THE ROCKPILE REVIEW - Bills Fans Celebrate Big Road Win

[Shaw66]

The Rockpile Review – by Shaw66

 

Bills Fans Celebrate Big Road Win

 

Matt Ryan’s fourth down pass fell incomplete and the Falcons fans headed for the exits. The Bills fans, of course, stood cheering as Tyrod Taylor took a knee twice and stood cheering as the Bills celebrated on the field.

 

The way out of Mercedes Benz Stadium from the upper deck on the side of field is a series of about 20 ramps, each with a 180 hairpin turn on the next ramp. So as fans filed out, they could see the faces of fans ahead of them before they made the turn and the faces of fans behind them after they made the turn. Sunday, since a lot Falcons fans left the stadium before the Bills fans did, the crowd on the ramps after the game ended was maybe 50-50 Bills and Falcon fans.

 

It took at least 15 minutes to walk down the ramps. All the way, the concrete walls around the ramps echoed with Bills cheers. Loud, really loud. Non-stop cheering, singing, smiling at each other, high fives.

 

I caught myself feeling sorry for the silent Falcons fans. Then I thought, “wait a minute! I’ve spent 15 years listening to fans of OTHER teams celebrating like that after leaving Ralph Wilson Stadium, and now it’s OUR turn.” I enjoyed every minute of it. I was laughing and cheering, and there were tears in my eyes. It’s been a long time coming.

 

On Sunday the Bills put together another workmanlike win, this time on the road against last season’s Super Bowl almost-winners. It was the best road win against a quality opponent in who knows how long? Just like last week at home against Denver, the Bills didn’t back into this win, they earned it. They did their jobs.

 

Yes, Atlanta was banged up coming into the game, and they lost Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu during the game. But they have an All-Star quarterback, they’re a good team, and they were at home. They couldn’t beat the Bills.

 

Yes, the Bills got the benefit of some oh-so-close calls, one on White’s fumble recovery for a touchdown and one on Hyde’s interception. But you know what? If you make plays, you’re going to get your share of calls. The Bills made the plays, they got the calls. Take advantage of the opportunities the game gives you. The Bills did that, and they don’t have to apologize to anyone.

 

1. Stephen Hauschka. Talk about doing your job. Watch him practice. Before every kickoff, without the ball, he takes a full run up and half swing with his leg. Then he approaches the tee slowly and practices his approach with his leg, stopping just before the tee. Every time, same routine. On third down, with a time out of the field, he ran onto the field and practiced the kick he’d have to make if the Bills didn’t get the fourth down. The guy is working on his kicking all the time. Oh, and he’s something else from long range. What a weapon!

 

2. Zay Jones. Yes, it’s in his head now. Killer drop on the long ball on what was a routine NFL catch. Sure was good to see him make the catch on that comeback route up the sideline later in the game. Easy catch, but it could be the catch that starts to get him back on track.

 

3. The Falcons fans. No wonder players like playing in Buffalo. The Atlanta fan performance was, in a word, pitiful. What were all those empty seats between the goal lines in the lower bowl? Where WERE those people? The crowd made a lot of noise on about three third downs, the rest of the time it sounded like a Bills home game in Toronto.

 

The Falcons play this glitzy, really well-done video with Samuel L. Jackson trying to fire up the crowd. Yes, that Samuel L. Jackson. It’s loud, very loud. Everyone watches the video with interest, but no one makes any noise. When the video ends, the stadium is more or less silent. No one seems to get the message.

 

From the upper deck, it sounded like the Bills fans were louder on many third downs than the Falcons fans. The Bills let the fans know they could hear it.

 

4. Tyrod Taylor. Took one or two avoidable sacks. Overthrew a couple of deep balls. But so long as the guy is completing 60% of his passes for over 8 yards per attempt, so long as he doesn’t turn the ball over, we’ll take it. Great deep ball to Clay, nice throw up the sideline to Zay, beautiful read of the defense on the TD to Matthews. He’s doing his job.

