newcam2012

I disagree here. Just look at this season. The Bengals are playing well especially on offense with a healthy Burrow. I believe his passer rating is fantastic the last three games. The Bengals are at home and that is a nice advantage. Add in all of Buffalo's losses have been away from their home field. That has to be figured into your calculations. Buffalo has been fairly inconsistent on both sides of the ball. Last years games also have to be taken into consideration. Coaching, players, schemes, adjustments, game planning, etc...Sure there are many new variables to consider in both sides of the ball. Edge here seems to go to the Bengals because they seemingly already have the winning formula. Now it's up to Buffalo to execute, game plan, and make the proper adjustments. Lastly, Bills injuries to the defense are definitely game changing in a negative way. Add in a Von that's not even close to being elite. Huge uphill battle for McD to slow down the Bengals offense. Frankly, I don't see this D being successful. I wouldn't be surprised if the Bengals put up 40 plus points. The Bills offense needs to be a well oiled machine. Almost flawless. I'm advocating for an up tempo offense. Limit what the Bengals D can do. Fast, quick, accurate, RPOs, and take your shots when they are there. Allen has to have great vision this game. Lou A will try to pressure him, confuse him, and frustrate him. Lastly, the Bengals D is poor against running QBs. Allen can easily run for over 50 yards. Force the Bengals to defend Allen's run game. All in all, I think this line is really strange. I think it's a Bengals -3 all day.

That's way out of my league.

Sure doesn't seem like a super bowl team. At this point, I'm just hoping they make the playoffs. Maybe with less pressure they can do well. Thus far, 5-3 is pretty disappointing with a very difficult schedule ahead. We are going find out fast what kind of team the Bills are. A win in Cincinnati will go a long way.

That's fair. What's also fair is lots of media will continue to take shots at Buffalo so long as they continue to disappoint in the playoffs. Colin is just one of many. Winning is the best way to silence the critics. The Chargers have a reputation of losing games, choking games, and poor coaching. Seems like valid criticism. The Bills have the reputation of failing, disappointing, and not advancing far enough in the playoffs. Seems like valid criticism. Well at least they beat down bad teams.

You don't think the Dolphins will beat them?

And they still win. Go figure. Are they the defending champions? Top notch organization from top to bottom. Can't say that I'm not envious.

You are right. Let me clarify what I meant. They lost the best WR in the league to Miami. So many thought their offense would really suffer. If memory serves me right, their offense wasn't great early to mid season. Come playoff time that offense was almost unstoppable despite a weaker WR core. The didn't miss a great and win the Superbowl. Beat down a dominate Eagle defense. Maybe they don't need to retool? So you can slander the KC WRs or call it whatever you wish. Poor, poor retooling, terrible, etc...KC didn't miss a beat come playoff time. Fast forward to this year. Looks awfully similar to last year. The rookie WR Rice is going to be a problem for opposing defenses. It's pretty hard to slam the KC process because they win and win Superbowls. I call it winning. Whatever they did worked.

I agree but he did hit some very key points that shouldn't be overlooked with his other noisy points.

Let me try to interject on some of your points. First off, very well thought out response. Your wrong points: #1. I think that's more of a right for Colin then a wrong. It's probably more accurate if he called out the Bills attempts to rebuild and woefully missed. Also, I believe he compared the rebuilding process to a KC team who retooled their WR and solidified their oline very quickly. He's not wrong here. #2. I think his use of the word "identity" is too shallow and doesn't paint an accurate picture. He did go on the specifically say the Bills were way to dependent on Josh. That's been a knock on the Bills for years. Quite similar to a Carolina team lead by a QB named Cam Newton. In essence the identity is Josh Allen has to be Superman. #3. I think Colin twisted Beane's wording to fit his narrative. He took what he said out of context. Agree with what you stated. #4. Kyle S get a lot of praise and media attention . He's a very good coach but he reminds me of a bridesmaid. He hadn't gotten his team over the top either. Feels like he gets a pass because he doesn't have a franchise QB. He's very good but slightly overrated in my eyes. With that said, if trade him for McD tomorrow. Right points: #1. Spot on. Time keeps ticking with too many wasted opportunities. Makes me wonder if Josh would ever consider moving on to another team. That though makes my stomach uneasy #2. Interesting perspective. That requires a lot of dissection.. #3. McD seat is likely to get hotter and hotter. I think it's overdue that some are finally questioning the coach. Colin appropriately questioning him is a good thing.

About 1.30 seconds in Colin gives his opinion on the Bills, McD, Beane, and the identity of the Bills. Have to say his thoughts seem fairly accurate.

Both might not work out. At this point, options are limited and at least Beane is trying to improve the team. It's better than doing nothing. Everything to gain and nothing to lose.

The injuries to the D were horrible. That D was outstanding and I think one of the best in the league. So unfortunate.

I agree Beane did a very good job this week. He has made some good moves to improve the team. Only small disagreement is I'm not sure Lenny is an upgrade to Murray. I do think Lenny is a good insurance policy if the Bills suffer an injury.

Scott you are incorrect in saying I give the Bills no chance of winning. In numerous post I've said the Bills can win. More specifically, I gave the Bills about a 35% chance of winning. I also think past results do play a role in sports. How much is debatable. I don't think it's totally accurate to say last year is last year. The Bengals already have a winning formula vs the Bills. They know they can beat the Bills. I'm sure they are ultra confident going into this game. That doesn't equate to a win but it likely gives them a psychology advantage; perhaps subconsciously. The Bills on the other hand have to prove they are a better team. Perhaps that gives them extra motivation? Perhaps it creates more doubt? Hard to know the effects of previous games. But to dismiss them seems inaccurate. I'm pretty sure each coaching staff has analyzed the heck out of last year's game. Trying to learn from it, get an edge from it, etc ...

