A Few Thoughts about the Giants game, in no particular order

[SCBills]

1 hour ago, CLTbills said:

I loved the effort from Dawson Knox blocking downfield on the Singletary RD run....

 

If he would’ve caught that bullet from Allen, I’d be geeking out over how he played today. 

[LABILLBACKER]

1. Loved how we had 0 turnovers 

2. Hated kneeling at halftime 

3. Allen improving every game

4. Please play Singletary more

5. Brown & Beasley great duo

6. D made adjustments 

7. Bojos best game

8. McD needs to close games

Edited September 16, 2019 by LABILLBACKER

[DBilz2500]

26 minutes ago, poblano said:

How long since the last 

98-99 TD drive for this team?

10 years. 98 yard Fitz to TO TD pass from 2 yard line vs Jaguars 

[CLTbills]

5 minutes ago, DBilz2500 said:

10 years. 98 yard Fitz to TO TD pass from 2 yard line vs Jaguars 

If I remember correctly it was actually 99 yards.

 

EDIT: I stand corrected. You are right. 98 yards. I went back and watched it on YouTube.

Edited September 16, 2019 by CLTbills

[VW82]

There was a lot to like from the offense today. Our D was far less impressive IMO vs. a Giants team that struggles to move the ball. I think it's telling that our three leading tacklers on the day were all DBs. Very interested to focus on Oliver and Edmunds on the re-watch to see what happened. I have a feeling I'm not going to like what I see. 

Edited September 16, 2019 by VW82

[Buffalo Barbarian]

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

I was looking forward to today's game as my 6 year old daughter kept reminding me how she wanted me to explain the game to her.  We went out and made football snacks, had our gear on, and were all set.  The moment the Bills kicked the ball off, she's laying on my legs, tablet out, Netflix on.  Oh well...

 

1 - Allen - If you are tracking each game of Allen's early career and trying to build your case for him to finally be our answer at QB, then this was the game for you.  Before I get to that though; I think it's easy to be too forgiving or too critical of players on your team.  When I watch other Pro Bowl QB's, I get reminded that they miss passes too.   When our defense shuts down an opposing QB, it's fine for them, but not for our guy.  With that, Allen was absolutely on point today.  Yes, he missed a wide open Brown for a TD, but we still scored a TD on that drive.  Avoiding the rush, Allen was his normal monster self, juking blitzers out of their shoes, buying time, and made some real money throws on the run.  For those on the 60% completion train, he was over that today, but not because of dump off passes to Beasley.  That was a legit mid 60% completion percentage and some of his misses were simply drops that hit guys right in the hands.  There was a 3rd quarter lull and I started to worry that we were taking our lead for granted, but Allen turned it on for the final TD drive and moved the team almost effortlessly today.  Allen handled an inferior defense exactly as you'd expect him too.  Side note:  Two weeks in a row they called that QB sweep play well.  Not a big fan of the QB draw plays.  Let's not hurt the guy

 

Stat curse:  How many of you knew the moment they threw up the graphic about Bills QB's not throwing for 300 yards that his momentum would slow down and not break it today either?

 

2 - Receivers - I'm going to include TE's on this as well, but wanted RB's to be separate.  I can't tell if the Bills are intentionally spreading the ball around to everyone, or if they haven't quite figured our their full identity on offense.  It seemed like we rotated McKenzie, Zay, and Foster all in at the #2/#3 WR spots as well as rotated our TE"s.  I can see the strategy against the opposing defenses, but I wonder how much that affects getting our guys in rhythm.  With that, everyone got their time to shine, but I feel like Brown and Beasley could be utilized more.  This isn't a criticism; just an observation.  Overall, the units played well.

 

3 - Backfield - Gore looked quicker than I've seen him since putting on a Bills uniform and made some solid catches out of the backfield.  I was surprised when I heard that today was his first rushing TD in over a year.  However, the quickness and elusiveness of Singletary is apparent on the field and I don't know why they took so long to get him touches.  Is this because he's a rookie?  Then, of course, he goes and gets hurt, so we might be seeing the Rugby player out there next week.   Either way, it was good to see the running game incorporated a little more this week, but it's still a clearly pass heavy offense.  

