“Still Miles Away” -Colin Cowherd

[Beast]

The Bills are going to have an absolutely dominating defense that will take the pressure off Allen. Allen will have a big year and the Bills  will challenge for the division.

[GreggTX]

I think we finish ahead of Miami, but the Jets did a LOT to improve -- even more than us. Also, long term, I think Darnold will be a much better QB than Allen. I think 7 or 8 wins and 3rd in the AFCE is where we finish in 2019.

Edited May 3, 2019 by GreggTX

[ricko1112]

1 hour ago, DaBillsFanSince1973 said:

the experts are full of 

You are 100% correct!

[HappyDays]

4 hours ago, SoTier said:

I see a lot of posters on TSW snickering at predictions that the Browns may make the playoffs this season

 

You do? Are you sure you didn't just imagine it?

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

10 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

You do? Are you sure you didn't just imagine it?

 

He is.

 

When it comes to debbie downers, he's emperor palpatine.

 

[njbuff]

June is the second longest month for a football fan.

 

I guess we should prepare ourselves for a post on June 3rd telling us some media person will tell us how bad the Bills will be.

 

I can't wait.

[nikuman]

12 hours ago, colin said:

to me, Rosen sucks.  he's physically weak and has attitude problems on top of that.  he was developed really early in his life as a QB, so he is skilled, but i don't think he will deliver the goods.

 

i do suspect, assuming miami put some talent around him, that early in the season he may play a couple good games, but when the cold comes and he gets worn down over a season, he will fold.

 

I can't say that I disagree - I really don't like Rosen - but AZ was a hot mess.  I know it's been said a million times here, but you can never really know how good/bad a player is when they have a poor supporting cast.  He sucked with a crappy offensive cast in AZ.  So, the question I have is whether or not Miami's o-line and skill positions are substantially better than AZ.  If yes, then maybe Rosen will actually play better.  If not, then there's absolutely no reason to expect that he will suddenly play well enough in Miami to carry them to a WC (i.e. he still will suck).

 

...that said,  I do hope that the dolphins go down in huge (figurative) fireball.

Edited May 4, 2019 by nikuman
clarification

[mannc]

5 minutes ago, nikuman said:

 

I can't say that I disagree - I really don't like Rosen - but AZ was a hot mess.  I know it's been said a million times here, but you can never really know how good/bad a player is when they have a poor supporting cast.  He sucked with a crappy offensive cast in AZ.  So, the question I have is whether or not Miami's o-line and skill positions are substantially better than AZ.  If yes, then maybe Rosen will actually play better.  If not, then there's absolutely no reason to expect that he will suddenly play well enough in Miami to carry them to a WC (i.e. he still will suck).

So there’s no chance Rosen will get better from year 1 to year 2?  Isn’t that a pretty common thing?

[SirAndrew]

4 hours ago, FLFan said:

I have never had any respect for Colin Cowherd and this lame opinion certainly changes nothing.  Not even worth arguing. 

This^ I’ve never been some homer who gets upset when the media disses the team. There is some truth to the fact they still have much to prove. He’s just an instigator who makes his career kissing up to big market sports. He loves dissing small markets and dismisses all their fans as backward hillbillies or something (although he’s the man with the word cow in his surname). He just likes putting this stuff out there so angry Bills insult him giving him a story that fits his narrative/schtick. 

[LSHMEAB]

12 minutes ago, mannc said:

So there’s no chance will get better from year 1 to year 2?  Isn’t that a pretty common thing?

Let's hope!

 

I'll give Cowherd credit for digging enough to mention the 7 blowouts. That's more than you'll hear from the average talking head.

Edited May 4, 2019 by LSHMEAB

[SirAndrew]

7 minutes ago, LSHMEAB said:

Let's hope!

 

I'll give Cowherd credit for digging enough to mention the 7 blowouts. That's more than you'll hear from the average talking head.

Except I’m not sure there were really 7 blowouts. I know that it happened far too often, but I don’t think 7 times is entirely accurate tbh. I guess it depends on your definition of “blowout”. 

Edited May 4, 2019 by SirAndrew

[LSHMEAB]

10 minutes ago, SirAndrew said:

Except I’m not sure there were really 7 blowouts. I know that it happened far too often, but I don’t think 7 times is entirely accurate tbh. I guess it depends on your definition of “blowout”. 

