Richard Noggin

Agree that this is the most logical approach for the org, but...depends upon the answer to the question: will Higgins actually report? *prior to whatever week late in the season that allows him to become a FA again (week 12? - I like putting my best guess out there online (no cheating) to answer another question: am I bright or am I dim?***). ***I think we all know the answer here

Does he seem like a guy with McDermott DNA?

Decent argument for the Rooney Rule.

This, folks, is comedy.

In retrospect, 13 seconds was a bigger collapse than this most recent loss, primarily because in 2021, Josh Allen and the offense got the job done (in epic fashion) and STILL WE LOST. Allen played legendarily great and left the field with a lead and 13 seconds remaining. That's an unforgivable collapse.

It's definitely a difficult projection, but with respect to the bolded, that is more about the E-P option-based route concepts Daboll installed and Davis's inability to sync up with Allen with respect to reading defensive coverages and leverages pre- and post-snap.

While this linked post does prop up Nacua before many others (good on ya), it also gets a bunch wrong. More wrong than right tbh. Hyatt and Johnston being obviously better prospects than Flowers, for example.

From my limited perspective I've got questions about the current WR coach. There was drop-off after Chad Hall's departure. Gabe Davis was already displaying issues with the option routes/post-snap reads Daboll's complicated E-P offense relies upon from its WRs/targets, and those issues increased in 2024 along with mucho dropsies and bunched-up spacings downfield, permeating the entire WR room (including Diggs). Without looking it up, I don't even know who our WR coach is. And that's a rare gap for me. But I do know his position group was underwhelming overall in 2024. (Hoping Brady uses his first offseason as OC to strip away much of the bulk and complexity in the variable E-P route concepts he inherited, choosing instead to install them selectively. This offense NEEDS to be more accessible to new WRs ASAP. The Bills in 2024 will have to rely upon drafted and signed WRs to get up to speed more rapidly than in years past if they hope to improve.)

Just inject all this Senior Bowl coverage directly into my veins. Ever since Madden first introduced franchise modes and drafts and offseason development (basically ever since football became more broadly appreciated as an advanced strategy game/RPG with playable breakout battles/melees) I've been hooked on the roster-building machinery of an NFL offseason. Just so happens to have corresponded perfectly with the Bills drought era, oddly enough.

Ever considered providing some of your own insight, thoughts, or at least a sliver of summary? This amounts to clickbait. But I don't think you're getting paid by the click, so...what gives? Also, EFF this entire story. Conveniently self-told redemption tale "partially" written by currently very successful guy who continually benefits (personally and professionally) from this narrative arc. Stinks of PR/HR/LinkedIn spin.

Can you share who has determined "these 5 players under contract likely to be cut?" There are definitely others who could also fit the "Bill" this offseason, so I'm just wondering where this certainty comes from. Also, I do agree with 4 of your "likely" cuts. I don't immediately agree with Gilliam, however. Not that his presence on the roster is vital, but he is a versatile offensive depth dude who has teams value as well. That being said, I suppose tough times with the cap should start with replacing this exact type of player with younger, cheaper players. Gotta find smart rookie UFAs who can fill these fringe roles.

But if Morse is cut, which could happen based on the cap savings, then the Bills would benefit from keeping Bates as an affordable and known replacement. He'd become a cheap starter.

Josh Allen.

Does McDermott ALLOW total offensive autonomy for his OC? Would he want to or be able to hire the kind of candidate you profile above?

Symptom of what I've been seeing. Surrender mentality on 3rd down? That ain't top tier fanaticism. (You're statistically correct, but that's anathema to what fandom represents. Damn.)

I only think of it as an in-stadium behavior assessment, because that's when fans have a chance to actually help their team (however minutely). And for that, Bills Mafia is maybe above average? We're a spirited bunch when things are going well, no doubt. But we're kind of "meh" in tight games tbh. Too much noise during offensive huddles and when they get up to the line (SO many "Let's go, Josh!" screams while QB is setting protections and adjustments). Not quite enough noise during many defensive huddles and pre-snaps. I'd argue that if next year doesn't get off to a STRONG start, Bills fans will be vocally upset early and often. Too much of the same pain for the past five seasons.

I'd argue he was pushing himself to be the best in the playoffs, no? Even though he was "comfortable" with Brady as his OC. (Obviously wasn't "perfect" upon film review, but the guy was playing transcendently good football.)

Plus Armstead was Offside there. His helmet seemed so obviously over the line, but got lost in the quick snap.

Did the play by play guy just say 7/13 on 3rd down conversions is the 49ers "having a tough time (on converting 3rd downs)"?! And just before they went 8/14? Wtf

Not super surprising that both QBs are having some issues as the game tightens up. Also, Depeche Mode going into the break. (Just saw a fraudulent tribute band last night at the Riv. So much of it was pre-recorded; they even started the wrong song once which was it for me.)

Major IFs in that. Including IF he had the humility coming out of college to be a student of the game.

Sure, but it's a joke. It's old school in a bad way. Those "local residents and college kids" aren't gonna get the job done. Plus, $20/hour? In 2024? That's not taking it seriously. We can be better. Our billionaire owners can do better.

This is looking like some kind of serious mismanagement on behalf of the organization. How could they get it wrong for a second week in a row? You have to have crews working on this all week. How is it that NOTHING is being done until the last minute? I enjoy celebrating tuddies by chucking snow up into the air (it's freaking joyous), but some of the stairs were absolutely ice ramps by the 2nd half. If the game were unfortunately to turn in the wrong direction, you better believe fans are gonna throw a LOT of snowballs onto the field. It's just a completely preventable mess. (Totally understand how travel bans impeded any sort of preemptive snow removal effort last week, but that wasn't really the issue, turns out. It's just that the org has NO plan for clearing the stands.)

I don't know. I did the first half on the left end of the field, Bills side. Decent energy, love my section, but not a TON of people invested in making noise on defense. Not bad, though. Did the second half on the right end of the field, Bills side, down really low by the heater the defense used. Some energy, but definitely a lack of actual noise on defense. I think of college games where nobody screams, exactly, but they all make noise in unison. Why can't pro fans get together on that? We still have to beg a bunch of fans to shut the eff up while the Bills are lining up on offense these days. "Let's go, Josh!" -everyone yells, like that's helpful. Can't wait for a different stadium design if for no other reason than the noise will actually be captured, instead of escaping into the Orchard Park night.

Feels like a guy who CAN really contribute at a high level, but...lacks consistency in fundamentals, reads, execution, etc. Love the way he's shown up at times. Gotta have contributions from those high picks. Just hope he doesn't fall back again into mediocrity.