MasterStrategist

Von Miller alone wasn't going to fix our Dline issues, although a big piece to our pass rush improvement. How do we forget that Indy, Tennessee, and New England curbed stomped us in the run game. We needed "physical" guys at DT. Not to mention, that Beane decided not to pay Harry, released Star, and Butler was a waste. Yes, Beanes "ROI" has been awful at DL. Thankfully, he's nailed alot of other weaknesses, and the most important of all. But that doesn't mean give up and stop investing/trying to fix and our biggest "team weaknesses" (pass rush and physicality on DL). Speed at CB, playmakers/weapons, and OL would round out others IMO. We lost to KC last year, including Tenn in reg season, for 1 primary reason. Our defense couldn't get crucial stops/gave up a TON of yards and points. Yes, offense wasn't perfect, but did more than enough. Not like Beane totally ignored the offensive side of the ball this offseason. Many signs point to us wanting to be more "multiple" with our offensive looks and packages. This has been hashed out a million times... 1. skill position weapons: Cook, Howard, Crowder, Shakir, and more PT for Gabe/McKenzie >>>> losing Beas, Manny 2. OL: go read what Morse said earlier in the week re: additions to OL depth. It would have been great to add a G in round 2/3, value just wasn't there. Finally, re: Elam and Bernard (point about improving an already talented back 7).....this is going to be a very stacked AFC QB group/great offenses. When all is said and done this season, it will be the team that can find a way to "slow down"/get a few stops against an elite offense in the playoffs that will be moving on. Something all SB contending teams have had to do...cant win on offense alone and our defense clearly has been an issue against top tier QBs. Elam and Bernard are going to be important pieces to get us there, Bernard has already been raved about in camp (confident Frazier/McDermott) have ideas to get more "multiple" on defense as well.

Nothing against Jaquan, but Hamlin is a future starter. He's extremely instinctive, more of a hitter/aggressive style of play and just a perfect fit IMO. Was shocked he wasn't a late 4th round pick last yr. I'm local to Pittsburgh, watched him and Dane quite a lot at Pitt. Knew Dane was a capable, solid player in our scheme. Just like I am very confident Hamlin would be a solid starter (if called upon). He's not all pro (at Poyers or Hydes level), but would be very ready to contribute when called upon. Pitt coverage schemes/safety assignments/etc were not nearly as complex as what we run and disguise. Hamlin needed a year to learn the scheme, but think he's passed Jaquan (jmo). Excited to see him and Jaquan in preseason

Poster just said 60% pass and 40% run, and you reply with "run, run, pass". Hmm... Balance is critical, and that ringed true several times last year. We need the threat of running, and not passing/going empty sets on every early down. 60/40 or 65/35 is probably the best Balance, to keep Josh heavily involved and also give playaction (strong suit of Josh) more chance at success. Dorsey isn't converting this team to run heavy. He's been quoted saying hes looking to field a "fast/speed" skill position group, that is attacking. But all good offenses have some Balance, or call it "multiple", ability to beat various looks and schemes. Everyone of us remember games against Steelers and Jags, cover 2 looks all game with Daboll staying stubborn to his pass plays and empty sets. I think Daboll was great and deserving of his praise, but he also seemed reluctant to adapt throughout games, and sometimes stayed too aggressive.

No chance, they signed Juju for the slot role...no way Beas ends up there

I don't think Shakir is "slot only", he is versatile enough and could very well be our top backup outside. I personally think they will bring Shakir along slow. That being said, I'd expect the following: Diggs, Davis, McKenzie, Crowder, Shakir, Stevenson and Hodgins.

NFL: 1. Rams follow up super bowl win by missing the playoffs 2. Kyler Murray wins NFL MVP 3. Ravens win top seed in AFC, only to lose in Divisional round 4. Jaire Alexander finishes with most INTs Bills: 1. Groot leads the team with 12 sacks 2. Diggs and Davis each eclipse 1k receiving yards and 10 Tds apiece 3. Edmunds has a breakout season: 4 Ints, 3 sacks and 2nd team all pro. Leading to offeason extension 4. Bills defense leads NFL in turnovers

