MasterStrategist

Good observation, didn't catch that live. Have to admit, I was surprised with some of the young OL: both he and Brooker (forgot to mention above) looked solid. I wasn't counting Van Demark in the 53 discussion, but he is now. Young/versatile at both tackle spots...type of guy who is signed away if cut. Steelers have a deep DL, next week's game should tell us alot more about our depth guys.

Great write up, thanks @GunnerBill. Some thoughts: 1. Agree on RB. I was also very high on Mims coming into training camp and after watching him there. Think this is our most "well rounded group", in a while. I noticed how quick/confident Cook looked at camp, he just backed that up in P/S week 1. Mims and Evans would be nice practice squad stashes. 2. OL: other than the plan Van Demark got beat very badly, at RT, thought he looked much improved. I'm liking how Edwards and Bates looked with 2nd team, outstanding depth. Shell looked OK. Spencer looked great in run game, no surprises that's his strength. I see 9 OL making the team, Doyle/Quesenberry/Vandemark for that last spot. 3. Kyle Allen: he has more natural ability than Matt, but he needs to get thru progressions quicker and correct spot. IIRC, Keenum looked like a hot mess Week 1 LY too, then stepped it up week 2. I'm holding out hope we see that with Kyle too, bc Matt is severely limited due to arm strength. 4. CB competition: I liked how all 3 guys looked, even though Elam got the PI flag. I could see this being a rotation during the season. 5. Siran Neal: looked improved at slot CB, the aggressive looks of the defense plays to his strengths. 6. Defensive pressure: already can tell McD is going to move his secondary and LBs around the line alot more/bring pressure and simulated heat. 7. DL: Settle continues to look good, camp to now. His quickness was limited due to injury LY. I see us keeping all 5 DTs, and 5 DEs. If Von is ready week 1, I see us moving on from Shaq and trying to sneak him back to p/s. But, I think they play it slow with Von and keep him on PUP/protect against injury to start season. 8. Secondary: some really solid depth will be scooped up by some team. I'm hoping we can somehow hold onto Cam and Ingram, for p/s. Both these guys are likely looking at #s game, potentially last man making the team. Ingram looked more comfortable in slot, vs LY. But I'm thinking both get cut and signed elsewhere. 9. S/T: Martin looks in prime mode. I'm curious how they view Isabella, he didn't stand out to me on K/R, Evans looked more decisive. Harty will be our PR, so not sure if we see Shakir or someone else this upcoming week at KR....that will be telling if they plan on keeping Isabella or Evans. 10. WR 6-7 competition: I need to see Shorter with competent QB play, and think he makes the 53 with Shavers to P/S (which is another slight risk for signing elsewhere). Overall, great to have Bills football back and to see noticeable improvement with some young players.

In fairness, basically Kyle Allen ruined any chance of that. Shorter brings a completely different skillet than Isabella. And a better gunner. I was less impressed with Andy on kick returns, than Evans. Andy isn't going to get on the field at slot either....barring injury to Kincaid, Harty, Shakir, and Sherfield. I see a slim chance he makes the 53

I was wrong on Kyle, but hopefully some ppl took my advice above 😁. Good job by Barkley to save this

Where the Shakir haters at? 😏

Agree Kyle will hold his own, and scramble around a bit. Preseason games are a total toss up, I'd take Bills moneyline (+155). Admittedly, don't know alot about Indy, other than Richardson/Minshew competition. Bills OL, DL, and secondary is pretty deep. With 2 vets that will play QB all game. That's enough for me to feel confident.

Bet the underdogs (moneyline), for all preseason games. Preseason lines mean little to nothing. It's a toss up, and odds are you'll hit 50/50...and win on the juice

Thanks all for responses. My rep just told me the NFL informed them that "promo links" won't be sent until preseason is over. Bummer for out of towners, like myself, who can't watch on a local feed. Does look like a 7-day free trial option exists, to get thru Week 1 preseason. Week 2 against Steelers, my hometown, so just might be out of luck Week 3. Will see if NFL budges before season, but like someone else said, the link was sent August 3rd last year

For other STHs, has anyone received their 2023 "promo link" for free NFL+ Premium? Mine hasn't come in, just wondering if others had any luck. Thanks!

