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MasterStrategist

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  1. Who cares? You? Fans like yourself took this out of context. Even after Josh, Von, others answered questions after practice and told everyone it's not a big deal. Diggs saying the same thing...that ppl reading into it and making way too many assumptions/guesses at what's happening. Not sure why you feel the need to call out Coach...he can handle how he likes...he can't control what reaction you have nor should he. This has been a nothing burger since the beginning
  2. Agree, but I think Beane envisioned using him more often (per his comments) and the resources used. It's not a big strike against Beane, just curious is all. I think Dorsey had too much on his plate finding ways to get all the playmakers involved, plus Josh' injury. Either way, I think Mims can be a useful RB and not nearly as dynamic in the return game but OK as a kick returner. Harty at PR, and/or Shakir.
  3. Sucks for Hines. It was a curious trade at the time, knowing we wanted to get Cook involved more. Anyhow, this presents an opportunity for Jordan Mims (UDFA rookie). He's a comparable player to Hines, and we lost an undrafted back LY that contributed for Carolina. Obviously need another back for camp, but I see Mims having a path now.
  4. I'm not certain on this. Lots of "rumors" tied us to him, of course, but there was some contentious moments with Jordan leaving Pitt in the portal to USC. Coach has a good relationship with Narduzzi, not saying Pat has a final say in our roster decisions, but Pat/Sean are wired very similar. All this could have meant nothing in our pre-draft evaluations, but there was some odd comments coming from local media (from Steeler camp not being interested, despite the local and Pickett connection). Shall see, hopefully we got the better player with Kincaid
  5. Steelers know how to draft pass rushers and WRs. Some ppl here really liked Highsmith, who didn't think Epenesa would make it to round 2. Round 3 pick by Steelers, great value for them. If their drafted corners pan out this year, they could be a surprise team to challenge for a wildcard. I'm a big Beane fan, but it's his misses on DL (Oliver good player, but better were available/ Epenesa / Basham /FA ) that have held this team back from overtaking KC and Cincy past couple years.
  6. Again, Dhop wasn't a FA until AFTER Beane made these roster decisions, that you are referencing. So how is this different than KC? And if Beane was so desperate to upgrade on Davis this offseason, it would have happened. You're so wrapped up in signing Dhop you're missing what our major flaws were the past few years. Dhop over Gabe is a sizeable upgrade on paper and fantasy football, but Dhop isn't winning those 4 games for us LY. Instead you want to use Gabes drops as a way to point the finger. I'm sorry Beane doesn't agree with your takes. I'm glad he hasn't. We needed better IOL play, slot/middle of field targets, and improved DL play/more physical defense. Those were head and shoulders bigger issues than Gabe. And that's what Beane has addressed. Everyone wants to replicate Cincys WR room/model. That's great if we hit on draft picks. But Beane has built a stable of weapons at Josh and Dorseys disposal this season. This has been debated by everyone too, I'm a believer we have a solid group that will create mismatches; along with improved OL for Josh and running game. Kincaid doesn't need to meet wild expectations either...your last sentence comes across as childish banter. I get it, you're frustrated or whatever, but it's the entire team that needs to play to their expectations (and stay healthy) to win us a SB. That's mainly been a defensive letdown in past playoff games, let me remind you.
  7. No he didn't. That was Beas' role. I don't care ro argue about this, but Gabe never played in the slot (primary position). He may have aligned in a reduced split, or had some snaps as the "#2" (ie: outside wr is #1, next is 2, closest to center is #3) but that was never his thing. He's way too stiff/not fluid enough for that role. He's always been an outside, build up speed type of player.
  8. Davis doesn't play the "slot", much at all. But oh well
  9. You're really going out of your way on this: 1. Hines and Settle: didn't both these guys carry cap hits if cut? Do you recall the savings? Which players do we target to replace them, what would have been their cap hits VS these 2 players? 2. Poyer: very few thought we'd be able to resign him, then when we did, most thought his cap hits were good values. He and Hyde formed a top 5 safety tandem, and when Jordan missed games LY, we were a different defense. He's worth the value he brings, and leadership in the secondary. 3. KC: you can't give them the benefit of the doubt with MVS contract (dead cap), then not Buffalo. Beane made decisions on all players you mentioned, before Dhop became a FA. 4. Gabe: all games you mentioned were lost for several reasons, to pin it on a Gabe drop is just a vendetta. a. Miami: heat exhaustion, OL played on a torn ACL, etc. End of half and game clock mgt b. Jets: Josh worst game of season. Dline (as I mentioned) got ran over, Jaquan missed several key tackles that would ha e stopped drives, OL surrenders pressure all game/sacks on mostly 4 man rushes. c. Vikings: you really think Gabe cost us this game. This is definition of having a vendetta and focusing on 1 player. Our defense gave up several "game changing" plays, from Cam Lewis to poor tackling, and then the QB sneak that blew the game. You're being unrealistic/biased in your opinion. And who cares if we clinched the #1 seed LY, we were destined to be defeated by either Cincy or KC in the AFCCG, if we even got past Jacksonville. Our play in the trenches almost cost us Miami game in December and playoffs, not to mention the losses to Jets and Bengals (playoffs). We aren't winning a SB until we get better up front, which is why Beane has spent the resources he has to get better there. Now, go ahead and debate his choices, which haven't been great, but he's focused on the right area of need(s).
  10. You could do this exercise for almost every NFL team, KC included. OR pick another player (similar to Dhop at OL, etc) and do the same drill. Bottom line, Beane likes his acquisitions and players we already had entering this season to build upon. He could have made that deal work if he truly wanted. Doesn't make it right or wrong yet, can see how this season unfolds and point to this if it indeed holds us back. But let's not pretend the #2 offense in the NFL was truly "in need" right now. We had room to improve, but we lost games when it counted because of defensive meltdowns, poor playcalling/schemes, and just lack of focus/poor execution. We've been outplayed in the trenches, past 3 playoff seasons. Josh bailed out the OL against the Chiefs in 2021, otherwise we've had the same consistent problems. Once again, I think it will come down to our OL giving Josh more time and our DL creating more pressure (or least not getting gashed in the run game).
  11. Yes, I disagree with pinning your list on Dorsey. Here was your list: 1. Develop more consistent rushing attack 2. Not rely on Allen to bail him out 3. Decrease Allen's turnovers 4. Convert more 3rd and shorts 5. Play better in redzone Our lack of talent and inconsistent OL play doomed #1, and contributed to #5. Saffold, was extremely inconsistent and not very good when he was on. Bates is better suited as a backup, albeit he's a average guard/could start for teams with a better RT. Spencer Brown started the year horribly (back injury recovery), finished better but often needed "help" in pass pro. Allen's injury didn't help, but Josh also made some poor decisions (especially in redzone), leading the league in turnovers inside the 20. #4 (3rd and short), here are some stats contradicting your statement: 1. 59% conversion rate in 2021 vs 69% in 2022 (3rd and less than 3). Chiefs, for comparison, 52% in 2022 For #5 (redzone): 1. Mentioned Josh poor decision making above 2. Stats: we went from #1 in 2021 to #9 in thr NFL for 2022. Partly Josh, partly inconsistent OL, and partly lack of consistent alot WR (McKenzie was horrible and a trick player at best in redzone). 3. Dorsey could get more creative, as Dabs had that going for him. But I think other issues, stated above, contributed more Bottom line, I'm a strong believer that our OL and poor slot play led to most of our offense inconsistent games. If we're mentioning Dorsey improving, I think Josh can be used in the same sentence (decision making). I think all of the above will be better in 2023. As for Howard LY, he was a name-only/shell of former self. His Achilles injury derailed his career. Regarding use of Kincaid/Knox together, that will be easy.. I expect Dalton will be moved around and less in-line (ie: primarily slot). Bigger question is when Knox comes off the field, do they move Dalton in-line (Knoxs role) OR does Quentin come on the field? I expect the latter, and they don't put too much on Daltons plate immediately
  12. I disagree with Cowherd on this one. I feel like he was being kind at times during the interview, this being one of the topics. Ie: he isn't going to have one of our top linemen on the show, then diss the run game. Look no further than the Giants: 1. Comparable offensive philosophies/coaching. Running QB, albeit Jones is a poor man's Allen 2. Biggest differences: Giants have an elite RB and better OL for the run game. It's pretty simple, elite RB/solid OL OR solid RB/elite OL can produce a consistent run game. I'd put KC in the 2nd bucket, teams like SF and Philly have close to both, Tennessee the 1st option. Dion clearly stated the trenches is where these tough matchups are decided. McGovern/Torrence/Edwards hopefully propel us into above average/notch below elite. I think we have the best "group" (OL and Rbs) this season, out of the past few. Everyone has an opinion if it's enough. Personally, I could see us being more consistent, and enough to fix our redzone issues from LY.
