Week 15: Bills at Steelers on SNF

[Hapless Bills Fan]

16 minutes ago, CincyBillsFan said:

I agree that the Steeler's have a very good defense that is dangerously opportunistic.  I was just saying that as good as the Steelers are on D they aren't as good as Baltimore's defense.  Having seen the Ravens play the last couple of weeks I think they have the best defense in the NFL.

 

One of our visiting Ravens fans made a case that since the Poe-birds acquired Peters at the trade deadline (last 6 games) their defense has been a different beast.

I pulled the data and crunched it and he has a case.  Through the whole season, they're 18 ppg ,18 1sts per game, 219 ypg passing, 96 ypg rushing, 1.5 TO/game

 

Through the last 6 games before yesterday, they were only giving up 13 ppg and 2 TO per game, which would basically have them tied with the Pats for 1st on ppg given up and just behind them on turnovers (Pats are 2.4 TO/game).

 

 

 

 

[CincyBillsFan]

3 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

I guess I'll put this here

 

McDermott Presser

https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1204144071805227009

 

Injury report was just Ty Nseckhe.  No one asked him about Josh's ankle

No one asked him about the report that he needed to be restrained in the tunnel or why he got so heated near the end of the 2nd half

 

Didn't say much about the offensive performance except that it's usually not one guy and it takes all 11 to make play.

 

Pretty vanilla.  One game at a time, got to fix stuff, starts with me. 

https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1204144071805227009

Daboll Presser

https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1204147506491351040

 

Talked about Knox being a tough-minded resiliant guy and telling Boras get him ready because we're going right back to him.

 

Again very vanilla, starts with me, thought Josh settled in as the game went on. 

 

Said Josh has a lot of responsibility for protections, can't call alert on every play but he did a lot of it.

 

Again no one asked him about Josh's ankle.

 

 

 

 

I'll be optimistic here and say no one asked because he didn't show any signs of a problem when he came back in. 

 

And they didn't take him into the tent on the sideline.  I mean if they had any concern they would have looked at it more closely rather then risk a season ending injury by putting him back in.

 

As for McD having to be restrained I get it.  The officials were terrible.  And while coaches won't say it I sure as hell will - the missed calls may have cost us the game.  And I saw a replay of that PI on Beasley that kept our last drive alive and if he doesn't knock Bease down that might have been a TD.

 

But the calls/non-calls that had McD steaming probably were:

 

* the lack of holding calls on the guy "blocking" Hughes

 

* the thin skinned unsportsmanlike penalty thrown on Hughes for evidently telling the ref to go back to Baltimore.  That gave the Ravens 15 yards and put the ball at our 4 yard line. 

 

*  the failure to call 12 men in the huddle on that 3rd down play in which the Ravens scored their 1st TD.  Back Baltimore up 5 yards there and the Ravens can't run the play they did and probably have to settle for a FG.

 

*  the failure to call PI on the deep throw to Foster.  Even Fouts threw a fit on the broadcast.

 

NFL officiating is bad and getting worse. 

 

 

[RaoulDuke79]

Steelers up to 2.5 point favorites. Seems crazy to me.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

1 hour ago, CincyBillsFan said:

To me this is the kind of game where the Bills should be very conservative on offense.  As others have pointed out the Steeler's are winning games with defensive & ST scoring.  We have to limit the TO's, especially early in the game.  If we want to attack them the 2nd half might be the better time if we're up like 10 - 6. 

 

There is NO way the Steeler's O should move the ball much against our D.  If the Bills O can score 17 - 20 points we win this game and are in the playoffs. 

 

And for the record, I don't think the Steeler's defense is as good as the Raven D is.

 

 

 

...disagree...should have stuck with the much better game plans over the last two or three....why play fearful now?.....I missed the memo...

[njbuff]

2 minutes ago, RaoulDuke79 said:

Steelers up to 2.5 point favorites. Seems crazy to me.

