Fred Slacks

I honestly don't care about that statistic as much as Allen vs all other visiting QB's during that span. The reality is whether plays a huge factor. If Josh's stats are better than the visiting QB's over that span then that is what matters to me. IF you watched the wind game last year vs the Pats he put balls in receiver's chests that were dropped. In the rain and snow he completed throws as well. I am not sure his statistics will always beat out the opponents in the weather (see Philly at Bills with Wentz) but I think it averages out better. Especially in 2020 and 2021. If weather is a neutralizer then I want our QB to be able to perform better in those games which I believe he does. I wouldn't discount running in those games either because those are free yards (or as I call them a guaranteed completion). I also don't believe in the sugar high Josh Allen comments. My biggest argument against that nickname is look at Josh's stats in primetime and playoff games. He has some ridiculous numbers. We have the right guy. I wouldn't change anything about his game right now. Even the running. I don't think he needs to throttle back on scrambles. I wouldn't mind him running out of bounds instead of lowering a shoulder. But he seems to have reigned that in a bit with each season.

I am not opposed to him. I am only saying if Shakir shows he’s at the same level during preseason then I believe he offers more diversity at other positions. I also wonder if waiting until the 5th to take a WR means the front office believes enough in McKenzie to contribute more on offense this year. I have no hate on Crowder. Nor am I assuming that Shakir is better as a 5th round rookie. But if he shows to be comparable in camp I think the front office would stick with a rookie with the ability to also help out with return duties over him. If there’s room for them both I’m sure they will keep them both. I think the more telling play would be Bernard at CB pushing for the other gunner spot. That would free up the 3rd RB spot on game days. whem all is said and done this draft more than most years could end up shaping our special teams more than any of the previous ones. May have 3-4 core teams players out of it.

Not sure how to merge topics. I just posted something very similar. I think we made our defense and ST better. We got a couple of speed options on offense. Overall good upgrades/additions. A couple positions I wish we addressed but alas I don’t think the front office saw position value or agreed with me about the need. I’m happy with the draft. Admittedly a Homer but I think we we got better.

1) Elam- possible/probable starter 2) Cook- probably a lot of touches as a 3rd down back at least 3) Bernard- special teams starter/probably back up LB/maybe some big nickel stuff? 5) Shakir- possible punt returner/WR contribute as a rookie (maybe/hopefully)? 6) Araiza- possible starter at punter (one would hope) 6) Benford- reserve/possibly could start as a gunner (perhaps moving on from Taiwan Jones?) 6) Tenuta- I have no expectations whatsoever from him but who knows with how much depth there was in this year’s draft class. I’d imagine practice squad based purely on roster numbers 7) Spector- Similar to the pick above. I have low expectations. Not because of ability but how stacked our roster is. Probably practice squad. I think all things considered if we walk out of this draft with just a starting outside CB, punter, and solid punt returner that have immediate contributions this season that would be huge for this year. Not to mention Cook at RB if he demands touches because of his ability. I think long term I was hoping to walk away with IOL and TE. But I don’t know the front offices plan with resigning. I’d imagine Knox gets resigned. I think the team loves him and he has a great relationship with JA. Hopefully Shakir is good enough to allow us to cut Crowder. That would be big for our team if he can force BBB to make that decision. Our draft class definitely seems hungry to prove themselves. They sure give off that impression in their interviews. I’m excited for training camp. The smell of super bowl championship is in the air!

I realize you can only play who is on your schedule. I won't argue that we had a good defense. We were a very good defense. I suppose the term "legit defense" I should have replaced with the word intimidating or scary. But if that is what you took from my post so be it. If you thought our defense last year was dominant or feared I think we will have to agree to disagree. I love this team as much as the next fan and realize I am a homer as well. But our defense last year (#1 ranking or not) was not a feared defense. IMO our offense was more fearful than our defense. I am sure the Von Miller signing and some of the other moves will show as much this season.

