Why wasn't Duke Williams active?

[Beast]

10 minutes ago, LB48 said:

Duke and Yeldon are inactive again tonight!

I don’t agree with Yeldon being out. I’d like to see a heavy dose of running the ball and I think he offers a bit more than Gore at this point. I wish all 3 RB’s were active.

Edited December 16, 2019 by Binghamton Beast

[NoSaint]

56 minutes ago, Steptide said:

Two words : stevie Johnson 

 

This guy played on the practice squad and fans called for him to play. It was the same argument. Fans calling for Johnson to play and jauron never putting him on the field. Chan Gailey came in and he was a 1000 yard reciever for 3 years. Point is, this is why fans call for guys like Duke williams. I've never thought Duke was a 1000 yard reciever, but like I've argued before, he's a bigger target for the red zone and those short passes 10 yards down the sideline. At this point I'm all for it with mckenzie not being a huge factor in games 

unfortunately for every Stevie there are about 40 guys that fans yell for that disappear completely 

[LB48]

11 minutes ago, Binghamton Beast said:

I don’t agree with Yeldon being out. I’d like to see a heavy dose of running the ball and I think he offers a bit more than Gore at this point. I wish all 3 RB’s were active.

I really thought Yeldon would play in this game.  If Singletary gets nicked up Gore all alone is not much of a threat!

[DuckyBoys]

23 minutes ago, LB48 said:

I really thought Yeldon would play in this game.  If Singletary gets nicked up Gore all alone is not much of a threat!

Been saying that for some time   Bills seem to favor special teams guys  Wasnt that how jauron's teams were ? We always seemed to have mediocre talent active who also played special teams

[SJDK]

2 hours ago, Buffalo716 said:

That's easy to say from the couch as I ran a 4.45 in college ball but real game speed is totally different and always has been

 

Josh Allen ran in the 4.6s or 4.7s and would smoke you and probably me ,he runs 20 + mph on some runs

I’m definitely not as fast as I used to be

Edited December 16, 2019 by SJDK

[ngbills]

On 12/13/2019 at 7:51 PM, transplantbillsfan said:

 

Who on our roster?

 

This is about this year.

 

Duke is literally the ONLY big bodied sure handed receiving threat this team has. Unfortunately, that's including Tight Ends since Knox is Mr. Unreliable when it comes to catching the damn football.

 

Duke has more catches and TDs than Foster does this year on just over half the targets.

 

I like Foster, but he and McKenzie are interchangeable in this offense if Allen can't hit him on the deep balls and McKenzie is more elusive.

 

Just activate Duke and use him situationally.

Meant in the NFL world. Guys on other practice squads or Free agents. Justin Hunter is probably out there somewhere...

[ngbills]

17 hours ago, Steptide said:

Two words : stevie Johnson 

 

This guy played on the practice squad and fans called for him to play. It was the same argument. Fans calling for Johnson to play and jauron never putting him on the field. Chan Gailey came in and he was a 1000 yard reciever for 3 years. Point is, this is why fans call for guys like Duke williams. I've never thought Duke was a 1000 yard reciever, but like I've argued before, he's a bigger target for the red zone and those short passes 10 yards down the sideline. At this point I'm all for it with mckenzie not being a huge factor in games 

He played 11 games his rookie year after being drafted by the Bills. Different story here. 

[EasternOHBillsFan]

Between our regular WR route runner starters in Brown, Beasley and Foster, and then the WR flat throws which go to McKenzie and Roberts, Duke just has no place as of now WRT WR depth... it is a numbers game and it doesn't reflect on Duke's abilities. His role is already claimed by Beasley... they are clearly going with speed, speed and more speed.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

7 minutes ago, EasternOHBillsFan said:

Between our regular WR route runner starters in Brown, Beasley and Foster, and then the WR flat throws which go to McKenzie and Roberts, Duke just has no place as of now WRT WR depth... it is a numbers game and it doesn't reflect on Duke's abilities. His role is already claimed by Beasley... they are clearly going with speed, speed and more speed.