True. Blowout is subjective. There were 5 games in which we were absolutely dominated. 

 

It's only 7 if you include the Chargers (31-20) and Pats Road(24-12). The score doesn't scream blowout, but we were never in those games. 

 

What I love about McDermott as a coach thus far is that he's found a way to win more close games than he loses. That's big in this league. The blowouts, however, are a legitimate concern. 

 

We didn't see many of them in 2017, so the hope is that with an improved roster, we won't see many of them in 2019. If we do, there's a problem.

Edited May 4, 2019 by LSHMEAB

[SirAndrew]

1 minute ago, LSHMEAB said:

True. Blowout is subjective. There were 5 games in which we were absolutely dominated. 

 

It's only 7 if you include the Chargers (31-20) and Pats Road(24-12). The score doesn't scream blowout, but we were never in those games. 

 

What I love about McDermott as a coach thus far is that he's found a way to win more close games than he loses. That's big in this league. The blowouts, however, are a legitimate concern. 

I was also concerned with the blowouts losses last season. After having the off-season to reflect I’m far less worried. Two of the blowout losses were Nathan Peterman starts, and an additional two were Derek Anderson starts (if you even consider the MNF home loss to the Pats a true blowout, as we were in it until quite late in the game). The shutout in Green Bay was quite early in Allen’s season as well. If this happens again, I’ll be very worried.

 

 I think it’s important to put those blowout losses in context. That’s something talking heads such as Cowherd never do when they have a narrative to sell. He’s always been a big numbers guy, but frequently neglects the intricacies of sports that can’t be measured with numbers. 

[LSHMEAB]

2 minutes ago, SirAndrew said:

I was also concerned with the blowouts losses last season. After having the off-season to reflect I’m far less worried. Two of the blowout losses were Nathan Peterman starts, and an additional two were Derek Anderson starts (if you even consider the MNF home loss to the Pats a true blowout, as we were in it until quite late in the game). The shutout in Green Bay was quite early in Allen’s season as well. If this happens again, I’ll be very worried.

 

 I think it’s important to put those blowout losses in context. That’s something talking heads such as Cowherd never do when they have a narrative to sell. He’s always been a big numbers guy, but frequently neglects the intricacies of sports that can’t be measured with numbers. 

The Bears and Colts debacles are performances I'd never like to see again. One was DA and one was NP, so I get the disclaimer. Still, we seemed woefully unprepared. The alternative explanation is that it's difficult to motivate a team when they have zero confidence in the QB.

[Doc Brown]

It's pretty simple in that those who hated Allen pre draft will still think he sucks pointing to the stats.  Those that liked him were encouraged with his performance at the end of the year and his rushing ability.  The season predictions this year will mirror that. 

[JOE IN HAMPTON ROADS]

be gone with this nattering nabob of negatism

 

[turftoe]

He is still backtracking on all the crap he said about Baker Mayfield. Hopefully Allen will also prove him wrong. 

[Mr. WEO]

14 hours ago, Mark80 said:

 

Yep, a guy who is thought of so highly that they barely got a 2nd round pick for him.

 

 

The Cardinals spent a 1st, 3rd and 5th to pick Rosen.  A year later, they got a 2nd rounder for him.  And tiny Kyler Murray. And crappy college HC/Bro's Bro Kliff Kingsbury.

 

Good point.

[Helpmenow]

Dan Patrick doesn’t care for him either. Peckerhead

[BobbyC81]

16 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

He's right about the blowout losses being a concern. The defense especially against the run collapses for long periods of time. The defensive ranking last year is a mirage. The defense did not pressure the QB and turnovers were down. The pass rush needs to get much better and the offense needs to stay on the field longer.

I have no idea what he is talking about with the young QB do better with offensive minded HCs. 

Manning x 2, Brady, Cam Newton, Luck, Lamar Jackson, Matt Ryan, Russell Wilson, Ben Roethlisberger and hell even the likes of Andy Dalton, Carr, and Bridgewater all started their careers with defensive minded head coaches. LA , Dallas, and Philadelphia are recent examples of offensive minded coaches having success with young QBs.

Rosen is better than this board thinks and was a great move by Miami. The rest of Miami's roster is a dumpster fire. They will struggle to get to 3-13.

Brady had stretches last year where he looked his age and with Gronk gone the offense will be different.  

