Allen2Moulds

Sorry, I don't mean to rain on the parade, but the Bucs have a horrible coverage unit. I live in Tampa and watched the game with local diehard friends, and it's a known weakness on the team. Not saying we still can't be encouraged by some things, but I would temper expectations a little bit, unless we see it again Thurs.

For me it's simple and comes down to 2 things. 1. I need to erase that 9 for 30 performance. 2. Show me this offense, specifically the passing offense can get it done against an elite defense, and it will go a long way for my psyche, as it relates to Superbowl aspirations for this year.

As always, great writeup. I really appreciate your thoughts on the game, as you hit on all the key things. On the coaching thing, I couldn't help but think to myself, who is calling this defense? I know they showed McD with a playsheet, but Bobby is still in the booth, and I'm thinking that at the moment, both are involved. I would love to see Bobby on the sideline and erase all doubt. To me, the defensive calls felt a lot more like the 1st half against Atlanta. Specifically remember a 3rd and 12, where we chose to sit back and play soft coverage, and allow the conversion. It was a very vanilla look, no disguise, no pressure. I thought to myself, was that McD? McD is typically more aggressive in those situations. I don't think we'll ever truly know. They'll likely continue to say that it's a collaborate effort between the 2. As for the run D, it always starts with the D-line, but Bernard playing with a bad wheel, and both Milano, and Poyer not having any wheels at this point, all contributes. I was really surprised that Shaq Thompson was a full go at practice and was then inactive. I'm wondering if that has to do with the short turnaround, and Bernard already being banged up. Maybe McD sits Bernard this week, and gives him a full 2 weeks to rest that ankle. I would love to see a lot more of Shaq and Dorian. If Bernard could get fully Healthy, Ideally, I would like to see Shaq and Bernard, assuming Shaq is able to play Milano's WLB role.

No disagreement there. That's always been the biggest difference between Bernard over Tremaine.

As soon as Shaq is back, Bernard needs to sit and get healthy. I have to imagine he's playing hurt, with as slow as he looked.

He seems to be playing with a flat tire. Whatever injury he's been dealing with is obviously still there. Rewatch him trying to stop Baker on a few of the scrambles. He was in a perfect position, but couldn't catch up to Baker. Shaq needs to be in there when healthy.

This is 100% how I feel. Allen and the offense really feed off those big plays. Without them, it seems like Allen is dying a slow death.

I'm sorry, but Bernard looked awful to me. I think he's playing with a flat tire. Several times he had the jump on Baker, and Baksr easily outran him. Baker Mayfield is far from fast.

Bernard was god awful today, and has been bad must of the year. Coming from a guy that really liked Bernard coming into the season. He's definitely playing hurt. He should not be losing a foot race to Baker. How are you going to keep up with backs and TEs.

As much as I dislike Keon or his lack of separation, I'm not ready to completely bury him. He's still a kid, who hasn't matured. Let's hope this is a wakeup call, and is able to resurrect things for next year. Unfortunately it's over for him this year. He needs to spend the offseason working on becoming a Davante Adams level route technician. It's his only shot as becoming a successful WR.

Question for anyone. I have a close friend from Tampa who's coming up for the game. Is lot 2, where all the action typically happens?

I think Diggs being a no show against KC in the playoffs really ruined Beane's vision on what we need for the position. Playoff football is a more physical brand. Which often times really effected Diggs, as Diggs is more finesse and a technician. It's great to want someone that is more physically imposing, but they forgot about the getting open part. It does not matter if you can't separate.

Would you like to come home and be our passing game coordinator? Pretty please...even though you hate McDermots guts.

We better run lots of counters and outside runs. Vita Vea is a monster in the middle, and I watched him single handedly stop Phillys tush push. I would be a huge mistake if even try and run at him.

I think it's definitely more Brady. For comparison, the Patriots only have Diggs. Still good but no longer elite. I believe Boutee didn't play today, and they have a below average line and running game. Yet, every week you see them throwing bombs to open receivers. Today in Boutee's place it was Mack Hollins. We absolutely struggle in the passing game.

I wonder if this team has regular season fatigue, and is just going throw the motion sometimes. This is the most Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde team that we've had under McDermott.

I agree, feels like he should've been a 4th rounder. Shakir was a better prospect and went in the 5th.

I also voted for the one seed for several reasons. 1. One less playoff game. In recent years, injuries have killed us in the game leading up to the Chiefs game. It would be nice for once, to be healthy and rested. 2. I don't want to live in continued fear of the Chiefs. Slaying the dragon would feel almost as sweet as winning it all. Certainly would be a big step. Sick of hearing that we can't beat them in the playoffs. 3. In the scenario laid out, Chiefs would likely end up as the 3, and the Ravens as the 4. Which would mean that the Chiefs would play the Colts. Also I could see someone like the Broncos as the 5 spot, knock out the Ravens for us.

When trading for a proven commodity, you are removing the biggest variable, and that's whether or not a guy can excel at the next level. In reading what Kirby posted in the trade thread, and Beane's presser from yesterday. It almost all but confirms that they were really going after BTJ. The million-dollar question of course, that we likely will never know, is how close they got to a deal. Was our max maybe a 2nd and player, say Keone or Samuel? Was Jax wanting a 1st+ ? Did Jax jack up the price at the last minute? I still say that he was worth, about the price we paid for Diggs, and I'm willing to bet that Beane was probably willing to at least come close. I'm wondering if the Sauce trade happened, and Jax thought, wait......maybe we should also push for a 2 1's, and at that point, Beane hung up on them.

Hold them out against Miami.

Isn't this guy just another fan with a podcast? Not trying to bash him or anything, just don't see him as a legit source. Unless you know more.

Now this I would love, but it would be very pricey. I'm not a fan of Ridley, but if he was part of a Simmons deal, it changes things.

Rams were paying for Stafford when they traded for Vonn and ODB. They wouldn't of won without those guys. They proved that if it's the right guys, at a position of need, it can help put you over the top. Right now, we struggle in obvious passing situations, due to our lack of outside threat.

Not sure I agree there. Wilson has arguably done better in a far worst situation. Most non Bills fans I talk to consider Wilson elite. Not sure Diggs was considered or seen as elite before coming to Buffalo. Diggs had a competent top 10-15 QB in Cousins throwing to him. I don't think we need to list any of the Jets QBs.

Quickly losing hope.