I am pretty unbiased on which CB we chose so long as it was addressed. I figured if we didn't grab one in the 1st or 2nd round we would be signing a veteran this weekend. I am glad we have a cost controlled contract on a rookie CB though with Tre already being signed to the big deal. I have always thought our defense was 1 good cover CB away from being a legit defense. Hopefully with our interior beef on DL and Von Miller/progress from young DE's it catapults us into being a scary defense. I do feel like last year we were ranked better than we were on defense because of how poor our schedule was. this year will be a better gauge on our ability on defense I think. I realize depth at several positions may be a priority but I am of the mindset of more playmakers on offense too. That puts us into scary opponent territory.

I would still happily give my money to Apple over Direct TV. The customer service with Direct TV is absolutely the worst.

While I agree with the strategy I don’t think this is the year to toss away extra draft picks. Maybe some late round ones. But this draft class should be loaded. A lot of athletes who sat out the Covid year came back this year to play. It’s a really deep draft class. I think there’s draft-able starters in the 4th this year. Maybe even 5th. Time will tell but this may be the most exciting day 3 draft watch for me in several years.

But it seems like an eternity for me 😂

Nelson CB from Eagles still out there. As is Chandler Jones. Really not as much movement as I thought on day 1 of tampering period.

A legitimate question but the Broncos and Giants both are looking to develop young QB’s. Perhaps they both were considering Flores and how he messed up the development of Tua? Just a possibility. I’m not denying that racism is involved. I actually think him being fired by the Dolphins is more of a problem than not getting hired by the other teams because he had done a pretty decent job with what he had there. Also not saying I agree with Dolphins ownership about tanking but if that was true they are the owners. If he as a coach is an employee and didn’t do as told or asked wouldn’t that be grounds for dismissal? Again not saying I agree. Really the Dolphins situation to me seems more messed up. Also the Rooney rule is going to be flawed yes. There have been several good coaches to come out of it though. Marvin Lewis did a great job with the Bengals but couldn’t get over the hurdle. Dungey was a great coach. I think the rule is necessary and good things do come from it. Unfortunately it just comes at a slower pace than many want. But the reality of change is it never happens as fast as we want it to. I think Bienemy would be having his name talked about more.

To be honest my favorite moment was Josh’s last two drives vs the Chiefs in the division round. Showed he was a big time player on the big stage. I realize defense/coaching shat the bed. But I don’t remember ever being that psyched as I was when he scored with 13 seconds left.

After watching the game back a second time finally there was a few plays that irked me. Mahomes big scramble for 34 yards should have been called back for holding. Obada was absolutely tackled by the O-lineman. In OT the big Hardman catch and run was a pick play by Kelce. It was blatant. At first viewing I thought it was Edmunds blown coverage but his responsibility was the RB which was obvious because of how decisive he was pursuing in coverage. That would have been a 10 yard offensive PA. Still his coverage liability is more obvious in a game like this where Mahomes buys time. Maybe against less mobile QB's he looks better. Leaves a bit to be desired though in this game. Obviously the last 13 seconds are brutal to watch. Frustrating to see how aggressive we were in the first drive only to shut down in the 2nd and 3rd quarter. The long drive to score the go ahead TD just after the 2:00 warning was a masterpiece. The Hill TD immediately afterwards I thought was blown coverage on the original viewing but turns out it was just an impressive pass and catch. Levi Wallace actually had pretty darn good coverage all things considered. Josh's drive with 1:03 on the clock was the most impressive of all. This game should of solidified him as legendary status among the league. I think he is more pissed than he is letting on. I feel bad for him because of how much work he puts into this. I still think the league took notice this weekend. Funny how a narrative can turn like Mahomes out dueled JA. If we hold on the last 13 seconds JA finishes with more passing yards and passing TD's (Mahomes did have the running TD though). If that game finishes without overtime people wouldn't be able to stop talking about JA. So yes in that department I think the coaches let JA down big time. Chiefs situational awareness vs ours on defense was embarrassing. Beasley was huge in this game and was bracketed a ton. I am still shocked for the board's hate towards him. I feel like it might be mainly political. the guy absolutely can still play and was huge on the long 4th quarter drive as well as an earlier drive. I am not saying he is better than McKenzie. Just saying he hasn't lost a step. Also Rouseeau was so darn close on several plays for sacks and knocking the ball down. A lot more than I thought during original viewing. 97 blew it on a couple plays on defense. The Hardman run he got juked out of his shorts. A few rushes he allows Mahomes to break contain. I still believe we are 1 elite D-lineman away from shutting teams down. Not a quality player, but a dominant player. Reaffirms my thoughts of sell the farm for that one difference maker. I know I will get a lot of blow back but I strongly feel that way. All that being considered I would gladly take all coaches back in a heart beat. I am not one for fire everyone and start over. There were so many close plays that could have been the difference here. Quite frankly I am shocked that our defense held up as well as they did vs such elite talent. With Wallace and 30 at CB we forced a lot of coverage scrambles. In a bigger lens than the last 13 seconds I think the defense played better than one is willing to give credit for. Also I believe that McDermott is more humble than most coaches and willing to make corrections and grow from his and his staff's mistakes. As much as I think home field would be helpful I really think on the big stage Josh will deliver. One of my biggest concerns is roster turn over. There is no guarantee that the Chiefs don't somehow get better DB's themselves in the offseason. I wonder if next year matched up against them we look as good at WR. Just a lot of thoughts that I wanted to put down to vent a little frustration. I need some healing.

