Drunken Pygmy Goat

I felt like last year had more to do with the loss of some pretty good linemen next to him (Richie, and Wood next to Richie), and lack of greater or equal replacements. He may have been a rookie in 2017, but his job and learning curve was made much easier with those two playing his guard and center. Perhaps a very good rookie year blew up his head a bit as well, and last year was humble pie. Good for him to admit his regression. I posted before the season that I was calling for a down year from Dawkins because of the loss of those two. Everyone here was gushing over him, and based on what he had shown, rightfully so (I still thought we found our guy at the position). But there's several factors in football. It seemed like most people were rather dismissive of the losses of Richie and Wood, and were riding the excitement of the Bills finding a franchise LT, predicting a great sophomore year. I'm not saying that losing those two definitively was the reason or the main reason he had a down year, but believe it played a big part. Once again this season, he'll likely have a new guard and center (and coach), and even though the talent should be better, it may take a bit more time to gel, and Dawkins' may struggle a bit early on (and the line as a whole). I have the same mentality and approach, but in football, applying common sense and realism can more often than not lead to a relatively accurate prediction. In turn, it also can help temper expectations, and ease the blow of a let down. Essentially, the Bills taught me a valuable lesson in life a long time ago . Several, in fact...

Nitpicking here, but in 15 games as HC, Rex's Bills had one less "12 men" call than McD in 16 games (5 & 4 respectively). Problem is all 5 were in 2016

Derp...it was the same site I referenced...Dawkins had the most penalties on the team, Mills 2nd most, and many offensive linemen near the top. http://www.nflpenalties.com/team/buffalo-bills?year=2018&view=players *Shaq had zero, but I thought he was given a PF and ejected in the Jags game.

I remember a site that broke down penalties by player for each team. For now, this site breaks down specific penalties by each team, and where the totals rank in the league. http://www.nflpenalties.com/team/buffalo-bills?year=2018&view=penalties The Bills were 32nd in illegal formation penalties against with 7 (those seemed to taper off down the stretch, perhaps with players being more familiar with a new scheme and yoing QB). The two worst categories for the Bills were offensive holding and false start penalties with 23 and 21 respectively, but only slightly more than the league averages in tnose categories. They could be more disciplined, but they certainly weren't "bad". Many or most of those holding calls were likely committed by linemen, and based on the quality of talent amongst them last year, it shouldn't surprise. It's not so much about "discipline" as it is about just getting beat and not wanting to allow the QB to get creamed as a result. With better talent there this year, as well as some emphasis by the coaches (due to the high volume of holds last year), I expect the frequency of those calls to be lower, as well as false start and illegal formation calls.

