My biggest fear about the Bills this season is the number of new players.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

For me barring an injury to Allen, it is playoffs or bust this year. Three years is plenty of time and they have no excuses. This is their roster now. If they can’t get the team to gel then it is the coaches fault and they need to go. 

That said, 8-8 or better and Pegula will bring them back. 

[DieHardBillsFan]

13 hours ago, tomur67 said:

How long will it take for the Bills' coaching staff to get this team to jell?  With so many new players from trades, free agency, and the draft  can we expect that all these moving parts will operate together at the level they need to compete?   We know they have talent,  but will it take more than a few months to get this talent to win? 

 

From what I have seen so far from McBeane, they are looking for talented players that fit their mold. If that is the case and they did their homework, which seems to be what they excel in, I would expect to see everyone "jell" by week 3 and hit their stride for greatness by week 6. Lineman are use to rotation and new players surrounding them. Here I would say by week 2 or 3, its the receiving that will really pick up momentum between weeks 3 - 6.

[golfball323]

8 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

For me barring an injury to Allen, it is playoffs or bust this year. Three years is plenty of time and they have no excuses. This is their roster now. If they can’t get the team to gel then it is the coaches fault and they need to go. 

That said, 8-8 or better and Pegula will bring them back. 

 

To me it's always been a 4 year rebuild. Two years to tear down the roster and fix the salary cap and two years to build up the talent and leadership structure. 

 

Right now I think this thing is running on schedule in year 3. I think we are all kind of expecting 8-8 this year, but that isn't what they are building towards...

 

The encouraging thing to me is knowing that Brandon Beane is starting to look at franchise changing trades that will most likely cost us a first round pick. That's a telling sign that they feel that they are getting there.

[NoHuddleKelly12]

Apart from just gelling on the field in terms of the pure football side of it, I'm also worried about the overall team chemistry part--I hope they genuinely like/trust each other enough to be able to overcome adversity (not if, but when it strikes); team cohesion can't be forced by the coaching staff, imho, and there's no substitute for the time that takes together. But I think Josh reaching out to all of the new FA's and draft picks so quickly at the times they were acquired, in real time is a great sign that he understands those needs as much as anyone, and is doing what he can about it.   

[brianthomas]

The only thing to fear is...

Fear itself

[DieHardBillsFan]

11 hours ago, quinnearlysghost88 said:

My biggest fear about the bills this season is ________________________________________.

 

young players

old players

too many players

not enough players

players that are too accomplished

too many rookies

players that haven't achieved anything

players that go boating in the summer

players that only work out in the summer

players that have been on the team too long

players that are too new

players from the Panthers

players from the Pats (why would they release them?!)

players drafted by Whaley

players that don't want to be here

players that want to be here too much

players that don't shake jim kelly's hand

players that don't say enough funny things when they're mic'd up

players that we traded away and have come back again

players with a lot of injuries 

players with a suspicious absence of injuries

not enough captains

too many captains

captains that we name each week to antagonize our opponents

guys with good 40 times

short receivers

short QBs

lineman that can't pass protect

lineman that can't run block

running backs that dance at the line

coaches that throw too much

coaches that run too much

running on 1st down

passing on 1st down

not taking enough shots down field

not committing to our run game

 

 

 

 

Players that can't find their helmet during the Superbowl

Players with complicated names

Players that aren't blue collar

Players that are too blue collar

Players that want to move the team to Toronto

Players with turf toe

Players that wont go to OTAs

Dropped passes

Coaches that think playing football is tough

Not going for it on 4th and short

Going for it on 4th and short

Coaches that decide to punt in the last 3 or 4 minutes of the game while losing

QB's that run too much

QB's that don't run enough

People that say Buffalo is to cold

When the media doesn't talk about the Bills

When the media talks too much about the Bills

and the greatest fear of all....                                        Not listed high enough on the power rankings!!!

[blacklabel]

I agree with the others who've said the OL is the most important thing to bring together, and hopefully they can identify their starting five by the third pre-season game. Last season they were still tinkering with the lineup going in to Week One. I'm confident that they'll get it right, though. Having Morse is a huge factor. It's almost a given that Dawkins will be the LT. I expect Ford to win the RT job and it looks like Long and Spain will be the starting guards. I'm sure they're going to give everyone a chance to compete but if someone starts to emerge as a clear cut starter, let him run with it, don't go back and forth swapping out different players just because you feel like you have to keep up the competition. 

