MasterStrategist

Hope to see us get more creative with some of our 3rd down (obvious passing situation) packages this game...it's always a balancing act of whether to blitz Mahomes, and Frazier/McD have elected to not blitz historically. But other ways to simulate/generate pressure with 4 man rushes: 1. Nascar/Speed fronts: we've been deploying these here and there already. Moving Groot or Boogie to the 3T, and getting an extra DE on the field. 2. Sugar/LB a-gap pressure looks: this used to be a staple, and we still occasionally do it, but far less often. Maybe the desire to do this decreased since we rarely send Milano or Edmunds against Pat. But I'd like to see us get creative...more on this below. 3. 3-2-6 dime package: we NEVER run dime, so not expecting much of this. But nonetheless, would like to see us try. We actually deployed this 2-3x against them in the divisional round. Siran Neal as our dime, and run a "sugar"/creep look with our front 6...try to confuse the line but ultimately rush our DT/2 DEs/ and either Milano/Edmunds or Neal/Taron. Bucs ran this defense in the super bowl, as well as Raiders a few times on MNF. Bottom line, this isn't to get away from our bread/butter completely, which is line up our front 4 and let them get after it/while mixing coverage looks behind. But it's just like offense, trying to stay balanced/present the threat of running. This is similar, present the threat of blitzes and rush 4 in different ways. Frazier has been at adapting this year, I'm sure he'll be prepared.

Steelers did alot of nice things to protect their rookie QB, but it ultimately led to a very conservative offense. Keeping TE/RBs to chip Von, rolling the pocket, very quick route concepts/1 side of field reads, etc. To an extent, Kcs offense is designed to dink/dunk and spread the ball around more this yr. Key will be shutting down their ground game and holding them to FGs, similar goals to basically the past couple years. As much as losing Micah hurts, i actually like our secondary more this season. Elams athleticism/speed/press coverage and Hamlin is a more agressive safety. Think we are more well rounded overall, even if we can't sack Pat.

IIRC, Dareus trade was also about dumping future cap hits (immediately taking the financial hit). I vaguely recall his attitude rubbing Beane and McDermott the wrong way too, maybe I'm misrembering though. But nonetheless, he was no where near the locker room presence/leader that Saquon is. Agree a Barkley trade now makes zero sense for Gmen.

I think it's too late now for the Gmen, Imo, a trade now loses the locker room/alot of credibility that Daboll and Schoen quickly built. I get the 1st year of rebuild and SB's likely gonna leave after this season, but they are playing too well now/he's too much of that teams offense and leadership presence. I do think he'll get them a potential 3rd round comp pick...better than nothing, and worth riding out this momentum that they have. Next year will be their true rebuild, similar to what we did.

He returned to the game and looked fine. No way he comes back into a game, especially a blowout and with a hammy injury (not like taping up an ankle) which could be significantly worsened. I think he's good to go.

Few things: 1. Signing Bryant back to 53: I don't think this is immediately related to Phillips, he returned to the game and looked fine after. I think it's more of a insurance policy, as Bryant already used 2 call ups from PS, and likely someone else interested in learning signing him. 2. Safety to PS: we had open spots because of releasing Prince and CJ. I don't think this means anything for Poyer, just a numbers thing for practice right now. Struggled to have enough DBs last week in practice. 3. CB: releasing Ingram, I think they hope he returns to PS. He has used 1 call up. I think this is a potential sign that Benford could return this week, will see.

LFG Raiders!

Hope McDermott and Frazier see what shutting down the KC run game does. Not talked about enough, but KC wants to run the ball more this yr.

This aging very well so far....

Keep pounding that front, Josh Jacobs looks like his old self this year

Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby doing their part....great defense

Big drive here. Need to keep KC out of the endzone.

Fair enough, in the moment sure, but after the game I'm not sure why this is a big deal. Steelers should be focusing more on what to do with their Offensive coordinator. They have a much bigger problem there to figure out. That offense has legit talent at their skill positions, and good enough QB play, Matt Canada should be immediately fired...way underachieving.

You know this, but bears reminding about Picketts fake slide last year. Hamlin knew not to let up and his hit landed on the shoulder pad, albeit a split second late. These are snap decisions players make, neither was "Bush league", just hustle to the end of the play. Again, you know Damar and Kenny played together at Pitt, Damar isn't that type of guy/player either. Also never seen Shaq try to cheap shot/injure a player. Picketts reaction is also fine, if he feels that way. Big deal about nothing though, IMO.

Phillips is fine, he returned to the game and was on the sidelines (no treatment/etc) for the entire game.

Not directed just at you, but Bryant has been ok/nothing special. He and Emili got washed out of the middle several plays against Ravens, and he hasn't got much QB pressure. There's a reason he wasn't signed after initial cuts, if he is signed now, it's because another team has injury issues. That said, I hope he makes it back on our PS, but Zimmer is more talented.

Not 100%, but I'm referencing what is on the Bills official website. Will assume it's Jacquan, and the depth chart is misleading.

Per Joe Buscaglia, Tremaine isn't practicing today. While McKenzie is practicing, without the non-contact jersey. Very likely Tremaine is out, but good news on Isaih looking like he will play. Depth chart has Dodson listed as MLB backup, but interestingly Cam Lewis is listed as Poyers backup....that can't be right?

Minkah practiced today, albeit limited. Tomlin said early this week that a bunch of guys are dinged, but will likely play Sunday. Except Witherspoon. On your comment about our DTs, I think Ed and/or Phillips are ready this week. Bills wouldn't have cut Emili and Brewer, otherwise. Much more likely these guys gutted it out, than something off the field. It wasn't apparent when either got injured, as you said. It's totally possible we are managing reps/soreness, and both are active still. Usually sitting Wed/Thur not good news, but we don't know for certain yet. Fingers crossed they can be ready.

The Edmunds & Knox hamstrings, are sorta a mystery in terms of both finishing the game and no apparent play that theyvleft injured. Obviously will know more tomorrow. but sitting out Wed-Thur is usually not a good sign.

Yes that was the Steeler game last year. But honestly, we didn't lose that game because of some talk show/etc. We lost it because: 1. in the trenches, our OL specifically, played horrible 2. Daboll adjusted too late from our empty sets, to try running the ball/playaction under center. 3. Blocked punt for 6 4. Levi was called for a couple critical PI, on 50/50 jump balls to Claypool. Of the above, I'm hopeful Dorsey adjusts accordingly and it already helps that TJnis out for them. I'd be ready for the 50/50 passes again, Dane and Elam just need to get their heads around to make plays.

ACL I thought

One thing for certain, Pickett is going to give his playmakers a chance to make some plays. For better or worse for them, he doesn't play it conservative like Mitch. Agree, this is basically what I said in the point spread thread. Their offense has loads of talent, their oline is horrendous though. Kenny isn't a burner but he's definitely mobile and converted some drives last week (and alot at Pitt) using his legs...something to be aware of. This is the week to get the ground game and playaction going.

I think Speedy was ahead of Tavon, prior to his injury. We shall see, but that's who he'd replace on that list. I still think they'll give him at least two weeks practice time. He was inconsistent to start camp, but got rolling, so will depend which version shows up. Expect Tavon to be up this week, regardless.

They could do either option, sign to active or PS callup (only can get called up 3x tho) which wouldn't count against an active roster spot. Ultimately, I think they decide to on how close Speedy is to returning. JMO, but think the staff still sees potential and he was having a solid camp until injured in early August. If Speedy is close, my guess is they will use a PS callup on Tavon.