thebandit27 Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 With regards to this I think, and I don't have proof really, that Lewis isn't going through his progressions very fast. I can only assume Woods is #2 maybe #3 option on most pass plays. I think Lewis isn't getting to that read and waits too long for his #1 option to get open. Hence him holding onto the ball too long and taking lots of sacks. Whereas in contrast EJ goes through his progressions, maybe too fast sometimes not letting his #1 option get open, and finds Woods. You are absolutely correct here...Lewis really struggles to get past his first read and teams are taking advantage of it by sending lots of pressure, under which he is folding. One of EJ's strong points is that he's been better than expected at getting through his progressions and getting the ball out quickly. He still needs a fair amount of work in that area, but he's further along than I think most of us hoped he'd be in that regard. The problem with Woods is the QB! Lewis has missed him on multiple occasions due to his accuracy. In yesterday's game, in the first half, Woods came free across the field, had Lewis been able to connect with him the Bills would have had a TD instead of a FG. Here are some thoughts I've been pondering. If Teddy Bridgewater is sitting there when it's the Bills time to pick in next years draft, do they take him? Will the Bills trade Jairus Byrd or do they see that he is a compliment on this defense? Do the Bills sit Spiller out another game to rest his ankle? Why didn't the Bills move the pocket for Lewis when they saw the pressure he was getting up the middle? Why don't other QBs take a page from the Brees/Rodgers play book and move around in the pocket or roll out to extend the time to make downfield passes. That TD to Stills was due to Brees rolling away from the pressure and finding Stills 1 on 1 with a DB and gave him an opportunity to make a play. I don't think the Bridgewater scenario is realistic...he's probably a top 5 pick, and we won't be picking there. Yes, I think we'll trade Byrd if we can't work out a deal Lewis' accuracy on the run has been mostly spotty, so I think their hesitant to do too much with him throwing on the run Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Kyle Williams played like a Pro Bowler yesterday. I think it came down to 2 plays: obviously the INT at the end of the half, which wipes 7 off the board; and the D-holding call on a 3rd down that would've forced a punt, and the Saints go on to score again. Take those 14 points away, and the game is a coin toss, though the Saints still probably win. Point is, they were didn't look that over-matched even with Thad at the wheel (there's another 14 points related to his TOs). I think this is a good assessment and truly indicative of how a final score doesn't always indicate how close the game really was. Brees was the difference. GO BILLS!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 All in all, saints are a much more talented and experienced team, but we are a much better team than last year, even given the injuries. The team is gutsy and will take its lumps this year especially from teams like the saints. That being said I'm still going to pull for six to eight wins. The playoffs will be ours next year. No they aren't, but for the most important position on the field -- QB. Otherwise, the Bills are just as talented top to bottom. We were playing with a 3rd string QB for crying out loud, and without our most explosive weapon. I watched this game with two well-versed Saints fans -- they were worried during the 2nd quarter, and even after the Bills scored to make it 28-17. They both told me this is all about Brees, and that the Saints just find ways to win at home. Both were impressed with how the Bills played and commented about how a couple of key plays made the difference. The rest of the world doesn't view the Bills as negatively as most on this board. I know your post wasn't negative, but I'm tired of reading how the Bills aren't talented. They are, and it's showing itself each week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChevyVanMiller Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Let me assist you this week, Bill. "Your rain falls like crazy fingers Peals of fragile thunder keeping time Recall the days that still are to come some sing blue. Hang your heart on laughing willow stray Down to the water, deep sea of love beneath the sweet calm face of the sea swift undertow." "Life may be sweeter for this, I don't know, See how it feels in the end. May Lady Lullaby sing plainly for you soft, strong, sweet and true. Cloud hands reaching from a rainbow tapping at the window, touch your hair So swift and bright strange figures of light float in air." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CodeMonkey Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 You are absolutely correct here...Lewis really struggles to get past his first read and teams are taking advantage of it by sending lots of pressure, under which he is folding. There was a reason he has been a practice squad level player his entire career even with that cannon arm he has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDBillzFan Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 I'd only add that if you were Bill from NC the title of this thread would be "My Thoughts Done Got Blowed Up." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebandit27 Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 There was a reason he has been a practice squad level player his entire career even with that cannon arm he has. Sure, I get that. Just too bad; he's a tough kid with a great arm and attitude. I wish he were good enough to win a few games for this team while EJ is out; unfortunately he's not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26TrapDraw Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Agreed...while Thad has an impressive arm sometimes, I think he struggles making quick decisions. His inexperience shows. We just have to realize what we have in Lewis. He's a practice squad QB for a reason. The choice was made because he had the best grasp of our O. His inexperience shows every game. I will say he's a fighter but the cupboard is bare beyond Thad so this is what we got. Don't expect the second coming of Christ when EJ gets back either. He's still incredibly green. I have to say I've enjoyed watching this years crop battle. That is what we as Bills fans get as a consolation prize more fight and no quit. Its not enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yungmack Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 If Matt Flynn is up to speed, should he start against the Chiefs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CodeMonkey Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 If Matt Flynn is up to speed, should he start against the Chiefs? I don't see why not at this point. They have seen what Lewis has. They brought Flynn in, why not look at him as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Your thoughts started off strong and then fell off of a cliff. Perfect metaphor for yesterday's game. Well done sir! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 No they aren't, but for the most important position on the field -- QB. Otherwise, the Bills are just as talented top to bottom. We were playing with a 3rd string QB for crying out loud, and without our most explosive weapon. I watched this game with two well-versed Saints fans -- they were worried during the 2nd quarter, and even after the Bills scored to make it 28-17. They both told me this is all about Brees, and that the Saints just find ways to win at home. Both were impressed with how the Bills played and commented about how a couple of key plays made the difference. The rest of the world doesn't view the Bills as negatively as most on this board. I know your post wasn't negative, but I'm tired of reading how the Bills aren't talented. They are, and it's showing itself each week. Precisely! The Bills need a QB. Plain and Simple. This comment could go in the "what pieces are missing" thread, as well. But until we have a quality QB, we'll have problems - OL that can't block, OC that can't call plays, WR that can't get open, etc. There's one thing we need to consistently beat average to below average teams and to go toe to toe with the best teams in the league; a QB. Thad is obviously not that guy. I like him, but we all know he's not a top tier QB. Will EJ become one? I reckon we'll see... in time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bills44 Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 so, you think we have 2 of those? No. I don't think much of Choice. IMO, he's a dime-a-dozen NFL RB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tu-Toned Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 As is often the case, that game turned on a handful of plays, but by no means were the Bills outclassed or outmanned. They hung in there, in a hostile environment, with a 3rd string QB. The plays I'd like back: -- Stills left uncovered after Bills took 10-7 lead (just an excellent scheme to confuse the D) -- Facemask penalty that nullified a red zone INT (halftime score would have been 14-10 instead of 21-10) -- Needless hold by Chandler to nullify long TD to Graham (still scored on the drive, but lost valuable minutes off the clock) -- 3rd and 20 pass to Stills (D did everything right; that was just Brees at his best) These Bills are fun to watch and root for, and there is absolutely no quit in them. Can't wait for a healthy EJ and CJ to get back in there. A 9-7 record at the end of all of this would not surprise me at all. The arrow is pointing up. That was as ticky tac as I have ever witnessed of a penalty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 No. I don't think much of Choice. IMO, he's a dime-a-dozen NFL RB. Spiller was the "other" in my mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CodeMonkey Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 That was as ticky tac as I have ever witnessed of a penalty. And yet if the sides had been switched Bills fans would have been irate if it wasn't called. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOKBILLS Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 2) Thad Lewis was exposed today. He was hurt, under some pressure, and he is inexperienced. But, he lacks touch. Again, I hope that they utilize his ability to run. There now seems to be very little to lose. I will say this much...I believe this team is on the rise...It may not show up in every game this season, but I think it's pretty apparent...Especially on Defense...One of the toughest things in the NFL seems to be the ability to go 2 deep at QB without a tremendous drop-off...I think Lewis has the raw ability to be a solid back-up in the NFL, but it's tough to gauge right now due to his lack of gameday experience...His sailing balls, lack of ball security, and inaccuracy at times give me clear moments of pause when trying to project his future with this team...I do hope that the Bills are able to nail this issue down by the beginning of next season...Because in 2014 this team is going to be looking to take a major step forward, and I think they'll have most of the guns too do it...But if EJ goes down again the back-up is going to have to be expected to win, like Reich did...It's going to be really important down the road...I just have that feeling... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Robert Woods- I think he's going to be a good one, but he's been MIA of late. We need more out of him now. Goodwin- a couple of really nice grabs. Wasn't sure what to expect from him, but I've been pleasantly surprised by him so far. Lewis- the kid is tough, but he really needs to take care of the ball better. I think he's put the ball on the carpet 5x over the last 3 weeks. His pocket awareness isn't particularly good, IMO, which contributes to some of the shots he takes. FJ - great 1Q, but ineffective thereafter. By all accounts, he's a good guy and teammate, but, IMO, he's best used as a situational, change-of-pace back. Alonso - better than he was against CIN and MIA, but he still wasn't great today, especially relative to the way he played to start the season. Robey - I think he'll be a solid 3/4 CB in the NFL, but he had a rough one today. The Stills TD and the pass that went right through his hands were huge plays that majorly impacted the outcome. Why does it seem like opposing TEs either plow over or drag forward our Safeties, but Chandler gets tossed around by opposing safeties? Lawson's absence was huge. I hope to see Hughes drop back in coverage as infrequently as possible for the rest of the year. NE/MIA was like a TOR/BOS hockey game - I was desperately hoping for both teams to lose. I love this team's fight and toughness - I haven't seen those traits out of a Bills team in years. We're getting there... Did he have any holes to run through? I really think this offseason we need to look to upgrade our O Line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over 29 years of fanhood Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 I've been saying for a few weeks that he is Fitz with a better arm. He will wow you with some great throws fallowed by a WTF moment and a fumble. His toughness is impressive but Fitz took tons of big shots too. Agreed. Tough, scrappy, regarded by coaching as very smart, smaller/average sized guy, can zip it but has to step into it, very little touch, some mobility, came from mediocre collegiate athletic program. Erratic accuracy at the middle range, Started out with rams. For those of you wishing we kept Fitz as a back up, wish granted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRH Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 Agreed. Tough, scrappy, regarded by coaching as very smart, smaller/average sized guy, can zip it but has to step into it, very little touch, some mobility, came from mediocre collegiate athletic program. Erratic accuracy at the middle range, Started out with rams. For those of you wishing we kept Fitz as a back up, wish granted. And he even went to Duke, which is about as Harvard as you can get and still be in FBS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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