Jump to content

‘The culture starts with Sean’: How the coach’s voracious learning habits are rubbing off on the Bills (Athletic article)


Recommended Posts

12 minutes ago, eball said:

 

Does your @$$ actually have lips? Because you talk out of it more than anyone I know. :lol:

 

 

Well never let it be known that I won't help a drunk like you back onto his feet.

 

The chart you were looking at where you triumphantly determined that the Bills were *just* the 8th most penalized team for the 10th most yardage and then went on to blah blah blah based off of other stats on that chart wasn't a regular season chart.

 

That strange chart INCLUDED playoff games..........so yeah some teams with like 18 games played committed more penalties than the Bills did in 16.:lol:

 

I REPEAT:

 

In 2018 the Bills were the 6th most penalized(116) for the 5th most yardage(992).

 

I don't know dude.........you are making this whole "see, I can talk football" push while at the same time not being able to read basic stat charts.

 

And I mean BASIC.

 

Maybe stick to attacking Scott Law?   Just a thought.:doh:

 

 

5 minutes ago, eball said:

 

Good lord, lack of comprehension is a real thing with you, isn't it? 

 

 

 

No.........that's you reading NFL statistics eebs.:doh:

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

10 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

Well never let it be known that I won't help a drunk like you back onto his feet.

 

The chart you were looking at where you triumphantly determined that the Bills were *just* the 8th most penalized team for the 10th most yardage and then went on to blah blah blah based off of other stats on that chart wasn't a regular season chart.

 

That strange chart INCLUDED playoff games..........so yeah some teams with like 18 games played committed more penalties than the Bills did in 16.:lol:

 

I REPEAT:

 

In 2018 the Bills were the 6th most penalized(116) for the 5th most yardage(992).

 

I don't know dude.........you are making this whole "see, I can talk football" push while at the same time not being able to read basic stat charts.

 

And I mean BASIC.

 

Maybe stick to attacking Scott Law?   Just a thought.:doh:

 

 

 

 

No.........that's you reading NFL statistics eebs.:doh:

 

That's some classic Trumpism right there...using a pretty irrelevant error to distract from your specious argument.  So what -- playoff penalties were included in the chart I looked at.  Doesn't change the fact that your diatribe about McD and penalties is silly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

24 minutes ago, eball said:

 

That's some classic Trumpism right there...using a pretty irrelevant error to distract from your specious argument.  So what -- playoff penalties were included in the chart I looked at.  Doesn't change the fact that your diatribe about McD and penalties is silly.

 

5 hours ago, eball said:

 

Might be helpful to give the penalty stats some context.  First of all, the Bills were the 8th most penalized for the 10th most yards, but who's counting.  

 

Oh, and also -- 6 of the 9 most penalized teams made the playoffs.

 

But then again, I'm incapable of "talking football" so I'm sure you'll ignore this post as you have others that don't fit your agenda to ridicule.

 

 

 

 

 

"So what" that playoff penalties were included in that stat chart?   Is that really what you are going with?:lol:

 

We already covered your "first of all" mistake.

 

Then there is the FACT that only 3 of the 9 most penalized teams in the regular season made the playoffs............not 6 of 9.


You seemed to think you hit a HR with that stat........using it as your closing argument.

 

Are you grasping that playing an extra 2-3 games can lead to committing more penalties yet?

 

Capeesh or no?

 

I mean when you make such a basic mistake like that OWN it and do better rather than blame me for your inability to read a stat chart.    

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

9 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

 

 

"So what" that playoff penalties were included in that stat chart?   Is that really what you are going with?:lol:

 

We already covered your "first of all" mistake.

 

Then there is the FACT that only 3 of the 9 most penalized teams in the regular season made the playoffs............not 6 of 9.


You seemed to think you hit a HR with that stat........using it as your closing argument.

 

Are you grasping that playing an extra 2-3 games can lead to committing more penalties yet?

 

Capeesh or no?

 

I mean when you make such a basic mistake like that OWN it and do better rather than blame me for your inability to read a stat chart.    

This post does not meet your minimum emoji requirements. Frankly, I'm disappointed.:pirate:

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

23 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

I mean when you make such a basic mistake like that OWN it and do better rather than blame me for your inability to read a stat chart.    

