transplantbillsfan

The speed thing is a question, but Hyde as the "centerfield" Free Safety he's always played hasn't really had the responsibility of covering other defenders. His value would be added communication to the secondary and the instincts to read what the offense is doing pre-snap and react to it quicker than Hamlin. To me, that's the biggest issue with Hamlin. And some of the guys who watch film have alluded to it. Hamlin tackles well, but it's almost always down the field because of how late he is to react to plays. I think we can all agree that Hyde was the better Safety than Poyer last year. Now with so much time to rest and recover from his neck injuries and stingers, maybe he can be even better than he was last season. The Rams ate the Bills alive because of how much their misdirection was confusing the entire D. To me, a veteran presence would have helped to diagnose some of that. If the Bills do make it to a Super Bowl, they're almost certainly going to face a similarly explosive offense with lots of misdirection since that's what most of the Elites of the NFC do.

I understand that he's not likely to see actual playing time this weekend and it won't be until the home game vs. the Pats he's probably elevated. That said, it's looking like Hyde came back to this team at a darn good time. Our Safeties looked awful yesterday. Rapp has been so good for most of the season that he gets some grace, but Hamlin was by far the worse player of the 2 yesterday and has been all year. He's a good tackler, but just lacks the coverage ability and instincts. You saw it on that deep completed pass (think it was called back) where he was torched. I understand Hyde isn't 2021 Micah Hyde, but his instincts and intelligence are something that Hamlin--who is always just a step or 2 hesitant in coverage--just doesn't have. If our D gets torched in the passing game on Sunday I think the passing of that torch from young to old is inevitable. I'd just rather not see another shitshow like that. Dude came back to Buffalo potentially to be the ultimate team guy as a mentor for the young guys. Might be best for the young guys to watch him play for a bit. And honestly... if not Hyde... put Cole Bishop back in there and let the athletic freak learn a little in some live action.

Babbich has talked about how the best teaching comes from losses. Let's see what he's got. We good.

Not the playoffs yet

Ironically the 2 things you're mad about contradicted each other. He accepted the penalty because he trusted his D. Later, he basically admitted he called the timeout because he didn't trust his D. To me, that TO was criminal.

No. They need to do that play 2 times in a row quickly. Wasting that timeout might be the worst coaching blunder since Denver last year. 3 timeouts with the Rams on the 30 with 50+ seconds remaining and a FG to win it and you ABSOLUTELY still have a chance.

Gonna be ironic if he doesn't but wins MVP.

A choice to prioritize it. We don't. This has been covered a lot. Joe Marino had Bruce Nolan on his podcast last week and the analogy Nolan used was rock, paper, scissors. Every play is a game of rock, paper, scissors between offense and defense. You can't win all the time. The trick is making sure each is as strong as possible so that when they throw rock your scissors stands a chance. That's kinda why CBs who can tackle in our scheme are so important and Taron might be the 2nd most important player on our team. And noticed that although Douglas isn't getting the turnovers he's become a monster in the run game. On a play to play basis the Bills are actually very good at stopping the run when compared with the rest of the league. We're just one of the worst in the league at giving up explosive runs. It's a choice by the coaching staff. Taron actually said that in his post-game PC against the Phins.

Good contrast for the snow if it's snowing hard. Opposite for the 49ers likely all white unis.

Umm... JA will get way more than $50m a year AAV when he's extended and he should. Dak is getting $60. Josh & Mahomes will both probably get about $65 whenever they redo their contracts. Gotta rework your numbers

I'd like a 2 year extension for sure and I think he's worth it... at a 30 year old WR price, of course. Unlike Diggs, Cooper has the size that makes it so he can last a little longer playing the X & Z. Seems like the perfect guy to groom Coleman, too. Anyone else think the 2 of them would make a great TV show?

I actually respect Kelce way more than Mahomes and I think his respect for the Bills is higher than Mahomes' is. Last year in both games the Bills played against the Chiefs I thought his dialogue with Allen was pretty classy and respectful. And then after that regular season game last season his comments about the taunting penalty given to Allen: https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/kansas-city-chiefs-travis-kelce-responds-buffalo-bills-qb-josh-allen-taunting-penalty Contrast all that with an interaction like this between him and Mahomes: Really thought it was interesting how short that was.

Worthy of its own thread

Yes. That draft Beane knocked it outta the park. The only solid contributor from that draft you don't sign is Cook because you don't pay RBs unless it's CMC or Saquan level.

Seriously... for weeks now, too. Can't keep him on the field when everyone is healthy obviously, which is kinda a shame with how he's playing

I just picked up Knox for my Fantasy team... I think he's gonna have a big game. Cooper is probably playing. He pretty much said so the other day.

The very best Buffalo Bills podcast is The Bruce Exclusive by Bruce Nolan, but it's only once a week on Thursdays. Otherwise, the Bills podcasts I listen to consistently and like (favorite first in descending order) are Locked on Bills, Buffalo Plus, Cover 1 (with Greg Tompsett & Aaron Quinn) and Shout. Bruce Nolan's is really unique with lots of interesting advanced stats and takes scattered throughout. Buffalo Plus is honestly probably the most entertaining just because of the dynamic between Mike, Dan & Jenna. But Locked on Bills is the best for content itself. I tried Talking Buffalo for a little while but didn't like it... too scattershot. Centered on Buffalo by Eric Wood is good for interviews.

The Cover 1 guys are actually usually pretty critical of Allen.

We sign him yet?

Uuuuhhhhhh... why the f$&# did we just use one of 3 Practice Squad elevations for Hamler only to make him inactive????