THE ROCKPILE REVIEW - Bills Fans in the Dumps

[Shaw66]

Bills Fans in the Dumps

 

Bills fans are now resigned to total failure.  I don’t remember it ever being like this.   I’m sure it has been like this before, but I’ve never seen it up close and personal.

 

I was there in the late 60s, when the Bills got really bad, really fast, but that was only a few years after having been on the very top, and the frustration was the frustration of spoiled fans.   Plus, after a couple of years of more or less horrible football, the Bills got OJ, and things were looking up.

 

I didn’t live in Buffalo and didn’t come home for games in the early 80s, so I really don’t know how bad those days were.   I’m sure they weren’t pretty.

 

I’ve never seen it like Monday night at New Era with the Patriots on tap.   It’s usually fun, standing in the crowd with people inching toward the security check point, people joking and laughing, talking about how the Bills are going to beat this team or how they match up against that team.  Buffalo cheers.  Joshing with the fans wearing visiting team gear. 

 

Not Monday night.   It was, very clearly, Bills fans being loyal to their team – “I’m here, aren’t I?” – but it also was, very clearly, Bills fans going to an execution, their own execution.   Bills fans knew their offense wouldn’t score, and they knew the Patriots offense would.

 

Sitting in the second deck during pregame, no one talked about how the Bills would do, strategies we hoped to see, how the Bills could win.  No one talked about it because no one believed it was possible.   Everyone knew the Pats would win.   All we could hope was that the Bills would hold the Pats under 40.   “Please don’t let them score 50. Not on Monday night football.   Please.” 

 

I’ve never seen the stadium like that before.

 

And yet, despite all of that, with the Patriots at the line of scrimmage for their first play of the game, there the fans were, the entire lower bowl of the stadium standing, the place absolutely rocking with noise.   Loud as possible in the face of their own execution, defiant to the end.  And it was like that for a lot of the game.  It was hopeless, and we were there behind the team like they were about to clinch home field throughout the playoffs.   It was magnificent.   I was proud to be a Bills fan.

 

Then, of course, there was the game itself.  I was ready to declare a moral victory.  The Bills defense was solid; Brady was stymied almost all the way, Gronk was invisible (almost), White shut down Gordon, Edmunds made some stellar plays.   For a loss, for it actually was satisfying most of the game.  Then Edmunds got knocked out.  Then Anderson showed why he was out of the league.  

 

When it was all said and done, the Bills had lost, and the Bills prospects for the coming weeks had somehow gotten even worse than they’d been for the past few weeks.   How could that be? 

 

I’m worried about Edmunds.  I’ve been complaining for weeks about his tackling, and Monday night he was better.  He displayed his spectacular range, closing on backs and receivers alike, and he made actual tackles with his shoulders, wrapping up the ball carrier with his arms and taking him down.  And then it happened, a real honest-to-goodness NFL big-time hit.  I had wanted him to hit someone, really hit him, and there it was.  BANG!  And Edmunds didn’t get up. 

 

I feel bad that he has a concussion.  I worry that it may be only the first of several.  I worry about his durability.   I tell myself that Keuchle has had that problem, but he’s back, as good as ever.   I hope for the best for him, as a young man, and as the Bills middle linebacker.

 

It was an exciting game, until it got out of control.   Close games are exciting.   It was old-time Bills football – we may not score much, but you sure as all get out aren’t going to score, either.   You know the Patriots wanted to pull ahead and put the game away, but they couldn’t.  The Bills defense was that good.    

 

I’ve been reluctant to get on the Milano train, but I’m there now.  The guy just makes plays.  Covers ground, hits people.  When he and Edmunds are running around back there in pass coverage, they are a problem for QBs.  I think he surprised Brady a couple of times with his cover skills.  

 

What surprised me is the Bills’ passing game.  It was, in a word, passable.  Yes there were some garbage-time completions, but the Bills actually hurt the Pats sometimes with the pass.   They should have thrown more earlier in the game. 

 

Zay Jones looks like a real NFL receiver.   He runs crisp routes.  He has pro hands.   He just looks different from his rookie year. 

 

Second, Kelvin Benjamin continues to make plays.   Some stupid plays, yes, but he’s running nice routes and catching the ball, at least some of the time. 

 

Even better, these guys and Clay and Cam Phillips and Andre Holmes are running routes downfield, and they’re getting open!   Derek Anderson was finding them downfield and making throws, and receivers were catching it.  Except Benjamin, sometimes, and Croom on the critical TD drop. 