  13. Cool, so all the same complaints we had with Daboll (fans have selective memory about). Dorsey had less talent at Wr and OL, also a less than 100% QB for a good part of the 2nd half of season. Obviously Josh is awesome, but that doesn't discount that Dorsey did more in Year 1 (with less talent), than Dabs did previously and fans are now enamored with. Josh was a turnover machine in the redzone, led the NFL. That's partially playcalling, but mostly Josh decision making and lack of execution. Also tough to have a consistent run game with our OL the past few years.
  14. Fair points. I tend to see the "positives"/potential, but do agree it's all on paper right now. With 100% confidence, I like: Kincaid, Harty,Shakir, Sherfield >>> McKenzie, Crowder, Kumerow, etc. My main focus of seeing potential improvement is: 1. IOL 2. 1 inconsistent player (McKenzie) is no longer with us, and if just 1 guy (or multiple) of those named above can be a consistent slot option, I see us having many more mismatches. 3. Better run game That, plus I'm very hopeful that Dorsey makes the necessary adjustments and our 2nd year guys make a step. We do have an offense that can be more multiple, yes counting on Kincaid for that to happen. But if he pans out even to modest projections, defenses will need to make some difficult choices (formationally and scheme). As far as WR2 being a "marker" of success, I haven't looked into it but makes sense and trust your statement. However, I'd also say that recent SB teams have also had another key trait: solid OL play. Case in point, we saw a Chiefs team limp into that TB superbowl (with a superior #1 and #2 WR) and get beat. Just making the point that we had several weaknesses to address this offseason and Beane appears to have taken a different vision than some fans wanted. Not saying he's right, because everything is on paper like you said as of now. But I can see their Plan (and same weaknesses were glaring at end of LY), and now it comes down to players/coaches hitting their potential. And JMO, but JuJu never scared opponents and was a product of their system. He actually was phased out over the past 5 games leading up to the SB (10 catches 120 yards, over that 5 game span). @Zerovoltz i havent followed his discussion, but from what I've read before he's also an educated fan/clued in. Seems to me that KC was spreading the ball around quite a bit, and likely a similar situation coming up this season
  15. Personally, I think the Bills look at things in a different way. Instead of being like the teams of Cincy, KC, etc where the top 2-3 options dominate targets; the Bills are looking to be more diverse/complimentary style offense. We might legit have 5-6 players eclipse 500+ yards this season. Last year, KC had 4 (a RB being #4, McKinnon at 512 yards). Diggs, then spread the ball to our best mismatch has been what has been the strategy in building our WR/TE/RB room. On any given play, we have 3-4 legit options that Josh can get to with his progressions. Improved IOL play will help with him getting to those mismatches too. Diggs, Davis, Knox are all likely locks for 500+. Then I could easily see Kincaid, Harty, Shakir get that too. Throw in Sherfield, and the pass catching ability of our backfield in Cook, Hines, and Harris; and this offense doesn't need a true #2. That's been my point all offseason. We finally have slot options, more speed, better IOL play for Josh. Davis' targets from LY should in theory decrease. He still might finish #2 in targets, but not by the margin of LY. Kincaid, Harty, Shakir, etc will be what Dorsey had a vision with LY (and much better than McKenzie, Crowder, rookie Shakir).....Dorsey improving as a playcaller is a must, but also likely.