 

I didn’t blame you for anything other than making a ridiculous argument about “aggressive” penalties as a way of bolstering your anti-McD movement. The bottom line is that REGARDLESS OF THE CHART the Bills weren’t “undisciplined” on defense and the two areas of the team that need the most work were responsible for most of the penalties. And the total number of penalties wasn’t “egregious.”

 

Still waiting for you to address your ridiculous McD/Lynn argument as well. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

26 minutes ago, eball said:

 

I didn’t blame you for anything other than making a ridiculous argument about “aggressive” penalties as a way of bolstering your anti-McD movement. The bottom line is that REGARDLESS OF THE CHART the Bills weren’t “undisciplined” on defense and the two areas of the team that need the most work were responsible for most of the penalties. And the total number of penalties wasn’t “egregious.”

 

Still waiting for you to address your ridiculous McD/Lynn argument as well. 

 

 

I REPEAT:

 

In 2018 the Bills were the 6th most penalized(116) for the 5th most yardage(992).

 

 

That's bad and they were undisciplined.

 

As for the "ridiculous McD/Lynn argument"............Lynn took over a less successful team that has played without a homefield advantage for two years but has won A LOT more games than McD and blown him out twice head-to-head.    The job Lynn has done is among the very best in the NFL over the past two seasons.

 

Lynn chose to build on what he had and show his ability to coach up his franchise right away and McD chose to hand pick his own team and it hasn't worked out so far.     Hopefully that changes but it's no contest thru 2 years and that's not a short period of time in terms of being an NFL HC.   Year 3 is usually a make or break for HC's that haven't fielded a contender yet. 

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

6 hours ago, Augie said:

 

In summary, our OLine sucked. Nobody should be surprised by this news flash. Those flags did not happen because McD was negligent in any way. Can he and they improve? Of course. I have high hopes for the revamped OL. It will not be perfect from day #1, but it looks encouraging over time. 

 

He was negligent - he put a bad OL coach in charge of running game - but he corrected it by removing him.  

Coach McD has had a lot of one year coaches and this tells you one of two things - he is bad at communicating his plans or he is bad at evaluating coaches.  

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

So to add my two penneth.... the Bills did commit too many penalties last year but they were largely in the category that I would put down to overmatched talent and bad technique rather than out of control ill discipline. That doesn't give McDermott a total pass - he is the Head Coach and he is ultimately accountable. As I have said many times he chose to tear down the roster and attempt a total rebuild. That was his (or at least his and Brandon Beane's) choice. That choice was one of the reasons we ended up with overmatched talent and it was poorly coached by the very first hire he made to the coaching staff in Buffalo - his hand picked offensive line coach Juan Castillo. There was no reason to think Castillo would succeed, he hasn't produced a good offensive line in years. I was pleasantly surprised that the Bills cut ties with him in the offseason. The one element of McDermott's personality that does grate with me is the constant faith and family stuff and I rather suspected that might result in too much loyalty. But he did cut ties.

 

So ultimately, yes, McDermott is accountable for the high penalty numbers - the poor talent and poor coaching do come back to him in the end.

 

On Lynn, I like Anthony Lynn and I'd have been perfectly happy for him to get the job here in 2017. However, McDermott was my number 1 candidate from a year out. I wanted to fire Rex and hire McDermott after one season. They have taken very different approaches, but they were very different situations. Lynn was taking on a franchise QB in his twilight years and having to improve what was around him. McDermott was taking on a not untalented core of players but without a franchise QB. Lynn's done a good job in LA especially given the struggles that franchise has more broadly. But I still have full belief in McDermott. I think the guy is a really good leader and I think he can coach. Winning 15 games over the last two years with the talent he has had is a good return. Again, I totally agree it was his choice to do the tear down but now finally after the two years of getting by I think he has a roster with enough talent to genuinely compete. This next year will tell us a lot. Is McDermott one of those guys who can genuinely get the most out of all levels of talent or is he a guy (and they do exist) who excels getting the most out of under talented players but struggles to get the same buy in and commitment to enable him to get the most of genuine talent? I think he is the former.... but 2019 will go a long way to giving us an answer.

