Jump to content

THE ROCKPILE REVIEW - “Get Aboard the Josh Allen Train”


Shaw66

Recommended Posts

Nice objective assessment of Josh Allen. I agree that his arm is the future, but the fact that he can make plays with his legs, a la Aaron Rodgers, is great. However, I'd like to see less of that in situations where it's not necessary, like late in the 4th quarter, with a 7-point lead, in the red zone. No need to risk a QB running play - all they need to do is burn some clock, kick a FG, and put the game out of reach. Josh ran an option and got tackled in a way that even made the announcers wonder how he escaped injury.

 

There's a time and place to run such a play; that was neither.

 

 

  • Like (+1) 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was at the game and said to my buddy--"it looks like the Bills have found their franchise QB."  With this D, the Bills need an offense that can score 24 ppg, and Allen can do that with the current group.  I don't see any reason why they can't run the table (yes, even in New England!), but in the modern NFL, that's a tough task.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great assessment, Shaw!  The stats don't give Allen enough credit for the game he played.  When he ran in for that touchdown to take the lead, the first thought I had was how Mahomes on Monday night had a similar opportunity against the Rams...and slid at the 3 rather than diving for the end zone and trying to score. 

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, WhoTom said:

Nice objective assessment of Josh Allen. I agree that his arm is the future, but the fact that he can make plays with his legs, a la Aaron Rodgers, is great. However, I'd like to see less of that in situations where it's not necessary, like late in the 4th quarter, with a 7-point lead, in the red zone. No need to risk a QB running play - all they need to do is burn some clock, kick a FG, and put the game out of reach. Josh ran an option and got tackled in a way that even made the announcers wonder how he escaped injury.

 

There's a time and place to run such a play; that was neither.

 

 

You're right.  But the answer to that is spelled O-F-F-E-N-S-I-V-E  L-I-N-E.  As the offensive line gets better, two things will happen:  (1)  The running game will get better, so the Bills won't need to rely the quarterback to be the extra running threat in the backfield.  (2)  The protection will be better, so Allen won't be scrambling so much.   He's shown he's an excellent pocket passer, and once he has a more consistent pocket, he'll throw from it, not run.  

  • Like (+1) 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

You're right.  But the answer to that is spelled O-F-F-E-N-S-I-V-E  L-I-N-E.  As the offensive line gets better, two things will happen:  (1)  The running game will get better, so the Bills won't need to rely the quarterback to be the extra running threat in the backfield.  (2)  The protection will be better, so Allen won't be scrambling so much.   He's shown he's an excellent pocket passer, and once he has a more consistent pocket, he'll throw from it, not run.  

 

I agree, but in that situation, a RB up the gut for no gain is okay - they were already in FG range.

 

 

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Excellent write up as always.

 

I was most encouraged by, as you say the three bad throws, only one imo was "pickable".  He didn't make incredibly ill advised throws while under pressure as he has done in some prior games. He played smart and he played aggressive.  Just like Jim Kelly, and the anti-Tyrod Taylor, he is not afraid to make a mistake.  He needs a lot of yards, he doesn't check it down, he goes for it.

 

My greatest concern is his running, his =injury list is starting to grow, he needs to get down on some of those runs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, WhoTom said:

 

I agree, but in that situation, a RB up the gut for no gain is okay - they were already in FG range.

 

 

I agree, and thought so in the Stadium.  He took two hits he didn't need to take.   

I think McDermott isn't afraid of the injuries, and he was willing (through Daboll) to take the risk because he wanted the touchdown.  But I'm with you.  Run one of your backs into the line, hope you pop it, if you don't, kick it.   Hits on the QB add up.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

31 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

The Bills beat the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, 24-21.  It was a big day for the Bills. 

 

The big story, as he’s been all season, is Josh Allen, but this was a team win in a team game, and I’ll get to Allen in a minute.   First, a few reactions to the game.

 

The game was an old-fashioned slug fest, with big hits, big plays and highs and lows.  The Bills took control early, the Jags fought back to tie the game at the half.  Then both teams slugged it out through the third quarter until the Jags finally put together a big punt return and a nice drive to take the lead, 20-14.  The Jags had made a statement, the question was whether the Bills had the heart to respond. 