 

5. Sean McDermott. It’s obvious every week. McDermott expects his defense to win the game, and he expects his offense not to lose it. The Bills went up 14-10 on the fumble return, then got an interception. They followed with a 19-play, 11-minute drive, with 15 running plays! Hauschka hit the chip shot. The next time the Bills got the ball with the lead, three running plays and a field goal.

 

When the Bills have the lead, they’re going to run the ball for as long as they can. Run the clock, punt if they must, and put the game back into the hands of the defense. Taylor isn’t getting 30 pass attempts if the Bills have leads.

 

6. Tre’Davious White. It’s a pleasure watching this guy. Always around the ball, always makes the tackle.

 

7. Marcell Dareus. Better start showing up, or he’s going to be playing someplace else next season.

 

8. Lorenzo Alexander. He can play on my team every season. He’s around the ball a lot.

 

9. Offensive line. Finally, what Shady’s been looking for – daylight. And Tolbert, too. Their numbers weren’t gaudy, but the run game was good enough for the win. McCoy was an ankle-tackle away from breaking a couple of big runs.

 

10. Charles Clay. The man gets open, and Taylor is finding him. He hurt the Falcons repeatedly on Sunday, and he was sure-handed.

 

Lovin’ it.

 

GO BILLS!!!

 

The Rockpile Review is written to share the passion we have for the Buffalo Bills. That passion was born in the Rockpile; its parents were everyday people of western New York who translated their dedication to a full day’s hard work and simple pleasures into love for a pro football team.

Forgot a big thanks to the Bills Backers for an awesome pre-game party. Lots of fans, great food, great way to start the game.

 

Those Falcon fans have a lot to learn about this football-thing.

[BillsFan130]

Awesome buddy, good post and thanks for sharing!

[billsfan60]

Thanks Shaw. Great read, as always.

[PIZ]

Nice post. I never really liked drafting CBs but Trey White is something else. What a trade down to get extra picks + get a player like White. The Bills entire secondary is unbelievable.

[stevewin]

Your description of the ramps took me back to my youth going up/down the ramps to/from the Orange seats in The Aud

 

The 19 play drive was one of the best drives I can remember in years. Too bad it didn't result in TD, but you know McD is going to be working to try to make sure the next time it does.

 

One thing that has been so un-Billsy is we seem to be getting calls now, calls we've never gotten throughout the drought. I'm starting to wonder if there is some small side-effect of actual respect from the refs

[HappyDays]

If Hauschka was here last year instead of Carpenter I think we make the playoffs and Rex is still here this year. Funny how things work out.

Edited October 2, 2017 by HappyDays

[Houston's #1 Bills Fan]

Your description of the ramps took me back to my youth going up/down the ramps to/from the Orange seats in The Aud

 

The 19 play drive was one of the best drives I can remember in years. Too bad it didn't result in TD, but you know McD is going to be working to try to make sure the next time it does.

 

One thing that has been so un-Billsy is we seem to be getting calls now, calls we've never gotten throughout the drought. I'm starting to wonder if there is some small side-effect of actual respect from the refs

HAHAHA - awesome! I had forgotten about that! I remember going to a Braves game with my Dad, thinking how are we going to get out of this place!! Ahhhh......good times, man....good times!

[Shaw66]

Your description of the ramps took me back to my youth going up/down the ramps to/from the Orange seats in The Aud

 

 

Those ramps in the Aud are a distant memory. Last time I was in the Aud was 1970. The ramps in Atlanta were similar. Edited October 2, 2017 by Shaw66

[BadLandsMeanie]

I think you deserve credit for traveling to this game.

 

This was the "They still have along way to go game". The one where the elite team shows the Bills weaknesses. The bubble bursting defeat, away from home, among enemy fans.

I thought the Bills were going to get killed, the "work in progress" defense exposed. The Bills would get behind a couple scores to the elite Falcons attack, have to abandon the run and focus on the pass, and then get slaughtered.

 

Well that is not what happened!

 

Good for you man to see that one in person might turn out to be even more of a special thing down the road.

[Shaw66]

I think you deserve credit for traveling to this game.

 

This was the "They still have along way to go game". The one where the elite team shows the Bills weaknesses. The bubble bursting defeat, away from home, among enemy fans.

