Rapid Reaction - 10 Observations about Tonight's Game

[ChevyVanMiller]

Rapid Reaction - 10 Observation about Tonight's Game

 

10) It was a class move and it brought a tear to my eye when the Bills dedicated the broadcast booth to the late, great Van Miller.

For many of us Van's voice will forever be the one that we equate with the greatest plays in team history.

 

One word for the Pegulas for honoring Miller - Vantastic!

 

9) Ronald Darby had a "Welcome to the NFL, Rookie" night as the Panthers targeted him on many occasions and he was burned for a TD.

 

Still, I thought the first-year CB showed good form for the most part and I believe that he will learn from tonight's game and be a better player as a result.

 

8) Matt Cassel was, well Matt Cassel-like. The veteran signal caller completed 7-8 for 45 yards. He threw a bunch of short passes and showed efficiency in the pocket.

 

If he ends up winning the QB battle, the Bills can win using his "dunk and plunk" style of passing, but man there just isn't any sizzle on that steak.

 

7) EJ had the biggest play of the evening, a beautiful 51-yard bomb to Deonte Thompson that put the Bills up by 7 late in the 3rd quarter. He finished 4-8 for 77 yards and wasn't helped by some drops from his TEs, which seemed to really tick-off Rex Ryan in the post-game presser.

 

Still there seems to be a pall around EJ that I'm not sure he'll be able to shake. At least he kept himself in the conversation tonight.

 

6) Tyrod Taylor has that "it" factor. While he had pedestrian passing numbers for the night, 5-9 for 49 yards, his legs provided many thrilling moments as he rushed 6 times for 47 and 7.8 YPR.

 

He led the team to two TD drives and at times looked like Michael Vick in his prime when he took off and made defensive linemen look like park statues in the wake of his high-powered jets.

 

He will get the start in next week's game against the Browns. Another dynamic performance could propel him past Cassel in the QB competition.

 

5) Karlos Williams looks like a real gamer. He ran 14 times for 40 yards and plunged the ball in for his first NFL TD. His upright running style reminds one of the great Eric Dickerson.

 

Bryce Brown's career in Buffalo is in real jeopardy.

 

4) John Miller looked good, really good. The 3rd rounder from Louisville has been drawing rave reviews since way back in mini-camp and it's easy to see why. He opened up some big holes in the running game and was stout in pass protection.

 

It appears, at this early juncture, that the interior of the Bills OL is light years ahead of where it was last year at this time.

 

3) Admittedly, I knew very little about TE Matthew Mulligan before this game. I hope to keep learning more as I liked what I saw from the former Tennessee Titan.

 

He blocked well and caught both balls targeted his way. Chris Gragg is another vet firmly on the hot seat.

 

2) It may surprise some of the pundits ripping Rex Ryan and the Bills for picking up IK "Jawbreaker" Enemkpali, but the kid looked big, fast and strong tonight. He had a couple of solo tackles and a QB hit.

 

It's just an early return, but IK might be OK for the Bills and not just an excuse for Rex to rattle the cage of Gang Green.

 

1) Speaking of Rex Ryan, I was actually touched by the fact that he seemed so pissed that the 3rd stringers lost the lead late and gifted a one point loss to the Panthers.

 

Not that I care that the Bills lost, nor do I think Rex should worry himself about such a trivial manner. It's more that I love the passion that he shows.

 

After the two-faced lip service given the "Bills' Way" by Doug Marrone, it is truly refreshing to have a Head Coach that really cares, down to his bones, about winning and establishing a winning culture around his team.

 

Keep on Rockin' in the Free World, Rex and I have a feeling those wins will pile up when it really matters.

 

Next up is a visit by the Browns at SJF before a Thursday night tilt between the two Lake Erie foes. Should be a fun week, can't wait.

 

[Doc]

 

Rapid Reaction - 10 Observation about Tonight's Game

 

10) It was a class move and it brought a tear to my eye when the Bills dedicated the broadcast booth to the late, great Van Miller.

For many of us Van's voice will forever be the one that we equate with the greatest plays in team history.

 

One word for the Pegulas for honoring Miller - Vantastic!

 

9) Ronald Darby had a "Welcome to the NFL, Rookie" night as the Panthers targeted him on many occasions and he was burned for a TD.

 

Still, I thought the first-year CB showed good form for the most part and I believe that he will learn from tonight's game and be a better player as a result.

 

8) Matt Cassel was, well Matt Cassel-like. The veteran signal caller completed 7-8 for 45 yards. He threw a bunch of short passes and showed efficiency in the pocket.

