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Everything posted by Virgil
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My apologies for the lateness of this, but work and the upcoming holiday shifted my priorities a bit. Watching the games this weekend, the reality of this COVID world was ever apparent as teams were missing key players. Division games showed bizarre resorts as Marsha was smacked all over the field. The hapless Detroit Lions found a way to dominate the Cardinals, and multiple teams threw backup or third string quarterbacks to the wolves. It's unfortunately to have these last few week of the regular season be impacted like this, and it's affected every team differently, but it's the world we live in. 1 - Josh - While I think Josh overall played a good game, you could tell his toe was bothering him. Surprisingly to me, it seemed to bother him more when he didn't have pressure (which wasn't very often). When he was able to stay in the pocket and plant his feet, he put a few balls into the ground. When he was evading the rush and I assume the adrenaline kicked in, he was accurate and played solid ball. If Gabe wasn't held, he would have delivered a beautiful deep strike for a potential touchdown. That may have been his most impressive throw, until he actually hit Gabe for a laser touchdown. Watching it live, there seemed to be no possible way Josh was completing that pass. However, most don't have the cannon Josh has either. With a defender near him and two more closing in, Josh broke the sound barrier hitting Gabe in the chest. As impressive as the throw was, the trust in Gabe to make that catch also goes to show why Gabe needs to be our #2. 2 - Motor - There's been a lot of debate around what needs to be done to fix our rushing attack. Is it our offensive line or halfbacks? Well, this game isn't going to answer either of those questions. However, I would now say it's 1 - Scheme, 2 - Line, 3 HB Talent. With one of our weakest offensive line groups of the season, Motor saw one of his better overall games. His first rushing touchdown is all you can ask of a top tier back. It was 20+ yards, showed burst, and broke some tackles. We didn't over-commit to the run and I would argue this was about the perfect balance for a Josh-led offense. Motor got almost all of the snaps and seemed to find a nice rhythm. Motor still doesn't have the top end speed for toss plays I would like to see, but he did more than enough in this game to show why he should be our lead back for the rest of the season. Holding onto the ball helped too. 3 - Spencer - Outside of an offensive lineman being a revolving door, Spencer Brown had possibly the worst game an offensive line player can have. Yes, he played out of position and against a very fast Panthers defensive line. Even with that, to have 5 penalties called against him, including one for taunting, is completely unacceptable. McD did the right thing pulling him off the field. I loved his participation in the Diggs beer celebration and you can tell he brings a lot of energy to the offense, but he needs to find a healthy outlet for it that doesn't hurt the team. 4 - Ladyfinger dipped in moonlight Writing "What for?" across the morning sky Sunlight splatters dawn with answers Darkness shrugs and bids the day good-bye Speeding arrow, sharp and narrow What a lot of fleeting matters you have spurned Several seasons with their treasons Wrap the babe in scarlet covers, call it your own 5 - Cam - While I know he's on a huge downward trajectory, I do want to take a moment and admire how hard of a player he is to pull down. The Bills hit Cam in the backfield multiple times this game, only to have Cam shrug them off and break away for a solid game. He didn't run enough to merit putting a spy on him, but he found his yards in key situations. There's a lot of comparisons between Cam and Josh, and I'm used to seeing Josh break those sacks; but I just have to tip my cap to Cam's overall athleticism. 6 - Diggs - While not a great game for him overall, I have to acknowledge him breaking 1,000 yards with 3 games left to play. It's been a quiet year for Diggs overall, but he does provide a sense of stability at the receiver position we haven't had in a long time. As for his touchdown, did anyone else forget that Gilmore played for the Panthers now? To see Diggs physically dominate Gilmore on that play, and then host such a fantastic celebration afterwards, made it all a little bit sweeter. 7 - Defensive Line - Multiple guys on the line had some shining moments in this game. It was spread out enough where it's hard to say who was the MVP. Phillips started over Star and was pretty solid up the middle. He's quietly had a upward trajectory performance these past few weeks. Obada absolutely blew up a late series by sacking Cam twice. Boogie did a great job on reading a RPO with a tackle for a loss. No, they didn't go up against McC or a top tier offense, but it was still good to see some production from these guys. 8 - Frazier - I wish I could be in the strategy room to better understand when and why Frazier decides to send heat, because it's so hit or miss from game to game. The Bills sent a 5th rusher quite a bit in this game. Unfortunately, the 5th rusher was also a DB who Cam was able to shrug off. The Bills hit home a few times with it and seemed to confuse Cam enough to break up some plays. However, I'm still not seeing Frazier effectively implement stunts or other movement on the line to create better pressure with the front 4. 9 - Milano - Again, while not exactly going up against a world beater offense without McD, Milano showed great coverage and closing speed. He had a few plays where he forced the in-completion with quick hit. He tracked outside runs quickly and got pressure in the backfield more than a few times. The gap between him and Edmunds seems ever-apparent to me, but I'm tired of beating that drum. 10 - Moving Forward - We all know where we go next week. No matter who is going to be out for this game (minus Josh), we can't have any excuses for this game. The division is on the line, and most likely the playoffs. If we can't go into Foxboro and beat this team, then we quite honestly don't deserve to make the playoffs anyways. The prior's game tape is basically useless and the fans will be loud. This is easily the biggest game of our season and it's put up or shut up time. A win, and somehow all feels right in the world again. A loss, and I think many will be questioning the fundamental makeup of this team. Either way, should be an interesting game. Go Bills!!!