It’s bizarre because the routes that are run are not “speed” routes. I am pretty sure Duke can create space and get open on outs and slants. 

[Livinginthepast]

The funny thing is that last night's victory did nothing to quash this thread.  Josh still needs more options in the passing game and receivers beyond Brown and Beasley are still  not really a factor. Kudos to Kroft for the TD grab but him and  the other 4 receivers (excluding Brown) had only had 4 catches (1 each). Beasley was targeted 6 times and had only  1 catch.  Foster didn't even have one target?!!  The Offense continued to sputter and there were a couple more drops and high throws that our small receivers cant seem to get. I don't understand the logic of keeping Duke inactive when he could be improving this receiving corps right now. If he is injured or not fitting in with the rest of the team's chemistry then perhaps they would like to tell us this. In addition, the whole Duke is inactive due to focus on special teams abilities, makes no sense. Its not like we are tearing it up on kick and punt return TDs anyway. If anything its the opposite.

Edited December 16, 2019 by Livinginthepast

[EasternOHBillsFan]

1 hour ago, JR in Pittsburgh said:

It’s bizarre because the routes that are run are not “speed” routes. I am pretty sure Duke can create space and get open on outs and slants. 

 

From what I see... Brown and Foster run the deep routes, Beasley and Knox (Kroft occasionally LOL) run the shorter routes, and McKenzie and Roberts run the quick flats designed to take advantage of their speed to the outside. I see no role for Duke right now, and so the inactive status makes sense to me. We only have so many roster spots... so whose spot would he take then if he's fully capable? Curious... I love the guy but it's like musical chairs out there...

Edited December 16, 2019 by EasternOHBillsFan

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

11 minutes ago, EasternOHBillsFan said:

 

From what I see... Brown and Foster run the deep routes, Beasley and Knox (Kroft occasionally LOL) run the shorter routes, and McKenzie and Roberts run the quick flats designed to take advantage of their speed to the outside. I see no role for Duke right now, and so the inactive status makes sense to me. We only have so many roster spots... so whose spot would he take then if he's fully capable? Curious... I love the guy but it's like musical chairs out there...

I would put him in for Foster. Roberts and Brown can both run those fly routes. I am not even sure Foster played a snap last night. 

[Luka]

16 minutes ago, EasternOHBillsFan said:

 

From what I see... Brown and Foster run the deep routes, Beasley and Knox (Kroft occasionally LOL) run the shorter routes, and McKenzie and Roberts run the quick flats designed to take advantage of their speed to the outside. I see no role for Duke right now, and so the inactive status makes sense to me. We only have so many roster spots... so whose spot would he take then if he's fully capable? Curious... I love the guy but it's like musical chairs out there...

 

He would take DiMarco's spot. Talk about non essential to the team. We run 11 personnel almost 80% of the time. Would rather have Duke available to rotate in than a FB we never use.

[Rc2catch]

20 minutes ago, JR in Pittsburgh said:

I would put him in for Foster. Roberts and Brown can both run those fly routes. I am not even sure Foster played a snap last night. 

Foster played special teams. That was the only time I seen him 

[GG]

1 hour ago, Rc2catch said:

Foster played special teams. That was the only time I seen him 

 

Yeah, and he almost cost the W with a very feeble attempt to slow a rusher down on the last punt.   Luckily his Steeler assignment didn't go all out for the block, because he was certainly in a position if he dove.

[PetermansRedemption]

2 hours ago, Luka said:

 

He would take DiMarco's spot. Talk about non essential to the team. We run 11 personnel almost 80% of the time. Would rather have Duke available to rotate in than a FB we never use.

Even if someone hates Duke, how could they possibly argue that DiMarco or Lee Smith are more vital to the team. Does DiMarco even see the field anymore other than his one dropped pass? How about Lee Smith? All he does is receive penalties. Give me the big body receiver even if his only

play is to block and a jump ball 1-2 times per game. 

