If Foster Starts Rolling This Team Is Beyond Dangerous

[Mister Defense]

I agree and hope that Dabol sees it as we do.  It took him longer than the fans to realize that Singletary was the starter (and will learn to use him even more, hopefully) so now let's see if he will start getting Foster more involved. 

 

One missing element  now is another high caliber offensive weapon and Foster has shown he can be that for the Bills. He can help to open things up across the board offensively.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2019 by Mister Defense

[transplantbillsfan]

https://theathletic.com/1418886/2019/11/29/seven-observations-from-the-bills-win-josh-allen-takes-his-biggest-step-to-becoming-a-franchise-qb?source=shared-article

Is Robert Foster rising up the depth chart?

While Daboll and the offense continued high usage with a specific personnel package, it became clear that it was no longer a core five. Receiver Isaiah McKenzie had been right around Beasley in snap counts over the past two weeks, though the Bills significantly cut into that against Dallas. Up until the run-out-the-clock moments near the end of the game, McKenzie registered only 54 percent of the offensive snaps, which is below his time on the field in previous weeks. The reason for the switch was to get Robert Foster, last year’s second-half darling, on the field and involved in the offense more.

 

Foster accounted for 40 percent of the team’s snaps Thursday. That was slightly surprising given the hamstring injury he suffered against Denver, but the Bills liked what they saw from Foster’s two opportunities with the ball last week. They wanted to involve him more than they have since the beginning of the year, and you have to wonder if this is only the start of things to come. We saw Foster’s involvement surge in the second half of 2018 and he became a staple of the offense. While he won’t unseat Brown or Beasley anytime soon, it’s fair to wonder if Foster will overtake McKenzie in snaps given his usage Thursday night. Foster clearly puts a strain on the defense when he’s on the field, and having him and Brown as speedy bookends is enough to give any free safety a headache. We’ll see how the Bills handle the McKenzie-Foster split against Baltimore.

[Tesla03]

"beyond dangerous" might be an overstatement lol

 

the Ravens offense is beyond dangerous. we just need Allen to continue to protect the football make smart decisions and we will be in the playoffs before the season is over. 

[purple haze]

3 hours ago, Mat68 said:

His speed is apparent.  Foster as a compliment to Brown and Beasley is a big deal.  Teams will almost forget about him.  I suspect Foster to sneak behind a defense a few times before the year is out.  Allen with the confidence he has Imo will connect on those plays.

Foster has already snuck behind defenses this season.  Josh has missed him.   If he gets his deep ball together watch out.

[Buffalo716]

3 hours ago, whatdrought said:

I too have noticed that they're working him the ball. I like it. I know people want to see Duke, but it's just really hard to not have the speed of Foster and McKenzie at our disposal. Honestly, whether or not he becomes anything more than a role player this year, the fact that he's putting positive plays on tape right now (the past two weeks have been huge) increase his value a ton because other teams are not quick to forget what he did last year. When he was MIA they didn't have to worry about him. Now, he's showing some things and reminding them what he can do. That makes him, if nothing else, a great decoy. 

 

Also, from what I've seen so far this year, he seems to be running a lot of crossers, which I don't remember from last year... I like that with his length and speed. 

 

 

Past two weeks he's averaging 2 touches for 18 yards a pop. That with the injury. I think they definitely see a roll for him. 

He actually ran tons of crossers last season

 

He first career TD was on a long long deep crossing route

[DuckyBoys]

If he can get his health 100% I think we'll see more big plays to come  He's been teasing the past two weeks  That denver game he was flying on that play he pulled the hammy

[CaptnCoke11]

2 hours ago, Rocky Landing said:

For Foster to really play to his potential, and be anything like the threat he was in '18, Allen will have to get his long ball back.

He was also very efficient running underneath routes last season 

[machine gun kelly]

4 hours ago, dneveu said:

 

Buffalo signed him in March before they drafted Knox. He appears to have lost his job due to the injury, and seems set as the #2 TE.

