folz

Gotta give Mahomes some credit. He's tougher than I thought. Cus he took a beating today from the Bills defense, but kept getting up. Those were probably some of the hardest hits he's taken in his career today.

Probably the same as most: Josh Cook Kincaid Bishop D-line (The three players below combined for 2 sacks, 11 tackles, 10 QB hits, 2 TFLs, and constant pressure, while also not allowing Mahomes out of the pocket---13 QB hits today total by the D-line): Bosa Groot Hoecht (can't believe he got injured, brought so much juice to the defense---and the way Oliver and he were stunting off of each other last week before Ed's injury, just makes me sad that they are both out now, just as our defense was turning the corner). Shout-outs to Reggie Gilliam for being all over the field and helping the ground game go, and to Max for his first career INT (kid looks like he may be the real deal).

Sorry Matt...yeah, I missed the context of your post, scrolling through the thread quickly.

I'm not so sure how true that statement is anymore. The league has been moving back to the run over the last few seasons. In 2019, NFL teams threw the ball 58.81% of the time In 2020, NFL teams threw the ball 58.24% of the time In 2024, NFL teams threw the ball 54.81% of the time In 2025, NFL teams are throwing the ball 54.52% of the time. Eight of the fourteen playoff teams last year (2024) were top 10 in rushing attempts. 10 of the 14 playoff teams last year were top 15 in rushing attempts. Only one playoff team last year was in the top 10 in passing percentage (Kansas City at #10). 11 of the top 12 passing percentage teams did not make the playoffs last year. (of course some of that is that bad teams have to throw more often, but still...). Philly was #1 in rush attempts % last year, won 3 playoff games on their way to winning the Super Bowl (4-0) Baltimore was #2 in rush attempts % last year and went 1-1 in the playoffs (their loss to Buff, the #4 team in rush attempts) Green Bay was #3 in rush attempts % last year, going 0-1 in the playoffs (but losing to Philly, the #1 team in rush attempts) Buffalo was #4 in rush attempts % last year, they went 2-1 in the playoffs Pittsburgh was #5 in rush attempts % last year, they went 0-1 in the playoffs (but their loss was to Baltimore, the #2 team in rush attempts). So, top 10 rushing % teams went 7-4 in the 2024 playoffs (with 3 of the 4 losses being to another top 5 rushing team). The four playoff teams that were heavier passing % teams (K.C. 10th, Hou 12th, Min 14th, and LAR 15th in passing attempts in 2024) went 4-4 (with two of those losses to a top 5 rushing % team). Thus far, the top 11 teams in 2025 for run percentage have a combined record of 50-32-1 (and that is skewed a bit by Baltimore's record---on that list, only 3 of the 11 teams currently have a losing record---Baltimore, the Giants, and the Commanders). Not sure calling it a passing league has the same weight it did back in say 2019-2021.