 

Respond?  It was an epic response.  Bortles’ 30-yard touchdown throw was reviewed and ruled a completion at the one-yard line.  The close play on the completion (was it an interception by Wallace?), the players gathering around the receiver and defender wrestling for the ball at the goal line, and the fight that broke out between Fournette and Lawson all electrified the crowd and the Bills.  Most of the fans missed the next play, because they were watching Lawson and Fournette being escorted down their respective sidelines to the shared tunnel to the locker rooms.  It was raw instinct on display, and everything about Lawson screamed “you don’t want to mess with me!”  

 

Back on the field, the Bills stuffed Hyde for a one-yard loss, the Jags took a false start penalty, a touchdown pass was negated by holding, Bortles gained a yard on a near sack and lost 8 on a sack.  Fourth and goal from the 24, the Jags missed the field goal.  Allen to McKenzie, penalty on the Jags, Allen to Foster, penalty on the Jags, Allen up the middle for the touchdown!

 

It was a classic momentum shift – the Jags took control of a close game, came within a video review of scoring a touchdown, then came away with no points and gave up a 68-yard touchdown drive on three plays.  The Bills made plays and the Jags melted down.  There was more football to play, and the Jags certainly didn’t quit, but the Bills had taken over the game. 

 

It was the kind of sequence that keeps me going to the games.  Sitting in the stands with fellow Bills fans, watching things slipping away and then watching our team rise up as if yelling in unison “NOT IN OUR HOUSE!!!”  It’s a thrill you can’t anywhere else, unless you’re out drinking champagne with Shady McCoy at 3 a.m.

 

Cheap shot at Shady, I know, and he doesn’t deserve cheap shots.  The guy is a gamer.  His heart is on display every game.  If only he had the daylight the Jags gave Fournette and the others in the first half on Sunday.  The Bills run blocking was weak again, and the Bills defense had no answer to the Jags running game; no answer, that is, until halftime, when they regrouped and forced Bortles to start making plays.   It was the kind of adjustment good teams make. 

 

The Bills killed themselves with penalties.   It’s been a recurring theme this season, and it’s worrisome that McDermott has been unable to get more disciplined play out of his team. 

 

The Bills clearly wanted speed on the field against the Jags.  McKenzie and Thompson were out there a lot, and Benjamin was a role player. 

 

Edmunds is still a project.  He doesn’t look anything like the old-fashioned middle linebacker who stuffs the running back in the hole.  He’s usually in the wrong hole (which might be his assignment), or he’s chasing after the play watching someone else make the tackle.   Still, he’s making plays, in the run game and the passing game.  It was hard to see on the Stadium screen, and they showed the replay only once, but it looked like Edmunds got a finger on the pass that came off O’Shaughnessy’s hands into Poyer’s for what turned out to be the points that won the game.  Give Edmunds an off-season to decompress, put on a little muscle and digest all he’s learned, and he’s going to be special. 

 

Okay.  There was a lot to talk about in the game, but if we’re talking special, it’s time to talk about Josh Allen. 

 

I’ve been waiting for Allen’s return.  As McDermott continues with his process, the whole team (not just the quarterback) has to grow and improve, but no one is more important than Allen.  He’s the key to the future, and I wanted to see more of him.  Sunday, I saw everything I needed.  Allen IS the future.  And if the future isn’t now, it’s coming soon. 

 

I’m not not talking Allen’s running.  The guy showed again that he’s a serious threat as a running quarterback.  His cutback behind Bodine’s block on the touchdown run was running-back-intelligence on display.   His acceleration out of a potential tackle on the long scramble was breathtaking, for a quarterback.  But I’m not talking about his running, because running isn’t his future; throwing is. 

 

Allen had a GREAT day throwing.  Don’t look at his stats, don’t say, “well, his passer rating was only 90, he completed less than 50%, other than the bomb he didn’t do much.”  Forget all that.  Just go back and look at each called passing play. 

 

Start from the fact that the Jags have one of the best defenses in the league.  Football Outsiders has them at number 6, 7th best in pass defense.  They’re 8th in points per game, 5th in yards per game.  They’re 5th in opponent’s passer rating.  They are a good defense.

 

Then recognize that the pass protection was pretty bad for most of the day.  Allen scrambled a lot.  In fact, most of his big runs came on scrambles, but stay focused on the plays where he didn’t run.   Poor protection, but he never was sacked.  Why?  Because Allen always escaped the pressure and did something.  That alone is a big plus. 

 

So was Allen running scared, bailing out of the pocket at the first sign of pressure?  No.  First on the nice deep completion to Benjamin and then on the incredibly beautiful deep touchdown to Foster, he stood in the pocket, knowing the pressure was coming and he was going to get hit, and he delivered perfect throws.  He knew what he wanted, he knew he had just enough time to get it, he didn’t flinch and he delivered.  