I thought the Bills were going to get killed, the "work in progress" defense exposed. The Bills would get behind a couple scores to the elite Falcons attack, have to abandon the run and focus on the pass, and then get slaughtered.

 

Well that is not what happened!

 

Good for you man to see that one in person might turn out

to be even more of a special thing down the road.

We've known each other for a long time, and I'll tell you that I can't remember being so excited, so emotional about a Bills win. I went into the game excited that the Bills had been able to beat Denver but that was at home against a weak qb. I felt like the Bills COULD be good but it probably would go as you described.

 

It wouldn't have felt so great if there hadn't been so many Bills fans there. As the game went on we got louder and louder.

 

I was fortunate to have been there.

[1st Ammendment NoMas]

Thanks for posting. Glad you enjoyed the game. It must have been awesome. What a treat for Bills fans.

[Antonio]

5. Sean McDermott. It’s obvious every week. McDermott expects his defense to win the game, and he expects his offense not to lose it. The Bills went up 14-10 on the fumble return, then got an interception. They followed with a 19-play, 11-minute drive, with 15 running plays! Hauschka hit the chip shot. The next time the Bills got the ball with the lead, three running plays and a field goal.

When the Bills have the lead, they’re going to run the ball for as long as they can. Run the clock, punt if they must, and put the game back into the hands of the defense. Taylor isn’t getting 30 pass attempts if the Bills have leads.

When Hyde made his 2nd INT I was praying for smart football (run the ball, pass only if you have to), but play smart football doesn´t mean extremly conservative & predictable running... I didn´t enjoy that serie at all, the formation they chose was totally wrong, the falcons didn´t have to respect the pass one bit. I think you have to spread the formation so they can´t but 9/10 guys in the box.

But that´s my only complain to an otherwise masterpice game plan,

[Real McClappy]

Seattle will 100% regret not resigning Stephen Hauschka. So pumped we paid his asking price!

 

Nice write up Shaw.

Edited October 2, 2017 by Real McCoy

[Figster]

Playing smart football, and I can't think of a better way of describing the team as of late. When everyone does their job and executes to the best of their abilities good things are going to happen in my humble opinion.

 

McD is the man.

 

thanks OP and the rest of you guys for representing us so well,

 

Enjoyable read per the usual Shaw,

 

thanks buddy

Edited October 2, 2017 by Figster

[Gunsgoodtime]

Great post as always Shaw. While watching this game at home, at the end I found myself asking myself what is happening? We take out Denver, then go on the road and take out the NFL champs. I must admit I found myself in a almost state of confusion because I'm just not use to that feeling since I was a small child, and that has been so long that I honestly can't remember that feeling. It's a nice feeling. I'm one who was saying this team was tanking this year, boy was I wrong. This is a team that plays together for 60 minutes and if they lose it's not going to come from pack of effort and belief in themselves. I am very concerned with Zay at this point, I was front row in corner of the end zone in Charlotte and that drop happened literally right in front of me. So...after 17 years...i am coming to the conclusion it has been coaching. I am still in belief we have a less talented roster than last year, yet the team is playing better. Let's just hope it continues and I may be believing this whole "trust the process" that I thought was nonsense. Go Bills!

[LABILLBACKER]

Your description of the ramps took me back to my youth going up/down the ramps to/from the Orange seats in The Aud

 

The 19 play drive was one of the best drives I can remember in years. Too bad it didn't result in TD, but you know McD is going to be working to try to make sure the next time it does.

 

One thing that has been so un-Billsy is we seem to be getting calls now, calls we've never gotten throughout the drought. I'm starting to wonder if there is some small side-effect of actual respect from the refs

[GoBills808]

This win on the road, against an offensive powerhouse like the Falcons, with us coming off a big win over Denver...it really speaks to the coaching staff and player buy-in IMO. I think the coaches have the players' attention in a way that Ryan's staff didn't/couldn't, the team just feels very much like a professional group going about their job every Sunday. Kudos to McD and company.

[transplantbillsfan]

We had hot starts in 2008 and 2011, so I'm hindsight might be 20/20, but this just feels different. McDermott is that difference... and it's huge!

