JohnNord

We’re never gonna see eye to eye on this topic. In a few months, we should have a better idea on where this argument stands. In all honesty, I have to say it’s been fun going back and forth. I appreciate how you’ve stuck to debating the issues w/o resorting to insults etc.

THANK YOU!

It sounds like he really believes a running back could account for 2 scores Ten points….TEN It’s the whole chicken vs. the egg argument. I’m assuming that both have been issues

This was before my time as a Bills fan. What was it like playing against this DL? I know that Buffalo had a good team in 1980 and 1981. Gotta be honest - that’s an awesome name for a bowling team

🤣🤣🤣

LOL unlike some people here, I actually fix my errors quickly. You responded before I had a chance. I’ve already detailed why I discussed the offense in that playoff loss. It’s because they were equally as big of a reason why the team was sent packing.

Because your information correct and the overall point was insignificant

Sure, defense struggled and got off to a bad start. They also only allowed 13 points over the next 3 quarters. The Bills could only score 10. There were multiple times that the Bills offense had a shot to get back into the game and they failed. There’s a reason Diggs exploded on the sideline - that side of the ball also played like crap. The defense completely sucked that game and should have been able to advantage of an injured Bengals OL. But the offense was almost as bad - which goes against the “defense always lets down Josh in the playoffs narrative” “Cardinals scored quite a bit?” They scored 21 points on offense. By the way his stat was wrong about Kansas City. They’ve scored 30 points 2X this season. I agree - we’ll see the theory tomorrow

Where are you getting information from? They’ve score 30 points twice this season.

I’m almost positive that happens over the final 2 or 3 weeks. I’d also expect to see Cine, Hyde, and Daquan Hardy to get some reps before the postseason.

They cut Clapp and are currently down 1 OL. I’d expect Jefferson/Phillips to be cut next week to make room for Grable.

Hunt had 14 carries for 60 yards. Do you think the additional 37 yards make up a 2 score deficit? Oh and to counter your other point, I pulled this up from Joe Buscaglia’s All 22 review. Yep… it sure sounds like the problem is the scheme and McDermott’s stubbornness to try anything new: On top of their running woes, the defensive line, except Oliver on a handful of rushes, allowed Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to have way too much time in the backfield. It allowed the receivers to read the Bills’ zone defense and settle into a clear area, using their positioning against them. If it seemed like Rams receivers were running open all game, the lack of a pass rush was one of the biggest reasons for that feeling. The Bills had to resort to blitzes and man coverage to try and get some heat on Stafford, and it worked occasionally. But predictably, because the Bills are a zone-based defense that doesn’t play man at a high rate, it also led to some big passing plays for the Rams. The Bills’ problems overall didn’t seem to be that they were getting out-schemed by the Rams, which is a positive. There was some of that on route combinations that challenged a specific zone look the Bills were in, just as there is against most opponents, but it wasn’t as if it was a complete flaw that teams can exploit every week moving forward. Many of the Bills problems had to do with diagnosing plays and responding in a timely enough manner, along with winning at the point of attack. The Bills lost at the line of scrimmage in both phases far too often, and that was the biggest reason for Allen’s superhuman efforts to win being wasted. I’ve never thought of it it like that, but it’s an interesting thought and something they’ll have to consider Did you mean to send this to WGR’s Jeremy White?

I don’t think Pacheco makes that big of a difference that game. No answer… got it. Thanks for bringing so much hard evidence to support your argument 👍🏻

Offense was brought up because you blamed the defense. I’m trying to add context to a fairly biased and short sided arguing. But keep on, keeping on straw man.

So you don’t have an answer to my question. Got it. I didn’t ask about postseason QB’s they played more than once. Nice straw man argument though

Sorry, I don’t buy that. I think the difference was the amount of pressure got in that game. For the defense to work you need to be able pressure with 4. That happened against KC. That did not happen against LAR, and yes Stafford picked apart You do realize the Bills switched it up and tried to man last week right?

Why didn’t it happen against Mahomes then?

just an elite thread that completely debunks the fake narratives and confirmation bias running rampant in this thread. Nice work.

I’m almost wondering if Jackson’s elevation is for the bonus or whether Rapp/Hamlin sits.

My point is that you’re using a LOT of hindsight and distorting some facts. I wouldn’t call a 5th year pro an “old DT” and wouldn’t say the signing in DaQuan was any type of significant investments like Star.

How about the game versus Cincinnati where the offense was a complete train wreck scoring a whopping 10 points? Or the game against Kansas City where the offense failed to score the go ahead touchdown late in the game and had to rely on an unreliable kicker to tie? Again, you’re using selectively using information to support your narrative. Like a lot of fans your looking for a simple explanation for a more nuanced problem If your larger point is that they haven’t gotten enough of a return out of the big investment they’ve made on DL, then I agree.

I just think there’s a lot more factors for the playoff losses than the defense. I do feel playing against a solid scheme/QB tomorrow will be a good test going into the playoffs. A win would be nice but staying healthy is more important

This is true to a degree but the Bills DL also has to win their matchups and make plays. This hasn’t been the case either I don’t understand what you are saying. You asked for a time when the defense won a playoff game. I gave you one.

Playoff game vs. Baltimore in 2021 where the offense scores 10 points and Taron’s pick 6 won the game? I’m sure you’ll tell me this game doesn’t count. If your point is that the defense needs to step up more in the playoffs, I’d 100% agree with you.

Mostly agree. But AJE was considered a fringe R1/R2 talent, not a mid-rounder. At one point, many mocks had him going in R1. In fact Beane claimed he had a first round grade on him. I wouldn’t call him a mid-rounder and his return has been decent though not great. You also failed the epic miss of Boogie Basham in Round 2. As far as Oliver he was ranked higher than most DT’s in 2018 with the exception of Quentin Williams. At some point, Oliver was mocked to go #1. The DT’s who were drafted after him all proved to be better players than him. Besides it’s not like Oliver is a scrub. He’s been inconsistent but has played well. Star Lotulelei was an epic fail as well. Your called him an “old DT” but he was a 5th year pro when they signed him. Beane and McDermott’s loyalty failed them. They overpaid for his upside which never was realized. It was a fail but not egregious. Daquan Jones is a different situation. I’d put him in the same group as the other FA signing you mentioned. They took a flier on mid-level free agent who outplayed his contract. They brought him back based on his stellar 2023 run on a moderate deal. He’s never been able to get back to the level but I totally understand the signing. So while you made some good point here I think a lot is based on hindsight