 

But he was 8 for 19.  How can he be good if he was 8 for 19?  Well, how many bad throws did he make?  By my count, three:  He missed the first pass of the game, behind Jones coming across the middle, missed Foster in the flat in the third quarter, and mysteriously underthrew McKenzie in the right flat in the fourth quarter.  Three bad throws, one of them the first throw he’s made in live action for over a month. 

 

Three bad throws out of 11 incompletions.  Not great, and Allen will tell you he should have made each of those.  What about the other eight incompletions?  One was a hail Mary, at least two were throw-aways, one was a prayer of a deep ball to Benjamin on third and 26, one was an incredible scramble and throw for a first down that went through Croom’s hands on the right sideline, one was a nearly perfect throw to Thompson over the middle that he dropped after a good defensive play, one was a good throw where Thompson failed to settle in the open spot in the zone, one was miscommunication with Thompson on a sideline pattern to the left late in the game, where Allen was under intense pressure.  (Thompson and Allen have had only one week to practice together.) 

 

Allen made the right throw on eight of his 11 incompletions. 

 

And then there are the throws that didn’t count.  Completion to Logan Thomas for seven yards and a first down, penalty on Miller.  Completion to McKenzie for 16 yards and a first down, penalty on Bodine, completion to Ivory for four yards, penalty on Teller.  Deep sideline throw to Foster at the end of the half, intercepted by Ramsay but only because his illegal contact took Foster out of the play. 

 

Forget the statistics.  Just look at each drop back.  Multiple throws under pressure or on the run.  No sacks.  No interceptions.  Three bad throws.  A few throw-aways.  Everything else was on target and catchable.  Multiple completions called back for penalties.  Two superb throws that the receivers (Thompson and Croom) didn’t catch.

 

Did he fail to see some guys open?  I didn’t see them, but he probably did.  Should he have changed some plays at the line of scrimmage?  I didn’t see them, but he probably should have.  Those are the things that get better with experience.  What was on display yesterday was all we needed to see for now, and more:  Poise, accuracy, decision making, ball security, leadership.  All of it.  Oh, and one of the most beautiful deep balls you ever will see.   

 

Against the Jags, he showed that it’s time to get on board the Allen train.

 

 

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.

Great post!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

I agree, and thought so in the Stadium.  He took two hits he didn't need to take.   

I think McDermott isn't afraid of the injuries, and he was willing (through Daboll) to take the risk because he wanted the touchdown.  But I'm with you.  Run one of your backs into the line, hope you pop it, if you don't, kick it.   Hits on the QB add up.  

Early on, JA had a couple of those rookie moments where he tried to extend plays by turning away from the line and moving backward. It appears he figured out that with few exceptions, that rarely works out well. Yesterday he seemed comfortable in the pocket, comfortable when running and 100% committed to winning the game. He also seems able to rally the team and while not a come from behind victory, the td after the missed field goal was huge. 

 

Good stuff. 

  • Like (+1) 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

37 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

The Bills beat the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, 24-21.  It was a big day for the Bills. 

 

The big story, as he’s been all season, is Josh Allen, but this was a team win in a team game, and I’ll get to Allen in a minute.   First, a few reactions to the game.

 

The game was an old-fashioned slug fest, with big hits, big plays and highs and lows.  The Bills took control early, the Jags fought back to tie the game at the half.  Then both teams slugged it out through the third quarter until the Jags finally put together a big punt return and a nice drive to take the lead, 20-14.  The Jags had made a statement, the question was whether the Bills had the heart to respond. 

 

Respond?  It was an epic response.  Bortles’ 30-yard touchdown throw was reviewed and ruled a completion at the one-yard line.  The close play on the completion (was it an interception by Wallace?), the players gathering around the receiver and defender wrestling for the ball at the goal line, and the fight that broke out between Fournette and Lawson all electrified the crowd and the Bills.  Most of the fans missed the next play, because they were watching Lawson and Fournette being escorted down their respective sidelines to the shared tunnel to the locker rooms.  It was raw instinct on display, and everything about Lawson screamed “you don’t want to mess with me!”  

 

Back on the field, the Bills stuffed Hyde for a one-yard loss, the Jags took a false start penalty, a touchdown pass was negated by holding, Bortles gained a yard on a near sack and lost 8 on a sack.  Fourth and goal from the 24, the Jags missed the field goal.  Allen to McKenzie, penalty on the Jags, Allen to Foster, penalty on the Jags, Allen up the middle for the touchdown!

