THE ROCKPILE REVIEW - All So Improbable

[Shaw66]

The Rockpile Review – by Shaw66

 

All So Improbable

 

“Can a man change the stars?"

 

"Yes William. If he believes enough, a man can do anything!”

 

The Buffalo Bills just ended one of the most improbable years in the history of the franchise.  One year ago, the Bills had benched Tyrod Taylor to preserve their ability to cut him.  They had fired Rex Ryan, adding momentum to the head coach carousel at One Bills Drive.  The press declared the Bills a “dumpster fire” and decried the Pegulas’ failed management of the team. 

 

Now the Bills are in the NFL playoffs for the first time in 18 years. 

 

Improbable.

 

The Bills limped past the Miami Dolphins Sunday, 22-16, in a characteristic win for them:  Not enough offense to take control of the game, an opportunistic defense that seems to be hanging on for dear life but often gets the job done, some good breaks (refs were throwing flags against the Dolphins like New Year’s confetti), and more nail biting down the stretch than good teams should endure.

 

And then the team and Bills fans everywhere watched the closing minutes of the Bengals at the Ravens.  The Ravens had taken control of the game in the second half, outscoring the Bengals 17-7.  As the Bengals began their last possession, it seemed the Ravens were on their way to the win that would clinch the last wildcard spot.  The Bengals began slowly, almost stumbling their way to a few first downs but showing no signs of having the fire power necessary to get in field goal range to force overtime, let alone score a touchdown to win.  The Ravens did their part with some timely penalties, including a defensive holding call that negated an interception what would have ended the game.  Then, on 4^th and 12 – desperation time, Andy Dalton completed a pass to Tyler Boyd for the first down, no, wait, a touchdown!  The Bengals go home with a meaningless but typical AFC North win, and the Bills go to the playoffs.  Improbable.

 

Random thoughts:

 

1.  How cool was it that Kyle Williams got his first NFL touchdown and his first ride to the playoffs in what may be his last regular season game?  So many interesting things about that:  First, what Bills player in recent memory deserved a special moment like that more than Kyle?   (Maybe one; more about that later.)  Here’s a guy who looked like he should have been a leader on the team five years ago, but he never seemed comfortable in the role.  He deferred to others, even to notable non-leaders like Mario Williams, because, I guess, it didn’t feel right to him.  Then this season, prodded no doubt by Sean McDermott and because now, finally, it did feel right to him, Kyle has stood before the team time and again, the acknowledged leader of the Buffalo Bills.

 

Second, of all the things that Sean McDermott seems to be doing right as a head coach, isn’t it nice that one of those things is to be comfortable enough in the job to recognize the potential for a special moment and make it happen?   He wanted the moment for Kyle and for his team, so he installed the play.  Then, in the biggest game of his head coaching career, he called it.  McDermott already had an oversized running back on his team who was perfectly capably of taking the one-yard plunge for what turned out to be the game-winning score, but for McDermott it’s about more than the wins. 

 

Third, with Kyle in the game and the play called, the offensive knew they had to perform.  This was for the score, sure, but it was more.  It was for their leader, the guy who repeatedly had told them how much this all meant to him.  They weren’t going to let him down.  Would they have blocked the play so perfectly for Tolbert?   Maybe, but for Kyle they had an extra incentive.  McDermott’s willingness to go for the special moment helped raise the level of his team’s play and get the score.

 

2.  Who knew that Richie Incognito hadn’t been to the playoffs in ten seasons in the league?  It’s a nice moment for him, a guy who’s been through a lot and worked to change his life.

 

3.  Such an unhappy moment for LeSean McCoy, who as much as anyone is responsible for the Bills being where they are today.  The guy is a great competitor, and he wanted this win badly.  He didn’t have his best game, mostly because tacklers were all over him, but Shady’s presence on the field is enough to make the game easier for the rest of the offense. 

 

No better way to honor a fallen teammate than for the offensive line, Tolbert and Murphy to get the job done.  McDermott’s players seem truly to believe the next-man-up philosophy.