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I expect Kumerow to step up big time from this. McKenzie might see some more snaps, but I don't see him get a big bump in snaps. Here's to Gabe lighting it up!!!
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AP exclusive: Bills propose new 60k seat stadium by (update - 2025)
Virgil replied to YoloinOhio's topic in The Stadium Wall
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This should be a fun day for Josh with his bum toe behind a shredded offensive line
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2022 RB Draft class looks pretty good
Virgil replied to 78thealltimegreat's topic in The Stadium Wall
I’d throw up. I’m surprised I got so much hate about the DB comment. Don’t people realize that Tre won’t be back until late October at best? Wallace is a UFA. We are on track to have Johnson and Jackson as our only two starting DB’s Ha! I was just typing about this. I also disagree on receivers. I’m very comfortable with Gabe and Diggs on the outside. Now, If they are worried about Beasley in the slot, I understand. But I don’t see a slow guy going early nor is that replaced in the draft. I’m not dismissing the need for blockers. I just don’t know that we will go there with a 1st pick. I hate to say it, but I see it going DB or DT with our first two picks, then G. -
2022 RB Draft class looks pretty good
Virgil replied to 78thealltimegreat's topic in The Stadium Wall
DB is the most pressing concern, unless we address that in FA. After that, no halfback is going to succeed unless we upgrade the line.- 110 replies
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A couple of things: 1 - This season has been an absolute anomaly regarding weather this season. We haven't seen this many games affected by weather in a long time 2 - This conversation is extra amplified as there are more power run teams, which we haven't seen in the league in over 5 years. The two together is a perfect storm for the type of team we built
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I wanted Josh to beat him once
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Inside the 20 with a chance to win it two games in a row
Virgil replied to Virgil's topic in The Stadium Wall
I don’t think weapons are the issue. Diggs, Knox, and Davis are all red zone weapons. We just forgot how to use them -
There so many things you can pick apart from a game to think what if. However, I can’t let go of the fact that we were inside the 20 these past two weeks and a touchdown wins both games and has us with the one seed right now. You could include the Titans game as well. This isn’t about the red zone offense as much as having games right there in front of us and not being able to score. Whether it be penalties or low percentage plays, Daboll and the offense just isn’t getting it done. Of everything from this season that’s burned us, this above all else is my biggest concerns.
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Doesn't mean we can’t trade him or get his replacement
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Bills will win out. And then...anything can happen
Virgil replied to Hebert19's topic in The Stadium Wall
I appreciate your optimism and wish I knew how to share in it. I think they will find a way to lose one more, but still sneak in -
A Few Thoughts about the Bucs Game, in no particular order
Virgil replied to Virgil's topic in The Stadium Wall
Why, so Daboll can line him up out wide? -
A Few Thoughts about the Bucs Game, in no particular order
Virgil replied to Virgil's topic in The Stadium Wall
Maybe next season if I give it another go -
A Few Thoughts about the Bucs Game, in no particular order
Virgil posted a topic in The Stadium Wall
While this season is one of parody and week to week results, the Bills fell to one gave over .500 in a game where they didn't look like they belonged on the same field for half the game. As I look back on this season versus my previous seasons writing these, it's hard for me to tell if it's harder to write during a season of blown expectations or during the drought. At least during the drought, we could focus on improvement and hope. In this season, it's been more so about meeting expectations or letdowns. At this point, it's very clear where the problems lay with this team and not it's only a matter of how the Bills will fix it in the off-season through personnel or coaching changes. 1 - Allen - I'm sure many will discuss the interception before the half, but even by that point in the game, it's almost impossible for me to blame Josh for much of anything he does. Behind this offensive line where he was running for his life on almost every play, because Daboll can't seem to figure out how to block more than 5, and receivers that don't magically get open in less than 2 seconds, Josh is constantly being asked to make something out of nothing. I'm not saying he doesn't have opportunities (high throws to the sideline) nor is he perfect, I'm just saying it's impossible to tell. He had a great touchdown run off the RPO and had a solid completion percentage for a bit, but then was down 21 and had to start playing hero ball. Josh is our entire offense and sets up the success of everyone else on the team. His ability to move in the pocket brings up safeties and he actually avoided more sacks than the stat sheet will show . But it's unrealistic to expect him to carry this team on his own. I feel good knowing that, no matter what changes happen on this team, we have our QB to build around. 