Rocky Landing

I wonder if or when they activate Landon Jackson? Seemed like there was so much enthusiasm for him out of the draft, and he had some good looking college tape. Hope he's getting it together.

Out-coached.

When we first drafted him, I started going over his college tape to get a bead on him. When he arrived at Florida State from Michigan, his very first catch as a Seminole went for a touchdown. That’s a pretty big deal, and all his teammates ran into the end zone to celebrate with him. As he was celebrating, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the ref approaching the ball. Keon stopped what he was doing, and quickly reached down for the ball, and handed it to the ref. It was just a small courtesy, but I thought it spoke volumes to his character. It was utterly second nature for him, but at such a huge moment in his life. He’s a guy you love to root for.

I wondered if it wasn't going both ways a bit more than usual? I didn't see it (I'll rewatch the game tonight), but apparently someone threw a drink at Henry on one of his TD runs.

Were you there?

Stay focused, Bills! Stay focused!

I feel like it's been pretty balanced, honestly (outside of Baltimore, anyway). Plenty of pundits giving the Bills, and Josh Allen especially, high praise. As it should be. But, it's undeniable that the Ratbirds monumentally crapped the bed, and for that, they should, and have been roundly criticized. As it should be.

I know that Milano, and Bernard graded low for this game. But the duel, threat of Lamar/Henry, the need to keep Lamar contained, and the weakness of our secondary, made this an extremely difficult situation to fully cover their positions. Low grades notwithstanding, I don't think they were the problem with this defense.

On the Ravens' forum, they've gotten their pitchforks out, have lit the torches, and are calling for Harbough's head on a spike. Bills fans should be able to settle down a bit, and give McD, and the coaching staff their props. Allen was a superhero, sure, but that was a well-coached game against arguably the strongest roster in the conference.

I'm feeling pretty good about my "Superstar" vote in the Coleman poll rn.

I went, and did just that-- yikes....

Clutch!

My take: Fan was an idiot for tapping Jackson's helmet. Jackson was a bigger idiot for responding the way he did. Both were overcome with emotion. Fan should receive a temporary ban. Jackson should be fined. Both should apologize.

To my eyes, he is separating far better than he was last season. And 8/11 for 112 yds, and a TD are legit WR#1 numbers. But it's going to take more than one game to sway the doubters, and several more to sway the haters.

Worthy collides with Kelce, and ragdolls through the air. Kelce barely notices the impact. This is why we should be happy we didn't draft 170lb Worthy. He is not built for the NFL.

For some of this game, I felt like watching the Chargers was like watching the Cowboys last night. You could tell the Cowboys weren't going to close, and that's how I felt about the Chargers coming out of the half. But the Chargers closed. Their defense built momentum throughout the second half, and their offense never lost focus.

Philly's not really known for its manners.

I was struck by how little they showed of Keon Coleman, as like many of us, I was expecting him to be featured, perhaps as much as Dawkins was. But in retrospect, I realize that very few starters, or established core players, were featured at all-- the exceptions being the O-line (minus Spencer Brown), Josh Allen, Ed Oliver, and a couple very brief interviews with Cook, and Benford. But no Coleman, no Kincaid, or Knox, no Shakir, No Milano, or Bernard, no Taron Johnson, and no Groot, or Epinesa. Also, no rookies! The whole series was basically focused on the O-line, and D-line as units (with no focus on the aforementioned), and bubble players who had especially steep paths to make the roster. Personally, I loved the series. And I'm glad that Beane/McDermott kept their cards so close to the vest. GO BILLS!

There was one, rather obscured shot of Keon Coleman catching a pass, and then another shot of Coleman asking someone if they were miced up. And I believe that was it for Keon Coleman.

I've found it interesting how well Knox, and Kincaid compliment each other. Knox came into the league as primarily a blocking TE-- he hadn't made a single TD in his entire college career. Kincaid, just the opposite, billed as a receiving TE, with remarkable hands, and a skilled route runner with a natural ability to get open-- but a lousy blocker. Upon arriving in Buffalo, they each set to work improving the opposite side of their game. Knox, especially, worked tirelessly in each offseason improving his receiving skills, including hiring an eye-hand coordination, and vision specialist. His work has clearly paid dividends. While Kincaid is the better, all-around receiver, Knox has made some incredible, clutch receptions. They're a helluva one-two punch at tight end.

I love the enthusiasm! Personally, though, I'm not expecting a whole lot out of Palmer, and even less out of Moore. Not to say they won't be affective, but I suspect there won't be a ton of three WR sets-- lots of 12, and 21 personnel, and Jumbo packages. And I think Keon, and Khalil will be getting the most snaps, assuming Shakir is close to 100%. We'll know better on Wednesday, I assume. I imagine we will be Palmer in three WR formations, and I wonder how many targets he gets in those? His selling point has been "natural separation," but does he get used to draw coverage from Keon? Of course, I am one of the idiots who voted "Superstar" in the Keon Coleman poll, so.... It will be interesting to see who gets some of those plays out of the backfield-- screens, sweeps, etc-- Moore, or Samuel. I would assume that Moore is the much faster player at this point in their careers.

To my eyes, from the extremely limited amount we've seen in the preseason, the Bills front seven has looked really good against the run, and average, at best, at rushing the passer. Obviously, those preseason performances can't be used much as a harbinger of how the Birds @ Bills game is going to go, but I could well imagine Harbough, based on what we know, dialing up a pass-heavy scheme for 9/7.

Cocaine, and woman-beating don't really fit The Process.

I voted under. Shakir led the team with 76 receptions in the regular season in '24. He's still on the team, last I looked. Kincaid had 44, and Coleman had 29. Kincaid's numbers will likely go up, if he gets a full season. Coleman's should go up, as well, and I'd be surprised if Shakir ends the season with the most receptions. But between Shakir, Cook, Ty Johnson, and all the others who will get opportunities, and perhaps earn themselves more targets, 120 combined receptions for last season's second, and third receivers seems like a stretch, especially if our offense is as balanced as it was last season, which also seems likely.

I voted "Superstar." I make no apologies for my homerism. Plus, I love to say, "I told you so," but only when it's a positive.