Pokebball

Josh remains a young QB that has a lot of growing yet to do. Most all criticisms of him are valid and things he needs to work on. There are many factors involved in evaluating a QB, including his size, his athleticism, his IQ, his experience, his arm, his legs, his character, etc. Josh was weak on experience and development, but high on every other factor. I don't think there was any evaluator in that year's draft that felt Josh wouldn't need a few year to develop. So where does that leave us? Is his development ahead, on, or behind schedule? I wanted Josh to sit out all of last year. I cringed every time Josh went in, behind what I considered to be one of the worst offensive lines in the league and with some of the worst WRs in the league. I felt very bad for each of the three QBs last year, it was a lose-lose proposition for all of them. As the year progressed, watching the #1 and #2 get eaten alive by the opposing Ds, I knew Josh was going to have to get in and play. It was rough on the rookie and he had to grow up rather quickly, and perhaps in the wrong way. His development didn't go as I had hoped. Move to year #2, nine of the eleven starters are new. Three are rookies. Josh has now started 2 1/2 yrs, two for a G5 college and 1/2 yr behind perhaps the worst O line in the NFL. What are my expectations? My expectations are that these nine new starters take half a season to gel and learn to play with each other, all the while helping Josh to further develop as an NFL QB. My expectation is that the rookie TE and rookie tackle learn quickly, in order to protect Allen's blindside. My expectation is that his rookie RB protect Allen in the backfield and help make the offense a decent two dimensional offense, takin some of the pressure off of Allen. What are reasonable expectations of Josh's development? In these circumstances, he's exceeded mine. If he was drafted by a team with better players around him, such as Kansas City, sure my expectations would be, and should be, much higher. At the risk of offending you and other longtime Bill's fans, Josh was drafted into a very, very weak offense. I am pretty dang excited watching it grow and am looking forward to the improvements to the offense that I hope happens this next year.

Reasonable expectations of a draft pick aren't any different in Wyoming than they are in New York. My point is simply that, what were reasonable expectations of JAs progress to date? Or perhaps you're arguing that expectations of life-long Bills fans are unreasonable?

I think we understand each other. I think we disagree. And that's OK.

What were your (or these fans) expectations for JA at this point in time? If you thought JA would be better than he is by now, I'd suggest your expectations were too high. JA is exceeding all of my expectations to date. I am very pleased with his progress so far. Comparing him, now, to Wilson and Mahomes doesn't seem reasonable to me.

Anyone can cherry pick stats to prove their point. And of course, a good QB is so much more that a stat. It involves heart, attitude, culture, leadership and more. JA is bringing the best out of the talent around him, much of which is rookie/young talent. I would chose JA over either guy and I wouldn't have to give it a second thought.

I think the Texans have the most schizophrenic results than any team in the playoffs. Most of their wins and losses leave me shaking my head and thinking WTH. Are the Bills going to face Jekyll or Hyde? I'm hoping we meet the team that got manhandled by the Broncos last month. That's the game film Daboll needs to be studying.

It's funny how easy it is for us to always ignore the play of the other 10 guys on offense. We do it all of the time.

It was still funny

You think of Baker is a victim of the mess. Others would argue that he is part of the cause of the mess.

Every one of us might be hating you come Monday morning

All I hear about out here in the Rockies anymore is LJ and JA. My son lives in Seattle and he says the same thing.

I'm looking forward to the "re order" of this class' QBs at the end of year three...and year four...and year five... I can understand articles like this in the down season, but dang, we're heading into the playoffs! OK, perhaps this article is for Baker, Sam and the other Josh

Yeah, this is where I went, and immediately. One could argue a case for Baker, but Allen would have definitely been drafted ahead of Sam.

I've read every post in this thread and none of you are wrong Start Barkley and put Allen in for that game winning, 4th quarter drive

If no injuries it was absolutely the right move. Hindsight is gonna prove this decision. Probably not fair to McD, but he gets paid the big bucks, right?

McD didn't say how much or for how long.

I found Peach Crown Royal and ice tea this past summer. Probably my favorite Crown Royal

Merry Christmas everyone

I'd rather see Watt return than Fuller

What does the tackle do with it after he catches it...unless he's in the end zone

I think you're taking this thread too seriously. I am impressed of your ability to crowbar JA into this thread.

The player

After looking crappy for the last month, Brady and the Pat's offense looked pretty dang good against the Bills. That's the part that hasn't set well with me. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. This is exactly what the Pats did last year. They're peaking yet again in mid December.

Yeah, I think we all do. In the heat of a run, blocks and tackles, players are always fighting for those extra inches. I get that too. This was after all of the players walked away, then a Pat lineman leans down and moves the ball. That's hilarious.

Too bad. I've always like Big Ben. Great career for him. Thanks for the memories