MasterStrategist

Hutchinson is like "baby TJ Watt", looks like a superstar about to happen. First, the refs need to call the oline holding. Chiefs getting away with mugging him every other play.

When the Kelce news broke, the spread dropped gradually to -4.5. There's been alot of money coming in on Detroit, +6.5 (before Kelce injury)... so I'd say it was partially Kelce and mostly ppl liking the Lions to cover. I like the over 52.5, think this will be a close/high scoring game

The Lions definitely have a great shot, especially with Jones out and Kelce's knee/possibly out. I like the Detroit oline and their o-coordinator (Ben Johnson) is extremely good. People thought Gibbs was overdrafted, but he could be the next Kamara/has the talent. Chiefs gave up a ton of RB receiving yards LY, I think Detroit has a mismatch there and with St Brown. Defensively, Lions have an improved secondary with some key FA additions. Should be a great game!

Agree. To me, trying to compare our offense vs Jets defense (from LY games) is just as bad, as comparing our defense vs a Jets offense without Rodgers. Much more talent in our middle field/slot options and what should be a better oline/ground attack. We shouldn't have to rely on Josh being a magician, he has more talent to count on. He also made some bad decisions in both Jets games LY, he'd likely be first to admit that. Bills 33 Jets 23

Maybe. Tremaine is a "tease", shows potential and all the physical ability to be a top 3 MLB in the NFL. Just hasn't put it all together, and agree that I dont think he will. But that potential and being young still, gets guys paid in the NFL even on a 3rd deal. I'd be surprised if it's Buffalo. We will have found his replacement in a few years, or at least invested another high pick to make Tremaine an unlikely option

I'm with you, just think Edmunds was in position 95% or more of the time and he hardly ever made that "impact" play. Even LY in Jets game, has the ball ripped out of his hands (just 1 example). Edmunds was still very good, just think we will see guys actually make the play this season. Something he didn't do.

Sorry my point was mainly geared toward losing Edmunds, and how we can still get better at that spot (in 1 specific aspect: impactful plays). I'm not expecting Kirksey to be an all-pro, or even pro bowler, "average" is actually fine. But Tremaine was average at best, IMO, at impactful plays. FF, sacks, Ints etc Again, that was something that he never "took the next step with", if he had, I think he'd be in a Bills uniform still. Impactful plays was the constant discussion/focus from Frazier/Coach LY, in terms of Edmunds and defense in general. I think Kirskey, and however we run subpackages at MLB, has the "potential" to generate more impactful plays. Not just Kirskey himself, albeit he's shown a bit more than Tremaine in this area historically. I do think that's a "need" in terms of improvement area, against upper echelon teams and in the playoffs. Is it the top need? No. I think Josh/Dorsey/offense improving turnovers and RZ efficiency are the top priorities, that will lead to a better overall team. Likely that could carry us, if they execute fairly flawlessly. But this defense has always been about giving up the small plays and forcing teams into mistakes, over long drives...be it penalties, turnovers etc. That's something we can improve on, as a defense in general and at MLB

Bottom line, we need more "splash"/impactul plays from our new MLB. As much as I liked the "potential" of Tremaine, he never made the impactful plays. Reliable but not exceptional player and bmnever thought he was a "natural leader" (something he got much better at). Glad he got the contract he received, but that again was based on "potential". Even if it's piecing together a MLB, subpackages/etc, I'm hoping we can get more impactful plays and more aggression.

We have too much talent on defense & a great staff, to experience what you're saying. Biggest difference I'm expecting to see this year is in the trenches, both sides got better especially IOL. I agree that our offense should be better, but we will also be playing improved/very tough defenses in the AFCE, NFCE and others. I think setting the bar above LY makes sense for sure and should offense. realistic goal as top scoring offense. Historical/record breaking, I'll pump the brakes until the OL shows me more. I have us finishing with 13-14 wins. Much more well-rounded than LY, as a team, and think we will improve the most in turnover differential (past 4 seasons. +4, +4, +8, +0 in 2022). In that department and improved RZ play, this team can take it up a notch. Week 1: glad we have this "litmus test" immediately, only thing better would be Von suited up (but it's the correct decision). 30-23 Bills

Average play from MLB is exactly what we need. I'll be very happy with that, and just not having a liability there. Jury is out on Bernard, but Kirksey moves the needle vs Dodson (like you said). I might be way off, but I'm looking for Coach to deploy more big nickel (Rapp) and dime looks (Neal). If that occurs, guessing we need approx 70% snaps from our MLB. Might be an improvement on the 30% snaps (Vs Edmunds), or similar.