2 - Daboll - Coming into this game, you knew thew Bucs could do one thing well on defense, and that was rush the passer. With that being said, why did Daboll leave only 5 players in to block so much? More so, with the amount of DB blitzes, leave Motor in the backfield as extra pass protection. I say Motor very specifically because Breida got absolutely run over when he tried to make a block. McKenzie ran a Jet Sweep threat only one time which pretty much sums up Daboll's attempt to confuse the defense, move the pocket, or do anything at all to slow down the Bucs pass rush. While we did get it going in the second half, there's still no excuse for the first half performance or the 3 and out in OT. I don't feel like this team has any "go to" plays anymore and there's no overall theme on offense. Each drive and 3rd down play feels like a toss up. This has been an ongoing theme this past month and it's one thing to just get beat up front, it's another to not plan for it at all. 3 - Running backs in the first half - 4 - I seem to recognize your face Haunting familiar, yet I can't seem to place it Cannot find the candle of thought to light your name Lifetimes are catching up with me All these changes taking place I wish I'd seen the place But no one's ever taken me 5 - Defensive Line - I almost labeled this thought pass rush, but that would indicate that the Bills have one. Brady had literally all day to throw and this 40 million dollar defensive line with multiple first round pics was beyond pathetic in this game. You can see the frustration brewing from the players and Oliver is a ticking time bomb of a personal foul. I've been able to tolerate McD's rotation on the line, but we aren't able to rush the passer or stop the run with these guys and aren't getting a ROI. Groot has been non-existent since the first few weeks. Addison's had one good game, and threw in an offside in this game. Hughes is the kind of almost sacks and missed holding calls. Oliver is high motor, undisciplined, and I'm waiting for more PFs against him. 6 - Zone Defense - While Poyer and Hyde are great safeties, how were they left to cover Godwin and Evans so much? I understand that Tre is out and we need to compensate to a degree, but our great passing defense gave up over 200 passing yards in the first half, with each pass looking to fall right in front of either safety. Also, with zero pass rush, zone defense is only good if you force the QB to make bad reads and throw into coverage. With Brady having all day, it was surgical how easily he picked us apart. As we transitioned to the second half, it does look like we started playing man, and saw more success. With that, shout out to Dane Jackson for playing well 1 on 1 in coverage against Gronk. 7 - Edmunds - With this thought, I will be retiring any future comments about Edmunds, as I'm just over him as a player. While Milano didn't have a great game, I can at least remember seeing him on the field (Brady sack was beautiful) with some big tackles and pass knock downs. Edmunds had one good tackle in the open field against Gronk. Other than that, Edmunds was just a big bodied player in the middle of the field who occupies space. Edmunds got engulfed by blocks, couldn't beat a man when rushing the passer, took terrible angles on both Fournette long runs and overall invisible. He did start to play better in the second half, but he's no where near a play maker or worthy of his draft selection. I don't blame the game winning touchdown on him, but I do blame him for the converted 3rd and 1 in OT. Edmunds was clearly behind the LOS and still allowed Fournette to get 2 yards from the point of contact. When we need a hero, it continues to not be him. 8 - Knox - If there's a bright spot this season, it has to be the emergence of Knox in this offense. Needing to forget his terrible play last week, Knox was decent on the plays he was left in to block and scored one of our only two passing touchdown of the game. With that catch, he leads the NFL in touchdown passes by a TE. In an upcoming off-season where a lot of touch decisions are going to be made, TE is no longer one of the positions we need to worry about. 9 - McD - I want to give McD props for clearly getting involved with the defensive play calling early in the game. However, why the defensive game plan needed to be adjusted so early in the game is another question. But what will be talked about more so than anything else tomorrow will be his decision making again on 4th down. Sure, if the fake punt worked, then everything is fine. But the choice to give Breida the ball over Allen on 4th and short is a head-scratcher to me. Then, when the Bills actually have some momentum, he punts on 4th and short. I'm all for continuity and we did just sign him to an extension, but I don't think that gets him out of having to present a solid plan of change to the owners going forward. I hope he's willing to adapt his defensive line rotation, as well as start to take a bigger interest in the offensive game planning. Being 7-6 with this schedule and roster is a joke. 10 - 2nd Half - I know a lot are going to take the second half as a positive sign that the offense woke up and hopefully will be good down the stretch. And while I do try to take a positive approach to these games, I'm also human and tired of not winning a close game