And I'm sure Kamara or McCaffrey lining up in the backfield has nothing to do with their career YPR. Not sure what's so difficult, as someone said, this "outside #3 wr" talk is just ridiculous: 1. Shakir is basically taking Mannys role, but with more Yac/juice/young legs (call it whatever) and more ability from the slot. He's more than capable of playing outside, but to expect him to replace Mannys numbers isn't what we so called "non worriers" are saying....it's more targets for Gabe, Cook seeing targets, McKenzie getting more PT, and adding a TE2 in Howard who is a solid redzone threat. Shakir will get his targets, but we absolutely don't need him to replace Mannys stats by himself. 2. We will align RBs, TEs, etc outside as the #1 on 15+ snaps per game. Many times motioning said player, It forces teams to "show" coverage or at least bump a LB/create potential mismatches. 3. Press coverage: go ahead and have every team play press man against us, ask Miami or NE how well that faired for them. KC had success 2 yrs ago, but got away with blatant holding (not to mention Beas and Diggs banged up). If anyone had issues with getting off the press, it was Smoke... Not sure why this keeps getting brought up as some revelation against smaller WRs....quickness, release and strength having everything to do with it (smoke was not strong at the point). 4. Injuries: we had Davis or Manny miss several games last season, not once did we panic and assume Kumerow was going to start. We had plenty of personell groupings, and if anything, we are better suited this year with a better TE2 and Rb with some wiggle to occupy safety or LBs. Training camp for entire roster can't arrive soon enough...

Obviously a lot of ways to build a roster, but at the end of the day, it's about filling "critical" positions and building best sustainable success under the same cap/budget imposed rules that all teams follow. Doesn't matter if Gabe/Knox/Dawkins (even Motor/Cook/Moss) were all 2nd-4th round selections. or if they were all 1sts. If we find talent elsewhere in the draft, it shouldn't matter that we haven't invested as much of our 1st round capital into offense. Biggest problem has been serious lack of "pass rush", given how much they have invested into that position group. It's been our biggest hole, and hopefully with Von and another year of progression of our young DEs, that changes. Because our biggest opportunity to improve our overall success, is to be able to field a defense capable of slowing down high powered offenses in thr playoffs. That hasn't happened near enough, we were even fortunate to get past the Colts... Josh and the offense have plenty of weapons, we've been missing elite play from our front 4 to become a championship team.

I think Tremaine will be extended, why he hasn't been yet, is pure conjecture on anyone's part. But Beane has mentioned Tremaine as a "core" player, Mcd loves his nickle 2 LB scheme. While drafting Bernard could point to more versatile looks/4-3 (less nickle looks against certain personnel), I don't think it's a sign of anything more. Tremaine, at Darius or Fred money, would be a big mistake unless he truly takes it to that level. But Tremaine at "tier 2", $12-15m per year (as Marino suggests), is his value, especially for our system and ehat he ask him to do.

Couple posters, continuing to push the same convo from the OTA thread here (ie: lack of OL depth, concerns about our outside WR depth, etc). Back to point on Tremaine... I'm a big supporter, and think/hope an improved DL is going to make a world of difference. Not just because of improved talent, but maybe it lets him play more "loose", and trust his instincts more. Im fully aware that he plays a bit "robotic" at times, which is frustrating because he has the talent/movement skills, to be a more disruptive force...hoping this is the year the light flips, but he's still a solid/tier 2 MLB (#8-10 best), we could certainly do worse. But agree with many who are weighing the potential future cost, I'd put him behind Davis, Knox, and Ed for certain in terms of prioritizing...potential is there though, so I'm glad we can hopefully see him make it happen this year.

Re: Josh Allens carries in the final games, Ill give you TB, but this is what happens when you have selective memory OR just look at the final stat line (which I know you watch the games, so ill go with former). Let's select one of the games you mentioned, at NE and 12 rushes: 1. 2 of those "rushes" were scrambles/not designed runs 2. 2 of the rushes were designed, but 3rd/4th and 1, qb sneaks. Back to back in the 4th quarter on final "drive" 3. 2 were "kneel downs", which do count into the 12.... So that's technically 6 carries that someone could argue might be excessive. Because QB sneaks (Short yardage), scrambles. and kneel downs should never be used to advance your point. Bottom line, the OL played well/above average down the stretch/started to click, we started to get more balance running with Motor and we had historic point output in our 2 playoff games. Offense was not an issue. Our defense had inflated stats to be ranked #1, playing against several subpar Qbs and basically game (home NE) that the opponent decided to play a Peewee football offensive startegy...our dline was nowhere near physical or capable enough to generate "splash plays" during the season. Every team has a "lapse" game or 2, ours were Pitt and Jacksonville....but the 1st NE loss, Ten loss, Indy loss, and Chiefs playoff loss all proved we needed major upgrades up front. Funny that's exactly what Beane and front office decided to address. Coupled with lack of speed in our secondary, which even when Tre played, teams picked on Levi. Gabe will be just fine, we don't need him to produce 1,200 yards. We need him, Knox, Crowder, Cook, Shakir, McKenzie (likely elevated role) etc...this is one of the most versatile offense groups we've had in a long time..by no means do other teams have 3 stud outside WRs, let alone 2 (which we have). Injuries are unpredictable, but I trust Beane and staff have a plan ready if needed...new offensive playcaller likely going to mean expect a more balanced attack.

