BigBuff423

As stated earlier in the thread, this is why you give promising, talented Rookies an opportunity to make mistakes and grow. People, specifically some on this board, need to be patient with guys like Bass who have obvious potential for being really good and allow them time to mature in the NFL. The season still has a long ways to go, but let's give this young man some time to develop. Also, no Pre-Season - meaning no time to adjust to the NFL until games were being played with live fire.

There are two more years before you have to think about the big, long-term contract. I'm a huge Josh Allen supporter after NOT being a fan of the Draft pick on that fateful April night. Truth is, and I've said it a few times on this board, that I wanted either Darnold or Rosen depending on how the board fell. Once Darnold was gone, I was hoping for Rosen but after taking a few minutes to talk to myself (that happens a lot), I had already put my trust in Beane and his team of scouts and evaluators so I decided to - yes - Trust the Process. Every moment after that, I kept hoping and believing that it was the right pick and at the end of his first year, I was convinced of it....the final 4 games of that year is what really sold me. Then, Beane et. al. put some good Offensive Linemen in for Josh, brought in Smoke and Beasley and we saw marked improvement. Then, with Diggs, the same O-line and another Off-season of dedication to mechanics and improvement, I had high hopes and so far, it's been better than advertised. I said all of that to say, you keep the team friendly contracts when you can - and presuming the Bills exercise the 5th year option on Josh, you've got two more seasons before you have to put pen to paper on a mega-deal. Most likely, they get it done between the 4th and 5th year with some team Cap help. But also as others have said, I don't think Josh is going to drain the Pegulas dry. I definitely see him being paid around the 5th best QB in the league if he continues on his trajectory and pace, but I can see a slight reduction albeit still pretty darn expensive (as it should be) contract to help him and the team. Right now that is Goff at $33 million, best I can see from a quick Google search and while Josh is almost certain to get a little more than that, unless like Mahomes he wins a Super Bowl and MVP (crossing my fingers and praying again), then around $37-$38 million in 2022 makes sense to me. Plus, the Cap is scheduled to go down next year for the first time but I think if life returns to normal, it goes up again.

Losing those Super Bowls, for players and fans alike, was painful and if you lived in Giants country - embarrassing. All of the harassment and choking gestures walking through school, it was painful. And of course, I would have loved to put a Super Bowl Champion Bills flag or poster in my room or save the Sports Illustrated magazine with them on the cover. But the thing I took for granted during those Super Bowl years, even the year before, was how good that team was week in and week out. I didn't understand, being in junior high and high school, just how precious it was to be able to feel confident going into every match-up, like they could win any and every game no matter their opponent or how FUN it was to watch every game. It made the seasons more enjoyable to watch a winning team. Then twenty years of doldrums, lackluster and at times really pathetic teams take the field week after week after week....it helped me appreciate the overall seasons of joyfully cheering a team that won so many games and put the expectation of winning into every week. As for the Super Bowls - the Giants game has been covered ad nauseum, the Redskins game was closer than the score would tell and I do think if the Bills won the 1st Super Bowl, they're more relaxed and it feeds the 2nd Super Bowl to a win. The third, the Cowboys simply beat the pants off the team and I don't think anything could have stopped that team. The fourth, I truly believe was the accumulation of the previous three losses. As others have said, when Thurman fumbled - the entire team looked like, "Here we go again" and even though that may not have been what was said, the body language was obvious. So, I also think the Bills would have won that game if not for the previous losses. Long story short, the first loss ended up determining the next three negatively. JMO

That kind of sucks since utilizing the Bye Week should be a strategy decision. But, it also makes sense for Milano because it means he gets 4 full weeks without the pressure of returning early. The games he'll miss are pretty important ones in terms of how the Bills use their Defense. Obviously he missed Seattle, although the Defense on the whole was quite good - giving up yards and points in the 4th Quarter was frustrating, but otherwise great 1st half and great in sacks, QB pressures, turnovers, and limiting Russ Wilson's opportunities. Then Milano will miss Cardinals this week - another key test for the Defense, and the LA Chargers at home coming off the Bye....Chargers are not as bad as their record indicates for all intents and purposes, making that a more challenging game with Herbert at QB. Then, IF - it's a big IF - Milano comes back he returns to the following: at 49ers, Steelers at home - both primetime games, then at Denver and then NE, and lastly Miami at home. That's a key 5 game stretch for this Bills team. Let's hope it all works out and Milano's return is after two more wins and the Bills can keep the train moving.

