TPS

Yes, I was probably a little too strong on stating the Bills will get into the playoffs (must've been the wine last night). The refs can't be blatant, and even if you are getting more calls that go your way, you still have to make plays to win a game (as someone referenced above about the Eagles game). Again, I'll emphasize it's not just getting a call, but no call as well. Holding can be called on just about any play of a game, on both sides of the ball, and that's a tougher one to know if there's an advantage being given.

Marketing isn't always about the largest cities. Look at the top 10 jersey sales, both Allen and Mahomes are there (as is Hurts). This is certainly THE test for the thesis. Let's revisit the topic next week to see if there's any evidence one way or the other.

It's not just Allen, it's getting the Bills in. For example, on their last drive for a FG in KC, they got a PI or holding call on a 3rd down which gave them a first down. On the replay, I thought that it was an "iffy" call and nowhere near impacting the play. As I argue, I don't think they get that call in the Allen-less past. Sorry if that's what it implies, as I meant these last 4 games (starting Sunday) that they must win in order to make the playoffs.

Yeah, it’s why I said I don’t think it’s rigged, but…things do favor certain teams and players. I don’t mean to say they will make a call to throw a game, but making a call OR NOT making a call impacts a game, but may or may not ultimately change an outcome. The point is, I think the Bills will get more favorable calls than what we were so used to in the drought years because of Josh Allen’s marketability. I embellished a bit in the op.

So, a couple of years ago I recall commenting about how the Bills would eventually start getting the calls--much like Brady ALWAYS did--because of Allen and his rising popularity (I think I was motivated by seeing he was #1 or 2 in jersey sales). Certainly, many others agreed. The NFL is essentially a marketing driven business, so you tend to see the big names and big market teams have "favorable" things happen during the season to ensure a playoff appearance. With all of the injuries to top QBs, I imagine the NFL really wants to see Allen's Bills in the playoffs--who wouldn't want another KC-Buffalo match up? So, bottom line, I don't think we have to worry about getting hosed any longer by bad calls, in fact, we will be on the receiving end of good calls....eh Mahomes!? I'm not trying to say it's explicitly rigged, but refs can call (or not) a penalty on any play. I fully expect the Bills will be on the receiving end of more calls that go their way these last 4 games, and I expect them to be in the playoffs. I mean, does anyone really want to see Mahomes vs Browning in a playoff game?

Figured I'd put this in the week's thread. It's a preview of the game by K. Warner. In the section on Diggs, I'm of course focusing on Diggs but happen to notice Knox at the bottom of the screen all alone. I figured the a D-man had to be out of the camera frame, so I go back, and sure enough Knox comes out of the formation and is absolutely uncovered. I thought it was amusing. Wonder what these guys say after the fact? It's about the 1:30 mark. https://www.buffalobills.com/video/nfl-total-access-warner-and-carr-s-film-breakdown-preview-of-bills-cowboys

He is correct, in hindsight, should call a run. 1st down 2:12 left at the 22. Get 2-4 yards, clock stops at 2 minutes. You have 2 plays to get 6-8 yards for a first, and you can then run the clock down to the 3 seconds needed for a FG, even with KC's 2 TOs. Even if you don't get the first down, you make KC blow their TOs.

That irked me. Run the ball on first and you get to the 2 minute warning going into second down. I'm sure they'll discuss that one for future reference.

The fact the run D was that effective when DJ only played 42% of the snaps is a very good sign too.

From what I’ve read this week, it seems Dorsey has dialed enough up for Allen, he just hasn’t taken it.

This article is not about Allen, but, as the quote from Mahomes shows below--it brings to focus what much of the discussion has been about this week--his maturity and decision-making...

I used to live a few houses down. Joe, the owner, is a great guy.

If you want the Elmwood experience, and to treat the wife, try this place: https://www.innbuffalo.com/

A lot of conviction in those first two picks. You hear the words "we got out guy" a lot, but given that interaction between Beane and Gray, it sounds like they got their guys in both R1 and R2.

You hit the exacta.

I ignored it (until now) wondering how a thread on baseball was still here? 😂

I'm hearing the 6th round in 2024 is the best group in a generation!

It's understandable as a football decision, but sorry to see him go. One of my favorite stories about the connection between the Bills and its fans is the one about him tweeting about dinner on Xmas eve 2021, then being invited into a home by a fan, and he went.

You're not going to get much sympathy from those of us here in Buffalo at the moment...I had to shovel a path for my dog to go out and pee.

Probably so most players can enjoy Christmas with their families on Sunday.

I don't disagree. I was simply pointing out that they did use a bunch of picks in 2021. It's too bad Doyle got hurt because word was he looked good, and maybe he could've given Brown a push at RT? They also seemed to like the IOL Anderson who was snatched up by the Eagles when they tried to get and keep him on the PS last year. He's currently getting a little playing time for the Giants. And, yes, it was disappointing they passed on Creed. Not trading Teller and picking Humphrey over Boogie, we're probably not having this thread....

They drafted 2 OTs and an IOL in 2021.

I agree there are many factors to consider when trying to compare stats, but, at minimum, they should be adjusted for the number of snaps each has played. Also, while Bado replied to the "setting the edge" issue, he still made the same point in that response as well: I always appreciate your analyses, and not trying to be overly critical, but, based on the current stats and adjusting for snaps played, Bado is correct in that Rousseau "makes more plays than anyone from that class". Would he be the first DE off the board in a re-draft? I'd certainly give him the "edge"...

He's mainly taking issue with your statistical comparison which doesn't account for the total number of snaps. While you list the number of starts, it does not account for actual snap counts per game. With the Bills rotational system, GR has significantly fewer snaps this season than JP (according to Bado, 45% fewer snaps). For the 2 years in total, Football reference says JP has 1287 snaps compared to GR's 908, about 42% more snaps. If you adjust (multiply by 1.42) GR's the sacks and pressure totals, then they are exactly the same as JP's, but GR's TFLs increase to 23, compared to JP's 16.

Buscaglia agrees. From his All-22 yesterday: