Success

Personally, I never saw it as a real possibility. His contract is too big for our cap.

Not unfair points. But the GM can't control everything. He can build a team that's capable of winning a championship - but then things fall to the players, coaches and circumstances. Last year - at least to me - it was the last one. The Bills were the best team in the league for long stretches, especially in the 1st few months. Then, injury & a series of pretty tough circumstances followed. In the Cincy game, we looked like a team that was emotionally drained. Some can call that an excuse, or say that a team should be able to rise above and all that - but that's all out of the scope of what a GM can do. He put a team together that was capable of winning the SB - that can be said of the last 2 seasons, and I believe it can be said about the '23 team.

My post was more about the totality of the moves since the offseason started. And Floyd is 30, btw.

So, I'm bumping my own thread. There was a lot of spirited debate on this one, but I think this offseason has really validated the original premise. I'm actually astounded by what we've done. Heading into FA & being significantly over cap, I had no expectations. We only really lost Edmunds. Key players have been extended. We've added upgrades at RB, WR, TE, both lines. We've gotten more physical, and built depth. Our pass rush will be better, as will our ability to protect Allen. On paper, this is arguably the best team of the JA era. I don't think it's a crazy stretch to say that it might be the best team in Buffalo's history, or at least in the top 2-3. I don't think it warrants a "well, we have to see how the season plays out." Beane has done his job, and done it as well as I think anyone could. It's all in the hands of the coaching staff & players now.

Going into the offseason OVER cap, I had no expectations. It's pretty amazing what the Bills have been able to do. Upgrades at WR, RB and both lines. We'll be able to protect Josh better, and get to opposing QB's more frequently. This is looking to be the best & most complete team of the JA era.

I don't expect to see a "bend but don't break" philosophy. I think we'll see more risks - willing to give up a big play to try to make more impact plays on the defensive side. More press coverage, not laying 8-10 yards off the receiver at the line. More aggressive blitzing. And I think it will succeed. Our '23 defense will get more sacks, more INT's, more fumbles, more TFL.

At this point in the season - we were the best team in the league.

It's important to note that if anyone who posts on this board was GM, we'd still be deep into the drought. No offense to anyone, of course.

Oliver is a better player than some give him credit for. He's had some outstanding games for us. Consistency is more of the issue - but the talent and upside are there.

I think we're going to get the same kind of contract year leap that we got from Edmunds. And he'll likely move on after that, as Edmunds did. But if he can be consistent and play to his potential, it could go a long way toward getting us to a SB with this team.

I absolutely love what the Bills have done this offseason. Given the cap situation - we've improved in pretty much every weak area, including more quality depth.

I'm very torn on McD. But I think he's a solid coach overall. Anyone harping on "13 seconds" should take a look at the Pats win against KC in the AFCCG. Mahomes went the same distance in 16 seconds to set up a FG. So, basically, a difference of 3 seconds between McD & the GOAT.

I'm hoping he goes to the NFC. I really don't think the Bills will do this. He's an expensive addition.

I like what we have right now. I think Allen is going to really elevate the skillsets of Harty & Sherfield, and I'm looking forward to Shakir's 2nd season. I still believe in Davis, and of course we have Diggs and now Kincaid. But for sure, another elite WR would be amazing. I just don't want it to hurt us in other areas or down the line.

I'll say it again: we do not need another receiver. But - it would be exciting, for sure.

With the addition of Harris, the improvements to the line, and Cook coming into his 2nd year - I think people are going to be shocked at how improved our run game is. I think we'll win a few games based more on running than passing.

The New England Asterisks.

They dominated almost forever, and no one can ever take that away from them. But, the fun thing for opposing fans is how completely delusional they are now. An entire generation is cartoonishly entitled. They pretty much all talk like the Bills are just placeholders for a few years until the Pats return to their "rightful place" on top of the division.

Imagine if Elam takes that next step, and Tre gets back to where he was pre-injury. Hyde & Poyer back also. Could be one of the top secondaries in the league.

I'm a cheese enthusiast. Agree w/ Logic's post - favorite really depends on where & how it's being used. On its own, I love Brie, or really any runny sort of cheese. Great w/ roasted garlic. Goat cheese or feta on pasta or salads. Cheddar on burgers (though good ol' American works there too). Gouda gets some consideration here, as well.

I was wondering if anyone on this thread would bring up some of Brown's alleged off-field behavior. I don't think it's scummy to talk about it. It's part of his life & legacy. I'll get downvoted, but from some of what I have seen and read about him, some of what he did could certainly be classified as scummy. I think it's always complicated w/ sports & entertainment figures who have brilliant work, but also questionable activities in their private lives. But I don't see why that should go unmentioned.

Agreed, and Beane has stated a few times that he's not interested in trying to go all in for one season by compromising our competitiveness in future years. He wants us to be a contender every year that we have Allen - which coincidentally is exactly what I want. That said, I'm kind of blown away by this offseason. Knowing our cap situation, I didn't see us doing much of anything. Instead, we have upgrades at both guard positions, RB, WR and TE. Kincaid could end up being our Kelce, and will create match-up problems for defenses. Even a signing like Ford is going to be pretty impactful. Beane really looked at that Cincy game and made upgrades based on that - we're more physical, we should have a better run game, our receivers have better hands and YAC. I keep seeing on other boards that the Bills are "taking a step back." I think the 2023 team will be our best yet.

Sorry for your loss. I have lost so many pets over the years - and I loved every one of them the same as immediate family. It's one of the hardest things to go through. I've heard we see 'em all on the other side, if you believe that stuff. It cheers me up to think of that.

The OP is how seasons go. It's so easy to look at a schedule and put the "L's" next to the top teams - but that's almost never how it works out.

I'd go w/ current. It's hard for me to think about the Bills SB runs in too positive of a light - I feel like the time since is all about erasing those losses, as much as I loved those teams. Bills are top contenders. I'm also Yankees/Knicks - I think the Yankees have a great shot this year when they get healthy, and love the team w/ Judge. Knicks are FINALLY on the upswing, and have a legit top player in Brunson who they can build around. I didn't like baseball (or really get it) until about 7-8 years ago, so the Yankees '90s success doesn't play into my feelings about the question.