WIDE LEFT
-
Posts
175 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Gallery
Profiles
Forums
Events
Posts posted by WIDE LEFT
-
-
Unfortunately I don’t have the answer but I do have a second question, in hopes that somebody has answers. If I am out of the country, will game pass still allow me to watch replays of games ?
-
Gee if Kubiak is correct and Peterman’s performance against the Bears was “productive”, it’s awfully curious that the Bills intend to start Matt Barkley over him. Barkley’s been on the team for all of ten days, and doesn’t exactly have much of a resume of success in the NFL. But I guess the Bills coaching staff reviewed film of the Bears game many times, and judged that Peterman’s performance was anything but productive
-
2 hours ago, MJS said:
I'll take his analysis over yours.
Of course you will. Because every NFL expert would agree with you that a QB with a 32.5 QB rating, 3 interceptions, an historical NFL record low of 3 yards per pass attempt and a idiotic decision to try to scramble for 50 yards at the end of a half instead of throwing a Hail Mary had a very productive day. That’s your analysis genius. Most would differ. Almost all would differ. Peterman might even differ
-
34 minutes ago, JoshBarnett said:
Feel like the need to jump in ... I am not sure how many of the posters have read the entirety of Jim's piece.
As Jim has explained since he began doing this, he evaluates the quarterback based solely on the responsibilities of the quarterback on a per play basis. Isolating only on the quarterback, did the quarterback do his job? He grades each play with a plus or a minus. His grade for Peterman in the game based solely on those plays was 89 percent in looking at 81 plays. As he has explained, is the ball on time? Is the ball in the right place?
He also writes that Peterman got no help from his supporting cast and the pressure is immense on any Bills quarterback because of that. Most analysts agree that at least two of the interceptions Sunday were not his fault.
Jim writes: "The objective truth is that Peterman should not be expected to go out and win games for Buffalo on his own. His job is to manage the situations, read the coverage and deliver the football where it is supposed to go, when it is supposed to be there. He cannot control fumbles, deflections, missed assignments, or lack of execution in one-on-one situations. Peterman, or any quarterback for that matter, can only control his decisions and his execution on each given play."
If you have read each of the now 13 pieces that Jim has written, it's not sunshine and rainbows. He breaks down each play based on the quarterback's job on the play and then writes what he sees. Go back and look at his percentages for other games:
Vs. Houston: 76 percent
Vs. Packers: 68 percent
Vs. Chargers: 72 percent
It's a results driven league, and the results are not there for the Bills as a team. We have written that over and over. We also have written about Peterman's deficiencies over and over. What Jim does is what I outlined above.
“Is the ball on time” “Is the ball in the right place” - Well the first interception, although it could have been caught, was certainly not on time. Receiver was open, but the throw was late ( due to lack of velocity) allowing the DB to contest. Second interception- how does anybody characterize that throw as a “ball in the right place” ? Zay Jones was at the line of scrimmage, a very short throw, and the ball was well behind him. As far as “manage the situation”, I note that Kubiak never mentions the decision to attempt a 50 yard scramble at the end of first half, rather than throw a Hail Mary. I don’t believe the Bills game plan was to have their average pass attempt be less than 3 yards, an NFL record low. That was Peterman’s decision. As I stated, I have enjoyed some of Kubiak’s previous articles, but he his way off on this one and your explanation of why he characterizes this performance as productive just doesn’t cut it. It was historically unproductive
-
3
-
-
So Kubiak, who writes for the News specifically on QB performance, characterizes Peterman’s performance v Bears as “solid”. Um, that’s a joke. What QB ever produced a 32.5 rating and had that characterized as solid performance. He blames the receiver for the first interception, and there is some truth to that, but did you note how long the ball took to get there? Receiver went from wide open to partially covered/contested because DB closed on a weak throw. I could have timed that throw with an hour glass.
Interception #2 he blames on Croom not rubbing the DB off. But Zay Jones was basically at the line of scrimmage, and the throw was behind him. That’s about a short a throw as you can make, but QB is unable to deliver it accurately. Weak arm + accuracy issues does not an NFL QB make.
He went on to praise Peterman for checking down. Well he is the first QB in NFL history to complete 31 passes for less than 200 yards. That’s pitiful.
I have enjoyed Kubiaks QB articles previously, but he is so far wrong here that I really have to question his expertise in this area. I can’t figure out what was worse, Peterman’s performance or Kubiak’s evaluation of that performance
-
1
-
-
13 minutes ago, Real McCoy said:
You said it twice so I'll bite. How is a limited QB able to drop laser dimes all night and put up 44pts to become SB MVP? Please sign me up for this kinda limited QB.
Defenses in today's NFL mean pretty much jack squat. You need a arsenal on Offense to score at will to be competitive today. A strong pass rush is def worth while though to force erratic throws or take sacks.