 

A measure of how well the passing game was working is Anderson’s passer rating.  IF Croom catches the TD and IF Anderson doesn’t throw the pick six, Anderson’s passer rating would have been 92.7.   If’s don’t win ball games, but a passer rating in the 90s, especially with 39 pass attempts, means that the ball is getting downfield and receivers are catching it.  It’s what I’ve been waiting to see.

 

Of course, the passing game can be only passable when your journeyman backup QB plays like a rookie.  Anderson has 49 career starts.   He’s supposed to see McCourty in underneath coverage on the pick six.  Earlier, he was supposed to see not one but TWO defenders in position to intercept his throw to Clay in the right flat, another pick six but for the Pats’ inability to catch.  Earlier still, he was sacked and fumbled when he should have gotten out of the pocket. 

 

Buffalo needs a better quarterback.  Buffalo has one; he has a sore elbow.  He’s bigger, escapes better, throws better and has shown few tendencies toward typical rookie turnovers.   There’s hope for the passing game. 

 

I continue to be concerned about the coaching.  Kudos for innovating and going with the McCoy wildcat, but there was a lot of confusion in evidence on those plays.   If your players don’t understand the offense, why not?  And if they don’t understand, why run it?   On multiple other plays, there was confusion about who should be on the field and should be off.   That shouldn’t be happening at this time in the season. 

 

But I can’t complain too much about the coaching.   Unlike last week, the Bills came ready to play, and that means the coaches did their jobs. 

 

Remarkably, there was hope and even excitement in New Era in the fourth quarter.  The offense had shown some signs of life, and even after Brady finally managed to get his team into the end zone, a miracle seemed possible.   Then McCourty made his play, and the fans headed for the parking lots.   How’d they feel?   I don’t know how they felt.   I felt like, unlike in the movies, the last minute pardon from the Governor didn’t arrive, and I’d been executed as planned, on schedule. 

 

Is there hope?  For the long term, sure.  I like Josh Allen, and I’m ready for his return.  Is there hope without him on Sunday?  Well, it’s the Bears, and there’s always hope against the Bears.

 

 

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.

[transplantbillsfan]

It was a moral victory.

 

I hate to say it, but it was.

 

Our defense is Elite. It's absolutely incredible. 

 

Kyle and Lorax have, very simply, found the fountain of youth. I thought this was obviously both of their last season's in Buffalo. Now I'm wondering why it would be.

 

Hughes should be retained once his contract is up. He's a beast.

 

3/4ths of our secondary is Elite, and White is just a revelation.

 

I've been on the Edmunds train since we drafted him and he's made some rookie mistakes, but he's been a lot more really good than bad.

 

Why haven't you liked Milano? He might be the 2nd best player on our team right now. He's just been spectacular since he took the field last year.

 

Our Defense must be so damn frustrated.

 

What would there be on offense to make us remotely happy?

 

Zay Jones finally looks like the WR we drafted... he's actually catching the friggin ball and can move a bit.

 

Ivory should be running more than Shady, not because Shady has lost a step--I don't think he has and I'm not about to get rid of him--but because our OL sucks and Ivory is a strong and decisive runner.

 

Benjamin did a little something... along with a little something stupid.

 

I wish Allen were healthy. I want him to play and take his lumps and learn. With him playing, I'd be okay with the Ls. 

 

Last night was almost typical Bills vs Patriots formula... Bills stay close enough for 2 or 3 quarters to be competitive; often through unconventional methods. 

 

Final score is lopsided.

 

Now Peterman starts. I'm more worried for Peterman the person than Bills fans getting an L. 

 

Every remaining game--except the Patriots in Foxboro--is actually winnable... even for this team.

 

This sucks. But I'm still rooting for this team. I just wish they'd give us something to root for.

 

And I want Allen back.

[GETTOTHE50]

god we deserve so much better from the offense. 

 

 

[downunderbill]

5 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

It was a moral victory.

 

I hate to say it, but it was.

 

Our defense is Elite. It's absolutely incredible. 

 

Kyle and Lorax have, very simply, found the fountain of youth. I thought this was obviously both of their last season's in Buffalo. Now I'm wondering why it would be.

 

Hughes should be retained once his contract is up. He's a beast.

 

3/4ths of our secondary is Elite, and White is just a revelation.

 

I've been on the Edmunds train since we drafted him and he's made some rookie mistakes, but he's been a lot more really good than bad.

 

Why haven't you liked Milano? He might be the 2nd best player on our team right now. He's just been spectacular since he took the field last year.

