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A Few Thoughts About The Game, in no particular order.....


Bill from NYC

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1) On the TD catch by Gronkowski late in the 2nd half, he was being covered by Kyle Moore. We need to take a closer look at this. Gronkowski, like him or hate him, might wind up in the Hall of Fame. He might even wind up as the best TE ever. Wanny had him covered by a defensive end. Consider this post a call for the NY State Troopers to escort Wanny out of the state of NY. He just won't stop with this insame scheme, and should be fired this second. He should have been fired weeks ago.

 

2) Donald Jones was amazing today. I saw two fully extended catches. If the Bills had a legit burner, Stevie, and now Jones, would reach amazing heights. Yes, I know about the qb issues all too well, but these guys can play.

 

3) Is anyone waiting for me to blast Spiller? Here ya go.....he was flat out amazing today imo. Much of the yardage he gained was on his own. And, he had the football sense to get out of bounds when he had too. Want more? With 11:40 left in the 4th qtr., he threw an amazing block which allowed Fitz to complete a pass. He caught passes and ran very well. He gave it all he had, and I was 100% impressed by both his production, and even more important, his effort.

 

4) Glenn had a rough outing. He's just a kid, and coming off an injury, but he allowed sacks and had some very ill-timed penalties. But, I think that he is a player, or at least will be one.

 

5) Lets shift to corners, shall we? McKelvin wasn't all that, but he was actually better than A. Williams. As many problems as the corners had, I think that they were actually not as bad as they would have been with Williams on the field. Gilmore? Sorry, I am not so impressed.

 

6) "Walk out of any doorway, feel your way, feel your way, like the day before.

Maybe you'll find direction,

Around some corner where it's been waiting to meet you.

What do you want me to do, to watch for you while you are sleeping?

The please don't be surprised, when you find,

Me dreaming too."

 

7) Poor Fitz. He really had a great game, until that last pass. He btw had all the time he needed, and there was no reason to force that throw.

 

8) Darues? He looks to be out of shape. He was out of gas by the middle of the 2nd quarter. He helped out on the one sack, but he, imo, played a horrible game.

 

9) 14 penalties for 148 yards points to a team that lacks coaching and discipline. There is no other direction to look.

 

10) I was lucky enough to watch the game today with some of the greatest people on earth. I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that my fellow Bills fans on this board were also as lucky.

 

11) We need a linebacker on this football team other than Barnett. I always was a fan of his, but he cannot cover Wes Welker. This is what he had to do several times. I can't stress enough how poorly this defense is coached.

 

12) Sure, the season is over, but in a weird way, I feel as if we accomplished something today. Is this insane? If I was one who wagered, I would bet on us to destroy Miami. Even if Dareus is shot (not sure he is), Carrington was trying hard today. Kyle Williams gave it his all as well. Mario at least played the run well. And the offense was as good as we would have a right to expect. In any event, I accept the fact this particular comment might not make sense. But I'm hanging in there because I really do love this football team, and being a Bills fan. This will never, ever change. And I extend my thatks to all of you for staying with this team, and yes, indulging my posts.

 

13) GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Bill, yours is normally the first post I read after the game, be it Sunday night or Monday morning at work. I like that you are objective in your views and most of your points (whether I agree or not) are well thought out. You're right, season is over, but I still feel like this team is a long, long way from turning the corner.

 

Lastly, I told my cousin this today, I feel like the Bills suffer from Stockholm Syndrome every single time they travel to or even host New England. We give them way to many opportunities, it's like we feel obligated to do so.

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Dareus had a couple good deflects. That first one should have been an easy INT by Scott. He blew it. That's the difference between starting ahead and playing from behind the whole game. I agree that he was less than stellar in the second half.

 

That last Fitz pass broke my heart. The game was ours and he forced a throw he didn't need to make. It was only second down. Even if TJ ran the wrong route, Fitz should not have made that throw. And Fitz was on fire the whole game. This was the first time I had confidence in his passing. Usually when I watch the games I get worried when it's not a hand off. Today I was ecstatic about the passing game. Why did it have to end like that?

 

I agree with the rest. Jones has proven his worth, Spiller is unbelievable and that scheme was awful. Some of those penalties were questionable, but not all of them. We had like the 6th fewest penalties going into the game - what happened?

 

If we play like this and Freddy doesn't fumble for the next 7 games, we legitimately could win them all. I don't think it's likely, but none of our remaining games will be as tough as the last two. Not even close.

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It is genuinely exciting every time CJ gets the ball. Trying to remember the last time I felt that way about a Bills player (other than say Roscoe Parrish or Leodis on punt returns).