I’m not overreacting. I agree we were the better team and should have won. I also don’t think one game should change the entire game plan. Where you see a strength I suppose I see it as weakness. I think our secondary played great considering. I think DE is still a higher priority than Corner. That’s my opinion but I realize yours is different. I don’t want a DE that rushes upfield only to give up running lanes. I want someone either strong enough or fast enough to close the pocket and still react to a mobile QB who tries to escape like Josh Allen and Mahomes. They do exist and I believe they would impact our team significantly more than a faster CB. That being said I wouldn’t object to better talent at CB either. I do think OL can and should be addressed. Also interior DL. TE should still be a priority as we can’t count on Knox being healthy. I even want more talent at WR. But more than any of that I want a stud DE. There’s no guarantees that any of the drafted DE’s ever turn out. Hopefully they do but there’s no guarantee. To clarify I’ve thought this all season. Just because our pass rush looked good vs a Dolphins or Jets team does not mean it will hold up well in the playoffs. Vs Chiefs or other playoff caliber teams. yes there’s no guarantees that what I want makes a difference. But I’m a game like Sunday we are looking to change a couple plays, steal a possession, or force an incomplete on one more third down. Yes I do believe a stud DE can do just that. Next year it might not be the Chiefs. It might be the Bengals or Chargers. There are some great QB’s and we need to effect them better than we currently do. Especially in the playoffs where we hope to be spending many more Januarys watching the Bills play.

I think you articulated my point better than I could. It’s stupid to just say their QB is better (or as good) and so we should just not bother trying to effect him. We are close. We need someone there who makes a difference. It ups everyone’s play on defense. I don’t think the cap argument is a real argument. Look at teams like the Rams. They keep reading picks and shelling out huge contracts. Somehow they make it work. I’m sure it will eventually rear its ugly head for them. But surely we can manipulate the cap to get one stud dude in here. That’s how I feel.

Gronk I mentioned cause he was fresh on my mind when creating the post. Maybe I mentioned him cause I knew he was a FA from an article I just read. He really wasn’t the focus of my post and you’re right I shouldn’t have added him to this post as it’s a separate topic. Also I agree he is a POS. I do however imagine he would be the type of FA the front office brings in for the DE position. A proven aging vet. I do hope we get someone more youthful myself.

A game wrecker finishes the sacks that so many of our front four could not do. I am not of the mindset of just saying Mahomes is as good as Josh so we should not try to effect him at all. Our front four failed. Sure the chiefs did as well. But that doesn’t mean we need to settle on that. Get to Mahomes. Especially if we aren’t blitzing. Mahomes struggled earlier to find throws because our back 7 actually was holding up for a while. By the end of the game they were gassed and understandably.

I don’t disagree with your observations of the Chiefs game wreckers but that doesn’t change my stance. A game wrecker for us would have swayed the outcome of that game. We contained rushed several times because our guys just can’t win one on ones.

