A Few Thoughts About the Colts Game

[PaattMaann]

Regarding point #1, I am not so sure about "no one being able to argue against that penalty" on the 2 PT conversion attempt...if its within 1 yard of the LOS I believe the WR can in fact "block" or set a pick on the DB...and it sure looked like they were within 1 yard of the LOS

[RobH063]

11 hours ago, Virgil said:

*Bonus - I'd like to thank my sister for ruining the suspense of the Vinatieri extra point.  Before the kick, she got a notification on her phone that the game was tied and felt the urge to share with the room.  I was pissed.  To the Pit of Misery with her!!! Dilly Dilly

 

 

I feel your pain. My buddy who was watching the game Over the Air while I was watching on Spectrum cable sent me texts throughout the game. I had a full 40 second delay from his broadcast. He tried not to ruin it for me but did most of the time because he didn't wait long enough before texting.

[JohnC]

9 hours ago, Virgil said:

 

To be clear, I don’t think either are great this season. But I do think Tyrod is our better chance of winning right now. 

 

Peterman will make just enough rookie mistakes to lose or bring Webb into the game. 

The critical pass and the incredible catch that Jones made and the TD pass to Benjamin and his other completions were passes that Taylor doesn't make. I watched a good chunk of the Eagles/Rams game. The qbing in this game was stellar. The game was replete with dynamic plays. When you watch the Bills you are watching an antiquated game that belongs in the day of leather helmets. It's like entering a Clydesdale in the Kentucky derby.

 

You certainly feel differently than I do but I would rather watch an inexperienced rookie qb whose potential at best is to be an adequate backup. He at least can manage a modern pro offense compared to the dynamic running qb who is incapable of running a pro offense. Garbage is garbage. It should no longer be tolerated. 

[CodeMonkey]

1 hour ago, PaattMaann said:

Regarding point #1, I am not so sure about "no one being able to argue against that penalty" on the 2 PT conversion attempt...if its within 1 yard of the LOS I believe the WR can in fact "block" or set a pick on the DB...and it sure looked like they were within 1 yard of the LOS

It's because it was within one yard of the LOS.  It was not PI.  They had an interview with Hyde on the local news where he said he deserved an oscar for his acting performance on that play.  But at the end of the day a win for the colts did nothing for them whereas one for the Bills kept their hopes alive. So gratefully accept the xmas gift from the zebras and move on. 

[Bray Wyatt]

1 hour ago, PaattMaann said:

Regarding point #1, I am not so sure about "no one being able to argue against that penalty" on the 2 PT conversion attempt...if its within 1 yard of the LOS I believe the WR can in fact "block" or set a pick on the DB...and it sure looked like they were within 1 yard of the LOS

 

To me it looked like the pick happened at the goal line, on a 2pt conversion the ball is snapped at the 2 1/2, so that pick was not within one yard

[stevewin]

The majority of the game I had no idea what yard line the ball was on.  The announcers should have been giving at least an estimate before every play.  I understand the field was covered with snow, but you can tell where midfield is and at least give an estimate.  It was mind-boggling to me that for almost the entire game they never gave the position - complete incompetence IMO, can't believe the producers didn't tell them to do it as well

[Bray Wyatt]

Just now, stevewin said:

The majority of the game I had no idea what yard line the ball was on.  The announcers should have been giving at least an estimate before every play.  I understand the field was covered with snow, but you can tell where midfield is and at least give an estimate.  It was mind-boggling to me that for almost the entire game they never gave the position - complete incompetence IMO, can't believe the producers didn't tell them to do it as well

 

Later as the game went on the had a graphic that popped up on above where the scores were and it would say what yardline

[stevewin]

7 minutes ago, Bray Wyatt said:

 

Later as the game went on the had a graphic that popped up on above where the scores were and it would say what yardline

I don't think that was done for every play though - that fact remains for the announcers to be so clueless as to not be continuously providing such a key piece of information was inexcusable

[billsfan60]

5 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said:

I completely agree about Peterman.  And I think he may be a total moron.  He came into the San Diego game with his coach just having gambled on him big time - McD moved all of his chips in when he decided to bench Tyrod.  Peterman responded by repeatedly heaving the ball up for grabs like it was a Division II spring league game.  At that point I became concerned but thought perhaps it was just jitters and poor line play... but then yesterday he dives head first for a one yard gain in a game the team needs to win to keep its slim playoff hopes alive, knowing that without him they’re down to their third string QB...

 

He may just be dumb.

You see a dumb QB and I see a kid doing everything he can to move the chains. I want him to have a better sense of when to take chances but I don't want to lose the competitive drive already there. He looks like a real NFL QB.

[JohnC]

Someone else brought it up but I want to salute the officials. They used common sense and good judgment in not over officiating the game. On a play or two, as the announcers pointed out, the receivers were lined up slightly offside. The officials wisely didn't call it. The holding calls that were made were blatant. Again, they used good judgment in making/not making the calls. They did make some pass interference calls. They didn't get too picayune on those calls. When they did call the penalty it clearly affected the play. Thank god this game wasn't called by the Ed Hochuli crew. The game would never have ended with their irritating and insufferable constant interruption of the game. Kudos to thses officials working in a very challenging environment. 

[Bray Wyatt]

7 minutes ago, stevewin said:

I don't think that was done for every play though - that fact remains for the announcers to be so clueless as to not be continuously providing such a key piece of information was inexcusable

 

No you are right on that, it was difficult to identify where we were and the announcers didnt help

[Livinginthepast]

10 minutes ago, stevewin said:

I don't think that was done for every play though - that fact remains for the announcers to be so clueless as to not be continuously providing such a key piece of information was inexcusable

I agree but I honestly don't think the Tv crew. spotters and especially Spiro and Co in the booth had ANY idea of the yard line either. Just a vague idea that they were in each others half or close to the end zone!!

[stevewin]

1 minute ago, Livinginthepast said:

I agree but I honestly don't think the Tv crew. spotters and especially Spiro and Co in the booth had ANY idea of the yard line either. Just a vague idea that they were in each others half or close to the end zone!!

You could locate the 50 yard line and the end zones, and the seams for the yard lines were visible, it would not have been difficult to use some addition and subtraction to get within 5 yds

[WhoTom]

27 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Someone else brought it up but I want to salute the officials. They used common sense and good judgment in not over officiating the game. On a play or two, as the announcers pointed out, the receivers were lined up slightly offside. The officials wisely didn't call it. The holding calls that were made were blatant. Again, they used good judgment in making/not making the calls. They did make some pass interference calls. They didn't get too picayune on those calls. When they did call the penalty it clearly affected the play. Thank god this game wasn't called by the Ed Hochuli crew. The game would never have ended with their irritating and insufferable constant interruption of the game. Kudos to thses officials working in a very challenging environment. 

 

One could argue that the officials just wanted to get the game over and get out of the cold, but if that were the case, they wouldn't have flagged the OPI on the 2-point conversion.

 

Anyone catch Tasker during the pregame? He said the game would be entirely on the ground and over in about an hour and a half. Ha!

 

 

18 minutes ago, stevewin said:

You could locate the 50 yard line and the end zones, and the seams for the yard lines were visible, it would not have been difficult to use some addition and subtraction to get within 5 yds

 

"I was told there would be no math in this job."

Edited December 11, 2017 by WhoTom

[billsredneck1]

14 hours ago, Virgil said:

What a day of football!  So many great games and more to come that it's been tough to pry myself away from the TV to write this.  I listened to the post game show and seen some threads about the game so far with quite a few gripes about the game.  Well, if you are looking for a Bills or McDermott bashing, stop reading now.

