UKBillFan

Last week was a re-run of the Falcons game - strong running, horrific passing.

The Bucs game is probably similar to today - one good half, one poor half, heartbreak in overtime. Chuck in a similarity to the Titans game in as far as the botched final play.

Not that I’m saying we should do it, but the obvious one is Payton.

It feels hopeless because the AFC East is stronger this year and our defense is on the midst of an injury crisis so cannot bail him out. In truth, Josh played better today than he did in his slump games in 2021.

The Colts and Jets covered eight quarters out of 12. He actually played better today overall than he did in either of those games. Then we had his performance against the Falcons, which closely reflected what happened last week and that was week seventeen.

Josh went through a very similar slump last year WITH Daboll.

Weren’t we saying the same thing last year?

Our defense went to pot today after we lost Edmunds.

I’d say Josh at his best is slightly better than Mahomes though there isn’t much in it. Even taking into account the slump Einstein is referring to, Josh’s floor is far lower than Mahomes’ and that’s where the issue lies.

Yes, but I think the Dolphins WR core is why the Dolphins are up there - not the QB. He’s very good but his ceiling is lower than Josh’s. Sadly his floor may be higher, though. In comparison, I think everything with us on offense rides with Josh.

Mahomes and Brady, yes. Rodgers if he can be bothered. Tua is being elevated by Hill and Waddle. Give them to Josh and see what happens, even if we give Diggs to Miami alongside Davis in return. Burrow is very much like Josh - superb one series then messes the bed. Neither of them have much in way of an O Line.

No Hyde, no White, no Poyer, no Rousseau, no Edmunds (our defensive issues today really started when he was withdrawn)… any defense is going to have issues missing that calibre of player. But, at the same time, the brain fades seem to be everywhere.

Maybe I’m being harsh. Just expected him to really boost the D Line and have the QBs plus the running game under constant pressure and stress. As it is, sometimes it feels like they’re still executing plays far too easily from the off. Everyone’s saying the coaches are expecting Josh to carry the Offense. Perhaps I’m being hypocritical in expecting Miller to carry a depleted defense.

He is. This is exactly the Josh we saw against the Jags, the Colts, the Patriots in the wind game (ok, perhaps unfair), the first half of the Bucs and the Falcons.

Sorry, was speaking about his performances on the field. Haven’t had a chance to listen to the interview.

To be honest, I've been pretty unimpressed with Miller for a while now. Hasn't had the impact I expected a player of his talent to have, particularly lately.

He made exactly the same mistake today as he did against the Jets? Though I agree, overall his play was far better today than last week.

Except wasn't he aiming it at Davis?

In truth just one play would have won us the game out of load of boneheaded errors: - FG instead of 4th down and pick - Lewis batting down the ball instead of trying for the interception - Josh's fumble - Diggs catching the ball - Knox catching the ball - The lack of DPI at the death - The final pick If just one of those had happened we'd be talking about a thrilling win right now. But was it bad play calling or was it superb play calling? Four WRs in the end zone left Singletary free for an easy completion underneath, which would have given us vital yardage. It was a great piece of design play with awful execution.

Plus the dreadful fumble which gifted them the touchdown. I think there can be some sympathy on the 4th and down touchdown but it was a stupid playcall to start with and, if it was Josh's call not to kick the field goal, then McDermott should have pulled rank on him. Outside of those three plays he played his best game since the bye. But those three plays cost us, even though I agree we wouldn't even have been in it without him.

But since the bye we've run the ball quite well. We get a lead, abandon the run in the second half and collapse.

I think someone made the superb point earlier querying whether Dorsey and Josh are too alike. Do they hype themselves up and egg each other on? Is there a lack of a calming influence which then impacts on the plays being made? Dorsey should have been in Josh's ear for that final play - take what they give you, accept the FG if need be, do not turnover, do not fumble, play it safe. If it did happen, why was it ignored? If it didn't happen, why not?

Agree with that. If we only took the big play when it was clearly there, and otherwise checked down and dink and dunked he'd be the best QB bar none. Play is mental as much as physical. Josh has all of the physical skills but mentally he shuts down far too often.

One beat us by two in boiling heat with an OL which was so shredded we had someone playing with an ACL injury. One beat us by three when we handed it to them on a plate. If we can tidy up the errors we beat both. Big if, though.

In truth, I think the offense needs less balls and the defense needs more. I wonder if one can hand some to the other.