 

4.  Now the Bills need to find another running back as they return to the playoffs.  It won’t happen, of course, but the sentimental choice is Fred Jackson.  He’s only been out of the league two seasons, so knowing Freddie, he’s probably still in shape.  He went to the playoffs with Seattle, but the man deserves a post-season game in a Bills uniform.  Kyle is getting his moment, and it sure would be nice if Jackson got his.

 

5.  Tyrod Taylor, the guy who very well could have been released by the Bills nine months ago, had another Tyrod Taylor day – nice production, no turnovers but still somehow not quite enough.  An overthrow of O’Leary in the endzone (Taylor had pressure in his face).  Saved by a penalty after a disastrous fumble at the end of a nice run.   Two underthrows to Thompson that looked worse than they were:  no QB puts those throws in exactly the right place every time, and both throws allowed Thompson to make a play (the only bad throw on those plays is an overthrow).  The first time Thompson didn’t make the play, but the second time he forced the interference call to set up the last touchdown.   Thompson’s been a great find.

 

Where am I on Taylor?  I think Taylor will ask for a trade, and maybe the Bills are done with him.  It does seem strange, however, to cut loose the QB who took you to the playoffs.  If I’m the Bills, I don’t do anything extraordinary in the draft – I take a first-round QB if one falls to me, but I don’t burn picks to move up (except I like the kid at Oklahoma – he has Kelly-like grit).  I’m content to ride Taylor for another season and use my picks to build the rest of the roster.  Why?  Because I think that with a stronger roster, a healthy Benjamin, an improving Zay Jones and Thompson, Dennison (yes, I’m guessing he’ll be back) can build a better offense around Taylor. 

 

6.  I’ve been down on Preston Brown all season, but the man seemed to be all over the field against the Dolphins.  Maybe he CAN be the guy, especially if he gets some help on the front four.   I think he and Milano are examples of one of McDermott’s best (and Belichick-like) traits.  They guys seem to have benefitted from McDermott’s patience with them, and with his teaching.  McDermott has let them learn and grow into their roles, and we see it in their play.  (It’s McDermott’s patience that makes me think Dennison will be back.  McDermott will want to work with Dennison to make the offense better.)

 

7.  Jerry Hughes didn’t make big plays, but he was active and a problem for the Dolphins.

 

8.  Landry has given Bills fans plenty of reason to dislike him over the years, but, man, I’d like to see him in a Bills uniform next season.  That guy can play.   It sure didn’t hurt to have him, and Drake, off the field for the end of the game.  Give the Bills credit for staying composed through that melee, earning them the ejections and some penalty field position.

 

That ref has to stop smiling; he looks like he isn’t taking the game seriously.   He finally did get the calls on Landry and Drake correct.  I suppose the overturn on Brown’s touchdown was correct.  The PI on Thompson was the kind of call that good teams get, and deserve.  Thompson and Taylor’s throw put the defender in position to interfere.  The Bills got one incredibly generous spot for a first down. 

 

9.  Lots of empty seats in Miami.  We’ve come to expect that, especially in a meaningless game for the Dolphins.  Reverse the roles and put that game in Buffalo, and Bills fans would be out in force.  I mean, who wouldn’t want to beat the Dolphins and keep them out of the playoffs?  I wasn’t surprised to see the Miami fans’ lack of interest, but how about all the empty seats in Baltimore?  Come on!  Their team is playing a division rival and playing for a wildcard bid, and the fans can’t show up for the game?  Or worse, they came and then left before the end? 

 

10.  And speaking of the fans, kudos to all of the Bills making noise at Hard Rock.  Nothing better than taking over that place.  And the same for all the fans who showed up the airport to greet the Bills when they came home.  The videos of that give me chills and tears. 

 

 

And now, improbably, we can say it:  ON TO THE PLAYOFFS!!!

 

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.

[Success]

I agree on Taylor - it would be strange to get rid of the guy who broke the drought.  Keep him for a year, stay put in the draft and build a strong team with those picks.  

