The REAL reason Duke Didnt Catch The TD Pass

[StHustle]

His left arm was hooked which forced an alligator arm attempt. There is NO QUESTION that he makes the catch if that didnt happen. In slow mo you can see he almost still made the grab. Great defense by the DB. Can we PLEASE put to bed the idea this was a drop???

 

 

On another note...why are you Duke haters so quick to label this guy as either a #5 or even not good enough to be in the league WHEN HE WAS A ROOKIE with very few games under his belt??

Why do top draft picks get the benefit of the doubt based on lack of experience when they are the ones supposed to be so much better than the undrafted guys? Seems undrafted guys are expected to kill it out the gate or they shouldnt be on the team. Duke has 5 NFL games under his belt. Lets compare his first 5 games to DK Metcalf who has a future HOF throwing to him and was the #2 guy on the roster:

 

DK - 

26 Targets
12 Receptions
2 TD
267 Yards

 

DuKe-

29 Targets
16 Receptions
1 TD
215 Yards

 

If Duke had Russell Wilson as his QB, who doubts Duke doesnt have just as good or better numbers than DK?? Let's be real here.

Edited January 7, 2020 by StHustle

[Ethan in Cleveland]

He doesn't have near the speed of DK.  Ran a 4.73 40 which is elite LT speed not #1 WR speed.  He didn't have more than a half a yard of separation most of the game.  They would be foolish not to bring him back but he is not the answer for WR #1.  

[Alphadawg7]

There are two people on this board:

• Those who think Duke is a scrub because he played in the CFL.
• Those who see a guy with some upside still and a different skill set than the other WRs on the roster, who also had first round pick potential before his disastrous senior year.

There is no in between.  There is no shifting anyone from one side to the other.  

 

Bottom line:  Duke bashers were wrong, they wont ever admit it, but they were because they said he would never make the roster, let alone start or contribute.  

 

That doesn't mean Duke is a lock for next years roster or is our future savior at WR.  It means, the kid has potential and he stuck around this long and made an impact at end of season for a reason.  I think he will be here competing again next year.  Whether or not he makes the team or where he is at on the depth chart I think will have a lot to do with what Beane does in both FA and Draft.

 

If Beane just drafts a guy, Duke is going to have a good shot to not only be on the team, but likely open up camp competing to start with the rookie.  If Beane both signs a guy like say AJ Green and also invests an early pick on a WR, then I think Duke is looking at competing for the 5th WR spot next year at best.  

 

On 1/6/2020 at 7:45 PM, Ethan in Portland said:

He doesn't have near the speed of DK.  Ran a 4.73 40 which is elite LT speed not #1 WR speed.  He didn't have more than a half a yard of separation most of the game.  They would be foolish not to bring him back but he is not the answer for WR #1.  

 

People keep saying this, but they keep leaving out a key detail...he had not been in game shape at the combine after being cut from the team after the bar fight.  He was faster than his 4.73 time...he still isn't blazing fast, and of course no where near DK, but he was always fast enough to get open in the NFL and has proven that.  

Edited January 8, 2020 by Alphadawg7

[Mr. WEO]

11 minutes ago, StHustle said:

His left arm was hooked which forced an alligator arm attempt. There is NO QUESTION that he makes the catch if that didnt happen. In slow mo you can see he almost still made the grab. Great defense by the DB.

 

 

On another note...why are you Duke haters so quick to label this guy as either a #5 or even not good enough to be in the league WHEN HE WAS A ROOKIE with very few games under his belt??

Why do top draft picks get the benefit of the doubt based on lack of experience when they are the ones supposed to be so much better than the undrafted guys? Seems undrafted guys are expected to kill it out the gate or they shouldnt be on the team. Duke has 5 NFL games under his belt. Lets compare his first 5 games to DK Metcalf who has a future HOF throwing to him and was the #2 guy on the roster:

 

DK - 

26 Targets
12 Receptions
2 TD
267 Yards

 

DuKe-

29 Targets
16 Receptions
1 TD
215 Yards

 

If Duke had Russell Wilson as his QB, who doubts Duke doesnt have just as good or better numbers than DK?? Let's be real here.

 

 

 

Rookie?  Is he related to that guy with the same name who was tearing it up in the CFL?

 

Keep up your crusade.  Never say die...

Edited January 7, 2020 by Mr. WEO

[transplantbillsfan]

Great angle.

 

When Allen threw it and I saw how it was coming to Duke I honestly thought it was going to be a TD.

 

Sucks. Game was just full of so many weird missed opportunities.

 

I really like Duke and think he has a shot to make the roster next year, but the reason he's a relative longshot to see much time on the field again simply has to do with investments.