 

It was a classic momentum shift – the Jags took control of a close game, came within a video review of scoring a touchdown, then came away with no points and gave up a 68-yard touchdown drive on three plays.  The Bills made plays and the Jags melted down.  There was more football to play, and the Jags certainly didn’t quit, but the Bills had taken over the game. 

 

It was the kind of sequence that keeps me going to the games.  Sitting in the stands with fellow Bills fans, watching things slipping away and then watching our team rise up as if yelling in unison “NOT IN OUR HOUSE!!!”  It’s a thrill you can’t anywhere else, unless you’re out drinking champagne with Shady McCoy at 3 a.m.

 

Cheap shot at Shady, I know, and he doesn’t deserve cheap shots.  The guy is a gamer.  His heart is on display every game.  If only he had the daylight the Jags gave Fournette and the others in the first half on Sunday.  The Bills run blocking was weak again, and the Bills defense had no answer to the Jags running game; no answer, that is, until halftime, when they regrouped and forced Bortles to start making plays.   It was the kind of adjustment good teams make. 

 

The Bills killed themselves with penalties.   It’s been a recurring theme this season, and it’s worrisome that McDermott has been unable to get more disciplined play out of his team. 

 

The Bills clearly wanted speed on the field against the Jags.  McKenzie and Thompson were out there a lot, and Benjamin was a role player. 

 

Edmunds is still a project.  He doesn’t look anything like the old-fashioned middle linebacker who stuffs the running back in the hole.  He’s usually in the wrong hole (which might be his assignment), or he’s chasing after the play watching someone else make the tackle.   Still, he’s making plays, in the run game and the passing game.  It was hard to see on the Stadium screen, and they showed the replay only once, but it looked like Edmunds got a finger on the pass that came off O’Shaughnessy’s hands into Poyer’s for what turned out to be the points that won the game.  Give Edmunds an off-season to decompress, put on a little muscle and digest all he’s learned, and he’s going to be special. 

 

Okay.  There was a lot to talk about in the game, but if we’re talking special, it’s time to talk about Josh Allen. 

 

I’ve been waiting for Allen’s return.  As McDermott continues with his process, the whole team (not just the quarterback) has to grow and improve, but no one is more important than Allen.  He’s the key to the future, and I wanted to see more of him.  Sunday, I saw everything I needed.  Allen IS the future.  And if the future isn’t now, it’s coming soon. 

 

I’m not not talking Allen’s running.  The guy showed again that he’s a serious threat as a running quarterback.  His cutback behind Bodine’s block on the touchdown run was running-back-intelligence on display.   His acceleration out of a potential tackle on the long scramble was breathtaking, for a quarterback.  But I’m not talking about his running, because running isn’t his future; throwing is. 

 

Allen had a GREAT day throwing.  Don’t look at his stats, don’t say, “well, his passer rating was only 90, he completed less than 50%, other than the bomb he didn’t do much.”  Forget all that.  Just go back and look at each called passing play. 

 

Start from the fact that the Jags have one of the best defenses in the league.  Football Outsiders has them at number 6, 7th best in pass defense.  They’re 8th in points per game, 5th in yards per game.  They’re 5th in opponent’s passer rating.  They are a good defense.

 

Then recognize that the pass protection was pretty bad for most of the day.  Allen scrambled a lot.  In fact, most of his big runs came on scrambles, but stay focused on the plays where he didn’t run.   Poor protection, but he never was sacked.  Why?  Because Allen always escaped the pressure and did something.  That alone is a big plus. 

 

So was Allen running scared, bailing out of the pocket at the first sign of pressure?  No.  First on the nice deep completion to Benjamin and then on the incredibly beautiful deep touchdown to Foster, he stood in the pocket, knowing the pressure was coming and he was going to get hit, and he delivered perfect throws.  He knew what he wanted, he knew he had just enough time to get it, he didn’t flinch and he delivered.  

 

But he was 8 for 19.  How can he be good if he was 8 for 19?  Well, how many bad throws did he make?  By my count, three:  He missed the first pass of the game, behind Jones coming across the middle, missed Foster in the flat in the third quarter, and mysteriously underthrew McKenzie in the right flat in the fourth quarter.  Three bad throws, one of them the first throw he’s made in live action for over a month. 