A little perspective: The Bills are currently 4th in points per game at 29.6 (behind Indy, Dallas, and Detroit) The Bills are 3rd in offensive yards per game (behind the Colts and Cowboys) The Bills are 2nd in yards per play (behind only Indy) The Bills are 5th in offensive TDs scored The Bills are 15th in passing yards per game (at 218.4) The Bills are 1st in rushing yards per game (at 164.4---a whopping 21 yards per game more than the 2nd place finisher). I tried to find stats on explosive plays, but the only thing I could find was an article looking at weeks 1-6 (so no Carolina game). In the first six weeks of the season, Buffalo was tied for 2nd in the league with 41 explosive pays (20+-yard pass plays and 10+-yard runs). So, to call the offense drought-era level seems quite a bit of hyperbole. And it is interesting that the Bills are ahead of Kansas City in every single one of those stats, except for passing yards---yet the Chiefs are seen as some resurging juggernaut and Buffalo is apparently one of the wort offenses in the league. But, having said that, the Bills offense did completely stall for like a quarter-and-a-half in each of three games (New Orleans, Atlanta, NE). So, there do seem to be some issues, but what they are I'm not sure we have figured out and/or agree on. I've been in the camp of I think we can get it done with what we have (since the start of last year and on into this season), but also someone who would not say no to adding a WR if he's a true upgrade (I was happy when they got Amari last year, just disappointed in the outcome in the long run). And again, I think for the regular season, we will be totally fine---but I am leaning a bit to those who say it would be nice to have a stud WR in crunch time in the playoffs. One area I think is being under-utilized though, compared to last year, is the RBs catching passes/outlets from Josh out of the backfield. I think that might eventually help to soften up the zone for those intermediate passes. But, what are we really looking for with the passing game? Is it we just like to see the big pass plays downfield? I mean, it is a more boring offense to watch when we run the ball so much? Or is it a genuine concern that it is hurting the team? And how much is by design and how much is it that Josh isn't playing well and the WRs suck (or a combination therein)? People say we need a better passing game to win, but isn't that what we have tried to do vs. K.C. for 5 years now? We go toe-to-toe with them in shoot-outs and, at least in the playoffs, come up short. What's the definition of insanity again? And what is the normal philosophy when you go against great offenses (keep them off the field). Did Philly not win last year with a run game and their defensive line? And the league has been swinging back to the run for like three seasons now. When we had a much better passing game, we were a smaller, more finesse team, and we didn't always fare well against stronger teams and/or in the bad elements of the late season and playoffs. We are a very different type of team than we were from 2019-2023, for better or worse. But I do think it has been by design. Heck a lot of our strength right now is in the TE and RB rooms---very different from say the 2020 team. And interesting to note, have you heard what the Chiefs offensive acronym (motto) is this year? "EGE---Everybody's Gota Eat". https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article312481686.html https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/kansas-city-xavier-worthy-rashee-rice-juju-smith-schuster-patrick-mahomes https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs-patrick-mahomes-ege-mantra-works-vs-raiders Maybe the Bills were on to something? Again, not trying to come to any conclusions here, just trying to look at the broader picture. A couple of questions that I would have to further assess the situation: 1. Has anyone done a deep dive into the All-22 to actually see if the receivers are not getting open, or if Josh is missing things, etc. (I should probably check Cover1). Same on deep routes, are guys just not getting open on deep routes, or are we just not calling many deep routes? How much is design, how much is execution? 2. In those three 2nd quarter droughts (vs. Atl, NO, NE), what was going on---was it play calling, lack of execution, etc.? Why have they been going into a funk in the 2nd quarters of games? I think overall the offense will be fine (a healthy Kincaid and Palmer should definitely help too). Use the backs more out of the backfield. Josh needs to stay patient and take what the defense gives him. I mean, Cook has averaged +5.1 yards per attempt in 5 of 7 games. Sometimes you just stick with what is working too. Plus, we were playing with a lead in 4 of our 7 games, so we didn't need to pass as much in those contests. And I think there may be a bit of Josh being coached to not be Super-Josh except in big games (or must-win scenarios/end-of-season, post-season). He is getting older. Having a healthy Josh for the post-season is important. Again, just trying to understand where we truly are (without hyperbole either way---worst offense ever or there are no problems at all). It does seem (at least at times) that they have been missing a bit of their swagger/intensity, but nothing like a game against the Chiefs to hopefully get those competitive juices fully flowing again. Carolina was a step in the right direction. Hopefully the arrow is pointed up.

Hondas are actually very reliable and dependable cars that last a long time. They aren't fancy or fast, but they get the job done better than most cars. Myers has averaged 880 yards and 6 TDs per season over the last 3 years. Over the last 5 years (all but his rookie year) he has averaged 846 yards and 4 TDs per season. He's on pace for 932 yards this season. From 2020-2025, he has averaged 55.6 yards per game. If he played all 17 games each year, his career season average (not counting his rookie year) would be 946 yards per season (he's missed 11 games in 7 years---or an average of 1.5 games per year). Not sure how interested the Bills are or if he would bring much more than what we already have (other than just another option), but I wouldn't be upset with the acquisition if made. The more good targets for Josh the better, even, or especially, if we can't trade for a stud of some type (which most teams aren't going to let go---or at least not without a hefty price tag).

Not sure if others caught it on the Monday Night broadcast, but at one point, one of the announcers was talking about his conversations with Mahomes and Nagy during the week and he said that the Chiefs offense has taken on a new acronym mantra: "EGE---which means, "Everybody's Gotta Eat." Damn, the Chiefs are so innovative. If only our coaches were as smart. 😉 https://sports.yahoo.com/article/chiefs-acronym-keep-patrick-mahomes-150944923.html https://arrowheadaddict.com/everybody-s-eating-in-the-chiefs-offense-but-nobody-s-feasting-yet-01k8n0z04jzz https://www.si.com/nfl/andy-reid-hilarious-quip-chiefs-mantra-everybodys-gotta-eat https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6749648/2025/10/27/chiefs-patrick-mahomes-aggressive-offense/