 

4 - If you want to win, do the ordinary things better than anyone else them day in and day out

 

5 - Special Teams - Like many on here, I've been quick to call out our need for a new punter.  Not today.  Bojorquez was booming balls downfield today.  One of them actually outkicked our coverage and gave the Giants decent field position.  Then, on the other side, we had Siran Neal handling business today, and not only on special teams.  Kid was flying the ball and laying hits.  Great day for this unit today.  However, in a game where McKenzie was used a little more, I still don't understand why he isn't returning punts

 

6 - Defensive Line - Maybe it's because they got shredded on the very first drive, but the front four pressure wasn't that great today in my opinion.  The got some pressure and Oliver showed some flashes, but Eli, for the most part, had time today.  Again, I'm assuming that a large part of this was because they were in run contain, as Barkley didn't do much after that first drive, which is a total win for the defense.  And ultimately, the Giants were overall held in check.  But with the money we've paid here and the QB's we have coming up, this is something I'm hoping to see improve.

 

7 - Everyone else on Defense - Let me just get the Micah Hyde hit out of the way now.  Wow.  That was the highlight reel play of the day.  Absolutely destroyed that guy and forced the incompletion, which led to the missed field goal.  After the first Giants drive, which I know still counts, we played a very strong game of rushing contain and bend, but don't break defense.  Levi Wallace got picked on a bit, but nothing major given up.  Tackling was MUCH better than last week.  Edmunds worked out the kinks early and Milano did a great job of playing the edges.  He actually tracked down Barkley and made a nice tackle around the line of scrimmage.  For a game where we only gave up two scoring drives, it wasn't flashy, but the job got done well.

 

8 - Offensive Line - The holding call on Morse was BS and stopped a good drive that might have put the game away a little earlier.  Dawkins and Ford had some brain fart moments that needs to get cleaned up.  Ford especially got ran around on a few plays.  I think Allen was under a little more pressure this week than last, but the Giants ran a lot more stunts and sent extra people a little more.  I did love how Ford backed up Allen on the drag down tackle. The defender even arm-barred Allen's helmet on the play and you could see some trash talking while Allen was down.  With that, Ford did exactly what I'd expect him to do.  So I'll take those 15 yards with pride.  With that being said, the running game was existent this week.  The called run with Allen for a TD was well executed as was Singletary's.  It was a decent day for them, but again, tough to tell with this pass happy offense.  

Side Note - Spain in open field blocking is simply unfair.  I can't remember the exact play, but he got out in space and you could see how massive he is.  He then just completely enveloped a dude.  Poor kid never stood a chance.  I'm loving Spain more and more each game.

 

9 - Giants - Maybe it's because I have a lot of family that roots for the Giants or I'll always have a soft spot for what they did to Brady twice, but I feel bad for that team right now.  If they are going to be this bad this year, they will probably be picking in the top 5 of what could be a strong QB class.  With that, why not take an Oliver, Allen (DE), in this years draft if you knew how this year was going to go.  Especially if these trade rumors are true.  With that, I'll say it again, I'd give up a first for Engram.  He's a special talent at TE and would be a nightmare weapon for Allen to have.  

 

10 - Coaching - I love how this team responded after going down 7-0 quickly.  If you couldn't see the score, you wouldn't have known it happened based upon the swagger of the team.  We seemed in control of this game from that point on with no real scares.  Hey, how often can you say that as a Bills fan?  With that, I don't like taking a knee with 40+ seconds left and two timeouts before Halftime.  We came out of the break a little light, but again, turned it on when needed.   But overall, we played this game like a good team does against a bad one.  Now, we are finally home to plays a Bengals team that got whooped on at their home opener, but has an emerging weapon in Ross.  I really hope we don't have a letdown game and I expect the fans to be rocking the Ralph.  We all know what's coming in week 4.  

 

16-0!  Go Bills!!!

 

Minnesota last year was the game i knew he was the guy.

 

 

[poblano]

11 minutes ago, DBilz2500 said:

10 years. 98 yard Fitz to TO TD pass from 2 yard line vs Jaguars 

A mix of feelings sad for the past, hopeful for what future may bring

[PromoTheRobot]

1 hour ago, Virgil said:

 

So you're saying there's a chance?

 

Then what's the point of him being on the practice squad?  Or is that where we get the extra roster spot?

 

The point is to give Wade a full extra year to learn the game of football.  Wade does not take up a PS spot so it's like we have an extra player.

[DallasBillsFan1]

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

6 - Defensive Line - Maybe it's because they got shredded on the very first drive, but the front four pressure wasn't that great today in my opinion.  The got some pressure and Oliver showed some flashes, but Eli, for the most part, had time today.  Again, I'm assuming that a large part of this was because they were in run contain, as Barkley didn't do much after that first drive, which is a total win for the defense.  And ultimately, the Giants were overall held in check.  But with the money we've paid here and the QB's we have coming up, this is something I'm hoping to see improve.

One note that includes last week and this week, LOTS of batted down balls by the Defensive ends ,,, the mark of a good defense.  You are right, not a lot of pressure today BUT many batted down passes on Darnold and Manning.  Great coaching on that end.

[LABILLBACKER]

11 minutes ago, VW82 said:

There was a lot to like from the offense today. Our D was far less impressive IMO vs. a Giants team that struggles to move the ball. I think it's telling that our three leading tacklers on the day were all DBs. Very interested to focus on Oliver and Edmunds on the re-watch to see what happened. I have a feeling I'm not going to like what I see. 

When he was in there Ed got doubled alot. Tremaine will never have an easier pic6 than that one...

[mead107]

Great review 

[Olliemets]

2 hours ago, matter2003 said:

Wade is NOT eligible for callup under the PS rules for International Pathway Players this year. I wish people would stop talking about him being called up.

 

But i agree with Allen...he looked really good and other than a few poor throws...the one to Zay when he was wide open and tried to sidearm the ball and it went way behind him really sticks in my mind...he was pretty money today and on point with the ball.

 

Going back to last year this was Allen's 3rd straight game of over 60% completion rate...he is starting to get it.

 

 

 

I love point #4. Got a little sloppy with pre snap penalties on offense today. But overall discipline is much better. Doing the routine things at pace. Out of the huddle and quick to line up, fewer delay of game or blown time outs etc. Less bull#### penalties on D. Guys make their tackes and walk away...no trash talk.  I'm 60 years old. I've learned that little things count. I trust the process.

 

[Utah John]

Tough luck for Edmunds, not getting the pick and probably a pick six.  He's playing well, as far as I can see, but getting very little ink.  Is that a good thing or a bad thing for a MLB?

[Just Joshin']

I expect the haters to move the bar to 65% shortly.

[Shaw66]

Nice job, Virg.  

 

It was just a workmanlike outing.  As you say, if everyone does the ordinary stuff, everything seems to go just fine.  

[Virgil]

Just now, Utah John said:

Tough luck for Edmunds, not getting the pick and probably a pick six.  He's playing well, as far as I can see, but getting very little ink.  Is that a good thing or a bad thing for a MLB?

 

He got a lot of love in week one and the preseason

[SirAndrew]

7 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Love Allen.

 

Hate the conservative style of play at the end of the half.... not surprising with McDermott. I think 3rd QTR offense was more a product of lack of execution than play calling. 

Yeah, I love this team and McDermott is a big part of the Renaissance. It’s the first time in my life that I’ve felt we are building a legitimate contender. My only fear is that McD could have a Marty Schottenheimer like coaching career if he doesn’t change. The type of coach that excels with game planning and fields a constant winner, but lacks the instinct needed to be a champion. Oh well, guess I’ll just enjoy where we’re at now, and hope to keep pushing towards the playoffs. 

[Utah John]

1 minute ago, SirAndrew said:

Yeah, I love this team and McDermott is a big part of the Renaissance. It’s the first time in my life that I’ve felt we are building a legitimate contender. My only fear is that McD could have a Marty Schottenheimer like coaching career if he doesn’t change. The type of coach that excels with game planning and fields a constant winner, but lacks the instinct needed to be a champion. Oh well, guess I’ll just enjoy where we’re at now, and hope to keep pushing towards the playoffs. 

You can't be a champion until you make the playoffs.  You can't make the playoffs without winning at least 10 games (most years).  The Bills are playing to get Ws, not stats or publicity.

 

I noticed my own reaction today, that I'm now watching games sort of expecting the Bills to win, unless they're playing one of the few really elite teams, and even then I expect it to be competitive.  It hasn't been this say in a long, long time.  Maybe we'll all get that one SB win before we die.

[MJS]

I find it interesting that you say Brown and Beasley should be utilized more. Both of them have been big keys to the offense both weeks. Brown has had 7 receptions in both games. That's a lot. Beasley has 9 total through two games. Those two players have accounted for 54% of Josh Allen's completions. I think that's pretty good.

[Virgil]

3 minutes ago, Utah John said:

You can't be a champion until you make the playoffs.  You can't make the playoffs without winning at least 10 games (most years).  The Bills are playing to get Ws, not stats or publicity.

 

I noticed my own reaction today, that I'm now watching games sort of expecting the Bills to win, unless they're playing one of the few really elite teams, and even then I expect it to be competitive.  It hasn't been this say in a long, long time.  Maybe we'll all get that one SB win before we die.

 

I'll be honest, until we show up in a game where we are favored to lose by more than 3 points, I won't be comfortable.  BBFS for life!

[SirAndrew]

4 minutes ago, Utah John said:

You can't be a champion until you make the playoffs.  You can't make the playoffs without winning at least 10 games (most years).  The Bills are playing to get Ws, not stats or publicity.

 

I noticed my own reaction today, that I'm now watching games sort of expecting the Bills to win, unless they're playing one of the few really elite teams, and even then I expect it to be competitive.  It hasn't been this say in a long, long time.  Maybe we'll all get that one SB win before we die.

Yeah, I really like this team. There’s a long ways to go until the playoffs. That’s my biggest concern at this point. I just wish I didn’t see every time we get a lead, then McD gets conservative. Those decisions lose against elite teams, as well as most playoff games. I’m just thinking we aren’t going to beat teams like the Pats by playing anything conservatively, so I just hope that part of McD can change a bit in the future. 

Edited September 16, 2019 by SirAndrew

[Virgil]

3 minutes ago, MJS said:

I find it interesting that you say Brown and Beasley should be utilized more. Both of them have been big keys to the offense both weeks. Brown has had 7 receptions in both games. That's a lot. Beasley has 9 total through two games. Those two players have accounted for 54% of Josh Allen's completions. I think that's pretty good.

 

You aren't wrong.  They sneak up with their catches.  I can't explain it any more than to say it just "feels" like they aren't consistently option A and B on most plays

[HardyBoy]

2 hours ago, Rc2catch said:

I have been one of the biggest Zay supporters but the guy just can’t make plays. He’s had plenty of opportunities now and he still can’t make a play on a consistent basis. 

I think you might be a little hard on McDermott though. I think he can be aggressive, we just haven’t seen it much. 

I get the vibe watching games and listening to him he really values confidence and execution. If he can’t trust the team to execute he is extremely conservative. When they have momentum and things are flowing he doesn’t seem to mind taking his shots. I think a lot of the conservative stuff is protecting Allen, or trying to. If this is a team who plans on battling for a playoff spot I would be concerned as well with the conservative calls today if the trend continues when things get crazier 

 

Zay had a real nice, tough catch over the middle today and a huge catch last week during the comeback...

Edited September 16, 2019 by HardyBoy

[Buffarukus]

these are good. you lost me with the feel sorry for thee enemy talk and they should have took our guys. lol

 

 

the reason they kneeled down was they just avoided a major catastrophe in punt coverage and luckly got out without even a field goal. you got the lead and your getting the ball back after halftime so im perfectly fine with conservative.gutless maybe, but smart.

 

  

Edited September 16, 2019 by Buffarukus

[B Fan in LA]

As always, a great read Virgil. Thanks !

[mrags]

2 hours ago, HardyBoy said:

 

Zay had a real nice, tough catch over the middle today and a huge catch last week during the comeback...

This is a fact. I think people are getting caught up on Zay being a dominant WR. He’s just not. He’s a solid WR that can make some plays and be counted on for some things. He has turned out some really nice 3rd downs this year so far. Yes he has missed some too. It’s going to happen. Even Julio Jones drops passes from time to time. To expect perfection from Zay Jones is just comical. But he’s been alright so far. He’s not going to be our featured WR ever I don’t think. I’m fine with that. But he can and had contributed. 

[ganesh]

4 hours ago, CLTbills said:

I loved the effort from Dawson Knox blocking downfield on the Singletary RD run....

Knox and Sweeney are going to be good to great TE's for this team for the long term.

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

 

I'll be honest, until we show up in a game where we are favored to lose by more than 3 points, I won't be comfortable.  BBFS for life!

The best test is going to be in two weeks.  Can they handle the Patriots.  Then they will know they belong to the elite!

[Buffalo716]

5 hours ago, Kelly the Dog said:

It probably didnt matter but the only other possible tackler, Knox pushed his guy into that guy, too, effectively blocking two of them. That was a fantastic effort, technique and block, especially for essentially a pass catching rookie TE.

Physically speaking he may look like a pass catching TE but Ole Miss pretty much used him as a blocker

 

And I knew he'd be damn good at it

Edited September 16, 2019 by Buffalo716

[Punching Bag]

4 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

  6. ST's - I can't wait for Crossman to be let go.  The coverage units are still terrible.  Kicking game is solid so far.

You do not need to wait but if you want you can still use him as your whipping boy.

 

Bills fire special teams coordinator Danny Crossman - this is from January.

https://billswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/03/buffalo-bills-fire-special-teams-coordinator-danny-crossman-stephen-hauschka-colton-schmidt/

 

[John from Riverside]

Past teams would have fallen apart going down 7 so quickly.....turnovers....penalties...3 and outs......3rd down conversions against our defense.....etc etc etc

 

This team is different....they over come adversity.....they just need to learn to play full games against good teams.

