A stud pass rushing DE, a big 1 Tech DT, Bigger LB's, a CB or two, a Safety and WR with speed.  This can be done this offseason IF Beane can hit on Draft picks and we maybe just make a trade or two.

 

We aren't as far off as many think.  Coaching did cost us some, but I feel this AFCCG showed we lack pure talent. A speed WR opens up the underneath even on a Cover 2 Shell, a stud pass rusher and a big DT can add pressure, a little better CB and Safety play and we win the game.

 

Ill end with this, I don't think we are that far off from winning the whole thing. A handful of moves, a little luck and we will hoist the Lonbardi sooner than later.  I love my Bills fam, and I know this hurts, I am right there with you. I have been a fan since 1986 so this counts as what, my 40th year?  I get it, we all want a Superbowl, but we can't let that take away from what we do have, a top 4 team in the NFL with one of the best Playmaking QB's in Decades.  Rest up, Free agency and The combine will be here soon and we will be talking about that.

 

God Bless you all, Bills fam.  We WILL get there!

[RiotAct]

the thing that sucks though is, there’s no way we’ll be this healthy going into the playoffs next season.  I Mark-Messier-Guarantee it.

[SoonerBillsFan]

Just now, RiotAct said:

the thing that sucks though is, there’s no way we’ll be this healthy going into the playoffs next season.  I Mark-Messier-Guarantee it.

I don't know, we have been this healthy and more I think, in previous seasons.  Unfortunately its something we have little control over.

[Sojourner]

Blessings to you too. Appreciate the rationality in looking at the bigger picture in your post.

 

A better WR makes the offense easier and a legit DT in the middle solves a lot more problems for Ed, Groot and AJ. Would still like pass rusher addressed however as the guys we have on the roster don’t show up in the bigger moments. The one who has in his career is past his prime and not a reliable factor anymore. 
 

But the needs are really, with who’s projected to leave and who’s projected to stay:

(Bold draft, italics FA or trade)

 

a big 1 Tech DT

a WR with speed

a CB

a stud pass rushing DE

safety

 

LBs are at an acceptable and decent place imo. 
 

That DE I’d rather they acquire who’s experienced in the league but that’ll cost some which is why I put it further down in the order of necessity.

[JohnNord]

4 minutes ago, Sojourner said:

Blessings to you too. Appreciate the rationality in looking at the bigger picture in your post.

 

A better WR makes the offense easier and a legit DT in the middle solves a lot more problems for Ed, Groot and AJ. Would still like pass rusher addressed however as the guys we have on the roster don’t show up in the bigger moments. The one who has in his career is past his prime and not a reliable factor anymore. 
 

But the needs are really, with who’s projected to leave and who’s projected to stay:

(Bold draft, italics FA or trade)

 

a big 1 Tech DT

a WR with speed

a CB

a stud pass rushing DE

safety

 

LBs are at an acceptable and decent place imo. 
 

That DE I’d rather they acquire who’s experienced in the league but that’ll cost some which is why I put it further down in the order of necessity.

I think your suggestions are definitely possible.  The toughest piece is going to be the stud pass rushing DE.  This came up in Beane’s presser and he said “guys like Chris Jones don’t grow off trees.”

 

Also when it comes to WR, I think they’ll either re-sign Cooper or another veteran but I don’t see a high volume WR at all.  
 

From the press conferences it sounded very much like they have confidence in their picks like:

 

Coleman

Kincaid

Carter

Solomon

Rosseau

 

[oldmanfan]

37 minutes ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

I get all the "buts" on how many excuses are being made, but I feel this time around its more facts than excuses. That said, lets get into it!  First, and @Simon don't have a stroke, but I really like Sean McDermott's end of season presser. There is just something different about him and it showed at the presser. He knows we need to improve our weaknesses and hinted he wants to be active in FA. He also said he agrees we need to stretch the field vertically. 