  • Like (+1) 1
  • Awesome! (+1) 1
  • Thank you (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

So to add my two penneth.... the Bills did commit too many penalties last year but they were largely in the category that I would put down to overmatched talent and bad technique rather than out of control ill discipline. That doesn't give McDermott a total pass - he is the Head Coach and he is ultimately accountable. As I have said many times he chose to tear down the roster and attempt a total rebuild. That was his (or at least his and Brandon Beane's) choice. That choice was one of the reasons we ended up with overmatched talent and it was poorly coached by the very first hire he made to the coaching staff in Buffalo - his hand picked offensive line coach Juan Castillo. There was no reason to think Castillo would succeed, he hasn't produced a good offensive line in years. I was pleasantly surprised that the Bills cut ties with him in the offseason. The one element of McDermott's personality that does grate with me is the constant faith and family stuff and I rather suspected that might result in too much loyalty. But he did cut ties.

 

So ultimately, yes, McDermott is accountable for the high penalty numbers - the poor talent and poor coaching do come back to him in the end.

 

On Lynn, I like Anthony Lynn and I'd have been perfectly happy for him to get the job here in 2017. However, McDermott was my number 1 candidate from a year out. I wanted to fire Rex and hire McDermott after one season. They have taken very different approaches, but they were very different situations. Lynn was taking on a franchise QB in his twilight years and having to improve what was around him. McDermott was taking on a not untalented core of players but without a franchise QB. Lynn's done a good job in LA especially given the struggles that franchise has more broadly. But I still have full belief in McDermott. I think the guy is a really good leader and I think he can coach. Winning 15 games over the last two years with the talent he has had is a good return. Again, I totally agree it was his choice to do the tear down but now finally after the two years of getting by I think he has a roster with enough talent to genuinely compete. This next year will tell us a lot. Is McDermott one of those guys who can genuinely get the most out of all levels of talent or is he a guy (and they do exist) who excels getting the most out of under talented players but struggles to get the same buy in and commitment to enable him to get the most of genuine talent? I think he is the former.... but 2019 will go a long way to giving us an answer.

 

I was looking at team penalties earlier this morning, ironically.  Admittedly, I have not read through all pages of this thread and if this link has been posted, my apologies:

 

https://www.footballdb.com/stats/penalties.html?yr=2018

 

Bills were top 5 in total penalty yards.  However, for the defensive penalties that are automatic first downs, they're very middle of the pack.  Not surprisingly, they're closer to the top in offensive holding and false starts, which (in my opinion) supports your "overmatched talent and bad technique rather than out of control ill discipline," theory.

 

A third of their total penalties fell under the "Other," category.  I'd be interested to see where we stack up with regard to penalties that are a result of poor coaching/game management, i.e. - too many men on the field.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Limeaid said:

 

He was negligent - he put a bad OL coach in charge of running game - but he corrected it by removing him.  

Coach McD has had a lot of one year coaches and this tells you one of two things - he is bad at communicating his plans or he is bad at evaluating coaches.  

 

How many one year coaches has he had? I can only think of Dennison.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

30 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

I was looking at team penalties earlier this morning, ironically.  Admittedly, I have not read through all pages of this thread and if this link has been posted, my apologies:

 

https://www.footballdb.com/stats/penalties.html?yr=2018

 

Bills were top 5 in total penalty yards.  However, for the defensive penalties that are automatic first downs, they're very middle of the pack.  Not surprisingly, they're closer to the top in offensive holding and false starts, which (in my opinion) supports your "overmatched talent and bad technique rather than out of control ill discipline," theory.

 

A third of their total penalties fell under the "Other," category.  I'd be interested to see where we stack up with regard to penalties that are a result of poor coaching/game management, i.e. - too many men on the field.

 

 

The Bills had too many men on the field on defense 3 times last year, which is actually about double the league average and ranks tied for 27th. New England had 3 as well, but they love catching you in the middle of subbing, and were the beneficiary of 3 calls against their opponents, ranking 5th.

 

This site breaks down penalties in multiple aspects.

http://www.nflpenalties.com/team/buffalo-bills?year=2018&view=penalties

When sorted by "penalty", click the "+" icon to the left of a given penalty and it breaks that penalty down by league average and rank as well as beneficiary amount and rank.