 

Our Defense must be so damn frustrated.

 

What would there be on offense to make us remotely happy?

 

Zay Jones finally looks like the WR we drafted... he's actually catching the friggin ball and can move a bit.

 

Ivory should be running more than Shady, not because Shady has lost a step--I don't think he has and I'm not about to get rid of him--but because our OL sucks and Ivory is a strong and decisive runner.

 

Benjamin did a little something... along with a little something stupid.

 

I wish Allen were healthy. I want him to play and take his lumps and learn. With him playing, I'd be okay with the Ls. 

 

Last night was almost typical Bills vs Patriots formula... Bills stay close enough for 2 or 3 quarters to be competitive; often through unconventional methods. 

 

Final score is lopsided.

 

Now Peterman starts. I'm more worried for Peterman the person than Bills fans getting an L. 

 

Every remaining game--except the Patriots in Foxboro--is actually winnable... even for this team.

 

This sucks. But I'm still rooting for this team. I just wish they'd give us something to root for.

 

And I want Allen back.

 

Agree 100% with all of it.

[oldmanfan]

Good stuff as always Shaw.  Couple things.  One, don't worry about Edmunds.  It was a big hit and he got helmet to helmet on the guy.  That will cause a concussion in anyone.  Second,  we have a problem at QB of course, but not much can be done right now.  Anderson made some plays but also made mistakes, which is why journeyman QBs are called journeyman QBs.  Wouldn't make a difference what name you put on the guy, Anderson, Sanchez, Barkely, Moore, that is what happens when you start reaching down into the bottom of the barrel because of injuries to your starting QB.  Backup QBs just don't do much in the league. 

[SoCal Deek]

Shaw, I was super proud of the fans and my old home town. There were no bags on heads or boos from that crowd Monday night. On the other hand, the team is a mess! Yes, you can find a bright spot or two; anyone can. But overall this is a lost season. And, with the exception of a few young players who’re getting invaluable experience (unfortunately now both Allen and Edmunds are out) I see little here going forward but holding your nose and praying we eventually reach the surface so we can all breath again.

Go Bills?

[Buddy Hix]

I agree about being proud of this fan base. What other fans support a garbage product for decades on end with such enthusiasm? None that I can think of.

 

I unfortunately don’t share your hope about this team under McBeane. This regime is well past its expiry date with its “tough D and solid run game” mentality, it’s 2018 and McBeane’s philosophy is to try and win games like it’s 1998. Two more years of this crap...ugh.

[vorpma]

7 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

It was a moral victory.

 

I hate to say it, but it was.

 

Our defense is Elite. It's absolutely incredible. 

 

Kyle and Lorax have, very simply, found the fountain of youth. I thought this was obviously both of their last season's in Buffalo. Now I'm wondering why it would be.

 

Hughes should be retained once his contract is up. He's a beast.

 

3/4ths of our secondary is Elite, and White is just a revelation.

 

I've been on the Edmunds train since we drafted him and he's made some rookie mistakes, but he's been a lot more really good than bad.

 

Why haven't you liked Milano? He might be the 2nd best player on our team right now. He's just been spectacular since he took the field last year.

 

Our Defense must be so damn frustrated.

 

What would there be on offense to make us remotely happy?

 

Zay Jones finally looks like the WR we drafted... he's actually catching the friggin ball and can move a bit.

 

Ivory should be running more than Shady, not because Shady has lost a step--I don't think he has and I'm not about to get rid of him--but because our OL sucks and Ivory is a strong and decisive runner.

 

Benjamin did a little something... along with a little something stupid.

 

I wish Allen were healthy. I want him to play and take his lumps and learn. With him playing, I'd be okay with the Ls. 

 

Last night was almost typical Bills vs Patriots formula... Bills stay close enough for 2 or 3 quarters to be competitive; often through unconventional methods. 

 

Final score is lopsided.

 

Now Peterman starts. I'm more worried for Peterman the person than Bills fans getting an L. 

 

Every remaining game--except the Patriots in Foxboro--is actually winnable... even for this team.

 

This sucks. But I'm still rooting for this team. I just wish they'd give us something to root for.

 

And I want Allen back.

Best post in a long time, thanks! TBD needs adult input bad!

[JMF2006]

When Peterman ran out late in the 4th there was a very loud cheer from the crowd.

 

I said to my friend after the pick six that Peterman needs to go in now to get some time and save Anderson from an inevitable beating.

 

Well Andy is  hurt and Peterman is the starter....good luck Nate your going to need it. 

