newcam2012

Nice post Shaw. Is the MLB position in the Bills system really depicted correctly here? Not trying to be a wise guy here. I'm not strong in the xs and os sort of speak. Many others here can absolutely give some solid input here. I'm an old school guy and thought the position was very vital. Almost like the QB of the defense. A rock and foundation piece of the D. Maybe the game's changed? In fact, Beane I believe is on the record verifying the importance of Edmunds. The Bills D was not nearly as good without Edmunds. Also, it was pretty obvious when he played well and poorly. He sure seemed to be an important piece to the D. Looking forward to what others think.

I think you are really going out on a limb to paint the Bills and Allen as victims. Allen is a top tier franchise QB. No one disputes that and his importance to the Bills success. However, it is fair to say Allen turns over the ball too much. He's a gunslinger and takes chances. Think Farve and the same criticism existed. Higher risk and higher reward. There has to be a balance and Allen with time is likely to get better with the turnovers. Especially, if he has more weapons, a better oline, a reliable running game, and nice play calling. Unfortunately, the game is often measured and quantified by how many rings you get. Mahomes might be in a path to challenge Beady and Burrow whose less physically talented than Allen already beat the Bills. He's already sniffed a SB. Allen will always have his critics until he gets a ring or at least makes a SB appearance. I mean look at two hall if framers Kelly and Marino. Just could get it done but both are legends of the game. After highly successful years the experts can and do evaluate careers. Just hope Allen doesn't fall into this category.

I really don't think the Bills are flying under the radar. Sure they aren't the darlings they were starting last season. Nevertheless, Vegas I believe has them in the top 5 or so odds to win it all. Almost everyone would agree the Bills are at least top 5 in the AFC and capable of winning it all. Frankly, I don't think the hype last year hurt the Bills. Similarly, I don't think less hype this year will help much either. These guys are professionals and able to block out much of the noise. You hear tine after time how they focus on one game at a time. In short, I just don't see this flying under the angle thesis. Vice versa...

Very well stated. I agree with most of what you said. For what it's worth, elite or not, I think it's reasonable to say that KC and Cincy have to be ranked higher than the Bills. They have gotten it done and beat the Bills in big playoff games. They have been out coached by quite a bit too. This is a new year and a new slate. So yes the Bills are right there and clearly in the discussion for a Lombardi. Detractors will become louder and louder if the Bills continue to not get it done playoff time.

A few things here. The Bills aren't a lock to make the playoffs. Sure it's likely and I'd be disappointed and very surprised if they don't. However, there isn't a huge separation in the division. The Bills also have to play KC, Cincinnati, and Philly. Many variables like injuries could certainly derail a playoff bid. I'd be very surprised if the Bills win 13 or 14 games. Of course, it's possible but it sure seems overly optimistic to me. 10-7 is definitely in play in my mind. 9-8 is probably the floor. We will find out soon enough. "whether this coaching staff can get them over the hump once they get there." I get that perspective. Partly true but I'd add can the coaches not get in the way of the players? No McD fan here when it comes playoff time. The Bills coaches staff has to prove a lot going forward.

Everything isn't all negative in Bills land. I remain skeptical on several fronts; but the beginning of each new season brings renewed hope and optimism especially with a healthy number 17. The Bills aren't far away from achieving their goal of a SB. It just seems so far away at the same time. The last few early playoffs exits don't make things easier. Go Bills! To be honest I'm not a great fan of the show either. However, I did think several on the panel brought up some legit points. Some were pretty far off too. It was worth a watch in my eyes.

I thought Shady was pretty good too. What they really failed to talk about were the injuries. I don't agree that the roster is worse or barely better. On paper, the Bills improved by a decent margin. I did like how they gave Allen his due respect. They were splitting hairs on a lot of things but it's TV. They have to keep the audience entertained. I do agree that KC and Cincinnati should be ranked ahead of the Bills. They are more proven in the post season. Agree but it makes for entertaining TV. Sometimes the truth is secondary to a juicy story.

I can say with some confidence the bears fans will be disappointed in Edmunds. I hope not because I wish Edmunds well and I have nothing against the NFC Bears.