I'll chime in... Not contradicting your points and opinion, because I think we all would agree in principle, BUT... Regarding this article specifically (which I do not have a subscription to, but based on the quoted parts, you get the theme), I categorize this article as more of an "inside the life of McDermott" piece, as opposed to simply a "fluff/offseason filler" piece. @Logic had a good post on page one, with some good points. This doesn't seem like something that you'd read on your typical, free media outlets. It focuses on a main topic that you generally don't get insight on all too often in sports, at least not these days anyways. It's more of a classic journalistic piece IMO, one that took more time and effort in order to gain the unknown information necessary to make it intriguing. In this case, it's not necessarily just about McDermott, but about his readings, how it influences his actions every day, and how it has translated to a progression for him as a coach, a leader of men, and as a person. I can understand how it can be percieved as being fluffy, because it's not your typical modern day "skeptical/critical" article that leaves you with an uncertain, questioning overtone. It's just filled with factual insight about a man, that leaves you with an optimistic feeling from a leadership standpoint, even if it doesn't pertain to Xs and Os optimism or in-game decision making (which are just as important). In this article (again, I only was able to read the quotes in the OP), there's no mention of McDermott's game theories or strategic adjustments, or other topics you mentioned that are relative. But not providing insight on those topics (in an article that seems to intentionally avoid them) doesn't mean they aren't important issues to him. And to be honest, this doesnt seem like the kind of staff that would give that kind of insight to the public anyways. Strategically, they seem very tight to the vest in all aspects. We just don't know how focused McDermott is on things like strategies and game theories, because they're not talked about in detail by this staff, and I'm guessing that's intentional. In a league where every little advantage counts, why give away unnecessary information? But, the article does mention the the level of importance and emphasis of McDermott to improve every day, and as head coach, I think it's safe to assume that the topics you want to hear about or see improvement in are treated the same way by him and the staff. When he was first hired, Bills fans knew that a culture change was needed in the building and locker room. One of the first things we all learned about McDermott was just how important "culture" is to him. It started with team meetings where players would stand up in front of everyone and talk about personal matters, mainly irrelevant to Xs and Os...a team, personal relationship building practice. We were all told at first that McD would be the "anti-Rex", which was exactly what was needed at the time. We just had to assume that was true, and see how it unfolds. As time has passed, and the more we learn about our coach, we are seeing him become more and more "anti-Rex" by the day, and while he may not see it in those words specifically as us fans may, that seems to be one of his main goals (aside from winning). He wants to improve every day. As a leader of men, actions speak louder than words, and McDermott practices what he preaches. The Bills facility was severely lacking in the positivity department in 2016. There were media leaks, allegations, etc. It was a mess, filled with overpaid players. Today, it exudes positivity, because the actions of McDermott every day have fully resonated. The players know the business aspect, but they also know that this man cares, in more ways than one. The vibes, standards, and practices in the building are much different today, and in a market that isn't flashy and warm weathered, that matters a lot when it comes to attracting and keeping players, and those things are continuing to improve as well. Of course, Xs and Os matters when it comes to being a good enough coach to win big. So does talent. But in order to be more aggressive and proactive as a coach, I think you first need a roster that can better facilitate that, and the Bills really didn't have that so much in the first two years. There were good players on the team, but not enough. Not at the most important position especially, and not much depth. This roster isnt quite "there" just yet IMO, but it's getting pretty close. With another year of adding talent and development of younger players, as well as the staff, this team should be ready to seriously compete. McDermott was a rookie head coach, and even though he had a good amount of experience in the NFL, he was and is still learning on the job as the main man. There seemed to be a time consuming plan in place with him as a coach, somewhat irrespective of the roster around him (there's obviously been a time consuming plan with that as well). It's year three now, and those things you critiqued in your post should become more and more focal points for him and the staff, now that he's got the culture foundation part pretty well situated, along with a better roster to help facilitate a different strategic, proactive approach to games. But those things will only be seen, rather than talked about in detail by them. IMO, the only comparison to Jauron is the idea that, from a fan perspective, McDermott may seem a bit boring. Other than that, I don't see the comparision. There may have been a few stinkers in the last two years, but I wouldn't say that talent didn't play a role at all. The Bills were completely outmacthed against those teams rosters IMO. Part of it probably is the strategic aspect, though, maybe even a bit due to preparation. But I think some of those concerns will start to alleviate now that things are becoming much more settled. Stinkers aside, the Bills under McDermott made the playoffs in his rookie-coach "tank" year, and won 6 games in his rookie-QB and poor-offensive-line year (with Anderson starting games as well). We'll just have to wait and see where his leadership qualities take him as a coach, as well as his progressions (or lack thereof) strategically.

He may have parts of his game that need to improve, but the kid is a BALLER. He has that fun, "will to win" mentality that you want in a QB. You know it's real when fans of division rivals point that out.