I get it.

 

The Steelers are home and the Buffalo offense just played a game where it looked like they had never seen a blitz before. And guess what the Steelers strength is?

 

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

44 minutes ago, CincyBillsFan said:

I'll be optimistic here and say no one asked because he didn't show any signs of a problem when he came back in. 

And they didn't take him into the tent on the sideline.  I mean if they had any concern they would have looked at it more closely rather then risk a season ending injury by putting him back in.

 

To be truthful, I think Josh is such a fierce competitor that they would have had to use his OL to get him into the tent for that. 

 

There was a video shot of them taping his ankle pretty aggressively on the sideline while he had both hands looking at plays on a Microsoft Surface, so presumably they felt like they could do all the ankle exam they needed to do on the sideline while he saw what he needed to see and talked to Barkley and whichever coach that is to his R (Dorsey?).  It's not like it's the "OBJ injury location" heh heh

 

 

As for "didn't show signs of a problem", he moved around OK but I don't think he ran significantly.  It had to have been hampering him.  My guess would be he got a shot of Toradol at halftime and couldn't feel it, but who knows where it will be come Weds. 

 

I guess that's part of the "gamesmanship" not really wanting to advertise to the next opponent something is wrong unless you have to

 

 

 

 

[Your Brown Eye]

This will be a battle. Steelers very much alive in the playoff race, at home, on national television. Bills need to bring same attitude and dog in them they brought to Dallas

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

8 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

 

Buffalo’s D held NE to 16 points even with 4 turnovers. 

so ummm. Not big news. 

 

Man Matt Parrino is a crack reporter 

Or a reporter on crack 

? 

[YoloinOhio]

2 minutes ago, SlimShady'sGhost said:

 

Buffalo’s D held NE to 16 points even with 4 turnovers. 

so ummm. Not big news. 

 

And their offense only had 1 TD

[Boatdrinks]

22 minutes ago, RaoulDuke79 said:

Steelers up to 2.5 point favorites. Seems crazy to me.

Not surprising, it’s a bad matchup for the Bills. If the Bills beat the blitz a few times yesterday and come out with a win, they’re favored by at least 3 over PIT. 

[Tesla03]

ppl got way too excited after Allen looked good against a mediocre cowboys team...the same that even Trubisky humiliated. 

 

he needs to start picking it up in these last 3 games and prove he is the franchise guy here. If he can't lead us to the playoffs its right back to square one. 

13 minutes ago, SlimShady'sGhost said:

 

Buffalo’s D held NE to 16 points even with 4 turnovers. 

so ummm. Not big news. 

 

Man Matt Parrino is a crack reporter 

Or a reporter on crack 

?

 

New englands offense is terrible 

[Steptide]

Please just beat the steelers. I really don't want our playoff hopes to come down to new England and the jets. 

[Boatdrinks]

7 minutes ago, Tesla03 said:

ppl got way too excited after Allen looked good against a mediocre cowboys team...the same that even Trubisky humiliated. 

 

he needs to start picking it up in these last 3 games and prove he is the franchise guy here. If he can't lead us to the playoffs its right back to square one. 

 

New englands offense is terrible 

When facing a top defense with talented secondaries, the Bills skill position guys fail to scare anyone. Brown is fast, but not physical. The TE is a rookie that has shown flashes at times, but drops the ball regularly. They still don’t know how to set up / run a screen effectively. Allen will struggle vs this type of defense ( not all teams have the skill to run it effectively though) without improved offensive players. If the problems continue with better players, then I’ll be worried. 

[longtimebillsfan]

22 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

I am seeing the Steelers as 2 point favorites.

[RaoulDuke79]

22 minutes ago, Steptide said:

Please just beat the steelers. I really don't want our playoff hopes to come down to new England and the jets. 

I'd like to be stress free before Christmas. 

[Blank Stare]

Not that it’s any surprise but Schefter just said both Juju and Connor eyeing return Sunday. They know what time it is. 