 

I love that that the drought started in insanely dramatic fashion, and ended that way.  It almost felt like it had to end with a “miracle.”  We need to find a name for that Boyd TD for easy reference,  like we’ve had for years with the Music City Miracle (though that’s really the national name for it - for Bills fans, it’s just that forward lateral)

[Figster]

Nicely done my friend,

 

I have no problem going with T Mobile another season because Tyrod displays all the qualities HC McD is looking for in a player IMO.

 

T T protects the football well which goes hand in hand with what our coaching staff is trying to accomplish on the football field in my humble opinion.

 

I'm a Billiever... 

[Real McClappy]

Well done Shaw.

 

I cannot stand Landry on the Dolphins, Kiko is getting on my nerves big time as well.

 

Gase not kicking the 2 FG's early on were huge contributors to the win yesterday.

[Happy]

Love reading these posts, Shaw.  Great job.

 

It doesn't make sense to keep Tyrod and Dennison together; it appears that the offense that Dennison wants to run and the type of QB that Tyrod is are completely incompatible.  I think it is keep one or the other.  I wouldn't mind seeing both switched out, especially if we can get some trade value for Tyrod and if we could land a vet like Alex Smith.  Agree that it probably isn't a good idea to give away a lot of draft capital to trade up to the top five picks for a QB, but I do think we need to draft one in the first round if one falls to us.

 

Preston Brown is worth keeping around, if not just for depth.  I suspect McDermott will want to upgrade that position and try his best to find his version Luke Keuchly.

 

Miami has been a middle of the pack team for a long time.  I think most of the younger fans are not as dedicated to the team as the older crowd from the Shula days, who like Shula, are getting older.   Could be the reason for the Dolphins sparse attendance.

 

 

[H2o]

Good stuff my friend. Thanks as always 

[Shaw66]

1 hour ago, Real McCoy said:

Well done Shaw.

 

I cannot stand Landry on the Dolphins, Kiko is getting on my nerves big time as well.

 

Gase not kicking the 2 FG's early on were huge contributors to the win yesterday.

I say it all the time:  take the points the game gives you.  Points add up to points; taking chances often adds up to zilch.  

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

5 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

I say it all the time:  take the points the game gives you.  Points add up to points; taking chances often adds up to zilch.  

 

Incoming dvoa freaks in three two one...

[BadLandsMeanie]

Improbable indeed.

 

What Sorcery is this?

 

About Tyrod Taylor, I think he controls his own destiny here. If he plays well and we advance, it will be an extremely difficult move to sell to the public, to get rid of him.

 

For me, barring that, I would be ready to move on from him if another decent option came along. The reason being is the Bills have been peddling variations of the build a strong team around a lackluster QB theory, for 20 years now on and off. It has never worked. So I personally don't believe it will start to work now.

 

But no matter what, this was the funnest Sunday of late season Bills football in ages and ages and I sure did like it!

[LABILLBACKER]

2 hours ago, Happy Gilmore said:

Love reading these posts, Shaw.  Great job.

 

It doesn't make sense to keep Tyrod and Dennison together; it appears that the offense that Dennison wants to run and the type of QB that Tyrod is are completely incompatible.  I think it is keep one or the other.  I wouldn't mind seeing both switched out, especially if we can get some trade value for Tyrod and if we could land a vet like Alex Smith.  Agree that it probably isn't a good idea to give away a lot of draft capital to trade up to the top five picks for a QB, but I do think we need to draft one in the first round if one falls to us.

 

Preston Brown is worth keeping around, if not just for depth.  I suspect McDermott will want to upgrade that position and try his best to find his version Luke Keuchly.

 

Miami has been a middle of the pack team for a long time.  I think most of the younger fans are not as dedicated to the team as the older crowd from the Shula days, who like Shula, are getting older.   Could be the reason for the Dolphins sparse attendance.

 

 

Completely agree. One is a square peg and one is round. If we could either a) find an OC like Lynn who can squeeze 24 pts out of TT or b) find a good young pocket qb compatible with Dennison's system. 

[Figster]

58 minutes ago, LABILLBACKER said:

Completely agree. One is a square peg and one is round. If we could either a) find an OC like Lynn who can squeeze 24 pts out of TT or b) find a good young pocket qb compatible with Dennison's system. 

