Mister Defense

At first I did not get this, the Cowboys getting to the playoffs, or possibly winning the division!? I was thinking Milton was a defensive player they got in free agency. But then realized it was their backup QB! I had not read a lot of this thread, so that is likely why I didn't get it at first. If Milton does start, and if he looks like he did against the Bills, and I had never seen a better rookie first game my entire life, then the Cowboys may actually have an outside chance to make the playoffs. But with Jones' leadership, his obvious lack of ability as a GM and team leader, and his huge desire for the spotlight, any real leap this year is much less likely. But Milton may end up being his best move, a low risk shot worth taking. As Dak will never lead a Cowboys' team to consistent playoff victories or the promised land. A different kind of bad leader than Jones, but not a leader of men either. I cannot think of one supposedly good, long term starting quarterback who has looked more confused, out of touch, and out of his league when playing good teams, good defenses, than Prescott. Thank our lucky stars the Bills have significantly better leaders at every level of their organization. This is a vital part of the Bills' success, and the opposite is true for the Cowboys.

Whoa!!! What an awful comparison! I read it a few times to see if there was a sign it was tongue in cheek. It is not. Comparing Goff to Dilfer!? Extremely different roles in their teams, with Goff clearly a seminal leader of his team, his yards and TDS as a QB a significant reason the Lions have been so successful. In Dilfer's SB year, 2000, he played 11 games for Baltimore and threw for 1500 yards, with 12 TDS and 11 INts. Again, here are Goff's stats the last three years: 2022: 65% CP, 4438 yards, 7.6 YPA, and 29 TDS and & 7 INTs 2023: 67%, 4575 yards, 7.6, YPA, and 30 TDs and 12 INTs 2024: 72%, 4,629 yards, 8,6 YPA, and 37 TDs and 12 INTs I would guess you have not seen Goff play much and the same could be said for Trent Dilfer? Goff has thrown for 96 TDS, ninety six, the last three years. Trent Dilfer threw for 113 TDS in his entire 13 year career. Goff is an extremely significant part of the Lions' success--just a quick look at his stats, his yards and TDs alone should stop anyone from making such a bad comparison. Hope you don't analyze or evaluate our Bills in such a lazy way!

Okay, thanks for the info, clarification. But for that one game I am not saying the comeback was the result of a remarkable performance by Goff, only that the one game should never be used as a seminal example to define a player. Even great, HOF quality quarterbacks have those kind of games, as Kelly did. And it was clearly not a common thing for Goff last year, or over the last several years. He has not had a lot of interceptions and has one of the lowest int % rates in NFL history. And the rest of his stats clearly speak for themselves. It would be like taking one of Michael Jordan's worst games statistically, and making the case that he is not that good, over payed, and using that one awful game to make the case. Almost no one would do that because it would be completely illogical, a red herring. (I would never define your career by your worst game, fumbling the ball on a punt return against the Browns in 2009 to just hand the Browns that game, 6-3. As your fumble allowed the Browns to kick a short filed goal to win. But I was really PO'd at you, I have to admit! Almost over it now though.)

Okay, but the first 'point' is just a literal statement--albeit with some loaded language--and so your point is completely missing. As it is just stating that he played poorly but still won. (Can be said about most/all good/great/HOF quarterbacks, and likely several times, in each career. So what is your point?) Secondly, obviously true, overall that the Lions were in the driver's seat last year because they had a better team than their opponents. BUT, having an excellent quarterback, as the other three teams mention also do, is a seminal, even vital part of that team. Would you agree with that statement, and that having those 4 quarterbacks were essential parts of that team concept for each and for their success? Goff's stats the last three years: 2022: 65% CP, 4438 yards, 7.6 YPA, and 29 TDS and & 7 INTs 2023: 67%, 4575 yards, 7.6, YPA, and 30 TDs and 12 INTs 2024: 72%, 4,629 yards, 8,6 YPA, and 37 TDs and 12 INTs Those are superb stats, wouldn't you agree? And would you agree quarterback play like that, excellent across the board the last 3 seasons, was an essential part of that team idea you speak of? And that without superb quarterback play like Goff has demonstrated, it is likely the Lions did not do nearly as well as they did? Again, kind of difficult to actually understand your main points, so you may agree with what I say above-?? I don't know