  16. Same here, I'm north of the city about 30 minutes. Great area/community. 😁, yeah definitely need a PGH branch. We used to have a Bills backers in Cranberry, met at NPL...but that was a long while back, not sure if anyone is doing that nowadays. Great point about the Buffalo and Pitt connection. McDermott definitely has a trust with Narduzzi and the Pitt staff; especially defensive guys. Not a Pitt fan per say, but nice to see some success for their program in recent years.
  17. https://triblive.com/sports/damar-hamlin-day-in-pittsburgh-celebrated-with-cpr-awareness-event-at-pnc-park/ Pretty special the journey this young man has been through, not to mention the great awareness/resources these events and his charity bringing to local communities. (*you'll see a Diggs & Dane mention for attending the softball event). Certainly noticing a growing number of Bills fans in and around the Pittsburgh suburbs, great to see 😁
  18. League wide: 1. Dallas wins the NFC championship 2. Chargers win the AFC west 3. Only 1 AFC East team (us) makes the playoffs 4. TJ Watt leads NFL in sacks Bills: 1. Ed Oliver leads the team in sacks 2. Josh leads the NFL in passing yards 3. Bills score 5 total TDs, from defense & S/T 4. 6 players eclipse 500 or more receiving yards
  19. 10 Interesting/cool snippets from the interview: 1. Fast food junkie (at times in offseason), "can't pull fat" lol. Big Mac is high on his list, burgers at In/Out Burger (stopped short of ripping on their fries) 2. Whiskey lover (as Josh says "brown water") - obviously Josh can afford the high end stuff: Pappy, WL Weller, etc. Favorite "common whiskey/bourbon" (go to is an old fashioned out) is Woodford Reserve. "Don't take the top right shelf items without permission", classic 3. Sushi guy, would like to travel to Japan someday 4. Playing style: trying to adapt to prolong his career, as more of a pocket passer, but won't happen overnight...hint hint, expect same Josh this year 5. The past 2 Offseasons, he has rested/used recovery time, more critical to entering camp in peak condition (as opposed to offseason strenuous workout regimen). Remember him saying as much LY during a Simms interview...his legs are clearly jacked. 6. Diggs situation overblown by media, loves his man Stefon. Diggs gets ultra hyped on gameday, giving credit and criticism when due....helps lift gameplay of his teammates 7. Becoming more vocal, leadership role is something he's focused on. In his own, genuine way, as he's not a critical/yell at other players type of guy. 8. "Homebody", likes to invite the guys over...keeps everyone out of trouble/enjoys the camaraderie and just hanging out. Also he'd like to go the retirement "route of Tim Duncan" (basically similar to Aaron Schobel too)/exit the spotlight, when his playing days are finished. 9. Team chemistry: confirmed Lewans statement about the team just "having fun/great chemistry". Guys like Dion, Micah, Jordan, Von, etc who just love the game. Lewan said seems like a "high school team" (in the positive way, chemistry having fun, etc). Credit to Beane/Coach for building that culture. 10. "Milk check": funniest part of interview, worth the listen for this alone...and Josh's comments about Milano 😁
  20. Who cares? Statistical fact, unlike everyone's opinion... YPG: #2 in NFL PPG: #2 in NFL #1 team KC and #3 team Phi, we might not matchup player by player, but we are just as strong as a group.. Our biggest difference has been OL play, something KC, Phi much better than us...and doomed us in the playoffs in 2020, 2022, and would have in 2021 if not for Josh playing out of his mind. These hypothetical rankings are fun, but better suited for Fantasy Football. Nobody knows what an improved IOL will do for Josh, or having a better running attack/etc. We keep our star players healthy come playoffs, none of these media/fan position rankings will matter.
