Jump to content

No Defensive/Special Teams Touchdowns


wiseman3

Recommended Posts

Am I the only one concerned about this? We haven't had a pick 6, fumble recovery for TD, or any kick/punt returns for TD. Is this bad luck? Or a bigger problem? It seems like some teams (Steelers) have been huge with this and its won them some close games. It would be nice if we could get some additional scoring, especially when the offense needs a boost  

Edited by wiseman3
  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, wiseman3 said:

Am I the only one concerned about this? We haven't had a pick 6, fumble recovery for TD, or any kick/punt returns for TD. Is this bad luck? Or a bigger problem? It seems like some teams (Steelers) have been huge with this and its won them some close games. It would be nice if we could get some additional scoring, especially when the offense needs a boost  

 

It's killed us in all 4 losses that's for sure.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Most of the time defensive TDs are the result of a fortunate bounce.  If the strip sack against Dallas bounces up the right way, it’s a TD.   If that weird sideways pass Jackson threw that was deflected pops up in the air it might be a TD.  Point is, you can’t expect those things to happen, sometimes they just do.

 

I’d much rather have a defense that consistently limits opponents from moving the ball than one that gets a few flukey TDs.

  • Like (+1) 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 minutes ago, wiseman3 said:

Am I the only one concerned about this? We haven't had a pick 6, fumble recovery for TD, or any kick/punt returns for TD. Is this bad luck? Or a bigger problem? It seems like some teams (Steelers) have been huge with this and its won them some close games. It would be nice if we could get some additional scoring, especially when the offense needs a boost  


yes my Concern-o-Meter is reading off the charts on this completely arbitrary and luck-based statistic.

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 minutes ago, wiseman3 said:

Am I the only one concerned about this? We haven't had a pick 6, fumble recovery for TD, or any kick/punt returns for TD. Is this bad luck? Or a bigger problem? It seems like some teams (Steelers) have been huge with this and its won them some close games. It would be nice if we could get some additional scoring, especially when the offense needs a boost  


we did have the Hyde return.  But the point is well taken.  Increasing the turnover margin would be a helpful thing as the games get more important.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It’s kind of an oddity for a team with a 9-4 record. Some of it might be just bad luck, and some is the style of defense they’ve played most of the year. Generating lots of takeaways is usually not sustainable, so in a way it’s good. The bad side is the Bills have a technically sound defense , but are lacking in guys that force turnovers. It would certainly help matters, as the offense continues to struggle. 

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

So what you are saying is this style of winning IS sustainable?

 

I keed.  I saw an interesting stat about turnovers:

 

The 2016 Patriots became the first team to win a Super Bowl with less than 25 takeaways. They had 23, but were plus-12 and finished third overall. Only seven Super Bowl winners have ever finished with a negative number in the turnover category, with the 2015 Broncos (minus-4, ranked 19th) being the last one.

 

Currently the Bills only have 16.  The Niners, Patriots, Steelers, and Seahawks have already reached that threshold and all look to be playoff bound. 

 

There are 16 teams that have a positive to differential and only the Redskins, Cardinals, and Broncos have a losing record.  I found that to be the most interesting stat looking around.  

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

it is surprising we don't have one yet.  A lot of it may be the bills force a good number of punts so that limits the opportunities as less plays against them.  Still surprised we don't have one yet.  Sunday night would be a great time for one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it's the offense.  

 

Turnovers generally come from pressure.  Teams don't feel pressure against us because:

1) Our offense doesn't scare anyone.  The other team doesn't need to take chances because it's not like we're going to make them pay for 3 and outs, and our defensive secondary is SO dangerous that they're not going to throw into its teeth.  That's suicide.  We'd lead the league in picks if they did.

2) Our offense doesn't win the field position battle.  There's less pressure to make plays when you're not consistently in situations where you have to drive the whole field.

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Concerns me every single week good teams get those.  For those of you too young to remember watch some video of the early 90s Bills games. Seems like they were constantly getting those for some reason this team is not.

Edited by ALLEN1QB
Link to comment
Share on other sites

40 minutes ago, wiseman3 said:

Am I the only one concerned about this? We haven't had a pick 6, fumble recovery for TD, or any kick/punt returns for TD. Is this bad luck? Or a bigger problem? It seems like some teams (Steelers) have been huge with this and its won them some close games. It would be nice if we could get some additional scoring, especially when the offense needs a boost  

I would say points off turnovers is more of what I would like to see increase.  For instance in the Baltimore game we got that great pick...zero points.  Ravens get the fumble...7 points.  Direct D scoring would be great but with a short field after a turnover I would like to see more points converted.

