corta765
-
Posts
3,301 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Gallery
Profiles
Forums
Events
Posts posted by corta765
-
-
14 hours ago, SoonerBillsFan said:
Bills at Lions on Thanksgiving? Makes sense.
NFL usually avoids repeats and given NFC v AFC I can see it being prioritized for a primetime 4pm spot
-
1
-
-
So my total record is 25-15 good enough for 625% win percentage. Here are my fun notes since I start going regularly from 2010 on:
-my wife and I had a streak from 2011 through 2015 week 2 NE where we went to 10 straight wins. Kind of nuts for drought period but two years were just the home opener, but somehow 2013 we went 4-0.
-Since 2017 I have went W/L/W if I attend 3 games or W/L if two. (f*cking broncos game this year and minnesota in 2022.
-We had season in 2016 and I was 4-3 at home as I sold the Xmas game but went to Miami for that game... which they blew the lead win 10 mins to go
Loudest Game: Packers 2014. Place was absolutely wild start to finish
Most Memorable: Snowbowl in 2017 we were front row. The Benjamin TD we saw he was in the moment it was thrown because we were dead line with the sideline and you could see his feet get down
Best Game: Steelers 2022. I have forever hated Pittsburgh as I find them an entitled spoiled bunch of fans who have zero idea of what bad years are. To beat them so bad at home and Josh was just ripping throws is something I will appreciate forever.
Worst Game: Patriots 2016. I was at the 07 SNF blowout loss and while bad at least from a historical perspective that Pats team was something else. 2016 was a downpour, NE kicked our butt badly, Hogan scored on, and it felt so hopeless as Rex clearly lacked the skills with a roster that went from feeling good in 2014 to uh oh in 2016.
Wildest Moment: The dude who fell from the 300s to the 100s at the 2013 NYJ game was literally the section over from us. We all looked and saw chaos as people started looking for him and then security came. No one had an idea for a few minutes then the video came out.
-
17 hours ago, DrBob806 said:
That's when I realized Kelly was over rated, hate to say it.
I would say the offenses lack of evolution caught them in the big game as the years went on then just Kelly. SB25 they were still ahead of the league with the no huddle and BB's plan was just good enough to slow them. After that it needed more and while the talent could beat most teams, once they faced WSH/DAL you needed a better gameplan and attack then just do what has made you successful because they are going to key against that.
-
24 minutes ago, Gregg said:
The Giants game was the only one they should have won. They were the better team. Washington just physically manhandled the Bills. The Cowboys were the better team although the 9 turnovers in the first game against them didn't help.
I intentionally rewatched SB28 last year or the year prior. Buffalo was controlling the game but they left points on the board heading into the second half. The fumble certainly changed momentum, but the defense actually did a good job to give the Bills offense as much as a shot to get back in as they could before the damn broke with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
To me Bills should've won 25, deserved to lose 26-27 as they were not the better team, and 28 was a game up in the air and closer then the final score it just got away as the offense never could make a play when it matter in the second half.
-
1
-
3
-
-
5 minutes ago, bigK14094 said:
Brazil has unique problems with staging a game. Medical facilities and supplies for one. My company built a plant down there, and we had special provisions made for medical treatments. Standards are not the same. But, if luck was good, no hospital needed for a game. But, great food and drink and a great country imho. I loved the people down there.
Yea the NFL is taking a bit of risk standard wise as it is not up to par and I gotta believe they will have their own medical provided across the board. Like you said great people, but it will be interesting to see how it goes.
-
32 minutes ago, Gregg said:
Last time vs Miami 2010 and New England 2013. I get opening within the division. That happens all the time. But it is strange that the Bills open with the Jets so many times and hardly any vs the Fins and Pats in recent history. It doesn't matter in the end as the Bills play all 3 teams a combined 6 times anyway.
Closest I can think of is PIT/CLE had a little stretch like that in the mid 2010s and NYG/DAL seemingly play every opening week.
-
1
-
-
51 minutes ago, Gregg said:
Same with the Pats. It's been a while, but the Bills and Jets seem to open with each other every 3 years or so it seems. It's almost 1/3 of the time since both franchises existed.