i have no idea what you mean by that first sentence-? Why do you say that? And why would those good quarterbacks get blown out in games if they through those picks? Are you saying that their teams are not on the same level talent wise as the Lions? it seems to-? discount his role in that comeback. i remember when Kelly threw 3 interceptions in the first half and then led the Bills to a victory in the 2nd half. Of course they had a good, talented team, but Kelly of course played a pivotal role in that victory.

I agree with you overall on the Lawrence, Tua, and Prescott sentiment, as they are way overpaid. Though Tua looked tougher, and like a better leader, after coming back from the injury last year. Let's hope that does not continue this season.. And I do think that Love's contract, that amount, was a little premature, based on one year mainly. But I would definitely not lump him in with the others. He looks like he will be the real deal, not a pretender like 'poor' ol' Dak. But I'm really surprised to see you put Goff in that group! He is in a completely different category, has led his team to a Super Bowl and then has had significant success with the Lions, several championship games. In addition, he has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL lately, and is clearly a big part of the Lions turnaround and success. Even in his 5-? interception game last year, he did not let it phase him, and led his team back for the victory. Not in Allen or Burrow or Mahomes' company, but in the tier just below them. Seems to have a similar demeanor as those 3, though not the same skills.

But need to see the forest through the trees... How many of those teams pose a legitimate challenge the Bills? One? Did you see that the Bills got some dudes in the draft that may help them out a little? A couple of D tackles, a high level defensive end. a great CB, and depth too. Just check out the first five rounds, for example..

Well yes-- I think that is partly what I have implied in other threads on this too--this is not a huge amount of money here, separating them. Not talking about the kind of contracts others who are elite at their position get payed. Though Barkley, and now Henry, and a bunch of other backs in the league, are clearly changing that dynamic. So, definitely worth it, right? Is that what you are saying?

Been saying that more and more on here over the last month--they could get still Cook at a bargain price, with a very guaranteed contract, with at least one of the years 15 million. But that won't be the case if they wait until next year. And what you say above may easily come to fruition next off season, as who does not expect Cook to have a monster year? 1200+yards rushing? 4-500 receiving? 12+ touchdowns, easily-? Now, Brandon, now., get it done... They are going to save a boat load on defense in the coming years if they were even moderately successful in this draft. Beane and McDermott know this now; it should help them to get this done. So, now. Before they get to camp. No way do the Bills want this albatross hanging over their heads this season, one of such promise. It would be a huge violation of their processes and culture, if they don't do the right thing by Cook.

Can you think of any superstar, sure fire Hall of Famer, who has conducted himself better than Derrick Henry? He can be grouped with the other high character, work their kiesters off, super rare Super Stars--Jerry Rice, another, comes to mind, and Tom Brady. I never heard him say a disparaging word about a teammate or coach--on any team. (I don't follow him closely, so hopefully not way off here..) Seems to be the definition of integrity. Great for him, and the Ravens, the beneficiary now, for doing this with a running back who is 31 years old. How confident they must be in him,

Yay! Fuc*in' A! We (sort of) agree on something! Not the first part, but the bold. Hey, baby steps. Now that , history made, should be the last post in this thread. Until mid season.

