ChronicAndKnuckles

I am just revisiting this topic now that we have a larger sample size to sort through. The season has kind of gone the way I thought it would. I knew Miami & NY wouldn’t compete. I never would’ve guessed they (Pats) went into Orchard Park and won.

I am worried because Vrabel completely shut down James Cook and slowed Allen down considerably. 20 points is a joke for this offense. Buffalo should be putting up 30+ every game. McDermott was severely out coached. He gets way too conservative. I would’ve felt better running a 2 minute offense the entire game than hoping for the Bills to force a miracle turnover in a one possession game. On an even playing field, coaching wins you the game. Drop balls, missed blocks ARE his fault because McD is responsible who sees the field and instilling fundamentals. A fundamentally sound player doesn’t drop balls and miss tackles. The biggest concern though is the defense who let Maye effortlessly drive into FG range. This was exactly what happened last season except the Bills won by 3 that time. Would’ve been easier to stomach if it was a chaotic road game, but that’s what Maye was dealing with so gotta give him props.

Excluding some kind of miracle, it’s obvious who the front runners are of this division. The Patriots showed that they are not the same team as the past few seasons. Maye was impressive and Vrabel’s defense showed that it can slow Josh Allen down. I am still leaning heavily towards Buffalo to win it. I think the next 3 games will be very telling for each of these teams. The first 3 for the Patriots should be EASY wins for a contender. If they win those 3, they will show me that can beat the teams they are supposed to beat. That is the first step of becoming an elite team. Once you can defeat the “tomato cans” with regularity, you have to start beating elite teams. The Bills win was a fluke until I see them do it again. Unfortunately, their remaining schedule is probably the easiest in the NFL. The Bills next 3 games scares me a little more. The Falcons are the type of team the Bills typically fail against. The run-heavy, physical kind. Still their QB doesn’t scare me. For the Panthers, Bryce Young has flashes of brilliance once in a blue moon. Facing off against the Chiefs used to be a good gauge on how good your team is. Although, still a major accomplishment if the Bills win. I posted both remaining schedules. What do you think? Patriots @ Saints @ Browns Titans Falcons @ Bucs Jets @ Bengals Giants BYE Bills @ Ravens @ Jets Dolphins Bills @ Falcons BYE @ Panthers Chiefs @ Dolphins Bucs @ Texans @ Steelers Bengals @ Patriots @ Browns Eagles Jets

A good football player is a good football player. The Bills would’ve found ways to get McConkey on the field despite him being a “slot.” People get too caught up in position and scheme. You think Buffalo wouldn’t be immediately better w/ a player like Wes Welker or Cooper Kupp ?

He certainly will make family functions awkward at the very least

Getting shut out by the Panthers 30-0 is inexcusable. Best believe McDermott will have his Carolina intel too.

Destroying your family because of a “midlife” crisis is not something I respect. Not to mention the blatant cheating by the Patriots over the years. How would you like a 70 year old man dating your daughter ? It’s legal, but doesn’t make it any less creepy

And they probably are, but 10 points of offense is a joke. I think Trubisky would put up more points than that lol

Humanity is doomed.

The Falcons definitely have some very nice pieces scattered through their roster. They are a very good running team and this could cause the Bills a major headache if they can’t establish an early lead. The key to victory for the Falcons is keeping the game close enough where they don’t have to abandon the run at any point in the game. They need to win TOP and the turnover battle to have a chance. I don’t have enough faith in Penix to go out and win this one w/ his arm. If they find themselves in an early deficit, things could get real ugly for ATL.. Edit: McDermott has made a career of demolishing middling teams with young QBs

I get that morale is at a low points but…. 10 points ?! The Bills offense has only managed this once in 3 years. I can’t believe people are actually nervous about this game. Other than being on the road, I don’t see why. Buffalo will handle business and go into the most needed BYE week in recent memory. Bills 37 Falcons 24

Dart just secured Daboll’s future with the organization for at least another 2 years. Watch how quickly the perception of Daboll changes now that he has a decent QB. I know most people hate them for obvious reasons, but the Giants are my NFC team. I also loathe Philly as a city, sports team, and their population. I feel like the NFL is just more fun when the NFCE is competitive.