 

On the last drive, I thought to myself that it was only a matter of time until Fitz throws the game-icing pick. That said, the loss today cannot be pinned on him. Still, you have to wonder how a better quarterback would have done in that situation.

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1) On the TD catch by Gronkowski late in the 2nd half, he was being covered by Kyle Moore. We need to take a closer look at this. Gronkowski, like him or hate him, might wind up in the Hall of Fame. He might even wind up as the best TE ever. Wanny had him covered by a defensive end. Consider this post a call for the NY State Troopers to escort Wanny out of the state of NY. He just won't stop with this insame scheme, and should be fired this second. He should have been fired weeks ago.

 

2) Donald Jones was amazing today. I saw two fully extended catches. If the Bills had a legit burner, Stevie, and now Jones, would reach amazing heights. Yes, I know about the qb issues all too well, but these guys can play.

 

3) Is anyone waiting for me to blast Spiller? Here ya go.....he was flat out amazing today imo. Much of the yardage he gained was on his own. And, he had the football sense to get out of bounds when he had too. Want more? With 11:40 left in the 4th qtr., he threw an amazing block which allowed Fitz to complete a pass. He caught passes and ran very well. He gave it all he had, and I was 100% impressed by both his production, and even more important, his effort.

 

4) Glenn had a rough outing. He's just a kid, and coming off an injury, but he allowed sacks and had some very ill-timed penalties. But, I think that he is a player, or at least will be one.

 

5) Lets shift to corners, shall we? McKelvin wasn't all that, but he was actually better than A. Williams. As many problems as the corners had, I think that they were actually not as bad as they would have been with Williams on the field. Gilmore? Sorry, I am not so impressed.

 

6) "Walk out of any doorway, feel your way, feel your way, like the day before.

Maybe you'll find direction,

Around some corner where it's been waiting to meet you.

What do you want me to do, to watch for you while you are sleeping?

The please don't be surprised, when you find,

Me dreaming too."

 

7) Poor Fitz. He really had a great game, until that last pass. He btw had all the time he needed, and there was no reason to force that throw.

 

8) Darues? He looks to be out of shape. He was out of gas by the middle of the 2nd quarter. He helped out on the one sack, but he, imo, played a horrible game.

 

9) 14 penalties for 148 yards points to a team that lacks coaching and discipline. There is no other direction to look.

 

10) I was lucky enough to watch the game today with some of the greatest people on earth. I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that my fellow Bills fans on this board were also as lucky.

 

11) We need a linebacker on this football team other than Barnett. I always was a fan of his, but he cannot cover Wes Welker. This is what he had to do several times. I can't stress enough how poorly this defense is coached.

 

12) Sure, the season is over, but in a weird way, I feel as if we accomplished something today. Is this insane? If I was one who wagered, I would bet on us to destroy Miami. Even if Dareus is shot (not sure he is), Carrington was trying hard today. Kyle Williams gave it his all as well. Mario at least played the run well. And the offense was as good as we would have a right to expect. In any event, I accept the fact this particular comment might not make sense. But I'm hanging in there because I really do love this football team, and being a Bills fan. This will never, ever change. And I extend my thatks to all of you for staying with this team, and yes, indulging my posts.

 

13) GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good post again, Bill. Glad U could watch the game w/ some good friends. As dreadful as our defense has been, there were a couple of drives in the final several minutes that they played NE pretty stout to hold them out of the end zone. Ther's, of course, still big issues to resolve. Looks and sounds like you have electricty there. How's the gas situation since U mentioned in in answering my post earlier this week. I trully hope its better. Go Bills!!!

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Did you notice the sack by Dareus and Kyle in the 3rd quarter? All four linemen were standing up and they got a great rush, but I never saw them do that again.

 

Do you mean stand up, or get a great rush? They definitely did the former a few times, not so much the latter.

 

And Bill, I was saying the same thing to my uncle when the TD pass to Gronkowski happened. Probably the best TE in the NFL, maybe in the end one of the best of all time, and we're covering him with a !@#$ing defensive end. A rookie defensive end at that. I agree, Wanny should be driven to the NY state border, dropped off, and told never to come back.

Edited by Rubes
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Bill , its about time you showed CJ some love.

 

I just dont understand why Gailey is not feeding CJ early and often. He should get the ball at least 20 times a game. And he was open on the last play.

Can't blame Fitz on the loss but didnt you just feel that he was gonna F up on the last drive??

 

Dareus does seem heavy. He looked in better shape last year.

 

Gilmore is still raw. But I like to see him get an INT soon than later.

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It is genuinely exciting every time CJ gets the ball. Trying to remember the last time I felt that way about a Bills player (other than say Roscoe Parrish or Leodis on punt returns).