 

Three bad throws out of 11 incompletions.  Not great, and Allen will tell you he should have made each of those.  What about the other eight incompletions?  One was a hail Mary, at least two were throw-aways, one was a prayer of a deep ball to Benjamin on third and 26, one was an incredible scramble and throw for a first down that went through Croom’s hands on the right sideline, one was a nearly perfect throw to Thompson over the middle that he dropped after a good defensive play, one was a good throw where Thompson failed to settle in the open spot in the zone, one was miscommunication with Thompson on a sideline pattern to the left late in the game, where Allen was under intense pressure.  (Thompson and Allen have had only one week to practice together.) 

 

Allen made the right throw on eight of his 11 incompletions. 

 

And then there are the throws that didn’t count.  Completion to Logan Thomas for seven yards and a first down, penalty on Miller.  Completion to McKenzie for 16 yards and a first down, penalty on Bodine, completion to Ivory for four yards, penalty on Teller.  Deep sideline throw to Foster at the end of the half, intercepted by Ramsay but only because his illegal contact took Foster out of the play. 

 

Forget the statistics.  Just look at each drop back.  Multiple throws under pressure or on the run.  No sacks.  No interceptions.  Three bad throws.  A few throw-aways.  Everything else was on target and catchable.  Multiple completions called back for penalties.  Two superb throws that the receivers (Thompson and Croom) didn’t catch.

 

Did he fail to see some guys open?  I didn’t see them, but he probably did.  Should he have changed some plays at the line of scrimmage?  I didn’t see them, but he probably should have.  Those are the things that get better with experience.  What was on display yesterday was all we needed to see for now, and more:  Poise, accuracy, decision making, ball security, leadership.  All of it.  Oh, and one of the most beautiful deep balls you ever will see.   

 

Against the Jags, he showed that it’s time to get on board the Allen train.

 

 

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.

 

These are always fun reads, especially after a win. The pass to Zay was tipped at the line so that contributed to the inaccuracy on that throw too. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Excellent post. I agree fully and that's why I can't stand the "haters" that keep mouthing off that he is a bust, too inaccurate to ever be even average and blablabla. Even after a game like this. It's one thing to talk about weaknesses, and the probability are always high for all QBs that they will NOT reach Top 10 status, but damn those people are annoying. And they are supposed to be Bills fans! 

 

Before the season started, I expected a lot more passes overall from Allen and also a lot more PICKS and dumb rookie throws. Nope :) And we got way more runs than expected to booth. After Mister Super-Conservative-But-Doesn't-Turn-The-Ball-Over Tyrod Taylor I expected something very different. In many ways, we got a more exciting version of TT with a lot more potential to become great. So many people forget he is a rookie, and a raw one too.  Exciting times. And his fun yet mega-competitive spirit is contagious. I've been a huge fan since day #1 and still am. 

  • Like (+1) 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice SHAW! Extremely accurate on all points!

 

Loved that a vet like Shady who usually speaks candidly says that Josh ain’t no “ chump”. Meaning he isn’t fake. He wants to win and will lay it all out there. It’s not necessarily what he is doing to other teams that has me excited! It’s what he is doing to this team!! They rally around this guy; they believe in him!

  • Like (+1) 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, billspro said:

 

These are always fun reads, especially after a win. The pass to Zay was tipped at the line so that contributed to the inaccuracy on that throw too. 

I didn't see that.   Zay had the most important reception, on the onside kick.  

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another great write up Shaw.  Thank you.  

 

The fact that that he wasn’t sacked once is clearly impressive. 

 

His running abiltiy is almost on par with the best ever.  

 

The td to Foster was one of the best I’ve seen a Bills qb make.  To get it off in such tight quarters with that velocity and accuracy, I was stunned,

 

penalties hurt is stats.  His 3rd and long completions really got me fired up.  

 

I love his fire.  The kid gets after it,  I’m worried that his fire might get him injured.

 

While I would still take Baker over him, Allen looks to be the 2nd best qb of the class.  Still a long ways to go, but I’m happy we have the kid,

 

Jerry Hughes is a monster.  An absolute all pro performer this season.  Sucks he won’t get named all pro.  He missed that sack in the 1st qtr but bortles knew he was coming all game and made him play scared.  Kyle played very well too, but Jerry forced Bortles right to him on both sacks iirc.  I really hope he can continue this level of play for 3 more years.  For me, watching him play is the best part of watching a Bills game at the moment.  JEEEEERRRYYYYYYYYY!!

 

Our OL is terrible at run blocking.  It makes me sad.

 

I really pray that we can give Allen some talented playmakers to throw to and a new right side of the OL that doesn’t suck.  