Agree in most part. I think a consistent OL and 1-2 gamechangers on a DL, is what's needed to win in the playoffs. WR2, yes, it's great to have...BUT... Let's not forget Cincy, with how many ppl want to praise them for Chase/Higgins (rightfully so, they're great), it was the Ravens that had them beat with a backup QB...if not for Huntley botching a QB sneak. Just shows theres lots of ways to win in the NFL. Our DL couldn't sniff Burrow LY, or Mahomes in 2021. OL had major flaws/inconsistencies LY. No surprise Beane focused on bringing in some quality talent on both sides....it's definitely our best collective group (OL/DL), since Coach arrived.

I think 2023 is Year 1 for a "single preseason roster cutdown date". For those looking to brush up on 2023 rule changes, this has some good info: https://www.nbcsportschicago.com/nfl/chicago-bears/these-rule-changes-are-coming-to-the-nfl-in-2023/348005/

I don't think this will happen, but if I were to make a surprise pick: Surprise to make the team: Jordan Mims Surprise cut: Latavius Murray

Correct, this is the 1st year for a "single cut down date" following all preseason games. Seemed like all teams wanted the roster flexibility, to get through the 3rd preseason game (when most vets rest). It will be interesting to see how much, if at all, they cut down the roster prior to then. You bring up a great point and I'd tend to agree that there are still reasons to cut some players sooner. Barring injury (fingers crossed): OL, DL, & secondary will be the positions that have most depth-type guys, where I could see Beane trying to swing a trade prior to season (instead of outright cutting), but does this limit trades with a single cut down date? Guys like: Tommy Doyle/David Quesenberry, Cam Lewis (who will be tough to keep in a packed safety & CB room), Shaq Lawson/Shane Ray (if he shows well)/Boogie Basham - fighting for 1-2 DE spots depending if Von is ready for week 1. Other preseason items, that I'm sure all fans will be watching: 1. Who wins starting MLB and CB2 roles? 2. Surprise young or vet player? Noted some roster battles above, does someone like Jordan Mims or one of our young OL make a surprising push for a roster spot. 3. Return game: do they dedicate a roster spot to our primary returner? This would be Isabellas path to the roster, BUT... 4. What position group would we pull from? 5. Will Von be ready for week 1 & that impact on 53-man roster For 53, right now I'd go the following (#s-wise): 2 Qbs 4 Rbs (incl Gilliam) 9 OL 3 TEs 6 Wrs Subtotal Offense= 24 11 DL (assumes Von is ready for Week 1, perhaps less than full snaps/pitch count-ie: Tre from LY) 6 LB 9 secondary Subtotal defense= 26 3 S/T (Isabella not on 53)

Is cutting Shakir, or trading, really a thought right now? He's been our #1 slot "WR", since spring. Yes, Kincaid will take alot of snaps...and Harty/Sherfield get some reps too, but those are complementary players not starters. Plus Harty is an injury concern every year. He's best suited as WR4. He's only in year 2, coachable/hard working, likely an ascending role this year. He also brings return game value, and some versatility to play outside...albeit his short arms brings some limitations. On a rookie 5th round contract, this would be a horrible move to cut him. Isabella still might make the squad, but that's only if he truly excels as a returner and/or Harty's performance/role on offense. There will be difficult decisions to get to 53, mainly DL and secondary, but cutting Shakir won't be it.

Do we actually know if he re-injured, spasms, tightness, etc? Back issues suck, but it could be a 1 day thing OR much more serious. This article just pointed out the obvious Joe Marino report, which we saw yesterday in Camp Updates thread. Any more recent reports/news?

Old man who likes to "railroad" conversations, doesn't respond or read what others post, just spews whatever fits their agenda....Got It!

