BillsVet

Tell me historically what you think the hit rate for dependable NFL starters (not including K or P) is from the 5th round. In 2012 there were 34 5th round picks and of that, 5 have played in 80 games (out of 104 possible). In 2013 it was 6 out of 32 who've played more than 70 games (out of 88 possible). In 2014 it's 4 out of 36 who've played more than 60 games (out of 72 possible). In a random sample of 3 draft years, that's 15 out of 102 players who have some staying power in the league, not necessarily that they're very good players. Not what I'd call a good bet.

Don't underestimate the fake job this team accomplished convincing opponents they couldn't score during the first half of the season. At any point they might erupt for 14 maybe 17 points and adding the punter change we're talking 10-6.

For years I've seen people on TBD comparing other teams' draft mistakes and how that somehow absolves the Bills. As if the bad teams making questionable/bad personnel decisions somehow are the standard and if Buffalo is just like them it's all good. Sure, whatever.

There isn't a HC out there who, whether confident of his tenure or not, would deliberately attempt to lose games. You people can keep believing this nonsense, but there's no way that McCoach went into the 2018 season with the idea of tanking. McBeane attempted to deconstruct the roster and to win simultaneously. That plan has not worked out the way they expected and now they're staring at an historically bad offense.

Arguing about the org chart and who's responsible is an exercise in futility. There is no one way to structure the front office and successful teams each do things differently. For example, John Schneider has essentially reported to Pete Carroll in Seattle going back to 2010. Green Bay had a more direct line with Ted Thompson down to Mike McCarthy up until last year. Belichick is effectively GM in NE. McBeane are going to keep their jobs beyond 2019 based on what they do on offense and how that side of the ball improves. Because trying to win with tough defense and a run based offense will max this team out at 8-9 wins. McCoach can continue insisting that'll work, but he'll go down just like DJ did because that strategy isn't suited to the 21st century NFL.

Seems like ever since the Air Force was created out of the US Army Air Force, Army football has attacked predominantly on the ground. They've occasionally used some air assets, but it's been a lot of ground and pound over the years. I don't think they'll ever get the aerial game going like they did during WWII, but they can be effective with the current force structure. That said: Go Army!

I wonder if McCoach has a book written called "The Process" and allots space in it for "Dumpster Diving." Because these moves are pretty much out of sheer desperation.

How would you like to be the defensive at this point? I know they're professionals, but that announcement should go over like a lead balloon in the locker room.

If someone cried on the air about this game, what would their reaction be after the MNF game versus Dallas in 2007 giving up 9 points in the final 20 seconds to lose despite a +5 in turnovers? Or the SNF game that same year with NE where they got destroyed 56-10. This loss was tame by comparison and I'm sure others can find other examples.

They do not have the resources in one off-season to surround any QB with the skill position players to win games. Not even with ~80M in cap room and their picks. First, McBeane don't strike me as the types who'll spend big in UFA. Second, because building a competent offense is far more difficult than building an excellent defense. Not to mention, the value for doing the former is far greater than the latter, something McCoach insists isn't the case. He still thinks he'll win with tough defense, running the ball, and playing it safe on offense.

Solid post CT. The only thing I'd add is their plan at QB and how negligent it was to start the season with Peterman backed up by a raw rookie like Allen. And then, when Peterman threw up on himself in week 1, they were forced to play Allen. It took all of one week before their "plan" was upended. I cannot believe that two men with a combined almost 40 years in the NFL thought this was somehow a good idea. At the same time, this is what happens when ownership doesn't know what they're looking for in a HC other than someone who's organized and has some type of plan. Well, I'd say offensively their plan has been flawed from the start, the coach spent far too much on defense, and doesn't appreciate the modern game. I don't long for the days of RW, but the Pegula's have been a huge disappointment as owner. For all the talk about winning, there's been very little and they've failed to hire anyone I see getting them deep into the playoffs.

Positives? Endless mock drafts posted demanding the Bills draft Bosa or Oliver to make this an "elite" defense.

Your threads are the "worse" (sic).

Bad coaching hires and poor strategic planning get you CLE. Good coaching hires and strategic planning get you LAR and KC. McCoach and his defense first mentality get you 87 points scored in 8 games.

You forgot using the draft to replace departed free agents...the cycle has been continuous since at least 2006.

Still no Ju-Ju Smith Schuster mentions in this thread? Fixed. 6 catches for 55 yards...against a bad defense. And they traded up for him.

Trust the process for getting on MNF?

Maybe he brings something. Maybe he doesn't. Either way, everyone and their brother knew Buffalo was sorely lacking at WR entering the season. Signing Pryor is akin to the dumpster diving Buffalo needed to do more often than not during the DJ era. Back then, the Bills had been so thin to begin with, experienced injuries, and then was forced to sign street free agents who got significant playing time. The difference now is that those Bills teams from 06-09 were hampered by ownership which didn't want to spend. Now, it's because the GM/HC placed themselves in cap purgatory and didn't have the resources to improve an area vastly lacking.

There is no substitute for victory. End of story.

Over their last 15 games, Buffalo has been outscored by 176 points (375-209). After this coming game it wouldn't surprise me to be closer to 200-210 in the equivalent of a 16 game season. To put that into perspective, the 1984 and 85 Bills were outscored by 204 and 181 points respectively. I'm not a fan of sports media types ever angling to get people fired and see this largely to feed their ego to change things. I do expect them to call into question when things are going off the rails like this season has.

I wonder how much Daboll asked about the QB position plans when he was interviewing. As in, would "Nate-Pete" be in competition to start at QB. If the answer was yes, the better career move would have been to leave and never look back at Buffalo.

The fantasy football effect to team building has clouded minds from seeing reality. The Bills will indeed be sellers, particularly as they continue their slide to the NFL's basement. Contenders and teams with a shot at the playoffs make moves. Anyone else wants a jump start on next season.

On Tuesday 10/30 everyone gets a free taco if McCoach's defense gives up at least 6 TDs? Hopefully Belichick knows.

This is shades of Roy Williams to Dallas from Detroit 10 years ago. Big price paid by Jerrah (although that was a 1st, 3rd, and 6th) without much return.

Gruden is rebuilding the Raiders just like McCoach...tear the roster completely down by trading all or most of your assets, obtain a bunch of draft picks, and make sure this rebuild takes at least 3 full seasons. It's a bold strategy Cotton...