 

There are things that still frustrate me a bit.

 

Every time Shady breaks a long run since the Jets game, the play gets called back for holding. I wonder if the long run is really because of the hold or if it's just a stroke of bad luck?

 

I seriously get very frustrated by the extremely conservative offensive playcalling once we get the lead. And that's not me saying they should just have Taylor sling it all over the field just because. It's more that I think Buffalo changes its offensive identity once it gets the lead. I don't like that, even though I get it. I just think that as great as our defense has been, something's gonna give one of these weeks. I think we had opportunities to put the Falcons away, but we kept it close maybe unnecessarily.

 

Hauschka!!!! I actually thought the right call on his last field goal was to punt it, but boy was I wrong!

 

I hope Jones can get out of his head. Is the stage too big for him? Too bad because it's clear he can get open and that Taylor can and wants to get him the ball, but he's just not holding on. Get that boy some Stick-em!!!

 

Our secondary is really, really good.

 

Jerry Hughes is really, really good.

 

Kyle is still really, really good!!!

 

 

This is fun

 

5. Sean McDermott. It’s obvious every week. McDermott expects his defense to win the game, and he expects his offense not to lose it. The Bills went up 14-10 on the fumble return, then got an interception. They followed with a 19-play, 11-minute drive, with 15 running plays! Hauschka hit the chip shot. The next time the Bills got the ball with the lead, three running plays and a field goal.

When the Bills have the lead, they’re going to run the ball for as long as they can. Run the clock, punt if they must, and put the game back into the hands of the defense. Taylor isn’t getting 30 pass attempts if the Bills have leads.

When Hyde made his 2nd INT I was praying for smart football (run the ball, pass only if you have to), but play smart football doesn´t mean extremly conservative & predictable running... I didn´t enjoy that serie at all, the formation they chose was totally wrong, the falcons didn´t have to respect the pass one bit. I think you have to spread the formation so they can´t but 9/10 guys in the box.

But that´s my only complain to an otherwise masterpice game plan,

 

 

Completely agree with you here. I can't exactly fault McDermott because it's been working. I just don't think it's always going to work.

 

Awesome if it does, though

[mead107]

Thanks for the reporting

[HOUSE]

Shaw is the best

[Captain Murica]

 

5. Sean McDermott. It’s obvious every week. McDermott expects his defense to win the game, and he expects his offense not to lose it. The Bills went up 14-10 on the fumble return, then got an interception. They followed with a 19-play, 11-minute drive, with 15 running plays! Hauschka hit the chip shot. The next time the Bills got the ball with the lead, three running plays and a field goal.

When the Bills have the lead, they’re going to run the ball for as long as they can. Run the clock, punt if they must, and put the game back into the hands of the defense. Taylor isn’t getting 30 pass attempts if the Bills have leads.

When Hyde made his 2nd INT I was praying for smart football (run the ball, pass only if you have to), but play smart football doesn´t mean extremly conservative & predictable running... I didn´t enjoy that serie at all, the formation they chose was totally wrong, the falcons didn´t have to respect the pass one bit. I think you have to spread the formation so they can´t but 9/10 guys in the box.

But that´s my only complain to an otherwise masterpice game plan,

 

 

I was honestly hoping they would try Clay one more time along the side or down the seam to ice it. I was getting annoyed/worried when I saw the Tyrod sweep.

[dulles]

Your description of the ramps took me back to my youth going up/down the ramps to/from the Orange seats in The Aud

 

The 19 play drive was one of the best drives I can remember in years. Too bad it didn't result in TD, but you know McD is going to be working to try to make sure the next time it does.

 

One thing that has been so un-Billsy is we seem to be getting calls now, calls we've never gotten throughout the drought. I'm starting to wonder if there is some small side-effect of actual respect from the refs

As for respect...absolutely. These refs are professionals themselves, usually twice over. They are lawyers, sales representatives, business owners, etc. I have long thought that the professionalism of the coach and players has a bearing on the officiating.

[BadLandsMeanie]

We've known each other for a long time, and I'll tell you that I can't remember being so excited, so emotional about a Bills win. I went into the game excited that the Bills had been able to beat Denver but that was at home against a weak qb. I felt like the Bills COULD be good but it probably would go as you described.