 

On the last drive, I thought to myself that it was only a matter of time until Fitz throws the game-icing pick. That said, the loss today cannot be pinned on him. Still, you have to wonder how a better quarterback would have done in that situation.

 

CJ was electric. It is so unfortunate that we don't give the ball enough to him.

Freddy played well except for the fumble. It was also a bone headed move. We already had a 1st down and it would have been 1st and goal at the 2 yard line. Why make a desparate play. This kind of lack of focus falls squarely back on the HC as he allows these critical mistakes to happen without any accountability.

Scott Chandler - Was probably the 2nd best player on the field besides CJ. Too bad he was not used on that last drive.

 

What is up with Danny Woodhead.. He sucks against everyone, but puts the wood on the Bills every time we play them.

 

Fitz was more accurate with the ball today. Too bad, he and his WR made a costly blunder at the end. At least he was attempting to throw 15-yard passes. It also shows how poor is this NE defense.

 

We are 0-3 against the AFC East....Once again....

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Well it was entertaining, cant take away from them.

 

few things to add:

 

- Ive flagged this before and now unfortunately it's official: Fred Jackson has a fumbling problem. Now more than ever reason to make CJ #1 back

- yes Bills were sloppy at times on penalties, but that first half was one of the most biased officiating jobs Ive ever seen. There was no PI on Gronk, no holding on Wood, no PI on Gilmore, PI on Byrd ball placed at spot of foul when ball wasn't even thrown there, and others ... all huge calls at important times

- That was best Ive seen Fitz throw the ball all season. WAY BETTER than any of the first 8 games. Why?

- I wont criticize Chan too much except for play calling to start last drive. D was only rushing 3 and playing a deep zone, there was 2:06 on the clock. At least one of those calls should have been a run to take advantage of the D and auto stoppage at 2:00. Could easily see a 15-20 pickup

 

This team is maddening. At least if theyd gotten blown out I could turn them off rest of the year. But now just barely on edge of playoff contention, they give just enough glimmer of hope to keep watching

Edited by Joe_the_6_pack
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Actually thought this was one of Dareus' better games.

 

Glenn had a rough 20-25 minutes, a shaky half. But he was pretty solid during the 2nd half, Fitz had all day to throw. OL played really well in the 2nd half.

Edited by bouds
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Well it was entertaining, cant take away from them.

 

few things to add:

 

- Ive flagged this before and now unfortunately it's official: Fred Jackson has a fumbling problem. Now more than ever reason to make CJ #1 back

- yes Bills were sloppy at times on penalties, but that first half was one of the most biased officiating jobs Ive ever seen. There was no PI on Gronk, no holding on Wood, no PI on Gilmore, PI on Byrd ball placed at spot of foul when ball wasn't even thrown there, and others ... all huge calls at important times

- That was best Ive seen Fitz throw the ball all season. WAY BETTER than any of the first 8 games. Why?

- I wont criticize Chan too much except for play calling to start last drive. D was only rushing 3 and playing a deep zone, there was 2:06 on the clock. At least one of those calls should have been a run to take advantage of the D and auto stoppage at 2:00. Could easily see a 15-20 pickup

 

This team is maddening. At least if theyd gotten blown out I could turn them off rest of the year. But now just barely on edge of playoff contention, they give just enough glimmer of hope to keep watching

 

 

Agree with what you post here, not sure they are on just barely on the edge of playoff contention. I have a big issue with Mario Williams. That final drive by the Pats is when you need a big play from the guy you just spent 100 million for. The closest he came was a hand close to Brady, who by the way was never unnerved by our D-line for most of the game. He continually stepped up in the pocket and had plenty of time to find his receivers. This year was supposed to be the Bills following the guide the NYG wrote for beating Brady. It didn't work, and sorry, but Williams has not been close to what the Bills expected him to be.

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Thing about williams is that hes good not great. With his contract people were expecting the latter. But he does have some presence and got some pressures. It was clear at least to me he was overpaid when they signed him. But with their need and how much under the cap they were I can't blame them.

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Agree with what you post here, not sure they are on just barely on the edge of playoff contention. I have a big issue with Mario Williams. That final drive by the Pats is when you need a big play from the guy you just spent 100 million for. The closest he came was a hand close to Brady, who by the way was never unnerved by our D-line for most of the game. He continually stepped up in the pocket and had plenty of time to find his receivers. This year was supposed to be the Bills following the guide the NYG wrote for beating Brady. It didn't work, and sorry, but Williams has not been close to what the Bills expected him to be.

See that's not fair. He was being held big time. That was a holding call that didnt get called.