26 minutes ago, Steptide said:

Please just beat the steelers. I really don't want our playoff hopes to come down to new England and the jets. 

Exactly. Don’t think the Jets won’t be out to ruin our season if it comes down to that game. We did it to them a few years back when Fitz was there and division games are always unpredictable. 

[DisplacedBillsFan]

Expecting a nice stress free yet exciting win. 27-10 or better.

[Steptide]

24 minutes ago, RaoulDuke79 said:

I'd like to be stress free before Christmas. 

Would be so nice to watch the last 2 weeks care free. When was the last time that happened (other than losing seasons) 

[Dont Stop Billeiving]

3 hours ago, atlbillsfan1975 said:

God I hope so. It’s my wedding anniversary and we will be on vacation in Newport Beach California. Cherry on top to the day would be an easy Bills win.

Congrats! And have you been to Newport before? Probably my favorite place in California.

 

Apologies if you know all of this already, but Mutt Lynch's is a great beach bar for food/drinks, Stag Bar for late night/pool tables/pizza. Definitely rent some bikes and check out The Wedge!

 

Anyways hopefully the Bills can gift you a stress-free win!

[atlbillsfan1975]

1 minute ago, Dont Stop Billeiving said:

Congrats! And have you been to Newport before? Probably my favorite place in California.

 

Apologies if you know all of this already, but Mutt Lynch's is a great beach bar for food/drinks, Stag Bar for late night/pool tables/pizza. Definitely rent some bikes and check out The Wedge!

 

Anyways hopefully the Bills can gift you a stress-free win!

Thanks for the rec’s! 
please send anymore my way. I’ve never been to Newport but love everything California. My wife is from N. Cali and hope one day to move to the west coast. 
Go Bills!

[bkep32]

Pitt blitz just as much an as often as the ravens do.  If they dont scheme the OL to pick it up or the quick pass game to combat that it wont matter if juju or conner are back or not.  

[NewEra]

Next on Josh’s to do list:  figure out how to deal with the blitz

[Bob in STL]

I hope the Bills learned to start fast and not be in awe of anybody.   They could have beaten the Ravens if they made just a few more plays.  

 

This is is a very big game for our program.  I do not want to stumble into the playoffs by beating the Jets at home.  I want to beat Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh.  

 

 

[Dont Stop Billeiving]

1 hour ago, njbuff said:

I get it.

 

The Steelers are home and the Buffalo offense just played a game where it looked like they had never seen a blitz before. And guess what the Steelers strength is?

 

 

Honestly asking...I've seen this mentioned several times about the Steelers being one of the best blitzing teams and I would have assumed that too, but do the stats actually back this up? According to NFL Matchup on ESPN (they tweet out stats a lot), they aren't even in the top 10 (meanwhile the Ravens are 1st by a mile). 

 

No doubt that Watt, Dupree, and others provide an excellent pass rush, but good blitzing teams seem to be our biggest kryptonite at the moment and I think we match up better against the Steelers. I think the Bills have demonstrated that they're able to neutralize good pass rushers for the most part when they know where they're coming from throughout the season. 

 

Also, as @whatdrought mentioned, the Steelers have played some pretty trash offenses for the last 6-7 weeks to pad their turnover and sack stats. Bengals, Dolphins, Cardinals, Browns twice, Rams at their worst...no real tests since they played the Ravens in week 5.

 

Just my opinion, but I think we are likely undervaluing the Raven's defense and overestimating the Steelers a decent amount. 

 

[MasterStrategist]

4 minutes ago, Dont Stop Billeiving said:

Honestly asking...I've seen this mentioned several times about the Steelers being one of the best blitzing teams and I would have assumed that too, but do the stats actually back this up? According to NFL Matchup on ESPN (they tweet out stats a lot), they aren't even in the top 10 (meanwhile the Ravens are 1st by a mile). 