[EasternOHBillsFan]

2 hours ago, JR in Pittsburgh said:

I would put him in for Foster. Roberts and Brown can both run those fly routes. I am not even sure Foster played a snap last night. 

 

That's pretty much the only spot really for offense... but I DO acknowledge those who say DiMarco as a possibility!

2 minutes ago, PetermansRedemption said:

Even if someone hates Duke, how could they possibly argue that DiMarco or Lee Smith are more vital to the team. Does DiMarco even see the field anymore other than his one dropped pass? How about Lee Smith? All he does is receive penalties. Give me the big body receiver even if his only

play is to block and a jump ball 1-2 times per game. 

 

To be fair, Kroft has been a Glass Joe at TE, and we could not take a chance being thin at TE so I get the Lee Smith spot.

[Brio]

Activate Duke!

[Brio]

Activate Duke!

[Mr. WEO]

16 minutes ago, Brio said:

Activate Duke!

 

8 minutes ago, Brio said:

Activate Duke!

 

 

An impressive body of work...

[Buggyfresh]

On 12/9/2019 at 4:44 PM, T master said:

 

How will you ever find out when he's sitting on the bench ? Given his one chance to play in a game he came up huge & caught the game winning TD just saying ! 

 

Some guys play bigger in games & he's had really good history, he's led a entire league in receptions along with yards sure it wasn't the NFL but if there is another legit league that's even close the CFL would be it . And again he can't prove a thing on the bench .

 

Not to mention his college days . Match that with being thrown aside because of some stupid mistakes his desire probably out weighs a lot of players & your not going to find out how he would be at game speed by sitting him on the bench that's all i'm saying . 

 

Yes i personally think he is like another Boldin maybe not huge speed guy as far as with a watch on him but come game time i feel he would be one of those go to guys that play faster & is real dependable in the clutch i don't know why i just do ...

 

At least play him until he proves them wrong then sit him on the bench . Some guys just have that it factor & i think he does . 

The reason they are playing McKenzie and Foster over Duke Williams is because of speed. They said they want more speed out there and want to play faster offense. I personally feel like Duke should be out there tho, we need someone to make the contested catches...we have too many drops and most the time they are key drops and it sucks. It will come back to bite us if we keep getting all these drops. 

[Steptide]

If he's not active tommorow, I'm willing to bet he is next week

[T master]

20 minutes ago, Steptide said:

If he's not active tommorow, I'm willing to bet he is next week

 

He should be he's another weapon & could be the guy again to win the game for the Bills he wouldn't have dropped the pass that Beasley did going across the middle just due to his size & great hands , he's a difference maker & i can't see why McKenzie is on the field ?

 

 Duke can block just as good or better because of his size, even though McKenzie is faster sometimes speed isn't the end all be all !! 

 

Get it done McD use the tools you have in the bag the right tool for the right job !! 

[Buggyfresh]

On 12/8/2019 at 7:27 PM, starrymessenger said:

Daboll really loves him some surfs. If Duke is no good so be it, but I hope the Bills don't opt for another diminutive receiver in the upcoming draft out of deference to Daboll's scheme. Like if Shenault is there in the second and we pass I think I'll wring my own neck.

I really like Gabriel Davis for the Bills. He is really good at contested catches and 50/50 balls. He is also a great red zone target and runs really smooth routes. He is tall and just looks really well rounded. He reminds me of Michael Thomas not just cuz he is number 13 either. Here are his highlights if interested in watching him.

 

 

Edited December 20, 2019 by Buggyfresh

[Buggyfresh]

On 12/8/2019 at 9:25 PM, Mr. WEO said:

It was widely reported that he sucks...

Where?

