Brand J

I didn’t think the return of Cody Ford would move the needle much on the interior. We still need upgrades. I didn’t think Star’s return would lead to Edmunds becoming more instinctual and an overall better linebacker. I didn’t think Star’s return would translate to a much improved run stopping defense (I remember how it was with him 2 years ago). I thought Rousseau was strictly a measureables pick and had a lot of bust potential. Happy he’s looking like the real deal. I didn’t like the double dipping of DEs because I knew both those players were safe and it would force the Bills to make a tough decision if Obada panned out. Didn’t like the double dipping of OTs because I felt we needed to take a swing at upgrading the interior. We’ll see how this one shakes out. Didnt think Dane Jackson had the consistency to overtake Levi Wallace for CB2. I worried Josh Allen’s season set the bar so high, it would be hard for him to replicate that success this year, thus leading us all to believe he took a step back. None of us can judge heart and the will/want to get better and that dude has it in spades. Feels great to hit big on a QB and I’m glad my thoughts of him being a bust were emphatically disproved. I’m still not sure we closed the gap with KC, since many of last year’s issues have carried over to this year, but… any given Sunday.

I think Zay was undoubtedly a smarter and more prepared receiver, he knew all the WR positions, but Zay lacked the “dog” mentality that Duke has. It’s tougher to say who’s better, Zay had more physical gifts and smarts, while Duke always seemed hungrier for the ball and opportunities (the Houston drop not withstanding). If you got into a bar fight you’d most definitely want Duke to have your back rather than Zay, so for that reason if I was forced to go to battle with one, I’d pick Duke over Zay. Neither is more valuable than a 4th WR though, at best.

Greg Gumble has fallen off. Used to be with the #1 team once upon a time. Gus Johnson might have something to say about that. Always enjoyed his enthusiasm.

Another ex Wyoming Cowboy. With Gentry and Hollister already in the fold, cant be coincidental!

I feel they hyped up Dane a touch too much, probably to give him the confidence he needed to claim CB2, but by all accounts the consistency just hasn’t been there this summer. It’s not likely we lucked up on a 6th round gem of a corner.

Star continues to remain on my “bad” list. It’s his right not to have the vaccine, but at the same time for someone who sat out all last year, apparently so concerned about the virus, you would’ve thought he’d be first in line to take every precaution necessary to stave off the virus, including the vaccination. I don’t think he loves football and again, I’m surprised he hasn’t been afforded a single game rep yet, regardless of his veteran status.

Bill Belichekoslavakia is a sub .500 coach without Tom Brady.

Yes, I’m aware coach says Star is ready so there’s no need to see him out there, but since Star has never had the level of impact as the players you mentioned, it’s still curious to see that player who sat out for over a year - and didn’t show up to camp until it was mandatory - not afforded game reps. Ed Oliver is a better player than Star, yet Oliver has seen the field plenty this preseason.

And I hope it serves as a lesson for their “double down” draft strategy! Although it probably won’t. Their other double down pick, Doyle, hasn’t really shown he’s worthy of the top 53 either.

I’d like a “do-over” on the Basham pick. Not because I don’t think he’ll be a player, but because we have far too many DEs on this team that relegate him to 6th or 7th best (right now). An interior OL in the 2nd would’ve been outstanding. Also wish we would’ve picked up OG Trey Smith in the 6th with one of those back to back picks. Mainly because I’m tired of hearing how the Chiefs got “the steal of the draft.”

A little surprised the Bills haven’t given Star any reps against a different uniform after having sat out last season. He hasn’t been the “Josh Allen” equivalent on defense, so that leads me to believe something’s up (beyond getting looks at the other DL). Could he be trade bait? Knowing how much McDermott values routine, I fully expect him to treat this 3rd preseason game as a dress rehearsal, where available starters will play at least a series. If this is the case and Star doesn’t play yet again… 👋

I see Josh racing McKenzie on the sidelines now 😂

Great story today in The Athletic for those who have a subscription. Logan Thomas’ Remarkable Script Continues To Be Written With The Washington Football Team I thought the Bills gave him a fair chance to succeed, it just didn’t look like it was going to happen. I remember thinking he didn’t look hungry for the ball whenever it came his way. Congrats to him and his family for the lucrative extension!

Does anyone else get Shaq Lawson vibes from Boogie Basham?

Lions were 28th against the run last season. Great time to test out the rushing offense.

Was there ever talk about expanding the 53 man roster to 55 or so since they’re playing 17 now? Teams should be allowed to carry more bodies on the roster.

I hope not. Would rather keep a valuable young contributor who’s on the bubble (e.g. Daryl Johnson) than a ST only player. He’s not Tasker-esque, or comparable to the Patriots Matt Slater. He’s not that sort of difference maker.

Bills may very well have to cut more than half their draft picks. No surprises or gems in this class. Stevenson is the closest, but is stuck at the deepest position on the team.

My fault, just did a street zoom to see what I was seeing whenever I looked over there and it’s a deli called “In & Out,” same color scheme.

Even though the Bills have never really been a consideration, a show like Hard Knocks would do well for a small market team. Winning also helps, but whatever else can put a team on national television will always be an asset for growing a fanbase.

There was an In N Out on 6th avenue in NYC, basically a tiny “to go” storefront. The place has also popped up in Texas. I don’t see the appeal with it, very underwhelming, yet the lines here in Los Angeles are always packed!

I wasn’t a fan of the Rousseau pick with JOK on the board, but I know why they made it. With all the positive reports on Rousseau I’m glad he’s not looking like the developmental project I thought he’d be. In that 2nd drill where he was next to Hughes, I’m surprised at the amount of ground Rousseau covered in comparison to Hughes, because it looked like Jerry was putting forth great effort while Rousseau was just sorta running the drill. Both covered roughly the same amount of ground, despite one looking much more spry. That’s really encouraging on Rousseau’s behalf.

Without going back to look at his numbers, I remember DK Metcalf had a strong game against the Bills and it was the first time I’ve watched Tre White and felt he was overmatched against a wide receiver. They didn’t necessarily hold that guy in check, but not many teams can.

Right now, Edmunds is the second most impactful LB on this roster, despite being the most physically gifted. All we can hope is that the lights come on in year 3 and he becomes the force we need in the middle.

Knox is an enigma. He’ll have a catch and run where he steamrolls 2 defenders and then follow that up with a catch and run that ends in a fumble. He’ll make a spectacular catch to keep the offense moving and then follow that up with a drop on a routine pass in the EZ. It’s either boom or bust with that guy, always has been. Personally I’d rather have the solid tight end who rarely makes a mistake over the spectacular tight end who often has a penchant for negative plays.