 

If he ends up winning the QB battle, the Bills can win using his "dunk and plunk" style of passing, but man there just isn't any sizzle on that steak.

 

7) EJ had the biggest play of the evening, a beautiful 51-yard bomb to Deonte Thompson that put the Bills up by 7 late in the 3rd quarter. He finished 4-8 for 77 yards and wasn't helped by some drops from his TEs, which seemed to really tick-off Rex Ryan in the post-game presser.

 

Still there seems to be a pall around EJ that I'm not sure he'll be able to shake. At least he kept himself in the conversation tonight.

 

6) Tyrod Taylor has that "it" factor. While he had pedestrian passing numbers for the night, 5-9 for 49 yards, his legs provided many thrilling moments as he rushed 6 times for 47 and 7.8 YPR.

 

He led the team to two TD drives and at times looked like Michael Vick in his prime when he took off and made defensive linemen look like park statues in the wake of his high-powered jets.

 

He will get the start in next week's game against the Browns. Another dynamic performance could propel him past Cassel in the QB competition.

 

5) Karlos Williams looks like a real gamer. He ran 14 times for 40 yards and plunged the ball in for his first NFL TD. His upright running style reminds one of the great Eric Dickerson.

 

Bryce Brown's career in Buffalo is in real jeopardy.

 

4) John Miller looked good, really good. The 3rd rounder from Louisville has been drawing rave reviews since way back in mini-camp and it's easy to see why. He opened up some big holes in the running game and was stout in pass protection.

 

It appears, at this early juncture, that the interior of the Bills OL is light years ahead of where it was last year at this time.

 

3) Admittedly, I knew very little about TE Matthew Mulligan before this game. I hope to keep learning more as I liked what I saw from the former Tennessee Titan.

 

He blocked well and caught both balls targeted his way. Chris Gragg is another vet firmly on the hot seat.

 

2) It may surprise some of the pundits ripping Rex Ryan and the Bills for picking up IK "Jawbreaker" Enemkpali, but the kid looked big, fast and strong tonight. He had a couple of solo tackles and a QB hit.

 

It's just an early return, but IK might be OK for the Bills and not just an excuse for Rex to rattle the cage of Gang Green.

 

1) Speaking of Rex Ryan, I was actually touched by the fact that he seemed so pissed that the 3rd stringers lost the lead late and gifted a one point loss to the Panthers.

 

Not that I care that the Bills lost, nor do I think Rex should worry himself about such a trivial manner. It's more that I love the passion that he shows.

 

After the two-faced lip service given the "Bills' Way" by Doug Marrone, it is truly refreshing to have a Head Coach that really cares, down to his bones, about winning and establishing a winning culture around his team.

 

Keep on Rockin' in the Free World, Rex and I have a feeling those wins will pile up when it really matters.

 

Next up is a visit by the Browns at SJF before a Thursday night tilt between the two Lake Erie foes. Should be a fun week, can't wait.

 

 

And that was without Incognito starting at LG.

[Bad Things]

 

3) Admittedly, I knew very little about TE Matthew Mulligan before this game. I hope to keep learning more as I liked what I saw from the former Tennessee Titan.

 

He blocked well and caught both balls targeted his way. Chris Gragg is another vet firmly on the hot seat.

 

Sorry, but I gotta disagree with you on this point. I was very discouraged with his display in the passing game.

[somnus00]

Funny, over the past several years during the preseason I would say to myself, "The offense looks fit for the morgue...but it's just preseason so keep your head up."

 

After today's preseason game I'm saying, "Hey the offense looked alive...but it's a preseason game so keep things on an even keel."

 

After years of being disappointed I want to keep myself emotionally balanced, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't encouraged after today's game. Did they light it up? No, but they looked like an NFL offense for a change. With our defense that's enough.

[Steve Billieve]

All that cautiously optimistic stuff is garbage. Super bowl or bust!

[truth on hold]

Funny, over the past several years during the preseason I would say to myself, "The offense looks fit for the morgue...but it's just preseason so keep your head up."

 

After today's preseason game I'm saying, "Hey the offense looked alive...but it's a preseason game so keep things on an even keel."

 

After years of being disappointed I want to keep myself emotionally balanced, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't encouraged after today's game. Did they light it up? No, but they looked like an NFL offense for a change. With our defense that's enough.

Its a more interesting and alive than the marrone "2 runs stuffed up the middle, 3rd and long sacked" scheme

[gr8billsfan]

I was most impressed by Tyrod, then EJ, and i expected Cassel's safe play calling. Like ChevyVanMiller said, "no sizzle on the steak." I agree.