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

On 12/16/2019 at 12:45 PM, Livinginthepast said:

The funny thing is that last night's victory did nothing to quash this thread.  Josh still needs more options in the passing game and receivers beyond Brown and Beasley are still  not really a factor. Kudos to Kroft for the TD grab but him and  the other 4 receivers (excluding Brown) had only had 4 catches (1 each). Beasley was targeted 6 times and had only  1 catch.  Foster didn't even have one target?!!  The Offense continued to sputter and there were a couple more drops and high throws that our small receivers cant seem to get. I don't understand the logic of keeping Duke inactive when he could be improving this receiving corps right now. If he is injured or not fitting in with the rest of the team's chemistry then perhaps they would like to tell us this. In addition, the whole Duke is inactive due to focus on special teams abilities, makes no sense. Its not like we are tearing it up on kick and punt return TDs anyway. If anything its the opposite.

 

And you know this how??  Based on what?  All the other receivers have more catches than Duke for the season, so  your comments are really based on nothing more than an opinion based on little facts compared to the knowledge the Bills coaches have of the situation

 

All you,  me, and everyone else here are nothing more than fans short for fanatics. They owe us nothing and would serve no purpose other than to show they listen to the fanatics,

 

On 12/16/2019 at 4:16 PM, PetermansRedemption said:

Even if someone hates Duke, how could they possibly argue that DiMarco or Lee Smith are more vital to the team. Does DiMarco even see the field anymore other than his one dropped pass? How about Lee Smith? All he does is receive penalties. Give me the big body receiver even if his only

play is to block and a jump ball 1-2 times per game. 

 

LOL  Did you actually watch Sundays game?  The number of snaps both of them had if I recall were in the 20's and don't recall hearing Smiths name WRT  any penalties  Granted lately their snap count has been down for both, but was much higher last so find it rather comical that you'd lost this now.  The team is 10-4, think the coaches know a little better about the situation than the fanatics here..

Edited December 20, 2019 by Ed_Formerly_of_Roch

[Pokebball]

On 12/16/2019 at 10:03 AM, JR in Pittsburgh said:

It’s bizarre because the routes that are run are not “speed” routes. I am pretty sure Duke can create space and get open on outs and slants. 

Creating space involves a number of things, including break speed.

[Mr. WEO]

42 minutes ago, Buggyfresh said:

Where?

Bills coaches locker room 

[PetermansRedemption]

39 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

LOL  Did you actually watch Sundays game?  The number of snaps both of them had if I recall were in the 20's and don't recall hearing Smiths name WRT  any penalties  Granted lately their snap count has been down for both, but was much higher last so find it rather comical that you'd lost this now.  The team is 100-4, think the coaches know a little better about the situation than the fanatics here..

The Bills are 100-4? That’s a bit better of a record than I had them pencilled in as. 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

1 minute ago, PetermansRedemption said:

The Bills are 100-4? That’s a bit better of a record than I had them pencilled in as. 

 

Don't let facts get in the way of a good argumment

[starrymessenger]

2 hours ago, Buggyfresh said:

I really like Gabriel Davis for the Bills. He is really good at contested catches and 50/50 balls. He is also a great red zone target and runs really smooth routes. He is tall and just looks really well rounded. He reminds me of Michael Thomas not just cuz he is number 13 either. Here are his highlights if interested in watching him.

 

 

 

Thanks. I will check him out.

[Buggyfresh]

On 12/11/2019 at 11:09 AM, Hebert19 said:

Activate duke.  Sit Roberts.  

 

Hyde does punt returns and mckenzie does kicks.  

Roberts is perfect for the kick return and the here and there 10+ yard catches. Foster has done nothing (since Allen is struggling with the long ball) get rid of him and bring in Duke. McKenzie is quick and useful with the trick plays and quick pitches and occasional pass catch.

[Buggyfresh]

1 hour ago, Mr. WEO said:

Bills coaches locker room 

When and where? Do you have links? I have never heard one report of anyone associated with the Bills saying “he sucks” all though I have heard the reason they are playing players such as Foster and McKenzie over him are due to them wanting more speed and wanting the offense to run quicker. I have not heard one bad thing said about him and I watch Bills one drive and Good Morning Football every day and listen to multiple podcasts.