 

John Brown and Cole Beasley are our obvious roster locks and will be on the field.

 

After that it's relatively open, except Daboll loves that Isaiah McKenzie type WR, so if it's not him, it's someone we pick up in FA or possibly in the draft.

 

But really what I think will almost certainly happen is we draft a guy in the 1st or 2nd round, and that's the guy who gets on the field because of the obvious investment.

 

Duke should have been active all year and Foster should have been inactive.

 

It's that simple.

 

With that time, Allen and him could have developed more chemistry that might have helped us even a little more in the playoffs.

 

Unfortunately, our coaches are stubbornly married to skills that match scheme rather than ability to play on a football field.

 

For that reason, I think Duke's time with the Bills in meaningful games is done.

[Buffalo86]

I banged the drum for the previous Duke Williams to get more playing time.  I'm sitting this one out.

[StHustle]

14 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

He doesn't have near the speed of DK.  Ran a 4.73 40 which is elite LT speed not #1 WR speed.  He didn't have more than a half a yard of separation most of the game.  They would be foolish not to bring him back but he is not the answer for WR #1.  

 

Whats your point? Measurables mean nothing in the league. Its your production that matters. Im comparing PRODUCTION

[Buffalo716]

13 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

There are two people on this board:

• Those who think Duke is a scrub because he played in the CFL.
• Those who see a guy who was going to be a first round pick before getting suspended who has upside and a skill set our other guys dont.

There is no in between.  There is no shifting anyone from one side to the other.  

 

Bottom line:  Duke bashers were wrong, they wont ever admit it, but they were because they said he would never make the roster, let alone start or contribute.  

 

That doesn't mean Duke is a lock for next years roster or is our future savior at WR.  It means, the kid has potential and he stuck around this long and made an impact at end of season for a reason.  I think he will be here competing again next year.  Whether or not he makes the team or where he is at on the depth chart I think will have a lot to do with what Beane does in both FA and Draft.

 

If Beane just drafts a guy, Duke is going to have a good shot to not only be on the team, but likely open up camp competing to start with the rookie.  If Beane both signs a guy like say AJ Green and also invests an early pick on a WR, then I think Duke is looking at competing for the 5th WR spot next year at best.  

 

 

People keep saying this, but they keep leaving out a key detail...he had not been in game shape at the combine after being cut from the team after the bar fight.  He was faster than his 4.73 time...he still isn't blazing fast, and of course no where near DK, but he was always fast enough to get open in the NFL and has proven that.  

There certainly is an in-between because I never thought either of those

 

And with his combine he was never going to be a first round pick.. he is a decent miss match guy who isn't as sure handed as some make him out

 

But he's clearly NFL caliber

 

[StHustle]

16 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

There are two people on this board:

• Those who think Duke is a scrub because he played in the CFL.
• Those who see a guy who was going to be a first round pick before getting suspended who has upside and a skill set our other guys dont.

There is no in between.  There is no shifting anyone from one side to the other.  

 

Bottom line:  Duke bashers were wrong, they wont ever admit it, but they were because they said he would never make the roster, let alone start or contribute.  

 

That doesn't mean Duke is a lock for next years roster or is our future savior at WR.  It means, the kid has potential and he stuck around this long and made an impact at end of season for a reason.  I think he will be here competing again next year.  Whether or not he makes the team or where he is at on the depth chart I think will have a lot to do with what Beane does in both FA and Draft.

 

If Beane just drafts a guy, Duke is going to have a good shot to not only be on the team, but likely open up camp competing to start with the rookie.  If Beane both signs a guy like say AJ Green and also invests an early pick on a WR, then I think Duke is looking at competing for the 5th WR spot next year at best.  

 

 

People keep saying this, but they keep leaving out a key detail...he had not been in game shape at the combine after being cut from the team after the bar fight.  He was faster than his 4.73 time...he still isn't blazing fast, and of course no where near DK, but he was always fast enough to get open in the NFL and has proven that.  

 

I get it....but based on the eye test from what you saw this year...would you keep Beasley over Duke?

[Alphadawg7]

1 minute ago, Buffalo716 said:

There certainly is an in-between because I never thought either of those

 

And with his combine he was never going to be a first round pick.. he is a decent miss match guy who isn't as sure handed as some make him out

 

But he's clearly NFL caliber

 

 

No, his combine came after he was out of football for months from the suspension.  While he was playing in season, he was already being projected as potential the first WR drafted.  He disappointed at the combine, and he even discussed how he was so down from getting kicked off the team and wasn't in the shape he should have been.  So people need to stop harping on the combine, it was not when he was in game shape and he was dealing with his personal issues still.  

