Rochesterfan

We seem to go through this every year - it was done as a way to help competitive balance. As you state injuries occur and if let’s say New England or New York was healthy and had 53 players on their roster and all could play, but the Bills just come off a hard fought game have 3 guys banged up - they would only have 50 guys available and would be at a disadvantage. This allows teams to keep nicked up players on the roster that may miss a game, but not be at a competitive disadvantage against a healthy team as both teams would only be allowed to dress 48. That gives each team potentially up to 5 guys to be nicked and not have a team with fewer dressed players. Over the last couple of years they have even expanded it with PS call ups, but each team can still only dress an equal number of 48 active players. It may not be your best 48, but the teams are even in what they are allowed.

Even protecting weekly doesn’t mean protected. It means from Wednesday to Sunday as you build your game plan - he can’t be poached, but teams can take him after the game until the next protection. It just keeps a guy you may be using in the game plan due to injury and keep him from going elsewhere. You can’t keep a guy there indefinitely if another team wants him.

Breida and Williams have both done considerably more in the NFL and over years than Blackshear has done playing in two preseason games in the late third or 4th quarter. They also have a 3 other guys - 2 guys that regime brought in - when they could easily have had Blackshear. Maybe they do sign him, but to be back number 4 and non-active. I think it is a huge worry for a guy considered to be RB5 and was a late UDFA add. We heard the same think about Williams getting picked up in camp last year and Wade the year before with his 2 long runs. Just watching across the league there are #4 and #5 RBs on a ton of teams that have shown out, but will get cut and next camp there will be 3 guys to replace Blackshear if he is picked up.

We will have to see - that was a common thought on Williams and Wade in previous years (and honestly going back years at RB and WR) and the truth is most teams have 5 RBs right now good enough to play in the NFL and several were drafted higher and have more NFL game experience than Blackshear and will be cut in the coming days. I love what Blackshear gives, but he just went through the entire draft and no one wanted him and then went to UDFA where he was not an immediate sign priority guy, but a later pick-up by the Bills.

They do not have to make a move with White or Boettger. They are on PUP (active) right now and count on the 90/85/80 man roster. Because they were designated PUP before camp they can be moved to PUP (inactive) and do not count as part of the 53, but then have to sit out the first 4 games (this changed from 6 in previous years). They can then get activated from PUP with a roster move to get on the 53. The 2 injured people that may need this move right now are Stevenson and Doyle if either are hurt enough to be unavailable and need the 4 week IR with return designation. They can also activate White (or Boettger) from PUP at any time now and then would need them on the 53 when cuts come. There is no longer an advantage I do not think to activate from PUP and move to IR return prior to the season.

Giants already have 4-5 backs better than Blackshear or Johnson including 2 former Bills, a #2 overall pick, a draft pick from last year and they have 2 rookies/UDFAs from this year. I am not sure that the Giants need 2 more former Bills - neither of which were in Buffalo with the current HC or GM. I get the concern, but there are a butt ton of RBs around the league that are going to get cut that have as much or more overall “film” than Blackshear.

What changed is that most likely the 2nd reviewer was not going to give him a year and warned them that he could not give them what they want without a lawsuit that could compromise the entire suspension and that most likely a court case could bring about the original 6 game suspension as an outcome. Just because someone has a strong opinion does not give him the freedom to do everything he wants - especially if the other owners are like get a settlement and get this over with. Personally my guess is Goodell would love to throw him out of the league, but he is bound to rules that are bargained for and he does not want a hard fought change to get weakened within the first 6 months of the deal.

I agree that he is a disgusting person and my preference would have been 6 games per settled suit - so 6x24 games and then he is still on the browns and the contract must be payed out by the Browns - screw them both. The problem is that is not the way the world works with unionized employees and why should the NFL be made accountable to punish someone severely when the law didn’t. I just feel that this was a bunch of crap by the OP acting with fake outrage that this is the straw that makes him leave the NFL. It is pure crap as he posts it on an NFL board and will be on here trolling about the Bills all season. I hate people that feign outrage about something, but are not going to do something or suggest a fix. Changes should be made and the NFL could impose better qualifications around situations like these, but to blame the NFL for the actions of Watson - that is terrible.

Sounds like a bunch of crap with no thought. The NFL is not to blame. This is not an NFL issue as it occurs both in and sports. Be upset, but direct your anger correctly at the person and the legal system. If you want to start - leave the fandom, but then give up everything NFL - like the board, give up everything from private companies as they do not punish, give up the US as you stated it is seen in politics, go find a small cave where you can live alone and have your morals. You can scavenge for food and make your own clothes and furniture and be free from this tyranny- if not then you are supporting amoral people all of the time and why you think you should hold the NFL above every other company and government is stupid.