It is wild since 2004 looks like this:
Bills didn't open against the Jets from 2002 until 2012. Since 2012 Buffalo's opened vs NY 5 times and 3 of the last 5.
-
1
-
-
1 hour ago, Gregg said:
For some reason the league likes it when the Bills and Jets open against one another. Both teams have been since 1960. They have opened the season against one another about a 1/3 of the time.
The last time the Bills opened with Miami was 2010. Super weird note as it was more common for a while and now they haven't opened in nearly a decade and a half.
-
1
-
-
16 hours ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:
Schedule is brutal next year. Maybe it’s a good year to cleanse the cap and go young.
We say this every year and then it changes as things happen. Buffalo is good and will just need to do work like always
11 minutes ago, WhitewalkerInPhilly said:I suspect we end the season vs the Jets. We've been rotating and the NFL loves doing division matchups on Week 18
I have kind of thought either we host or are at NYC to end the year. I think they will think MIA might be down and NYJs up to try for end of year divisional race game.
14 hours ago, GunnerBill said:The Bills haven't opened with New England since EJ's debut in 2013. I predict we open home to New England at 1pm.
Week 2 on the road in prime time. Possibly the Rams but I can see the Dolphins on the road as an MNF.
That has been my guess for a bit now. Buffalo gets a preferred 1pm open at home after two primetime roadies the last two years and we get a new NE team which is preferable.
16 hours ago, Bills!Win! said:We seem to be Thanksgiving darlings. I predict a San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills Thanksgiving night game
I have wondered about black friday. Rumor is two games this year
-
10 minutes ago, Warcodered said:
I predict that the Bills-Chiefs game will not be Primetime because it will be the game that gets reserved like it has the last two years.
CBS has had it now for two years, the NFL does try to rotate matchups so I can see it going SNF or especially MNF as ESPN has not had its turn yet. In 2020 technically it was a TNF game. But who knows at this point they change the formula yearly on what to expect haha
2 minutes ago, Process said:Top 8 teams in Superbowl odds. We play 6/7.
I bet it was similar this year with PHI/DAL/MIA2x/NYJ2x/KC/CIN
-
It is that time again where I can start filling everyone in on quirks and things you can already piece together. Yes the SB is not done but the matchup already has given some pieces so here we go:
-The Bills will not play opening night. The Bills host the Chiefs and 49ers in 2024 so while those games certainly have primetime potential it will not be week 1 against the SB champion. Had it been DET or BAL who won the Bills would've been a possibility
-The Bills have opened the past two years in primetime on the road (Rams 22' Opening Night & Jets 23' MNF (yikes)) so historically expect a home and for those 1pm fans potentially a game at 1pm. It is possible they end up at primetime at home, but coaches love 1pm games and I won't be surprised if McD and crew ask for a normal opener
-The Bills are not in Europe this year as they have no opponents they are traveling to who are in Europe. (NFL Euro home teams Vikings, Panthers, Jags, & Bears)
-BUT the Bills possibly may be on the road in Brazil. The NFL is playing a game in Sao Paulo Brazil and the big rumor is the Dolphins would be the home team. Last year the NFL sent a premier matchup to Europe with the Dolphins hosting the Chiefs. Typically the NFL avoids divisional games abroad, but it isn't impossible the Bills head under the equator.
-With the Bills home for 8 games and on the road for 9 games expect a stretch of either 3 in a row on the road or 3 of 4. I checked the schedules for DAL/PHI/SF/MIN for 2023 all who were playoff teams in 2022 and every one of them had a stretch of three roadies out of four as the NFC was the 9 game conference last year. The NFL is very rythemic and predictable with things like this.
-The Bills already have two games at least at 4pm as they travel to the LA Rams and Seattle Seahawks, although I would bet one of the two is a night game. The 49ers and Cardinals come to Buffalo but that does not guarantee a 4:00pm game as the Bills in 2016 hosted both teams at 1:00pm. The 49ers and Bills were on MNF in 2020 so I could see the FOX/CBS petitioning for the 4pm spot as they missed out in 2020. The Cardinals I would guess may be 1pm, but then again the Bills hosted the Bucs/Giants/Broncos (with on the G-Man making any sense marketability wise) last year all at night so who the heck knows lol.