I don’t necessarily disagree. But wouldn’t you say if Josh is playing at the same level as he was in the playoffs that is enough offense? We just need to make 2-3 more stops against powerful offenses like the Chiefs and some of the up and coming teams? I would be a bit bummed if we didn’t clean up CB. Especially with Tre White not necessarily being ready for the start of the season. Even if Hughes comes back I think they’re looking to add a veteran pass rusher. Remember they made a push for JJ Watt.

Yea but we are banking a super bowl window on guys developing. I sure hope the front office feels the same as me about the priority. I realize I’m not the pro here but it seems obvious that this is where we are coming up short. Not to mention Beane in his presser eluded to the guys needing to do more/hitting rookie walls. I think he sees the same thing. Time will tell. TJ Watt changes games wouldn’t you agree? Teamed up with an Ed Oliver type maybe. I don’t think he’d be available. Maybe Chicago wants to move on from Mack for a rebuild?

I think in the moment I just threw my hands up as if this stuff happens. Shockingly calm. Yesterday I was frustrated. Today I am actually more pissed off. That should of been Josh Allen's legendary cummupance moment. The world should be talking about him outplaying Mahomes. Quite frankly at that point he was leading in passing TD's and yardage. When you score a go ahead TD with 13 seconds it should basically be an automatic that you just won the game for your team. He got jobbed big time. As much as I try to convince myself we will be good for a long time and compete for a long time with Allen (which I fully believe), this year specifically the path to the Super Bowl as well as a Super Bowl victory is arguably the easiest remaining opponents in recent memory. This really would have been our best shot that I can ever recall. That I believe is why I am pissed. Don't misinterpret my post as wanting to clean house and fire McDermott. I don't want that. I am just pissed and need time to digest. I really want the continuity. Keep the core players and staff. Upgrade where it's been blatantly obvious to all (Defensive pass rush, CB, maybe LB). I am not that hard on Edmunds as everyone else either. I think he is doing what he is coached to do. Yes I believe he is limited in his coverage recognition. Hopefully that develops more. I wouldn't get rid of him though. I think a game breaking DE changes the look for the entire defense. Still disappointed. I haven't been able to watch the game agin yet.

To me this is the biggest offseason question. There are talented CB's in the draft. I am sure we can move money and cap to get needed FA's. But a DE difference maker is what we need. A game wrecking dude. Honestly I would trade 2 #1 picks to get one. At this point I am tired of watching our D-line not get it done. Side note Gronk s a FA. Wouldn't hurt adding him as much of a tool as he is. Great blocker and red zone threat.

Is it just me or does this guy look just like Tom Green and sound like him too?

I’m guessing he gets a scrotal tuck to make it easier to run with those massive brass balls he’s got dangling between his legs.

I think the worst play on defense may have been the screen in overtime on 2nd and 10 or 3rd and 10 when the whole defensive line recognized the screen except 57 which was the side they were running it to. If he had realized what was going on and reacted accordingly that could have dropped that play for a loss. The 13 seconds to allow them field goal range is brutal. Josh really deserved to celebrate tonight as well as the rest of the team. I do think the defense played better than everyone will remember. We did force a few field goals in the red zone. To their credit. Also they were on the field a ton because the offense had way too many three an md outs. They must have been exhausted by the time the end of the game/OT rolled around. That really is on the offense (maybe play calling). It is a team sport and you win and lose as a team. Still with 13 seconds left you have to be able to keep them out of FG range. This game made it obvious how badly we need speed/difference makers on the defensive line to me. People will pick on the secondary and LB’s but they covered well on lots of plays. Sure another elite CB would be great. I still think a top tier DE makes a bigger difference though. I also wouldn’t be opposed if we leaned into offense more at this point and went the way of KC. Just try to out score everyone. Josh I think proved he is next level elite. This was as good of a chance at a Lombardi as I can recall. Very frustrating. I will walk away though with a ton of confidence that we will go toe to toe with the big dogs for the foreseeable future. We should win some of these. Josh has ice in his veins. Very much being overlooked after that finale but not by me.