I'll support ya man and rooting for Speedy. They clearly brought in Austin to compete with him. He had 1 bad week at OTAs, but he will have plenty of chances until September. To quote a Mcdermottism, iron sharpens iron. Let the best man win that return role and likely 6th/7th WR spot.

As you likely know, these recent "transparency" laws don't mean much yet. Hospitals are super inconsistent, even if they comply, with what they put out there (ie: charge master price, specific insurer or medicare price levels). There's also very little consistency with billing patterns, unless as a consumer you know exactly what procedure code and modifiers will be billed/approved, 'shopping' is not necessarily like going onto Amazon and knowing the price. Information that it sounds like you understand, but why it's difficult for many to track

Agree. Sorry I should clarify that I don't expect Davis to put up his stats + Sanders (>1,200 yards). I think Davis is capable of reaching near 1k, in a 17 game season. But with all the weapons that we have, I think the targets won't be there. Also think we will be running the ball a tad more this upcoming season.

Davis isn't replacing Sanders production alone, who is saying that? Those who believe in Gabe think he's a solid/capable #2....he's never been given this opportunity before and he's deserved it. But we also have Knox and Crowder/McKenzie in the slot, along with Shakir. Not to mention, we didn't draft Cook in the 2nd for him to ride the pine. Plenty of weaponry. Davis is the least of my concerns heading into the season. Eager to see how Dorsey plans to utilize, what I'd consider one of our most versatile skill position groups in quite a while.

I asked the same thing up thread, he's counting the rookie class. Which I think doesn't even add up. Von makes up $51m of the so called $90m, as well. I liked your post showing cap hits, Off vs Def, best way to show what we invested for this upcoming season at least.

100% accurate. But it won't change his mind, until he sees it...even then who knows. Crowder is more explosive with ball in his hands, can also play outside in a pinch. Although, I think Shakir will be the top backup outside. I still don't get the opinions some have about this skill group, it's top 5 in the NFL. A bunch of weird anxiety about losing Beas, who clearly lost a step or 2, and Manny Sanders who ran hot/cold during the season. We were a better/more explosive offense when Davis and McKenzie were both on the field. Not to mention Motor was improving, which I think was a playcalling issue all season long (balanced attack and type of run/blocking schemes). Now, add in Crowder, Cook, Shakir, and Howard...I am lost on what these posters wanted? Who did they want to sign or draft? It would have put Davis on the bench, maybe that's what this comes down to.

Noted that Davis is not high on your list. Many teammates, front office. and coaches have been singing his praises this offseason. That's what this truly boils down to for many...is Davis who we think can be a solid/consistent #2 opposite Diggs. Those in your camp think we needed to upgrade, while others have seen enough to have faith he will deliver for us.

Saying that the NFL has turned into an offensive league, isn't absent on me or others. I'm simply saying where would we have looked to "stack" offensive talent, that we don't already have? Oline is the only area, specifically G play, that I'd say sure. But they clearly think Bates can be an answer and Saffold will be a good/solid addition ( no worse than we've had, imo). The skill players are currently: Diggs, Davis, Knox, Motor, Cook, Crowder, McKenzie, Shakir, and Moss. Only potential gap is if Davis and Diggs go down for a prolonged period. This is a stacked group, that has 1 all-pro, likely 2 future pro bowlers in Davis and Knox, and other talent.

Yeah, we clearly spent more $$$s and draft capital on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Everyone should be able to agree ont that. "Opinions" come into play on what we could've/ should've done. To me, the investments were targeted just as I saw our weaknesses last season/couple seasons, and at areas that would most upgrade our overall team results: 1. Needed a premier pass rusher ✔️ 2. Needed more physical DTs/disruptive in the middle ✔️ 3. Upgradable at CB2, more speed and length ✔️ 4. Upgradable/Need playmakers with more YAC ability ✔️ Personally, alot boils down to what people think of these combination of players on offense. I think we upgraded in three major ways: 1. More playing time for Davis, over Manny 2. YAC and speed in the slot: Crowder, more PT for McKenzie and Shakir Vs Beas who had clearly lost a step or two 3. Versatility with player personnel: we clearly wanted a pass catching back with elusiveness (Mckissic) but then got a good one in Cook. Howard, even if not his former self, is a huge upgrade over Sweeney at TE2. He at the very least gives a receiving/RZ threat. On top of all that, I think Saffold is a better Guard than Williams (there's a clear reason he and other guys we cut are not signed). And, we have young talent that is still developing on offense that will command big $$$s in the next 2 offseasons (Knox, Davis). So get ready for the $$$ investment to flip soon. Not sure how educated fans can watch what happened to us in key games (ie: Chiefs, Titans, Pats game 1, even Steelers week 1) and realize that our defensive weaknesses were very real and needed fixed if we would have a shot to go to a super bowl

