Mat68
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Posts posted by Mat68
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5 minutes ago, HappyDays said:
Not even holding in:
This is why I would find a way to make a deal work with him. Soft spoken, team guy. Showed up to Minicamp. Will show up to training camp. Agents, media all think he should hold out.
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Low risk depth. Maybe can be a voice in Dorian Williams ear. Different type of player from Benard and Milano. Thompson would be what you would want Williams to become.
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Fred Jackson and Kyle Williams are all time Bills from the Draught Era. Dawkins now is the unheralded. Dude spear headed and got an Oline award added to NFL honors. Current Bills not named Allen, Dawkins is the best and most consistent.
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We laugh now. I have faith in the Browns or Jets to do the unthinkable. And surrender a 1 point safety.
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15 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:
That's why I said I don't think he has much of a shot, not that he has no chance. Between possible injuries and surprise off the field issues, it's not impossible for anyone who's at Training Camp to make the Roster. But it's pretty unlikely to me.
The number at Safety is almost always 4. As you said, Rapp and Bishop are locks. I also think at least one of Jordan Hancock and Cam Lewis are locks. Both are Backup Safety and Backup Nickel that are listed as Safeties or "DB" falling under the Safety Depth Chart (given the crowded field at CB).
Of the 11 5th Round Picks that were selected in the McBeane regime, not a single one were outright cut as a Rookie. The exceptions from those 11 5th Round Picks that didn't make the roster in Year 1 are Vosean Joseph and Justin Shorter, who were "redshirted". I see Hancock brought in as a replacement for Cam Lewis, as both the words of the team and the player say he's playing the exact same role.
With Hancock, I see 3 possible scenarios: 1.) He outright replaces Lewis and Lewis is released, saving 1.75m in Cap 2.) Hancock doesn't look ready to take on the role from Lewis, he's "redshirted", and Lewis keeps his spot alongside Rapp, Bishop, and most likely one of Hamlin or Forrest 3.) They like the idea of having 2 guys who can play Safety, Nickel, and Special Teams and keep both Hancock and Lewis as the depth underneath Rapp and Bishop.
Ultimately, I see it playing out like this: Rapp and Bishop are locks. For one of the spots, it comes down to Jordan Hancock or Cam Lewis, who double as the Backup Nickel CB. And the other spot comes down to Hamlin or Forrest. I think if the board got their way, Hamlin would be cut. But I think the brass views him MUCH differently. I'll believe it when I see it that they go from Starting him to not even having a place for him as depth.
Save for unexpected injuries or off the field things that could bring suspensions or cuts, Owens would have to beat out Hamlin and Forrest and also have the Bills thinking Hancock over Lewis instead of Hancock and Lewis. It's a big ask. UDFA's generally only tend to make it when the depth is poor and they don't have many options, like Buffalo Joe at LB. Safety isn't one of those situations.
Agree with Hancock. He is roster lock. Last season Hamlin, Bishop, Rapp Edwards, and Lewis were on the intial 53. With Benford, Douglas, Johnson, Elam and Ingram
I think there are more spots than you think.
CB Benford, Hairston, White, Johnson and open could be Hancock or Hardy, Jackson, Ingram and Strong.
S Rapp, Bishop and 3 spots could be Hancock depends what position he plays through camp preseason. If he takes Lewis that still leave 2 open spots. For Hamlin, Forest, Lewis, and possibly Owens.
I get the numbers change each year but on a team that didn't have much roster turn over Safety and depth at Safety is the only real open competition on the roster. If a UDFA makes the roster its the likely only spot possible unless they find a return man.
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1 hour ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:
He's great as a depth safety. He knows the players around him, the checks, the calls. He's a minus as an athlete though, and id say a poor tackler. But those are the same weak traits of someone like cam lewis. Your backups likely won't be both plus athletes and heady knowledgeable guys. Those guys are usually just... starters.
I think you can have one of Ingram, Lewis and Hamlin. All three is an issue.
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It would explain a-lot. Some havent suffered through the drought and it shows. Some still act like we are. All we wanted was a team that every year was on a short list of favorites to win the Superbowl with a franchise Qb. Allen is the best watch in the league qb wise. Buffalo is entertaining in the best and worst ways. Only thing left is raising the lombo .
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7 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:
I don't see Owens having much of a shot. The problem with Safety isn't Depth. Which is usually what a UDFA makes it on. It's lack of studs at the top. There's hope Bishop can be one of those guys for us and we'll see.
But between all of the depth chart from last year returning in Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Damar Hamlin, and Cam Lewis (Backup Nickel and Safety) plus the additions of Derrick Forrest and Jordan Hancock (Backup Nickel and Safety) - we're already going to be cutting a couple from that list alone.
Owens would essentially have to beat out 3 of those players above to make it as the last Safety.
I think that is what opens the door. No one has taken control of either spot. Rapp and Bishop are on the roster and Hancock is likely a utility Db. Thats its. I felt one of the biggest glaring issues with the team was the athleticism of the secondary. Owens brings that. Would have to wow on teams. His ability lend itself to the type of guys that do that. Talking 53rd guy who would be active game days. I dont think he is a lock but certainly a guy to monitor.
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On 6/3/2025 at 12:24 PM, TFBillsfan said:
It’s a slow time of the year for the NFL, so I thought I throw out the following topic.
With the start of our home opener against the Ravens less than 100 days away, what offensive or defensive philosophy or scheme changes are you hoping to see from the Bills for the upcoming season?
I think a more multiple coverage secondary with more 2 high safeties. I expect alot of Dorian Williams early and often. Early down 4-3 fooled Baltimore early on in the playoffs third down defense was terrible.
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On 5/31/2025 at 3:41 AM, Richard Noggin said:
Makes one wonder about Epenesa's prescribed, dramatic and counter-intuitive transformation from a big, long, physically strong and stout DE to a long but lean DE with questionable explosion and bend for his avg weight. Coming out of college, he seemed like the perfect fit for an odd-front defensive scheme that would value his natural strength, length, and leverage. Like a Pitt or GB or Bal type of landing spot. A 5T DE in a 3-4 alignment. Someone they'd want to see ADDING weight and strength, leaning into his traits. He'll never be twitchy and bendy, so why not maximize what he CAN be? A big, tall bully on the edge.
That was my take on AJ Epenesa's best NFL projection. Still is, to be honest. The fact that he obviously overshot his weight loss targets in year one, thereby neutralizing his previously natural strength and leverage, was a multi-layered failure. The 2020 pandemic offseason was no time to ask that rookie to radically redefine his body composition and effectively weaken his strengths.
Coleman and Rousseau, conversely and correctly, should both be steering INTO their strengths and lengths and getting bigger and stronger. Hell yeah.
The covid offseason imo greatly impacted Epenesa. Imo went to too far and lost strength. Took a year plus to bring that back. But to a lesser extend the training was for speed imo. Everyone came in got leaner it felt. Everyone is different. Some guys need to fill out. Some need to redistribute the weight. Some need to get a bit leaner. Felt like everyone was on similar trajectories the last few years as a training staff.
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31 minutes ago, BuffaloBillyG said:
I agree with not using PFF as a singular measurement. As a matter of fact I'm a believer that you should never take ANY metric as a singular measurement.
However, in Dodson's case the number actually met (what I believe to be still the most accurate measurement) the eye test. As I said I watched him in several of his Dolphin games. He was magnificent.
No where am I saying he's better, worse or the same as Bernard. I never made any comparison not did I mention him. My response was about Dodson. As you point out they don't even play the same position.
Because he was schemed around. You cant be in the conversation for Probowl when you are playing 50% of the defensive snaps. He was taking out so his limitations wouldn't be magnified. Dolphins struggled vs the TE position even in the wins during that stretch. This is where analytics and real life clash. He is a back up/ 2 down linebacker in the NFL. -
2 hours ago, BuffaloBillyG said:
Well, admittedly I didn't see him play is Seattle. But I did catch a few of his games with the Dolphins. Not sure if it was just a better scheme fit or them using him to his strength better...but he was playing at a "Pro Bowl" level in Miami.
In fact, where he struggled the most in Buffalo (coverage) he actually showed out in Miami. He posted the NFLs #1 overall coverage grade for LBers from week 11 on (which is when he joined Miami.).
I disagree using PFF as a single measure. Dodson being schemed around and having a less effective defense doesn't make him a better player. He is a limited athlete that gets more neutral grades than negative ones due to not being in a position to make a play. By not being in position to make the tackle or stop the pass he isnt graded on it . Bernard will have a lower tackle|stop %. Because he is traveling further to make the plays. The fumble vs the Ravens is likley a negative because Andrews made the catch. Mind you Bernard had the entire middle and was on an island with Andrews. Came up made the play and strip in a position Dodson would never be put in or able to make. No one can watch the Bills in 23 and 24 and say with a straight face Dodson is a better linebacker. Not one. Shoot PFF linebaker and interior line analytics in the sun. The plays Bernard misses Dodson would not be in position to make. The plays Bernard does make Dodson doesnt…
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10 hours ago, GolfandBills said:
What’s wrong with coke and girls on a boat?
I think you gotta show up. Want to play hard show up and show your work. But we all know Diggs is loving the attention and gossip with Cardi B.
5 hours ago, Doc Brown said:No. The Chiefs moved on from Tyreek Hill at the right time. The Bills had to eat $31m just to not have him play here.
Bills should have jumped off the train right then. In the interview Mcdermott did with Sal he brought up someone told him he is ok with 2nd place. No doubt in my mind that was Diggs.
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5 minutes ago, Bleeding Bills Blue said:
Yeah - 25 uncatchable targets out of 75 feels high. I feel like Keon also had a number of uncatchable ones.
True but some are actual throw aways. Either they make a great catch or it’s incomplete. Kincaid and Coleman are in position for an increase in production and I think one or both have big years. Il add Shakir too but different reasoning. Shakir has received an increase in targets every year and expect this season to be no different. I think Shakir will be primary on most designed pass plays. I think he gets around 120 targets and break 1,000 yards.
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13 hours ago, Chandler#81 said:
Very encouraging news about Cole Bishop!
Thats a great thing. Being confident in the scheme and directing teammates is key. He has the ability to be very good. I think Bishop has a Benard type year 2. Both seemed like Mcdermott guys watching the embedded series. Having athletes in the secondary will unlock the pass defense again.
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Im sure some are. My first Bills football memory was laughing manically as an older sibling was crying in their Raider starter jacket when Buffalo won to make the superbowl. I was very young and a fan ever since. The drought years were very tough. When in doubt the current Bills are what any fan hoped for during that time. I still think Allen will go crazy in a playoff run and win a superbowl like Farve and Rodgers.
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11 minutes ago, 947 said:
Any word on how Hairston looked? I can't find a peep about him.
From the videos he looks fast and smooth. White running first early isnt a surprise. I think by the first week of August he is splitting reps with White. White is the floor Hairston has to run down. Imo he will.
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22 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:
You are right about the ways Coleman's skillset are best applied in the NFL. I said this as long ago as February 2024. Way before he was a Bill. Can he be Michael Thomas? I have my doubts on that. Three reasons:
Reason 1 - Thomas's understanding of leverage and route pacing was way in advance of what we have seen so far from Keon, he can develop it but right now that gap is still significant;
Reason 2 - Josh Allen ain't Drew Brees who probably threw the slant and the slot seam better than any other QB I have seen in my 25 years watching the sport. There is obviously a ton Josh does better than Drew, but those two routes and the Saints success with Big Slots - from Colston to Graham to Thomas - was as much about the Quarterback as it was about the receivers; and
Reason 3 - the Bills have a logjam in the slot. The only receiver on their roster I would say is outside first, slot second is Josh Palmer. I think Keon should be a big slot first, outside guy in certain packages but to get snaps in the slot the queue includes Khalil Shakir (the Bills didn't just pay him to play him less) Dalton Kincaid, a former first round pick who they have to take a big decision on next spring, Curtis Samuel, Elijah Moore and even Dawson Knox and James Cook in certain looks. I just don't think he will get sufficient opportunity to break out there to the maximum.
If Keon can get to 800 yards and double his touchdown production to 8 by being a redzone weapon that will be a really solid year. Anything more would be above my expectations.
You’re not wrong. Imo opportunity comes in Pa. Early down run sets when Coleman was the singular wr the passing game was effective. Buffalo was near the bottom in the NFL in PA rate. If Coleman can take over that Hollins role those early downs Coleman needs to be a mfer as a run blocker. If that happens the PA unlocks on early downs. Coleman in playaction puts him naturally in those condensed sets where Shakir is likely the z. Many times late in the year it was Shakir and Hollins early run duo. Coleman instead of Hollins makes passing more enticing.
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1 hour ago, SoonerBillsFan said:
Sometimes a big time wakeup call is needed.
Also the role. Single wr and run heavy formation Coleman will be on the field. He became a beast taking that role from MVS. I think Coleman will have a Marqise Colston or Micheal Thomas type impact and season. Slants from the X and attack the seems from the slot. Coleman was top 5 in the NFL in yards after catch over expectations. For his size he is great after the catch. Him playing 215-220 isnt much but imo noticeable. At the end of the year I think Coleman emerges more so than Kincaid.
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3 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:
You wonder about where he is medical wise after he had surgery for his torn meniscus. Teams might not want to commit until right up to training camp if he's given the medical clear to play.
He isn't recovered yet. I think come Sept he is in Buffalo either practice squad or main roster if there is an injury.
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2 hours ago, RyanC883 said:
The Greg Rousseau comments are a bit odd. Did someone ask him what Greg needs to improve upon, or was that just offered up out of the blue>?
From his press conference his upper body looks bigger. He learned some stuff from Von but his length is his x factor. Add power to really take advantage of optimal matchups. I think the change in Strength and Conditioning is obvious. Some guys need to get stronger not faster. I think Coleman and Rousseau could really benefit from adding some weight and playing bigger. Their size is already a plus add the play strength to unlock more potential.
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Get him to January some what healthy. Thats what he is brought in for. He was a menace vs Houston.
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With the amount social media and other behind the scene shows I dont think it will be much of an issue. Look forward to it.
Former Panther Alert: Bills sign Shaq Thompson LB!
in The Stadium Wall
Posted
Morrow has been a career 3rd or 4th baker his entire career. Thompson has been pro bowl approaching All pro level much of his career. As depth and veteran voice in the room I like it. Again different style of player and a guy Williams could benefit from.