Edited October 31, 2018 by JMF2006

[Jerome007]

1 hour ago, downunderbill said:

 

Agree 100% with all of it.

Count me in as well, at 95%. I don't consider this a moral victory. Because of the end. Edmund lost, Anderson lost, the TD turning into a pick-6. The Bills had a chance, a small one, but they had one.

 

Which in a way it is positive as contrary to doomsday scenarios, the difference between winning and losing are a few things here and there. Imagine just one better OLineman and 2 good WRs from free agency (they have the cap space next year!) and draft picks, some better player chemistry, some better playcalling, and boom, the Bills can be a winning team. Those that want to pout, recall they made the playoffs last year and now look like bottom feeders. And many teams have had quick turn arounds - and sometimes up and down like the Raiders. Problem is the good players like Shady, Ivory, Kyle, Lorax could be gone...

 

As for the original post, I have noticed that too. As for me, first time I have lost so much of my fire. Not with apathy but simply accepting the losses this year. Writing this as a season to prepare the future - with Allen and maybe Edmund not even playing grrrrrr. I imagine how hard it can for the vets not to feel the same thing and for the coaches to maintain morale.

Edited October 31, 2018 by Jerome007

[Straight Hucklebuck]

Defense is not elite. 

 

No HOFers, so they don't get to go into that class. 

 

They are not the Seahawks of 2013 or the Broncos of 2016. Those rosters had HOF defensive players. 

 

The Bills are a good defense, Top 10. 

 

But we've seen this forever in this league. It is hard to count on shutdown defense as the key/central cog in your football machine year in and year out. Look at the Jaguars this year, or where the Broncos have regressed to in 2 years. A couple players here or there, a FA loss or two, a retirement, and you start to slip immediately. 

 

This offense is the worst in over 30 years of data. 30+ years worth of teams, this offense is the worst. Before the Pats game, 53.2% less efficient than the AVERAGE NFL offense. 

 

Bills fans being labeled as spoiled on here, or impatient or Millennial is insulting. 

 

You have a Coach who talks down to the fans and media every chance he gets. 

 

He's now 11-13 and starting Nate Peterman again this week, not that if Derek Anderson gets cleared he has shown anything better, now 6 TO's in 2 games. 

 

[CLTbills]

I live in Charlotte. I can't believe how many people said to me yesterday morning, "Holy crap Bills fans are crazy. I can't believe how loud that place sounded on TV!"

 

Made me proud ??

[Jerome007]

34 minutes ago, CLTbills said:

I live in Charlotte. I can't believe how many people said to me yesterday morning, "Holy crap Bills fans are crazy. I can't believe how loud that place sounded on TV!"

 

Made me proud ??

The pregame with the crazy fans, seeing Berman interviewing Kelly, Thomas, then Bruce on the show, it was just awesome.

[Bring it]

Nice write up. They came to play and the defense was stellar! Missed a couple of big plays that could have swung the momentum but they were great to watch! Loving the direction of this defense. They look to be a beast for years to come once the young players develop and more are added.

Looked to me that Edmunds came in with his head down on that concussion hit. Only saw the replay once but that’s what it looked like to me! Hope it’s not a recurring problem!!

 

Do you think we win that game with Josh Allen at Qb?? Can’t answer with certainty; just asking for your thoughts?

56 minutes ago, Straight Hucklebuck said:

Defense is not elite. 

 

No HOFers, so they don't get to go into that class. 

 

They are not the Seahawks of 2013 or the Broncos of 2016. Those rosters had HOF defensive players. 

 

The Bills are a good defense, Top 10. 

 

But we've seen this forever in this league. It is hard to count on shutdown defense as the key/central cog in your football machine year in and year out. Look at the Jaguars this year, or where the Broncos have regressed to in 2 years. A couple players here or there, a FA loss or two, a retirement, and you start to slip immediately. 

 

This offense is the worst in over 30 years of data. 30+ years worth of teams, this offense is the worst. Before the Pats game, 53.2% less efficient than the AVERAGE NFL offense. 

 

Bills fans being labeled as spoiled on here, or impatient or Millennial is insulting. 

 

You have a Coach who talks down to the fans and media every chance he gets. 

 

He's now 11-13 and starting Nate Peterman again this week, not that if Derek Anderson gets cleared he has shown anything better, now 6 TO's in 2 games. 

 

Hof.ers take time. I don’t know that you can identify that in their first 2 years. White and Edmunds have elite talent at least so far.

This defense isn’t as good as its going to be!!