So, you must be watching a different college football considering the season ends in November. Then, when they play the Bowl games, they play in....wait for it.....warm weather stadiums and / or domes. Also, if you'd like to say that a 70,000 person NFL stadium is going to be filled with 18-22 year olds every week, representing the demographic, then you've missed the entire point. As you noted, younger generation doesn't mean not old enough to legally buy beer. It means, those in their 30's and younger, especially those who have young children. As to your first statement, did you bother reading the articles? Because the very thing you point to as your justification is nullified in those three articles, meaning you're just saying this anecdotally without objective information. Otherwise, you'd see children today - and have been for the last 10-15 years, spend far less time doing outdoor activities and they prefer video games, tablets and phones over spending time outside. See the basic point? That's supported by research, hence my statement that this younger generation doesn't have an interest in spending time in frigid weather, let alone standing or sitting in a snow storm to watch a team play when there is viable option to be indoors, comfortably and aiding their favorite team to play better simply by controlling for the environment. However, we shall agree to disagree and if you're ever interested in reading the articles, this was my public service to you to bring some edification to the subject. Be well, take care, and Go Bills!

Prior to the McDermott era, I would completely agree with this between then and 2001. But last year, the Bills nailed the Cowboys to their barn and melted the Steelers to a crucial victory that put them in the playoffs on national television. So, in all honesty, that didn't apply last year and as for this year so far, both the Titans and Chiefs games were related to COVID issues. The Bills had to prepare for the two teams in the AFC Championship game from last year while not knowing which team they were going to play going into the weekend before the game. Just three days from game day they had to prepare for both teams and if we're being really honest, looking back at how the NFL handled the Titans postponement of their Steelers game, I truly think McD and company believed the Titans game would be played on another date making their focus the Chiefs. JMO

Please see below related to studies done to discuss the practices of current parents and their effects on their children related to playing outside and spending less time outdoors: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2018/05/30/kids-dont-spend-nearly-enough-time-outside-heres-how-and-why-to-change-that/ https://sgbonline.com/kamik-survey-childre-spending-35-percent-less-time-playing-freely-outside/ https://www.childinthecity.org/2018/01/15/children-spend-half-the-time-playing-outside-in-comparison-to-their-parents/?gdpr=accept

Sorry, but I will disagree. You're entitled to your opinion of course, but most of the younger generation is soft, unless they're tailgating and jumping through tables, then they're just silly and reckless. But, no - this is the video game / iPad / cell phone generation that all too often don't understand the value in getting outdoors to get the blood moving. Call me whatever you'd like, but that's the truth. Also, now that the same generation is having smaller children, a dome would permit the use of indoor facilities for a fan experience for kids that wouldn't otherwise be permitted due to the severe weather in the stadium.

Yes, the Utica CBS / and even Fox yesterday, broadcasts the Bills. It's rare you don't get the Bills game and usually only happens when there is a conflict with the Giants on Fox, but due to the Giants not being very good this year, the Bills took precedence in yesterday's broadcast. Looking at the remaining schedule, I would be quite surprised if the local affiliates didn't broadcast the Bills' games. For reference, on Spectrum:: it's Channel 5 - CBS, and Channel 6 - Fox, NBC is Channel 4 (WKTV) for the Sunday Night games with ESPN being Channel 300 and NFL Network being Channel 310, RedZone Channel 311.

I've been in the pro-dome crowd for a number of years but more than just because Josh Allen has done well in warm weather / controlled environment stadiums. It's several factors that include: rule changes over the years that have aided the Offense, a generation that is not as accustomed to being outside in the elements, and the way society has changed plus the development of players.

Honestly, and this is just years of trauma talking - but not until the final 0:00 hit the clock. Even the kneel downs had me nervous wondering if it was somehow possible for the Bills to ***** defeat from the jaws of victory, like so many years gone by....Chargers now have that mantle and they can keep it! This game, while I'm very cautious to over-play its importance in the larger schedule of the year, is symbolic in many ways. To me, it signals the Bills as an organization and as a culture have turned a corner. Not that it's easy from here on out or that it means they can just glide from week to week, but that despite struggles in game and adversity off the field, they can game-plan and execute to win against a very good, albeit unbalanced, football team.

You are correct, I'm sorry....that is true and no real justification for screwing that up....an unfortunate consistency of Davis being on the crap end of the stick, but definitely all on me for mixing those two up. Thank you both for correcting it - the point stands, but thank you for the clarification.