Our FO is playing checkers trying to build up our D. It better change next FA and draft or this tenure could be over during our at the end of 2019
14 minutes ago, Real McCoy said:You said it twice so I'll bite. How is a limited QB able to drop laser dimes all night and put up 44pts to become SB MVP? Please sign me up for this kinda limited QB.
Defenses in today's NFL mean pretty much jack squat. You need a arsenal on Offense to score at will to be competitive today. A strong pass rush is def worth while though to force erratic throws or take sacks.
Our FO is playing checkers trying to build up our D. It better change next FA and draft or this tenure could be over during our at the end of 2019
Well this QB was/is so limited that he is currently a back up; thought about quitting football two years ago and in fact nobody in the NFL considers him more than a limited, backup QB. You think he is sitting on the bench because he is some type of hall of fame talent? A decent QB with a good offensive plan can, occasionally, produce great results. But just occasionally. See Ryan Fitzpatrick - but they do give you a chance - occasionally
-
1 minute ago, Gray Beard said:
You never really completed the thought in your OP.
You said the Eagles never made the Pats punt.
Are you saying a shootout, high scoring approach is the way to go?
I am saying that in the NFL as it is in 2018 it’s virtually impossible to stop a great QB. Our defense is nowhere near as talented as Eagles defense, but they could not even slow Brady down. Eagles head coach Pederson realized this, and went toe to toe, pass for pass, against the Pats. It was his only choice, and it worked. A run centered offense would have never kept pace with Brady that day - he knew he had to out score him, even with a limited/backup QB. Eagles only punted once.
-
1 minute ago, billsredneck1 said:
good lord tryin to read that long paragraph killed my buzz. by the time i finished i forgot what it's about. please start another thread.
I know - anything more than a post saying “Go Bills” is a challenge for many on this board
-
1
-
-
Just now, White Linen said:
FYI, that is not what is said anymore. There's been a proven method on how to handle a great QB - pass rush.
That’s not said anymore? I heard this multiple places last week, including the John Murphy show. Just heard it today on an NFL network show. You hear this ALL THE TIME. If u are listening
-
Just now, John from Riverside said:
You play to the strengths of your team if you want to win the game.....
The strength of this team is creating turnovers.....they will need to have several to be competative in this game
And do what when u get the turnover? That’s the point. Run the ball into nine man fronts and then punt? And by the way, if your entire strategy is based on Brady & the Pats turning the ball over - well good luck with that. Pay attention to evidence, not hope & prayers, the Pats don’t turn the ball over very often.
-
1
-
-
This is a take you hear all the time; it’s treated like gospel - when facing a great QB, you should run the ball, control the clock and thus keep that great QB on the sideline. None of the “experts” who offer this advice ever bother to check just how successful that recommended strategy is. Why bother, it’s common sense right? Well analytics have reviewed this entire concept and discovered that this strategy is an overwhelming failure. The Buffalo Bills, ever oblivious to analytics, employed this very strategy when playing the Pats last year. Predictably ( if you bother to familiarize yourself with facts) they weren’t even competitive against the Pats last year - two losses by 20+ points each game. Well an “expert” would say, you have a very limited QB and u can’t go toe to toe with Brady blah blah blah. Well there was a team that faced this same situation- the Eagles last year heading into the Super Bowl. They had a very limited (backup) QB but a great defense, a defense far more talented than the Bills D. Experts would advise - play great D, run ball, control clock, keep Brady off the field. But Philly head coach Pederson does pay attention to analytics, and did just the opposite. His great & talented defense did not force the Pats to punt once during this game. A run first, ball/clock control offense would have been a disaster, as it was for the Bills last year and in many years past. Philadelphia won by paying attention to analytics.
Whatever offensive philosophy Bills adopt tomorrow they will most likely lose. But a loss is guaranteed if they stick to what has been a miserable failure last year, and what analytics has shown to be a miserable failure overall. And I am confident that the Bills will stick to this formula that has never succeeded for them, and never will. Why base your decisions on evidence, when your “gut” tells you different.
There may be a a day when Bills pay attention to analytics, but many losses will happen before that. Tomorrow night will be a disaster.
-
I would enter the thruway at the Hamburg thruway entrance - it’s further south, less traffic heading south away from stadium and your are heading south on 90 when traveling to Erie anyway
-
1
-
-
7 hours ago, oldmanfan said:
He wanted to look at his second string punter and how guys lower on the roster would do on special teams. Some folks here just get ridiculous over a preseason game
5 hours ago, oldmanfan said:It was me and they were not only looking at the punter but more importantly how the lower tier guys performed on special teams. You have no clue. You are the anti-genius.
