Mister Defense

Kind of funny how so many haters come out of their holes on important occasions. Like I have said before, I cannot wait for their reactions when the Bills win it all this year. Their heads will explode with fury and confusion, as they won't know how to react..

yup, that number one or top 5 defense they had for years, and now one of the best running games in the league, and one of the best offensive lines.. the Bills have gotten nothing but Allen under 'this regime'. He is a one man show. You should say %110 correct with that astute and extremely objective analysis..

Yes! Keep moving up, break the mold. 3-4 more likely starters, or better than that, is much more needed for the Bill now than a slew of players who cannot make the team.

Yup, and there were likely only 2-3 players of the entire hundreds remaining that would would have not elicited the same exact reaction as his one here. Maybe 2-3..

Sounds like you went into the draft with an open mind on Beane, as your post comes across as very objective, but then he happened to deeply disappoint you with THIS move. So now you loathe him. Based on one draft pick. Don't worry, I think you will get over this soon and start to feel the good will again you have always felt for Beane and 'this regime'.

Marino says he now watches very little college football, to get closer to his focus, the NFL. Listening to him on the draft, he often seems to just be reading the words of others on his show, repeating the same jargon, over and over.

Very clear analysis here.

Beane, and I assume McD, say enough with that nonsense, the spinning of the wheel. Time to build a championship defense, on the cheap too. And give Josh Allen a defense that can stop the best of the best. More to do, and I hope it comes soon, spending the play money that are the draft picks on more d lineman and cornerbacks. Then we can have a nice farewell for some of the 'done' guys..

Why not, why not give up picks, all of them if need be, to get the best 3-4 defensive players they can get? To add 4-5 players who cannot make the team, and then get poached off the practice squad? To me, this is the way to go. And to be even more aggressive now, to get their next guy. Go Beane!

Thank goodness--Beane knows almost everything else right now is not relevant, until the defensive backfield and lines are fixed. Keep doing what I say, Brandon, keep giving up draft capital, and keep getting more now.. How about the best edge available now? Move up and get him.. or the best tackle. again? Then we can tell Jordan Phillips, Austin Johnson et al, thanks for the memories.. Would love to see almost no picks left for Saturday..

Get two starting caliber defensive lineman, using as much draft capital as needed, even some from next year if needed.

The safety is the panic mode, is that what you mean?

Go and get the best defensive tackle available, likely Josh Farmer, and move up to do it, giving the other 2nd or the 4ths, or more if needed. And then, get another one, or the best end available, using whatever draft capital needed. Then they may have 3 starting caliber defensive players, to revamp the defense. If they can do this, add two starting defensive lineman, then all else is irrelevant, they will have succeeded in this draft. And stopped the endless parade of warm bodies on the d-line, hoping that some can rise to the occasion. That is one process that is not working, cannot be use anymore.

We don't know, but his his 63 receptions in 2023 for 1140 yards, and over 18 yards a reception, and his 59 for 900 yards and over 15 ypc last year indicate he could be the kind of down field threat who can take this offense to an even higher level. As he did those things with less than average quarterback play each year. So he seems almost like a sure fire high level starter for the Bills. Unlikely though, as the Bills are almost assuredly looking for an inexpensive down field threat in the draft, if at all. I think most talented wide receivers would be unhappy in the kind of dysfunctional, antiquated offense that Tomlin runs. It is a dead end street, but does not seem to matter to him. But things are really looking up for the Steelers next year, with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on board, ready to take that offense to new heights. I cannot imagine Pickens not wanting to stick around to be part of that offensive makeover..

Ken Grant going that early: thought the Bills had a shot at him by moving up to 20 or so. And to the Dolphins!! And Sanders not getting picket at all, though that scathing report of his interview just before the draft had me wondering if he would fall out the first round. It likely meant other teams had similar experience. Deon pumped his son up with so much hot air, and all of his life, it is almost unavoidable now, is part of his DNA. This may humble both of the them a bit, but may not.

Phew.. No viable 2nd outside corner to start before the draft, so I assume the Bills see him as a day 1 starter, almost guaranteed, or they would not have picked him. If not, it was likely going to be Tre White or Dane Jackson! Yikes, as maybe the season ends before it begins. (Words that would have stoked terror in most Bills' fans: "Today Tre White will be covering Jamar Chase", or Tyreek Hill, or Nico Collins or, well fill in the blank.) Now let's hope the Bills can get Mad Max ready to go. Young, fastest man at the 2025 combine, aggressive, skilled, high energy, and, most importantly, ready to learn and take his game to the next level. But the Bills now need to get another corner with starting potential, as corner is a position that is prone to injuries--and the Bills do not have a viable backup to play outside corner when a starter goes down. I think maybe they parlay a slew of late picks for one in round 3, and go and get him. If not, round 4 at the latest.

Duh. Hairston, of course, you silly goose.