I will not troll you for this, but I will disagree. Watching it both live and the video provided - the play is designed to go right side and there is a nice hole to the right that opens up. The issue is the lead blocker (I believe Morris) gets absolutely stoned right in the hole and he allows the LB to have outside leverage. If he gets even a tiny bit of push a lane opens up on either side for Moss to go through. Moss is following/reading that block (at Handoff he is 2 yards or about 1 stride behind Morris) to determine which way to bend off and when Morris get stoned straight back. You can see Moss looking and taking a stutter to the right of Morris, but the LB stoned Morris and was pressuring right where the hole was. That causes Moss to try and slide to the left side of Morris to utilize the block, but Morris is pushed back and Moss has no place to go. His angle to the right causes the rest of the Defense to pursue that way and actually drive the Bills O-line and get out of lanes - which opens up the left side for the run. I would not say this run shows a lack of vision - it does show some of Moss’s issues - he is not shifty and he does not have a lot of wiggle to him, but his vision saw the hole and he read the block correctly and tried to slide off from the block correctly. The initial blocking and play call had potential, but Morris getting stuffed and not getting outside leverage blocked the actual hole. This was a blocking issue to me not a Moss issue - I think Moss ended up getting what he could out of a badly blocked run that if Morris handles correctly would have been another nice 5-7 yard run.

This is the exact issue - you don’t want people in strictly based on stats accumulated over a long career. Others don’t want guys that played 6 years, but at a phenomenal level because they did not do it enough. I heard on the radio a guy saying we should use ProBowl and All Pro designations to get entry - a point system and you accumulate so many then it is automatic. The problem is there is no right answer for everyone. There are guys like Martin that do something amazing by hitting milestone after milestone and yes it is done over a long career, but that should be recognized. Yes a guy like Terrell Davis/Gayle Sayers had short careers, but they lead their team to championships and were elite for a brief flash. There are lots of reasons guys should and should not get in - one of the most frustrating was when there were several worthy(?) WRs waiting to get in and they kept splitting each others vote and it took several years to break the log jam and get them in. The voters deciding that only 1 WR at a time should get in, but letting a less worthy player at a different position in. I don’t really care about the politics and the why - I enjoy the HOF even if it is watered down and it is an honor no matter how many people get in.

Maybe - we will see - maybe Miami sends him to the XFL to learn to be a QB.

Yes - I totally agree with that and have said that throughout. Especially with the weird large group they did last year. They have put to many weird groupings in and missed out on others and what Deion said is not wrong - just poorly said and very poorly timed. I just look at the HOF as a wonderful museum of the history of the league and if there are some guys that squeak in because they played 16 years to amass huge numbers or guys that played 7 years, but were instrumental in winning multiple championships - I am ok to have them in. Having been several times - there are some busts and accomplishments that as a family we sit and look at and talk about more and some we basically ignore and that is ok. There may be a different family visiting to whom that player we ignored is a big part of their fandom and being in the HOF means something. Having gone years ago to see Andre put into the hall - that entire experience and weekend is wonderful and I wish as many of these guys that put in the work and did incredible things could get in - it does not diminish the accomplishments of others - it allows fans of different generations to enjoy the experience. I think the Football and Hockey HOFs are both watered down and diluted, but I love visiting both of them to see the love and joy it brings. The Baseball HOF is the least watered down with some all-time historic players not getting in because of actions they may or may not have done and it is the least exciting HOF that I visited. It feels like a very old museum with nothing new to offer. Very few players in the hall were ever seen by my kids and if they were it was right at the end. It needs new blood and life to grow and bring in a new generation, but the purists want it taint free - so few get in.

I agree, but what Bruce said was that basically Tony was using 1 game against a HOF DE to get in. Bruce felt like Tony and his team were belittling Bruce’s accomplishments by saying if Bruce was in the HOF and Tony stoned him - Tony deserves to go in. I do agree that Bruce should have kept his mouth shut, but I get what Bruce was saying - it was that if Tony gets in - all of his accomplishments have to get him in. Deion believes he is better than most of the HOFs and deserves special recognition and that I can not get behind. I think the Hall has let in way to many people also - especially by having a set number each year, but there is a time and place to have that discussion and via the media right after inductions are held is not the time nor the place. Some of these players and/or their families have been waiting a lifetime for the honor and for Deion to feel he deserves his own area because he was better and he no longer thinks the HOF is an honor just makes me sick. Just my 2 cents.