-
Well I guessed it. Somebody actually posts that Coach punted so as to evaluate a second string punter who has zero chance to make the roster. So a critical fourth and three situation close to games end is not an ideal situation to test your #1 pick and your offense; it’s far more important to test a punter and guys will not be on the team in 3 weeks. Genius insight
-
It was encouraging to see at least a glimmer of hope that the Bills join the 21st century NFL with an offense that uses the PASSING game to set up the run. Maybe the two double digit losses to the Patriots last year at least gave them a hint that their ball control, run first offense doesn’t cut it in this era of NFL football. Or maybe watching Philadelphia use their 2nd string QB to completely shred Minnesota & Pats defense in consecutive weeks. Or a Super Bowl which had one punt the entire game, as two pass first offenses slugged it out.
But I do have concern that Coach McD will not follow through with this philosophy when the regular season roles around. What gives me pause is his complete disregard for analytics, leading to his complete mismanagement of strategic/game time decisions. So with about 3 minutes to go, down 11 points, 4th and three, his decision, in defiance of all analytics (and common sense) is to punt the ball ( and the game) away. And this in the PRE SEASON! Yikes. Almost as bad, TV “analyst” Tasker never even questions the move, nor did any of the media at post game press conference. Let’s hold a coach who is all about accountability; accountable himself for terrible game time decisions. This wasn’t the first time he has mangled important, game management decisions. And please don’t tell he wanted to give his second string punter some practice
-
2
-
11
-
-
Wow there are a lot of folks on this board who are completely naive or are such fan boys they can’t see the forest for the trees. The facts are pretty straightforward - UNSUB uses keys to enter the home. Beats the ex girlfriend while demanding the EXACT jewelry Shady has been asking to be returned for months. Beats the ex girlfriend who Shady has been trying to evict for months. Shady just happened to change the security cameras shortly before the incident. History of police visits to home because of domestic disputes. There is only one conclusion, Shady was not directly involved, but the UNSUB was acting at his direction. The UNSUB was given the keys to access the home by “somebody”. Who but Shady.
But relax fan boys. Police or NFL are a long way from proving any of this. If the UNSUB is never identified, Shady skates. A real possibility. Doesn’t change what common sense clearly dictates. You would have to be a complete fool to believe, given this fact pattern, that Shay had no involvement.
-
1
-
-
My point exactly - no worse or better than opinions voiced here. Except from a professional/paid sportswriter/columnist, you should expect more than what’s posted on Two Bills Dr
-
1
-
-
Jerry Sullivan was shown the door and in typical fashion he portrayed his departure as being motivated by his “independence” as a critic of the Bills. We expect a columnist to be critical, nobody ever had a problem with that. But Sullivan’s entire claim to fame, in his mind, was that he was an independent critic and not a fan. But he took that to a level wherein he was critical of everything, without any balance. So he was equally as critical of the Bills during their Super Bowl years as well the drought years. The Pegulas were “over their heads” as owners, as if every new owner comes into the league with experience & expertise. Virtually every new owner is owning a franchise for the first time. And they took over the franchise from an owner who, despite is 50+ years of experience, ran the franchise into the ground. He also had a heads I win, tails you lose mentality. When Dareus had his troubles early in his career, Sullivan wanted the Bills to cut him. After Dareus had his big pro bowl year, Sullivan completely flipped to Dareus side. When Dareus had his most recent problems/issues, Sullivan wrote “see I told you so, should have cut him like I said” Heads he is right, tails he is right
But none of the above was Sullivan’s biggest weakness. The biggest problem with Sullivan was that in all his years there, he never developed any sources of information, either inside the Bills organization or within the NFL, to provide insight or analysis based on experience, film study etc etc. So all you ever got from him was just the opinion of a guy who never played or coached the game, who never watched game film and who never developed a source or asset who had the experience/expertise to provide insight. Sullivan’s opinions were no more valid than any fan sitting on a bar stool watching the game on TV. And that was obvious from his columns. Tyler Dunne was with the News for one year, and consistently produced columns that were based on his interactions with NFL insiders or those with experience & expertise in evaluating the game. It was no wonder that Dunne was hired away after one year here, while Sullivan took the easy path of voicing uninformed opinions mixed in with potshots at everybody. And felt that was good enough, because after all, he was “no fan”. Criticism is fine and welcome; but readers/subscribers are entitled to informed opinions, or at least occasional insight from sources well placed, well versed or experienced with game of professional football. Sullivan could not be bothered to provide any of that. Good riddance
-
10
-
6
-
-
1 hour ago, cd1 said:
Please provide proof that a fall to the (immovable) ground is "not near as punishing" as two moveable objects colliding.
You decide - Would you rather run into a tackle dummy OR run into a block wall?
