DapperCam

DB punched it out, it was a great throw and a very nice defensive play.

Was actually very interesting to see why the goal line busted play failed. Allen likely still could have flipped it to the WR for the TD, but got confused about what he was seeing when the WR got bumped at the line.

I have seen some kickers nailing the bounce in the target zone, and that is 100% the best strategy. Requires some real talent from the kicker though to hit that consistently.

Miami started run blitzing, Bills didn't really adjust.

The Bills need a downfield passing game because the defense is bad in the playoffs. No argument from me that a bad defense is the #1 reason the Bills have failed in the playoffs, but we're likely going to see more of the same this season. We need to be able to do both things: run the ball and control the game, push the ball downfield and have moderate success on intermediate throws. It is a basic fact that passing is more efficient than running in terms of EPA/play. It is also a fact that it is very hard to grind out first downs playing small ball against a good defense.

I don't think it's really cherry picking. Who cares what the offense did with Daboll or Dorsey? 90% of the players are different now, the OC is different and all of the assistants are different. We also run a completely different offense, it isn't like Brady is a "spiritual successor" of his predecessors. This current version of the Bills offense has not shown the ability to pass the ball intermediate/deep consistently and that has hurt us in games against good defenses. It allowed the Ravens to come back last playoffs, and it prevented the Bills from hanging with KC in the AFCCG. It will likely hurt us again this season unless they can figure something out.

We have only been playing this ball control offense for 1 season + 3 games, so that is the only sample size that is relevant for this topic. There have been stretches in games against good defenses (what we will likely see in the playoffs) where the offense is completely stalled out. Some examples: - In the 2nd half of the Ravens playoff games the Bills scored zero TDs and 2 FGs. One of those drives started at midfield due to a fumble. The other one we only gained 37 yards on the drive. We had no ability to complete passes down the field this entire game for the most part. - In the 2nd half of the Chiefs playoff game we did score 2 TDs, but also had 2 turnovers on downs. One that led to a KC TD and another that ended the game. We only had 3 pass attempts this half that weren't at the line of scrimmage. One great throw to Hollins down the seam, and 2 incomplete (including the Kincaid pass that ended the game). If we could pass down the field we probably at least tie the game on that final drive. - In the Texans game last season they shut everything down short and Allen was passing deep/intermediate with no success all game. I think it's a legit concern that we have a weakness that can be exploited, even if every team can't exploit it. Partially it is play calling/philosophy, and partially it is that WRs can't get open down field or catch the ball.

I'm not really convinced they can adapt if the short game gets shut down. There is no switch to flip if we have no downfield passing game. Let's say we are playing against KC in the playoffs at home and they have shut down our running and short passing game (fairly realistic scenario). My prediction there will be that the Bills will not be able to suddenly stretch the field. It will probably look like Allen throwing into extremely tight windows < 10 yards, and taking 3 plays to get a first down the entire game. That style of play has an extremely small margin for error. I would like for them to work on the intermediate/deep passing game during the season. Maybe we'll see that later on.

I think Allen is being coached to be extremely conservative. A few examples: - Multiple times on 3rd and long checking down and getting tackled short of the sticks. - Eating the sack before the missed FG. Typical Allen would have escaped or tried to pass in the collapsing pocket, but that is riskier. - Always taking the checkdown when WR are sent deep unless they are clearly open (no 50/50 balls, or throwing players open). The people just quoting scores and saying everything is fine, I challenge you with the following scenarios: - What happens in a game when the run game isn't working? It is absolutely going to happen. - What happens as the season progresses, and teams start to adjust and shut down our short passing game (think the Texans game last season)? For better or worse, the coaches have decided that negative plays are to be avoided at all costs on offense. It's worked out so far, but the team will have to show it can take risks consistently to win the SB.

Dolphins are a nightmare matchup for White because of his speed. He made some great plays and some terrible plays. Very mixed bag for him.

I get what you are saying, but I believe we have the best QB in the league, a top 5 offensive line and a top 10 RB. Kincaid/Knox combo is probably in the top half of TEs as well. The expectation should be 30 points against a bad defense like the Dolphins. Brady has a lot to work with, and plays ultraconservatively (possibly as part of a larger strategy to protect our mediocre defense).

That Tua pick at the end was classic Fitztragic.

I think our defense is about #20 in the league. Whether that is due to talent or scheme I'm not sure.

Bills played ultraconservative, hoping that the Dolphins would ultimately make mistakes that put the game out of reach. Dolphins obliged in the 4th quarter by giving the game away.

I think we're getting spoiled, because I felt like the offense really underperformed and we would have had 34 points if not for a missed chip shot.

Bills had 2 players in motion there, got lucky

Future considerations?

A long screen pass TD to ice it would please me.

Bottom line is we don't have very much talent on defense (despite dedicating a lot of cap and draft capital there). McDermott does this zone, nickel-and-dime, bend but don't break defense because that is what we have the talent for. Daquan Jones, Tre White, and both safeties are marginal talent. Dorian Williams and Shaq Thompson are also marginal talents and starting right now.

Walker got really good pressure, caused that pick

Haha, what was Tua looking at there

Bishop blew the coverage, he was supposed to be over there.

So...when is Hairston back?

Hey look another 3rd and long, everybody drink

Our entire team philosophy is make the other team earn every little thing and assume they will make a mistake. It works in the regular season vs inferior opponents, but it is very frustrating to watch. Compare to the SB Champion Eagles who takes the game to you and plays aggressive for the win.