I think the Beane was really going to resign Edmunds. All indications pointed that way. Thinking he might even take a slight discount to stay in Buffalo Things changed when the Bears massively overpaid for him. At that point, there's no way Beane could resign him. Now Beane had to make another tough decision on Oliver. That decision was made much easier with the departure of Edmunds. Additionally, the Bills are pretty thin in this department too. So it was prudent to sign Oliver on what looks to be a pretty fair level of compensation. Of course, the MLB void still existed. I truly believe Jack Campbell was their guy. No proof of that just my opinion. Kincaid still on the board with no Campbell was an easy decision. The Dorian Williams pick is a hard scratcher. Not sure I get it to this day. Maybe, I'm just not that smart. Seems like every draft Beane does a WTF... Free agency is the next option. Seems like the available FAs weren't a good fit or really not true MLB. Correct me if I'm wrong. Last resort, Beane decides to stay the course with the available MLBs on the roster. One of them will hopefully take a step forward and at least be serviceable. Not a crazy notion and still a possibility. Training camp and pre season seems to show the liability at the position. Beane has to do something. The Kirksey signing. Is he great? Is he elite? No and no. Is it a solid signing? Yes. He brings experience and some skill to the forefront. You can't hate the free move sort of speak. I guess you could absolutely critique the process of how things evolved. Let's hope the MLB position isn't the Achilles heal of the defense. I don't agree that it's an insignificant position.

I think they were trying to find a Luke Kuechly type like he had in Carolina. It just never materialized.

I guess we have different standards. You called two people on the board trolls. Maybe that's your way of being flawless and portraying quality. Secondly, I'm really not here to prove anything to anybody. I'm here to express my feelings and opinions and vice versa. I've posted many positive things on here. I know most of my posts are negative. I get that and I understand the displeasure many feel about that. You can always mute me. I've never represented my words as gospel nor do I think I know it all. I've been humbled here many times and been wrong probably more than right. A simple apology will due chap. Really good post!

I think it's deeper than that. You imply that Dodson and or Bernard are competent. I contend neither is close to being a starter. It's really a pretty bad situation for the Bills. IMHO, all three aren't very good but Kirksey is likely the best of the three. I like the puck but I still think it's a major weaknesses of the defense. Al defenses have weaknesses. Hopefully, McD can work around it. Just like your post was. Making accusations that are ridiculous. Look in the mirror.

Go to sleep.

Very well stated! Great post SC!

Really well said Gunner. Despite my criticisms the Bills are still a top tier team and the favorite to win the division. The Jets are probably the most dangerous to Buffalo in the division. Miami is formidable but I'm not sold on Tua and his health. Hill and Waddle are really good though. Will Fangio make a difference? Allen seems to do well attacking his defense. Chargers are perplexing. On paper, they are probably as talented as any team in the NFL. Boy, do they find ways to lose big games. Year after year they have the Chiefs beat only to lose most of the time. The Jags playoff loss was epic in a bad way. I suspect they will excell one year. They almost remind me of a younger version of the Bills Jags are up and coming. Wonder if they can continue on their winning ways? AFC South is so bad they might win by default. Have to think Lawrence only gets better. KC and Cincy are scary good. Well coached and elite QBs. I'm excited about this season. Go Bills.

Beane is smarter than we fans.

Elite defense?

Pretty solid vs the run not so great vs the pass. He's not great by any means. He's probably better than anyone the Bills have on their roster. Doesn't say a lot but his experience as a play caller is very good too. I think if he's healthy he will be the starter.

Great signing. The Bills needed to upgrade the MLB.

MLB position. The appear to be stronger in many other areas. I think the real question is did the Dolphins and Jets get closer to closing the gap? Can they finally unseat the AFC East champs? Have the Chiefs and KC increased their margin? What about the Jags? LA? No doubt the Bills are one of the teams to beat still.

I guess they cut their ties. I just thought maybe they could have gotten a little more for Boogie. Obviously, they couldn't.

It's exactly why the Bills need a healthy Von come playoff time. He is a difference maker. He just makes everyone around him better too. Football Gods please protect Von and Allen.

Bingo! Not sure why some refuse to understand this? Not sure why some take offense to Bills fans criticizing the oline? Beane? Not sure why some feel that criticizing the Bills equates to being less of a fan? Nevertheless, Hondo very good post. I agree 100 percent.

I really like Cosell. He doesn't always get things right either. He was glowing after the Shakir pick. Not saying he won't improve but thus far he's underperformed. Is average the standard that the Bills are trying to achieve? It's debatable if they were average. Even so that's just not good enough. Wouldn't you agree? Wouldn't you agree the oline has been problematic in several years of playoff games? I'd argue that the "average" oline has contributed to the Bills playoff losses. I think that's reasonable and why Beane shifted his focus to the oline. Hopefully, the moves reap rewards. A solid oline will make the Bills hard to beat. I think this year the Bills will utilize quicker short passing game that sets up the deeper ball.