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Box of Rain-nice touch

 

I can't argue your points, but I may need to analyze Dareus' play better based on what a number of posters have noted today. I actually thought he applied solid pressure more often than not.

Edited by VanCity
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1) On the TD catch by Gronkowski late in the 2nd half, he was being covered by Kyle Moore. We need to take a closer look at this. Gronkowski, like him or hate him, might wind up in the Hall of Fame. He might even wind up as the best TE ever. Wanny had him covered by a defensive end. Consider this post a call for the NY State Troopers to escort Wanny out of the state of NY. He just won't stop with this insame scheme, and should be fired this second. He should have been fired weeks ago.

 

 

I was very happily enjoying RedZone today until I saw this play...I immediately came online and fumed about this in the gameday thread. That was INEXCUSABLE!

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I was very happily enjoying RedZone today until I saw this play...I immediately came online and fumed about this in the gameday thread. That was INEXCUSABLE!

Guys I wouldn't get too huffy about this. Pats have a ton of weapons and a smart qb who will call plays to isolate mismatches and put defenders where its not ideal. Overall gronk didn't kill us, our own Chandler had a better game.

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The Bills finally played with some heart in this game, and it showed later on. The Bills had to fight the refs along with some very questionable bad calls, some non calls. Some bad luck where they just couldn't hold onto a INT or the ball.

 

Someone explain to me why Spiller is so amazing and yet only got 9 runs the entire game, 4 receptions (7.7 ypc avg rushing) Then Fitz with 40 attempts passing

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Actually thought this was one of Dareus' better games.

 

Glenn had a rough 20-25 minutes, a shaky half. But he was pretty solid during the 2nd half, Fitz had all day to throw. OL played really well in the 2nd half.

 

I want more from Dareus. He really did look like he was sucking wind midway through the second quarter. And they substituted for him quite a bit. On one of the long runs up the middle, Spencer Johnson was in, and he over-pursued. We drafted Dareus to prevent this stuff. He did make a play or 2 in the second half but my expectations are much higher for a #3 overall pick.

 

Wrt Glenn, he is a rookie. I'm not worried about him. He hasn't even been a LT for a long time and is still learning. But his potential is limitless.

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11) We need a linebacker on this football team other than Barnett. I always was a fan of his, but he cannot cover Wes Welker. This is what he had to do several times. I can't stress enough how poorly this defense is coached.

 

Barnett is washed up and as bad as any of the other LB's.

 

Go back and watch the Pats* 2nd TD drive. Brady targeted Barnett on every single play. EVERY ONE. On the long scoring run, they ran directly at Barnett, and he couldn't disengage AT ALL from his block, which was the main reason for the long run.

 

If Barnett is the best of a sorry bunch of LB's, so be it, but don't pretend for a minute he doesn't also completely suck.

 

Scott is the only one that does his job - and he's an undersized nickel LB - who unlike Barnett by the way, CAN cover someone for a second or two. Barnett is bad against both the run and pass. The fact that Sheppard can't take any playing time from him just proves Sheppard is now officially a bust.

 

The Bills need to draft 5 LB's next year in the hopes of find 2 who belong in the NFL.

Edited by BobChalmers
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Barnett is washed up and as bad as any of the other LB's.

 

Go back and watch the Pats* 2nd scoring drive. Brady targeted Barnett on every single play. EVERY ONE. On the long scoring run, they ran directly at Barnett, and he couldn't disengage AT ALL from him block, which was the main reason for the long run.

 

If Barnett is the best of a sorry bunch of LB's, so be it, but don't pretend for a minute he doesn't also completely suck.

 

Scott is the only one that does his job - and he's an undersized nickel LB - who unlike Barnett by the way, CAN cover someone for a second or two. Barnett is bad against both the run and pass. The fact that Sheppard can't take any playing time from him just proves Sheppard is now officially a bust.

 

The Bills need to draft 5 LB's next year in the hopes of find 2 who belong in the NFL.

 

HUH?

 

Scott is terrible in coverage. Don't you remember "43 is the Mike, 43 is the Mike." They abused Scott last time the Bills played the Pats*. And he didn't play that great this game either. He had some long passes thrown against him Sunday.

 

And Sheppard isn't suppose to be replacing Barnett. Barnett is playing WLB and Sheppard plays the MLB in the base defense. When the Bills are in Nickel or Dime, Scott comes out and there are only 2 LB's on the field. And for some strange reason, eventhough it didn't work when the Bills first played them, Wanny went back to being in Nickel or Dime the entire game. When that happens the Bills get beat up in the run game, because Scott is terrible in run support from the MLB postion.