Let's not go overboard here. The Chiefs are 5-3 and averaging 26.75 points per game. The Chiefs are averaging 378.3 offensive yards/game. The Bills are 5-2 and averaging 29.57 points per game. The Bills are averaging 382.9 offensive yards/game. The Chiefs are on a 3-game win streak and the Bills lost two of their last three, so the current optics may not look great, but things are not as bad as you paint them out to be. I do agree with you about Josh though. I don't know if he is in a funk or whatever, as some seem to think, but if anything can get him out of it and get his competitive juices flowing, it is a game against Mahomes and the Chiefs. Yes, the Bills are only 14th in passing yards per game (which seems low for a Josh Allen team), but we are #1 in the league in rushing yards (by a good bit) and 4th in scoring (only one point per game below 2nd and 3rd place, Dallas and Detroit, respectively). The Chiefs are 5th in passing yards/game, 9th in rushing yards per game, and 7th in points scored. Obviously, their defense is currently better (but our defense showed some life vs. Carolina, and looks to be improving---despite the loss of Oliver): Chiefs: 2nd in points allowed/game; 4th in yards allowed/game. Bills: 9th in points allowed/game; 12th in yards allowed/game. And then the Bills have homefield advantage. I expect it, as almost all of their games have gone, to be a close battle with one of the teams pulling it out late in the 4th quarter. Per usual, I would give the odds for each team at 50/50. But my heart thinks the Bills will take this one.

No question, the O-line and TEs took control today. But what was so apparent to me with Cook today (other than his speed---it's so nice to have a back that can consistently turn the corner) is his vision. He just sees the holes and cut back lanes so much faster than the other guys. Love the way he is running this year, patience, following his blocks, hitting the holes with speed as soon as he sees them, beating guys to the corner, etc. Not saying he'll reach these numbers, but Cook is currently on pace for 1,829 rushing yards, 2,045 yards from scrimmage, and 17 TDs. 👀

Total team win with JIMBO leading the charge! Gotta shout out the O-line and TEs, Cook ran amazing, but the guys up front gave him a lot of lanes and big holes. Give the big boys their due. Game Balls: Cook Hoecht Epenesa Shakir [Shout out to the rest of the D-line too. Bosa, Groot, Ed, Walker, Phillips, etc. all pitched in. Sucks to see Ed get injured. I liked the way Hoecht and Oliver were playing off of each other in the first half.]

Lot of time left. Which backup is going to get in the end zone?

I was kind of thinking along the same lines. No question the run defense has been horrible and needs to be fixed (I do think it should get at least somewhat better as the year rolls on), but where/when have they been bad and why. The Bills actually held the Jets and Pats both below their season team rush averages and Rhamondre Stevenson had his worst showing of the year, while Breece Hall had his 2nd worst showing on the year (though Justin Fields added some yards) vs. the Bills. So, the run defense was pretty good in these games (via very general statistics). Vs. Miami, the Bills did allow the Phins to top their season average, but the run defense wasn't awful. Achane had only his 4th best showing (of 7 games). Then there were the other three games: BAL: Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson both had their best rushing totals on the year. Buffalo gave up 238 yards, more than double Baltimore's season average (of course, Lamar has missed a couple of games now too). The next closest defenses to allow Baltimore a lot of rushing yards were K.C. who gave up 166 rush yards and the LA Rams who gave up 179 rush yards to the Ravens. NO: Kamara had his second best game of the year vs. the Bills. And Rattler and Kendre Miller both had their best rushing efforts on the year (adding a combined 114 rush yards). Bills allowed the Saints to rush well over their season average for their best production on the year. ATL: Bijan also had his best game of the year vs. the Bills. He did almost all of the damage for the Falcons. They too had significantly more rushing yards vs. the Bills than their season average. Only one team has allowed more rushing yards to the Falcons than the Bills (Minnesota). NoSaint does have an interesting point, this by no means excuses the defense (they gave up the yards, they tackled poorly, etc.), but in each of the three games that the run defense got torched, the offense kind of stalled after their first score(s). The 2nd quarter has been a dead zone for the offense this year. In their last three games, they have scored 3 points total (combined) in the 2nd quarter. Over 4 of their games (Bal, NO, All, and NE), they have scored 9 points combined in the 2nd quarter (2.25 points on average): vs. Baltimore: After scoring their first TD, the Bills offense had 4 possessions with 21 plays over 28:31 minutes of game time and came away with 6 points (2 punts/2 FGs). While over the same span, Baltimore scored 27 points, taking a large lead and being able to just run the ball sitting on the lead. vs. New Orleans: After two TDs on their first two drives, the Bills offense went cold. They had 4 possessions with 15 plays over 19 minutes of game time and the results were: 0 points---Interception, 2 punts, end of half. This allowed NO to stick around and continue to run the ball. vs. Atlanta: After an initial TD on their first drive, the Bills offense went 5 possessions with 19 plays, over 22 minutes of game time and came away with 0 points (4 punts and an interception). This allowed Atlanta to take the lead and continue to pound the ball. So, the offense probably should hold a little blame as well. Complimentary football. Also, how much of it is just that we struggle with good/big backs (playing nickel/being under-sized): Henry, Robinson, Kamara, Miller. How much do running QBs weigh in to our issues: Lamar, Rattler, and Fields all got their yards. How much is defensive personnel and execution (again, under-sized or bad tackling) part of the problem? Not really coming to any conclusions or solutions here, just trying to take at a broader picture of it. What do you guys think? Could there also be a bit of attitude involved? After a 4-0 start did the Bills think they could kind of coast through the regular season? The whole team looked flat vs. NO, and they couldn't seem to match the Falcons intensity in Atlanta. And those were two of our three poor showings in run defense (and obviously, overall as a team). I don't know, but the bye week couldn't have come at a better time for either some tweaking of scheme and/or personnel and maybe an attitude/intensity adjustment.