[Happy]

From what i can see, Duke's problem is he has a hard time getting separation from the defender.  Other than that, he seems to be sure handed and doesn't have a problem with drops.  I think he's a #2 or 3 WR right now, not sure he'll get to #1 due to lack of speed.

[Buffalo716]

1 minute ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

No, his combine came after he was out of football for months from the suspension.  While he was playing in season, he was already being projected as potential the first WR drafted.  He disappointed at the combine, and he even discussed how he was so down from getting kicked off the team and wasn't in the shape he should have been.  So people need to stop harping on the combine, it was not when he was in game shape and he was dealing with his personal issues still.  

There are tons of players who are "projected" to go and they don't

 

All the teams didn't think he was worth it and that's a fact because he wasn't drafted in the first

 

And tons of players with baggage have been drafted high

Edited January 7, 2020 by Buffalo716

[HardyBoy]

Yeah, I saw it at the time...was sort of hoping it would get reviewed, but nope...damn nfl

Edited January 7, 2020 by HardyBoy

[StHustle]

2 minutes ago, Happy Gilmore said:

From what i can see, Duke's problem is he has a hard time getting separation from the defender.  Other than that, he seems to be sure handed and doesn't have a problem with drops.  I think he's a #2 or 3 WR right now, not sure he'll get to #1 due to lack of speed.

 

Yeah Duke isnt a #1 type guy but could make a very very good #2. As far as him getting separation... he led the team in targets his last 2 games. I highly doubt there was some agenda to force feed him the ball.

[Happy]

1 minute ago, StHustle said:

 

Yeah Duke isnt a #1 type guy but could make a very very good #2. As far as him getting separation... he led the team in targets his last 2 games. I highly doubt there was some agenda to force feed him the ball.

 

Well, he's built like a #1 and is the biggest WR we have.  Good target to have in traffic.

[transplantbillsfan]

Seriously though... I just can't stop watching it

 

[Alphadawg7]

2 minutes ago, StHustle said:

 

I get it....but based on the eye test from what you saw this year...would you keep Beasley over Duke?

 

Ok that is actually an interesting question.  Not really a fair one as they play different roles as Cole is a key slot contributor.

 

Truthfully, I think Duke has a lot more to offer still and could be a surprise come camp next year.  But Cole has a clearly more established resume and track record to go with his established chemistry with Josh.  Not to mention, Cole is a very cerebral player that will aid in Josh's development as well.  

 

I do not think it would ever come down to Cole or Duke on the depth chart given Cole is our slot guy and Duke is not a slot WR.  But being forced to pick one based on your question, I would still keep Beasley.  I mean he plays a vital role, has great chemistry with Josh already, and also is constantly in Josh's ear working to get better on the field which I think is too valuable to ignore.   

 

But I will say this:  If we ran a full season of Brown, Cole, and Duke as the starting 3 WR's...then I am not so sure Cole would out produce Duke.  

[Teddy KGB]

DK is a grown ass man who would’ve caught the ball.   
 

No free passes.   
 

Hit the weight room Duke, and he still dropped it.   
 

Your pic is after the bobble no ? 

Edited January 7, 2020 by Teddy KGB

[Alphadawg7]

11 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said:

There are tons of players who are "projected" to go and they don't

 

All the teams didn't think he was worth it and that's a fact because he wasn't drafted in the first

 

And tons of players with baggage have been drafted high

 

You are missing the point...DURING the season he was a certain first round pick, and potentially even the first WR taken.  Getting kicked off his team and then getting out of shape before the combine all in the same season is why he wasn't drafted.  

 

He went on to the CFL and got himself right first...his actual game speed is faster than his timed combine because he was out of shape at the combine from the depression of being kicked off the team.  He has admitted this already.  

 

His combine is not an accurate representation of his abilities when he is in shape.  That would be like me going out and running a 40 after a holiday season of getting fatter compared to running one this summer when I was outside and active all the time.   

[Buffalo716]

3 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

You are missing the point...DURING the season he was a certain first round pick, and potentially even the first WR taken.  Getting kicked off his team and then getting out of shape before the combine all in the same season is why he wasn't drafted.  

 

He went on to the CFL and got himself right first...his actual game speed is faster than his timed combine because he was out of shape at the combine from the depression of being kicked off the team.  He has admitted this already.  

 

His combine is not an accurate representation of his abilities when he is in shape.  That would be like me going out and running a 40 after a holiday season of getting fatter compared to running one this summer when I was outside and active all the time.   

Dorial green Beckham was kicked out of school and was still a second round pick... 

