finn

71%. The Bills are helping them smash that record.

That may be the only way to win, unless the Bills keep pace AND double dip after halftime. But the Bills offense is struggling to get down the field, relying on Allen heroics. Burrow looks like he's playing with children.

They're toying with the Bills defense, teasing them with runs on first down to get their hopes up like little kids.

Nope.

Glad they scored, but there is no question--none--that the Bengals defense, statistically the worst in the league--is playing better than ours.

The worse pass defense in the NFL and they can't get open in seven seconds?

Coleman is a liability out there. Better to put in anyone else. Anyone.

This could be a blowout.

He'll always hold up his end of the bargain, just like in the 13-second game. Hall of Fame coach.

McDermott's defense is an embarrassment. Where are the adjustments? Why are they playing so soft?

Time to play way behind the sticks.

He's a real linebacker. If we had Milano in his prime, they'd be one of the best duos in the league.

Let's see if McDermott has learned anything.

Sorry, it was seven minutes.

It's like we put on the tape. Now the Bills offense will struggle to get down the field and kick a field goal before giving Burrow the same look. 14-3 minutes from now.

I'd like to hear the rationale. Are they hoping the receiver will drop the ball? Or they'll get discouraged catching only for eight or nine yards a pop? Where is the logic?

Waiting for them to drop a ball or commit a penalty. The ultimate passive defense. So ugly to watch when it's your team, like letting someone spit in your face and doing nothing.

So much for my hope for a physical defense. It's like they're playing with their nieces and nephews in the snow, letting them catch it then playfully tackling them.

Reminiscent of last season's third-and-long weakness. Just let them score and get it over with.

Pitch and catch.

Are they doing the "sent out my tapes, no response" story>

Going way back, I remember OJ Simpson running wild on a snowy Thanksgiving game, then mashing a snow ball into the camera "for all you folks back home sitting in a warm living room" or something like that.

I don't know my football x's and o's as well as many people here (I'm a hockey player), but isn't the answer jamming the receivers at the line to throw off their timing? I don't recall our cornerbacks doing that much, which is actually all the more reason to do it today, take them by surprise. Of course, both Chase and Higgins are big boys, and White at least may be the least physical DB on the team, but still, you can't let them just catch the ball in stride. Another strategy, a complementary one, is to blow them up at the catch point. Both Bishop and Poyer have done that at times this season. Physicality is what I'd like to see. Since it's unlikely they'll hurry Burrows, who gets the ball off quickly anyway, focus on intimidating the receivers. Doesn't sound like a McDermott defense, though, does it?

I would say it's the New England game that skewed the season. They're not going to win every game, and the Miami game with the heat and the timing was just an aberration, I think. But you got to win at home against divisional rivals, and there was no reason to lose against New England, who were playing well but not stellar. As usual, turnovers were the problem. Hard to overcome two fumbles and an interception. But, looking deeper, the real culprit was Coleman. Allen was constantly targeting him, and Coleman was doing nothing, quite apart from his disastrous fumble. That was the game I think the Bills brain trust realized "Houston, we have a problem." At least they have no illusions about the guy anymore, or the WR corps overall. With it's MVP quarterback, stellar line, All-Pro running back and JUCO receivers, the Bills are like a weight lifter jacked above the waist but with skinny little legs. Against the Bengals today, I think that will more than suffice.

I'd love the defense to continue their physical play. Remember when the Giants shut down Andre Reed in the Super Bowl, not with good coverage but just by hitting him hard every time he caught the ball? I'd love to see our safeties crush Chase and Higgins. Poyer can do it (if he can get there in time), and Bishop is showing his hitting ability this season. Rapp was physical, but it was like he closed his eyes five yards out and hit anything in his path, friend or foe, concussing everyone, including himself. I haven't seen Benford lay the lumber, and White is anything but physical, but Hairston, surprisingly since he's so skinny, has had some big hits.