(Edit) TL;DR version: you're lazy, I'm not When I see comments from media that say Ed is the "most likely to bust", it must be this train of thought, as well as the size factor. It's lazy, but it's kind of a "common sense", connect the dots mentality, similar to what goes on with mock drafts IMO. Its simply just trying to use perceived logic based on the data available in order to predict the future. But as we all know with mock drafts, that line of thinking, more often than not, leads to a false prediction. But hey, it can can get you a click or two... In Oliver's case, his main knocks are his size (based on general perception of NFL DT size), and the fact that he didn't play against a ton of top tier college linemen. Aaron Donald has proven that size isn't everything at DT (but lets face it, he is the exception to the rule). Same with John Randall (a player that's probably more comparable with Oliver). But what doesn't seem to be talked about much by the "outside" media, or at least the few Oliver critics, is what's going on "upstairs". John Randall is a HoFer, not just because of his physical talents, despite his size, but also because of his mental make-up. That's what seperated him from the rest, and it's not something that every great prospect has. A guy like Marcel Dareus has all the talent in the world for a man that size, and could have been one of the best DTs ever, but doesn't have what it takes upstairs to be great, to seperate himself from the rest...he is the rest now. Ed Oliver certainly seems to have the kind of head on his shoulders that you want in a player, to accompany that kind of talent. He knows and has publicly acknowledged the fact that he hasn't faced the best of the best, week in, week out, but is excited for the challenge. He has a very family oriented, hard working background. And when wacthing him play, his effort and relentlessness is undeniable. Aside from all of that, since being drafted, us Bills fans have taken notice to his mental make-up, and how genuine it is, whether it's his demeanor on draft day, to visiting Pancho in hospice (and still wearing the rubber bracelet he was given), or talking about his horses. He's a good dude! There was some question about his character because of the one small public issue with his coach, but I'm pretty sure that's been washed away for us by his actions since (and by the coach himself). I guess we'll all have to truly wait and see with Oliver, but I'm quite confident that he'll do just fine. Maybe he struggles a bit at times early in his career, or in certain situations throughout his career, but I have a hard time seeing him busting. Maybe he doesn't become a "John Randall", or even an "Aaron Donald" in the end, but I don't care what college you went to or what conference or level of competition...any player that plays out of his natural position and pushes the pocket with three guys trying to block you (one holding you), or consistently beating double teams, is on another level. Landing him at 9 is an absolute STEAL. ***And since I mentioned a former Alabama defensive tackle already, I'd like to say that I'm not sold on Quinnen Williams, not because I don't think he's a good player, but because I'm weary of players who may have plateaued a bit under a great college coach. He did play against some of the best in the country, but he also played for and alongside the best in the country. I'm not knocking the kid for it, but I'm sure his play did benefit from that to some extent. We're all a product of our environment. He, too, was drafted at 3, but I don't know if he'll quite live up to that status. Granted, he'll be playing next to a stud DT for the time being, but I just don't know how much better he'll become as a pro, and he may be near his ceiling already. I know there have been a few really good or great players from Alabama to play in the NFL since Saban took over, but there just seems to be many more players in that time that never lived up to their draft status, with a few busts sprinkled in. Perhaps there's a mental aspect to it that plays a role, from an overall program standpoint (the plateau idea), to an individual player's mental make-up standpoint. A lot of these high recruit guys come from rough backgrounds. To play for Alabama, you can't be a complete malcontent, but your head probably blows up a bit. And once you get to the NFL and get paid, it could be hard to handle and stay focused on being a great player (Marcel). I don't know enough about Williams to pass judgement, and maybe he has a few good years like Dareus did, but anyone that blesses themsleves in 3rd person on the mic during their first interview after being drafted may have some of that going on...call it strike one from me.

Or when all else fails, just tuck it and run and dive from the five for the pylon like Superman

Clayton only played 10 or 11 years in the NFL. Had he played another 3 or 4 years, with at least decent production in a few of those, I think he would have made it in by now. Reed had better total numbers (without looking, probably around the same number of TDs), but he played 15 or 16 years IIRC, but it took him several years on the ballot before being selected, and Clayton definitely would have had to wait as well, maybe longer than Reed. But the fact of the matter is Clayton didn't player longer, and his receptions and yards do not hold up. What I always admired about Clayton was the fact that he was a smaller guy that excelled in a league where DBs could mugg a guy much more than in todays league. He wasn't 6 feet tall, and well under 200 lbs...maybe he did have one of the top 3 QBs of all time throwing him the ball, but he certainly had to overcome his size disadvantage.

He is a HoFer...in Kentucky. Clayton was definitely the better of the two WRs

"The hell with facts"...you say that "gelling" and "chemistry" are just myths, created by fans in order to provide excuses (my interpretation of your post), yet anyone that's played the game, especially the best to have played, all will tell you otherwise...