 

I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s cut at the end of this year, and we draft another if a good class in the Spring.  As far as Foster, I liked him last year, and if he has been hurt, it makes sense why saw very little playing time.   Now if healthy, I would play him 2/3 of the time, and McKenzie 1/3 of the time as he is pretty dynamic as well.  There is a place for both of them and agreed speed kills so Brown, Beasley and Foster gives a lot of targets as well as Singletary, and Knox.

 

Next week should be interesting.

[whatdrought]

1 hour ago, Buffalo716 said:

He actually ran tons of crossers last season

 

He first career TD was on a long long deep crossing route

 

Did he run many of the shallow crosses?

[Buffalo716]

3 minutes ago, whatdrought said:

 

Did he run many of the shallow crosses?

Honestly not many 

 

He was mainly a deep crosser guy, 9 routes and deep ins

 

But the last few games of last season his route tree was expanded more

 

I love that we are trying to get the ball into his hands quick, he has gas speed

[vincec]

5 hours ago, billsfan_34 said:

I have noticed the same thing. Foster has some serious speed and can cause fits opposite Brown if used right. Off topic some- where in the heck is Croft? A lot of money for such little production.

I saw that the Bills are playing 80% of their snaps in 1 TE, 1 RB and 3 WR. Knox is the TE and when they go big with 2 TEs they bring in Lee Smith for blocking so Kroft is basically a backup at this point.

[billsfan_34]

1 hour ago, vincec said:

I saw that the Bills are playing 80% of their snaps in 1 TE, 1 RB and 3 WR. Knox is the TE and when they go big with 2 TEs they bring in Lee Smith for blocking so Kroft is basically a backup at this point.

Good eye- sometimes I have a hard time seeing the different sets so thanks for that ?

[H2o]

4 hours ago, Tesla03 said:

"beyond dangerous" might be an overstatement lol

 

the Ravens offense is beyond dangerous. we just need Allen to continue to protect the football make smart decisions and we will be in the playoffs before the season is over. 

No one is taking anything away from any other team, especially a team like the Ravens. But if we get the Foster from the last 4 weeks of 2018, to go along with what we currently have, and you add in Josh's maturation? Yes, this team is beyond dangerous.  

[Augie]

On 11/30/2019 at 10:05 AM, Foxx said:

if Foster is able to run the entire route tree... my gosh, defenses are in trouble. Foster and Brown on the outside, Beasley in the slot and either Knox or Kroft lining up at TE and Singletary in the backfield... that is a scarey lineup to defend. not to mention, you would also have to account for Josh's run ability.

 

It was late last year that he started playing like a well rounded WR, capable of doing more than just running fast. It was strange, frankly, how he came on late and looked like a different player. I’m thrilled if that happens again, but you have to wonder........where has that been in 2019???

 

 

.

Edited December 1, 2019 by Augie

[Phil The Thrill]

8 hours ago, H2o said:

It seems that Foster is starting to be worked into the offense a bit more the last couple of weeks. Maybe the injuries hampered him to the point he just fell behind everyone else? Maybe he played himself into the doghouse for a while? Who knows. One thing is we have a better group this year as well so he's not a focal point like he was towards the end of the year in 2018. Over the last 4 games in 2018 though is when he came on with 19 catches for 285 yards and 2 TD's. We are now in the last 4 game stretch of 2019. If we can get that version of Foster, to go with Smoke who can hurt you all over the field, Knox who has really impressed as a rookie, Beasley who is basically unguardable in the slot, and the running game we have established to go along with the defense we already had? Watch out because this team could very well make a run that no one thought possible. 

He looked super fast even after the hamstring injury.  If they can find a way to get him the ball in space, I think he can make an impact 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

I agree with OP. He looks like he is getting a few plays a game designed for him. 

He could be a weapon especially if they line him up next to Brown. Both have great speed and they may be able to create some interesting combo routes together.

[Punching Bag]

1 hour ago, billsfan_34 said:

Good eye- sometimes I have a hard time seeing the different sets so thanks for that ?

 

NFL made it harder taking away game PDFs.  Some marketing wheenie probably said it increases chance of player paying for replays but all it has done with me along with removing ability to listen to games is have me stop buying NFL gear.  Each year I have spent $200-300 a year on gear but since changes I have spent nothing.

[ComradeKayAdams]

6 hours ago, NickelCity said:

 

I knew I couldn't be the only one. I like Knox's potential but I really hope he can improve his hands. He seems a bit stiff to me when reaching for a ball. 

 

The story of my life.... <blush> <giggles>

[Prickly Pete]

I don't think Foster is good at taking hits. He looks a bit cautious, and reticent when contact is imminent.

He has been injured a lot...I doubt any CB's are gonna bite on an inside move within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage.

 

I hope they can keep him healthy, it's important to have a deep threat

 

Would love to see more of this deep stuff, for sure...

 

 

 

Edited December 1, 2019 by 32ABBA

[Mr. WEO]

9 hours ago, Doc said:

I have no idea why they gave Kroft such a large contract. 

 

 

Because no one else would.

[Gugny]

@Mike in Horseheads, it is Bob Foster time, baby!!!  You will see the light!

[LSHMEAB]

Singletary is starting to come on, but the Bills are still lacking "playmakers." Brown and Beasley have greatly improved the overall quality of the receiving core, but they haven't had many improvisation type big plays.

 

The reason Foster "could" be so important is that he has the elite athleticism to be that guy. I'm talking about a guy turning a 10 yard gain into a 40 yard gain. It would be ideal if both Singletary and Foster turn it on because the offense will need those plays against elite competition.

 

Knox is certainly a guy capable of making things happen after the catch and is getting better every week. Still. Want to see more "streaking." Wait.

Edited December 1, 2019 by LSHMEAB

[Beast]

He is averaging 1 catch and 1 run per game over the past 4 games or so.

 

I just can’t get excited about that or even begin to think he is about to take on a larger role in this offense. 

[Dr.Sack]

If Allen keeps spreading the love around and we get one or two Knox stiff arms, a Mackenzie sweep & catch / some Mackenzie wildcat, a Kroft seam catch, a Foster deep shot, and overall great checkdowns to the backs, I’m all for complimentary players easing the pressure off Beasley & Brown to produce. To me the growth of the offense is in incorporating the other guys in a timely and effective way.  

[H2o]

19 minutes ago, Binghamton Beast said:

He is averaging 1 catch and 1 run per game over the past 4 games or so.

 

I just can’t get excited about that or even begin to think he is about to take on a larger role in this offense. 

His snaps are going up again though. Last week he was in on 41% of the snaps getting 28. He seems to be gaining the trust of the staff again. 

[Beast]

3 minutes ago, H2o said:

His snaps are going up again though. Last week he was in on 41% of the snaps getting 28. He seems to be gaining the trust of the staff again. 

Is it that or nobody has distinguished themself after Brown and Beasley and every rock is being turned over?

 

I’ll be the first to say I like Foster’s speed and what he did the last half of last season....but there has to be a reason for the decline.

Edited December 1, 2019 by Binghamton Beast

[H2o]

3 minutes ago, Binghamton Beast said:

Is it that or nobody has distinguished themself after Brown and Beasley and every rock is being turned over?

 

I’ll be the first to say I like Foster’s speed and what he did the last half of last season....but there has to be a reason for the decline.

I mean he has battled some injuries going all the way back to training camp. Maybe he's finally getting healthy now? I'm not saying he is our savior or anything, but if we get the Foster of the last 4 games of 2018 then it completely changes the dynamic of the offense.

[Beast]

1 minute ago, H2o said:

I mean he has battled some injuries going all the way back to training camp. Maybe he's finally getting healthy now? I'm not saying he is our savior or anything, but if we get the Foster of the last 4 games of 2018 then it completely changes the dynamic of the offense.