 

Not defending Sheppard, but I don't quite think you understand what is being asked of him.

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I will say (regarding the fumbling) that New England was viciously stripping at the ball all day. Obviously Fred needs to hang onto the ball better but I only wish our LB's and DB's would fight to strip the ball as violently as New England does. I give that team a lot of credit for being coached to do that.

 

One other note- seems like alot of people here like to lament that the TV announcers always favor our opponent (i never agree with that sentiment as I think fans just want blind homerism). In any event, I thought Dan Fouts was very pro-Bills yesterday. You could tell he felt the Bills were being victimized by bad calls all day and he probably wanted to rip into the Refs. He just seemed to want the Bills to win the game for some reason.

 

Anyone notice on the officiating that NE was flagged for only the obvious (personal fouls and defensive offsides) but they weren't hit with "judgement" calls like holding and pass interference. Just flabbergasting that NE didn't hold all day yet Buffalo is called for all kinds of ticky tack judgement calls. Very frustrating.

Edited by zow2
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Dareus had a couple good deflects. That first one should have been an easy INT by Scott. He blew it. That's the difference between starting ahead and playing from behind the whole game. I agree that he was less than stellar in the second half.

 

That last Fitz pass broke my heart. The game was ours and he forced a throw he didn't need to make. It was only second down. Even if TJ ran the wrong route, Fitz should not have made that throw. And Fitz was on fire the whole game. This was the first time I had confidence in his passing. Usually when I watch the games I get worried when it's not a hand off. Today I was ecstatic about the passing game. Why did it have to end like that?

 

I agree with the rest. Jones has proven his worth, Spiller is unbelievable and that scheme was awful. Some of those penalties were questionable, but not all of them. We had like the 6th fewest penalties going into the game - what happened?

 

If we play like this and Freddy doesn't fumble for the next 7 games, we legitimately could win them all. I don't think it's likely, but none of our remaining games will be as tough as the last two. Not even close.

 

The first part of the statement in bold.

 

I kept thinking to myself "Just pull one game out. Just one. Let Thursday's game mean something." All I could do was put my hands on my head and sigh.

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I kept thinking to myself "Just pull one game out. Just one. Let Thursday's game mean something." All I could do was put my hands on my head and sigh.

It still does actually. According to this site, if the Bills run the table the rest of the season their chances of making the playoffs are 96%.

If they lose Thursday, the best they can do is to have their playoff chances be 56%.

 

Not that I think this is likely to happen, but they are not mathematically out yet either.

 

http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NFL/AFC/AFCEast/Buffalo.html

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It still does actually. According to this site, if the Bills run the table the rest of the season their chances of making the playoffs are 96%.

If they lose Thursday, the best they can do is to have their playoff chances be 56%.

 

Not that I think this is likely to happen, but they are not mathematically out yet either.

 

http://www.sportsclu...st/Buffalo.html

 

You and I both know, this team is not running the tables.

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Did you notice the sack by Dareus and Kyle in the 3rd quarter? All four linemen were standing up and they got a great rush, but I never saw them do that again.

They did it twice and I made a post in which I think we should use this "creep" defense more on 3rd and long and also emply more bear defenses in which we lineup Dareus, Kyle, and Mario inside and let Moore/Merriman/Anderson play more of a wide DE ala the way the 80 Bears utilized RIchard Dent. Also we need to have our DB play tighter bump and run coverage to allow the pressure to get to the QB.

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HUH?

 

Scott is terrible in coverage. Don't you remember "43 is the Mike, 43 is the Mike." They abused Scott last time the Bills played the Pats*. And he didn't play that great this game either. He had some long passes thrown against him Sunday.

 

They are audibling to a RUN play when Brady barks that. Scott made some nice plays in pass-D - noone expects him to be a run-stuffer.

 

My problem with Sheppard as a long-term answer at MLB is that the better MLB's can play 3 downs, and since he cannot get playing time on passing downs, while Barnett can (even while playing poorly) then Sheppard is clearly terrible on passing downs.

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PFF gave Dareus a +4.9 score. Third highest on team behind Kyle (+6.8) and Spiller (+5.0).

 

As I said earlier, it was on of his better games this season. Just needs to be more consistent, shed some pounds. I also think we need better depth behind Kyle and Dareus, need to rotate guys in and out to keep both of them fresh. Fresher the better.

 

With Wannstedt's vanilla D it's hard to really get an idea of what they're capable of on D. I don't think the LBs are very good but DL may be better with stunting and occasional blitz. As is, all they do is rush straight up. Wannstedt's idea of a wrinkle is having his DL stand up and just rushing them from a 2 point stance instead of 3.

Edited by bouds
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