 

 

Right, the only important defensive stat is points allowed.  The Bills were right in the middle as the 15th worst in points allowed with 374 pts , an average of 23.4 pts per game.  Yes, the offense was responsible for 35 of those pts with 5 turnovers resulting in TDs (4 by INT, the other a fumble) but that would’ve only moved them up a couple of spots based on only points given up by the defense. 

 

With how pathetic the offense was for most of the season, it was just as much responsible for the 6-10 record.

[Rocket94]

If Beane and the Bills continue on this path of a rebuild, their rise back to the top will be inevitable at some point...probably in the next two years. It comes down to the OL, the evolution of Allen, and the DL. It begins with defeating NE convincingly once and for all. How we crack their run and pass blocking goes a long way. Is there perhaps, a psychological component to this as well?

Edited May 4, 2019 by Rocket94

[Guest K-GunJimKelly12]

Baker Mayfield exposed Cowherd for the hack that he is.  That is to anyone who didn't already know he was a hack.  Can't believe people would listen to a word he says after that interview. 

[GunnerBill]

13 hours ago, Nihilarian said:

.

 

OTOH, the Dolphins have the worst roster in the NFL and lost their starting LT, LG to free agency. I can see Miami drafting @#1 overall in 2020 and guess what position their pick will be...

 

Their left tackle is Laremy Tunsil. He didn't leave in FA...

[BurpleBull]

Cowherd is just another talking head who doesn't follow the Bills' nearly closely enough, to be able to speak on how far away they are to being an AFC threat.

 

He couldn't tell you which areas need to be shored up to close that perceived gap, if asked.

[CIrvine]

On May 3, 2019 at 5:34 AM, CommonCents said:

Cowherd isn’t a former NFL player but he runs marathons at 55 years old. He openly admits he trains so he can try and have the mindset of an athlete. I find that impressive, lots of media personalities look like slobs. 

Hey, i've never played in the NFL, I'm 55 years old, and my next marathon is this Sunday.  Maybe I can get my own talk show.  

[T master]

Hes probably the "expert Yahoo" that couldn't see the plan that Beane has been working on too ! This guy lives & dies by how much crap he can give out to some teams, so just take him out back & pummel him !! 

[CommonCents]

1 hour ago, CIrvine said:

Hey, i've never played in the NFL, I'm 55 years old, and my next marathon is this Sunday.  Maybe I can get my own talk show.  

Good job on the marathons, that’s something you should be proud of. Shirley you got my point though. 

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

2 minutes ago, CommonCents said:

Good job on the marathons, that’s something you should be proud of. Shirley you got my point though. 

 

 

...certainly improves his ability to BACK PEDAL quickly.....

[Rocket94]

5 minutes ago, CommonCents said:

Good job on the marathons, that’s something you should be proud of. Shirley you got my point though. 

I am 55 and have run five marathons. It has been ten years  since my last one. 

The Buffalo Marathon is soon. I ran that twice. Nice course.

[Success]

He’s wrong.  We’re there - right now.  Unless Allen isn’t everything we think he can be.

 

And enough drooling over the Pats draft.  They got one of the steals with Winivich, and a receiver they desperately needed.  Otherwise meh given all of their picks.

[Nihilarian]

10 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Their left tackle is Laremy Tunsil. He didn't leave in FA...

I stand corrected.  

 

It was starting RT Ja'Wuan James who left in free agency to Denver. Along with starting LG Ted Larsen who signed with Chicago. They also have a band-aid at center but they could pencil in 3rd pick Michael Deiter for that position or perhaps LG. 

 

Still, I think the Dolphins roster stinks and their super bowl odds are at +27500. Which is last in the NFL. 

 

I also think that many around the league are underestimating how well Buffalo did in free agency and the draft. The Bills already had the #1 pass defense in 2018 and they signed EJ Gains. Now I have to wonder who the starting CB is opposite Tre White. Is it Levi Wallace? Is it EJ Gains? Is it Kevin Johnson? Decisions, decisions! 

[Mat68]

Cowherd plays towards the Bigger markets.  His guy Rosen is now in Miami.  So he has to make an argument why Miami is better.  They might have an argument that Miami has better Wrs but that's it. 

