Chuck Schick

+1

Does anybody get the feeling that the coaching staff always seems to tense up during any "big" games? Granted there haven't been that many, but it extends back to the previous regimes of Jauron and Gailey too. You can see them trying to keep the game close and winning the field position battle, which ends up with our offense punting like a dozen times and us being down 24-3 going into the 4th. Would love to see us open things up and let it fly on both sides of the ball this Sunday.

If we are serious about becoming an actual contender (not just a team that eventually squeaks into the play-offs and gets immediately eliminated), this is a perfect test for the Bills. Popular opinion at this moment is that we probably aren't at Contender status yet, but that can change quickly. There shouldn't be any excuses (famous last words), and there is DEFINITELY no reason to hold anything back on either side of the ball. Bring it on!!

2010 Miami Dolphins. 86 receptions 1014 yds in 14 games (Chad Henne at QB) 2011 Miami Dolphins 81 receptions 1214 yds in 16 games ( Matt Moore and Chad Henne at QB)

All this talk about putting a guy like Goodwin into the right situation (i.e. Coaching staff)...how many examples are there of this actually happening -and working-in the nfl? Seems like even "bad" coaches can figure out how to use truly good players. Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall have been monsters no matter who is calling the shots on various teams or coaching staffs; TJ Graham, Roscoe Parrish, and guys like him all kind of wallow in mediocrity.

You wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world?... EEEEEEEEEAAAAAEEEEEEE!!! - Llyod Christmas, Dumb & Dumber

That's right! This Broncos fan sounds like he will get the same response from his family that Walter did.

What did Walter White call it when he disappeared for a weekend to make meth, and showed up naked at a convenience store?

I'm speaking generally, not one game in hindsight. And I'm definitely not going to base an offensive strategy -- which after 8 games I think has been proven to be pretty consistent-- I sure am not going to count on +6 turnover ratio.

I've come to the conclusion that the generally poor play-calling is just a symptom of an overall offensive strategy that Hackett/Marrone have in place. I remember them banging the "analytics" drum a while back, and this is what they came up with. I could easily see them looking at NFL games and concluding that in order to win, the first step is to not get blown out. If you can keep a game close, even mediocre teams will be in position to win games in the 4th quarter. The logic would then be to avoid turnovers (especially pick-6 INTs) and win the field position battle. Even though this makes sense, I think our current team does not fit well with this strategy. Our offense is more of a quick-strike type than a grind-it-down-the-field type. Our QB is going to throw picks, our O-line will get a bunch of holding penalties, so we need a strategy that allows the offense more chances at big plays to offset the mistakes. I think.

The more time goes by, the less bummed out I am about losing CJ and Fred (mostly Fred). We've all seen how interchangeable the RB position has become, and Brown seems to be a pretty decent option. No more injuries though!!

Me too! I also worry myself sick that Watkins doesn't get both feet down or that the ball comes loose as he's starting his celebration.

Marrone may have figured that a TO there may have prompted Minn to try and gain another first down, and ultimately get an easier FG try or even a TD(?). Maybe he liked his chances better with them trying a long 55 yard FG. Just a thought.

Also, how can you be embarrassed about something you have absolutely no control over?

It's gotta be a tough pill to swallow when all the things you work so hard for really don't pan out. (O-line, 3rd down D, QB play, etc etc)

I think our extremely crappy offense makes our Defense look better than it actually is. Opposing offenses just need to score occasional FG''s to win, keeping scoring down.

Most of it is done tongue-in-cheek, and is pretty funny I think. Way more entertaining than what you'll typically hear at a sports bar

I've been asking the same question all year..... For once we seem to have a number of strengths on offense. but I just haven't seen its identity come to the surface. Just the simple "what are some things we do best?" question, and then going out and doing those things most of the time. Particularly with EJ's development.

.... Also, shoulder pads make it uncomfortable to cross your arms. Only other option would be hands-on-hips, which doesn't look too manly.

OP said something like "this performance is why you trade up for Sammy Watkins"". You responded with examples from 2011 trade-ups for Gabbert, Baldwin and Ingram. The comparison might have had some merit at the time of the trade for sure, since there is always uncertainty of the player you are drafting. But I think your examples only proved that these teams traded up for the WRONG GUY, not that the move itself was terrible. For us---and I am knocking on wood like crazy---- Watkins has put that argument to rest.

Very peculiar time to question a trade that was made 5 months ago.

No real positives to back this up yet, but i have to say I am impressed with the decision-making under Whaley. The FO obviously has a plan, and are not blindly married to any portion of it. I guess itll get real interesting if it gets to point of firing Hackett or even Marrone.

I'm getting more on board with this line of thinking. Kind of weird when you think of how many careers are made and ruined by the system/team they end up with. Guys like Hughes got a second life, but many just kind of fade away.

The only comparison I keep coming up with for EJ bashers after a 2-0 start and decent QB play: it's like telling someone how stupid he is to play the lottery, even after the guy wins the jackpot. Your opinion is not wrong, it's just the circumstances have changed and has lost its meaningfulness.

See: Tuel pass in KC game last season.