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Baltimore's losses on D have been exposed over the past two weeks. They excited everyone getting to 2-0 by beating up on Miami and squeaking by Arizona at home, but they are likely an 8-8 type of team. Very big game for them this week at home vs. the Rudolph-led Steelers.

My biggest takeaway from last night's very encouraging victory was that ALL of the Sabres' lines created pressure and opportunities. When was the last time you could say that? It's early, but what a great start to the Krueger era. I was also shocked to read that this was the Sabres' first regulation win vs. Pittsburgh in more than SIX years.

Hate to say it but Jeanneret needs to hang em up.

This team has plenty of talent. They need to learn how to play together and win.

But who would they sign off the street that would be more ready to play than McDermott?

Well, you and I will never know if that is happening so it's a pretty senseless discussion. In any event, I disagree with your use of the term "babysitting" in this context. Nobody will be "babysitting" Allen.

The Sabres of course!

I heard some insightful comments from Charlie Weis earlier this week when discussing how to bring along a young QB. He wasn't talking about Josh Allen but he said when you have a young QB you don't try to have him do everything. You look at what he does well and is comfortable with and you start there. You add little pieces bit by bit but you don't overwhelm the guy. He said that's what they did with Brady. When Brady first took over they were a dink and dunk offense because that's what Brady did well. It wasn't until later that they developed the deep ball with him. Making your young QB comfortable isn't "babysitting" -- it's giving him a solid base from which to develop. Josh has now had the equivalent of one season's worth of starting experience. I don't think they're going to tell him "don't run" or "don't try to make a play" -- but they need to drive it into his head that he's got to TAKE CARE OF THE FOOTBALL and take care of his body.

I'm firmly in the camp that blames Housley for most of the problems with this team, so the fact they have mostly the same roster doesn't concern me. The more I read and hear about Krueger the more excited I become to see this team play. Really looking forward to the start of a new era tonight.

You're probably not far off. I think he likely showed some very minor signs and therefore it was the prudent thing to do given the safety environment in the NFL these days. You'd dead on with the rest of the post. Allen is the present and future of the team. One bad outing against a Belichick defense doesn't mean you bench him to prove a point.

Yeah, I think he's a gamer, though. He doesn't want to miss time after finally getting his shot.

Yup. Been running around and practicing the last two days...set to come out of the "protocol" by tomorrow and will be starting on Sunday.

I have a feeling we'll see this all year...Nsekhe will only practice once or twice a week and get lots of rest days...and as long as he can go on Sunday I don't care. The bonus is it gives Ford even more practice time at RT (because he needs it).

You forgot "and we had no QB." Those who continue to say the Bills "let him go" don't have a clue. Buffalo would have had to grossly overpay to get him to re-sign, and that would have been a dumb thing to do at the time. If Woods was on the Bills currently there's no way he would want to leave.

I don't think the OP is saying Josh needs to "be" Tyrod Taylor...it's a metaphor for playing "don't make dumb mistakes" football during the first half+ of the game. Josh needs to understand that with a championship caliber defense the Bills don't have to "press" for big plays on offense early in the game. They can focus on executing the gameplan and taking what the defense gives them. Josh can freelance and "take the game over" late if they're in need of a comeback.

George or Rosemary?

My pleasure. I enjoy reading them because that's how I like to think I look at the team...acknowledge the bad but celebrate the good.

Absolutely. Allen can't continue to consistently give the ball away trying to make the big play. The good news is that at times he has shown an ability to play within the offense.

By releasing the moves publicly those "in the know" can explain the real purpose and intent. Anyway, not a huge deal regardless.

Probably because if they didn't there would be leaks and create even more confusion.

Another fine job.

I agree. The Bills didn't leave the field on Sunday feeling good about "hanging around" with the Pats*** -- they were pissed off.

Anybody know when McD speaks to the media today? I want to be close to the Twitter machine...

...and I'm pretty damned happy with this team. The elite defense I expected has come to fruition, the free agent acquisitions and draft picks have generally been productive, and -- despite some hiccups -- I remain optimistic about Josh Allen's future. What did I say about this team over the summer? I said if the offense could raise its play to "average" they would be a playoff team. They've done better than that, although the turnovers have to stop. They showed the nation that they aren't the Pats*** whipping boys any more. Now, of course everything isn't rosy. McD needs to place a higher value on timeouts. Allen needs to "buy in" to the take-what-they-give-you mentality of running this offense. ST can't make boneheaded mistakes like the blocked punt last week. But all of those are doable. The next four games are crucial to the team's postseason hopes. Go 3-1 and we can legitimately start thinking about playing meaningful football in January. This defense is going to keep them in every game. I'm not worried if Barkley starts this week because he'll play the dink and dunk game and they'll be fine against a Tennessee team that has looked terrible at home. Let Josh rest for an extra week with the bye coming up, and come back ready to go for the three game homestand. We've had a handful of "good" starts over the past 15 years, but none left a feeling of encouragement and legitimate optimism like this one. These aren't the same old Bills.

Great read. I hope Allen takes it to heart.