 

As for the rest of the offense, I feel like they don't have anywhere to go but up. They don't have to worry about a QB competition and both the QB and OC are headed into their second year together with Daboll allowing Allen more control over the offense. The new receiver additions are veteran guys, they know how this stuff works and I don't think it'll be a huge problem for them to get on the same page relatively quickly. Run game should get better if the OL is better. TE is an interesting spot right now with Kroft as the projected TE1 being out, I'm sure Knox will have a lot of opportunities to contend for playing time. 

 

The defense should be able to pick up where they left off, Edmunds will be more comfortable, the secondary is maybe the strongest overall unit on the team. White, and then either Wallace or K. Johnson on the other side, I really like Taron Johnson in the nickel spot and Poyer and Hyde are very good players. And if a CB goes down, they'll have solid depth with either Wallace/K. Johnson as the main backup CB and EJ Gaines able to come in and play inside or outside. Bush, Jaquan Johnson, and Siran Neal probably make up the safety depth. Overall, it just looks like it should be a really solid group.

 

I didn't read the entire thread so I'm not sure if anyone mentioned special teams but that's an area that really needs to improve and I think they did enough to address it so I would hope we see some strides there. 

 

Just don't wind up on the losing end of anymore blowouts, those are some real skidmarks on McDermott's HC career so far. 

Edited June 5, 2019 by blacklabel

[Rocket94]

1 hour ago, Chandler#81 said:

 

Definitely not new on Defense.  Oliver will be new and CB May be. Otherwise, same guys, same coaches, same scheme.

 

Offense REQUIRED a redo.

Well yes...a work in process.

[Iraq Vet]

Here is my thought... Don't these coaches and players make a bundle of money?  When you coach/play at this level, it is expected that you have the skills and expertise to make it all work.  I see no sign that Sean Mc does not have the stones to fire or sit or trade something/someone if it is not working.

 

June 5th seems kinda early to worry about this as a fan.  Now if this is still a problem in August...... 

Edited June 5, 2019 by Iraq Vet

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

5 minutes ago, blacklabel said:

I agree with the others who've said the OL is the most important thing to bring together, and hopefully they can identify their starting five by the third pre-season game. Last season they were still tinkering with the lineup going in to Week One. I'm confident that they'll get it right, though. Having Morse is a huge factor. It's almost a given that Dawkins will be the LT. I expect Ford to win the RT job and it looks like Long and Spain will be the starting guards. I'm sure they're going to give everyone a chance to compete but if someone starts to emerge as a clear cut starter, let him run with it, don't go back and forth swapping out different players just because you feel like you have to keep up the competition. 

 

As for the rest of the offense, I feel like they don't have anywhere to go but up. They don't have to worry about a QB competition and both the QB and OC are headed into their second year together with Daboll allowing Allen more control over the offense. The new receiver additions are veteran guys, they know how this stuff works and I don't think it'll be a huge problem for them to get on the same page relatively quickly. Run game should get better if the OL is better. TE is an interesting spot right now with Kroft as the projected TE1 being out, I'm sure Knox will have a lot of opportunities to contend for playing time. 

 

The defense should be able to pick up where they left off, Edmunds will be more comfortable, the secondary is maybe the strongest overall unit on the team. White, and then either Wallace or K. Johnson on the other side, I really like Taron Johnson in the nickel spot and Poyer and Hyde are very good players. And if a CB goes down, they'll have solid depth with either Wallace/K. Johnson as the main backup CB and EJ Gaines able to come in and play inside or outside. Bush, Jaquan Johnson, and Siran Neal probably make up the safety depth. Overall, it just looks like it should be a really solid group.

 

I didn't read the entire thread so I'm not sure if anyone mentioned special teams but that's an area that really needs to improve and I think they did enough to address it so I would hope we see some strides there. 

 

Just don't wind up on the losing end of anymore blowouts, those are some real skidmarks on McDermott's HC career so far. 

 

Just on the teams front - punter should be better.. schmidt and co. were worse than bojorquez.  Hauschka is back.  Huge upgrade at returner with Roberts at both KR and PR.  

 

Core team's players in general were all over the place.  Senorise perry has a legit spot to make this team in place of yeldon or dimarco IMO.  Backup safeties and corners need to be able to contribute snaps on special teams as well.  

 

Biggest change - no crossman.  New guy has his work cut out for him... but he's not crossman so he's probably an upgrade.  

[JoshAllenHasBigHands]

14 hours ago, BullBuchanan said:

I think if you're looking for them to win this season, you might have the wrong mindset. I think absolute best case we have a 2016-esque season. If this team ends up being good I don't see them ready to really compete until 2021, or year 5 of the rebuild. As of today the only star we have in their prime is White. Hopefully a couple come into that role this year, including Allen, Edmunds and one of Zay or Foster. We also need some of the new faces to flash that potential. If we get several, we could accelerate the close of the rebuild by next year, but I think 2 more years is more realistic.

 

Yup. This is exactly right. 

[nucci]

14 hours ago, BullBuchanan said:

I think if you're looking for them to win this season, you might have the wrong mindset. I think absolute best case we have a 2016-esque season. If this team ends up being good I don't see them ready to really compete until 2021, or year 5 of the rebuild. As of today the only star we have in their prime is White. Hopefully a couple come into that role this year, including Allen, Edmunds and one of Zay or Foster. We also need some of the new faces to flash that potential. If we get several, we could accelerate the close of the rebuild by next year, but I think 2 more years is more realistic.

seriously, 2 more seasons before they win? Why do Buffalo sports fans do this....never expect to win for a few more seasons....working out well for the sabres...Bills have a decent group of vets on this team...will be a huge disappointment if this team wins 6-7 games

[Just Joshin']

Got it......it is bad to keep poor players but also bad to get new players.  Options kinda limited here........

[bigK14094]

The D will handle that...not to worry.  The O is reinventing itself with new guys (mostly) and your concern is correct here.  And, special teams....well, we will see if the new coach can really do the job....the jury is out on him.

[Jerome007]

1 hour ago, nucci said:

seriously, 2 more seasons before they win? Why do Buffalo sports fans do this....never expect to win for a few more seasons....working out well for the sabres...Bills have a decent group of vets on this team...will be a huge disappointment if this team wins 6-7 games

Indeed! Superbowl-bound among the favorites? Nope, not yet. But winning season, playoffs? Totally doable THIS year, for sure! Of course, injuries, bad luck, sub par season by a few key players, all that can derail the wagon, and it's not a do or die season. But perfectly fine to aim for the playoffs.

 

Too many defeatists people, and too many think since it was 6-10 last year, well 8-8 is good. Was it fine to settle for 6-10 after a playoff game just the year before? Teams go 6-10 to 10-6 all the time.  Bills can do it too.

 

And if Allen pans out, with the way many of the contracts are structured to free up money in 2021 and 2022, lots of cap space again in 2020, all the additions this year, Josh looking like the real deal, it's not pure hope but realistic hope to dream of a winning season NOW and being among the top teams in the coming years!

[Royale with Cheese]

My biggest fear is non contact injuries in camp.....biggest fear every year.

[teef]

my fear is that the moon will collide into the earth.  

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

1 hour ago, nucci said:

seriously, 2 more seasons before they win? Why do Buffalo sports fans do this....never expect to win for a few more seasons....working out well for the sabres...Bills have a decent group of vets on this team...will be a huge disappointment if this team wins 6-7 games

 

There's no reason this team can't make the playoffs this year.  Win 4 in the division - then Cincy, NYG, TN, Wash, Den, and 1 of Dal/Balt/Pit

 

Thats 10 wins.  And assumes losses to Philly, Cle, 2 to NE, and 2 to dal/balt/pit.  

[Royale with Cheese]

Just now, teef said:

my fear is that the moon will collide into the earth.  

 

The moon moves around the Earth and not towards the Earth at any great speeds.  

 

[teef]

1 minute ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

The moon moves around the Earth and not towards the Earth at any great speeds.  

 

until it does.

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

it seems like every off season a thread appears about being afraid. I'm scared of this or scared of that.

 

[Bobby Hooks]

10 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

The moon moves around the Earth and not towards the Earth at any great speeds.  

 

On its current course. Take an object of equal or greater value and send it hurtling toward the moon at mind numbing speeds and depending on the trajectory we may get lucky. 

 

Think of it as an intergalactic game of billiards. 

Edited June 5, 2019 by Bobby Hooks

[Royale with Cheese]

1 minute ago, Bobby Hooks said:

On its current course. Take an object of equal or greater value and send it hurtling toward the moon at mind numbing speeds and depending on the trajectory we may get lucky. 

 

Think of it an as intergalactic game of billiards. 