 

No doubt that Watt, Dupree, and others provide an excellent pass rush, but good blitzing teams seem to be our biggest kryptonite at the moment and I think we match up better against the Steelers. I think the Bills have demonstrated that they're able to neutralize good pass rushers for the most part when they know where they're coming from throughout the season. 

 

Also, as @whatdrought mentioned, the Steelers have played some pretty trash offenses for the last 6-7 weeks to pad their turnover and sack stats. Bengals, Dolphins, Cardinals, Browns twice, Rams at their worst...no real tests since they played the Ravens in week 5.

 

Just my opinion, but I think we are likely undervaluing the Raven's defense and overestimating the Steelers a decent amount. 

 

Agree. Steelers dont blitz alot, but when they do, typically slot blitz.  They have backed off their patented zone blitz, double a gap lb stunts.  Now with watt and Dupree, they play a lot of coverage and rely on the talented front four.  

 

Also, just a weird nugget but something everyone will notice (if not known already)....the steelers copied our 3rd down train horn, lol, prepare for their version of its 3rddddd downnnnnn

[Patrick Duffy]

It's going to suck Sasquatch balls sitting up watching this game and then having to turn around and get up at 4:30a.m Monday morning.  Ahh well, gotta do what ya gotta do, no way in hell I'm missing this game.

[Steptide]

11 minutes ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

It's going to suck Sasquatch balls sitting up watching this game and then having to turn around and get up at 4:30a.m Monday morning.  Ahh well, gotta do what ya gotta do, no way in hell I'm missing this game.

If the bills win and clinch a playoff spot, adrenaline and excitement will get you through Monday 

[RiotAct]

1 hour ago, TheProcess said:

Not that it’s any surprise but Schefter just said both Juju and Connor eyeing return Sunday. They know what time it is. 

Of course they are.  this is... dare I say it...... the Steelers’ SUPER BOWL.

[Scott7975]

1 hour ago, bkep32 said:

Pitt blitz just as much an as often as the ravens do.  If they dont scheme the OL to pick it up or the quick pass game to combat that it wont matter if juju or conner are back or not.  

 

 

The Ravens have blitzed on 240 plays 47.8% of dropbacks

The Steelers have blitzed on 170 plays 33.7% of dropbacks

 

That may not include yesterdays games.

Edited December 10, 2019 by Scott7975

[Buffalo Junction]

10 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

He’s auditioning for Fisher King the musical this winter. 

[Scott7975]

59 minutes ago, Dont Stop Billeiving said:

Honestly asking...I've seen this mentioned several times about the Steelers being one of the best blitzing teams and I would have assumed that too, but do the stats actually back this up? According to NFL Matchup on ESPN (they tweet out stats a lot), they aren't even in the top 10 (meanwhile the Ravens are 1st by a mile). 

 

No doubt that Watt, Dupree, and others provide an excellent pass rush, but good blitzing teams seem to be our biggest kryptonite at the moment and I think we match up better against the Steelers. I think the Bills have demonstrated that they're able to neutralize good pass rushers for the most part when they know where they're coming from throughout the season. 

 

Also, as @whatdrought mentioned, the Steelers have played some pretty trash offenses for the last 6-7 weeks to pad their turnover and sack stats. Bengals, Dolphins, Cardinals, Browns twice, Rams at their worst...no real tests since they played the Ravens in week 5.

 

Just my opinion, but I think we are likely undervaluing the Raven's defense and overestimating the Steelers a decent amount. 

 

 

I cant find the exact rating but I did find that Pitts has given up 21 passing TDs while blitzing.  Baltimore only 11.  Through week 13 anyways.

Edited December 10, 2019 by Scott7975

[billsherd]

2 hours ago, TheProcess said:

Not that it’s any surprise but Schefter just said both Juju and Connor eyeing return Sunday. They know what time it is. 

 

This definitely makes Steelers offense look much better. Hopefully we can confuse Hodges and get some picks. 