Max Crosby, no playoff wins TJ Watt, no playoff wins. Micah Parsons, one-? playoff win Myles Garret, one-? playoff win. So, that is two playoff wins for all of four of these superstars--combined. Shoot, some may never again win a playoff game in their career. Give me a great team any day of the week. Honestly, I think the Bils may not have a pro bowl wideout next year, with so much talent and so much diversity in skill sets. They may not even have a receiver with 1,000 yards.. But I would take my chances with my team, and their talent, as Beane has somehow taken a team many thought would need to rebuild and kept it at humming at the highest level. Remarkable achievement. I am a supporter and I did not think he could do this so quickly. And now, a huge influx of fast, young, talented defensive players, and some wily veterans too. And none of them may make it to the Pro Bowl next year, where most of the 4 players you point to will be playing. Who cares. Relax and enjoy the ride, have some hope. But it is hope based on the facts too, not just Homer Hope, because if we all thought last year was fun, imagine what this year can become. A much improved, maybe top 10?, defense, added to what was the best offense in the NFL last year and the best in Bills' history.

Doing that over and over, and each, of course, less sound than the previous batch, idea: Changing what he is saying in the middle of a conversation, because the idea, and the cherry picked info to support it, was so faulty and had been so easily ripped apart. Then, with the new goal, new idea (as the first, well, we just didn't understand the nuance...) more cherry picked info to support that. So this time even weaker than the last stuff, as now he is on the ropes, knows it, is flailing Then, again, and by this time most would have given up, or hopefully seen the light, but nope, just digging in the heels. And now writing even more posts!, thinking that a slew of meaningless posts, and increasingly angry, immature ones, will somehow compensate for the arguments being ripped to shreds so easily, repeatedly. Hopes to wear out the other posters, have the last word, then convince himself he won this debate. But he lost it almost as soon as he started.

Very concerning post here.. So you think the Bills, with one of the most talentless neglected offenses in the league (don't believe this?--just pick a post draft thread and read it through...), maybe in the history of the league... ...and with an awful draft, almost completely ignoring the team's biggest need, a high round wideout, so a draft that will clearly not move the needle for the Bills at all this year... ...will lead to a Super Bowl win!?!? You are just mocking the bashers with a thread like this. Unacceptable. (That being said, and clearly with just hope against hope to support myself, nothing real, I also believe what you say in bold above.)

And check the discussion the two of us had earlier in this thread. He had said the Bills never play good defense in the playoffs. But when I pointed to the many good, even great games they played in the playoffs, he told me he didn't mean that statement, and thought it was a given that I would know he had meant against good/great quarterbacks only. He completely moved, in fact flat out changed, the goal posts with a very different take. Now, he moved them again, clearly, in this exchange with you. Now, in his discussion with you, it is NOT the quarterbacks that are relevant, but, instead, the records of the teams the Bills and others beat! Like I said, when you move the goal posts in a debate it usually means you do not have a good argument. You don't have a sound, thoughtful argument you can support. When you then just change the goal posts, and repeatedly do so, well, it is extremely telling. I was all on board for a game breaking wideout late in the season and then after. (For example, I wanted Metcalf and think I started a thread on that.) Mainly because it was the quickest fix, as it may allow the Bills to overcome their weaknesses on defense. (They seemed to have a lot of needs on defense, so it would be hard to fix in one off season. ) But once the season was over, I had time to digest and learn more, I realized if the Bills were to become a great team, it was the defense that needed to be focused on--and like a laser. I did not think that hoping over and over that the Bills could win shootouts against the best teams was a sound way to go. It is not. I had seen enough football in my life to realize those one dimensional teams almost never win Super Bowls. So I am not against the idea that the Bills should get a game breaking wideout, still want that. But it is maybe the last piece of a superb puzzle Beane and his staff have created. I will not repeat their offensive accomplishments again here--we all know most of them, and those just bashing and bashing and bashing do not care, close their eyes when they see them. Listening to the arguments in this thread, like this one I am commenting on here, and in so many others, they are often just irrational takes, that cannot--and so are not--supported by real, concrete evidence and reasoning. Anger and emotion rule, not reason and facts. The important facts are ignored, over and over, and unimportant ones are the name of the game. And they ask many comically loaded questions-- yet another dead give away they don't have much to work with. And some just keep changing their arguments, over and over, as it is all they can do when the facts are presented to them.