Mister Defense

In what way? As a player, during games, or in prep? I think he retires this off season, as he will never start again the NFL, and may not even get a contract offer. If he does, likely a vet minimum- ? He has been done for a while, just kept playing. He will absolutely not strike any fear in the Bills, as they know what he is not capable of now. He should not continue to tarnish his legacy by trying to do something he can no longer do at an adequate level. About $200 million made in salary alone, so he should be able to take a few years off and enjoy his life. Worst move of Brandon's tenure here, hated it the day it happened and still. A violation of the excellent processes he put in place, so it came back to haunt him.

I agree with all that you say about Nantz, one of the best. But Romo, who started off pretty well, though not as well as people said, seems unprepared, like he does not know specifics about the teams and players he is covering. Sort of like how Herbstreet was when he began the Thursday night gig--unprepared, so then they talk too much to compensate and then the cliches come rapid fire for the same reason. But the way Nantz and Romo gush over each other, their partner, is hard to watch, listen to, especially near the beginning and endings of the seasons, and during holidays.

No, no, no, you've got it all wrong. I just saw that in a dream

My thoughts: This season I predict that ol' Jimbo does not merely stare longingly into Tony Romo's eyes to tell him how much he loves him, but grabs him by the ears on national TV and kisses him hard on the lips for 30 seconds. At first Tony pretends to resist, but 10 seconds into hit he just gives in. They are married by Christmas. And become the first married couple to ever broadcast an NFL game together. Nantz starts introducing his partner as My sweet little Cowgirl, and Romo blushes and giggles every time.

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.

The best thing for those on the fact based, evidence based side of this discussion, debate, is that Brandon Beane, the General Manager, who makes all of the decisions, seems to be thinking the same things we are. Extremely reassuring. Great to know that our team's GM has the common sense to do what he did this off season and in the draft, focusing like a laser on the defense. As he has just built the best offense in the NFL and in Bills' history. As part of that he has made sure that Allen and the Bills finally had a top of the line, dangerous running game, including one of the best offensive lines in football. He did not listen to the irrational folk, that small but vocal minority, who literally freaked out at the mere mention of "COMPLIMENTARY FOOTBALL". Instead, he did the right thing, and the Bills have become one of the most balanced teams in the NFL, the top scoring NFL offense last year, and the best in the history of the franchise, as a result. Now, he is blocking out the irrational noise once again, and focusing like a laser on making this a championship defense. That is what great leaders do, the right things for the team or whatever else they are leading. No matter what. Great to see. Like I said in this OP, it is the last step, (for now at least) as Allen, with an elite offense, may now have a defense that will help him to drive the Bills home. And Beane has just had one of the best off seasons and drafts the Bills have likely ever had--as it will likely be remembered as a seminal moment in the history of the Bills. We will see, of course. Why not let it rest, and then come back to this in the middle of the season, and the end, to see how it actually plays out? No one on either side is going to convince the others to change their position, so let the facts speak for themselves this coming season. I believe that the Bills will have a vastly improved defense to go with an elite offense, get home field in the playoffs, and win the Super Bowl. It was the reason I was calling for them to go all in on defense before and during the draft. They did so, so let the chips now fall where they may...

1. You say, " You gotta have a backup plan when the defense isn't stopping the offense. It's akin to a MLB pitcher without his + stuff finding a way to win regardless. And that “In the NFL, the backup plan is being able to out-score the opponent, which this regime doesn't think is necessary. (Cue the scoring 30ppg regular season crowd).” You don't think the Bills have an offense that is capable of winning the big games, especially playoff games? To me, and likely most fans, they seem to be capable of scoring a lot of points, well, just because they did so last year and overall under McBeane. But it was clearly the defense that was weaker, much weaker, last year and in need of an overhaul—not the best offense in the NFL I think all of the facts related to the offense last year, and in the last five years really undermine that your main point. I am very surprised that you do not know that, understand that. The Bills are aware of how good the offense is, clearly, from any objective set of eyes, and also aware of the significant weaknesses of last year’s defense, particularly in the secondary and D-Lines. So this off season they have gone hog wild adding the needed players to improve the weak areas, while also adding a few key pieces to the offense. I think the Bills want a team capable of doing both at a high level, a team without any weaknesses. I believe that is what they, and maybe all other NFL teams worth their salt are striving for--the best complimentary football they can have, with an offense making it easier on the defense, and visa versa. Last year especially, clearly a transition year on defense, they did not have man power to create that kind of top level consistent defense. That is why I was calling for an almost all defense draft, with multiple players for the D-line and cornerback. I think it seems to be exactly what you would want--as I am assuming what you say above also relates to defense?--that when the offense is not firing on all cylinders they have a defense that can carry the load? Since you said what you said about the offense needing to carry the day, hard to believe you would not think the same thing about the defense when the offense is not coming through. Am I missing something there? 2. You say, “In the NFL, the backup plan is being able to out-score the opponent, which this regime doesn't think is necessary… And “Buffalo lacked the offensive firepower to overwhelm the Chiefs...because they don't invest there like their best/likely playoff opponents do.” I know from your post, your direct comment about the 30 points a game, and the rest, that you don’t really bother with numbers or stats if they contradict this particular point you are making, so these are for the others who are reading (you should just skip them, as they are not relevant to you): --The 2024 Bills scored more points last year that any other NFL team, from the beginning of the season to the end of the playoffs --They scored more points than any Bills team ever --They led the NFL in yards per point last year --They were the first team in NFL history to have 30 rushing TDS and 30 passing TDS, finding the incredible balance that McDermott, and fans like me, have been wanting. --Last year’s team also had one of the best points per drive this century and NFL history. --And I apologize beforehand, and they also scored 30 points 9 games in a row—and averaged over 30 points per game. And this super charged, point scoring machine we all (except a few…) saw last year was not a new thing for the McBeane Bills, as I assume you are well aware. They have scored more points in the NFL over the last five years than any other team. I mean, if the stats, the numbers above don’t disprove the points n your comments I included on this matter, then it seems you may have just thrown all the logic, reason, out the window to make your point. It is irrational, an understatement, to call a team out for not investing in its offense, for not caring if they have the firepower to overcome top opponents, when they were the best offense in the NFL last year, and the best in Bills history, which is saying a lot, and have scored more points in than any other team the last five years etcetera etcetera. That would be like Ford going to the top salesman in the company, who sold more cars than anyone at Ford last year, in fact broke the all time company sales record last year, and who sold more cars than anyone at Ford for the last five years, and telling him he needed to get his priorities in order, and learn how to sell cars more successfully than he did last year, and in the last five years. And If not, his a*s is grass. I cannot imagine anyone agreeing with what you say. Both parts of your point are dead in the water almost as soon as you write them. As the complimentary football you call for does not seem to apply to the other side of the ball, the defense. And then you call this ‘regime’ out for its egregious neglect of the offense, the best in the NFL last year, the best in Bills history, and one breaking all kinds of team and NFL records. I hope that the Bills now neglect the defense in the same ways they have neglected the offense, I really do. And they seem to be doing just that.