I had Logan Wilson for two years in my keeper fantasy league as one of my top 3 LBs (we played with individual defensive players). I was always very happy with his tackle production. But that was fantasy, a couple of years ago, and I have no idea how he would fit in McD's system. He's 29 years old, 6th year in the league (4-1/2 years as a starter). Third round pick in 2020 draft. Bengals fans seem mixed about him. Some still think he is their best LB on a bad squad. Some think he hasn't been quite the same (lost a step) since returning from season-ending knee surgery in week 12 last year (maybe he didn't come back the same, maybe he's still working himself back---he's not quite a year out from the surgery still). Some think he was benched because of performance, some think he was benched because they just want to see what their rookie 2nd rounder can do. Either way, bad look for Cincy to bench a team captain and have him request a trade. Up thread someone said he was a two-down run thumper. But I saw a number of places saying that he was good in coverage (at least before the injury). Yahoo sports said this, "Wilson is a three-down defender with the coverage instincts and range to impact the pass defense. He has 11 interceptions and 11 pass breakups over his career, plus he has averaged seven tackles per game during his five-plus seasons. Wilson would be an upgrade for multiple teams in the middle of the defense.” He is still owed $3 million for this season and has two years remaining on a 4-year $36 million dollar contract.

I agree with your first statement. I do not think that our defense has played well vs. the Chiefs in the playoffs and obviously, Josh and the offense carried us in those games. I was just noting that most defenses appear to get "smoked" by elite offenses. As I noted, the Chiefs offense was basically only stopped 3 times in 21 playoff games (since Mahomes has been starting). Most defenses do poorly against them and we have had to play them 4 times in the post-season (which leads to playoff stats being skewed in comparison to other teams or in comparison to the regular season stats, etc.). Yes, to be the best, you have to beat the best. And if you measure McD's success vs. Andy Reid, sure he does not measure up because he hasn't beaten him when it counted yet (and doesn't have the hardware). But if you are using ONLY the Chiefs games and maybe the Bengals game to measure McD vs. say other coaches or whatever---then you have to look at those coaches only against elite QBs/offenses also. I understand that we have had some very good statistical defenses that have not been able to be dominant or impose their will in the playoffs. Believe me, I would love to see that too. And the defense has fallen off a bit the last couple of years, but I think that is more personnel than scheme or coaching. I guess I just give McD some grace because it is the Chiefs (elite coach, elite QB, elite offense, formerly elite TE and WR, elite DC, darlings of the NFL and referees, the whole Taylor Swift bs, etc.) and because of how close to beating them we have been (and that we have beaten them in the regular season---Sean is 5-5 vs. Reid overall; Interesting note: Reid is 20-5 vs. all of his other former assistants, not named McDermott---yes, I know, McD has Josh---but why do we never say, yeah, Reid has Mahomes?). Anyhow, the average points by a playoff team in a playoff game (over the last 5 years) is 22 points/game. If you take away the Chiefs' games, the Bills defense has held six clubs to at or below league average (3, 7, 10, 17, 17, 22, and 22 points). They have allowed 4 teams to score more than league average (24, 25, 27, and 31). And 2 of those teams had elite (not just legit) QB play and offenses (Baltimore and Cincinnati). Just pushing back against some posters who seem to think that playing the Chiefs 4 times in 7 years doesn't skew our defensive playoff stats, or our previous chances to reach a Super Bowl. Obviously, we still need to be able to beat them (or the like) to get to the promised land...I guess I just still think that McD can do it (with the right pieces)---but I understand that others don't agree with that. The whole idea of offensive and defensive schemes being figured out is overblown imo. All teams run variations on probably less than a handful of schemes. You can outsmart a team in a game or on a play, but the idea that you could come up with a scheme that no one can figure out doesn't seem to make sense to me. So, coaches would need to change schemes every 1-3 seasons (as their schemes get figured out), if that was really a thing. I think it is much more about personnel, player development, team culture, and execution. Do you not think that the defensive rankings going down could have something to do with Tre, Poyer, Hyde, Milano, and even Johnson aging out over that time? Our secondary (and back seven) was a major strength and a key part to our defense from 2018-2023. We have not been able to match that talent level and experience overall the last couple of years. I think that has a lot more to do with it than our scheme being figured out (is McD so smart that it took the NFL 8 years to figure out his scheme, that is probably just a variation of Jim Johnson's old scheme?). The transition in personnel may be taking a bit too long, but hopefully we will start seeing improvements as the year goes on.