I think he hasn't been a captain since 2020, maybe I'm off a year. Difficult to argue with the list, and think it's strictly player-voted. But yeah to your point, Dion is definitely a team leader/great teammate from various reports. Nice to have a group of young/vet leaders, pretty good balance on both sides of the ball. Another reason I like the Kirksey signing too, he's another leader-type that should help.

I like the move. Has some dual threat ability, and had a good preseason (however bit of letdown vs Browns). He's the young type I was hoping for. IMO, he's got ability to be a future backup. He signed here vs Chiefs, likely knowing he has a chance to impress and get to the 53 at some point possibly later in year.

Agree. I was expecting the same. Will see how they handle Kirksey. But wouldnt surprise me if he's signed to the 53, after week 1 (saving on guaranteed $s/cap). At whatever point Kirksey is promoted to the 53, be interesting what their corresponding roster move is. I'd predict Dodson is let go, and maybe then Klein is brought back to the P/S.

Haha clearly. In other news, the Josh Rosen of Reddit proven to be a fraud just like the Josh Rosen of football. This guy is on to the next burner account

Sorry, rereading my post...meant to have that come across as agreeing with you...but totally didn't...my bad I agree with your take! Joe's podcasts are typically a great listen, thx for sharing @Chandler#81

The key part, will be gameday roster mgt. Joe didn't touch on this, but we typically dress 8 OL. If we stay true to that, it's likely VanDemark, Ifedi, and one of Bates/Edwards/Anderson dressing. It's a nice problem to have, as injuries will likely come at some point. But to start the year, it will be interesting to see. Ifedi has RG/RT versatility, as Joe alluded to. VandeMark only LT (but likely working hard throughout season at RT too), and my guess would be Bates (who can play any IOL position, T in a true emergency). Joe did a great job summarizing Beanes key takeaways, from presser. Most interesting comment was when Beane was asked which player(s) stood out at TC to him....his response was Rapp/Groot. I've been beating the drum for dime or big nickel, wondering if his comment (on Rapp) is any indication.

You want a vocal leader on the field, with the dot. Not saying Matt doesn't communicate/do his job, but he's not the "vocal commanding" type. Just my 2 cents, I'd think if anyone it would be Hyde (if not a MLB).

I think they should go young. Free trial period, IMO. Mainly bc Barkley is a fall back option in a few weeks (assuming he's released with inj settlement/ goes unsigned for the necessary timing)

Are you suggesting Ifedi takes away time from Spencer? Just wanted to make sure I was following. If so, what leads you to believe that? I'm not expecting that at all, barring injury. IMO, Spencer (and right side of OL in general) has looked fairly decent/improved in preseason. Torrence has helped with that. Actually excited to see the Brown/Torrence combo, in the run game.

I think they might bring back Johnson, WR as well (P/S). With only 5 on active roster, could see them go 3 deep on P/S until Shorter eventually activated. Also expecting Mims, Evans or Johnson, a QB, Klein, a new LB perhaps or Howard....at minimum

100% agree. Broeker being the primary one, IMO. Ingram is perfect for our P/S, looks like Brown was signed to P/S too, although could see them shuffling that around as season goes. This is exactly why we keep Cam and Alec Anderson on the 53, those guys would have been gone. Need to hold onto better depth players, even if we only roll with 5 WRs/5 LBs...use the P/S for those 6th roles, if needed on gameday

Kirksey not subject to waivers.

Back practicing, however limited, is definitely a good thing. Seemed to be "grade 1" sprain from the start, with his comments & how he remained on field with sleeve. Very good chance he's ready for week 1, IMO.

Agree. At least AJE and Kingsley can get after the QB, have devolved some varying pass rush moves/good hand use. Boogie relies on a bull rush 95 out of 100, and just doesn't have the quickness/bend/agility. He's a poor man Shaq Lawson, who can at least be relied on to set the edge and bring an attitude. AJE is likely out the door after this year, though I think he could surprise with a 9-10 sack season. I fully expect us to bring more pressure/move Groot down inside on some passing snaps...which lead to increased opportunities for AJE-at least until Von returns.

Wentz is a name only, at this point. He's had his chance LY, with a prior coach/qb friendly scheme and just doesn't have it anymore. I could see Grier or Walker type added to P/S, for now. They bring a different dynamic. Zappe is a huge surprise in NE, someone will claim him. As for MLB, plans sometimes fail. They had faith in Bernard or Dodson grabbing the reigns. Neither has happened, Bernard's injury limited his chances this far. I'd be shocked if we didn't pursue Kirksey, he fills an immediate need and allows us to mix in Bernard. Dodson has failed the test, IMO, in his gameplay and practice outbursts thus far. Coaches should know if he's not the answer, it's time to move on.