 

With the moon the size that it is, wouldn't it just basically rip apart or explode?  We'd feel it here for sure and I'd guess we would get moon shrapnel entering our atmosphere...possibly gigantic tsunami's in several places.  

[Patrick Duffy]

16 minutes ago, teef said:

my fear is that the moon will collide into the earth.  

My fear is when my junk stops working and I have to takes those pills.

[Royale with Cheese]

Just now, Patrick_Duffy said:

My fear is when my junk stops working and I have to takes those pills.

My friend pranked I think his brother on his wedding day.  He crushed up a viagara and put it in his beer.  On the way to the airport in the limo, he said it just went up and wouldn't go down.  He said they had sex and thought it would be over.  But it didn't, it just went back up.  They had sex again...then it went back up after that.  He couldn't do it again...too sore.

So he had to strap down with the brim of his pants as he was walking through the airport.

[Patrick Duffy]

1 minute ago, Royale with Cheese said:

My friend pranked I think his brother on his wedding day.  He crushed up a viagara and put it in his beer.  On the way to the airport in the limo, he said it just went up and wouldn't go down.  He said they had sex and thought it would be over.  But it didn't, it just went back up.  They had sex again...then it went back up after that.  He couldn't do it again...too sore.

So he had to strap down with the brim of his pants as he was walking through the airport.

wow, I guess that can also be a good prank. Least he got some for an ungodly amount of time. I envy him. lol

[teef]

15 minutes ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

My fear is when my junk stops working and I have to takes those pills.

if that happens, i'll double and triple up on those things, and walk around harassing women.

[Patrick Duffy]

Just now, teef said:

if that happens, i'll double and triple up on those things, and walk around harassing women.

As will I, while roller blading

[ndirish1978]

The biggest concern is really just the Oline gelling and we won't even really know who is playing where for a while. WRs switch in an out and getting timing down with a QB can take a bit, but I think that's minimized with good communication and putting in the time. I'd expect the OL to get their act together sometime around week 5 as far as actually acting like a cohesive unit. Preseason is great, but as we've seen before, we don't always do the best job at picking the right starters.

[Shaw66]

18 hours ago, BullBuchanan said:

I think if you're looking for them to win this season, you might have the wrong mindset. I think absolute best case we have a 2016-esque season. If this team ends up being good I don't see them ready to really compete until 2021, or year 5 of the rebuild. As of today the only star we have in their prime is White. Hopefully a couple come into that role this year, including Allen, Edmunds and one of Zay or Foster. We also need some of the new faces to flash that potential. If we get several, we could accelerate the close of the rebuild by next year, but I think 2 more years is more realistic.

I think this is correct, except for the wrong reason and the wrong time-frame.  They should be ready to compete against anyone in 2020.

 

I say wrong reason because it isn't about star players.   QB is the only place McDermott needs a star, and he has Allen.  Allen learned a lot last season and will learn a lot more this season.  He won't be fully developed, but he'll be one of the top 10 QBs by 2020.

 

One aspect of McD's process is that he trains up a core of players who commit, work hard and lead.  When new guys come on board, they learn the process and the culture and they adapt quickly.  So, yes, there are a lot of new players this season, but they will integrate quickly.   Allen and Morse will lead the offensive linemen, Beasley the receivers, Shady and Gore the running backs.   Hughes and Star on the dline, ALexander and Edmunds at linebacker, Hyde and White in the defensive backfield.   The new players will integrate.  

 

In 2020 there will be more talent upgrades - another o lineman, another d lineman, another receiver, always another DB.  They will integrate quickly, too.   

 

The culture is in place to make this team continuously successful. 

 

Edit:  Obviously, I hadn't read the intergalactic billiards portion of this thread before I wrote this.  Sorry to break everyone's train of thought.   

Edited June 5, 2019 by Shaw66

[Nextmanup]

18 hours ago, BullBuchanan said:

I think if you're looking for them to win this season, you might have the wrong mindset. I think absolute best case we have a 2016-esque season. If this team ends up being good I don't see them ready to really compete until 2021, or year 5 of the rebuild. As of today the only star we have in their prime is White. Hopefully a couple come into that role this year, including Allen, Edmunds and one of Zay or Foster. We also need some of the new faces to flash that potential. If we get several, we could accelerate the close of the rebuild by next year, but I think 2 more years is more realistic.

I can only pray that Pegula is not as patient as you.

 

If it doesn't look right at the end of this season, McBeane need to be shown the door.