It seems to be varied. I think most coaches would prefer the 3rd game be treated like the old 4th game, but with the cuts after game #1 and game #2 - you end up having to play some guys more than you want. I expect you will see a series or 2 from the starters at home because that gives a couple of weeks to get ready and see what to work on. Then the starting 22 sit week 3, but the remaining guys get a lot of action. With the tiered cut approach and only 3 games - it almost forces teams into playing guys in game 3 they want to sit just because of depth and positional needs.

I hear what you are saying, but I think that was Hodgins at full speed. For example - if that had been Davis with that sweet move at the line and the separation he created - Barkley has to put the ball a couple of yards farther down field and that DB never gets close. Hodgins just does not have the foot speed - he is slick off the line and runs great routes, but he does not increase separation in route and by the time the ball is there the DB will catch up. It is not a bad thing for a #5 WR - it just is not ideal in a #1 or #2. Most of his catches are going to end up box out, go up and get it and if he can do that great . He was smooth and I think there is use for that, but as a team they need to know what they are getting.

I agree his release was sweet and he blew past the guy. My issue with Hodgins is after blowing past the guy - he lacked the speed to put him away. The CB caught up and made it a contested catch. The throw made it so Hodgins never had to slow down and he just could not outrun a 3rd/4th string DB. I am hoping Hodgins makes the team and I want him to grow, but there are flaws that could keep him out. The same goes to Blackshear - I want him to be on the roster, but he is at best a #5 RB on a low rising team - I can see a path, but I can also understand choosing someone else.

I agree - I could see 8 DL - especially as I think Von wants more snaps. I think that frees Boogie to play inside and out and essentially acts as either spot and I think there are 4 potential guys that can go to the PS - even if 1 gets picked up - you have options. I think they go DB heavy and keep Lewis also and use Benford as a game day inactive when Tre is healthy (and Tre as an inactive if he is not ready). I also think Spector makes it and then at game 6 they will have to decide on Smith - if everyone is healthy. If someone is dinged up - you have options when he clears the suspension. The offensive side is where it gets fun. With Lewis playing gunner (and Neal) it gives a spot where maybe Kumerow can be let go and you keep Crowder and Hodgins as WRs. I have also said the TE position to me is where the RB picks will hinge. If they go 2 TEs (my choice is Knox and Morris, but it could be Sweeney or Howard) - then Gilliam is more of a H-Back/TE and maybe opens up the spot for Blackshear. Especially if you use Doyle as the blocking TE. I could see 2 QB, 2TE, 9OL, 6WR, 1FB/TE, and 5 RBs with both Cook and Blackshear splitting out to aid the WRs as needed. Then the D-side going speed heavy 8 DL (Von included), 6 LBs, 7 CBs, and 4 Safeties. You basically replace Kumerow with Lewis as ST gunner. That leaves your 3 specialists and you are there. GameDay you can sit Benford (or White), Spector, Blackshear, Crowder/Hodgins, and Moss if everyone is healthy or if someone is hurting switch it up.

Although I agree - I think there is a 3rd and 4th way I believe for him to make the roster and it is still out of his control. 3) If the Bills decide Cam Lewis is potentially to good a prospect to risk cutting. They had Lewis playing Gunner on kicks and if he replaces Kumerow on ST - that could open a spot up for Crowder and Hodgins (where depending on the team 1 of them is inactive to allow Lewis to be active). I could see the Bills go heavy at CB for ST and go lighter at WR with less responsibility on special teams - maybe Shakir with returns. 4) Gilliam being TE3/FB might also be a route to either Blackshear or Hodgins on this team if they feel either Sweeney or Howard just does not stack up to the talent level of others. If they go light at TE you may have the extra spot to keep Kumerow and Hodgins and have 7 WRs like last year. Your 2 routes are most common, but heavy at CB for special teams or light at TE due to lack of talent could open a spot for Hodgins on the roster, but most likely not a weekly dress position.

I agree but - the fear is - if the returner had started 5 yards back (and teams will learn) - that ball was 20 yards outside coverage. If the returner catches that - he has 20 yards to set up blocks and get to full speed before the nearest Bill is around. The Hang time was still an issue. I get the excitement, but it worked because the returner lined up like it was a normal punter. I love the kick, but I hope he can get some better hang time to protect the return team.