Well, I too use PFF, and often, but only because It seems to be the only rate every NFL player site there is, though that may be because I am being lazy. But James Cook sure seems to be one of the best backs in the NFL, has elite speed, vision, ability to use his blocks, made a surprising turn to successful power running each of the last two years, as he transformed himself physically to become that, and is one of the best pass catching backs in the league (though not used nearly enough in that respect). I think one of the missing elements in all of these Cook debates is the stance of the posters on the importance of the running game. On a scale of 1-10, for example, how important do we believe it to be in the Bills' success, in them taking the next, championship step? I believe that may be a tell tale sign of why there is such dichotomy in the views on Cook. For example, I believe the importance of a high quality running game is close to a 10 for the Bills right now. Over the last four years each time they have started to commit to the run they have become almost unbeatable on offense. This has been true, such as last year, from beginning to end (and it may not have ended if they remembered this...) and mid season, such as post Dorsey and under Daboll, when McD seemed to force Daboll's hand, and they did not lose again. On the other hand, some think the running game is not very important at all with a guy like Josh, and others are somewhere in the middle. I think people's views on this are likely playing a very important role in their views on Cook, as it greatly influences my own. For me, the Bills' elite running game, added to a team led by one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game, seem to make the Bills almost unstoppable. The combo of those two elements, this aspect of complimentary football, is the thing, if fostered, developed, that will give the Bills its first NFL championship. And with James Cook we finally have the kind of elite--and very rare, despite the nonsense from so many that he is not--running back capable of taking the Bills to that next level. And, if the Bills know what they are doing, keeping us there for years. The Bills do not use the franchise tag, have not since 2006 with Nate Clements. I think the current leadership also finds it distasteful, almost a violation of the culture and trust they have established. They almost always treat their players like men, who have free will, and have never used that tag. I cannot imagine them using it on Cook if he does not want them to next year. When you say that you would welcome a 3rd or 4th round comp pick next year for Cook, you completely lose me. It is the same type of compensation the Bills got for their last great running back, Marshawn Lynch, the best player on the Bills at the time and one of the best running backs in the game, a true beast. Teams that give up their best players for peanuts are bad teams, ones not likely to contend for championships. You cannot give up elite players, they are so rare, and somehow hope to replace them with mid round draft picks. The Bills would just be spinning their wheels, year after year if they engage in such nonsense.

A perfect example of what so many of the Cook bashers are doing, and why those supporting a good extension, and soon, for Cook are so much more solid in their arguments. Almost across the board too, literally. They ignore the objective data, and as in this case, could care less about it, as they don't seem to want to let facts get in the way of the over the top bashing. Hence, the facts are almost always missing or irrelevant ones are given. Here. you speak of the family history as a a reason for the Bills to "beware" of signing Cook to an extension. Maybe you should have found something to support that, to help prove what I consider baseless, almost comically so, points? When one actually knows the facts. Why are they irrelevant to you? What about the details, facts of both men's careers, these two brothers? Do they actually provide a clear "cautionary tale" that should make the Bills 'beware of extending Cook as you say? Or, do they show something extremely different, the opposite? 1. Rushing attempts in college and in the NFL: Dalvin Cook rushed 687 times during his college career. In the NFL? 1282 rushes in Minnesota. That is a total of 1969 rush attempts. Yup, then Dalvin started to slow down, break down, was no longer an elite back. The vast majority of backs do so after that many rushing attempts. James Cook rushed 230 times in college. So far in the NFL? He has 533 rush attempts. That is 763 rushing attempts. So, if your maybe he's just like his brother logic is correct, that would mean James Cook has a good 1200 rush attempts left in him at en elite level. 2. How did the cautionary tale of 'beware he can be just like his brother' manifest itself in Dalvin Cook's 4th, 5th, and 6th years in the NFL? The cautuionary tale should really show itself here, right? As that is what this is all about, is this guy worth it. (As Cook is about to enter his 4th year.) 4th year: 1557 yards rushing, 5 yards per attempt, and 44 receptions for 361 yards. And 17 total touchdowns. 1918 total yards from scrimmage. 5th year: 1159 rushing yards, 4.7 yards per attempt, and 34 receptions for 244 yards. 6 total touchdowns. 1403 total yards from scrimmage. 6th year: 1173 rushing yards, 4.4 yards per attempt, and 39 receptions for 295 yards. 10 total touchdowns. 1458 yards from scrimmage. I know I am being a homer, and ignoring all of the superb arguments about moving on from Cook, such as your thoughtful points and facts above, the cautionary tale of of his brother Dalvin's career, but t I would take that kind of production from James the next three years. And I, being a homer again, think James Cook is better than his brother. And with dramatically fewer carries in college and so far in the NFL it makes sense, based on those pesky facts you and so many others simply ignore completely, it likely means James will be good for at least several more years after his three year extension that I am hoping for. All Bills' fans should be hoping for that. if you are right, and James Cook is like his brother, Dalvin, the Bills will be immensely pleased with his next three years, his 3889 rushing yards, his 900 receiving yards, his 33 touchdowns, and his 4,789 yards from scrimmage. If the defense is improved, that is the kind of running back production that will take the Bills to the next level. I would sign up for that. I hope the Bills do a better job in their research than you and so many Cook bashers are doing..

