newcam2012

I was including the first stint he did with the Bills in 2015-2016 I believe. I get what your are saying. It's valid for sure. I just think the regime has failed to really solidify the oline over the years. I think Beane has had enough time to improve the oline. I think it's fair to say the oline has been problematic for several years now. This year is a new year and hopefully with better results. I am more encouraged that the oline will be be better than last years. I'm not so sure it's solid enough to beat elite teams in the playoffs. That's a long way away. We will see...

That's fair. However, opposing teams will adapt to the Bills tendencies if they constantly run to the right side. Agree, that McGovern should help a lot in the pass game. That is pretty big in my eyes. I like the move but I'm not sold that the Bills oline is really good. Improved yes but there's still a lot that needs to be proved. That does include McGovern on a new team and scheme. Also, it makes me a little uneasy that they may be starting a huge rookie on the line with questionable footwork. He seems to be a liability in the pass game. Opposite of McGovern sort of speak. That could be a big deal in a negative way. Of course the elephant in the room is Brown. He can't stay healthy and when healthy has he been good? Not sure he has. Sure there's potential but it sure seems like a risky move or at the very least an uncomfortable question mark. It shouldn't take us long to know how good the oline is. The Monday night opener vs the Jets is a very nice test.

Correct but most football experts say McGovern's run blocking is mediocre to poor. He's not elite. Sure he's an upgrade and I'm happy about the acquisition. However, let's not get carried away here. I get the optimism but it's kind of crazy that the Bills oline is a work in progress six years into the Beane regime. By now, the oline should be very solid and only minor tweeks should be made. As for me, the oline is the key to how far the Bills will go. Not one guy on the line is elite. They must play well as a unit. It's a bit concerning that new guys are starting on the line. How will they gel? Torrence has to develop. Brown and his back? Is Kromer overrated? What has he really done to develop Bills players? The oline has been an issue for years under Kromer. I'm not saying he sucks but I fail to see the fruits he's produced. I consistently hear how great he is. Am I missing something? In short, I do believe the oline has been upgraded. Is that enough?

Swinging helmets?

Just thinking out loud here. A fight like this isn't exactly the culture coach McD has instilled in the team. He's built a tight group built on togetherness, cohesiveness, and love.

Me too.

I like the aggressive behavior. It shows fight and passion.

Thank you. I'm trying.

Very well thought out. Good post. Being a Bills fan doesn't mean being irrational. I like to think most Bills fans are knowledge people. Most can analyze teams, players,and data in a rational manner.

Well said! That's why I referred to much of what has been said as Bills hate on the Jets. I heard all about a weak oline when the Bills played the Bengals. How did that weak Jets oline do vs Buffalo last year? If memory serves me right they ran the ball down the Bills throat repeatedly to run out the clock. That was with medicare RBs too. Last not be so quick to dismiss the Jets oline as a fatal flaw. The be jury is still out on the Bills oline.

With respect, I don't agree with this logic. I believe this train of thought is flawed. Why? The running game in modern day football has been minimized and undervalued. It's still a very important factor in any team's offense. More specifically, let's look at the Jets team. Do you think they want an older Rogers with a questionable oline to drop back and throw the ball 40 plus times s game? I think the answer is a clear no. Cook with an eventual healthy Hall can create problems for an opposing defenses. Additionally, both backs are dangerous in the screen game. The Jets would love to keep the ball out of the hands of Allen and Tua. I don't think they want to get into a shootout with either team. A solid running game controlling the clock and relying on on their D is their best way to win. Cook gives the Jets a better pathway to beat their defensive foes. It's a nice move for the Jets. Remember, all the Buffalo fans pounding the table for Delvin? Now the Jets acquire him and that logic suddenly goes out the window. Really? This just sounds like the Bills fans hating on the Jets.

Come on now. Pro bowlers by default. They are good but neither are elite. The Bills oline has a lot to prove. So the Bills Cook and other Bills RBs hype is unwarranted based on your premise?

A lot of the offense will no doubt fall on Rodgers. However, you have to look at the Cook acquisition in it's whole. The Jets will likely rely on their defense and try to control the ball on offense. I don't think they want an older Rodgers throwing the ball 40 plus times. Take into consideration their oline which doesn't look strong. Cook can contribute enough to make their offense better. Cook can be used in the screen game and short passing game too where he's very good. I would not brush off this pick up as insignificant. Likely, it's not enough to overcome the Bills for the division. It does close the gap though. The Bills oline has more concerns then RT. Not one person on the line is elite. They have to play well as a unit and they have several new additions. The jury is out on how good of bad the oline will be. They are capable of being solid not elite. Vice versa.

Similar to Buffalo's oline. Right?

I disagree. Cook is a pretty good RB. He makes their offense better. He's really dangerous catching the ball.

Jets just got better. Can't deny that.

Your math if off.

You think the offense was flawless last year? Are you trying to imply the Bills offense can't improve? Surely you aren't... How about limiting turnovers, possessing the ball more and thus limiting other offenses opportunities, being more balanced and even harder to stop, less reliance on Allen running the ball, improved RedZone offense, and scoring more than 10 points in the biggest home playoffs game in decades. I agree. Allen is special but I believe the Bills have to try to be a little more diverse. It's been widely stated in football circles that the Bills have been overly dependent on Allen. A solid run game only makes Allen that much more dangerous. I'd argue close to unstoppable.

Maybe Dorsey stays more committed to the run this year. I wouldn't hate a more balanced attack. Would really be difficult for opposing defenses to stop.

He is still a very good back up. He can get the tough yards, convert short yardage runs for first downs, and score TDs in the red zone. It's a nice pick up for NE. Still they are behind the talent curve in the AFC East. However, they won't be an easy out either.

Another words, cover up for the weakness at MLB. Good teams in the playoffs will absolutely exploit the weaknesses of another team. You can run but you can't hide. Luke Kuechly where are you?

He will be near the bottom. He's just not that good in my eyes.

The MLB position is a huge concern. They all look like backups to me and some not even be quality backups.

Great post! I myself am perplexed by the Bills situation at the MLB position. Not one of those guys looks to be remotely close to starter material. Hard to believe Beane can't see that. Hard to believe they are going to trot out such an inferior player. Maybe I'm wrong here. Sure seems like a big hole in the middle of the Bills D.

I'm think Gabe Davis mid season could be a viable trade. A lot has to go right and wrong for it to happen. If he plays very well the Bills will likely be looking at a big contract to pay. Also, they might need him to make a big run at the SB. Unlikely he gets traded in this scenario. If Gabe plays poorly then there's a better chance he might get traded but for less value. If Gabe plays solid, decent, or average then the door is wide open for trade opportunities. I suspect this is the most likely occurrence.