Oh I see how it goes. You can analyze teams the Bills have played and the Bills opponents and competition. Yet, I should basically be quiet and watch the game. Got it! It cuts both ways Scott. More often than not people here consistently tell others how the Bills will win and win big. Let's get real. I don't hear you telling them "just watch the game."

I like the move! Solid!

Oh ok. You think giving a 5 yard cushion is the answer! Not being sarcastic but I don't understand this strategy. Do you really think the Bills secondary can be successful vs the Bengals pass catchers? I say it's unlikely. Heck, Mac Jones looked like an all pro a few of weeks ago. Tyrod marched down for the winning score. Thank you refs for the gift win. I get being optimistic but we also have to be realistic too. The fact remains the Bills D is very vulnerable vs a dangerous offense. The best path to victory is Josh Allen playing Superman with several Batmans contributing.

I think it's worth pointing out the Bengals run a west coast offense. That means Burrow gets rid of the ball quickly. Takes deep strikes when he sees obvious one on one advantages. The Bills were successful vs Tua despite his quick releases. However, it's quite different because Tua is mostly a first read QB. Burrow is able to go through his progressions and use his legs in big situations. Burrow is by far the best QB the Bills have faced. I don't see this defense stopping the Bengals O. Sorry.

The Bills are a zone defense. Do you think they have the CBs for press coverage? Chase and Higgins will likely run right past the Bills slower CBs. Burrow will recognize the mismatch and take full advantage. Also, don't discount the ability of Burrow to extend plays and make big runs with his legs. I see the Bengals making first down after first down with the Bills defense having a difficult time getting off the field. Feels like the Bills won't be able to string together 3 consecutive stops. Maybe that's just my negativity. Hope im wrong. Meanwhile, the Bills offense is very good but still a work in progress. Josh has a injuries should and not fully practicing. Not ideal at all. The offensive consistency is a bit worrisome. Last week was encouraging but they still only scored 25 points. Can and will the "others" step up in a big road game in a hostile environment? Always easier for younger guys in a home environment.

I have no concerns about the team being flat. That's a non issue. I di believe McD will be aggressive and assertive. In big games he's shown the ability to go for it in 4th downs. I believe he will play to win. I don't believe the Bills lose because of lack of desire, effort, or playing scared. I believe they lose because Cinci has too many offensive weapons, an elite QB, are a bad match up for Buffalo, are at home, and have proven recipe to beat the Bills.

I think if McD blitzes Burrow he will burn the Bills secondary. Burrow has a very nice track record of beating blitzes. He's been aggressive against terrible or sub par QBs. Tyrod, Baker, Jimmy G, and Howell. Lawrence was able to be effective especially in big third downs. Tua is the glaring example of success. Burrow looks to be healthy and hitting his stride. He has to be confident playing the Bills. Truthfully, I don't see a solid path for McD to stop Cinci. I think a bend but don't break is the best way to win. Hope for red zone success and a few turnovers. This depleted D isn't very good. An aggressive D will likely get tourched by Burrow. I'm not sure they can stop Mixon running and in the screen game. I think Cook is the key to the offense. His running and passing catching has to be excellent. This will open up things for Allen. I think Shakir will have a nice game. Kincaid might be slowed down as teams begin to game plan for him. Diggs is Diggs. Dorsey has to get creative and have a solid game plan for the Bengals pressure. I think Lou will be very aggressive early in and then makes adjustments as need be. Dorsey has to be able to make similar effective adjustments. He just can't keep doing what's not working. He really sucked in last years game. A bit concerned that he's overmatched. Lastly, Allen has to use his legs. RPOs, scrambles, etc ...

How is Shorter playing? No I asked you and others what's the game plan. I don't have a direct connection to McD.

Nice breakdown. I think that's best case scenario here for the Bills. The Bills have been pretty poor at stopping the run and at defending screen passes. A successful run game will open up things for Burrow. Burrow will beat the Bills or at least take advantage of one on one situations. He's proven this in the past. I don't think the Bills can afford to give up big plays. I suspect we see a lot of bend but don't break defense from McD. He simply doesn't have the players to stop the Bengals offense. The Bills defense is not good. At best, they have to be really good in the red zone and hope for a couple of turnovers. On offensive, the Bills should be able to score. However, Lou A knows how to defend and confuse Allen. He will continually mix up his defenses and bring timely blitzes. I believe Allen will be under lots of duress. Brown will likely be exploited. Nevertheless, Allen should be able to make plays. Need a big game from Cook and another player besides Diggs. There is a path for the Bills to win. I think it's slim and not a 50 50 game. I give the Bills about a 35% to win.

I think the Bengals will be fine despite their cap issues. Higgins is a very nice player but he can be partially replaced. A little bit of a hit at that position won't hurt them too much. Mixon is replaceable. As long as they have Burrow and Chase they will be hunt year after year. Similar to Allen and Diggs. The sky isn't falling for the Bengals. I think the Bengals know how to beat the Bills. I can't say the same about the Bills beating Cinci.

I agree but this team can lose to anyone too. Look at who we lost to. Frankly, who have the Bills beat besides their division rival Dolphins? Wins: 1 Raiders (stink) 2 Wash (stink) 3 Miami (quality win) 4 Giants (stink) 5 Tampa (stink) Not exactly world beaters Losses: 1 Jets (no Rodgers/ Hall no healthy) 2 Jags (quality team) 3 NE (stink) Not impressive to date. Fans want to talk about who the Dolphins have played and beat. When you take a deep dive at the Bills record it's anything but encouraging. Sunday night we will should get a pretty firm idea of the direction of the team. How good and or bad they are. Are the Bills really the better team? I don't think that's a given.