[freddyjj]

Shaw as always solid analysis and opinion!  You missed your calling laddie!

 

I tend to watch the game and key on the trenches. 

 

Our D looked fast and got penetration vs their OLine most of the day.  No problem with our front 7 vs NE O Line/TE's.

 

In pass pro, It appeared we had a 2 TE formation over their DE Flowers a few times and he just beat them routinely.  And on his only play, Marcus Murphy missed his blitz pickup on 53 and our 35 yr old QB got concussed.  Other than those blatant breakdowns the O Line generally gave Anderson time for some downfield throws.

 

When asked to run block, our OL has not demonstrated the ability to run power plays as no push on stay at home blocker and the OGs and C are too slow to pull and get to the end or 2nd level target.  Was amazed at how fast Dion Dawkins ran trying to make tackle on the pick 6 - go big fella!  Might want to draft an LT in Rd 1 next year and move Dawkins to LG where he would shine.

Edited October 31, 2018 by freddyjj

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

I like the Bills defense a lot but I dropped them from my FFL team because I believe losing is contagious. They would be a top 5 FFL defense even with a below average offense but how bad the offense is right now is beyond comprehension.

[Uncle Joe]

8 minutes ago, freddyjj said:

When asked to run block, our OL has not demonstrated the ability to run power plays as no push on stay at home blocker and the OGs nad C are too slow to pull and get to the end or 2nd level target.  Was amazed at how fast Dion Dawkins ran trying to make tackle on the pick 6 - go big fella!  Might want to draft an LT in Rd 1 next year and move Dawkins to LG where he would shine.

 

Thanks for confirming this. I don't watch the trenches enough and don't watch after game analysis but suspected as much. I knew RI was good at pulling but didn't think Ducasse or Miller (or Bodine) had the agility. Hopefully next year we can get some interior lineman that can help with the run game.

Edited October 31, 2018 by Uncle Joe

[Commish]

4 hours ago, vorpma said:

Best post in a long time, thanks! TBD needs adult input bad!

Plus 1 - one of few posts worth reading every week in a sea of crap.

[Success]

These are long seasons - and I agree with those who identify this one as particularly taxing.  It’s over earlier than usual, and beyond that, even previous poor seasons have at least provided a more competitive team, and fewer blowouts.

 

I saw a Pats fan on twitter call their win “annoying.”  I presume because it didn’t have the usual style points.  What a different world they live in.

 

Allen gives me hope.  I feel like we finally ditched the idea of taking half measures to find a QB, and went all in in the NFL’s most important position.  I think he has the intangibles to lead us out of this wasteland.

[Shaw66]

12 hours ago, transplantbillsfan said:

It was a moral victory.

 

I hate to say it, but it was.

 

Our defense is Elite. It's absolutely incredible. 

 

Kyle and Lorax have, very simply, found the fountain of youth. I thought this was obviously both of their last season's in Buffalo. Now I'm wondering why it would be.

 

Hughes should be retained once his contract is up. He's a beast.

 

3/4ths of our secondary is Elite, and White is just a revelation.

 

I've been on the Edmunds train since we drafted him and he's made some rookie mistakes, but he's been a lot more really good than bad.

 

Why haven't you liked Milano? He might be the 2nd best player on our team right now. He's just been spectacular since he took the field last year.

 

Our Defense must be so damn frustrated.

 

What would there be on offense to make us remotely happy?

 

Zay Jones finally looks like the WR we drafted... he's actually catching the friggin ball and can move a bit.

 

Ivory should be running more than Shady, not because Shady has lost a step--I don't think he has and I'm not about to get rid of him--but because our OL sucks and Ivory is a strong and decisive runner.

 

Benjamin did a little something... along with a little something stupid.

 

I wish Allen were healthy. I want him to play and take his lumps and learn. With him playing, I'd be okay with the Ls. 

 

Last night was almost typical Bills vs Patriots formula... Bills stay close enough for 2 or 3 quarters to be competitive; often through unconventional methods. 

 

Final score is lopsided.

 

Now Peterman starts. I'm more worried for Peterman the person than Bills fans getting an L. 

 

Every remaining game--except the Patriots in Foxboro--is actually winnable... even for this team.

 

This sucks. But I'm still rooting for this team. I just wish they'd give us something to root for.

 

And I want Allen back.

Well, there are a lot of ways to argue with this, but I think you're saying generally what I feel.  I'm unhappy that this team can't win, I'm unhappy that the offense seems to be hopeless, but I'm not jumping ship.   I like a lot of pieces that I see, and I'm willing to wait.