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

22 hours ago, JohnC said:

I respectfully but strenuously disagree with your judgment that Pegulas would not be afraid to resort to using the much calloused trigger finger if this season turns out to be disappointing. I think that he has learned his lesson that churning coaches and staff is an act of futility. My impression is that with both franchises there was a learning curve for the new owners. And they learned that injudiciously spending money was not a solution to injudicious hiring. I think with both franchises they put more thought into the hiring of staff and allowing them the time and space to do their jobs. 

Completely agree with you regarding the Bills. The Sabres, otoh, is still wait & see -and we’re tired of waiting. The organization is the most intriguing cluster****.in pro sports. ‘How will they screw it up this year?’

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said:

Completely agree with you regarding the Bills. The Sabres, otoh, is still wait & see -and we’re tired of waiting. The organization is the most intriguing cluster****.in pro sports. ‘How will they screw it up this year?’

The person who is on the spot is the GM for the Sabres. The trade of ROR, at least for the short term, was a disaster. To compound the problem  the roster he assembled after that shambolic deal was incapable of keeping up with most of the teams.. However, I still don't believe that the owners are ready to pull the plug on this current hockey regime. (That's my feeling that many don't share.)

 

I do believe that because of our good cap situation and extra first round pick the Sabres are in a position to make some impacting deals that will allow this team to be a fringe playoff contending team. That would be progress. Compared to many in the deflated crowd here I am more of an optimist than a pessimist. Stating the obvious this is a critical offseason for the GM.  

 

You may not be aware of it but there are rumors swirling around  that because of the disappointment of the last hockey season Plezmd1 was traumatized and is suffering from PTSD. Sadly, watching the Sabres has caused his mental well-being to plummet to the depths of despair. Once I find out what facility he is at I will arrange to send him a TSW get well card. Of course we all wish him well, at least most of us do. :)

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

2 minutes ago, JohnC said:

The person who is on the spot is the GM for the Sabres. The trade of ROR, at least for the short term, was a disaster. To compound the problem  the roster he assembled after that shambolic deal was incapable of keeping up with most of the teams.. However, I still don't believe that the owners are ready to pull the plug on this current hockey regime. (That's my feeling that many don't share.)

 

I do believe that because of our good cap situation and extra first round pick the Sabres are in a position to make some impacting deals that will allow this team to be a fringe playoff contending team. That would be progress. Compared to many in the deflated crowd here I am more of an optimist than a pessimist. Stating the obvious this is a critical offseason for the GM.  

 

They fired the coach though didn't they?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, JohnC said:

The person who is on the spot is the GM for the Sabres. The trade of ROR, at least for the short term, was a disaster. To compound the problem  the roster he assembled after that shambolic deal was incapable of keeping up with most of the teams.. However, I still don't believe that the owners are ready to pull the plug on this current hockey regime. (That's my feeling that many don't share.)

 

I do believe that because of our good cap situation and extra first round pick the Sabres are in a position to make some impacting deals that will allow this team to be a fringe playoff contending team. That would be progress. Compared to many in the deflated crowd here I am more of an optimist than a pessimist. Stating the obvious this is a critical offseason for the GM.  

 

You may not be aware of it but there are rumors swirling around  that because of the disappointment of the last hockey season Plezmd1 was traumatized and is suffering from PTSD. Sadly, watching the Sabres has caused his mental well-being to plummet to the depths of despair. Once I find out what facility he is at I will arrange to send him a TSW get well card. Of course we all wish him well, at least most of us do. :)

? PTSD. So That’s what my problem is! Appreciate the diagnosis! Wtf is the cure??? I’ve tried finding another team. That doesn’t work. 

Is there a new drug? I’m up for anything!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 5/30/2019 at 12:32 AM, eball said:

 

Are there any Bills fans here who don't want to win?  What I'm talking about is a difference in perspective -- you can be a skeptic about everything you read and see and expect the worst, or you can look for positive signs and not remain in the past.  I'm not "worried" about being disappointed by the Buffalo Bills -- if I was, I'd have given them up a long time ago.

 

 

There's another choice. Yeah, you can be a skeptic. Or you can be a pie-eyed Kool-Aid drinker.

 

Or you can withhold judgment. Be hopeful but know there's a lot still to prove. This is the best perspective if you want to see how things are likely to be rather than seeing things the things that confirm your prejudices.