 

Hollywood Brown might be our 1st rd pick.  Will he be able to maintain his health at his size.  Does he have the frame to add 20 LBs?  If he can, sign me up.  I usuellay hate the midgeee WRs, but he seems to be a perfect fit.  Or can Foster become that guy with the proper coaching?

 

 

 

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Shaw:

Great OP.  

I basically said this yesterday to one poster & I'll expand on it: Anyone who looks at Allen's stat line & questions his play yesterday either didn't see the game or doesn't know what they're watching.  

You clearly know what you're watching.  

 

I've been on the Allen train since the Vikings game when I went out the next day and bought an Allen jersey at my local mall.  I was wearing it yesterday at a sports bar in Berkeley California where even Pats fans were congratulating me after the win.   

 

  • Like (+1) 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

I didn't see that.   Zay had the most important reception, on the onside kick.  

 

I didn’t see it until they showed the replay on TV. It hit the finger of a dlineman which caused it to wobble. It could still be considered a bad pass. I can live with 2 or 3 bad passes in a game, especially from a rookie QB.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 minutes ago, WhitewalkerInPhilly said:

Thanks for the writeup!

 

Seriously, I think my draft plan for next year is this:

 

1st round: Best Available WR or OL

2nd round: Rinse and repeat

3rd round: What did I just say?

(You get the picture)

I agree but I’d be shocked if we didn’t draft a CB in the first 3 rds.  Or maybe Wallace can be the #2? Needs to improve his run stopping.  Hard to say how good he is after facing McCown and Bortles in his only starts.  If we can start a very solid CB opposite Tre and outside of Taron, our defense is scary.....if we can figure out how to avoid the gashing up the middle.  Another reason why you shouldn’t expect OL or WR with each of the first 3 picks.  Free agency should fill several holes.  Whichever ones aren’t filled might be able to be filled in the draft.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Another great write up Shaw.  Thank you.  

 

The fact that that he wasn’t sacked once is clearly impressive. 

 

His running abiltiy is almost on par with the best ever.  

 

The td to Foster was one of the best I’ve seen a Bills qb make.  To get it off in such tight quarters with that velocity and accuracy, I was stunned,

 

penalties hurt is stats.  His 3rd and long completions really got me fired up.  

 

I love his fire.  The kid gets after it,  I’m worried that his fire might get him injured.

 

While I would still take Baker over him, Allen looks to be the 2nd best qb of the class.  Still a long ways to go, but I’m happy we have the kid,

 

Jerry Hughes is a monster.  An absolute all pro performer this season.  Sucks he won’t get named all pro.  He missed that sack in the 1st qtr but bortles knew he was coming all game and made him play scared.  Kyle played very well too, but Jerry forced Bortles right to him on both sacks iirc.  I really hope he can continue this level of play for 3 more years.  For me, watching him play is the best part of watching a Bills game at the moment.  JEEEEERRRYYYYYYYYY!!

 

Our OL is terrible at run blocking.  It makes me sad.

 

I really pray that we can give Allen some talented playmakers to throw to and a new right side of the OL that doesn’t suck.  

 

Hollywood Brown might be our 1st rd pick.  Will he be able to maintain his health at his size.  Does he have the frame to add 20 LBs?  If he can, sign me up.  I usuellay hate the midgeee WRs, but he seems to be a perfect fit.  Or can Foster become that guy with the proper coaching?

 

 

 

 

I expect a first and second string WR, a new TE, and 3 new olineman next year. 

 

I like Zay as a number 3, Foster as a number 4, and McKenzie as a number  5. The sixth WR could probably be developed from someone here, or found in FA or later in the draft.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The arrival of Foster has really helped.   Glad they found a speed guy.  Looks like he can make some difficult catches also, after having issues earlier.  Add another WR in FA or the draft, and you could have a nice trifecta of Jones, Foster and new guy.   I'd add a few more for depth, but Foster has had 2 big weeks. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Excellent assessment Shaw.

I agree that Allen certainly looks the part. Way more than EJ ever did. His ceiling is going to come down to coaching and whether they let him throw the ball, or inadvertently turn him into the second coming of Tyrod. The great NFL QBs are not afraid to throw the ball, even when the receivers look like they are covered.

I also agree on Edmunds. I honestly think that he's playing out of position. He looks and plays like an outside LB.  Once again, I hope that the coaches don't over think this, and let him play where he belongs at this level.