-The Bills played the NFL max of 7 primetime games last season and I would guess similar in 2024 as a team can play in 6 and get flexed into a 7th week 18. The Bills home schedule includes SF/KC/MIA and road schedule includes HOU/DET/BAL/SEA/MIA/LA who all were playoff teams minus SEA. That isn't even considering the Jets with Rodgers back or the Colts with Richardson either. The one positive if you are a fan of 1pm games is 2xNE/JAX/TEN/ARZ all feel like pretty easy locks for 1pm and even bigger games like Bills v MIA can be 1pm. Last year PIT hosted the 49ers at 1pm which was a national broadcast. I wouldn't hold my breath for that, but with the SEA/LA games already at 4pm I can easily see one later taking away a primetime game. Long story short if the Bills have 7 1 pm starts that feels very possible even with the other 9 games being at 4 pm or night.
That is enough updates for today, but I will leave you one last prediction. The Bills will play the Patriots by week 4 and be finished with playing NE by the first week of December. The Bills have not played New England early in the season since 2019 and for some reason finished with the Patriots in the final three weeks of the season 7 years running. The Patriots hype dies as the league prioritizes Miami and a potentially revived Jets squad instead late.
-
10
-
13
-
-
Least surprising outcome possible. Jets always get the hype never the quality. The team has a good defense, but the offense doesn't have depth and Rodgers would've had a hard season with that offensive line and he himself is a moron. I still think they can be a playoff team next year but they fundamentally have been a circus for two decades now.
-
2
-
-
18 hours ago, Chris from Rochester said:
Great write up. After watching how great Browning was for Cinci I'm not so sure they're ahead of Baltimore if they lose Higgins. I'm really curious to see how Burrow is without so many talented weapons. I also think the Chargers are going to give KC a run for their money next year with Harbaugh. If we can get a stud WR1 who can get us YAC, sky is the limit for us
Burrow has had two major injuries now and with his contract kicking in they don't have the same freedom as before and without Higgins I think their offense is different. But they have beat KC in KC, went to a SB, and when healthy they are a different animal so I think that keeps them for now ahead of BAL. Could change come offseason.
Chargers I think have a good outlook, but I have been burned for years saying this is their breakout so I hesitate even with Harbaugh. I don't doubt him as much as when do they take the next step. Making the playoffs would be big at this point let alone going for the division.
Should be fun regardless and thank you for the nice remarks-
1
-
-
With KC repping the AFC... AGAIN ugh I am doing my futures as things stand now for the conference pre moves:
Gold Standard:
KC. They exist unfortunately a cut ahead of everyone and will invest into their offense as their D is young and really good. Everyone is chasing.
Contender/Hunting:
Buffalo - Unlike last offseason where it felt very doom and gloom future wise, despite the loss the Bills have many young pieces that have emerged to feel good about. The offense will get the TLC needed and while the cap will force some tough decisions and names to leave, the track record is strong that may be luck shines on Buffalo in 24. Buffalo might be the 21st Century Brooklyn Dodgers, a team that takes it on the chin before finally getting their one big moment.
Cincy - Only team to beat KC and they seem to get up really well for them. Tee Higgins potentially leaving is tough on their offense if it happens, ownership has never been known to spend which always is a question on seriousness to win even with Burrow, and Burrows return from injury can't be assumed to be perfect out of the gate. Still this team is well coached and once Burrow is going they are a different animal.
Good, But More To Prove:
Baltimore- I had for years been on the Lamar train, but after yesterday he has more to prove and the criticisms seem a bit more fair. In four playoff losses he has 4 TDs 5 Ints and as a whole they have scored 42 pts on offense. Additionally as a 1 seed twice now they have collapsed big time adding more questions. No doubt this is a very complete team, but every playoff loss with Lamar is just riddled with questions about him in a way Burrow and Allen do not prompt with their performances. They will go as far as Lamar, he has more to prove.
Houston- Stroud burst on the scene like a shooting star, can he match it in 24 as the pressure becomes real and the investment in this team expands? So much to like here, no real criticism as much as do it again.