 

I get your point that at 1 point pundits projected him as a first rounder but so was Matt Barkley at one point BY pundits

 

 He may not be 4.7 slow but he isn't getting any younger and he certainly doenst run a 4.4... regardless he wasn't a early pick and players with baggage go high

 

He obviously has talent but he isn't an all pro . Hes a solid guy who has ALREADY PLAYED PRO FOOTBALL

Edited January 7, 2020 by Buffalo716

[Alphadawg7]

1 minute ago, Buffalo716 said:

Dorial green Beckham was kicked out of school and was still a second round pick... 

 

I get your point that at 1 point pundits projected him as a first rounder but so was Matt Barkley at one point BY pundits

 

 He may not be 4.7 slow but he isn't getting any younger and he certainly doenst run a 4.4... regardless he wasn't a early pick

 

Every players situation is different...Duke not only got kicked off the team, but he self admits he was immature and also considered quitting football all together after getting kicked off the team.  He had to find his love for the game again and by the time he did there wasn't much time before the combine and was out of shape.

 

Players kicked off teams who have maturity issues and show up to the combine out of shape don't normally get drafted.  And it wasn't at one point, it was based on how he was playing during the actual season.  Barkley fell out of the first round BECAUSE of his play during the season.  Duke was being projected for first round, and top WR in draft BECAUSE of his play during that season until his poor choices during the season derailed his future for a while.  

 

There is a big difference there.  It isn't like he was "projected" to be a first rounder BEFORE the season started then fell off because he didn't live up to expectations.  Barkely was projected to be a first rounder going into that last season then played his way out of his draft slot.  

[LABILLBACKER]

39 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

He doesn't have near the speed of DK.  Ran a 4.73 40 which is elite LT speed not #1 WR speed.  He didn't have more than a half a yard of separation most of the game.  They would be foolish not to bring him back but he is not the answer for WR #1.  

For now Duke's my #3. And while we're talking about receivers and 40 times I seem to recall Patrick (4.92) Dimarco running 3 jump ball deep routes this season. Both stupid & hilarious at the same time. Draft Shenault and sign Amari Cooper,  then you Duke haters all have my approval to slide Duke to WR5.

[Bronxbomber21]

What kinda luck is that for the CB i mean look at how out  of place he is thats a 100 to 1 luck 

[Punching Bag]

11 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

You are missing the point...DURING the season he was a certain first round pick, and potentially even the first WR taken.  Getting kicked off his team and then getting out of shape before the combine all in the same season is why he wasn't drafted.  

 

 

While I like Duke there is NOTHING to prove first round pick.  All pre-draft is mock and mock drafts should be mocked.

[TwistofFate]

Duke made some great plays, but the Duke also dropped some clutch catches. 

[Dopey]

59 minutes ago, StHustle said:

His left arm was hooked which forced an alligator arm attempt. There is NO QUESTION that he makes the catch if that didnt happen. In slow mo you can see he almost still made the grab. Great defense by the DB.

 

 

On another note...why are you Duke haters so quick to label this guy as either a #5 or even not good enough to be in the league WHEN HE WAS A ROOKIE with very few games under his belt??

Why do top draft picks get the benefit of the doubt based on lack of experience when they are the ones supposed to be so much better than the undrafted guys? Seems undrafted guys are expected to kill it out the gate or they shouldnt be on the team. Duke has 5 NFL games under his belt. Lets compare his first 5 games to DK Metcalf who has a future HOF throwing to him and was the #2 guy on the roster:

 

DK - 

26 Targets
12 Receptions
2 TD
267 Yards

 

DuKe-

29 Targets
16 Receptions
1 TD
215 Yards

 

If Duke had Russell Wilson as his QB, who doubts Duke doesnt have just as good or better numbers than DK?? Let's be real here.

I don't know where you got the picture, but that picture is AFTER Duke let's the ball go through his hands. He tried to catch his bobble and that gave the db a chance to make that play. That ball was placed perfectly. He should have caught that ball. Plus the Duke crowd swore this was the exact play he makes. He didn't and he never had more than a 1/2 step on his defender all night. He was open on one slant and for some reason the db was about 8 yds off the los. 1 minute left in regulation from our 47yd line and Josh hits Duke at the texans 33 yd line, in the hands. Perfect back shoulder throw. Hits him in the hands and yep, he lets it hit the ground. Again, the type of pass some of you swear he makes all the time. Shoulda had it. We would be 1st and 10 at their 33 driving for a td. Instead we're at our 47 yd line trying to get in fg range. 

"But he's open even when he's not", they say. Cuz he's never open. 

You just kinda said if the defender hadn't played defense, Duke would have caught it. Forget that Duke catches all the contested passes. Except for when he doesn't.