 

 

[LSHMEAB]

Virtually all of the recent successful rebuilds have been predicated on having the right OC and the right QB. I tend to think that if we got those right, the results will come much sooner than 2021!

 

Granted, Allen has a bit further to go in terms of development than most coming into the league, and the talent level went from awful to "just OK." I still don't believe it's going to take nearly that long if Daboll and Allen are the answer. 

 

As others have said, forming cohesiveness will be most important with the offensive line. It would be ideal if they can quickly identify the top 5 and proceed accordingly in camp. Other important "relationships" will be between JA and Beasley/Brown/whoever else emerges. So while I don't think they have to come out of the gate swinging, I do expect to see incremental progress throughout the season. Anything less would be a disappointment.

[vorpma]

1 hour ago, Shaw66 said:

I think this is correct, except for the wrong reason and the wrong time-frame.  They should be ready to compete against anyone in 2020.

 

I say wrong reason because it isn't about star players.   QB is the only place McDermott needs a star, and he has Allen.  Allen learned a lot last season and will learn a lot more this season.  He won't be fully developed, but he'll be one of the top 10 QBs by 2020.

 

One aspect of McD's process is that he trains up a core of players who commit, work hard and lead.  When new guys come on board, they learn the process and the culture and they adapt quickly.  So, yes, there are a lot of new players this season, but they will integrate quickly.   Allen and Morse will lead the offensive linemen, Beasley the receivers, Shady and Gore the running backs.   Hughes and Star on the dline, ALexander and Edmunds at linebacker, Hyde and White in the defensive backfield.   The new players will integrate.  

 

In 2020 there will be more talent upgrades - another o lineman, another d lineman, another receiver, always another DB.  They will integrate quickly, too.   

 

The culture is in place to make this team continuously successful. 

 

Edit:  Obviously, I hadn't read the intergalactic billiards portion of this thread before I wrote this.  Sorry to break everyone's train of thought.   

Awesome post my friend!

[The Senator]

19 hours ago, KD in CA said:

After a 6-10 season, more new players is far from my biggest fear.

 

^^^^This^^^^

 

After last season, everyone wanted a total redo on offense, so Beane went out and got a bunch of new faces.

 

Now, we should be worried about too many new faces?

.

[The Senator]

19 hours ago, Ol Dirty B said:

 

A 5 year rebuild is ridiculous.

 

^^^This^^^

 

Marv took us from a 2-14 team to 4-12, 7-8, 12-4 and the AFC title game in his 3rd year.

 

I expect McBeane will achieve the same or better in this, their 3rd season.

.

 

[cba fan]

4 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

The moon moves around the Earth and not towards the Earth at any great speeds.  

 

well to be fair. The Moon is actually *moving away from the Earth at about 1.5" a year and seeing as how the universe was made from the Big Bang our destiny is predetermined. The universe is a sphere like a big bubble that keeps growing so if the Moon keeps going it will eventually circle the universe and hit Earth. Bam. Game over.

 

*EX: Just like flying out of LAX non stop around the world. You are at the same time moving away from LAX and towards LAX at the same time.

Edited June 5, 2019 by cba fan

[KD in CA]

35 minutes ago, The Senator said:

 

^^^This^^^

 

Marv took us from a 2-14 team to 4-12, 7-8, 12-4 and the AFC title game in his 3rd year.

 

I expect McBeane will achieve the same or better in this, their 3rd season.

.

 

 

I'm sure McD will too if it turns out they've drafted a bunch of HOF players in the past few years.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

38 minutes ago, The Senator said:

 

^^^This^^^

 

Marv took us from a 2-14 team to 4-12, 7-8, 12-4 and the AFC title game in his 3rd year.

 

I expect McBeane will achieve the same or better in this, their 3rd season.

.

 

 

...uh oh...put that kevlar vest on and deepen the foxhole 'cause the usual TBD Trio now have you in their cross hairs with such blatant optimism.......believe you know THEM.........

[The Senator]

5 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

...uh oh...put that kevlar vest on and deepen the foxhole 'cause the usual TBD Trio now have you in their cross hairs with such blatant optimism.......believe you know THEM.........

 

Indeed, but their pessimism will be silenced as we enter the bye week at 5 and 0.

 

(and we’ll welcome them aboard the bandwagon)

 

19 and 0 baby!!!

 

GO BILLSSS!!!! ???

 

 

[Punching Bag]

8 hours ago, brianthomas said:

The only thing to fear is...

Fear itself

 

Or more precisely fearmongers.