I didn't say that, btw, lol. But while you brought it up, what did this mysterious immediate pressure lead to? 500+ yards given up, and just 2 sacks? Oh yeah, great pressure by our front 4. You clearly missed the point that I was supporting from the other poster. Which was Cincys front 4 pressure and defense performed much much better than what we did. Our defense lacked a top edge rusher all season, for the past few years. Difficult to be a super bowl team, without one. But continue to find useless "immediate pressure" stats, that Jerry Hughes seems to always be great at, but not actually getting the sack. I think the front office agrees. Take care as well Where is the $90m coming from? By my math, it's $72m...of which Von is $51m. So....why are we throwing around this figure, when Vons contract heavily skews the discussion? Point being, the front office saw a glaring need to find a true difference maker to rush the passer. Outside of that 1 contract, we invested similar on both sides of the ball...albeit a bit more on defense, when considering our draft class.

Good try yourself. Lets state the facts: 1. Against KC in playoffs a. Cincy generated 4 sacks, while rushing just 3 guys (with a spy) on quite a few occasions. Mahomes ran 3x for 19 yards. KC had 375 total yards, 29 min TOP b. Buffalo generated 2 sacks. Mahomes escaped 7x for 69 yards. KC had 552 total yards and 36 min TOP Single game, yes. But like Magox said, it was obvious during the KC game and many times throughout the season, against above average offensez, what our 3 main problems were: 1. Lack of physicality up front/continued struggles in the run game 2. Lack of consistent pass rush, especially with our DEs. 3. Struggles at CB, emphasized once Tre went down. We needed a CB who could matchup with speed and length..enter Elam. a. Levi struggled against big bodied and/or speed WRs. b. Dane is better against big bodied WRs than Levi, but also has issues with over the top speed Pretty wasy to connect the dots and see what the front office/coaches thought were issues, based on the FA and draft priorities. We invested big money on #2, our 1st round pick on #3, and a manageable amount of $$ to address #1. You don't give up 550+ yards in the playoffs and think our pressure rate was good enough OR equivalent to what Cincy was able to adjust with. Hubbard and Hendrickson, were leaps and bounds above Hughes and Mario. No surprise we basically left 4 of our 10 key rotating DL walk in Fa or cut.

Exactly, high and mighty old timer who thinks he instantly knows more than practically every poster. Don't get too upset about it, he does this to everyone. Based on what I've seen, limited (thankfully) exposure to his posts: 1. Talks down to most posters, b/c he sits around with his 60+ yr old buddies talking football and makes him instantly knowledgeable. (although somehow he disregards that some of us actually have coaching/background playing experience, or could just be well educated fans). 2. He also is a season ticket holder, Bills sideline somewhere 20-30 rows up, between the 40s. Although his other old pals, have seasons and likely closer to field. 3. Every now and then stirs the pot (ie: go search his Beasley/McDermott thread from last season, pure gold...or other topics of "expertise", including Tremaine Edmunds). Bottom line, long time posters will get benefit of doubt. Just how it works in these parts. Back to WR/offense weapons topic, I agree with you, and actually like this year's collective group of skill players better. Why? Because we have a ton of versatility, and likely improving players. I don't look at "1-1", who did we lose and replace guys with. To me, it's a collective skill position group, that should each compliment another player. Cook, Crowder, Shakir, and Howard collectively bring more to the table than Beas/Manny, just my 2 cents.

Tua is a modern day Chad Pennington, and that might be his ceiling. Tua held that offense back, for several games last year, and couldn't hold off Fitz from getting playing time in prior years. Dolphins will need to have a top 5ish type defense to be a playoff team, in a conference loaded with star QBs/offenses that can score alot of points.

I always loved the attitude Mongo brought...he isn't wrong that we need some more "juice"/edge at times. Defensively especially, that's why I really like some of the guys we brought in as FAs. But, Mongo wasn't the reason we lost. Sorry Feliciano. Does you no good to come off as bitter, you lost your starting spot due to injury and honestly struggled prior to then. Also think this "clip" is pointless, need to watch the full interview for context: