Having a hard time talking myself out of 10 wins for this team...

[Boatdrinks]

With this offensive lineup, I think 8-8 would be a very solid achievement for the 2019 Bills. 

[eball]

4 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

My doubts are whether the weapons are there. I think they have enough but they all have some sort of question. There isnt one single hang your hat on him guy. I believe the Bills should be a playoff contender. But the weapons are how I can talk myself out of it.

 

There are many learned NFL scholars out there who will tell you the QB elevates the receivers, not the other way around.  If the OL gives Allen time and he has made a "natural" progression from Y1 to Y2 the weapons should be good enough, given his talent.

 

Edited July 9, 2019 by eball

[JESSEFEFFER]

1 minute ago, Boatdrinks said:

With this offensive lineup, I think 8-8 would be a very solid achievement for the 2019 Bills. 

They were a .500 team last year in games Josh started and finished.  Do you think an extra win or two is too much to shoot for?  Like E-Ball posted, just being an average offense could take them a long way toward a better record.

[Chandler#81]

2 hours ago, Rico said:

I think it will take a while and maybe a couple moves for the OL to jell.

 

I’m also not sure about the WR’s. I think Beasley is vastly overrated by this fanbase, and there’s no guarantee that Foster and Zay will progress. John Brown is nice, but I don’t know that he will be enough of a difference maker.

 

That being said, I think both units will be improved over last year’s, and the schedule looks good in July. I believe in Josh, and if things break right, I can see a playoff team this year.

I agree, but it certainly won’t be easy. I’m glad we get the Jests at the beginning, because Darnold really impressed me. Should we lose the Opener (not out of the realm of possibility), we’ll be 0-2 in the Division by Week 4, then travel to Tennessee. I’m not intending to be a negative Nancy. Shart Happens. I no longer look at schedules this time of year and pick Ws & Ls like we could in SB era. Everything changes dramatically, year by year in the NFL.

 

If it comes down to ‘Win & In’ vs Jests in the finale, I’ll be happy.

[GunnerBill]

5 minutes ago, eball said:

 

There are many learned NFL scholars out there who will tell you the QB elevates the receivers, not the other way around.  If the OL gives Allen time and he has made a "natural" progression from Y1 to Y2 the weapons should be good enough, given his talent.

 

 

I think that is true when you get a veteran elite guy. I don't think it is generally true of 2nd year raw prospects like Josh. I think he will be better. But to be really good he will need help. 

[Boatdrinks]

4 minutes ago, JESSEFEFFER said:

They were a .500 team last year in games Josh started and finished.  Do you think an extra win or two is too much to shoot for?  Like E-Ball posted, just being an average offense could take them a long way toward a better record.

It’s not too much to shoot for, by any means. I simply don’t expect it. A few games will always surprise, both negative nad positive. The Bills are not yet at the point where winning is to be expected, and won’t be until they prove otherwise. If Allen stays healthy the entire season, perhaps 10 will be achievable if a lot of other things go well. The thread is about taling oneself out of a ten win season, which is still easy to do for this team. 

[eball]

4 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I think that is true when you get a veteran elite guy. I don't think it is generally true of 2nd year raw prospects like Josh. I think he will be better. But to be really good he will need help. 

 

Josh turned Zay Jones into a threat over the final five weeks of the season.

 

Just sayin'...

[John from Riverside]

injuries change everything....but right now I see AT LEAST 10 wins

[Rico]

18 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said:

I agree, but it certainly won’t be easy. I’m glad we get the Jests at the beginning, because Darnold really impressed me. Should we lose the Opener (not out of the realm of possibility), we’ll be 0-2 in the Division by Week 4, then travel to Tennessee. I’m not intending to be a negative Nancy. Shart Happens. I no longer look at schedules this time of year and pick Ws & Ls like we could in SB era. Everything changes dramatically, year by year in the NFL.

 

If it comes down to ‘Win & In’ vs Jests in the finale, I’ll be happy.

I want to win every game of course, but I think a slower start (with plenty of Fire McBeane posts) followed by a nice run to the playoffs would be rather hilarious in here. 

[eball]

1 minute ago, Rico said:

I want to win every game of course, but I think a slower start (with plenty of Fire McBeane posts) followed by a nice run to the playoffs would be rather hilarious in here. 

 

Some people just want to watch the world burn...

[RoyBatty is alive]

1 hour ago, Houston's #1 Bills Fan said:

I'm sorry, but this is completely doable. Dolphins are a joke. Jets with Gase coaching, Haha! This is our year to take the AFC East. Brady IS going to be slower this year. I can see it.

 

 

Boy I sure hope you are right

 

Vegas has the Jets  a 7.5 win team,  the Dolphins (Vegas 5 wins) and get swept, once again by the Pats.  Will Brady be worse next year,, probably,  will it matter much to the Bills, nope, he isnt going to get much worse than his last game versus the Bills 54% completion, 216 yards, 2 ints 1 Td and guess what, the Pats still were in control of that game.  Their O Line has gotten better and they have another RB in the stable, they will dominate us,  run down our throats, once again.

 

Gase, beside his bizarre introductory press conference, lets wait to see how good a coach he can be.  They have a good roster, Darnold and added fresh legs in Leveon Bell,  Just like the Pats, I think the Jets are going to be able to run aggressively against us.

Edited July 9, 2019 by RoyBatty is alive

[Chandler#81]

7 minutes ago, Rico said:

I want to win every game of course, but I think a slower start (with plenty of Fire McBeane posts) followed by a nice run to the playoffs would be rather hilarious in here. 

CARNAGE!?

 

Then again, it would cull the herd..

[eball]

5 minutes ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

Gase, beside his bizarre introductory press conference, lets wait to see how good a coach he can be.

 

Didn't we just see that in Miami?  For a supposed offensive "guru" he sure made a ton of questionable decisions on that side of the ball.

 

The almost certain conflict between Gase and Greggggg is going to be so much fun to watch.

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

Well listen eBall, if you can’t win an argument with yourself. I don’t expect any different 

[teef]

10 minutes ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

 

 

Boy I sure hope you are right

 

I say we sweep the jets (Vegas has them s a 4 win team), split with the Dolphins (Vegas 7 wins) and get swept, once again by the Pats.  Will Brady be worse next year,, probably,  will it matter much to the Bills, nope, he isnt going to get much worse than his last game versus the Bills 54% completion, 216 yards, 2 ints 1 Td and guess what, the Pats still were in control of that game.  Their O Line has gotten better and they have another RB in the stable, they will dominate us,  run down our throats, once again.

 

Gase, beside his bizarre introductory press conference, lets wait to see how good a coach he can be.  They have a good roster, Darnold and added fresh legs in Leveon Bell,  Just like the Pats, I think the Jets are going to be able to run aggressively against us.

they really only have the jets at 4 wins?  i wondering the reasoning is behind that.  i'd be surprised if they were that bad.

[Stank_Nasty]

2 minutes ago, teef said:

they really only have the jets at 4 wins?  i wondering the reasoning is behind that.  i'd be surprised if they were that bad.

without looking it up that's gotta be backwards. I would have assumed Miami at 4 and jets at 7.... I would absolutely HAMMER the over on a 4 win line for the jets.

[RoyBatty is alive]

4 minutes ago, teef said:

they really only have the jets at 4 wins?  i wondering the reasoning is behind that.  i'd be surprised if they were that bad.

 

My God, good catch typo, 7.5 wins and Miami at 5..

 

More I think about it, i stand behind my  3-3 in the AFCE  as the right answer.

2 minutes ago, Stank_Nasty said:

without looking it up that's gotta be backwards. I would have assumed Miami at 4 and jets at 7.... I would absolutely HAMMER the over on a 4 win line for the jets.

 

 

Latest odds are NY Jets 7.5, Miami 4, Bills at 6 and NE 11

Edited July 9, 2019 by RoyBatty is alive

[CaptnCoke11]

If Allen takes the next step and improves they’ll win 10+ games.  Pretty simple. 

[RobbRiddick]

Yeah I had 11 wins in a thread the other month, and I'm usually pretty pessimistic. I actually think if Allen takes a leap in year 2 and we get a little luck, we could do what the Jags did a couple of years ago and get to the AFC championship. 

 

Seriously. 

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, eball said:

 

Josh turned Zay Jones into a threat over the final five weeks of the season.

 

Just sayin'...

 

Think calling Zay a threat is an exaggeration. 

1 hour ago, eball said:

 

Didn't we just see that in Miami?  For a supposed offensive "guru" he sure made a ton of questionable decisions on that side of the ball.

 

The almost certain conflict between Gase and Greggggg is going to be so much fun to watch.

 

Yea.  Gase is the biggest reason the Jets will miss the playoffs to my mind. That team is talented. Yes it has a couple of holes but most teams do. I think Gase is a bad head coach though. 

[SoCal Deek]

10 wins?  I'm just praying they're still 'In The Hunt' when I go to Dallas for Thanksgiving.

[ALLEN1QB]

 

4 hours ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

 5-1 in the AFC East?  Seriously?