this season. I remember expecting to convert every 3 and 4th down play last year, versus expecting not to this year. I think we were 1-9 on 3rd downs at one point. The offense did wake up, but I still attribute that more to Allen playing hero ball as much as finally remembering Davis and Beasley are on the field. To that point, I don't care if Sanders plays another snap for us. Since his arrival, he's taken snaps away from guys who proved it on the field last year, has had maybe 3 good games, and has disappeared since. I'm happy it was a game, but also felt like I lost twice today. This game felt over at half, but the Bills did the most Billsy thing they could by coming back, giving hope, only to lose again. *Should we start to get worried about Digg's ability to track the deep ball? This is two games in a row where that's cost us **The only reason I'm not talking about the refs is because of promise earlier in the season to stop blaming games on them. Yes, the 50/50 calls for PI went against the Bills and never in their favor, but we need to stop expecting them to help us. To call that play on 3rd and 2 if you don't plan on going for it on 4th is stupid and on us. I know the season isn't over and we still have a good chance to make the playoffs, but there's no reason to believe this team is capable of winning a game against any team who's physical in the trenches or be able to come back and win a game from behind. The beauty of the drought was having no expectations. I don't even know how to process this season besides it being a disappointment. There's a lot of off-season work to do and I don't know if it will be possible in just one year. We've proven that we need to upgrade at least 3 spots on the offensive line, get a genuine pass rusher (not a rotation!), a big space eater up the middle, a DB to fill in for Tre (Tre won't be back until November and Wallace is a UFA), and a MLB who can actually make a play. This team needs to change at a core level, and I hope it can be done with tweaks, but I honestly don't know anymore. Go Bills- 78 replies
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I don’t even want him back for that. We need a playmaker in this type of defense.
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Week 14 Gameday Bills at Buccaneers First Half thread
Virgil replied to Hapless Bills Fan's topic in The Stadium Wall
I don’t care about the rule. That’s a BS PI call -
One day she’ll realize me hiding in her trunk was romantic
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This is just crazy and so sad.
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I hate that I know this is Alison Brie
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A Few Thoughts about the Patriots* Game, in no particular order
Virgil replied to Virgil's topic in The Stadium Wall
You aren’t wrong. It only re-emphasizes the point that teams don’t have to pass against us. Think about Wentz throwing for less than 110 yards too -
I took his comments to reference the players, not the coaches. The question was about not being tough enough and getting beat in these types of games. When he said it was tough, that's because we are past the trade deadline and there really aren't any contributing FA's out there. I expect some pretty significant changes in the offseason. But hey, I could be wrong and it would be all about Dabol
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Did Sean go too far calling out Mckenzie?
Virgil replied to Niagara Dude's topic in The Stadium Wall
No. Hyde is who we pick to return onside kicks as well. He's always been McD's go to person for hands. No Breida on the other hand.... -
Beane needs to spend serious resources on the OL
Virgil replied to Big Turk's topic in The Stadium Wall
Here’s the problem though, McD wants such a heavy rotation that he will want to replace Hughes, Addison, and Star. We are stuck in this endless cycle of drafting defensive lineman. Personally, I’m over the rotation and the money it costs. Find the right core 2-3 guys, pay them, and move on. The rotation hasn’t shown any success on field besides pressure rate, which means nothing in these rushing games. I expect this draft to be DB, OL, and DL again. Nothing flashy. -
OK, armchair analysts: How do we fix this offense?
Virgil replied to Just in Atlanta's topic in The Stadium Wall
I'll take a shot. 1 - McD and Daboll have a talk about a new run scheme. Not adjustments, an overall new scheme. I think something similar to when McCoy was here makes the most sense, to where we RPO out of the shotgun and give the back multiple lanes to choose from. If Daboll can't do this, then we send him on his way. 2 - Offensive Line: Dawkins stays as he's a 10 mil cap hit. Mitch Morse released saves 8 mil against the cap. Feliciano released saves 4 mil. Cody Ford release saves 1.5 mil. That leaves Dawkins at LT, Daryl Williams at RG, Spencer Brown at RT. That 13 mil goes towards a RG or Center. FA one and draft the other. Boet stays for depth. Draft and sign more depth. 3 - Running back - None of our guys get paid, so there isn't a large benefit to releasing any of them. Maybe trade Moss for a bag of rocks? I'd be good signing a Melvin Gordon in FA. This draft doesn't seem to have a homerun guy, so there's a lot of mixed opinions out there. 4 - Receivers - Let Sanders walk in FA and stick to the core 3 of Diggs and Davis on the outside with Beasley in the slot. Stop with the rotations.