[Big C]

You know, with regards to your receivers remark, I think they just have a group of guys that can all be counted on for different things, and they are all getting chances to make plays. Guys are out there throwing blocks too. Lee Smith and Dawson Knox were both mailers and made catches to move the chains. Brown and Beasley are clearly the top receivers, but Zay is a well rounded 3 who can block as well. Foster I hope will emerge again but he has proven he can play too. We just have a bunch of guys that can play football and they are doing it. It is great to see! We don't need Antonio Brown type guys to win games. We need guys that buy in and do their job; Josh Allen can handle the rest.

[Rocket94]

The Bills convincingly won a game that many picked them to win.  A 2-0 record, and beating two different  "NY" teams in the same stadium is one hell of a start.

[WideNine]

6 hours ago, CLTbills said:

I loved the effort from Dawson Knox blocking downfield on the Singletary RD run....

 

I thought that was Singletary too, but it was McKenzie on a fake and misdirection.

 

Singletary did get his first NFL rushing TD so kudos, but unfortunately it was obvious that he injured his hammy when untouched his leg gave out and he hopped out of bounds clutching the back of it. Hope he gets well soon as we are a bit thin right now...expect the Bills to make some roster moves if he is going to be out a few weeks.

[JoPoy88]

8 hours ago, Virgil said:

 

So you're saying there's a chance?

 

Then what's the point of him being on the practice squad?  Or is that where we get the extra roster spot?

 

Cmon dude. You’re here all the time. This was covered AD NAUSEAM. How on earth....

[Virgil]

1 hour ago, JoPoy88 said:

 

Cmon dude. You’re here all the time. This was covered AD NAUSEAM. How on earth....

 

I’m not obsessed with the guy like many here so I can’t say I opened many of the threads about him ??‍♂️

[Albany,n.y.]

9 hours ago, Buffalo Barbarian said:

 

Minnesota last year was the game i knew he was the guy.

 

 

I went out & bought his jersey a day or 2 after that game because I was going to the next Bills home game (2 weeks later) & wanted to wear it to the game.  That game vs Tennessee,  was the only Bills game I went to in Orchard Park last year.  Allen had a game ending winning drive that game.  I went to both games in NJ this season.  The Bills are 3-0 when I'm at the game wearing the Josh Allen jersey.  

9 hours ago, Just Joshin' said:

I expect the haters to move the bar to 65% shortly.

Then 70, then 75 etc.  They wouldn't be happy with a 99% completion percentage.

10 hours ago, driddles said:

re #8.  I was swearing a blue streak about it being taunting but they weren't even mentioning taunting in the review on TV.  The defender got up stood over Allen and looked straight down at him.  I'm sure he was just worried about Josh's health.

I was in the stands & I said to Petrino "He's giving Josh the business." 

[DCofNC]

11 hours ago, Kelly the Dog said:

It probably didnt matter but the only other possible tackler, Knox pushed his guy into that guy, too, effectively blocking two of them. That was a fantastic effort, technique and block, especially for essentially a pass catching rookie TE.

His entire college career was blocking, he also happens to be fast and has potential to be a pass catcher, hence he was a lower pick.  He's really good at blocking and missed a perfect throw, so which is he really?

[OrtonHearsaWho]

10 hours ago, poblano said:

How long since the last 

98-99 TD drive for this team?

 

Fitz to TO for 98 yards maybe?

[Chandler#81]

9 hours ago, HardyBoy said:

 

Zay had a real nice, tough catch over the middle today and a huge catch last week during the comeback...

Amid 3 drops. I’ve lost all faith in him and I was supportive of him through his 1st year & a half.

I just wish other teams read @Alphadawg7‘s epic thread and made an offer. I’d take a 5th right now, maybe a 6th. 

He’s a 2nd Rounder we missed on. If the ball isn’t perfectly placed in his chest, it ain’t getting caught. Even then, he’s shaky.

[Gugny]

6 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said:

Amid 3 drops. I’ve lost all faith in him and I was supportive of him through his 1st year & a half.

I just wish other teams read @Alphadawg7‘s epic thread and made an offer. I’d take a 5th right now, maybe a 6th. 

He’s a 2nd Rounder we missed on. If the ball isn’t perfectly placed in his chest, it ain’t getting caught. Even then, he’s shaky.

 

This is where I am.  None of this makes sense.  He was a good receiver in college and somehow forgot how to catch when he entered the NFL.

 

I will say that I've noticed him catching with his hands better this season.

 

But the drops are too much.  I would be fine if the Bills chose to move on.