One Final Observation on the Denver Game

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

I get it. I'm not claiming it was some genius, outside the box decision. It was just nice to see the team and coach calm and calculated.

 

I don't remember that under Rex. It was like chickens with their heads cut off. The moment wasn't too big for this staff on the final drive against a quality opponent.

Yup... playing to win. Leaving nothing on the table

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

1. Defense showed they're no fluke. Even the rook White rebounded from the 1st half to be formidable in the 2nd, Nice rebound for the kid.

2. Dennison and TT showed they're working to get on the game page. Play calling was more diversified and effective. Hiccups were expected but the "W" was "on the board" at the end of the day for which I had my doubts after Denver shut down the Cowboys. Even with Shady having an off day, paste the W. Can't ask for much more.

[stuvian]

everything about this regime feels right

[xRUSHx]

I liked those calls a lot. Very good coaching and awareness.

Right on man, I am really happy with how McD has been coaching.

[1ManRaid]

In case people havent noticed....this is not your same old bills

 

We are literally one dropped pass away from being undefeated right now

One *overthrown* pass.

[Chandemonium]

This is what he did in Carolina on the Panthers' final drive. He clearly waited to see their formation and personnel before calling a timeout. I had no problem with it but people thought he somehow was unaware of the clock and was letting time go for no reason.

 

This is one of those things where I'd prefer to do it like last week, when you have the luxury to do so.

Yup. McDermott spoke to this on his wgr appearance after the Carolina game when they were questioning his timeout use/clock management that game. He said they wanted to see the formation first to put his defense in the best position to stop it. When they asked a follow up question about what if they change the formation after the timeout, his response was basically while that could happen, it's still a win for us because we're forcing them into taking their second best option. What a refreshing change from Rex. Edited September 30, 2017 by Chandemonium

[MattM]

I'm glad he didin't call TO because we only had 10 guys on the field.

The bar really was pretty low last year, wasn't it?

[PromoTheRobot]

I agree those were judicious use of timeouts, but they had nothing to do with time management, which is my chief concern with McDermott.

Time management is one of those unprovable arguments that critics use to find fault. Except for Rex Ryan. He absolutely was a dipshit.

One *overthrown* pass.

That the receiver had both hands on.

[jethro_tull]

I did not see this discussed, my apologies if I missed it.

 

After the 2 minute warning in the 4 quarter the Broncos had 3rd and 4 from the Bills 42 yard line. McD let the Broncos get set and then called a timeout. After the timeout, our DB's had them blanketed and Gaines gets a break up intended for Sanders.

 

On the next play, 4th and 4, McD did it again. Denver lined up, McD called timeout and again the Bills had them covered up. The pass was incomplete to Sanders, game over.

 

I know he has gotten some grief about clock and timeout management but I was really impressed with the way McD handled that final Denver drive. It seemed like a very intelligent approach to burn those timeouts and it worked. You could see the frustration in the Denver players body language when both timeouts were called. It has been a long time since it's felt like we were a step ahead of an opponent. In that series it felt like we were and it was refreshing.

excellent observation, i remember thinking that it was a cool move to ice the opponents before critical plays and give the defense the time to rest and set up.

mcd understands the psychology of the game. we could all be in for an exciting ride!

[K-9]

Time management is one of those unprovable arguments that critics use to find fault. Except for Rex Ryan. He absolutely was a dipshit.

I am not trying to "find fault" here. Time management skill is anything but an unprovable concept; it is readily identifiable when used proficiently and the lack of time management skill is just as obvious when it isn't. Ryan is a good example of poor skill as you point out. Imo, McD has an issue with wasting time while deciding when to call a TO or not, like at the end of the half vs. Carolina for instance. He needs to know every scenario going into a game. Letting precious seconds tick down before deciding to conserve time for your offense is too hesitant. He needs to be more decisive, sure of himself in that regard.

[BillsBytheBay]

everything about this regime feels right

if they hit a couple of home runs with our plethora of picks the first two days.....