I hope.

 

That could really be a lot for a defense to handle.

[Buffalo Junction]

20 minutes ago, H2o said:

I mean he has battled some injuries going all the way back to training camp. Maybe he's finally getting healthy now? I'm not saying he is our savior or anything, but if we get the Foster of the last 4 games of 2018 then it completely changes the dynamic of the offense.

We can hope it’s just that it was continuous nagging injuries. If that’s the case and he’s finally healthy he might make a big difference. Honestly, if he can make a chunk play or two happen every game he could free Brown up for some single coverage deep or just force teams into 2-deep coverage and free up Knox and Beasley. ?? 

[billsfan_34]

12 hours ago, Limeaid said:

 

NFL made it harder taking away game PDFs.  Some marketing wheenie probably said it increases chance of player paying for replays but all it has done with me along with removing ability to listen to games is have me stop buying NFL gear.  Each year I have spent $200-300 a year on gear but since changes I have spent nothing.

I have noticed replays seem to be less and when the do it is very quick. In the stadium I still have a hard time deciphering our offensive packages due to all the movement. Defense I can pick out much easier- base 4-3, nickel, dime etc...

[Don Otreply]

If Foster is worked back in to the O and if he performs, it will be a great thing for the offense, on every level. 

It will also be a bad thing for opposing Ds, they will have all the more to be, shall we say, “concerned” with.....

 

Go Bills!!!

[Jerry Jabber]

While I like Foster’s and McKenzie’s speed, I think they are just gadget/situational players at the moment. It’s not to say that they can’t improve and do more, but up until this point of the season, both have had a minimal impact on the offense. I’m still hoping in the offseason that the Bills get another WR that can either be a true #1 WR or at least complement John Brown and a #1 TE. If they do that, then Allen will be throwing for 300+ yards in almost every game.

[JaCrispy]

On 11/30/2019 at 9:46 AM, billsfan_34 said:

I have noticed the same thing. Foster has some serious speed and can cause fits opposite Brown if used right. Off topic some- where in the heck is Croft? A lot of money for such little production.

It was a poor signing when there were better options still on the market...

[billsfan_34]

3 minutes ago, JaCrispy said:

It was a poor signing when there were better options still on the market...

We were also in salary cap hell remember? 

[JaCrispy]

6 minutes ago, billsfan_34 said:

We were also in salary cap hell remember? 

I do remember...and I also remember most people thought the bills overpaid for a guy that was often injured...oh well, can’t win them all...at least we hit with a Knox.

[billsfan_34]

6 minutes ago, JaCrispy said:

I do remember...and I also remember most people thought the bills overpaid for a guy that was often injured...oh well, can’t win them all...at least we hit with a Knox.

Very true! Thank goodness were on the right path ?

[keepthefaith]

I was VERY SURPRISED to see Foster on the field against Dallas after leaving the field with a hammy just 4 days earlier. 

[atlbillsfan1975]

Foster and Kroft are two guys I can see having big games down the stretch. 
Foster seems to be working the crossing routes finally. Something I think he can excel at, In particular deep crossing where DB’s think he is going on a fly and he cuts across. Allen can flick his wrist and the ball travels 20 yards in a flash. 
This offense has the makings to be deadly. 

[John from Riverside]

We need a WR that does what Robert Foster does every great while as a NORM

 

 

[jlgarsh]

11 hours ago, atlbillsfan1975 said:

Foster and Kroft are two guys I can see having big games down the stretch. 
Foster seems to be working the crossing routes finally. Something I think he can excel at, In particular deep crossing where DB’s think he is going on a fly and he cuts across. Allen can flick his wrist and the ball travels 20 yards in a flash. 
This offense has the makings to be deadly. 

 

Allen's deep ball to Foster the past couple games seems like either a catch or DPI every time. Adds a dimension to the offense.