I think New England hired Vrabel solely based on his success against McDermott & Josh Allen. This was a statement game for a new coaching tenure and young QB. I don’t think it will be the same result next time, but very impressive. As you pointed out, Vrabel’s record against McDermott is 3-3. To be the best, you must beat the best. The Patriots were able to slay the dragon by shutting down the run, forcing Josh to throw it deep, and frustrating lack of penalties. The Bills are like the Chiefs in a way. 99% of their losses are usually by single digits and go down to the wire. You really have to play nearly perfect until the clock hits 0:00. Teams are realizing this. Giving the Bills the last possession with more than 45 seconds left to get in FG range is almost a guaranteed loss. Teams are going for it on 4th & short (even when behind the 50 yard line) a lot more against elite offenses. Best believe the Patriots threw everything they had. The way I see it, the Football Gods came and collected their tax for the Baltimore win.

Not even big into NCAA football or any good at evaluating talent, but I knew whatever team got Skattebo was going to get a hell of a player.

Yeah let’s bring in the guy who divorced his wife for a 24 year old OF model and ran NC into the ground.

And that’s why Special Teams is so important.

Tied for best record in the AFC. 2-1 in the division and still in the lead. Healthy Josh Allen, James Cook, and O-Line. Things could be worse? Buffalo Bills can still right the ship after a very close loss. Without those turnovers they likely win a 3 point game. And turnovers for this offense are an outlier and shouldn’t be a hard thing to fix.

People are seeing the same issues that have plagued McDermott for years and that is why they are panicking. With that being said… It’s really no different from the last time the Bills played the Patriots except the Bills lost by 3 instead of won by 3. Drake Maye methodically carved up the defense through the air and also ran for key 1st downs just like the last game. Defense had a hard time wrapping him up. This must be a taste of what it’s like to be on the other side. I get why people are freaking out, but I think it’s a little overblown for a couple reasons. 1) It’s a divisional game. Patriots knew Buffalo’s tendencies very well. Their defense is constructed to take down the top dog which is us. Not Miami. Players drafted specifically because of how they might play Josh Allen. We’ve seen great teams lose division games before that they had no business losing. How many times has Brady played poorly against the lowly Jets? 2) Injuries. I know this excuse gets tired, but it’s still a valid one. The defense you saw on Sunday will not be the one you see in the playoffs or even in several weeks. Tre White has been decent and it’s commendable that he is still on a roster after his previous injuries, but it’s clear he isn’t starting caliber anymore. Rookie or not, Hairston should be a major upgrade whenever he comes back. Ed Oliver is also a core player who is greatly missed. 3) Mike Vrabel. People are acting like he is the Second Coming of Bill Bellichick. What has this guy really done AS A COACH in the NFL? Had a strong start in Nashville, but never saw the success of his rookie year ever again. Got smoked in the 1st round of the playoffs every time since despite having a great defense, a HOF RB, and AJ Brown. Why are people so quick to crown him over McDermott?

It worked beautifully against Detroit last year. I think Ray Davis had over 100 yards receiving that game. The Bills biggest strength (obv other than Allen) are the athletic linemen, Tight Ends, and RBs. I would’ve loved to see Ty Johnson and Davis used more in the passing game. With that said, I don’t think the Bills lose if they didn’t uncharacteristically turn the ball over. As much as a change in scheme is needed, protecting the ball is the #1 priority and can’t keep happening. You get your best player the ball any way you can. Everyone eats, but certain guys should get bigger portions than others.

What I meant was I think there should be more plays that are designed to get the ball into the hands of one person. I don’t want to make a “get Cook in space” joke, I am dead serious. Why not more screens and short passes ? These are just extensions of the run. The Bills have athletic linemen. Instead Brady wants to run Jet Sweeps with Knox.

KC is not missing the playoffs. Not a chance

I’m not sure New England is a bottom half team anymore. They just took down Buffalo pretty convincingly at home (with a little officiating help.) Defense looks legit and they have enough offense to win games.

Agreed. Offense should center around Shakir and Kincaid. This “everybody eats” philosophy is not working as well as it did in the past. I feel like you put the ball in the hands of the playmakers. Also, I feel like Cook should be used more in the passing game too. These are the most dynamic skill players. So get them the ball.

Rex used to build bullies and now he just gets bullied for his build. 🥁

That’s insane to even compare Rex Ryan to McDermott.