This isn't a position upgrade, though. It's pretty much an entire offensive line overhaul, with a new coach.

I partially agree with this. Keep in mind, though, that the Bills not only have several new offensive linemen, but also a new offensive line coach. The level of talent across the line is certainly improved, but these linemen will be tasked with a similar challenge that Allen and the mostly new WR/TE corps will have: building chemistry with each other. In all likelihood, there will not be two linemen on the field that have played with the guy next to him before. Allen will have a new center, Ford is a rookie; I don't think we should expect to see a finely tuned offensive line "immediately", but "improvement immediately" (over last year's line) may be possible. I do believe that the general perception of an o-line "gelling-grace period" is a bit overblown, but for this squad, it may take a few weeks to see them at full potential. Too much "newness" all around IMO for them to come out and show a vast improvement immediately (although I would love to be proven wrong by them). And as far as "everything around him is in place"...while I really like the moves made this offseason and the approach taken by the FO, I'm not ready to say that everything is in place just yet. This may be a good group to build with for the future, yet they're probably a piece or two away from really putting them over the top. That, and the idea that this group has a lot of work to do to get on the same page. The roster is far from set at this point as well... Ultimately this season probably does ride on how much of a leap Allen takes in his progression (a decent/good run game would certainly help matters). The fact that he's entering an offseason program as the entrenched starter should help him advance at a more rapid rate than last offseason, and the system is the same, but what may make the hill a bit harder for him to climb will be the numerous new faces on offense IMO. Unless Daboll comes out ultra agressive to start the season, I don't expect to see drastic improvement on offense early in the year (granted, an average offense would be drastically better than what we saw to start 2018). But if the defense can start the season better than last, a marginally better offense could be all that's needed for a couple early Ws. So, I guess saying that I "partially agree" may have been a bit generous...I wouldn't say that Allen is out of excuses this year...that may not be the best choice of words; I do believe that there are a few valid reasons as to why things may not quite come together just yet, or so soon. I think that's part of the reasoning behind the "pundits" that are saying the Bills should be better this year and like what this regime has done and is doing, but not quite ready to unseat the **Pats. We may see a nice glimpse into the future from, say, week 9 or 10 on, but early season struggles caused by the reasons I mentioned may be what keeps the Bills just outside of the WC picture in the end. *edit: this was my first post since probably the end of last season, and I have only been back lurking since the draft. I'm sure I've missed a lot here, but my sanity is restored

Good call!

Bills have won 2 straight, and Allen progressed considerably today. Today's game was one of the most entertaining and loudest games in a while (and I had a Bryan Cox flashback). Sabres have won 9 in a row, and never seem out of it. Thanksgiving weekend has been fantastic as a Buffalo sports fan.

This has been his best game as a pro, in several aspects. He's shown A LOT today. Not a perfect day as a QB, but considering all circumstances, impressive. Great few weeks for Buffalo sports.

I thought I noticed a guy at the corner of the tunnel get a piece!

This year's roster is much, much different than last year's... Sabres are on a 6 game win streak and are 10-2-2 in their last 14. They're the hottest team in the league. Canucks have won 5 in a row, Leafs 4. Rangers lack identity.

Home opener 2015 vs IND

**** no! I'm 2 hours south of Jacksonville, and the Bills aren't playing there.

It's pretty well known that Steelers fans "travel well" for away games, but they refer to Jacksonville as "Pittsburgh South". There should be a sea of black and yellow there tomorrow. When the Bills played at JAX in 2013, my section had several Steelers fans in attendance (why tf were they there?). Aside from that little tidbit, I dont think the Jags stand a chance tomorrow. The Steelers are playing very good ball right now, and the Jags have lost 5 in a row.

Well it was 19 games since they had one, so I'm guessing it's been a while

2 weeks off...hopefully he can get back in the fold. He tried to shake it off but was prevented from standing by the trainers.

2 100 yard WRs would be nice. Who'd have thought, with Barks @ QB

Broken collar bone? Hopefully just a stinger