Mister Defense

This was the best offensive line Josh Allen's Bills have had. They protected Josh very well and consistently opened holes for the running backs. It is a rare thing to have an excellent offensive line that can run and pass block at such a high level. How many NFL teams have an O line like that? You don't roll the dice and hope the next in line is capable, you re-sign McGovern, a revelation last season at center.

When one door closes, another one opens. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dk-metcalf-requests-trade-seahawks-to-explore-dealing-two-time-pro-bowl-wideout-per-report/ Still my #1 choice. Now the Hawks officially 'exploring' it. Go Beane. If Miami was smart they would try to swap Hill for him, but they would need to add more. Hill is a 31 and his super power is speed.

Was thinking you can very likely be wrong, above. Oh well, one down..

Darn. One less option now And it likely means even more $ for Garrett Barkley signs for big bucks, now Crosby breaks the bank too. Teams need to stop this shi* until the Bills make their moves. No more.

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it. Have wanted to do some over the years, but too lazy to find out how. It seems pretty easy from your directions so now I can do one! But sometimes when there are polls people are less likely to explain their views. I kept thinking of different reasons, pro and con, for the high end free agent options. I wanted info and analysis that helped me make a more informed decision. Obviously Beane and the Bills' leaders get most of their ideas from this forum, so there's no room for error.

The highest salary often does set the bar, and in this case, resetting it to some degree, as that is a big leap, and big news. In the next two seasons. Barkley can earn $56 million with incentives, with about 40 guaranteed. I do not think players are going to leapfrog over that contract, or that there will be a stampede of running backs signing $20+ million soon. But likely to have a pretty big impact on the running back market in the next few years. Good for Barkley, but this could have waited at least a few more weeks.

A good explanation of an important aspect of complimentary football. Here, the offense feeds off the success of the defense. On the other side of the coin, the defense feeds off the offense.. So as Buffalo's offense gets better, and it will if Brady is the real deal, the defense will naturally get better. For example, they will be playing with a lead even more, which is very positive for a defense. So in the end if the Bills get one high impact player in the off season, I will be satisfied that the team itself is better overall. You make the point that a great player on one side of the ball makes the other side better, which is usually true. This should ease all of our minds if our guy is not the one. Any of the top three choices so far would do that for a team, in my estimation.

Was thinking of that, but did not want to narrow it down to the players only I thought would be suggested. For example, I definitely would not have put Jevon Holland on here. I wanted to see what the broad range of ideas, possibilities were. (Plus, I don't know how to do a poll!)

yes to all, and it is about time that Allen has the O-Line, running game and wide receivers, all at the same time, that a great quarterback and offense needs to rise to their ultimate potential. A great thing about Metcalf is that he would keep this young offense young, meaning they would get better and better as they progress. Right now I believe all of their offensive starters are 28 or younger, with the most 27 or younger. Dawkins is the only starter 30 years old. Now is the time to take the next step with this offense, and then focus like a laser on D-tackle, lineman, and defensive backs.

And both Coleman and Kincaid are big guys, like Metcalf. Not only would he open things up for them on the field, and for the other pass catchers, but would be able to mentor them as well, teach them how to be pro receivers, which is something both need in order to take the next steps in this league. Just go back and listen to what McDermott said about each player after the season. A coach can teach them, but a player like Metcalf can also show them. And the age thing is huge to me. Hated the Miller move because he was an old dude, especially for his position, and in obvious decline. Garrett likely has several good years left, but we don't know that is the case.

I agree the offense is very good. But Allen deserves better weapons than he has. If the Bills had a great wideout last year, they win that playoff game against the Chiefs. Yes they had Diggs, but he looked and acted like he could care less. This year if the Bills had a go to receiver who could open things up more in the intermediate and long range, the Bills would have been much harder to beat. The Chiefs could do so much more on defense without having to be overly concerned with those routes, though Hollins burned them a few times. I agree that the defense needs much more work, but now think finishing the offense first with Metcalf makes more sense. And then using all that they have this year, and probably some of next year's capital, to nail the defense, including some very good free agents/trades. Then, they may have an historically good offense and a much improved defense, a good combo, enough to put them over the top.

At 25, and on this team, I like Holland a lot. Could be a cornerstone for years. And we know McDermott's first big moves were bringing in two safeties, Poyer and Hyde, and then Tre White with a first round pick. But it was reported today that Holland is 'projected' to sign a 4 year $60 million contract with the Raiders. I don't think the Bills are considering that kind of payday for a safety right now, with other more pressing needs on the D line and defensive backfield.

I am surprised more here, and overall, seem much less interested in Crosby, who would likely be my 2nd choice after Metcalf. Two fewer years in the league than Garrett, two years younger, and similar sack #s, though he missed games last season, QB hits, and TFLs. Seems like he would be a lot cheaper ($ and trade wise) possibly as well-? Either way, Garrett or Crosby would likely have a significant effect on the rest of the defense, enabling players like Oliver, Rousseau, and the linebackers to have career years. I think in a less direct manner, Metcalf would do the same for Coleman and the receivers.

I think the Bills may go after one high level free agent or trade. They need defensive backs, tackles, and ends. The offense needs a #1 wide receiver. Which of the possible big name players that may be available would you be most excited about if you hear the Bills have signed him? For me it would be D.K. Metcalf, when previously it was Crosby or Garrett. This offense needs someone who can consistently catch balls down the field and outrun a defense. Being a human bulldozer is a bonus, one that fits in well with the team’s philosophy. He is 27, six foot four, 225 pounds, and with 4.33 speed at his 2019 combine. I know it is the defense that most needs the potential first round pick that it would likely take, but Metcalf ‘s the perfect player for this offense and team right now. He will enable their young crop of receivers-- Coleman, Shakir, Kincaid, and the running backs-- to rise to their potential in 2025. If I hear Metcalf was signed I will be very happy, knowing the Bills’ offense took the next step, and will be one of the top offenses in the league next year and beyond. Even better than this past year. Almost unstoppable. Signing Metcalf would then mean all hands on deck can focus almost exclusively on the defense, as their main need on offense was eliminated. All draft capital, potential trades, focused solely on revamping the defense. The Raiders likely want him, but Metcalf would probably prefer Josh Allen throwing to him than…?

If this happens Daboll and Schoen may both gone before Thanksgiving. Maybe before Halloween. But if they think this is a good idea, they should both be fired tomorrow. Shortcut to the inevitable. Can you say desperation?

Yup. He sounds like one of the really ignorant talking heads, like Shannon Sharpe, who said that the Bills are not good in the playoffs because 'for every TD Allen throws, he throws an interception that leads to an opponent's touchdown'. No shi#, he actually said that on First Take this season. Literally zero basis in reality, just like the post you rightfully rip apart. But Shannon Sharpe is an ignoramus of the worst caliber. Why a Bills fan would spout such ignorant nonsense is beyond me... about one of the most clutch quarterbacks I have ever seen play in the NFL. The Bills are almost never out of a game with Allen. And I don't think I am being a homer saying that.

You better watch it DJB, if you know what;s good for you...and the Bills. Do not share stats like that, please, especially of our young up and coming players, like Williams, Bernard, Cook.. Because as soon as a small group of posters see that, realize what we may have now, and in the future, they start salivating, then foaming at the mouth.. And then they think of all kinds of scenarios in which we can get rid of them. Preferably for draft picks, though not higher than what we drafted them at. So, thanks for the info, but please stop now..

This has been a great day for the Bills and their fans. In a blink of an eye, the football gods have filled two of our most important needs, cornerback and wide receiver, and with two superb players. With Jaire Alexander we have our shut down cornerback, and with Metcalf our #1 wideout, the kind of big fast talented player we have dreamed about. (He was the player I wanted in the draft, the year, I think, we took Oliver.) Josh is just going to have to accept a lot less money now. No problem. Last summer when Jordan Palmer asked him how many Super Bowls the Bills would win under him Josh said 8. Time to get started. We can offer them a slew of players for these two, starting with Von Miller, Hamlin, Jordan Phillips, Daquon Jones... etctera And now we just focus on building a great D-Line. Thank you football gods for this amazing gift.