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Greatest thing of all yesterday, was that the way Allen - and our rookies - played, we got HOPE back. After the losses, man did it suck or what! Who wants to only think of the 2019 season by mid October???? But now that we've settled in, with the cap space money in the next two years, the picks, and most of the current pieces remaining, the future looks VERY promising. Along with Josh's progress, the 2019 and 2020 drafts will determines the Bills next 5-10 years. The team could FINALLY be back to NFL domination. I hope Brady and Bellichik are still there to get pounded. No guarantees but at least real hope is back. Not a just making the playoffs but of getting back to domination mode.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, billspro said:

 

I expect a first and second string WR, a new TE, and 3 new olineman next year. 

 

I like Zay as a number 3, Foster as a number 4, and McKenzie as a number  5. The sixth WR could probably be developed from someone here, or found in FA or later in the draft.

That would be ideal.  New starting C, RG, RT, WR1, WR2, TE.  I would love to get a stud LT and move Dawkins to RT or guard.  He’s an ok LT, atm imo.  Could become upper tier, emphasis on could.  That’s 6 starters in O.

 

On D, the only spot that needs to be stabilized is CB2.  

 

A stud pass rusher opposite Jerry Hughes would be great, but is a luxury when we have so many holes on O.  

 

The DL got gashed up the middle again.  We may need to replace Kyle due to retirement. Or we may not.  Did any one rewatch the game and see what seemed to be the biggest problem there?  Edmunds, Milano, the DTs?

 

Poyer only has one year left, they could look to add his eventual replacement.  I mean, it’s the Bills, you know we’re going to draft a safety.  Preferably late round.

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good write-up OP. I have liked what I've seen from Allen since preseason in terms of potential. I saw improvement in him in all of the areas I was looking for in yesterday's game. A long way to go; however, he is headed in the right direction. While the NFL has become a passing league and the rules now facilitate better QB play, it is still difficult to come in and have a very high level of success as a rookie. Some do, most don't. There are so many variables that come into play. Probably the three top variables, for me, are supporting talent on OL and skill positions, defensive strength of opponents, and readiness to play at the NFL level.

 

Rosen and Mayfield were probably the most ready to play, followed by Darnold, Allen, and Jackson. Allen and Rosen have the least surrounding offensive talent, followed by Darnold, Jackson, and then Mayfield. Allen has played the most difficult schedule with an avg opponent defensive DVOA ranking of 9, followed by Darnold (13), Rosen (14), Mayfield (20), and Jackson (28). I'm one that thinks this rookie QB class has the potential to eventually produce some very good QBs. I don't know yet which ones will or won't. However, given Allen's "rawness" coming into the league, the lack of surrounding offensive talent, and the strength of opposing defenses he has faced, I am happy with where he stands in relation to the others and the progress I saw yesterday. I am looking forward to seeing what he can do the rest of the year.

  • Like (+1) 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

 

I also agree on Edmunds. I honestly think that he's playing out of position. He looks and plays like an outside LB.  Once again, I hope that the coaches don't over think this, and let him play where he belongs at this level.

I think he looks like an oversized safety.

 

I really think the plan is to get his playing weight up about 15 pounds - he's so young, that he should be able to carry with no problem.  When that happens, he won't get pushed around so much, and his tackles will be more authoritative.   

3 minutes ago, billsfan1959 said:

However, given Allen's "rawness" coming into the league, 

Look, I'm not arguing with you, but I think that this label for Allen is bs.   That's what we heard about him all through the draft the process and since.   Allen is "raw."   What does that mean?

 

The reality is that, so far, he's shown that after training camp and preseason, he was more ready to play than all the others except Mayfield.   Mayfield is playing like pro, and Allen is right behind him.  Rosen was supposed to be the most NFL ready, he's throwing to Larry friggin FItzgerald and he's been a pick machine.  Darnold has slumped badly. 

 

The Bills evaluated Allen's football sophistication before the draft and realized that he had much better football smarts than the media coverage suggested.   We're seeing it on the field.   He has had very few rookie moments. 

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

I think he looks like an oversized safety.

 

I really think the plan is to get his playing weight up about 15 pounds - he's so young, that he should be able to carry with no problem.  When that happens, he won't get pushed around so much, and his tackles will be more authoritative.   

Look, I'm not arguing with you, but I think that this label for Allen is bs.   That's what we heard about him all through the draft the process and since.   Allen is "raw."   What does that mean?

 

The reality is that, so far, he's shown that after training camp and preseason, he was more ready to play than all the others except Mayfield.   Mayfield is playing like pro, and Allen is right behind him.  Rosen was supposed to be the most NFL ready, he's throwing to Larry friggin FItzgerald and he's been a pick machine.  Darnold has slumped badly. 