What also should be said is that Daboll said at some point after the game that they practiced just TWO - 2! - pass plays all week!! So, basically went in with no passing work leading up to the Patriots game and if it weren't for Diggs (his admission, not my inference to the fact) breaking toward the sideline as opposed to toward the hash, Allen likely doesn't have a turnover in that game. Meaning, he played within the designed game plan, managed passing in certain places without trying to play hero ball. Add in the ghost penalty that negated Gabriel Davis' TD and you have a tight, and modest game that was won exactly how the Bills designed it. That ladies and gentlemen, is the key for Josh. He can snipe it from 40 yards out, scramble for 1st downs and TDs and make all the throws, but it's when he's asked to "manage" the game, take what the Defense gives him and NOT rely on his talent alone that has been his undoing. So to see him play within the designed plan and scheme and control the outcome of the Offense by NOT making the mistakes - real growth as others have said and the article points out. Love to see it! EDIT: As someone pointed out, for inexcusable reasons I mixed up the Gabriel Davis ghost penalty resulting in taking a TD off the board (Jets game) with his drop of the pass in the end zone against the Pats*; my mistake and appreciate the correction from fellow board mates.

Here is an article I found when he was with the Redskins that Gruden used him some at Guard and the writer asked the question of Nsekhe playing Guard to Gruden after he started at LG against Dallas, which was not a resounding "Yeah he's great" but a, "Let's see what the Off-season brings": https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/redskins/need-know-could-ty-nsekhe-be-redskins-answer-left-guard This article a bit better with more detail about the Washington Football Team using him at Left Guard, again referenced just a little experience and the author thinking about Nsekhe at that position, certainly not a coach saying "Put him in!" by any means: https://riggosrag.com/2018/04/24/washington-reskins-ty-nsekhe-solution/ "Regardless of whether the Washington Redskins elect to draft an interior lineman, Nsekhe could be the best option. Although he made only one start at guard in 2017, Nsekhe has impressed in game situations. Nsekhe is one of the more versatile players along the offensive line..." Buffalo Rumblings also makes a brief reference to Nsekhe possibly being used at Guard in 2019: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/6/25/18700552/2019-buffalo-bills-scouting-report-tackle-ty-nsekhe-90-players-in-90-days

The Tackles aren't the issue. Missing Mongo is the main issue and Ford's absence didn't help. What I don't understand is why Nsekhe has not been in the line-up since he can play Guard and was a very good Lineman for the Bills last year.

I've seen people on this board and on Twitter bashing the young man, and yet again no Pre-Season and a Rookie without a standard Off-Season and little ability to prepare as he normally would. Not to mention the injury which took him out of the early games and working in a new NFL Offense. For those who've said he's "slow" due to his 40 time at the Combine need to go back and do some research to review the fact of his hamstring injury leading up to the Combine and his agent recommending he NOT run. But Moss didn't want to cop-out and tried to tough his way through it. Additionally, if these folks had watched even the Moss highlights, they'd see that there were plenty of times he was pulling away from Corners / Safeties are at the very least making it difficult for them to catch him. Speedy enough to hit the hole and leave LBers behind and able to get around some edges but not blazing speed. In the NFL you don't need blazing speed, you just need enough speed to hit the hole and get chunks, which Moss has - it's more about vision, balance, breaking arm tackles and able to get 3 yards when it appears you can't get 1. Moss, has the potential, we just need to be patient and give him his Rookie year to grow into the role.

Difficult part about answering this poll is that while I think most of us "want" a trade for a position, we don't know what the compensation would need to be in order for it to get done. Beane's magical wizardry in the past has made us like, 'Woah, that's a great deal' and to that end, I'm all for it. But if it's giving up a 1st or 2nd round pick, no thanks. If it's a 3rd, it should be for someone relatively younger and still in their prime or at least 4ish good years left, otherwise, I think this team is built for the long haul and don't want to give up picks for that considering where the team is now. That said, even the above may not apply for certain players at certain positions - so it really does depend on the position, player and compensation.

Honestly, except for Miami, they've all been basically what I thought. Arizona was only getting better with Hopkins and that Defense was going to improve with the players they added, Seattle has been a good team since Carroll arrived, Titans were in the AFC Title game and added Clowney and didn't lose anyone substantial so not sure why you thought that wasn't going to be tough, Steelers got Big Ben back along with spending resources on the likes of Claypool and re-signed a couple of their premiere Defense players and conversations with people that in my mind they were / are the second best team in the AFC, and the 49ers pre-injuries were a Super Bowl team. So, except for the Chargers, there's not a team on that list that I didn't think would be a hard win. Even Miami, with the improvement they'd shown last year and all of the talent they infused on that roster, I thought would be a much improved team and they are.....or were, with Fitzy - now, we have to wait and see.