 

It wouldn't have felt so great if there hadn't been so many Bills fans there. As the game went on we got louder and louder.

 

I was fortunate to have been there.

I'm very glad you were there pal. You deserve it.

 

To me this game wasn't a flukey win. It meant something. I don't know if it means we are on the way. It might. What is for sure, to me, is it was an Oasis in the desert for us. It isn't a mirage that was a real oasis. If that makes any sense. To me that Bills team imposed their will on a stronger opponent in that game. And I think it will fuel them to believe harder and follow the plan harder and to want to be part of what happens next.

 

A lot to read into one game but boy, I can't see it another way besides that game was a BIG deal.

 

Two observations. One is , it is not easy to sack Tyrod. And the Falcons did it a few times. I am hoping it was their unique ability. The worry is they figured out that coming at him from straight ahead is his Achilles heel, and now other teams will try that way as well.

 

Second: It looked to me like Shady was fighting harder for yards than he usually does. I have seen him as a guy who will run til he gets hit or grabbed and then go down so he can be healthy to try and break a big one next time.

 

This game it looked to me like he was using all his moves, in traffic, to gain an extra yard or two. The kind of moves he usually uses to try and break a big one, he was using to try and get another yard.He looked like a pinball to me. A really freaking good pinball. Based on what I saw, I think he believes the team can go far this year. So he took the pounding because he doesn't think it is for nothing.

Obviously I could be wrong on that but that's the impression I got.

Edited October 3, 2017 by BadLandsMeanie

[Gray Beard]

I'm not sure that the praises for the O-line were warranted. I made sure to concentrate on Mills for a few plays. Not good.

[Paul Costa]

As usual great post Shaw!! Bills are moving in the right direction. Seems like we have the right coaches and staff in place to become a competitive program in the coming years. Fun to watch!!

[Shaw66]

I'm very glad you were there pal. You deserve it.

 

To me this game wasn't a flukey win. It meant something. I don't know if it means we are on the way. It might. What is for sure, to me, is it was an Oasis in the desert for us. It isn't a mirage that was a real oasis. If that makes any sense. To me that Bills team imposed their will on a stronger opponent in that game. And I think it will fuel them to believe harder and follow the plan harder and to want to be part of what happens next.

 

A lot to read into one game but boy, I can't see it another way besides that game was a BIG deal.

 

Two observations. One is , it is not easy to sack Tyrod. And the Falcons did it a few times. I am hoping it was their unique ability. The worry is they figured out that coming at him from straight ahead is his Achilles heel, and now other teams will try that way as well.

 

Second: It looked to me like Shady was fighting harder for yards than he usually does. I have seen him as a guy who will run til he gets hit or grabbed and then go down so he can be healthy to try and break a big one next time.

 

This game it looked to me like he was using all his moves, in traffic, to gain an extra yard or two. The kind of moves he usually uses to try and break a big one, he was using to try and get another yard.He looked like a pinball to me. A really freaking good pinball. Based on what I saw, I think he believes the team can go far this year. So he took the pounding because he doesn't think it is for nothing.

Obviously I could be wrong on that but that's the impression I got.

Meanie -

 

Some responses to you and others. I think you're absolutely right about the oasis, and it isn't a mirage. For me, that realization came last week. They proved last week that they are a good football team, a team that will play everyone tough. Jauron's teams played everyone tough, too, but they weren't a good team. They were just a worthy opponent. Last week the Bills proved they are a good team.

 

Yesterday they proved they are a good team that can beat anyone. Not saying they're going 15-1. Teams will beat them. But this team is serious threat to be IN every game and to win a lot of them.