 

The Bills evaluated Allen's football sophistication before the draft and realized that he had much better football smarts than the media coverage suggested.   We're seeing it on the field.   He has had very few rookie moments. 

I am not referring to his ability when I refer to his "rawness," but, rather the fact that he didn't play against the level of competition the others faced, he did not have the opportunity to play with NFL caliber talent around him, and it was a bigger leap for him than the others. Outside of that, I agree that, once I saw him play at the NFL level, I thought he was everybit as capable as the others.

Edited by billsfan1959
Link to comment
Share on other sites

27 minutes ago, billspro said:

 

I didn’t see it until they showed the replay on TV. It hit the finger of a dlineman which caused it to wobble. It could still be considered a bad pass. I can live with 2 or 3 bad passes in a game, especially from a rookie QB.

I will go look at the replay tonight.  These kind of plays happen way more often than we notice live.  Fitz and EJ had passes like this that we fans as a group ripped them for based mostly on their reputations.  Unless the TV guys notice it, you have to suspect that it may have happened  and then look for the evidence.  The ball is moving at over 80 ft/sec so it's just a blur of a ball before and after the tip with the ball having more wobble than usual and having been slowed down a bit.  All that is enough for a ball to miss its target badly, especially on a crossing route.

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

27 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

I think he looks like an oversized safety.

 

I really think the plan is to get his playing weight up about 15 pounds - he's so young, that he should be able to carry with no problem.  When that happens, he won't get pushed around so much, and his tackles will be more authoritative.   

Look, I'm not arguing with you, but I think that this label for Allen is bs.   That's what we heard about him all through the draft the process and since.   Allen is "raw."   What does that mean?

 

The reality is that, so far, he's shown that after training camp and preseason, he was more ready to play than all the others except Mayfield.   Mayfield is playing like pro, and Allen is right behind him.  Rosen was supposed to be the most NFL ready, he's throwing to Larry friggin FItzgerald and he's been a pick machine.  Darnold has slumped badly. 

 

The Bills evaluated Allen's football sophistication before the draft and realized that he had much better football smarts than the media coverage suggested.   We're seeing it on the field.   He has had very few rookie moments. 

 

 

I know what you mean - and generally agree - but still feel a need to comment on your last few words.  I think Allen has multiple rookie moments every game.  He doesn't read coverages as effectively or get the ball out as quickly as a good veteran.  He holds onto the ball longer than a good vet because - as a rookie - he needs more time to process.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

Back on the field, the Bills stuffed Hyde for a one-yard loss, the Jags took a false start penalty, a touchdown pass was negated by holding, Bortles gained a yard on a near sack and lost 8 on a sack.  Fourth and goal from the 24, the Jags missed the field goal.  Allen to McKenzie, penalty on the Jags, Allen to Foster, penalty on the Jags, Allen up the middle for the touchdown!

 

It was a classic momentum shift – the Jags took control of a close game, came within a video review of scoring a touchdown, then came away with no points and gave up a 68-yard touchdown drive on three plays.  The Bills made plays and the Jags melted down.  There was more football to play, and the Jags certainly didn’t quit, but the Bills had taken over the game. 

 

First, thanks for your excellent write-up.

 

Second, I hope those convinced that the process sucks and that the coaches suck and Allen is mediocre at best will take a moment to reflect on how many times in the past that the series of events above would send a Bills team spiraling. This was the moment, most Bills fans would agree, that the Jags would score, the Bills would stumble, and the game would be lost for lack of focus and composure.

 

These are the moments I look at to see what kind of team is being built by McBeane, and suffice it to say, if you still hate what McBeane is doing after yesterday's game, you may want to look inward for the problem.

 

That is all.

5 minutes ago, Mickey said:

Brevity. Embrace it.

 

Oh, please. It was better than most anything I'm going to read at BN or that other sports website that took all the BN people.

 

You can open the thread, look, close and move on. Give it a try.

Edited by LABillzFan
  • Like (+1) 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

43 minutes ago, billsfan1959 said:

I am not referring to his ability when I refer to his "rawness," but, rather the fact that he didn't play against the level of competition the others faced, he did not have the opportunity to play with NFL caliber talent around him, and it was a bigger leap for him than the others. Outside of that, I agree that, once I saw him play at the NFL level, I thought he was everybit as capable as the others.

Got it.  That makes more sense.  Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...