 

1 - Officiating - I want to start here because I think the Refs did an amazing job today.  In a game where visibility is low, players are falling all over the place, and safety is a concern I was happy with how the Refs let the players play and gave some flexibility due to the conditions.  There were hardly any penalties called and the offensive pass interference on the 2 point conversion was a great call.  Even Colts fans can't argue that one.  In any case, in a game where the refs could've thrown flags on almost every play, they did a great job.

 

2 - Peterman - This kid is a rookie with great potential.  The question is, which is going to beat the other out.  He makes some quick throws in the right places.  He also forgets he's playing in the NFL sometimes.  Between the 5 int half and his concussion today, I think he forgets the talent level around him.  This isn't college where there are slower guys or dominant mismatches.  Everyone can play.  He can't just throw balls up and hope for a positive result and he definitely can't dive head first.  He needs to realize how early in the game it is, who his back-up is, and how hard these guys can and will hit him.  I get having a fiery competitive nature, but he needs to be smarter if he's going to survive in the NFL.

 

3 - McCoy - I haven't called him out much this season because it's too easy to talk about him.  He's clearly the best talent on this team and boy did it show today.  In a game where guys are slipping all over the place, he's hurdling players, making cuts, and showing burst.  It was only fitting that he scored the game winning touchdown.  It's easy to take these guys for granted sometimes, and I'm guilty of it too.  With that, I just want to call out our MVP again, Mr. Shady McCoy.

 

4 - God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan's pow'r
When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy

 

5 - Weather - People are talking about the weather and how it's not a true NFL game in these conditions.  On a day where Elvis' guitar broke and Eric Wood looked miserable on the OT coin toss, I happen to think that this game was the definition of classing NFL football.  This was a game where you knew what was coming and you either beat them or they beat you.  How many classics are in conditions similar to this?  Even extra points were compelling.  I'm sorry it wasn't a 50+ combined score game and passing wasn't on the table for most of the game.  But I love a physical game and I think it's more rewarding for the players too.  So no, I don't want a dome and I'm happy to walk away with a victory here.

 

6 - Dennison - Two weeks in a row I feel like this guy needs to be fired.  His decision to pass early on 4th and 2 with Webb in at quarterback made absolutely no sense to me.  Yes, Webb ended up our QB at halftime, but at the time, the game's momentum could easily have been shift moreso in our favor.  Shady needed to get the ball more than he did and the Tolbert experiment needs to be over.  I'm not going to waste my time giving Tolbert his own spot on here, because I'm just over it.  But Dennison continues to make calls that make no sense to me and I'm hoping he's gone this offseason.  

 

7 - Milano - I praised the kid a lot last week, but he lost focus in my opinion today.  I understand that a record was set for rushing attempts this game.  However, on a play-action pass where there isn't anyone left in the backfield, you can't lose coverage.  He left the halfback open in the flats a few times and it hurt us.  I still like what I see from him and hope to see him continue to develop, but he was probably our biggest liability out there today in a game where fundamentals won out.

 

8 - Punters - How do you not give props to both teams punters on a day like today?  These guys were amazing on a day where footing was a big issue.  The Colts punter had a few beauties and Schmidt did a great job of flipping field position.  These guys had every opportunity to lay and egg without blame and they really stepped up today.   We don't talk about these guys much, but today they earned it.  

 

9 - McDermott - Like most of you, I was losing my mind when McDermott decided to punt with 4 minutes left in OT as a tie was the most likely outcome, thus ending our season.  We all know how it turned out and winners can say "I told you so."  It took me an hour drive home from my sisters to really think about this while listen in WGR to change my mind.  We've won 3 games this year that we normally lose (Colts, Falcons, Bucs).  McDermott has made the right decisions and got the play he needed where he's earned the benefit of the doubt with me here.  Even in that moment, if it's between trusting my offense or defense, I'm trusting my defense.  We saw what happened when Webb was required to throw before the end of regulation.  Our defense is our stronger unit.  And overall, he put the trust in his players, which I think will go a long way.  Could it have blown up in his face?  Yes.  Did we win and are not 3-1 in games of 7 points or less?  Also yes.  Like it or not, it worked out and we learn from it.  

