WideNine

He comes off as a pompous ass, and usually spends most of his time ball-washing our opponent's as he casually points out every flaw the Bills have. Tonight, I would say he kept it mostly in check, and his critique of Allen's errant throws resulting from some bad habits creeping back into Allen's footwork and throwing platform were not far off. He could have balanced that by mentioning that Allen has improved with a little over a full season under center, but it IS Collinsworth.

A year ahead of schedule, and a foundation that should only get better.

Taron Johnson, or Kevin up next.

Cole has to catch those to keep the chains moving.

One wounded duck to White.

At least they have Allen getting it out quick.

Mcdermott mentioned a few weeks ago that they scout the next officiating crew for their tendencies. Just meant that our DBs could have gotten grabby too, although that is a risky approach against the multi TE formations they run - advantage Ravens.

Good stuff. Ford still has to up his game too. They moved him inside for some runs, but he seemed often lost as to who he needed to block allowing plays that were the right call to get blown up from behind. I still think that Guard may eventually be his best spot, but the rookie has a lot to learn, and needs to pull faster on backside counter run concepts intended to negate aggressive pass rushers. Teams are going to keep going after him and Allen, but if he ear-holes his guy he will tap the breaks. The kid just has to focus on winning one rep at a time. Do that and the game takes care of itself. Get're done Bobby. .

Allen had a tough game and he needs to improve, but he needs some help from the rest of his offense and coaching staff too. The blitz got in his head early and threw off much of the poise and timing he had shown against Dallas. The result was dirt balls, balls thrown behind, or throws simply to areas where the receiver would be a split second later. All QBs get worse when the blitz is getting to them. When pass pro broke down Daboll tried a few designed rollouts, but Baltimore has very good sideline to sideline speed and defenders were breathing down Allen's neck on those and our receivers could not get away from the Raven's coverage downfield. Screens had some success in the 2nd half, but I think we needed to have reliable dump off options (that Allen uses) to Singletary, Yeldon, or a TE earlier when protections broke down. The line needs to start games better as it was a jailbreak early and often. Also I was not happy with Knox whiffing on his block. Grab that defender, and drag him into the damn turf and take the holding call. It's preferable to your QB getting lit up from the blind side, hurt, and fumbling the ball. They did not play very well in the first half, but started to have a better understanding of what protections to use in the second half. By that time the damage was done and some plays were left on the field. Also, the clock in Allen's head was in hurry up and get the ball out of my hand mode, or run for my life and throw it away mode. They also tended to bring pressure from the side that Brown was on because they saw that Josh had a tendency to go to his reads away from the pressure side. Teams that can play man and match our receivers will continue to follow this blitzing blueprint. Daboll needs to start the game with scripted plays that require short drops till Allen and this team finds its rhythm and starts better matching protections to the blitz packages later in games. Teams will continue to play man and jam/grab our receivers to slow them and also impact timing so longer drops by Allen play into their hands and let those speed rushers abuse our edges. Borq needs to do a better job punting and helping to flip the field too. Regarding deep balls (thrown) Not too many QBs light up New Era with deep balls when the winds are gusting. Lamar's one deep pass was a blown cover 0 with no one deep, so he could just lob it up to left field and let his TE run underneath it. Great read on his part, so not taking that away. IMO, when the winds are like that, I would tell Allen screw "touch" and throw it on a rope to your receiver if you are going to go deep. Rather see those passes setting their gloves on fire than the overly safe overthrows he makes in a stiff gale because he is perhaps worried too much - about the pass dying, falling short, and getting intercepted. Just a theory...as I am out of other ideas other than keep working on it. If we know anything about this kid it is that he has work ethic, and a fire to be the best. Allen will keep working, and I think Daboll has been demonstrating more plasticity than I gave him credit for in his approach to game planning, adjustments, developing Allen, and developing this offense. They will bounce back. This team and Allen have come much further than I ever hoped for this year and were a play away from maybe taking that game away from the team that is playing some of the best football in the NFL right now. On to the Steelers, where they hopefully get to meet Josh the surgeon that played on Thanksgiving; Our DARPA lab-enhanced 2.0 version of Big Ben. Still relevant in December - Go Bills!

Kelse was catching everything and was the GOAT before the fumble. The concerns I had with Knox at Ole' Miss was the inconsistent hands. He was not used much as a passing threat, so there was not much to go on so just like Allen I want to be fair with being patient with his development. He had some focus issues and they do continue today. On the flip side he makes some pretty eye-popping catches when you would think he shouldn't. . Kelse is Mahomes safety blanket, it would be nice if Josh had a TE that he KNEW could bail him out. That being said, Dabs would need to use him the right way.

And another loss for NE - so satisfying.

KC needs to get pressure up the middle on Brady - he is not the same player when he gets some pressure. This zone stuff is killing KC. NE's o-line still is so well coached. Usually give him enough time.

KC's defense cannot hold a candle to ours... Brady running for 20+ yards. Really?

Man it has been a flag fest ever since the refs blew that NE TD.

Need to get to Brady more - too much time back there - and THAT happens.

I know... no one back there to receive then max protect the punter.

Belichick is going to have a brain infarction if the refs keep jobbing him - sweet! Had a TD taken away and just got a non-TD reversed and Brady gets buried.... loving this. Please pan over to Belichick on the sideline.

&E&E^#(#*#(#!!!! ... that that was a TD too. Gotta love to see those poor officiating calls going the other way in NE. Letting them back into the game.

It can and has happened before. Once the whistle blows for good or ill the play on the field is over. The refs had ruled that he was down by contact and that the ball came out after. The ball came out before so it was a fumble recovered by the Pats.

And all they had to do was not do something stupid on ST, and protect the football on offense. NE's offense is not getting it done, just don't turn it over with a really short field. C'mon Reid....

Them and their defense creating turnovers are why you can't sleep on a lead with Belichick-coached teams.

I once prayed for their quick demise, but folks here on the wall convinced me that a slow, desperate sinking into obscurity will be much sweeter to watch. I am hoping that tug-Kraft insists that Brady stays behind center for 2 more years.

Now it is how long it takes his deep ball to get there ?

They cannot do anything on offense after that first drive and on defense they are giving up a lot of underneath cushion for the dump offs and receivers running drag routes. Tom and Bill look unhappy so I am elated. Let's hope Reid does not kill his own momentum.

Good QB, but is blessed with some phenomenal weapons, Kelse, Hill, Watkins when healthy. Has better touch on his throws than Allen, but I think Allen is working on getting better. I actually think Allen needs to put more on his deep balls in New Era rather than less with all that touch because of the wind, but I am sure the kid is getting so much mechanical advice that he is overthinking a lot of his throws. May be why he seems to transform when playing the hurry up. We have a team with promise and it has been a long time coming. In other news - Grandpa Brady sacked - nice! And the Boston fans are booing The Decline.