Or we could go with some continuity for a change?

[Buffaloflash]

4 minutes ago, Figster said:

Or we could go with some continuity for a change?

Yeah but, continuity could translate into stagnation too! 

[WhoTom]

3 hours ago, Real McCoy said:

Gase not kicking the 2 FG's early on were huge contributors to the win yesterday.

 

Coaches tend to gamble more when their season isn't on the line. Had they been contending for a playoff spot, Gase would have played Cutler for the whole game and kicked FGs instead of going for it on 4th.

 

 

Edited January 1, 2018 by WhoTom

[Figster]

42 minutes ago, Buffaloflash said:

Yeah but, continuity could translate into stagnation too! 

I look at it this way,

 

while Dennison and T T may not be a perfect fit the current coaching staff (and QB) did somethig no other Bills coaching staff could do in 17 years.

 

Don't rock the boat...

Edited January 1, 2018 by Figster

[Shaw66]

3 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

Good write up.

 

Couple things. I thought McCoy was having a bad game before he got hurt. Constantly bouncing the runs outside as opposed to following his blockers and the design of the run. Once he went out the running game picked up a bit with Murphy and Tolbert.

 

As for Tyrod I think you have to take a QB, even if you keep Tyrod. They've passed way too many times on QBs for too long. I'm all for keeping Tyrod another year and having a guy waiting in the wings when he's ready/better then Tyrod.

To you and Badlands - I agree you have to take a QB.    I think they should take a QB; I don't think they should trade picks to more up high into the first round.   

 

I've become a McDermott believer.   I think he's like Belichick - not necessarily as good, but like him in that he installs solid offense and defense and teaches players to play it.   We saw the result - a lot of solid execution on offense and defense.   The draft is an opportunity to add a lot of talent to that system, to build on it.   He's the kind of teacher who's going to work rookies into the lineup and get them to perform.   Five picks in the first three rounds is a great opportunity.

 

So I don't think the Bills should trade up.   Now, I suppose if Beane is really sold on some guy and can make a deal, he should do it.  But you've got to be really sold, because the Bills can be really good next season with upgrades at 4 or 5 positions (probably a free agent or two) and solid qb play from Taylor (or maybe Peterman).  

 

So I take a QB, but I take one who's available when I'm picking and looks like a good pick.  That is, I'll use one of my top 4 or 5 picks on a QB.  I should be able to get a better prospect than Peterman, by a good measure, and if that guy can take Taylor's job next year, fine.   If he can't, he's my starter in 2019, or if Taylor takes a step up, I re-sign Taylor.  

[Paul Costa]

Nice post as usual. I feel Bills should keep Taylor and draft a QB with one of next year’s first 4 picks.

[Beast]

You do what it takes to get your QB.

 

Have the last 21 years made us forget what it was like to have a dominant QB?

[Bring it]

Improbable indeed!  I felt good about the Bills chances of beating the fish ,but not about one of the other scenarios happening. I’m still a little shocked.  They are going to have to play at a high level for 4 quarters to advance, but that’s the playoffs!,

 

i like the “kid”from Oklahoma too. Also reminds me of Jimbo. I like his accuracy and he’s big on 3rd down. Use the draft picks on linemen.

 

Bringing  back Freddie would be awesome. I just might drive to Jacksonville for that!,

[Shaw66]

3 hours ago, WhoTom said:

 

Coaches tend to gamble more when their season isn't on the line. Had they been contending for a playoff spot, Gase would have played Cutler for the whole game and kicked FGs instead of going for it on 4th.

 

 

He wasn't questioning why Gase did it.  The point is the Bills benefited from that playcalling.   The game could have been closer.  

[Billsfan1972]

Why the dislike for Tyrod? Yet again terrible play calling the second half and every run was telegraphed resulting in in second and long as usual.

 

Dennison is a dumpster fire and tyrod is blamed?

 

Every qb misses throws and watched Brady yesterday miss many (including an easy TD).  

 

Cut him some slack.

 

How about the defense allowing a no name to almost win it for Miami.  

Edited January 2, 2018 by Billsfan1972