Well deserved, up from 26 LY, according to this list

Prop bets dont mean jack. We've resorted to using whatever stat/metric, to justify your opinion. Get over yourself, same guy saying JuJu is a #1.....hello, take your own advice...the NFL GMs have spoken, the man got less than $9m AAV....sound like #1 money? Again, you have your opinion. And I have mine. Let's see how season plays out. But I bet if we poll Bills fans, many will say we are better off at the slot position coming into this season. That's been my main point and you keeping diverting, look here-look there-this stat-now prop bets. Be fun to revisit when season gets rolling. I "bet" you'll find a way to prove your point though, regardless of what occurs...because you are type of individual that can't be wrong...am I right?🤣🤪

It was a drop for sure, but then he follows it up with a clutch late game play: https://www.buffalobills.com/video/khalil-shakir-with-a-spectacular-catch-for-a-33-yard-gain-bills-vs-dolphins It's this type of potential, he needs to be more consistent which is definitely possible.

When I say odds, I meant chances/likelihood...nowhere did I say those are betting prop bets. But I agree with what you just said...it's my objective opinion that it's an improved group. Not measurable right now, and still will be partially judgment come season, but I think we will see a clear improvement over McK in the slot. Youre Introducing a different topic about Beanes pro adds in 2021 and 2022. I disagree with that too, but not going to get into it. I think he's missed the most with resources poured into DL, FA and draft, since his arrival....thats held us back in past 2 playoffs, along with other reasons.

First off, if Hartys 50 receiving yards is accurate that's an easy bet. I'm not able to find that, but my point isn't necessarily about just stats (more on that below). I could careless what McKenzie/Crowder are projected for on their new teams....they'll be getting different playing time/targets/etc. It's about finding someone who can be more consistent/win 1-1 matchups/that isn't a total spaz, like Mck. Second, Kincaid needs to be considered for obvious reasons (in my "new group" comment). Finally, the larger point isn't just about stats. Yes, the stats will tell us alot about our Total offensive production/who contributed come year-end. However, the main point is "consistency", and can these guys win their 1-1 matchups when Diggs is doubled. Again, there's alot of reasons to say "odds" are they will be better this year (consistency)...especially at slot, like I am pointing out. McKenzie blew A LOT of opportunities and probably the most inconsistent player who received regular playing time. Shakir, Kincaid, Harty, Sherfield...all guys I trust to be better/more reliable than McKenzie. Did Gabe play consistent all year, of course not. But if his ankle really did hold him back, then it's fair to say that as long as he doesn't injure it Week 2 again, then we might get better regular season production. It's clear to me that we have improved at slot, the bar was super low vs LY tho. Question is will it be enough. I'm sure we can revisit this topic throughout the season 😁

This is a fair take, especially defensively. But I guess it comes down to expectations. For example in the secondary, we were down Micah for all but 2 game, Tre not himself/let alone didn't suit up until Thxgiving, Poyer dinged up since camp, Benford put on IR, Dane with a neck, and Elam a rookie with a lot of learning (ie: how to be an off-press zone corner). All that said, it's possible the same thing happens again.. ..however, extremely unlikely. The key really is come playoff time. We've been down premier secondary players for the past 2 seasons, entering playoffs. I'm more concerned we don't have an answer if Micah, Jordan, or Tre is out..come deep playoffs. On offense, especially pass catchers....we've discussed this. And it's a matter of opinion right now. I don't see much reason to compare how ppl viewed this group entering 2022 though...to me that's off topic, unless you're trying to prove a point that certain posters tend to be overly optimistic. Definitley easy in hindsight to say guys underperformed/injuries derailed the plan. Same could happen again, but on paper this "new" group of pass catchers + more healthy Gabe + Shakir developing, etc is probably better bet to be "an improved unit" over LY. How much better, or what's the odds? Nobody knows yet, but we do know that we had zero reliable slot guys LY and Gabe battled an ankle all season. So again, it could be the same this year, but odds are we find some slot option better than McKenzie (or Lil Dummy as you called him) and Gabe at least matches his production or within a reasonable range. I have complete faith Josh can carry this offense in the playoffs, if need be. Didn't happen LY, and not ideal, but call me less concerned. Defense is where I'm "leary", mainly for health reasons that have been stated and past letdowns/lack of adjustments. My primary reason for optimism is the additions made on Dline, and my complete frustration/distrust in Frazier to coach a championship defense. Outside of MLB, this is the most "top end" talent that we've possessed...just stay healthy and faith in Coach to make the right calls

With all the Shakir discussion today, this was a timely interview. Good listen if you have time. *Teaser: Brownie also discusses the "alleged drop" on the post route, that triggered some fans.