 

The OL did look impressive overall

 

The Defense did good, but unfortunately Darby did get burned by former teammate Kelvin Benjamin. I expected the Panthers to take the size advantage over Darby.

 

Hopefully Tyord starts next game and EJ follows. May i add EJ's 51 yd TD was the best throw of the night by any QB.

[Big C]

Interesting that Mulligan was a positive for you. I didn't notice his blocking on live TV, but his receptions were unspectacular.

[HurlyBurly51]

I actually liked Bryce Browns performance and think he should stick, as long as he doesn't put the ball on the ground.

[Big C]

I actually liked Bryce Browns performance and think he should stick, as long as he doesn't put the ball on the ground.

 

So everyone has been saying since his debut in Philly. I like him too, but fumbling even in minimal contact situations is alarming.

[Pete]

I actually liked Bryce Browns performance and think he should stick, as long as he doesn't put the ball on the ground.

over whom? Dixon?

[Buffalo Barbarian]

Hate the red stripe down the coaches back

[Buffalo Barbarian]

Matt Simms looked pretty good, too bad refs took the game away from him, probably would have lead the come back win.

[Gordio]

I have had season tickets since 97 and this was probably only the third or 4th preaseason game I have been too. I get home from work all set to take my 6 year old daughter & she is in tears when I get home saying she hates football & doesn't want to go. So much for that idea, so I looked at my 11 year old son & said lets go. Only stayed a half so I can't really comment on the second half but here was my take.

 

1.) This T Taylor's game to lose. He is clearly going to be the front runner after tonight. Chevy phrased it perfect, he looks like young M Vick. You could tell he was just 2 steps faster than anybody on the field. He is going to miss some throws but it is not from a lack of arm strength, I hope he wins the job because...

 

2.) Cassell is what he is. Checkdown checkdown checkdown. The first drive I believe when they were driving he had a TE down the seam. Would of been a tough throw but a good QB tries that throw. He checked down to the flat for a 4 yard gain on 3rd & 8. It is going to be very aggravating to watch this offense with Cassel under center. Maybe the smart play, but I would rather go with TT.+ I could finally buy a jersey that will never be outdated since my last name is Taylor.

 

3.) I hate to say it but I think either Boobie Dixon or Fred is getting cut. I thought Williams looked really good, punishing back. & I think they would be crazy to cut Bryce brown. Kid has got to much upside. Can't see them keeping all 4 backs. One has got to go.

 

4.) This defense is going to be really good. I can't wait to Rex starts playing around with the blitz packages, just going to be a lot of fun to watch.

 

5.) This team is loaded with talent. It is evident when you watch them play live. I honestly think they have top 5 talented rosters in the league.

 

6.) I see good things happening this year. Sky is the limit. Haven't been this optimistic since the last 90's.

Edited August 15, 2015 by Gordio

[CSBill]

 

Rapid Reaction - 10 Observation about Tonight's Game

 

10) It was a class move and it brought a tear to my eye when the Bills dedicated the broadcast booth to the late, great Van Miller.

For many of us Van's voice will forever be the one that we equate with the greatest plays in team history.

 

One word for the Pegulas for honoring Miller - Vantastic!

 

9) Ronald Darby had a "Welcome to the NFL, Rookie" night as the Panthers targeted him on many occasions and he was burned for a TD.

 

Still, I thought the first-year CB showed good form for the most part and I believe that he will learn from tonight's game and be a better player as a result.

 

8) Matt Cassel was, well Matt Cassel-like. The veteran signal caller completed 7-8 for 45 yards. He threw a bunch of short passes and showed efficiency in the pocket.

 

If he ends up winning the QB battle, the Bills can win using his "dunk and plunk" style of passing, but man there just isn't any sizzle on that steak.

 

7) EJ had the biggest play of the evening, a beautiful 51-yard bomb to Deonte Thompson that put the Bills up by 7 late in the 3rd quarter. He finished 4-8 for 77 yards and wasn't helped by some drops from his TEs, which seemed to really tick-off Rex Ryan in the post-game presser.

 

Still there seems to be a pall around EJ that I'm not sure he'll be able to shake. At least he kept himself in the conversation tonight.

 

6) Tyrod Taylor has that "it" factor. While he had pedestrian passing numbers for the night, 5-9 for 49 yards, his legs provided many thrilling moments as he rushed 6 times for 47 and 7.8 YPR.

 

He led the team to two TD drives and at times looked like Michael Vick in his prime when he took off and made defensive linemen look like park statues in the wake of his high-powered jets.