 

So what needs to be done.  First off I have done some research into Mr. Jim Johnson, the man that McDermott and Spags learned from as for as Defense is concerned.  What I don't get is how night and day the two are. McDermott is conservative and Spags just brings the dad gum sink!  Coach Johnson was a master of disguising blitzes and bringing them from anywhere keeping offenses off balance. I want to see McDermott lean on that more this offseason.   BTW Neat note, did you guys know Coach Johnson was a TE for us during the AFL years? 63-64!   Lastly on Scheme, I am giving Babich a pass on this season. Look I know from experience, going from coaching a position to play calling is a world of difference, he will learn from this year and improve.

 

Offensively, I want to see us stretch the field more and scheme more specific folks open. I want to see Kincaid hit the weight room and work his butt off on routes and contested catches.  I think if we can add some speed to the room and keep the core of Shakir, Coleman, Samuel (Maybe) Hollins, we would be ok.  I like what Sean said about not needing the speed to be say a #1 WR, but we need to stretch the field.

 

As for as personnel, stop drafting rotational linemen please? And Quit drafting upside. Just draft some guys who can come in and play football.  It has been discussed ad nauseum that Beane hasn't hit well on his 1st and some 2nd round picks. That needs to change this offseason.  

 

We need:  A stud pass rushing DE, a big 1 Tech DT, Bigger LB's, a CB or two, a Safety and WR with speed.  This can be done this offseason IF Beane can hit on Draft picks and we maybe just make a trade or two.

 

We aren't as far off as many think.  Coaching did cost us some, but I feel this AFCCG showed we lack pure talent. A speed WR opens up the underneath even on a Cover 2 Shell, a stud pass rusher and a big DT can add pressure, a little better CB and Safety play and we win the game.

 

Ill end with this, I don't think we are that far off from winning the whole thing. A handful of moves, a little luck and we will hoist the Lonbardi sooner than later.  I love my Bills fam, and I know this hurts, I am right there with you. I have been a fan since 1986 so this counts as what, my 40th year?  I get it, we all want a Superbowl, but we can't let that take away from what we do have, a top 4 team in the NFL with one of the best Playmaking QB's in Decades.  Rest up, Free agency and The combine will be here soon and we will be talking about that.

 

God Bless you all, Bills fam.  We WILL get there!

I agree with your general view of non-pessimism, but in your synopsis you suggest we’re not far away but go in to essentially say we have to replace/upgrade every defensive position.

 

Beane never shows his hand, but I suspect he’s going after a stud DE or WR by trade or FA.

Edited 4 hours ago by oldmanfan

[Rocky Landing]

Just my opinion

 

On Offense:

I think on offense we need one, speedy boundary receiver who can consistently get separation.. and that's it.

 

The Bills have an opportunity to enter the '25 season with almost the same offense they finished with, and that's not a bad thing. The familiarity, consistency, and culture on that side of the ball shouldn't be underestimated. Maybe Cooper can be that boundary WR? But, we sure didn't see it this season. But, I wouldn't be surprised if they re-signed him (although, I suspect most would disagree with that...).

 

But certainly, our O-line, RB, and TE, and QB rooms should, as much as possible, stay the same.

Maybe Zack Davidson for Q Morris. Maybe sneak Tyrell Shavers on there-- minor tweaks.

 

On Defense:

Quite the opposite. The only players I would feel strongly about holding onto are, Groot, Oliver, Benford, Bernard, Milano, Taron Johnson, Rapp (that's right, I said it), and maybe Epenesa, and Dorian Williams. I would imagine we hold onto Cam Lewis (who is important for depth, and ST), Carter, Solomon... keep kicking the tires on Cole Bishop, I suppose...

 

Maybe not a complete overhaul, but a minimum of four new starters, and a lot more depth.

[LabattBlue]

39 minutes ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

We need:  A stud pass rushing DE, a big 1 Tech DT, Bigger LB's, a CB or two, a Safety and WR with speed.

You say the Bills “don’t need much”, and then proceed to list the above.  They are not one in the same. 

[SoonerBillsFan]

2 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

You say the Bills “don’t need much”, and then proceed to list the above.  They are not one in the same. 

5-6 moves (if done right) isn't a lot.  

