Just in Atlanta

Nice write up. To me, if there is one thing to point to that made the biggest impact, it wasn't the pass rush, it was our DC's scheme. Our CBs were lined up 10 yards from their receivers on most plays. Against a QB well-known for his quick release. Holes everywhere. It was like we were trying to prevent the "big" play. But all the Bengals needed was one 10 yard pass after another. Over and over. Truly awful strategy. Add that to a masterful scheme from Lou Anarumo that took our rookie OC to school, and you have a recipe for a meltdown.

This defensive scheme has run its course in Buffalo. Frazier has consistently fielded a top 3 defense statistically in the regular season, yes, but has also consistently failed to scheme up a championship caliber strategy to take away weapons or get after the quarterback. You must, simply must, take away an opponent's primary weapon and pressure the QB. Playing 10 yards off some of the best receivers in the league, with a quick-strike quarterback, in the divisional round of the playoffs, is a scheme destined for failure. Add that to the week before that against the Dolphins ... and the year before that against the Chiefs. The body of work is there. And it's as conclusive as you get. Our fate isn't going to change under him if he were to stay next season.

When the Jets need hire Dave Wannstedt as DC and the Pats* hire that googly-eye HC from the Jets/Dolphins, the circle of incompetence will be complete.

Best player available, period. We have holes filled and have a solid divisional round talent team. We need and lack impact players who can get us to the promised land. People like Von Miller, Diggs and Allen who can change the course of the game. WR2, O line in particular. I don't believe we need a DE unless as stated he's a game changer. Our D line was not used by our DC correctly IMO and we were without Miller. Our D line is solid. Just underutilized in this scheme.

Then the team also over-performed last season? And the season before that? That, or we played as expected all year for 17 games (with the highest point differential in the league) and laid one egg. One of these scenarios is easier, and more logical, to believe.

Corners lining up 10 yards from the receivers, who play for a quick-release QB ... No disruption ... No taking away of any weapons. Just the same defense over and over: Soft zone, prevent the big play,. keep gap integrity. It works for the regular season, as we have an offense that's high-scoring, but it doesn't work for the playoffs. Plus, you can add missed tackles and a defensive line that failed to get any push. The pathetic defensive strategy and play-calling alone are ammunition to move on from our DC, who I've been a fan of. But we have (at least) two other playoff whiffs to add to it - the Dolphins and KC.

I'd add these random guys to the chopping block, as we're hungry for heads right now: Dennis Lock, Sr. Director Football Research. Where were the analytics for this game? Mark Carrier, Director Player Engagement. Players were unengaged all game. Nick Lacy, Strength + Conditioning Assistant. Outmuscled all game. Oh, that and Tony Romo. Used to be my fave. Now I have to mute him. Tony: You don't have to fill every second of space with jibber-jabber, man.

You really think the head coach is approving/unapproving playcalls in games? Not sure it works that way.

Frazier’s scheme and play calling are playoff caliber not championship caliber. I’ve been a fan and have defended him but after KC last year, making Skyler look like an all pro last week, and the weak zone nonsense this game was, I’m ready to move on. Dorsey gets another year to grow into his OC shoes imo.

Strategy and play calling are soft today Coaching scared

If we played 12 players that zone d woulda been perfect

So, is it better to buy tickets now before the game through the secondary market or to wait? Tickets in the upper row right now start in the 450s. Is it a safe bet that the prices will go up when the game is definitely going to happen or is it better to take the risk when it’s contingent? I really have no idea.

Do it. I heard he was awesome in Green Bay.

Ok how does one get tix?

For some reason I expected a Peter Pan link.

We've been saying he's retiring since 2018.

Is it possible to buy tickets for this game now?

I approve of this.

He may not make very many big breakups (like his INT the other day). But our defense is remarkable better with him. Teams avoid him. He's a force, albeit a bit of an enigma type player. With the linebacker market the way it is now, he's probably gone but I'd love to see him here next year.

The Real OC

They were inspired by Jeff Saturday.

When is this game? Not on ESPN yet.

Nashville

Fail to see that logic. Cinci doesn't get the chance to move up. KC gets the No. 1 seed automatically - leaving us to play yet again in KC We played a half quarter; other than the emotional trauma it's a partial bye week. There are probably many other results of a missed game as well.

Delay the playoffs a week to allow a Bills Bengals game? Seems like the least disruption and the most fair.