Rich Stadium Original

I can't believe that this deal all just came together a few days ago without a backup plan that allowed it to happen. Whether it's a yet announced handshake deal for a veteran receiver, or trade-in-principal agreements to move up on draft day for a highly graded receiver, I think that's what allowed Beane to make the move. I don't think Allen had any say in the matter, but Beane surely wants to keep him motivated and the rumor that Allen "approved" of the deal is because Beane told him what the plan for the team is. Of course this is ALL speculation on my part.

Forgive me in advance if this subject came up somewhere in the 116 pages of the Diggs is traded thread, but... Let's assume the Diggs trade had to happen now...why the Texans?...Yes his production is way down, but even at 31 he's still got a lot left in the tank...and you may have handed the team that, at least on paper, seems to now be the most talent laden in the AFC. People certainly would be up in arms if we dealt him to the Chiefs or Bengals, but the Texans may be a tougher "out" this season. My biggest complaint in this whole matter is that Beane couldn't find a trade partner in the NFC, or a team in the AFC searching for a QB and not a threat. Maybe other GMs around the league are wary now that Diggs has whined his way off of two teams, and weren't willing to give up a second round pick.

I think a lot of what goes into these predictions is based solely on the fact that it's the New York media market where big bucks are involved. If Boomer goes on the air and ruffles the feathers of millions of Jets fans by saying the Jets really still don't have a chance AGAIN because of the talent in the rest of the division, he will lose listeners ( i.e. advertising dollars) and may even lose his job...even if it's true.

To be: Worse Better About the Same Arguments for worse: Losing key players can't afford to keep Most of D line free agents May have cap casualties Cap hell..cant pick up any real impact players Drafting low each round..Best talent already off the board Argument for Better: Lots of key positions already locked up like O-line..can target areas of need. Bills may get discount from some players in free agency as they are a contender Trust Beanes scouting to pick up talent at a discount...see:Poyer/Hyde Good depth in WRs in the draft. many gems may be available in middle rounds. Beane may swing the surprise trade to move up in draft getting impact player See: Kincaid What say you?

On one of the 100s of interviews Beane has done he addressed this. He would prefer to have this done already, but in a sense, his hands are tied. A lot of our free agents would like to return, and negotiations with them is pretty straightforward. There are other free agents that told Beane they would like to test the free agent market first just to see what kind of perceived value is out there, hence the holdup. Add to the mix all the contracts they would like to restructure.

Based on the song titles only, you needn't go any further than the Beatles for Sale album from 1964. For those of you that are still very optimistic from what they saw this season, the song "I'll Be Back". For those that are really down on the season, there is the Lennon classic " I'm a Loser".

Not sure if someone hasn't mentioned this in 7 pages of thread, but I think one of the big differences from the regular season to playoffs defense is the way the game is officiated in the playoffs. It's obvious there is a lack of penalty flags in the playoffs..If you only had a mediocre pass rush in the regular season, you are not going to get to the quarterback due to all the holding going on. If you play a press coverage and man to man, your defenders are allowed to be very grabby and get away with a lot of holding. The Bills play mostly a loose zone..occasionally a cover 2 with some man to man underneath, but rarely play press coverage. With a lack of pass rush, and receivers running free, game outcomes are almost pre determined.

Scott, I'm sure that there is very little I can say that will console you in these difficult times. From your writings on this board, your great love for her is apparent..it is an indication of what a right and just woman she is. If you are a person of faith, know that she will be in a better place comforted in the bosom of our Lord. We are only a community tied together by football..but a bunch of great and caring people. Please, do not be afraid to reach out here or elsewhere if you need some help along the way for you and your family.

Just curious, then ...do you think Detroit wasted a 2nd overall pick on Hutchinson, and he is NOT one of the main reasons Detroit is in NFC championship game?

Hoping and praying for the best possible outcome for your wife. Take comfort in the fact that ALL of the Bills community that reads this forum is with you.

I think most would agree that to increase your odds of going to and winning a Superbowl you need a franchise quarterback. But I think what is often overlooked is the importance of that game changing defensive lineman that is so effective he disrupts games and has to be planned around...and can help close out a tight game in crunch time. I think all four of the remaining teams have one...and then I got to thinking, who was the last lineman for the Bills you could describe that way? Oliver showed flashes throughout the season, but was a ghost in the last playoff game. Was it Kyle Williams?...Jerry Hughes in his prime? Having a player like that won't win you playoff games by himself, but it certainly seems to be a key ingredient.

Not to be hyper-technical here, but I think that more than the bump from Dawkins is the fact that Dawnkins stepped on his foot just as he was about to throw..thats why it was all arm and fell short.

Don't think this topic has been raised yet.. Bills had great success running the ball in the 1st half, and then KC made some adjustments. When they saw the Bills 3rd tackle in the game, they would add a player or 2 into the box, and quite frequently send a DB on a run blitz. It ground the running game to a halt, as Cook had nowhere to run. The Bills pretty much abandoned the run in short order as they were having inconsistant or limited success. My question is why not counter with some called play action out of those formations with quick hitting slants and seam routes to keep those DBs off the line? Second question was did Allen recognize the run blitz was coming and have the ability to check out of it? Not sure the Bills threw at all out of that formation the whole game. It should be noted that most teams use a 2nd or 3rd blocking tight end instead of a tackle because while eligible, he poses little threat as a receiver.

I think Allen only gets a little bit of the blame on this play, and he said as much in the press conference. First of all, if you must, fault Brady for the play call. The team was trying to score when they had the opportunity and that was the call. Allen went through his progressions almost instantly. That was the #1 target in the progression as it was called, receiver was coming open, thats where he threw it. Diggs may have been the #2 read in the progression, but it never got that far as the 1st read was open. You can partly blame Dawkens for not really slowing up the bull rush and ending up in the lap of your QB. Finally in the press conference, I believe Allen blames himself for not sliding a little to his right in the dropback...but that would have taken some ESP as he would of had to ANTICIPATE Dawkins was not going to make that block and drift to his right DURING his dropback. If Allen had to slide off his spot after he had already dropped back, it would have completely thrown off the timing of the play.

Beyond a doubt THE biggest disappointment throughout the whole game had to be the D line. Zero sacks, hardly any pressure gaping running holes. You knew that the Linbackers and DBs were below par going into the game and needed the D line to step up...Rousseau and Floyd on the edge against questionable tackels??..Oliver and Jones disrupting the middle?...Watch the last Pachecho touchdown, Joseph absolutely gets pancaked in the endzone...kind of sums it up