 

10 - Going forward - Like every December as a Bills fan, we are mathematically still in it.  The Titans losing today was huge and the Ravens need to lose.  2-1 is possible and I believe TT needs to start if healthy these last 3 weeks.  I like Peterman and want to see more from him, but TT is our better option and I'm not giving up on this season.  I think this game brought this team closer together and I like our chances next week.  Sweeping the Dolphins isn't unrealistic, the Titans have two tough games coming up as do the Ravens.  So let's enjoy the win today and hope to get healthy this week.

 

*Bonus - I'd like to thank my sister for ruining the suspense of the Vinatieri extra point.  Before the kick, she got a notification on her phone that the game was tied and felt the urge to share with the room.  I was pissed.  To the Pit of Misery with her!!! Dilly Dilly

 

Great game and great day of football guys.  Now, let's root for the Steelers and a Brady broken face!

 

Go Bills!!!

maybe the best post i've ever read here.

AGREEno. 6 although for myself it's been more than two weeks.

AGREE Least: tyrod starting. if the weather is going to suck ,i say sure play him, but i still want to see nate.

[billsredneck1]

12 hours ago, JohnC said:

Good analysis. The one conclusion where I disagree with you is that I have come to the conclusion that Peterman gives this team a better chance to succeed than Taylor. The weather conditions were awful for good qb play but the passes to Benjamin and Jones that were completed were throws that Taylor doesn't make. Taylor has an ingrained reluctance to throw the ball up for grabs to a covered receiver. Those were the type of passes completed in this game under treacherous conditions. 

 

I'm tired of watching a high school passing attack when Taylor is taking the snaps. While you blame the OC for the design of the offense, I don't. Although the conditions made it difficult to come to a conclusion on how Peterman played there is still more of a semblance of a pro style passing game that the earnest seven year veteran has not demonstrated that he can play.  Some people are afraid to face the reality regarding the qb situation. Not I. 

i agree 100%. his ball placement is excellent. i would like to see him for a full game in decent conditions. he's the only qb on this team capable of pushing 300 yards.

 

[Magox]

In regards to Peterman,  I'm just not sure who gives us a better chance to win.   Tyrod will protect the ball better and make more plays with his legs but when teams drop back in coverage at times he seems to freeze and we become totally inept throwing the ball.    Peterman is much more prone to make mistakes but on the other hand he will make passes that Tyrod either doesn't see or won't attempt to make.    Honestly, I'd rather go with Peterman just to see what we have there, if he's a keeper or just a JAG of a backup QB.

 

Milano looked good to me, he may have had a mistake or two but who doesn't?  He was solid.

 

The 4th and 1 call.  My father and I were at Buffalo Wild wings watching the game and my dad was wanting us to go for it and I was wanting to punt it.   My thought was to pin them deep, stop them and get the ball back in good field position.    Clearly that was McD's calculation as well.   Anyone can go back and say we were lucky for this reason or another but the bottom line was we did pin them at their 9 yard line, they got one first down I believe and we got the ball back like they had hoped, were able to move the football field down the field like they hoped and win the game like they hoped.

 

No matter how you slice it and dice it, it turned out to be a decision that worked the way they had hoped.

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, Bray Wyatt said:

 

To me it looked like the pick happened at the goal line, on a 2pt conversion the ball is snapped at the 2 1/2, so that pick was not within one yard

That’s what I thought as well.  Didn’t look like he was picked at the 1.5 yard line.  Anyone have a GIF or still shot of the PI?

 

great job as always Virgil.

 

 

 I commend you for calling out Milano for that play.  It was pretty bad.  Overall his play yesterday was very good from what I gathered.  Seemed like he was the only LB out there making any plays.  Per usual.  Feel good about that kid going forward.  I don’t recall seeing 52 make 1 play.

 

 

Feel bad for shady being wasted on this team.  Elite talent.