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

12 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

Lynn took over a team that won a total of 9 games over the prior 2 years and has won 22 games(two of those at the expense of McDermott).

 

McDermott took over a team that won a total of 15 games over the prior 2 years and has won...........wait for it..........15 games.

 

Lynn's Chargers were beaten badly by the Patriots in the playoffs..........after winning a road playoff game..........which is something the Bills haven't done since 1992.

 

Lynn has earned the respect to say the least and 7 more wins over two years is A LOT.

 

 

 

Lynn has indeed earned respect. But he got a team with a terrific QB, a team with a solid base ... at bottom a team that needed a reload. Not a rebuild.

 

Whereas McDermott went through a rebuild. Judging a coach on how many wins he gets in the first couple of years of a rebuild says a lot more about the guy judging than it does the coach. Teams in a near-total rebuild like this one can't reasonably be judged on wins. Rebuilds don't win much the first two years. Comparing wins and thinking it means something is like comparing height between a 6 year old and an 14 year old. You don't learn anything worth knowing about how tall either one is going to be at full growth. Thinking that the 14 year old is taller means something just shows you don't get it. Same with judging a coach in a rebuild on how many wins he gets the first two years.

 

Much respect to Lynn, though. He's done a fine job.

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

1 hour ago, Chandler#81 said:

? PTSD. So That’s what my problem is! Appreciate the diagnosis! Wtf is the cure??? I’ve tried finding another team. That doesn’t work. 

Is there a new drug? I’m up for anything!

 

 

 

Tetris!!! Seriously.

 

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/tetris-shown-to-lessen-ptsd-and-flashbacks/?redirect=1

 

Keep your phone/computer nearby and play very soon after the heartbreaking losses that bring on your symptoms.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, Limeaid said:

 

He was negligent - he put a bad OL coach in charge of running game - but he corrected it by removing him.  

Coach McD has had a lot of one year coaches and this tells you one of two things - he is bad at communicating his plans or he is bad at evaluating coaches.  

 

Or........he took the best that was available at that moment in time, then upgraded as soon as possible. That’s a real option as well. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/barkley-ready-whatever-role-needed-after-wild-journey-landed-him-bills

 

Quote

Chicago was the only other place Barkley had played an NFL game, but the Bears are hardly the only other franchise he’s played for. Since being drafted by Philadelphia in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the former USC quarterback has signed contracts to play for the Eagles, Bears, Arizona Cardinals (twice), San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Bills. Counting both stints in Arizona, Barkley is now on his seventh team in seven years.

 

Quote

But Barkley, who will turn 29 the day before the Bills open the regular season against the Jets, believes he’s finally found his perfect home. That’s why he decided to re-sign a two-year deal with the Bills back in December. 

“Yeah, that was a no-brainer,” he said of the decision to re-sign. “I love it here. Probably my favorite, just culture, that I've been in so far, where guys are playing for each other, believe in each other, and what coach McDermott is building is very unique, I think, among the NFL. The situation as a whole here has been in my favorite, for whatever reason.”

 

Quote

I plan on playing for many years after this, but I feel the most comfortable I've ever been in any situation. For the first time I'm the oldest quarterback on the roster. I have plenty of experience with this team coming back, with a staff that believes in me, and we all get along. We all learn from each other. We're helping each other out.

 

And it's probably the most conducive environment to getting better that I've been in.”

 

 

 

Pretty cool to read. 

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

6 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

So to add my two penneth.... the Bills did commit too many penalties last year but they were largely in the category that I would put down to overmatched talent and bad technique rather than out of control ill discipline. That doesn't give McDermott a total pass - he is the Head Coach and he is ultimately accountable. As I have said many times he chose to tear down the roster and attempt a total rebuild. That was his (or at least his and Brandon Beane's) choice. That choice was one of the reasons we ended up with overmatched talent and it was poorly coached by the very first hire he made to the coaching staff in Buffalo - his hand picked offensive line coach Juan Castillo. There was no reason to think Castillo would succeed, he hasn't produced a good offensive line in years. I was pleasantly surprised that the Bills cut ties with him in the offseason. The one element of McDermott's personality that does grate with me is the constant faith and family stuff and I rather suspected that might result in too much loyalty. But he did cut ties.

 

So ultimately, yes, McDermott is accountable for the high penalty numbers - the poor talent and poor coaching do come back to him in the end.

 

On Lynn, I like Anthony Lynn and I'd have been perfectly happy for him to get the job here in 2017. However, McDermott was my number 1 candidate from a year out. I wanted to fire Rex and hire McDermott after one season. They have taken very different approaches, but they were very different situations. Lynn was taking on a franchise QB in his twilight years and having to improve what was around him. McDermott was taking on a not untalented core of players but without a franchise QB. Lynn's done a good job in LA especially given the struggles that franchise has more broadly. But I still have full belief in McDermott. I think the guy is a really good leader and I think he can coach. Winning 15 games over the last two years with the talent he has had is a good return. Again, I totally agree it was his choice to do the tear down but now finally after the two years of getting by I think he has a roster with enough talent to genuinely compete. This next year will tell us a lot. Is McDermott one of those guys who can genuinely get the most out of all levels of talent or is he a guy (and they do exist) who excels getting the most out of under talented players but struggles to get the same buy in and commitment to enable him to get the most of genuine talent? I think he is the former.... but 2019 will go a long way to giving us an answer.

 

 

For some reason there is a faction of people who think that false starts and holding on offense aren't undisciplined penalties but that their defensive versions are.:doh: 

 

It's simply not the case.    The Raiders were the best team in the AFC over a two decade stretch and basically lead the league in penalties every year.    They were mostly penalties of aggression and such a small percentage were called that playing that style BENEFITTED them.     

 

The Bills don't play that way..........they aren't imposing their will on anyone..........they try to play fundamentally sound field-position football and win the turnover battle and let the chips fall where they may..............which is why being the 5th most penalized yardage team in football was a very poor turn of events.

 

As you said........the excuses for near bottom of the league performance in any significant area are over now.........nobody gets 4 comfortable years to re-build an NFL team.    They need to start showing tangible progress.     Fortunately there is a lot of room for that.     Evening up the woeful point differential of the past two seasons might even help buy him more time if they can't emerge as a contender.

 

 

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

8 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

For some reason there is a faction of people who think that false starts and holding on offense aren't undisciplined penalties but that their defensive versions are.:doh: 

 

Holding later in a play on offense or blocking in the back downfield I can have as undisciplined and over aggressive. The plays where our offensive line were just technically sloppy and got beat off the snap without a defender needing to do anything and then panic grab (and there were tons of those) or not being able to line up not in the neutral zone. That is just poor technique. Defensive holding can be poor technique and panic grabbing too - I just didn't see as much of that by the Bills. What I saw on offensive was a load of holds from guys who were really bad and just overmatched. 

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

1 hour ago, BillsFan4 said:

This idea of building a good culture to win is pure pablum.  It’s happy-talk for coaches and source material for more articles, but makes fans feel good about the state of their favorite team.    

That said, writers don’t really have much to offer this time of year aside from glowing pieces about individual players and coaches.  Not surprisingly, this is Sal's specialty and I’m not sure he has ever written a critical word about the team.  I tend to ignore what he says given his pro-team mindset that conveniently skims over the poor moves and game results.  

I have no issue with Barkley as backup, and loved that he befriended WWII Prisoner of War Louis Zamperini.  But what else would you expect him to say after inking a 2 year deal late last season?   

 

And contrary to Cappacio's article, Barkley has played regular season games for 3 teams: Buffalo, Chicago, and Philadelphia.  It would be prudent of the Bills’ beat writer to better research his articles before posting them.     

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

8 hours ago, Drunken Pygmy Goat said:

 

How many one year coaches has he had? I can only think of Dennison.

 

Well, just because he only fired one assistant, Dennison, certainly doesn't mean that there were others that deserved a second season -- or should have even been hired in the first place.    Certainly not hiring an experienced QB coach after they decided to draft a first round QB was also a major mistake IMO.   Their QB coached last actually coached QBs back in his days as a collegiate assistant thirty years ago.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, SoTier said:

 

Well, just because he only fired one assistant, Dennison, certainly doesn't mean that there were others that deserved a second season -- or should have even been hired in the first place.    Certainly not hiring an experienced QB coach after they decided to draft a first round QB was also a major mistake IMO.   Their QB coached last actually coached QBs back in his days as a collegiate assistant thirty years ago.