I don’t think they lost to the Chiefs bc of being afraid of touching a guy at the LOS. They were afraid of letting guys get behind Wallace because of his lack of speed to catch a WR deep. When they played the Chiefs in Oct. they played a bunch of man/zone combo - with Tre playing man and Wallace playing an outside zone - forcing the WR into safety help inside. In the playoffs without Tre - they could not do that because neither Jackson or Wallace had the speed to cover the WRs in man. They had to play off and play zone - hence why they wanted to move on from Wallace. it is also a reason I think this unfounded rumor is bunk - because they wanted a guy like Elam with speed and man coverage abilities to be able to mix coverages again.

Nice Vids from Giardi - you can see how much more comfortable Elam is in press - his hold was in off coverage essentially in the slot. Much as has been said in the training camp - if he is tight and can get his hands on the WR - he is sticky. If he is off - his technique needs work. That crossing route was beautiful - that is what killed Wallace as he was better playing off - so a crossing route had tons of room and he lacked speed to make up for it. I think this thread is bogus - I think the Bills are still learning what Elam can do and I suspect how that will play into the defense. He was drafted because it allows the Bills some flexibility in how they play coverage and how to attack on offense. You can see the talent and although Benford may fit better with the traditional off coverage zone plays - I think Elam gives them more options where they run man/zone combo defenses like they were doing with Tre White early last season. I am super excited to see where this goes because I think they are very deep at CB and I would not be surprised to see them use that depth to go lighter elsewhere on the roster. You could use Siran Neal and Cam Lewis on ST and not dress Benford on a game day and that allows you to go lighter at WR or RB by maybe eliminating Kumerow or Jones as a ST only player.

Yeah - I mean let’s look at NE during the Brady years. They spent 10 picks on developmental guys and 1 guy - Matt Cassel got them a return of a 2nd for a 7th(and Vrable) and that was because he got to play a year when Brady was injured. Jimmy G was a 2nd round pick that netted them a slightly better 2nd round pick. Brissett was traded to acquire Phillip Dorsett - a wr that had 80 catches in 3 seasons playing with Tom Brady (not exactly a stellar return for a 3rd round pick) They also wasted a 4th on Rohan Davey A 6th on wonder coach Kliff Kingsbury A 3rd on Kevin O’Connell 7th round picks on Etling and Robinson They got nothing for these picks They also lost value on Ryan Mallet - a 3rd round pick traded for a 6th Jarrett Stidham a 4th round pick that they traded along with a 7th to get a 6th. Much of this was also in the early 2000’s where many teams kept 3 QBs on the roster and the NFL had rules like the designated 3rd QB that did not cost you a roster spot on game day and you could activate a QB mid game due to injuries. As those rules went away - most teams dropped to 2 QBs on the roster and for teams competing for Super Bowls - the back-up is almost always an experienced veteran - just in case. As I said - I am happy to start looking for a developmental QB when Josh has been in the league 10-12 years, but right now - a developmental QB gets you nothing and the only spot for him is a PS - so you risk losing him for nothing. Right now they need someone that can and has won games in the league to fill in if needed. If they want a developmental guys on the PS rather than Barkley - look around the league - the NYJs, NE are both going to have guys drafted this year that did stuff in the preseason have to go to the PS - if something terrible happens - take them from an opponent.

I totally agree - he had ton of options pre charge. Post charge - with the three teams really competing for him - he eliminated Cleveland as an option. He did not want to play in the cold. He met with them, but immediately eliminated them as an option and refused a second meeting - he did not want to go to Cleveland at all. It was down to 2 teams in Atl and NO - when Cleveland comes back basically nearly doubling his salary and guaranteed it even with the suspension coming. It was total desperation from Cleveland to get a QB after he rejected them and it was a money grab by Watson with protections. I really do not think (and really hope it does not) it will work out - that is not where Watson wanted to go and I do not think he is a good fit for the city.

The problem is I don’t think Spector and Blackshear take their jobs in a replacement situation. It becomes a numbers games. I think maybe someone like Cam Lewis could fill the gunner responsibilities of Jones and if the Bills decide he is a potential replacement - it opens a different role that maybe Blackshear can fill. Spector may be able to fill Matakevich’s role - he has the speed and can tackle - I just have not seen them using him in that role fully. I think Matakevich based upon his extension- is a guy this staff really likes and I just do not see them risking it for a potential guy. To me Spector is the Andre Smith replacement player while Smith is suspended. Then after 6 games - the Bills can see the health of the players and decide what to do with Smith.