 

He will get the start in next week's game against the Browns. Another dynamic performance could propel him past Cassel in the QB competition.

 

5) Karlos Williams looks like a real gamer. He ran 14 times for 40 yards and plunged the ball in for his first NFL TD. His upright running style reminds one of the great Eric Dickerson.

 

Bryce Brown's career in Buffalo is in real jeopardy.

 

4) John Miller looked good, really good. The 3rd rounder from Louisville has been drawing rave reviews since way back in mini-camp and it's easy to see why. He opened up some big holes in the running game and was stout in pass protection.

 

It appears, at this early juncture, that the interior of the Bills OL is light years ahead of where it was last year at this time.

 

3) Admittedly, I knew very little about TE Matthew Mulligan before this game. I hope to keep learning more as I liked what I saw from the former Tennessee Titan.

 

He blocked well and caught both balls targeted his way. Chris Gragg is another vet firmly on the hot seat.

 

2) It may surprise some of the pundits ripping Rex Ryan and the Bills for picking up IK "Jawbreaker" Enemkpali, but the kid looked big, fast and strong tonight. He had a couple of solo tackles and a QB hit.

 

It's just an early return, but IK might be OK for the Bills and not just an excuse for Rex to rattle the cage of Gang Green.

 

1) Speaking of Rex Ryan, I was actually touched by the fact that he seemed so pissed that the 3rd stringers lost the lead late and gifted a one point loss to the Panthers.

 

Not that I care that the Bills lost, nor do I think Rex should worry himself about such a trivial manner. It's more that I love the passion that he shows.

 

After the two-faced lip service given the "Bills' Way" by Doug Marrone, it is truly refreshing to have a Head Coach that really cares, down to his bones, about winning and establishing a winning culture around his team.

 

Keep on Rockin' in the Free World, Rex and I have a feeling those wins will pile up when it really matters.

 

Next up is a visit by the Browns at SJF before a Thursday night tilt between the two Lake Erie foes. Should be a fun week, can't wait.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the thoughts Chevy, but I have a few Objections, or differing views . . .

 

9) Ronald Darby . . . I sure hope Leodis is back soon, and I hope they had a fire extinguisher in his locker after the game, because he got torched,

 

6) Tyrod Taylor . . . Tyron brings excitement, but QBs like Taylor become the focal point of the offense, and rarely utilize the skills of the skill players around them. He is not a pocket passer, and this team needs most a pocket passer. If he starts, it will only be a matter of time before Sammy, Percy, R Woods, Clay revolt, because they will be reduced to head-on-a-swival blockers far more than dazzling route runners

 

5) Karlos Williams , . . yes, he did look good, very good! . . . But so did Bryce Brown, not sure who you were watching on that one, to me, he seemed the most explosive of all our backs last evening

 

3) Matthew Mulligan . . . I could not follow his blocking, but didn't he have a drop, and 2 penalties. I was not impressed at all from what i saw

 

2) Enemkpali . . . I watched, didn't seem to add anything more than any other career back-up, he got flattened by a wide receiver 50 lbs smaller than him (lack of awareness, and not just emotionally and socially) . . . I seriously question if he is worth the risk, in my quick impressions I see little reward potential

 

My two cents . . .

Edited August 15, 2015 by CSBill

[Maury Ballstein]

Kelvin Benjamin is an absolute stud. That being said get well soon Leodis we need ya bud.

 

Good showing by all 3 qbs. Ej's reads were on point. Need gray, oleary and company to act like nfl players who get paid to catch footballs.

[PearlHowardman]

 

6) Tyrod Taylor . . . Tyron bring excitement, but QBs like Taylor become the focal point of the offense, and rarely utilize the skills of the skill players around him. He is not a pocket passer, and this team needs most a pocket passer. If he starts, it will only be a matter of time before Sammy, Percy, R Woods, Clay revolt, because they will be reduced to head-on-a-swival blockers far more than dazzling route runners.

 

Thank you. Tyrod Taylor has serious limitations as a NFL QB. Buffalo Bills fans better realize this pretty quick.

[Beerball]

Thanks CVM. Look forward to watching the game late tonight so I can add my .02.

[PearlHowardman]

Ej's reads were on point.

EJ Manuel simply can't play a full NFL game. And Matt Cassel is a has-been QB.

[Maury Ballstein]

EJ Manuel simply can't play a full NFL game. And Matt Cassel is a has-been QB.

Right qb's never improve. Your thoughts on Tyrod after his perfect showing are amusing as well.