 

Interesting comment about Shady. I think it's true. I think we saw it last week, when Shady converted two consecutive third downs. We willed his way to the first down each time, on plays where he ordinarily would have gone down. (I don't mind that he'goes down easily and runs out of bounds. He's protecting himself, which is good for his career but also good for the team. I want him on field, and if he saves himself, I'm all for it.) Shady strikes me as the kind of guy who's generally committed to the team but who could give up on the team if he thinks the team is all f***** up. I don't know if that's fair or not, just my impression. But last week and yesterday, I think we saw the opposite. I think we saw a running back who believes in this team and who's committed to doing his share to make the team a winner. What's really encouraging about that is that if it's happening to Shady, it's probably happening to other players, probably a lot of players. On top of that, now they're all seeing that buying into the team effort actually is winning football games. I find the whole thing very encouraging.

 

AS for the folks who are saying that the offense is too conservative when the Bills get the lead, I have two thoughts. First, McDermott doesn't agree with you. We've seen it for four games now. He is going to run the ball and run the clock when he has a lead. He trusts his defense, and he will do nothing that will stop the clock. And he's so sure of himself that he isn't even going to run out of formations that THREATEN to pass. He knows that the opponents will have studied the films and will know that the Bills are running all the time, and spreading the formation won't change the defensive mind set.

 

But I also think something else is going on. I think the defense is ahead of the offense. By all reports, McDermott runs a pretty simple defense. His guys already are playing it well. There will be wrinkles added, but the defense is on its way. They lead the league in points allowed. That's not true for the offense. The offense, especially the O line, is still learning. I gave props to the O line because for the first time this season they were creating seams for the running backs. I think that's evidence that they're starting to get how to work together in this new scheme. Tyrod's learning the offense, and except for Clay he's been learning it with new receivers. I think you saw that he's making progress on some of his completions yesterday. The long one to Clay and the TD to Matthews both were plays where he look comfortable with what was going on - he knew where he was going to find his open receiver. It's a setback to lose Matthews for a bit.

 

I think McDermott is especially conservative when he has the lead in part because he knows it's naive to put a lot on the offense before it's ready. He's giving the offense time to develop. While it's developing, he's going to run the clock. In other words, if things go well in the season, I think the offense when the Bills have the lead will become less conservative later in the season.

[Shaw66]

One play that I wanted to comment on was the long kickoff return the Bills gave up.

 

Obviously, someone screwed up the kick coverage (or maybe the Falcons just got the right kick for the play they had called).

 

What was noteworthy about that play was how well Hauschka and Wright executed their roles. Hauschka made a good play, forcing the return man to cut wide to avoid the tackle. It cost the return man just a little time, time that Wright needed to close the gap and make the tackle. If Hauschka gets beaten to the inside, the returner would have been one on one with Wright coming across the field, and that's a really hard tackle to make. With the ball carrier forced wide, Wright could continue on a straight line and rely on the sideline to help him contain the man and make the tackle.

 

Hauschka made a nice play, and Wright didn't quit on the play.

 

If the kick return goes all the way, the Bills are trailing. Instead, three plays later Hyde intercepts and returns 37 yards. The kick coverage and the interception saved the game.

[HappyDays]

Meanie -

 

Some responses to you and others. I think you're absolutely right about the oasis, and it isn't a mirage. For me, that realization came last week. They proved last week that they are a good football team, a team that will play everyone tough. Jauron's teams played everyone tough, too, but they weren't a good team. They were just a worthy opponent. Last week the Bills proved they are a good team.

 

Yesterday they proved they are a good team that can beat anyone. Not saying they're going 15-1. Teams will beat them. But this team is serious threat to be IN every game and to win a lot of them.

 

Interesting comment about Shady. I think it's true. I think we saw it last week, when Shady converted two consecutive third downs. We willed his way to the first down each time, on plays where he ordinarily would have gone down. (I don't mind that he'goes down easily and runs out of bounds. He's protecting himself, which is good for his career but also good for the team. I want him on field, and if he saves himself, I'm all for it.) Shady strikes me as the kind of guy who's generally committed to the team but who could give up on the team if he thinks the team is all f***** up. I don't know if that's fair or not, just my impression. But last week and yesterday, I think we saw the opposite. I think we saw a running back who believes in this team and who's committed to doing his share to make the team a winner. What's really encouraging about that is that if it's happening to Shady, it's probably happening to other players, probably a lot of players. On top of that, now they're all seeing that buying into the team effort actually is winning football games. I find the whole thing very encouraging.

