finn

Didn't the same thing happen in the Green Bay game last year?

I have the sense other NFL players just don't respect Gabe Davis. He may be a good blocker, but he's not much of a threat as a receiver. I wonder if Beane will pull something off. Trade Elam for a decent WR?

Until Monday night, I've always had in mind the Allen from the 13-second game, and I've rationalized away every bad performance since then (bad day, bad line, bad elbow, bad receivers). But the Jets game was something different altogether. He didn't just have a bad day; something was very wrong. Now he appears ashamed and bewildered. Not a good emotional state for a comeback.

Isn't this kind of problem--a QB who's lost his way--one of the key responsibilities of a QB coach? I mean, what is more important? If he's biding his time waiting for another OC job, having potentially the best QB in NFL history melt down on his watch isn't what he wants on his resume. Short-term solution for McDermott: Fire the useless Brady and bring in a coach Allen will learn from, not some ambitious wannabe.

That's what people were saying after the Cincinnati game. And the Miami game. And after an offseason when he was roasted as a turnover machine. No, if he hasn't gotten it yet, after six years in the league, he likely won't ever get it. We have to accept who he is: a very entertaining, very exciting player who simply cannot or will not play cautiously. It may still be enough to go all the way.

The two sets of traits might be connected. He has bad judgment because it pays off many times, like the TD throw to Diggs, which could have been picked off. He can do things no other QB can do. Paradoxically, that's why he may never be great.

I'm really beginning to think Allen would rather lose than play dink football. He equates winning with the big play, not the score at the end of the game. He'll feel bad for awhile now--and go back to the same pattern. What's different now? Humiliation on national TV? Been there done that. High-stakes game? Ditto. A long offseason to get his act together? He's had several. If the Bills go all the way, it will only because other teams don't or can't follow Saleh's blueprint.

I think self-discipline is the problem, not confidence. He's addicted to the dopamine rush of the deep ball, and teams that can get pressure with four can just wait for him to implode, like a child who really really really wants that candy just out of reach. Maybe that's what Diggs is seeing. A man-child quarterback.

Wow. All Allen had to do was not turn over the ball. He could have just kneeled.

Who is our backup QB? Doesn't matter who he is. Put him in.

What a story. Jets win even without Rogers. I still have faith, but I really don't like Allen's face. He has the flushed look he has when he plays like a fool.

Is that what happened? He broke off his route?

I'm the ultimate Allen defender, and I can't defend his play this game. He's playing like a stupid rookie.

Why aren't they giving it to Hall and Cook every single play?

It's just a great defense, disciplined, great tackling, athletic, fast. Our skill players match up, but our line is two or three levels below their d-line in quality, and that's the difference. By the way, the score would be the same with Rogers in there.

He's no Brady, and I mean that as a compliment. I like that he chucks it, overall. Frustrating at the moment, but the payoffs are great. I don't want a Marcia Brady dinking and dunking.

Looks like the same guy from late last season. What happened to his vow to be patient? It's like he's itching to chuck it downtown, no matter what the coverage.

That's their game plan now. Take the air out of the ball, win by three points or less.

I wouldn't say slow. Harty, Cook, Diggs, and Kinkaid all look fast. The offensive line, though, good lord. Allen is spooked, and I don't blame him. They're in his face every time he doesn't throw immediately. Really limits what he does best. He can't even scramble.

You know, the announcers could be talking about Kincaid. That's a real story.

Not sure any line can do well against this D line, but they're doing about as poorly as they can. No running lanes, constant breakdowns in pass pro.

Jets D impressive. Nothing about Bills impressive. Yet.

You were saying?

Think of the competing narratives, all primed and ready to go. The announcers will certainly have their script. Vegas should take odds on what it turns out to be. I have my suspicions.

I have high hopes for a bulldozing right side, with Torrence and Brown knocking people off the ball. Brown may suck in pass pro, but he does seem to relish knocking people down. Put Knox next to him and let Cook cook.