 

I am saying 3-3

Well I actually think we go

6-0 but because of Party Poopers like you I said 5-1

Edited July 9, 2019 by ALLEN1QB

[fansince88]

5 hours ago, ShadyBillsFan said:

with my optimistic cap on  I can come up with 10 wins,  very optimistic hat 12 wins, very very optimistic hat 14 wins 

 

With my Super-D-Duper optimistic hat Im at 19-0 baby!

[Augie]

6 hours ago, ShadyBillsFan said:

with my optimistic cap on  I can come up with 10 wins,  very optimistic hat 12 wins, very very optimistic hat 14 wins 

 

 

Are you sure this is the right thread? This sounds like a strange thought from a mind in an altered state. 

 

I hope one day you make me eat those words!   ?

[Success]

Love the OP.  While I tend to veer homer, I do think there is a strong foundation for optimism this season.

 

A lot of it comes down to how much trust any of us put into Beane and his vision.  This season is a sort of early culmination of the work he has put in - dumping bloated contracts, trading players, investing in a top QB prospect, etc.   

 

I believe in Beane.  The table is now set, and it’s coinciding nicely with what I anticipate will be at least a slight decline in the biggest obstacle we’ve had over the years in the Patriots.

 

Anything less than 10 wins would be a big surprise to me, and obviously disappointing.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

3 hours ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

If Allen takes the next step and improves they’ll win 10+ games.  Pretty simple. 

 

 

...if not., put 'em between the pipes for the Sabres......you never know....

[PromoTheRobot]

Too many indicators pointing up for me to be pessimistic. From the roster remake to the schedule. And I'm not bowing to the aging Patriots. In fact I put money on the Bills winning the division.

[RocCityRoller]

6 hours ago, PlayoffsPlease said:

original post is well thought through and makes a good case for ten wins.  I am a bit of a contrarian. I think the offense assuming proper coaching will be above NFL average. I expect Allen’s floor this season to be an average Brett Farve season and his ceiling  to be a good Steve Young season. I think people  are overly optimistic about the defense I don’t. Expect in his rookie season for Oliver to be a an upgrade over kyle Williams I am concerned that without KYLE and after getting paid Hughes will be less productive. 

 

 

My biggest concern is coaching. I think McDermott has a tendency towards blind spots the biggest being his terrible assessment of NATE Peterman. I don’t consider him a proven head coach. 

Disagree, on Oliver. While I loved meatball as much as the next Bills fan he had lost a step and it showed. Oliver and Phillips can more than man the 3 technique and if Harrison Phillips can show anything at all I think they are fine. I also think Trent Murphy has a little more sizzle to him than a lot of fans think. 10 sacks for Hughes and 5-7 for Murphy this year. Lawson will chip in 3-4. Oliver at +/- 5 seems right. I'm more worried about the space eater 1 technique with Star L.

 

LB is a question mark. I haven't been a big Edmunds guy, but he improved and looked pretty good by season end. He is a good pass defender. Milano is a personal favorite, I hope he is recovered. What does Lorax have left? V Joseph and Siran Neal may surprise.

 

Other than S depth the secondary will cut potential nickel/ boundary guys for other teams. Solid.

 

8-10 wins. I have guessed 5 each of the last two years.

 

8-8, no blow outs, a few guys emerge and JA improves and I am ok. 10+ and playoffs and I'm very happy.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

2 minutes ago, RocCityRoller said:

Disagree, on Oliver. While I loved meatball as much as the next Bills fan he had lost a step and it showed. Oliver and Phillips can more than man the 3 technique and if Harrison Phillips can show anything at all I think they are fine. I also think Trent Murphy has a little more sizzle to him than a lot of fans think. 10 sacks for Hughes and 5-7 for Murphy this year. Lawson will chip in 3-4. Oliver at +/- 5 seems right. I'm more worried about the space eater 1 technique with Star L.

 

LB is a question mark. I haven't been a big Edmunds guy, but he improved and looked pretty good by season end. He is a good pass defender. Milano is a personal favorite, I hope he is recovered. What does Lorax have left? V Joseph and Siran Neal may surprise.

 

Other than S depth the secondary will cut potential nickel/ boundary guys for other teams. Solid.

 

8-10 wins. I have guessed 5 each of the last two years.

 

8-8, no blow outs, a few guys emerge and JA improves and I am ok. 10+ and playoffs and I'm very happy.

...so the obvious next questions....8 "W's" means no playoffs....10 "W's" is a legitimate chance.....9 is borderline......so if it's 8 or "borderline 9", are you inclined to keep McBeane/McDermott knowing that 2019 is a multitude of changes, albeit roster and/or coaches, or are you of the "fire everybody" camp?....