 

 

Don't forget Danny Crosshairs............his coaching has been a fireable offense nearly every season since he's been a ST coach in the NFL and his seat always comes pre-heated at his next job by his resume........and yet McD held onto him for two years.:doh:   

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Holding later in a play on offense or blocking in the back downfield I can have as undisciplined and over aggressive. The plays where our offensive line were just technically sloppy and got beat off the snap without a defender needing to do anything and then panic grab (and there were tons of those) or not being able to line up not in the neutral zone. That is just poor technique. Defensive holding can be poor technique and panic grabbing too - I just didn't see as much of that by the Bills. What I saw on offensive was a load of holds from guys who were really bad and just overmatched. 

 

Well the OL coach was really bad so maybe they were just copying what they see other offense line due with Hughes in attempt to learn.

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

3 hours ago, SoTier said:

 

Well, just because he only fired one assistant, Dennison, certainly doesn't mean that there were others that deserved a second season -- or should have even been hired in the first place.    Certainly not hiring an experienced QB coach after they decided to draft a first round QB was also a major mistake IMO.   Their QB coached last actually coached QBs back in his days as a collegiate assistant thirty years ago.

 

Not arguing your point. I was seriously inquiring because I couldn't think of another coach that was let go by McD after one season. 

 

Loyalty is a great trait, but in some cases, it can be a flaw...being too loyal, anyways. At least McDermott has shown (a little bit, I guess) that he understands the business side of football, and that being too loyal can land you in the unemployment line.

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

23 hours ago, Drunken Pygmy Goat said:

 

Nitpicking here, but in 15 games as HC, Rex's Bills had one less "12 men" call than McD in 16 games (5 & 4 respectively). 

 

Problem is all 5 were in 2016

I was being a bit sarcastic. The lack of organization from the Bills defense under Rex' second year was befuddling after adding some Coaches..
 

 I do appreciate your keeping me straight, and the rest of us : )
McD showed plenty of first year struggles.. Challenges come to mind.

 as long as he is recognizing the issues and working on them?

 seems i still have Ryan trauma ,..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, Limeaid said:

 

No, he was his first hire before he even hired an OC.

I have to think his options were rather limited. for more than one reason.

The hardest lesson he may have learned so far is when to decide , that someones "  skill set "   is not good enough.
He was a defensive  Guy all along. He  trusted Castillo in character. He  may have come to realize the limitations and , then adjusted perhaps ?
 i have a feel he was watching Daboll for awhile. Pegulas helped make that happen i bet.
Go Bills

Edited by 3rdand12
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, Drunken Pygmy Goat said:

 

Not arguing your point. I was seriously inquiring because I couldn't think of another coach that was let go by McD after one season. 

 

Loyalty is a great trait, but in some cases, it can be a flaw...being too loyal, anyways. At least McDermott has shown (a little bit, I guess) that he understands the business side of football, and that being too loyal can land you in the unemployment line.

 

We are onto a third receivers coach in three years. 

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

13 hours ago, 3rdand12 said:

I was being a bit sarcastic. The lack of organization from the Bills defense under Rex' second year was befuddling after adding some Coaches..
 

 I do appreciate your keeping me straight, and the rest of us : )
McD showed plenty of first year struggles.. Challenges come to mind.

 as long as he is recognizing the issues and working on them?

 seems i still have Ryan trauma ,..

 

The Ryan era was pretty rough looking back on it, but what makes it worse is that we pretty much saw it (the end result) coming. We all knew his past. Year one wasn't so bad, but we could see signs of what was to come...from inviting Rob to practices late in the season, to Clemson helmets at a PC, to "winning the offseason"...he set a lofty expectation with the "get ready because we're going" intro PC, but it was just more talk that followed.

 

Rex may have brought "fun" and attention to Buffalo with sky dives and wrapped trucks and trips to Dave and Busters or bowling alleys with the team, but that kind of fun doesn't equate to success in the NFL. When fans criticize "fluff" stuff regarding McDermott and this staff, regardless of how positive and encouraging it may be, I can't hate on them for it. In the end, results on the field is all that matters, and despite some encouraging things, there have been some pretty glaring issues under McD. Nothing in the disfunction category, like cheerleader lawsuits, HC/GM rifts, sexual misconduct allegations, etc., but things that warrant criticism (ill advised challege flags is probably most glaring). But I do think that we should put everything in perspective when criticizing something or someone.

