notpolian

Most encouraging offensive play of the game was the pass to Knox in the first half, followed by the pass to Cook in the second half. Need more imagination on offense. McDermott put on yet another master class in timeout strategy 😋

McDermott will be calling that soft zone in the old folks home. Injury to Hoecht is bad.

It's who he is.

It's a darn good thing McDermott called that defensive timeout. Talk about dumb and coaching scared.

As I suspected, offensive game plan is more of the same. Double down on the heavy stuff. A shock to KC I'm sure.

As others have said, we really need the MVP version of Allen today.

The chances of both of them playing the whole game has to be less than 25%. Buffalo Joe may see the field. I like the guy but I don't look forward to him in coverage against KC.

First, they are only young once. Don't miss anything. They'll be out of the house before you know it. Second, who is the scheduler here? Clearly this party should have been during the early game 1-4pm window. However it's too late for that so, Third, Bills theme, game is on. Have a good time. Worst case stream it on your phone discreetly.

Don't forget about J.D. Hill, and they had a young Ahmad Rashad for a season. That offense could score some points (30 ppg in 1975).

I think it'll be either a close Bills win or a decisive Chiefs win. So I'll give optimism a try and go with: Bills 27 Chiefs 24

To me this game is the litmus test for the Bills.. Are they a good team or not?

Yes, that front office could evaluate talent. Then Polian left to Indianapolis to win a SB. I'm naturally pessimistic, driven a lot by the 90s Bills. This could be the year, but I doubt it. We had a far better shot the 13 second year. Not enough difference makers and poor schemes. This team has a QB good enough to win it all. But the offense has a poor WR situation other than Shakir, who is a good slot guy. The offensive design / philosophy (which I think is as desired by McDermott) is fine if they can run, but lacks downfield explosiveness. That's a big problem when you can't run or get behind. The defense lacks size and difference makers, but honestly might be better now than they've been all year: 1) Teams can clearly run on Oliver and Jones / Milano and Bernard / Rapp and Bishop. I am perhaps irrationally hopeful that Hoecht, Oj-wan, and Walker will be as good or better. I think Thompson is our best LB right now. Heck, maybe Hancock and/or Poyer can work out next to Bishop. 2) The passing defense could also be trending up. Rousseau, Hoecht, Walker, and Bosa might be able to generate pressure (it's really unknown, Carolina's OL had major injury issues). Hairston can play man to man. We'll know more later Sunday, because that's how we can beat the Chiefs as Philly proved in the SB. Pressure and contain Mahomes and play tight / confusing coverage behind that.

I'll go with size, pash rush, and the ability to shed blocks. But if you can't do that, turnovers are always good.

I expect a couple rookie mistakes from Hairston if he gets in the game. But it's definitely worth it as a possible upgrade over the rest of the season. I would not mind Poyer being in there. He is slower now but can help Hairston. At least he knows where to be and can take good pursuit angles, even if it's harder to get there now.

If he could be had for a decent price (whatever that might be) I'd absolutely take a shot.