notpolian

Man that was incredibly stupid on someone's part to run a different sneak.

Really poor game so far. Allen is off and playing nervous. But to me the main issue is lack of talent on the defense. They've only slowed them down once and haven't stopped them yet.

Oh Elam is active. Ok

That is correct. So with Q Jefferson inactive (a good thing) who is active that wasn't last week or they dressing less DTs?

This is really pretty simple IMO. Kincaid is a good TE but not exceptional in any way. He is not a crazy fast or twitchy athlete. He is not all that elusive. He is not an overpowering / difficult to tackle guy. He's not an absolutely guaranteed to catch the ball catch radius guy. Not is he an anti-zone savant. And most significantly, he's not much of a blocker. The Bills want to be able to run the ball, and when he is in the game he's a net disadvantage compared to Knox. So he doesn't get that many opportunities. He's fine for what he is, but until he either becomes a better blocker or we change offensive philosophy, I don't see his current production changing much. His rookie salary means I'm not too concerned. I am disappointed this is all we are getting from a first round draft pick.

I just re-watched basically the entire KC / Buffalo game from earlier this year. We really struggled to run the ball a lot of the game. We had some really nice gains against the blitz, that has got to continue. Samuel was wide open a lot. I hope Allen keeps his eyes scanning the field and doesn't lock onto a receiver too much like he sometimes does. We did ok against their run for the most part. Had some big stops. Got some breaks on penalties and turnovers. Played a lot of man to man, which kinda makes sense given they really only have one speed guy, and he is a rookie. You just have to shut down Kelce as much as possible, and that ain't happening with a zone. Sure wish Wanya was still playing OT for them.

Pretty much all of the time, which is unhealthy.

Rapp being out hurts but it's not as bad as a few years ago with Tyreek Hill. I'm hopeful Benford will play. Johnson will probably play but any given tackle could hurt him a lot. Last night I thought back to my first shoulder sublux almost 40 years ago. I did it skiing. I couldn't raise my hands above my shoulders for a few days but I didn't miss any skiing and was still able to drink beer. I haven't read back too far, any word on Milano?

Raiders, Cowboys and Saints

Bills 28 Chiefs 27

I am personally surprised and happy with how well the team has done this year. I've been a fan of this team for over 50 years. You absolutely have to seize the opportunity when it presents itself. Especially with the expanded playoffs and the QB talent in the AFC, it's hard to get to where we are now. And it can all be gone in the blink of an eye. To even have an opportunity to win it all you have to win this next game. Do it. Just once is all I'm asking.

I just re-watched the game. Bottom line is the defense got it done. I think the plan was good and the aggressiveness was spot on. The first interception was a gift but the next two turnovers were forced. That's winning playoff football. Random thoughts: - During the game I didn't realize how much we were in base defense. - DQ and Oliver definitely played well at times. Gonna need that more and more. - Philips got some penetration early. He can be disruptive. I just don't think you can get too many snaps out of Phillips. - Milano looked good. I think they played a lot of dime on the last drive. He wasn't in there then. I really think we'd be better off with him in on every snap, but he ain't got the green dot. - Bernard got tossed around a good bit and was out of position more than once. We need better MLB play, but that's a future thing. -Hamlin made some plays but also got in the way a few times. - After many years of prime Poyer and Hyde, it's a shock to see receivers past our safeties, or CBs not getting help they expect. - When we blitz, we just struggle to stay with guys in man to man coverage. Johnson really had issues with that. I doubt we'll blitz much against KC, but we've got to get pressure. - On the final Baltimore TD, our DL was Salomon, Jefferson, and Epenesa! Epenesa was either spying or playing zone. Seemed like Jefferson was the only guy making any headway, so Jackson had all day to throw. I would strive not to repeat this situation against Mahomes! We should match up better with KC if we are close to healthy. To me, the two biggest keys are getting pressure without blitzing and somehow limiting Playoff Kelce, who eats zones for lunch. The DEs have got to get there with their OTs.

I have no problem with the kick on 4th down in that circumstance. I do have a problem with the 3rd down play call. If you are going to run it with no pass option, just do the sneak. You probably gain some distance, might score, worst case you just kick on 4th down as you did. Run from the gun gives too much opportunity/time for penetration.

Simple answer is yes. More information than solicited: Optimism: 7/10 Confidence: 3/10** Anxiety: 2/10, it's early in the week **I acknowledge I am emotionally scarred. I haven't been confident about the Bills since the early 90s, so it's ok. I also love and admire the 11/10 confidence and optimism crowd. We need you!

I'm very pleasantly surprised Rapp is day to day. That is cause for hope. If Benford was on the way to or had an undiagnosed concussion earlier in the game, that would explain some things we all saw that were sorta weird. I'm hopeful he can clear by Sunday. Johnson should be ok, though any hard tackle or jump ball situation can be a cause for concern. The worst thing for sublux type injuries is loading your shoulder while reaching above your head. I've subluxed playing volleyball among other things. It sucks. Milano is what worries me the most even though we know zip about it to my knowledge. He is showing multiple flashes per game of his old difference maker self. His injury history is extensive however. Fingers crossed. I think we have a real chance against KC but we need as many starters as possible on the field. I'm glad the weather looks ok too, less likely for muscles to tighten up as you get tired.

Put Douglas on Kelce. Take out chances with other CBs on their WR2+s.

The lack of separation is what worries me most about next week. KC can play man and really clamp down when needed. I think we need to get Cooper isolated 1:1 and also throw it to the RBs as much as possible. We will need to score points.

That was not a good play call. There were several that could have been better in the second half. I would have much preferred two QB sneaks, or at least give Allen the option to pass on 3rd down. Rest assured KC will have some imaginative play designs next week. I hope we have a few ourselves.

If Rapp has a labral year, he is out for a long time. T. Johnson may be ok with a subluxation, but he might have to wear a harness. I thought that was what happened given how they were evaluating him on the sideline. I've had that happen many times, it makes you feel weak and makes another sublux more likely. Controlled it with weight lifting for years until I dislocated it spectacularly.

I actually think they did hire him as a coach sort of. To me it was a Beane move. I don't think McDermott was on board with it given his press conference comments and tone. They'll elevate Jackson if needed I bet. However I think Hyde can still play and is unlikely to be out of position.

Taron came back in. He might have subluxed his shoulder. I've done that a lot years ago.

He had single coverage a bunch based on the few times I could see. I hope they try to take advantage of that if it occurs next week.

I recall that play unfortunately. That was a messed up year.

The FG decision was the right one. The 3rd down play call not so much. I was yelling at the TV for two sneaks. But Andrews bailed us out.

Helluva win. That's all that matters in the playoffs. Defense played well. Game plan was good in first half. Offensive play calling could have been better in much of the second half. We were fortunate with turnovers and dropped balls. Now got to climb the mountain for another bite at the apple.