Potential Is There To Be A Contender... Maybe:
Miami- Tua made the season and at points looked like a true franchise QB. At other times he looked mortal and the calls of him being a system QB felt real. The roster has talent but also is aging as some of the star players brought in are not young anymore. The big decision is Tua which if Miami spends the money will hit their cap even more. Can he prove he can take it to the next level? Feels like that has been the question for 4 years.
Cleveland- If this team can get solid QB play the sky is the limit... the problem is their best QB was a 38 year old vet and the other has injuries 24/7 and a albatross of a contract. Perhaps Watson can truly get back to his former self, but it feels like this is a team that is a plucky fight but can't go much further.
LA Chargers - Bottom caved in last year between injuries and coaching, it was worst case scenario to the max. I am not a believer that Herbert is to the level some say, but he is a top 10 QB and Jim Harbaugh's track record is sensational as a coach. Step one is consistency and beating KC, but the outlook with Jim as coach looks pretty solid and KC maybe just maybe will have a true challenger from within the West.
Playoffs Maybe, .500 or 7-11:
NY Jets - Even if Rodgers didn't blow his tendon week 1 I am not sure he would've survived the season. The OL is atrocious to the point even their RB's are struggling. The lack of skill players after Hall and Wilson is not talked about enough and this defense can only do so much. They will do what they can and I can see them passing Miami, but this operation just feels shaky as heck
Pittsburgh - Arthur Smith as a possible new OC is just hilarious. They need a new QB as the rest of the lineup has talent... problem is they are too low in the draft to make a pick. The Steelers always seem to find a way to be around end of year, but it seems at the detriment of creating long term growth at the most important positions or being able to move in the draft for said position.
Jacksonville Jaguars - The offense never found its true potential and their feels like internal strife at this point. Once Lawrence got hurt they seem to lose their way and I do not think they were ever the same nor was Lawrence healthy. Still things change fast and with HOU passing them and IND seemingly looking good, have the Jags missed their easy window without internal division competition?
Indianapolis Colts - Football is rarely linear. Stechen did an amazing job and Richardson showed so much potential. They also had some real luck go their way in some games this year and Richardson only got to play 4 games. A 7-11 season where Richardson gets a full year to grow may be a small step back that would pay major dividends long term.
Denver Broncos - Payton got them playing at least a more competitive competent game, but truthfully what is their plan at this point? Wilson isn't returning, the talent is just being cycled in yearly at this point, and their at best probably 3rd in divisional talent. Feels like 2024 will just be more of a repeat of 2023 were they hang around as they wait for more cap space to free.
Draft & 24 Is About Growth
New England - It is known they have lacked a lot of blue chip talent. but I am curious how deep that goes because of BB covering the defense up in scheme. BB is a huge change and for roster mgmt an improvement, but for game day he is the ultimate X's and O'x coach. QB, improved line, and some real weapons should allow their new guy to find his way. Can Mayo just keep them fighting weekly?
Las Vegas Raiders - Pierce as coach makes sense as his team played hard for him and Telasco did well with the Chargers. Step back to reset the deck especially with Mahomes feels like the right way to set themselves up long term.
Tennessee Titans - Vrabel is gone, Henry is gone, more vets to follow as they build with Levis who had some good moments. They need to replenish the deck on this roster and just build a culture before competing.
-
4
-
3
-
-
Just now, Mr. WEO said:
how long has this been corroding the OP's brain?
In 1967, the NFL decided to align the conferences so that, 50-60 years later, 2 teams would dominate the SB?---and they should simply "mix it up" a bit if one conference dominates the SB?
lol--in the pantheon of bad TBD idea, this may be its apex.
NFL in 1967 "Aight so Brady and the Pats will dominate from 2001-2018 at which the great handoff will happen between future Chiefs QB Pat Mahomes (mind you isn't born yet nor is his father) so KC can themselves go on a 6 year reign of terror and who knows after"
NFL Owners "Sounds great the divisions are approved!
-
1
-
-
This might be the early clubhouse leader for worst idea on the board in 2024
-
2
-
6
-
1
-
3
-
-
Just going to point out to those who are upset on this comment that the list of WR's who kept up 1000 yds + production post 30 years old is incredibly small with Larry Fitzgerald being the greatest outlier and he was moved to the slot.
