buffblue

Lol I kind of wondered the same thing

I mean, it was approximately 30 degrees hotter on the Bills sideline than Miami's. The disparity between the conditions each team faced was ridiculous. There's a reason why guys like Diggs who are in tip top physical condition were still cramping up

I disagree, and I laid out why in very simple terms. The idea that the Chargers have a better running game than BAL excluding qb's is simply laughable. Oh by the way, the Ravens also have a far superior tight end as well

Agreed. It does not appear like they know how to team build and utilize the players they have. Honestly the Chargers may have one of the the worst coaching staffs in the entire NFL

Still doesn't change the original point. I would take Herbert every day and twice on Sunday before Lamar, and I'm not even a big fan of his. Better WR's thus far? Yes Better OL? No Better defense? No Better coach? No Better running game? No

If Cowboys fans are in the top 10 of the list the whole ranking is useless

I omitted from my first post when complaining about fantasy football, but yes, you have to acknowledge Herbert was dealing with a painful rib issue for parts of last season. Not saying he's not tough

I pretty much agree, but definitely agree with the last statement. And that's not a knock against Stef

Herbert has all the tools you need. There's just something about him that screams lack of fire/determination to be great. Maybe I'm biased, or maybe it's because I watched him become the definition of Charlie Checkdown last year. Scorned Fantasy Owner

Interesting theory. I would say the Bears performance on defense this year with Edmunds in the middle (and the Bills without him) will shed some light on your statement. But there will likely be shades of gray. I think Chicago is still going to be pretty bad on D, and am I not sold on Eberflus. Conversely, the Bills will likely fall in the statistical rankings in 2023, but how much weight can be attributed to the turnover at MLB? My inclination is to believe our scheme did not fully let Tremaine play to his natural strengths. Imo they saw a large, extremely athletic linebacker with a huge wingspan and effectively said "Just plant yourself in the middle of our zone and all will be well". And the thing is, it worked for the most part. Then again, when McD had Kuechly (who is a borderline HOFer) in Carolina, they deployed him in a much more aggressive manner despite lacking Edmund's physical gifts. This year will go a long way towards resolving one of the board's eternal arguments...but I'm not sure it will be definitive.

It is unless Cook suffers an injury. Then we have one of the slowest rb rooms in the league. I'm really disappointed about the Hines injury. I was hoping/expecting to see more of him on offense. Tough break

Can't tell you how many times I've felt the same way when watching our defense. However this is not limited to the McDermott regime. It's seemed like it's been that way my entire Bills fandom lol

Yes

To be fair, during his time there the Panthers were matched up twice a year with elite qb's in Brees and Ryan. Even the Bucs could be fairly explosive with Jameis

As it pertains to the original play in question, and given the injury circumstances, I do think bringing pressure would have been the appropriate defensive call. No, blitzing liberally is not a recipe for success against top shelf qb's. But you have to find a way to bother them and get them off their mark somehow. Give some different looks and don't be so predictable. Look at Lou Anarumo - the guy has a chameleon scheme and adapts throughout the game. Statistically who has had the better defense between Buffalo and Cincinnati? Obviously the Bills. But what team do you think has a better chance of disrupting a top QB in the playoffs? The numbers aren't everything - we need more big plays on defense.

I still remember the year the Colts won the Super Bowl with Manning. Indy was dead last in the league by a wide margin at stopping the run, but their defense completely transformed in the playoffs and peaked at exactly the right time

Jesus H we can't even get to camp before this crap happens

The problem is that only seems to work against average at best teams with garbage qb's. We have seen this defense time and time again get picked apart in third and long situations against good teams. And while I agree a lot of teams would dial up a similar call in that situation, that doesn't mean it's the right play imo. You think a guy like Wink Martindale would passively drop 8 when you got a team by the balls?

That's what gives me a bit of hope. I followed the Panthers pretty closely here in Charlotte during McD's tenure and they were never as timid as the defense has been run in Buffalo

For those who feel sending an extra rusher would have been unwise due to inexperience, would you at least agree that sending 3 was a poor decision in hindsight and completely futile?

I think we might if we employ a versatile rush scheme that doesn't rely on a single guy to put heat on the qb. Also, one thing not to overlook is the possibility of the MLB pressure. As good as Edmunds could be he was a relatively ineffective blitzer. I think one of the replacements could be utilized in a highly aggressive role

Hey now, too soon

This is correct but I will gladly let Tre go one on one with Hill this season, especially with Hyde/Poyer back in the fold. I don't think White is anywhere near washed. I also think the additions of Ford, Rapp, and Floyd will give the Bills a better ability to keep fresh and match up against different personnel groupings

I am terrified of Tyreek Hill even if I am fielding my entire starting defensive backfield. However, when you are missing every starter on your back end what choice do you have but to be aggressive against a team with piss poor pass blocking?

I acknowledged that in the OP. When your secondary is severely shorthanded and facing a team with arguably the fastest pair of WR's but a weak OL in a 3rd and 22 spot, that situation is screaming to send the house