  21. STH codes were sent between 9am-9:15am
  22. I found a free article from Harmon, stating the following: 1. Vs man coverage: Median approx 65% / 75th percentile approx 73% So while 35th percentile sounds horrible, seems to be a "tight band", fairly low differential in percentiles. All this to say, I'd love to see our collective teams slot #s against Zone last year (when Diggs aligned outside). I'd be willing to bet big $s we were a bottom 10 team, likely hovering around bottom 5. I've repeated this a million times since February, but that was our biggest issue LY (combined with poor IOL play, questionable playcalling, and some poor decision making by Josh). Seems to be fair that Beane likely agrees with some of this; given his offseason approach to acquisitions. Dorseys offense going to look alot more efficient (less volatile) IMO.
  23. We just invested a 1st/4th round pick, to me that should answer your point about "lacking a top end talent". Beane tried to address it. Back to Gabe, to me this offense is going to have more "mis matches" this season. Kincaid/Shakir/Harty should be MUCH better than what we rolled out LY. In addition to improving our IOL, Josh should have more time, a better run game/playaction, and allow more freedom for Knox/Cook to get into routes vs chipping. So, it's not about who our #2 target is. It's about feeding Diggs, and having a complimentary offense that can take advantage of a mismatch. If that's Gabe some games, or Kincaid/others, or the running game, etc...thats what we missed at the end of LY. Beane specifically mentioned being able to attack the middle of the field. Lots of ways to accomplish that. But Gabe has his role, excellent deep ball player, we need our 2019/2020 Beas to let this offense be more dynamic. So maybe we're all agreeing, to an extent, that Gabe should be less of a focal point, but that doesn't require us to bring in a better outside WR. We need better play in the middle, starts up front on the Oline and then slot play.
  24. I was being facetious, re: my comment about Davante, that should have been clear. My point continues to be that Gabe is used as a non-traditional #2, aka: MVS for KC. Which is a valuable component to our offensive success. I'd agree and have said numerous times, that he's a bit limited in his route tree...due to lack of suddenness/burst/movement skills. But Dorsey could be using him more often on slants/dig routes, etc. and I think we'd see his catch rate/overall stats improve. But due to above, it's unfair to throw out catch rate stats...when knowledgeable fans should see he runs routes that will bias that statistic, based on playcalls/offensive strategy. On the flip side, Im equally critical when Gabe does drop catchable passes. I just don't think it's enough to warrant this outrage, and people continuing to use the 51% catch stat. We will see what Beane does with Gabe long-term, but we don't need Stef 2.0 or a Dhop, with the diverse weapons we now have. It would be nice, but not a necessity like some seem to believe. Our issues last year: 1. IOL 2. RT 3. lack of slot/middle of field targets IMO, that's what Beane has seen as well. Complimentary pieces on offense, difficult to beat Cincys cover 3/4 scheme when they gave us mid level options and we had McKenzie and a semi retired Cole Beasley as our primary options there.
  25. The 51.6% catch rate is an overblown stat. Better to look at catchable passes. And yes Gabe had drops, that he should have made...but please keep hanging their hat on the 50% stat and it's just misinforming. Davante Adams was also in the 50%s in 2022 as well. See its easy to drop a stat and make a story around it...guess Adams is no good either. Josh could be better with ball placement too on his throws, and a certain amount of Gabes targets are "throw aways" by Josh (tends to be a higher % of passes, given the routes Gabe is asked to run). No excuses, Gabe needs to improve but I prefer looking at the whole picture, than cherry picking stats that are misleading. Perhaps Dorsey should be improving/adapting too, on a more efficient passing game that isn't so deep ball dependent. https://www.billsfans.com/forums/topic/2689-gabe-davis-caught-an-abysmal-516-of-his-93-targets-update-high-not-catchable/page/2/
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