Lol I said that the Seahawks had a great defense, and that is indisputable. I think that is not an understatement. But you say, "Marshawn Lynch was a good running back for them." I don't think my take on their defense was wrong, or understated, but yours on Lynch!? Yikes, as no one who knows football would ever say something so understated, flippant, about Lynch's role on those teams. No one with any sense, at least. During those two Super Bowl years Lynch rushed for 2563 yards and 25 TDS. He had 683 receiving yards and another 6 TDS. That is 3,146 total yards and 31 TDS. I think most, at least sentient beings, would agree that is better than good, and a vital reason for their 2 Super Bowl appearances. Your take that very likely first ballot Hall of Famer Marshawn Lynch was not an integral part of those great teams would be rejected by almost anyone who watched Seahawk teams. Or who know anything about NFL football. Nutty take, with just nonsense to 'back' it up, but one we have come to expect from you over the years. Almost comforting, like a worn out pair of shoes that have almost no real use, but that we slap on when we don't want to ruin the good ones. If people believe your take on Lynch and his meaning to that team, then, yup, they should also believe that getting rid of Cook would not be a big deal too. And that running backs are a dime a dozen, and you can just plug almost anyone in for the same results etcetera. Thankfully, I don't think Beane or McDermott are that dumb. Like I said, the kind of decision making that caused the Bills to not make the playoffs for decades.

I want a huge mansion, a flying lllama, and a giant nose. And a tree house where monkeys are my servants. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wAlQf4WdiE

Thanks. Is the list in the order they met with the players? Looks like the Bills will attempt to do what the Chiefs did a few seasons ago, leading to the last few Super Bowls, and, even more so, what the Eagles did so well last year, take a defense in need of significant upgrades and go at it.. Just a tidbit here, but I hope it is a sign of things to come. McDermott will be so happy if this is the case! Likely a little embarrassing for him last season, as those kinds of stats, that kind of defense, is not what he has put forth with the Bills or elsewhere. So if all things come together, next year Josh will have the things he most needs---a high quality O-Line, high quality running game, and high quality defense, all coming together. And young. Hope the Bills are soo confident in the talent available in the draft to fit their needs, that they do not feel the need to go after a mega high priced defensive end. Best case scenario if that is the case.

Yes, thanks, a good choice there. I agree with you, preposterous is the better choice. Some hope for you after all.

uhh, I think you are missing the main point... Possibly need to go back and actually read the exchanges. It would mean that you and the other person in this exchange may be two of the only people in the world who believe that Marshawn Lynch was not a vital player, an essential part of those excellent Seahawk teams and in each of their two roads to the Super Bowl. You cannot possibly believe that if you watched Seahawk games those years. But if you do, then that is incredibly illogical.

? I am confused about why you "remain firm" on this bizarre theory. Why would the Bills get rid of their 25 year old linebacker now? Please explain. And do you think this would be a good/bad move? Wouldn't it be dramatically more likely that they cut ties with their 31 year old linebacker, Milano, coming off two major injuries? I don't want that to happen, want to see what Milano can do this year, but that seems soo much more likely than your theory. Why get rid of your young linebacker now, creating a glaring need? Almost as bad of an idea as those saying, "Let Cook walk." Though obviously Cook is, at this point, a much more special player. Both moves remind me of the type of moves so often made during the drought years, with the Bills doing stupid things like this pretty consistently. And just spinning their wheels.

Hmmm Yes, the Seahawks had a great defense, but many teams have had great defenses and did not have the kind of success the Seahawks had... In the 2013 season they went to their first Super Bowl under Carrol, and Marshawn Lynch had 1257 yards rushing and 12 rushing TDs. He also had 44 receptions for 316 yard and 3 more TDs. In the following season, leading to their second Super Bowl, (the not very important to you) Lynch had 1306 yards and 13 TDs. He also had 37 receptions for 367 yards and 4TDs. What you say above, for anyone watching NFL football those years, would be as backwards and as illogical as saying: Their defense is the reason the Eagles won the Super Bowl this year. Not Saquon Barkley. How dumb of a statement would that be, having watched NFL football this year? I assume you would agree with me, supremely dumb. Just as bizarre, illogical, and, frankly, unbelievable, that someone would think that Marshawn Lynch's production was not a seminal reason they played in those two Super Bowls. So, I am assuming you are not a big believer in complimentary football!? Or that a high level running attack is important to a team's success in today's NFL.