[MiracleAtRich1393]

46 minutes ago, RiotAct said:

the thing that sucks though is, there’s no way we’ll be this healthy going into the playoffs next season.  I Mark-Messier-Guarantee it.

my thoughts exactly. The O-Line has been insanely healthy the past two years. Buckle up next year 😭

Edited 3 hours ago by MiracleAtRich1393

[LabattBlue]

2 minutes ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

5-6 moves (if done right) isn't a lot.  

You listed 7-8, and unfortunately, easier said than done in one offseason 

[JohnNord]

19 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said:

Just my opinion

 

On Offense:

I think on offense we need one, speedy boundary receiver who can consistently get separation.. and that's it.

 

The Bills have an opportunity to enter the '25 season with almost the same offense they finished with, and that's not a bad thing. The familiarity, consistency, and culture on that side of the ball shouldn't be underestimated. Maybe Cooper can be that boundary WR? But, we sure didn't see it this season. But, I wouldn't be surprised if they re-signed him (although, I suspect most would disagree with that...).

 

But certainly, our O-line, RB, and TE, and QB rooms should, as much as possible, stay the same.

Maybe Zack Davidson for Q Morris. Maybe sneak Tyrell Shavers on there-- minor tweaks.

 

On Defense:

Quite the opposite. The only players I would feel strongly about holding onto are, Groot, Oliver, Benford, Bernard, Milano, Taron Johnson, Rapp (that's right, I said it), and maybe Epenesa, and Dorian Williams. I would imagine we hold onto Cam Lewis (who is important for depth, and ST), Carter, Solomon... keep kicking the tires on Cole Bishop, I suppose...

 

Maybe not a complete overhaul, but a minimum of four new starters, and a lot more depth.

Kicking the tires of Bishop?  He was a second round draft pick and is basically being gifted the starting Safety role?

[HamptonBillsfan]

We need a legitimate edge rusher who gets consistent pressure and 10 plus sacks. We need a physical FA safety and a ball hawk corner. The offense is good enough to win a championship.

[SoonerBillsFan]

13 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

You listed 7-8, and unfortunately, easier said than done in one offseason 

We need a pass rushing DE, Big 1 tech DT, Speed WR, CB, Safety.  That's 6. Bigger at LB is also what I would like, but I bet that's a pipe dream.

 

So 6 between FA, and the Draft. It can be done.

[BananaB]

Defensive philosophy. 1 system, 3 different coordinators over the years. All have failed in the biggest moments. 

[jaybeezee]

31 minutes ago, JohnNord said:

I think your suggestions are definitely possible.  The toughest piece is going to be the stud pass rushing DE.  This came up in Beane’s presser and he said “guys like Chris Jones don’t grow off trees.”

 

Also when it comes to WR, I think they’ll either re-sign Cooper or another veteran but I don’t see a high volume WR at all.  
 

From the press conferences it sounded very much like they have confidence in their picks like:

 

Coleman

Kincaid

Carter

Solomon

Rosseau

 

Coleman = JAG. Is what we saw in college and I dont personally think he can deal with the cold weather. If he fell off because of a wrist injury, then I will add Butter Soft to his profile too.

Kincaid = Jury is still out, but not looking too promising

Carter = Mehh

Solomon = Jury is still out

Rosseau = See Tremaine Edmunds for this one! JAG IMO and we have what we see, but there are fans of his on this board that think that he was worth a first!

[LabattBlue]

10 minutes ago, SoonerBillsFan said:

We need a pass rushing DE, Big 1 tech DT, Speed WR, CB, Safety.  That's 6. Bigger at LB is also what I would like, but I bet that's a pipe dream.

 

So 6 between FA, and the Draft. It can be done.

You are moving the goalposts, so I will move on.  

[T.E.]

1 hour ago, RiotAct said:

the thing that sucks though is, there’s no way we’ll be this healthy going into the playoffs next season.  I Mark-Messier-Guarantee it.

I'd argue that the Rapp and Benford injuries this year were borderline catastrophic for their SB chances. We weren't that healthy.

[uticaclub]

Culture & Philosophy 

[Einstein]

Kind of a weird press conference day.

Beane: We wont be active in FA.
McD: I want to be active in FA.