 

 

love watching Kyle play in the snow.  He was thriving Andy made some great plays.  

 

 

Tredavious’ dancing got me super fired up!  I started dancing at the bar.  Just love this kid.

 

 

peterman looked REALLY good throwing the ball in those conditions.  His pass to clay on the cross was a bit high, but in better weather likely would’ve been caught.  His other passes were spot on and dropped.  Tyrod may give us the better chance to win, but I’d rather go with the kid.  I’m done with tyrod as our starter. Put him in there for Joe Webb type trickery.  That being said, I fully expect To see TT start on Sunday.

 

 

kelvin redeemed himself after 2-3 drops.   Love his talent, but I think he may turn out to be a 2 year rental version of Jordan Matthews.  Always hurt.  6’5 with bad knees.  He’s gonna get hit on his knees every time he tries to get yards after the catch.  I’d trade him this off season if possible.  I’m sure that not going to be a popular decision.  Just have a bad feeling about his knees.

 

 

Safties played their butts off.  

 

 

Tolbert should be jettisoned after the season. What an awful fumble (nice broken tackle).  He saw daylight and got excited.  Remember Mike....... you’re Mike Tolbert.  

 

 

Did dimarco play?  If so, play well?  I didn’t notice him

 

 

The decision to punt in OT almost made me throw up in my mouth.  

 

 

The decision to have Joe Webb throw with 40ish secs left was just awful.  All Dennison or is McD at fault there too?  Just a brutal, potentially back breaking, season ending interception.

 

 

Adolphus played a good game.  He should be mentioned.  

 

 

I like saying the name Cap Capi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 11, 2017 by NewEra

[Beast]

2 for 6, 35 yards and a pick.....and he is a hero. That’s the sort of day yesterday was. Webb deserves the accolades he is receiving.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

4 hours ago, NewEra said:

That’s what I thought as well.  Didn’t look like he was picked at the 1.5 yard line.  Anyone have a GIF or still shot of the PI?

 

great job as always Virgil.

 

 

 I commend you for calling out Milano for that play.  It was pretty bad.  Overall his play yesterday was very good from what I gathered.  Seemed like he was the only LB out there making any plays.  Per usual.  Feel good about that kid going forward.  I don’t recall seeing 52 make 1 play.

 

 

Feel bad for shady being wasted on this team.  Elite talent.

 

 

love watching Kyle play in the snow.  He was thriving Andy made some great plays.  

 

 

Tredavious’ dancing got me super fired up!  I started dancing at the bar.  Just love this kid.

 

 

peterman looked REALLY good throwing the ball in those conditions.  His pass to clay on the cross was a bit high, but in better weather likely would’ve been caught.  His other passes were spot on and dropped.  Tyrod may give us the better chance to win, but I’d rather go with the kid.  I’m done with tyrod as our starter. Put him in there for Joe Webb type trickery.  That being said, I fully expect To see TT start on Sunday.

 

 

kelvin redeemed himself after 2-3 drops.   Love his talent, but I think he may turn out to be a 2 year rental version of Jordan Matthews.  Always hurt.  6’5 with bad knees.  He’s gonna get hit on his knees every time he tries to get yards after the catch.  I’d trade him this off season if possible.  I’m sure that not going to be a popular decision.  Just have a bad feeling about his knees.

 

 

Safties played their butts off.  

 

 

Tolbert should be jettisoned after the season. What an awful fumble (nice broken tackle).  He saw daylight and got excited.  Remember Mike....... you’re Mike Tolbert.  

 

 

Did dimarco play?  If so, play well?  I didn’t notice him

 

 

The decision to punt in OT almost made me throw up in my mouth.  

 

 

The decision to have Joe Webb throw with 40ish secs left was just awful.  All Dennison or is McD at fault there too?  Just a brutal, potentially back breaking, season ending interception.

 

 

Adolphus played a good game.  He should be mentioned.  

 

I like saying the name Cap Capi.

 

 

....me too....sounds like a mob hit man...........