First you have to define what you mean by a legit offense and legit QB. Do you mean top half of the league? Top 10? Elite/Top 3-5? I would say that in the McDermott era, we have only played one bad offense and 3 to 4 bad QBs in the playoffs (14 games total). Here are the teams we faced and their league-wide PF ranking that year: TEAM POINTS FOR RANK QUATERBACK JAX 5th Bortles HOU 14th Watson* IND 9th Rivers BAL 7th Jackson K.C. 6th Mahomes N.E. 6th Jones K.C. 4th Mahomes MIA 11th Thompson CIN 8th Burrow Pitt 23rd Pickett K.C. 15th Mahomes DEN 10th Nix BAL 2nd Jackson K.C. 15th Mahomes Ok, I think we can automatically rule out Jax, Miami, and Pitt (due to the QBs alone). And let's eliminate Watson* with a 14th ranking and Jones with a 6th ranking (as I assume those QBs would also not meet your criteria). How about Nix, Rivers, and Jackson. Are they considered legit QBs? I would say so, and they all had top 10 scoring offenses. So, that gives us nine games vs. legit offenses and QBs (top 10 that season/legit QB---KC x4, Bal x2, Ind, Den, Cin). In those games, the Bills opponents have averaged 22 points per game. For reference, over the last 5 years, the average points scored by a playoff team is 21.84 points/game. If you take K.C. out of the picture for the moment, that leaves 5 games vs. legit offenses and QBs. The Bills opponents averaged 17.2 points per game in those contests. So, it seems to me that you really mean when the Bills face elite offenses with a generational QB (and weapons: Hill, Kelce, Chase, Higgins) they have been a doormat. But even that doesn't hold true unless you choose not to count Lamar Jackson and Baltimore as legit offenses and QBs. If I don't include Denver and Indy---just KC, Cinn, and Balt (as legit), those teams combined have averaged 27.7 points vs. the Bills in the playoffs. But again, if I take out K.C. and just look at vs. Bal and Cin, those teams averaged 18.3 points vs. the Bills. Oh, and by the way, almost every defense that faces a generational QB with an elite offense will tend to fare worse, and most often, look like a doormat. That's what great offenses do to most teams. It's not like the Bills are alone in struggling against elite offenses. I tend to agree that the current issues are more with personnel than scheme or McD himself. Though I am not opposed to tweaking the scheme or whatever needs to be done with the guys they have and will be getting back. [*Edited: Originally listed Stroud as Houston QB, not Watson. Thanks for catching that ganesh---not sure how I gaffed that so bad.]

I hear this all the time that we get smoked in the playoffs. So, let me just add a little perspective. In 10 playoff games (in the McD era) vs. teams not named the Chiefs, the Bills defense is giving up an average of 18.3 points in the playoffs. So, not everyone is smoking us, it is really just the Chiefs. Oh and by the way, you do realize that K.C. is a dynasty team with a generational offense correct? In the last 3 games vs. the Chiefs, at the end of regulation, K.C. was up a combined 6 points (over 3 games). So, they have been 2 points better than us in each of our last three playoff matchups (with one OT game, and one last second missed FG). I mean how close can you get to beating one of the best teams the league has seen. Obviously that doesn't speak to how well the defense did or did not play, but we are literally three plays away from being 3-1 vs. the Chiefs in the playoffs [and that doesn't even take into account that the refs heavily influenced two of the 4 playoff games vs. the Chiefs---2020 and 2024; or injuries...we were pretty banged up (worse than the Chiefs) for at least two of those four contests]. And you almost have to separate the Bills vs. the Chiefs from a normal playoff game (on both sides). I mean, do you think that the Chiefs defense sucks and falls apart in the playoffs? In the Mahomes era: Chiefs have allowed the Bills an average of 28.25 points per game in the playoffs (4 games). Chiefs vs. all other playoff teams averaged 22.88 points allowed (17 games). Is that difference because the Chiefs defense sucks in the playoffs (obviously not), or is it because Buffalo is also a special offense that they have a harder time stopping? The Chiefs are giving up 5.37 points more to the Bills than to their average playoff opponent. The Bills score 1 point higher vs. the Chiefs than their playoff average. The Chiefs score 2.5 points more vs. the Bills than their playoff average. And that 1.5 points is about what we are losing to them by (2 points/last 3 playoff games). But, the margin is razor-thin. And, if the Chiefs are holding other teams to 3, 10, 17, 22, 24 points per playoff game, then they can obviously take their foot off the gas on offense. Run long-sustained drives, get into 4-minute offense early, pull your starters, etc. There is no need for the Chiefs to score 36-42 points vs. those teams. Yet, against the Bills, the Chiefs know they are going to need to score at least 30 points and keep their foot on the gas for 60 minutes, because Josh is going to keep coming. So, to continually say that the Bills defense has been worse vs. the Chiefs than other teams, or allowed them to score more than their season average, or whatever, really doesn't prove anything to me. They know they have to do that against the Bills or they will get beat. They just don't always need to pour it on against other teams. In the Mahomes era, the Chiefs have averaged 30 points per playoff game (21 playoff games). In the four playoff games vs. the Bills, they have averaged 34.75 (and that includes one OT game---if you only take regulation, then the Bills have allowed the Chiefs 32.5 points/playoff game---only 2.5 points above their average). How much of that is because they have to score more against the Bills, rather than all of those other defenses being superior to the Bills' defense. 12 of KC's 21 playoff games (57%), their opponents scored 24 points or fewer. In 8 of their 21 playoff games (38%), their opponents scored fewer than 21 points. They haven't needed to score more against other teams---doesn't necessarily mean that Buffalo's defense is worse than those other teams. Now, I'm not saying that our defense has been great vs, K.C. in the playoffs, but it's also true that K.C. scores a lot no matter who they play (when they need to). In 21 playoff games, the Chiefs have only scored below 22 points twice (9.5% of the time)---to Tampa Bay in the 2020 SB, and to Baltimore in the 2023 AFC Conf Championship. (You could add vs. Philly in the 2024 SB too, they scored 22 points, but it was in garbage time). So, only 3 teams (in 21 games) have really stopped the Chiefs offense. in 12 of 21 games, the Chiefs have scored between 27 and 51 points (57% of their playoff games). This idea that our defense is so much worse than other teams vs. K.C. doesn't seem to hold up to scrutiny when you look at all of the context surrounding the stats. Also, the idea that we get smoked by everyone in the playoffs is also a fallacy. It really is just the Chiefs, and as I said, there are many reasons for that (beyond them just being a generational/historical offense). As to this year, yeah, the defense does not look great right now. The pass rush has actually improved, but the run defense and tackling has been horrible (and I too am concerned about the secondary). But, we need this defense to be at its peak come playoff time, not in weeks 5 and 6. And there are a few reasons at least to think they can still get better as the year goes on. It is a bit of a wait and see right now...will Hairston, Hoect, Ogunjobi, Milano, etc. make a difference, will the young guys improve, will the new guys start to gel better, etc. But the idea that McD is not a good defensive coach or his scheme sucks seems too simplistic an answer when we have statistically and consistently been one of the best defenses in most categories (points, yards, sacks, turnovers) over the last 8 years. And that they have actually fared well (18.3 points allowed) in the playoffs vs. all teams not named the Chiefs. Everyone's defense is going to do worse against the Chiefs than if playing 90% of the rest of the league. And no other team has had to face the Chiefs more in the playoffs (4 times) than we have (so, again, comparing our playoff stats vs.other teams' playoff stats, etc. is really an apples to oranges comparison). I'm not giving up on this team or this defense yet. Hopefully they have used the BYE week to start getting straight. P.S. As far as the AFC East sucking (being the reason for good defensive stats for the Bills), well it sucked when the Patriots were winning too. Do we discount their wins and stats for that? Over the last 10 years, no team in the AFC west is over .500 win % except for the Chiefs (do we discount the Chiefs success because the AFC west has been weak)? etc., etc. If I have the time later, I may look at the Bills' defense vs.good/top QBs. Now obviously, every defense will be worse vs. a top QB than an average or worse QB. That's just common sense. But have the Bills been say worse than most teams vs. good QBs---I'll have to look to see if that is true or just another false talking point. I know we have fared well against Lamar Jackson at least (regular season and post-season), for instance.

Ohio State players recently drafted to the NFL: 2025: 14 players 2024: 4 players 2023: 6 players 2022: 6 players We might have some good skill players if we swapped teams, but good luck filling out the trenches (offensive and defensive lines). For the 2026 draft, it looks like they may again have about 14 draft eligible players. That would leave about 11 starting spots open on an NFL team, and no depth. As good as OSU is and as many players as they have get drafted, you would probably need at least the last 5 years of OSU rosters to fill out an NFL team. And you would still have to be starting some guys picked in say rounds 5-7.

I don't think that the sky is falling or that anyone should be fired, but as one of the bigger optimists on the board, I am revoking my Homer card...well, at least until kickoff two weeks from now. I won't argue with any negative posts in the meantime (probably). At the moment, you guys definitely look correct about some things. Very disappointing showing. We just never matched Atlanta's intensity or physicality. They are fighting hard to get back in their division race, while it seems like the Bills were hoping to just coast through the regular season. They should look at Baltimore as an example of what can happen if you're not careful. A lot of work to do during the bye week. As a team. The defense has been terrible against the run (tackling was abysmal tonight). The offense has stalled way too often. And Josh does not get a pass. He has not played well either over the last 3 weeks. The bye couldn't come at a better time. Hopefully the bitter taste in their mouths from these last two games will really push them to work hard and figure things out during the bye. And hopefully everyone will heal up. I mean, by the 2nd quarter tonight, we were missing 5/6 starters on defense and 3 of our top 5 receiving targets (plus our center got dinged up pretty good)...but, it's the NFL. There are no excuses. We need our depth to be able to step up when needed. But I still Billeve that they will eventually turn things around. 4-2 is not the end of the world, it just feels that way at the moment. But, we definitely need to see some urgency and intensity from this team. And big thumbs down to Disney/ABC/ESPN. That was one of the worst Monday Night broadcasts I've ever seen. Orlovsky is just terrible and talked incessantly, almost no replays, too many distant camera shots/angles on like a 3rd and 1 (couldn't even see who had the ball sometimes) when they should have been in tight on the formation. At one point, they cut to a camera that was moving around and not focusing on anything. If they don't have a second crew that can properly televise a game, then they should not be having two Monday night games on the same night.

On the year, Worthy is averaging 36.25 receiving yards per game. If you include his rushing stats, he is averaging 49.5 scrimmage yards per game and 0.25 TDs/game. He has 1 TD on the year and missed two games due to injury. Keon is averaging 45.20 receiving yards per game and 0.40 TDs/game this season. He has 2 TDs on the year. Keon may not be setting the world on fire, but are people really still lamenting over a player who is averaging 36 receiving yards per game? Career update---Regular Season (prior to Bills week 6 Monday night game): Games Targets Receptions Rec yards Rec TDs Catch% 20+-yard recs Yds/Reception Yds/Target Total scrimmage yards Total TDs Keon: 18 86 50 782 6 58.1 15 15.6 9.1 791 6 Xavier: 20 116 70 763 6 60.3 6 10.9 6.6 914 9 If Keon hits just his current career average of 44 yards on Monday night versus Atlanta, he will have 826 total scrimmage yards---just 88 yards fewer than Worthy, but also in one fewer games (and with approx. 26 fewer targets than Worthy). Again, I think both players can be good as they mature. But, I'm having a hard time understanding those that think Worthy is sooooo superior to Keon at this point when looking at their stats head-to-head.

Just an update in regards to our defense vs. our previous opponents (wasn't sure where else to post this): Last 4 games (Bills defense vs. offensive opponents). For the most part, the Bills have held their last 4 opponents to at or below their season averages. I know we need to see more on defense to take us all the way (and we have not seen a dominant performance yet, by any means), but I'm not sure that it's as bad as some of you think. Some folks act as if we performed worse against these teams than other defenses have/would. We are currently an average-ish defense with a lot of room to grow and get better----with the returning players and the young guys getting experience. [Stats below include today's (week 6) games.] Just FYI. JETS Points/game Yards/game Sacks/TOs allowed/game season averages: 20.5 311 4/1.33 Jets vs. Bills: 10 154 4/1.0 DOLPHINS season averages: 22.33 300.16 2/1.33 Phins vs. Bills: 21 276 0/2.0 SAINTS season averages: 18.5 315.5 1.83/0.66 Saints vs. Bills: 19 298 3.0/1.0 PATRIOTS season averages: 25 345.16 3.0/1.16 Pats vs. Bills: 23 338 4.0/1.0

I'm not sure, we'd have to go back and look at all of those catches to see how many air yards there were for each. Obviously, we know that Shakir and Cook get a ton of YAC, but I would venture to guess that most of Keon's 20+-yard catches were more air yards than YAC (same for Palmer and probably Kincaid too, and Hawes' couple of grabs, and Knox---I don't remember a ton of YAC for those players--i.e., taking say a 5-yard pass and turning it into a 25-yard play). But, in the long run, how much does it matter if you get say 25 yards that is all in the air, or 25 yards with a short pass and YAC. 25 yards is 25 yards, right?