[Big Blitz]

On 5/3/2019 at 8:03 AM, Chandler#81 said:

Sees us as last in the Division. Obviously, he has many critics, but I’ve always liked him and he makes points.

 

*Alarming 7 Blowout loses

 

 

Nate Peterman and Derek Anderson started 3 of those.

 

2 were to the super bowl champions.  BB eats up rookie QBs.  

 

At Green Bay in a rain storm if I recall.  And the Chargers were Allen's first start....IMO one of the 3 best teams in the NFL last year.  

 

 

Alarming!!

Edited May 4, 2019 by Big Blitz

[PlayoffsPlease]

5 minutes ago, Big Blitz said:

 

Nate Peterman and Derek Anderson started 3 of those.

 

2 were to the super bowl champions.  BB eats up rookie QBs.  

 

At Green Bay in a rain storm if I recall.  And the Chargers were Allen's first start....IMO one of the 3 best teams in the NFL last year.  

 

 

Alarming!!

How does Bill Bellichek do with second year QBs? 

[Another Fan]

Cowherd just does it for ratings really.  He even admitted they went through the roof when Baker came on 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

12 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Their left tackle is Laremy Tunsil. He didn't leave in FA...

 

They lost Ju'Wuan James, their RT, in FA.  Josh Sitton, their hoped-for LG, was IR'd early in the season and then retired (or did they cut him, then he retired?).  Either way, point is two pieces expected to start for them are gone, and the replacements look to be about on par with what the Bills did last year (a FA depth guy plus a 3rd round pick on G).

[transplantbillsfan]

On 5/3/2019 at 2:03 AM, Chandler#81 said:

Sees us as last in the Division. Obviously, he has many critics, but I’ve always liked him and he makes points.

 

*Alarming 7 Blowout loses

*Young QBs do better with Offensive HC

*Fish go from 7-9 pretenders to WC consideration w/Rosen

*Pats* great Draft

*Jets did much to improve 

 

I’m good with this analysis as we all (AFCE) play a comparatively favorable schedule and no Bills fans really know what we have or who we are yet. We’re putting a lot of stock and hope that all the pieces will fit nicely very quickly. If not, and it’s unreasonable to expect it, we’re going to lose games we likely should and could have won, while learning ‘who we are’.

 

I still think 10 wins is possible, but it’ll take at least 3 Division wins to accomplish.

 

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2019/05/buffalo-bills-still-miles-away-from-competing-in-afc-says-colin-cowherd.html

 

Of those 7 blowout losses, 2 were in Josh Allen's first 3 starts after a Summer rotating reps between Peterman and McCarron and 4 were with either Peterman or Anderson starting.

 

The other was against the Patriots in New England. And it was a 12 point loss.

 

The Jets and Dolphins have new Head Coaches and their 2nd year QBs will be learning a new system in their 2nd year. Allen will be running the exact same offensive system under the same coaches.

 

Sure, the Patriots improved, but Brady's another year older and you could see him declining a bit last year, in spite of the Super Bowl win.

 

I don't agree.

 

Next year we take the division and get a home playoff game.

 

 

[GunnerBill]

3 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

They lost Ju'Wuan James, their RT, in FA.  Josh Sitton, their hoped-for LG, was IR'd early in the season and then retired (or did they cut him, then he retired?).  Either way, point is two pieces expected to start for them are gone, and the replacements look to be about on par with what the Bills did last year (a FA depth guy plus a 3rd round pick on G).

 

Agree but I think their Oline should be passable. Their offensive weapons are more of a question.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Agree but I think their Oline should be passable. Their offensive weapons are more of a question.

 

Why passable?  What have they done to improve it?  

 

Phins tied with Cardinals and Oak for 52 sacks last year.

 

Whatever you think of Tannehill, that’s a significant uptick in his sack % from <7% to >11%

And then they had their RT walk, andwhat have they done to replace him, much less improve?

[GunnerBill]

5 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Why passable?  What have they done to improve it?  

 

Phins tied with Cardinals and Oak for 52 sacks last year.

 

Whatever you think of Tannehill, that’s a significant uptick in his sack % from <7% to >11%

And then they had their RT walk, andwhat have they done to replace him, much less improve?

 

I like the Wisconsin kid they took in the draft think he will be a plug and play guy and they have the most important piece - a left tackle. But yes, you are right, they haven't replaced James and center is still an issue too.