[Boatdrinks]

3 hours ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

If Allen takes the next step and improves they’ll win 10+ games.  Pretty simple. 

If Allen is great, then they win 10+ games. Just “ takes the next step and improves “ doesn’t get them there. 

[RocCityRoller]

4 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

...so the obvious next questions....8 "W's" means no playoffs....10 "W's" is a legitimate chance.....9 is borderline......so if it's 8 or "borderline 9", are you inclined to keep McBeane/McDermott knowing that 2019 is a multitude of changes, albeit roster and/or coaches, or are you of the "fire everybody" camp?....

 

so if it's 8-9, but the team shows progress. No blow out losses, no losses where the Bills get run over for 200 yards, keep.

 

I'm not happy at 8, but injuries happen, a guy does not pan out, bounces don't go the Bills way.

 

Less than 8 wins, without a major injury and I am more concerned.

 

I'm all for a 5 year tryout with McBeane. Got to let the plan gel.

 

I like the direction, and I have patience.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

10 minutes ago, RocCityRoller said:

 

so if it's 8-9, but the team shows progress. No blow out losses, no losses where the Bills get run over for 200 yards, keep.

 

I'm not happy at 8, but injuries happen, a guy does not pan out, bounces don't go the Bills way.

 

Less than 8 wins, without a major injury and I am more concerned.

 

I'm all for a 5 year tryout with McBeane. Got to let the plan gel.

 

I like the direction, and I have patience.

 

...so do I and I think you you have a reasonable, spot on assessment.......

[GunnerBill]

23 minutes ago, Boatdrinks said:

If Allen is great, then they win 10+ games. Just “ takes the next step and improves “ doesn’t get them there. 

 

Unless he gets help from those around him - ie. Foster emerges or one of Brown / Beasley has a career year or Shady bounces back to his best.... I agree just Josh playing hero ball all the time but doing it a bit better than last year isn't 10 wins. He has to get better and he needs a bit of help. 

[Punching Bag]

7 hours ago, Stank_Nasty said:

whether people believe in Allen or not, its really hard to ignore the teams record with him and then without him in games last year.

Same thing could be said about Barkley.

 

I think a good deal of the improvement will depend on the new coaches hired.  Some of the coaches IMO were not very good and that hurt development.

[Jauronimo]

The margin between 10-6 and 6-10 is so slim.  There is zero momentum season to season.  Every other team in the league has promising rookies and second year guys poised to make the leap.  I'm optimistic but I do not see 10 wins unless everything bounces right.

[TigerJ]

10 hours ago, Jobot said:

I think on paper this team has enough playoff level talent.  The main factors that will determine playoffs for me are as follows:

 

1-Josh Allen Development

2-Can the offensive line gel quick enough

 

I don't expect much clarity to either of these items until midway through the season.  So my hopes are that the team can stay close to .500 while they come together.

I think I would rephrase the second point.  

 

1-Josh Allen development

2-Did Beane get enough support pieces for Allen on offense, AND can the new starters gel quickly enough.  

 

The offensive line is very important, but Allen has to be able to develop chemistry with all the new skill position players too.

[njbuff]

11 hours ago, Augie said:

This year, and the next decade plus are all about Allen. PLEASE be the answer!!!

 

If he is the answer, ANYTHING is possible.

 

Hopefully his receivers will start creating more separation. If that happens............ WATCH OUT.

2 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

Well he tried.

 

Zay was mostly terrible against the Lions, Jets, and Patriots. 

 

Jones did have 7 TD's last year, but consistency is going to be key, obviously.

 

He can't have great games against the Dolphins and then disappear against NE. That won't cut it.

[Augie]

1 minute ago, njbuff said:

 

If he is the answer, ANYTHING is possible.

 

Hopefully his receivers will start creating more separation. If that happens............ WATCH OUT.

Agreed, and if he sees and hits the guys open UNDER 20 yards downfield, we could be really good. My biggest fear is his recognition and accuracy on these shorter throws. He’s got the cannon, I pray he has the vision and precision. Hard not to love the guy. 

[Misterbluesky]

Dolphins,Eagles,Redskins .3 straight home games around Halloween.

We won those games..10-6.

I'm thinking 8-8.

 

Edited July 10, 2019 by Misterbluesky

[Ol Dirty B]

12 hours ago, ShadyBillsFan said:

with my optimistic cap on  I can come up with 10 wins,  very optimistic hat 12 wins, very very optimistic hat 14 wins 

 

 

Anyone thinking 14 wins is remotely possible is absolutely insane.