If the only thing that matters is a Super Bowl and you're all convinced that McDermott can never get us there, then why are you even still watching the games? Why not turn off the TV/computer until we get a new coach because obviously there is no point in watching now. I've been told multiple times that regular season games/stats are meaningless (only the SB matters at this point), so why are you even upset at a regular season loss then? It shouldn't even matter to you because you already know that McD can't get us to or win a Super Bowl right? So, who cares if we go 13-4 or 1-16. What does it matter according to your standards? You guys should actually be rooting for the Bills to tank, so you can get your new coach and #1 WR.

I'm not saying there aren't any problems, but some of you guys may be surprised to know that currently the Bills are 3rd in the league in 20+-yard passing plays/receptions. Not sure how you qualify that. And New England dinked and dunked their way to a few Super Bowls, so...

A quick comparison of the two coaches: Sean McDermott: 8-1/3 years as HC; 90-46 (.662 win %); playoffs 7-7 (.500 win %). Mike Vrabel: 6-1/3 years as HC; 57-47 (.548 win %); playoffs 2-3 (.400 win %). Head-to-Head record between the two coaches is 3 to 3; combined point differential of those 6 games is Buffalo +34 points. Now, before you respond with, yeah well you can't really compare records because Sean McDermott has had Josh Allen, let me remind you that he did not have Josh in 2017---and in 2018 and 2019, Josh was still very raw (not the All-Pro MVP QB he is now by a long shot), and the talent on the roster in all 3 of those years was not great (as we were rebuilding). But, yes, Sean has had 5 years of prime Josh Allen. Now, obviously, Vrabel has not had the quarterback play that McDermott has with Josh (I'm not trying to say that he has), but the QBs he did have were selected 2nd, 3rd, 8th, and 33rd overall in the NFL draft, so not total trash---even if they never reached their potential (Mariota, Maye, Tannehill, Levis). [And coaching/development can play into a QB succeeding or not as well.] But, if you think you can't really compare their records because of QB play, well then since they are both defensive coaches, how about looking at their team's defensive rankings: Sean McDermott Mike Vrabel Yds allowed/Pts allowed Yds allowed/Points allowed 2017 26 18 --- --- 2018 2 18 8 3 2019 3 2 21 12 2020 14 16 28 24 2021 1 1 12 6 2022 6 2 23 14 2023 9 4 18 16 2024 17 11 --- --- 2025 9 18 18 9 Average 10 11 20 13 Vrabel's best defensive rankings were in his first year. He took over a team that had gone 9-7 the previous year and who had made the playoffs, beating the Chiefs in the Wild Card round, before losing to the Patriots. So, he inherited a decent roster (it wasn't a rebuild). In that first year, he repeated the 9-7 record of the previous year (under Mike Mularkey), but Tennessee missed the playoffs. And last note I'll make to billsherd...is Vrabel the problem or is Derrick Henry the problem? In two of the three games that McDermott lost to Vrabel, Derrick Henry had 223 scrimmage yards, 5 TDs, 0 fumbles. We obviously have had issues with Henry no matter what team he is on. Also, two of the three wins that Vrable has over Sean were by 3 points each (the third was a blowout where Henry went crazy). Now, I'm not saying that Vrabel isn't a good coach, I'm just saying that he is not a coach that Bills fans should fear in any way (or believe to be superior to McDermott).

I think you have things a bit backwards or are thinking back too much to last year. The Bills are currently 10th in receiving yards and tied for 6th in receiving TDs. They are 3rd in 20+-yard passing plays. It's not as bad as some of you guys think. Our offense has been very good except for the 2nd quarter of the Saints game and the first half vs. the Pats. The Bills defense is currently 2nd in the league against the pass (yes, some of that has to do with our poor rush defense, but I don't think you can totally discount a 2nd-place ranking). The Bills are 9th in the league in yards allowed/14th in points allowed. The problem thus far has been the run defense, not the pass defense. And as far as the pass rush, the Bills are tied for 5th in sacks (though there are ties in front of us as well, basically, 8 teams have more sacks than the Bills). The Bills are currently 2nd in QB hurries, 3rd in QB pressures, and 2nd in QB pressure percentage. So, I'm not sure what games you are watching if you think our pass rush has been "missing". And yes, the secondary is still a bit rough. But Cole is improving each week and Hairston will be back (and hopefully ready to take over). Benford and Johnson are both very good players, and Rapp is at least solid. As far as fixing the run defense, we have Oliver, Hoect, and Ogunjobi coming back and the young guys should get at least marginally better as the year progresses (Walker, Sanders, Jackson). And let Kraft, Diggs, and the Pats fans gloat. They won the battle, but they will lose the war. The season is a marathon, not a sprint. We have loftier goals than beating a division rival in week 5.