-
2
-
-
I look at this way needs vs wants when it comes to holes. I feel at this point you can safely say the Bills have their QB, RB1/3, WR1/2sih depending on your feelings with Diggs, WR3 Shakir, TE1 Kincaid TE2, OLine, DT3spot, DE1Groot, LB corp set, & CB set. If we had the ability I would want to probably tweak the CB group with another draft pick for depth especially if White is cut and Dane Jackson walks. IF Poyer is kept (he was fine this year imo) then you need just 1 safety.
Without any moves at this point you have the following holes:
1. WR 1/2,
2. DT potentially 2x
3. DE potentially 2x
4. SAF potentially 2x
5. WR3/4
You can tell with Beane's comments the WR position will probably be the one most addressed with high pick or two in the draft. What happens with DaQuan Jones will impact the need at DT so much because if he is willing to stay they can probably add a vet or two like this year and be in good shape. DE AJ I unfortunately expect to test market so you may be looking at draft pick and vet signing or two. SAF is the spot I see them going bargain hunting as McD is very good at developing players there and his scheme historically does a great job of allow safeties to have opportunities to make plays.
I fully expect in this draft to have the first five rounds look something like this (no order):
WR/DT/DE/SAF/WR
They have 10 picks although I wouldn't be surprised to see Beane trade one or two to move up. The WR position over any is a true need as Diggs is aging, Davis is gone, and they have seen the last two years that the lack of depth at WR has hurt production on offense. SAF is probably the other true need, but I really think their plan is water into wine again so DT who fits with Oliver whether it be Jones or not is the other true need.
2 hours ago, boyst said:a lot depends on the Miller situation. If all things are equal he will be suspended. But that we haven't heard a peep about this makes me think it's a non-story and been swept under already. For Zeke he was in Dallas so it was always brought up.
If we can get out of the Miller situation by suspension than we can bring back Floyd and AJE.
Yep and it really depends on if Beane is willing to bite the bullet to get Von out either way. They can cut him post June 1st and it clears 6 mil. Like you said if he is suspended its a big life boat, I just wouldn't depend on it. But I think more then anything how they view and value Von will determine more then anything else.
-
If I have things my way we are drafting a round 1, another WR between rnds 2-4, and adding Josh Reynolds.
I want the WR corp truly upgraded talent short and long term. Shakir is your slot WR3, Diggs can transition into WR2 24-25, and new draft pick goes to WR1 hopefully. The other WR is development piece like we did with Gabe Davis who was at his best when he was WR3/4 behind Diggs-Beasley-Brown/Sanders.
The defense is mostly set outside of DT/SAF and you can find guys cheap to help. I am investing to max Josh out at this point as they haven't touched the WR position for real in year. Shakir is looking like a great pick but it is a bit of luck too. I want to increase that luck and odds.
-
14 hours ago, MrEpsYtown said:
Torrence looked really good. He had some rookie moments, specifically on the inside rush, but I like him a lot. Him and Kincaid are homeruns.
It is wild how one season can change how you feel about things. Last offseason it felt like the core was just aging and we were gonna need help all over. Now they still have needs but you have this whole new crew coming:
Torrence, Kincaid, Shakir, Cook, Benford, Bernard, & even Brown at RT if your feeling it.
If Beane can have another good draft and get 2-3 good starters they will really be set moving forward again the next 4-5 years
-
1
-
2
-
-
53 minutes ago, Bruffalo said:
I think this is why we saw so many screens and short yardage play designs. Dorsey's downfield stuff hardly made sense.
It was literally what Warner said, two deep maybe a crossing route and a slant low. So damn predictable
-
14 hours ago, Bob Jones said:
Just watched part 1. My takeaways: the Bills' play designs suck (Warner even notes this), the Bills' receivers are not that good at separating from their defenders, and KC's secondary played very good/disciplined defense. Just as we've seen throughout the year, some of those plays put multiple receivers very close to each other down the field...not good.