I don't mean to be rude, but you need to cut this crap out, and now. You need to stop hitting on one fact after another, one specific detail, stat, number...all of that concrete objective nonsense. Just go with the flow more, that running backs like Cook are easily replaceable, and that those facts you point to are a mirage only, irrelevant. They cannot compete with the unsupported clches that many of the anti Cook posters are using. And one poster is now even capable of reading Cook's mind, from afar. Hard to top that, to get closer to the situation than to actually read Cook's mind. So stop, as you cannot possibly compete with their iron clad arguments by using your facts, details, and the conclusions you draw from those.

You seem to be able to easily just look into Cook's mind and read it like a book. A great skill to have. Very rare. I wish I could do that, and then I too would not need to support any of my ideas about him either..

Come now, with those super weak comparisons to Cook. And tell us who the comparable running backs out there are right now, 'lookin for work'? He is not a diva at all, does not seek attention, the limelight, is a quiet, reserved guy. He just wants to get payed what he should be payed, probably knows, like most of us, that he is the most skilled, talented man on the roster after Josh Allen. One of the only elite players on the team, the best running back in the conference, and one of the best in the league. You don't have to be a diva to see your abilities for what they are. Dalvin is not one either, but a running back who ran a gazillion times in college and then ditto in the NFL and broke down way too young. And Ezekeiel was washed up several years ago and was cut by the girls at the right time. He did nothing after that, is clearly done, should not have embarrassed himself and played last year. What is the comparison to James Cook?? I see no similarities except that they're both NFL running backs. And Leveon, well okay, he foolishly held out, and that was the end of him. Cook will not hold out, but if he does, he will not lose almost all of his skills as a result.

It is James Lofton, have thought that for a long time, that he is the type of player who would move this offense today to an historically elite level. He changed the team, the offense, as he could still blow the top off the defense, opening up things underneath and in the running game. Even at 33 he looked like a gazelle running down the field. Extremely consistent and reliable. As a broadcaster I heard him say that when he looks down at the field of The Ralph, he sometimes thinks of what the Bills' had going on during those years and it sends shivers down his spine. Me too.

Thanks--duh, Lamar Jackson, not Thomas! Fixed. I should have included that excellent, telling stat on their awful 3rd down defense in my original post in this thread. It is so unlike the defenses they have had under McDermott, so it sharply highlights the lack of talent. And yup, both on the defensive line and secondary. I was hoping for more of Philly or KC type defensive overhaul this off season, which then led each to Super Bowl victories. But the Bills seem to be blowing it to some degree so far. And yes, defensive players almost exclusively in the draft, and parlay the 10 picks into much fewer better ones to get the kind of players who could make a bigger impact--soon. And very good point that the high quality safety play made the cornerbacks better (and visa versa?) when they had that with Poyer and Hyde. Another example of how all the parts work together to create the whole. Bishop's play, rise, will be very important this year for that reason. Was reminded this week he had an almost perfect score, 9.8?, in his athleticism before the draft, and that really encouraged me. Time to give the defense what it needs on the line and in the backfield. Or the 'complimentary football' concept falls flat for the Bills now.

Hmm... I do agree with the first bold above, that Benford and Johnson are better, more proven, than the combo of Rapp and Bishop. Hard for anyone to argue the other side of that, I think. (It will likely be a very good year for the defense if that debate is more relevant in mid season or at the end of it.) The problem with that equation is that there are 3 starting cornerbacks on every NFL team, so you are leaving out part of the equation. But there is no one to really place in there, no starting caliber 2nd outside corner on the team now. If you put that in the equation, White or Jackson or Ingram, or a '?', you would need to reverse the 'greater than' sign. The reality is that on a team only two safeties usually play, just like two outside corners are almost always on the field. And, like I said, believe, the Bills probably have two viable starting NFL safeties. And decent depth as well. But the Bills, to me, may simply not even have a 2nd starting caliber outside corner on the team right now, which is a player who will almost always need to be on the field. With only 11 players per team, not having a viable starting CB would likely be very difficult to overcome, a huge risk as the Bills play Burrows, L Jackson, Mahomes, Tua, May, Hurtz, Mayfield, Stroud, Young... That is one player, one quality starter, the Bills cannot afford to neglect--doing so could be enough to really undermine the team next year. And nope, not sure why you think I would be opposed to Benford's contract. I I was very pleased the night I found out he was signed and thought the Bills got a good deal, was expecting maybe a 20 million+ per year deal. The waste I am concerned about at the position has to do with the signing of the warm bodies only, someone like White, who likely could have been had for the vet minimum, or not at all. I would much rather have one better player than what we now have in White and Jackson, two players I greatly admired and appreciated in their previous stints with the Bills. In any case, we both agree that the Bills need secondary help. You or I may be irritated if the position we want more is not addressed early in the draft, but it seems both of us will be really concerned if that position is is not addressed at all. And if we are both upset, as neither position was addressed early, then I think the Bills' likely will not improve much in their pass defense. A few days until we get some answers!