[Big Blitz]

Pittsburgh isn't Blitzburgh right now.  Its Watt and Dupree causing havoc and so help me God if I see Knox one on one with either of them I'm storming the booth and snatching Dabol's headset.  

 

We're going to have to play mistake free.  They are making their living off turnovers.  And you cannot run on them.  They just don't allow anything on the ground. 

 

Still working on a game plan I'll report back by Wednesday lol..

[Buffalo Junction]

39 minutes ago, RiotAct said:

Of course they are.  this is... dare I say it...... the Steelers’ SUPER BOWL.

No, but it’s basically a playoff game for both teams. Sunday night game with a ton on the line. We win and we’re in. They win and they’re in control of their fate. This game is going to be hard fought and the crowd will be in it unless we shut them up. 

18 minutes ago, Big Blitz said:

Pittsburgh isn't Blitzburgh right now.  Its Watt and Dupree causing havoc and so help me God if I see Knox one on one with either of them I'm storming the booth and snatching Dabol's headset.  

 

We're going to have to play mistake free.  They are making their living off turnovers.  And you cannot run on them.  They just don't allow anything on the ground. 

 

Still working on a game plan I'll report back by Wednesday lol..

I’d love to see Daboll bait one of them though. Have Singletary and Knox on one side, have Knox “get burned” followed by a Singletary “whiff” and a screen. 

[Big Blitz]

14 minutes ago, Buffalo Junction said:

 

I’d love to see Daboll bait one of them though. Have Singletary and Knox on one side, have Knox “get burned” followed by a Singletary “whiff” and a screen. 

 

 

Yep.  We do not do enough of that.  If teams are going to be coming hard at Josh its time to get a little more creative than bubble screens to McKenzie.

[Stank_Nasty]

30 minutes ago, Big Blitz said:

Pittsburgh isn't Blitzburgh right now.  Its Watt and Dupree causing havoc and so help me God if I see Knox one on one with either of them I'm storming the booth and snatching Dabol's headset.  

 

We're going to have to play mistake free.  They are making their living off turnovers.  And you cannot run on them.  They just don't allow anything on the ground. 

 

Still working on a game plan I'll report back by Wednesday lol..

They allow 101 rush yds a game. Good for 9th in the league. Definitely solid, but a mere 4 less yds a game than us and the run game is considered a liability for buffalo. 

[Johnnycage46]

We havent lost back to back this year.  I like our chances.  Will be tough considering the venue, opposing coach, Steelers D....BUT...I like our chances on D against the Steelers O.  Would love to clinch Sunday night and just hope for "fun" games last 2 games of the season.

[Buffalo Junction]

22 minutes ago, Big Blitz said:

 

 

Yep.  We do not do enough of that.  If teams are going to be coming hard at Josh its time to get a little more creative than bubble screens to McKenzie.

That’s the kicker.... Teams think Knox and Singletary aren’t the best blockers.... USE IT... Get a big play and it’ll slow down the rush. 

[Cheektowaga Chad]

Regarding the blitz vs the ravens, the bills missed the plays they had when protection held up. If they hit on those plays or even one of them the blitzes will slow. One play in particular was a dropped pass by singletary that would have went for a very large gain.

 

A key to beat the blitz, hit a big play. They had the opportunities yesterday just didn't convert

[Blank Stare]

42 minutes ago, Cheektowaga Chad said:

Regarding the blitz vs the ravens, the bills missed the plays they had when protection held up. If they hit on those plays or even one of them the blitzes will slow. One play in particular was a dropped pass by singletary that would have went for a very large gain.

 

A key to beat the blitz, hit a big play. They had the opportunities yesterday just didn't convert

We’ve also had really unfortunate winds at home games this year. Worse than I can recall in the past. Seems like most of our home games this year have had difficult winds. Josh has certainly struggled this year with the deep ball, but even a little wind can compound the problem.