The major issue the Bills offense would never escape fully is the offense still was Dorseys design. You cannot redraw from scratch mid season and I think Brady did what he could to add motion, disguise, screens, etc.. which you could see the offense did become more diversified and at least a bit more complex. But teams did catch on a bit and KC playing BUF again certainly had a good idea of stopping big plays.
I am 100% open to a new OC and not hiring Brady out of the gate. I think Brady showed the baseline for what should be acceptable as the offense went from broken/unwatchable at points to being decent to pretty good at times. I loved his fourth day play call on the final drive and I do not think once he was the OC there was a game he was overwhelmed as OC. He was not perfect and I still kind of think you need someone who can shake Josh when he has his yip moments to get him back on track the way Daboll did. But the offense itself needs youth at WR along with speed/separation to get back to the haylcon days of 2020-21. Kincaid/Shakir/Cook all are a great core for the future and while Diggs may be declining he can be a solid WR for another year or two. Get the right young guy or two this draft mixed with a new offensive gameplan that at minimum has the creativity and diversification Brady was trying for even if he is not the OC and I think next year the offense actually can really get back to something truly dynamic.
-
1
-
1
-
-
15 hours ago, flmike said:
I've noticed all year that Josh is not a "Plays" QB. While other QBs hit their receivers in stride on designed plays, Josh holds the ball longer than anyone else and misses out on receivers at the best point of their routes. When he does connect, notice that the receiver is always facing the wrong goal line and is usually hit right away. That needs to change. I keep thinking our receivers can't be that bad. Josh is not helping them.
Few things:
1. Our WR corp is not great and they are not great at separation either. WR in stride requires having the edge on the CB and Shakir is really the only WR who does that. Kincaid also has this ability and I expect it to grow
2. The offense was designed by Dorsey and it was incredibly vanilla. Most of the time one or two deep with the other WR/TEs running curl type routes. They just put out the EPA for the three offensive coordinators Josh has had in the playoffs (EPA is expected points added, basically if you have a good player or OC the number is positive) . Daboll was 18.24, Brady was 9.96... Dorsey was -4.68. Brady I think did what he could as you couldn't scrap the entire play book to bring motion, screens, disguises, etc.. into the fold. I 100% agree that the offense lacked those type of plays but much of this was design and what the operation was.3. Josh is boom and bust a bit and he does take the big shot over the easy. It obviously works and is good vast majority of the time, but it causes you to miss players open when that is the case with an easy slant or crossing route.
-
Welp that didn't go as planned. Just going to dive in:
Season strengths
Offense: Josh Allen, emergence of James Cook, offensive line cohesive, Shakir & Kincaid coming to life, the offense with Joe Brady
Defense: the entire defensive line minus Von, Terrel Bernard emerging, aggressive style as the season progressed, Rasual Douglas, Taron Johnson
Weaknesses:
Offense: Lack of consistent pass catchers, Stefon Diggs seemingly aging weekly, any time Gabe Davis is near the football field, inability to hit deep passes
Defense: Injuries, LB depth, Von Miller, communication at times in the secondary
Other: Special teams in general was bad and got worse, coaching staff ability to maximize the teams best players on offense, outside distractions from McD's 9/11 reference to Von being accused of awful things
Weeks 1-4 Bounce & Go:
Bills come into the season with increased competition across the conference but Rodgers is gone and the Bills look to have an easy win. Instead Josh truly implodes and the Jets steal a win. No matter the Bills rattle off 3 in a row and at 3-1 after beating divisional rival Miami look like the best team in the AFC. Diggs is off to his best start, Allen looks god like, and the defense looks solid although Tre White going out takes some luster off the start.
Weeks 5-12 Destruction, Diving Down, & Bottoming Out
Buffalo may just forfeit rather then ever go to England again as the Bills not only lose the game but the heart of their defense Matt Milano and stud DT DaQuan Jones both suffer what amounts to season ending injuries. The team itself looks scrambled as the offense reverts back to out of whack and out of sorts. Subsequent weeks show a team without an identity, offense that can't figure itself out, and stunning losses to the Patriots and Broncos. Ken Dorsey is fired after the Broncos game which seems to snap the offense out of its funk, but a soul crushing loss in PHI makes even the most ardent believers question the season as the Bills sink to 6-6 at the bye.