Thoughts: 1. Josh was generally patient, allowing the coverage to dictate his choices and not trying to force the ball downfield. The Titans and Chiefs played zone and tried to frustrate Josh and I think they did, overall, force him to wait and take what the Defense gave him. This is another aspect of maturity for Josh: don't think about what YOU want, but what the team needs each play and take what the Defense gives you. Sometimes it will be big shots down field and sometimes it will be a 5 yard out route. 2. The team was flat. Flat in emotion. Flat in execution. Flat......until the Jackson INT. That sparked something - and we can call it momentum but it felt larger than that - which I hope continues. The Defense started to focus, play heated with some fire in their legs and the Offense started to put the pieces together as well. IMHO, the two biggest issues for the Titans and the Chiefs was the "flatness" of their affect. They were sleepwalking through most of the first quarter and then the INT. 3. Special Teams was obviously huge for this game. Roberts was an unsung hero in keeping the Bills right at the line of flirting with disaster and able to overcome it. Bearing in mind at one point in the 2nd Quarter it was 10-0.... 4. Bass. Patience is needed for our fan base that want every kick made every time. Yes, we all do. But let's keep in mind this is a Rookie with no Pre-Season in one of, if not THE, weirdest NFL seasons every played. Patience folks. We have a young man that could very well kick a 70 yd field goal indoors and maybe a 50 yarder into some of these Buffalo winds once he matures a bit. Also keep in mind, if you find a great kicker and he's young like Bass, IF and that's a big IF, he can work through it - you've got a kicker for maybe 15 to 20 years. That's a long time to not have to think about the carousel of Kickers that have come through Buffalo since Christie. 5. Running game finally brought some balance in the 2nd half. Much needed and long overdue. Moss needs more touches and earlier in the game, and we need to keep it going. A balanced Offense is what this team needs to keep winning especially against the upcoming teams. 6. Offensive Line without Ford and Mongo, is a concern. Winters is "meh" and Boetteger (sp?) is "ok", but I would love to see Nsekhe in a Guard position because he did quite well last year at Tackle and has played Guard throughout his career. Bright spot overall for the line was both Dawkins and Williams. Here's to hoping this will spark an improved Defense, balanced Offense, and more Wins against better teams.

Bills 34 Jets 27

I would LOVE to, but I've already got a job....and, I'm too old.

Honestly, I really don't understand this decision at all. I completely get the fact that Tua was going to start at some point, but Fitz has been dealing and the team is now winning, in part because the Offense and team rally around Fitz as a terrific leader on and off the field. Now, you're changing mid-stream without justification. I think Flores has done a strong job thus far in turning that Titanic of a crap-show around in just a year's worth of time, but this to me - wreaks of horrific timing. If the Dolphins were 0-6 like the Jets or if the Defense was spectacular and Fitzy was throwing 2-3 INTs a game and NOT putting up points, again I could see it....but Fitz has NOT been the issue in those losses for the most part and put an absolute pasting on the 49ers when virtually nobody gave them a chance. I just think this is a really bad decision and I honestly do feel for Fitzy. Great guy, great teammate, average QB skills but gamer and ballsy all day long, and good man from what can be seen from a fan's perspective....oh, and he had the mic drop line of the night when he ROASTED Doug Whaley.

This brings to mind all of the Star hate that was beaming across this board last year. And there were two lines of thought: one was that Star was overrated and overpaid and the rest seemed to be, don't judge it on stats alone - he plays a vital role in clogging the lanes and freeing up the LBs to play. Phillips and Liguet (sp?) were also important pieces, but I think we have our answer - leaving little room for debate.

If they still play the games, then not in my mind. If some team is granted entry into the playoffs due to a forfeit scenario, then obviously depending on how deep they go in the playoffs, it could be seen as artificial in some sense. All of that in mind though, every team will need to endure injuries or illness in one form or another, so if a team escapes relatively whole - then that means they've been planning and preparing well and taking the precautions as dictated by the league and medical community. They deserve that credit as well.

Bills 27 Titans 24 comes down to FG for Bass about 1:47 left in the game, Defense then does just enough to hold the lead.