 

AS for the folks who are saying that the offense is too conservative when the Bills get the lead, I have two thoughts. First, McDermott doesn't agree with you. We've seen it for four games now. He is going to run the ball and run the clock when he has a lead. He trusts his defense, and he will do nothing that will stop the clock. And he's so sure of himself that he isn't even going to run out of formations that THREATEN to pass. He knows that the opponents will have studied the films and will know that the Bills are running all the time, and spreading the formation won't change the defensive mind set.

 

But I also think something else is going on. I think the defense is ahead of the offense. By all reports, McDermott runs a pretty simple defense. His guys already are playing it well. There will be wrinkles added, but the defense is on its way. They lead the league in points allowed. That's not true for the offense. The offense, especially the O line, is still learning. I gave props to the O line because for the first time this season they were creating seams for the running backs. I think that's evidence that they're starting to get how to work together in this new scheme. Tyrod's learning the offense, and except for Clay he's been learning it with new receivers. I think you saw that he's making progress on some of his completions yesterday. The long one to Clay and the TD to Matthews both were plays where he look comfortable with what was going on - he knew where he was going to find his open receiver. It's a setback to lose Matthews for a bit.

 

I think McDermott is especially conservative when he has the lead in part because he knows it's naive to put a lot on the offense before it's ready. He's giving the offense time to develop. While it's developing, he's going to run the clock. In other words, if things go well in the season, I think the offense when the Bills have the lead will become less conservative later in the season.

These are some damn good observations. Rockpile Review threads are the best Bills recaps in all media, bar none.

[Shaw66]

These are some damn good observations. Rockpile Review threads are the best Bills recaps in all media, bar none.

Thanks, Happy. I appreciate the comment, especially from you.

[BadLandsMeanie]

I gave props to the O line because for the first time this season they were creating seams for the running backs.

Giving "props" Pops?

 

 

Joking aside, I agree with everything you said in that post.

[PABillsfan23]

Very nice write up. Kudos

[bobobonators]

Great post Shaw. Enjoyable read.

[timekills17]

Shaw - I really enjoyed your comments, and agree with your later comments on the special teams. Although it clearly shouldn't have gotten to that point, the commitment of the players to "do their job" (ugh) was key in stopping a disaster. Little things like that then ending in an INT shows people that there is a reason to never quit.

 

Another example was TreDay's fumble return. The announcers, fans - me - all thought it was an INT. He didn't do the typical pick it up and run a few yards down field dealio. He sprinted to get it, slowed for half a second, then committed and took off. The Falcons were all caught thinking the play was over until it was too late.

 

Perhaps the only comment I don't "billeive" is true is your # 7 (" Marcell Dareus. Better start showing up, or he’s going to be playing someplace else next season.") I still think he has too much dead money to be gone. And I'm not convinced his lack of plays is due to attitude. He was used when critical to stop plays, and I'm not sure the Bills coaching staff would put him in for key stops if they felt he was half-assing it. I think he's still hurt.

[Charlottebillsfan2]

Shaw as always great take. I was supposed to be at the game but the wife and I ended up in cape cod for the weekend.

 

Took the ferry over to Nantucket for the day so I ended up in a Patriots bar in Patriots country watching the bills game and pats game.

 

Pats fans were pretty cool to me(I think they felt sorry for me being a bills fan). To see the Bills win and the pats lose in that fashion was awesome. I did let them all know afterwards that the Buffalo Bills were in sole possession of first place!!! I got some looks but it was great.

[Shaw66]

Shaw as always great take. I was supposed to be at the game but the wife and I ended up in cape cod for the weekend.

 

Took the ferry over to Nantucket for the day so I ended up in a Patriots bar in Patriots country watching the bills game and pats game.

 

Pats fans were pretty cool to me(I think they felt sorry for me being a bills fan). To see the Bills win and the pats lose in that fashion was awesome. I did let them all know afterwards that the Buffalo Bills were in sole possession of first place!!! I got some looks but it was great.

The Pats fans in a bar in Nantucket are rich enough to buy the Bills so they could afford to be gracious.