[Livinginthepast]

2 hours ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

 

And you know this how??  Based on what?  All the other receivers have more catches than Duke for the season, so  your comments are really based on nothing more than an opinion based on little facts compared to the knowledge the Bills coaches have of the situation

 

 

Yes its called an opinion. what else is would it be?  In my case an opinion based on evidence this season. Duke has caught 90% of his targets and has 1 td. He performed when called upon and then he was dropped. Those are the Facts of his performance so far. I don't pretend to know what the coaches think, which is precisely why I suggested some clarity on Duke from them would be helpful. 

[ColoradoBills]

Personally I don't get the Duke hype or hate.

If Daboll has some confidence in Williams to do certain things this game might be the right time to activate him over Foster.

I stress might, but it could be a small wrinkle to throw against the Pats**** D for a couple of plays.

[Locomark]

Dear Mods, where can I find the block “Duke Williams for savior” threads from my feed ?

[Dopey]

19 minutes ago, Livinginthepast said:

Yes its called an opinion. what else is would it be?  In my case an opinion based on evidence this season. Duke has caught 90% of his targets and has 1 td. He performed when called upon and then he was dropped. Those are the Facts of his performance so far. I don't pretend to know what the coaches think, which is precisely why I suggested some clarity on Duke from them would be helpful. 

Clarity?! He's been inactive and not showing up on the injury reports. It can't get much clearer.  90% on 7 attempts, in 118 snaps. He was thrown to 7 times in 118 snaps! Maybe he's not able to get open enough to tale a roster spot.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

17 minutes ago, Livinginthepast said:

Yes its called an opinion. what else is would it be?  In my case an opinion based on evidence this season. Duke has caught 90% of his targets and has 1 td. He performed when called upon and then he was dropped. Those are the Facts of his performance so far. I don't pretend to know what the coaches think, which is precisely why I suggested some clarity on Duke from them would be helpful. 

 

But you didn't state and option you stated " I don't understand the logic of keeping Duke inactive when he could be improving this receiving corps right now."   That sounds like you are stating a fact to me.  And yes you are correct  too that you don't know what the coaches think, but expecting them to make some type of statement to the fan base is insane.  When someone has only caught a total of 6 passes, to state he has caught 90% is not very statistically valid if you actually understand statistics.

[Sundancer]

17 minutes ago, Locomark said:

Dear Mods, where can I find the block “Duke Williams for savior” threads from my feed ?

 

It's between the checkboxes for "Block Brandon Reilly for savior threads" and "Block Chris Hogan for savior threads."

 

 

[Alphadawg7]

1 hour ago, Dopey said:

Clarity?! He's been inactive and not showing up on the injury reports. It can't get much clearer.  90% on 7 attempts, in 118 snaps. He was thrown to 7 times in 118 snaps! Maybe he's not able to get open enough to tale a roster spot.

 

Yet he's out produced Foster, Roberts, and Smith in just 3 appearances.  So theres that.

 

Trivia time:  Who amongst these names ran a perfect route and caught a game winning TD and help us get to 10 wins?

A.  Foster

B.  Smith

C.  Duke

D.  Roberts

 

Trivia time #2:  Who has more catches?

A.  Foster

B.  Duke

C.  Roberts

D.  Smith

 

Duke, in just 3 active games has the same amount of catches on the season as Foster and Roberts have COMBINED.  He also has a game winning TD.  

 

Sorry, all your comments and your conquest against Duke have no merit.  You can literally yell 7 attempts in 118 snaps, yet that is still out performing Foster and Roberts COMBINED on the season.  Not to mention a game winning TD to help us actually WIN a game.  Something Foster, Smith, and Roberts have yet to do.  Smith has actually worked hard to lose us games with his penalties.  

 

PS:  Duke is a better blocker than Foster and Roberts too.  This TSW conquest against him in favor of 2 WRs NOT producing is utterly comical to me.

 

I would bet big money the reason Duke isnt active is because Daboll is stubborn.  He prefers to force his system, which favors small gadget players, rather than alter it to utilize personnel and size.  Its also why we aren't seeing more 2 TE sets with Knox and Kroft.  

Edited December 20, 2019 by Alphadawg7