  • Like (+1) 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

42 minutes ago, Luka said:

 

It's killed us in all 4 losses that's for sure.

 

Baltimore didn't have a defensive or Special Teams TD against us. Neither did the Eagles or Browns.  Only the Patriots had the blocked punt TD against us in a loss.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 minutes ago, BuffaloBillies said:

Well it's not from lack of trying on the KO return.

Roberts has the green light whenever he's "feeling it"

No kidding this is driving me nuts. He cost the Bills 5-10 yards of field position on a couple of kickoffs vs. Baltimore. 

 

I am not exactly "concerned" about the lack of ST or especially defensive touchdowns, but I do think it calls into question Roberts value to the team. He had one nice kick-off return and is clearly adept at fielding punts and picking up a few yards. So it's not like he's made egregious mistakes, but to hold down an active roster spot without contributing on offense at all, he needs to do more. 

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I expected more form  the ST unit with Roberts, but he is leading the league in avg KO return yardage I believe. On defense in 2017 we had 3 TD's, two off of fumble recoveries and the other an INT return. That year everything seemed to bounce our way. This year we haven't gotten those breaks, but are still 9-4 only needing one more victory in the last 3 games to get into the playoffs. It would be nice to get a fortunate TD here or there on defense and have a kick/punt returned for a TD, but such is life. Hopefully Lady Luck rolls with us once we get into January. :thumbsup:

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

 

Does anyone see what made him a pro bowl returner? I’m clearly missing something 

Probably some really well blocked returns ( one against the Bills I believe) He’s good and sure handed, but the Bills ST group is one of the worst at blocking that I’ve seen in a long time. They rarely get blocks set up for an effective return. At least they’ve stopped blocking guys in the back because they’re out of position. No block is still better than a penalty, but they’re really bad. 

  • Thank you (+1) 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

43 minutes ago, Bob Chandler's Hands said:

No kidding this is driving me nuts. He cost the Bills 5-10 yards of field position on a couple of kickoffs vs. Baltimore. 

 

I am not exactly "concerned" about the lack of ST or especially defensive touchdowns, but I do think it calls into question Roberts value to the team. He had one nice kick-off return and is clearly adept at fielding punts and picking up a few yards. So it's not like he's made egregious mistakes, but to hold down an active roster spot without contributing on offense at all, he needs to do more. 

I think the issue is that Baltimore's STs are good. It's one thing to return vs. Dallas, which has terrible STs, and another to try your luck against an old ST coach like Harbaugh. 

6 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

What's "technically" about it?  We had one

The funny thing is that it was a terrible idea to return it for a TD. He should have taken a knee and ended the game. The Bills D had to then go out and play something like another half-dozen plays before it ended. That's how unnecessary injuries happen. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, wiseman3 said:

Am I the only one concerned about this? We haven't had a pick 6, fumble recovery for TD, or any kick/punt returns for TD. Is this bad luck? Or a bigger problem? It seems like some teams (Steelers) have been huge with this and its won them some close games. It would be nice if we could get some additional scoring, especially when the offense needs a boost  

Yes we have. We have a kick return TD>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For those plays to churn out TDs, you need a combination of a mistake from your opponent, great simultaneous play by multiple Bills, and some luck.  It's not concerning, it's just the reality of how typical these plays are in general.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been looking for a big time defensive TD over the last few games, but no dice. I feel like it's gonna happen, though. Perhaps a rookie third string QB is just what they need to get a pick-six or a strip-sack-scoop-n-score...yeesh, say that five times fast. I'd been feeling like Edmunds was due to get a turnover and he got a pick Sunday... unfortunately the offense couldn't do jack with the extra possession. Hopefully it happens, players on defense have said several times this season that Frazier emphasizes taking the ball away constantly so it's not like they're not trying to get one, but tackling is priority. I just shake my head when you see a defender stand up to a ball carrier and try to strip the ball as opposed to making the tackle. Most times the defender ends up going for a ride as he's dragged across the field while the ball carrier picks up another 5-10  yards. 

 

I'mma call it. I never call anything, too afraid of the jinx but eff it, here goes: Edmunds with the pick-six midway through the 3rd this Sunday night.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Boatdrinks said:

Probably some really well blocked returns ( one against the Bills I believe) He’s good and sure handed, but the Bills ST group is one of the worst at blocking that I’ve seen in a long time. They rarely get blocks set up for an effective return. At least they’ve stopped blocking guys in the back because they’re out of position. No block is still better than a penalty, but they’re really bad. 

 

This is true, I wonder if they're being coached to just run interference & don't risk a border line penalty.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...