Are u serious? Even if they are equal an NFL receiver can’t avoid the collision with a DB - he doesn’t take his hand off the ball to lessen that contact. And there are many examples of receivers catching the ball, falling to the ground and keeping both hands on the ball and NOT breaking their fall. Not only can it be done, it’s done on regular basis. And if I am paid big bucks to catch a football, I don’t jeopardize that by taking my hand off the ball. You think if Charles Clay had that play over he would still take his hand off to break his fall. Not likely
-
The point is a fall, even from 4-6 feet, is nowhere near as punishing as a routine hit by a DB or LB. So you risk losing a reception, and/or a touchdown? They don’t take a hand/arm off the ball to cushion a hit from the defense. BTW - they are paid a lot of money to catch and retain the football.
-
This is an observation I have made over many years watching NFL receivers; and yet I have never heard a coach, analyst, broadcaster address this. That is, the habit of NFL receivers upon catching a ball and falling to the ground, to take one hand off the ball and use that hand/arm to break/cushion their fall. This can and has caused many a receiver to lose control of the ball resulting in an incomplete pass. It happens more often than you think. Go back to Dez Bryant catch/no catch which started the whole controversy about “surviving the ground”. In that play, he took his hand/arm off the ball to break his fall. Fast forward to last week: Charles Clay catches ball in the end zone, has it wrapped up, but takes his hand off the ball to break his fall, and thereby loses control of the ball and loses a touchdown. First game of this season, first drive, Mike Tolbert did the exact same thing, losing a sure TD pass. Jordan Matthews did the exact same thing on a huge third and three in the Cincinnati game, but his was ruled a fumble. Of course it happens many times where the receiver does break his fall and doesn’t lose the ball. For example, Kelvin Benjamin non touchdown last week, he also uses arm to break his fall, but retained control.
The point is, these receivers take huge hits all the time, and it seems odd that so many times they risk loss of control just to break their fall, which certainly is minor compared to a hit by a DB. It does not seem that this is emphasized in coaching NFL receivers, since it happens so often. It’s equally odd that you never hear a comment on this from any coach, analyst broadcaster or NFL writer. So go take a look at the Charles Clay drop again, then pay attention in the NFL games you watch as to how many times receivers do the exact same thing Clay did. You will be surprised
-
Numerous issues with his play calling, but I will concede that the head coach has a lot more input into the types of calls any OC makes. A conservative, defensive minded head coach will insist on conservative play calls. Having said that, Dennison earns poor marks as an OC regardless of HC input. The biggest red flag, the most obvious indicator of his incompetence should be apparent to even the casual fan. An OC generally scripts the first 10 to 15 play calls in any game. He had all week to review film, identify play calls that should work and script the calls accordingly. It’s the beginning of the game where OC has most input. And yet the Bills offense has been terrible in the first quarter, almost historically bad. Very little production, very few points. This is on Dennison. The other time an OC has a lot of input is the beginning of second half. You have the whole halftime to review what the other defense has been doing, and adjust accordingly. The Bills offense has been HORRIBLE when starting second half, even worse than beginning of game. Three & out virtually every time they have received the kickoff to start third quarter. The play calls have been unimaginative and completely unproductive. This screams out that our OC is in over his head. His offense is least productive when he has the MOST input.
-
Our 2017 draft class, especially White, is looking strong and is a credit to Whaley, the prime talent evaluator for that draft class. One often overlooked (and brilliant) move was one Whaley pulled off towards the end of 2016. He signs Logan Thomas off Detroit practice squad, and to do so he had to add him to the Bills 53 man roster. All based on potential; the guy had never played tight end. The potential Whaley saw last year payed off big time last Sunday. In the years to come, Thomas will evolve into a pro bowl type tight end
-
It’s a huge transition for WR going from college to pros. Many great receivers have taken several years to successfully transition. If not for the sorry state of our receiving corps, he would/should be benched. It’s bad right now - not just the drops, but stumbling out of breaks, failure to run correct routes and/or gain separation etc etc. We can only hope he turns it around, sooner rather than later
Zay Jones - Coming Around Nicely
in The Stadium Wall Archives
Posted
I hate to disagree but you are seeing a very limited wide receiver in Zay Jones. Certainly a big improvement from his rookie year, but that rookie year was historically bad.
Heres the problem with Zay - he cannot get consistent separation when being played man to man. The plays you see him making are generally breakdowns in zone coverage or him finding the right openings in the zone coverage. Which is fine, but very limited. And when you are that limited, you better have great hands and be able to make the tough catches. He does not. Almost all the passes he catches are in his wheelhouse. He almost never comes down with a tough catch. Yesterday was a perfect example. Early in the game he missed a high but catchable ball. And of course at games end he dropped a very catchable ball. Many college receivers who will never make it in the NFL routinely make that catch. And of course it was man to man coverage, and as so often seen, Zay had little to no separation. Allen throws a great back shoulder pass, negating the tight coverage, and Zay can’t make the play. He has to be better than that. Allen deserves better receivers