Weeks 14-18 Revival
The Bills win in Kansas City starting a run where they win out knocking out Dallas at home and winning a thrilling week 18 matchup in Miami for the division crown and an unexpected 2 seed for the playoffs. The offense is clicking as kids like Shakir and Kincaid emerge, the defensive line is a force, and the team itself gets some players back from injury. They are not the prettiest wins, but maybe this time it is different as the team seems to have an answer when it matters.
Playoffs Losing Close Forever Hurts More Then Losing Big
The Bills after a wild week in Buffalo with snow take on Pittsburgh and take care of business as the offense and Allen answers the bell and the defense makes needed plays when it matters. Every embattled CB Kair Elam has a wonderful INT as the team keeps finding answers and the moment seems there as a rematch with KC is on the horizon.
Time of Death Sunday January 21st 9:35
Causes:
-Defensive line unable to impact Mahomes despite being the most important and healthy area of the defense. In the biggest moment the entire defensive line couldn't do anything and Von Miller of all people had the most tackles of that group... yikes
-Three separate deep passes all being dropped including Stefon Diggs which hit him in the hands and felt like a game changer at that point
-LB corp basically starting a guy who two weeks earlier was on the couch and the other is a special teamer. Tough assignment for anyone
-The offense having some yips in the 4th quarter and truly bad luck. Bills were about one foot away from a TD and the lead with 2 mins left if Dawkins isn't pushed into Allen by Chris Jones
-Aging defense shows a bit as they do what they can but in general are chasing a lot
-Coaching staff who again in a huge moment can't answer the bell
Reviving for 2024-25:
Much was made heading into 2023-24 of the future of the Bills as you could see this was the last go for a lot of veteran guys and were there any answers to positions that saw attrition in FA or age. Much has been made about the salary cap but realistically Beane can open 14-19 million in space with a few restructures like Josh, contract extensions like Douglas, and a few cuts to veterans like Tre White & Morse. Attrition is hard but you also want to catch a guy before the floor falls out from them like what happened to Von this year. The good news heading into 2024-25 is many young players emerged as players like Cook, Kincaid, Shakir, Torrence, Bernard, and Groot all seemed to either find a new level and truly step into their own. The holes on the defense are not awful as it looks something like this:
Groot - Oliver - need player - Von/Kingsley
Milano - Bernard
Douglas - need player - Poyer - Johnson -Benford
Guys like DaQuan Jones, Floyd, Settle, & AJ all are free agents and I would expect half to come back and the other half walks. Safety & DT both need to be addressed in the draft, but the defense has more solutions then not to be solid. The LB corp healthy feels a lot nicer knowing Dodson and Williams are off the bench instead. Additionally Beane excels at finding cheap vets to sprinkle in so come week 1 the defense will look decent to most. Not seeing names like Hyde & White (Possibly Poyer although I think they keep him) will be weird, but generally the defense will have impact guys at all three levels.
The offense though is a different story. Josh Allen's two best passing years came in 2020 & 2021 which coincided with the Bills in 2019/2020 adding Beasley, Brown, Diggs, & Davis. The erosion in the WR corp showed up last year and became far more evident this year. Shakir emerged as a great slot WR & Kincaid certainly found his footing at TE to leave a lot to be excited about. But you cannot escape Diggs fall in production + his age, Davis doing nothing a lot, and Sheffield/Harty being virtually non existent at points. Buffalo desperately needs to draft two WRs high to truly add some juice and possibly consider using what cap they have for established vet like they did in Emmanuel Sanders in 2021 for a year. The offensive line really came together as young pieces like Torrence and Brown stepped up while Dawkins had probably his best year and McGovern did what they paid him for. Morse is good but old, they can save cap switching to Bates who has done fine at center or even draft a player. The true future with the offense should be though continuing to get younger at the skill spots so hopefully by the end of next year you have an emerging WR1 to pair with Diggs for another year as Cook/Kincaid/Shakir keep getting better and hopefully another WR3/4 waiting to also jump in.
-
2
-
2024 Bills Schedule Very Early Updates
in The Stadium Wall
Posted
I meant 4pm primetime on Sunday AFC v NFC for Bills Lions my bad