??? I was just responding to what you had actually said, which was "They have never played good playoff defense." You have now moved the goal posts in a dramatic manner in the new post above, so changed your point in a fundamental manner. I cannot read your mind, so just responded to what you actually said, believing that "They have never played good playoff defense" is what you actually meant. Even in real life, on more important issues, when the other side just moves, even changes the goal posts, it is not a good sign for their argument.

1. I think a team can expect to not be missing their starting (and best) cornerback and player in the secondary AND their starting safety. Those are huge losses in a any defense, especially one clearly undermanned all year long, and now playing Mahomes and his three time Super Bowl champion team in their own home. Bizarre that someone would think the head coach and quarterback of a team in that position would not feel more pressure. Of course, they would. A duh, actually. 2. The Bills getting to the Championship Game again and not winning it would be disappointing, and of course a failure to many concerned. But it is not a massive failure, would likely only be to bashers and haters of McBeane, who try to turn almost every thread into a 'Fire the bum', thread. Hard for them to see the forest through the trees, as their vision is so distorted. 3. ...which is a nice segue into my response to your "They have never played good playoff defense." Yes, they lost to the Chief in that playoff game, of course, even with an excellent defense that year. The Chiefs got the better of almost every defense they played that year and scored over 30 points nine times that season, winning the Super Bowl to cap it all off. But like so much of the McBeane bashing, just hyperbole and throw away nonsense for anyone to say that Bills have never played good playoff defense--unless they only choose to watch Bills' losses. The Bills have definitely played good, some would say excellent, or even superb, playoff defense under this particular team. Just the weak before this game, they man handled the Patriots--the pats were never in the game. And then they crushed the Ravens in the playoffs to an even greater degree, holding them to just 3 points. And ditto for their win against the Steelers after the 2023 season, a 31-17 win. And last year's beat down of the Broncos, who, after their initial score early in the game, were shutout, 31-7. The word Never seems to mean something much different to you than to most people, and as defined in most dictionaries, I think. (I probably should have never said, as I did just a few posts ago, that I did not want this to turn into a 'Fire the coach!' (or GM) thread, as any attention keeps them going...)

And if that is true, visibly better, and better against the pass and stopping 3rd down conversions, and their offense is very good, then the Bills will be the team to beat. That is why I was calling for almost all defense leading up to the draft and in this OP. We know how well McD and the staff can coach up a defense with a dearth of talent, so imagine what they will be able to do with a slew of young, talented, fast, highly skilled players to work with. May take a few months to see their true potential to shine, but I think we will see the changes you see speak of immediately This alone gets me going: Max Haiston, the fastest man at the combine, and one of the best cornerbacks and athletes in the draft, will replace Rasul Douglas, one of the slowest, least athletic corners in the league. (RAS scores, pre draft: Douglas, 6.94, Hairston, 9.71)

Not sure what you are talking about when it comes to the ‘not controversial’ idea, as I merely disagreed with the content of your post so I hit the ‘disagree’ emoji to react to it. I disagree with your focus, that McDermott should be fired, should have been fired years ago. I disagree with that, so hit the ‘disagree X’. As far as the ‘lumping’ of McDermott with Allen, I was telling the poster that this past season the Bills were undermanned on defense all season, known well by the team leaders and fans. And that missing key players, two starters in the secondary, in the biggest game of the year, obviously increased that pressure. The clear lack of horses on defense, so obvious, likely caused significant pressure for both Allen and McDermott, as they were playing the two time defending Super Bowl champions in their own house. My main point was that with the defensive players brought in this off season and the draft will likely diminish that pressure if the Bills make it to that game again this year, no matter who they play. I hit the disagree button, rather than posting a response, to make it less likely that this becomes another ‘We have to fire McDermott' (or Beane) thread, which so many of these threads now inevitably become. That is such a negative and supremely narrow minded perspective on this team, and for this forum, that I did not want to add any more to fuel that dumpster fire. It diminishes so many threads, as they are sooo pervasive and often so out of place.