 

Criticizing the coach for not being more aggressive or proactive/dictating during games, when the roster limits the ability to do so, isn't accurate IMO. Criticizing the coach for questionable coaching hires is warranted, but it's important to remember that the HC is still learning how to do his job, and typically the HCs with several years of experience at the position are typically the ones that get the better assistant coaches, because they generally have a better track record in that role (they have to in order to be a HC for several years). The franchise also plays a role, and the Bills were in disarray when McD was hired. Everyone wanted McCoy (I wonder how that would have turned out), but he passed on the Bills. The fact that McD was able to hire a former HC in Frazier was surprising to me, and also very important for a rookie HC. He may not have been very successful as a HC, but there's no doubt that he has been a pivitol figure for McDermott to learn from on the fly.

 

Some will say that he should be criticized for lack of aggression due to lack of roster, because he is responsible for the roster (and Beane). And while it's tough to argue against, again, perspective is needed. The comparison of McDermott to Anthony Lynn came up earlier in this thread, but they're two totally different situations to compare. Lynn already had a better roster. McDermott had a worse roster with what would have become a tough cap situation. He and Beane chose a different path, but it was one that was necessary in order to bring structure and stability to the team. Based on the moves made im two years, and the results, I think this team is right where it should be, based on the long term plan. Now, it is time, though, to see progress. 

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

5 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

We are onto a third receivers coach in three years. 

Bills fire defensive backs coach Gill Byrd, hire John Butler

By JOHN WAWROWJanuary 30, 2018
 

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott continues shuffling his staff by hiring former Houston Texans defensive backs coach John Butler to replace Gill Byrd, who was fired after one season.

 

Butler spent the past four seasons in the same role with the Texans before being fired after their season ended. He previously worked as a coach at the college level and has ties to McDermott. Both grew up in the Philadelphia area and played on the same high school football team.

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

26 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

Bills fire defensive backs coach Gill Byrd, hire John Butler

By JOHN WAWROWJanuary 30, 2018
 

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott continues shuffling his staff by hiring former Houston Texans defensive backs coach John Butler to replace Gill Byrd, who was fired after one season.

 

Butler spent the past four seasons in the same role with the Texans before being fired after their season ended. He previously worked as a coach at the college level and has ties to McDermott. Both grew up in the Philadelphia area and played on the same high school football team.

 

Yes that was an interesting fire / hire.  Some coaches after being fired drop out of market completely.  Gil Byrd is coaching in college working for Lovie Smith who he has Bears connections to from 2006-2012. Sometimes it is not what you do (there can be more qualified candidates) but who you know.

 

https://fightingillini.com/news/2018/2/20/football-gill-byrd-named-illini-safeties-coach.aspx

February 23, 2018

Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith named longtime NFL assistant coach Gill Byrd to the Fighting Illini defensive staff as passing game coordinator and safeties coach. Byrd comes to Champaign-Urbana after one season as defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills, following stops with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-15), Chicago Bears (2006-12) and St. Louis Rams (2003-05). 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Limeaid said:

 

Yes that was an interesting fire / hire.  Some coaches after being fired drop out of market completely.  Gil Byrd is coaching in college working for Lovie Smith who he has Bears connections to from 2006-2012. Sometimes it is not what you do (there can be more qualified candidates) but who you know.

 

https://fightingillini.com/news/2018/2/20/football-gill-byrd-named-illini-safeties-coach.aspx

February 23, 2018

Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith named longtime NFL assistant coach Gill Byrd to the Fighting Illini defensive staff as passing game coordinator and safeties coach. Byrd comes to Champaign-Urbana after one season as defensive backs coach for the Buffalo Bills, following stops with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-15), Chicago Bears (2006-12) and St. Louis Rams (2003-05). 

 

...good stuff.....and now Marvin Lewis is on Herm Edwards' staff at ASU.....Dopey Dickie Jauron is a ball boy in the Lingerie League............

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...