Edited January 7, 2020 by Dopey

[HappyDays]

That play was Duke's chance to show he belonged in the NFL and he failed. If he can't get separation he has to make the tough catches. Still better than Zay Jones though. I'll stand by that.

[Thurman#1]

2 hours ago, StHustle said:

His left arm was hooked which forced an alligator arm attempt. There is NO QUESTION that he makes the catch if that didnt happen. In slow mo you can see he almost still made the grab. Great defense by the DB. Can we PLEASE put to bed the idea this was a drop???

 

 

On another note...why are you Duke haters so quick to label this guy as either a #5 or even not good enough to be in the league WHEN HE WAS A ROOKIE with very few games under his belt??

Why do top draft picks get the benefit of the doubt based on lack of experience when they are the ones supposed to be so much better than the undrafted guys? Seems undrafted guys are expected to kill it out the gate or they shouldnt be on the team. Duke has 5 NFL games under his belt. Lets compare his first 5 games to DK Metcalf who has a future HOF throwing to him and was the #2 guy on the roster:

 

DK - 

26 Targets
12 Receptions
2 TD
267 Yards

 

DuKe-

29 Targets
16 Receptions
1 TD
215 Yards

 

If Duke had Russell Wilson as his QB, who doubts Duke doesnt have just as good or better numbers than DK?? Let's be real here.

 

 

Duke's arm was hooked after the ball hit his hands the first time. It was not hooked when the ball arrived.

 

Agreed he's young, and that it was a tough catch.

 

 

1 hour ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

Every players situation is different...Duke not only got kicked off the team, but he self admits he was immature and also considered quitting football all together after getting kicked off the team.  He had to find his love for the game again and by the time he did there wasn't much time before the combine and was out of shape.

 

Players kicked off teams who have maturity issues and show up to the combine out of shape don't normally get drafted.  And it wasn't at one point, it was based on how he was playing during the actual season.  Barkley fell out of the first round BECAUSE of his play during the season.  Duke was being projected for first round, and top WR in draft BECAUSE of his play during that season until his poor choices during the season derailed his future for a while.  

 

There is a big difference there.  It isn't like he was "projected" to be a first rounder BEFORE the season started then fell off because he didn't live up to expectations.  Barkely was projected to be a first rounder going into that last season then played his way out of his draft slot.  

 

 

Disagree about how well he performed that last year when you say he was projected "projected for first round, and top WR in draft BECAUSE of his play during that season". In his last year at Auburn, he played in five games before being thrown off the team. 147 yards and 1 TD in those five games.. His junior year 730 yards and 5 TDs. That's good, but not stunning.

 

His pre-draft 40 time was somewhere around 4.7 ( http://www.draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=131529&DraftYear=2016 )

 

He wasn't going to be the first WR drafted. Probably wouldn't have even been a first rounder, unless he had a terrific remainder of the season.

Edited January 7, 2020 by Thurman#1

[Alphadawg7]

14 minutes ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

Duke's arm was hooked after the ball hit his hands the first time. It was not hooked when the ball arrived.

 

Agreed he's young, and that it was a tough catch.

 

 

 

 

Disagree about how well he performed that last year when you say he was projected "projected for first round, and top WR in draft BECAUSE of his play during that season". In his last year at Auburn, he played in five games before being thrown off the team. 147 yards and 1 TD in those five games.. His junior year 730 yards and 5 TDs. That's good, but not stunning.

 

He is pre-draft 40 time was somewhere around 4.7 ( http://www.draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=131529&DraftYear=2016 )

 

He wasn't going to be the first WR drafted. Probably wouldn't have even been a first rounder, unless he had a terrific remainder of the season.

 

Ok well that makes more sense then.  I misunderstood from other Duke threads, I thought that 730 yards came out of his last season when someone had posted his college stats up.  Thanks for the clarity on that

 

Still, he was out of shape at the combine after getting kicked off the team, that part is still accurate.  He did enter the season as the talked about top WR in the draft though.

Edited January 7, 2020 by Alphadawg7

[LOVEMESOMEBILLS]

1 hour ago, StHustle said:

His left arm was hooked which forced an alligator arm attempt. There is NO QUESTION that he makes the catch if that didnt happen. In slow mo you can see he almost still made the grab. Great defense by the DB. Can we PLEASE put to bed the idea this was a drop???

 

 

On another note...why are you Duke haters so quick to label this guy as either a #5 or even not good enough to be in the league WHEN HE WAS A ROOKIE with very few games under his belt??

Why do top draft picks get the benefit of the doubt based on lack of experience when they are the ones supposed to be so much better than the undrafted guys? Seems undrafted guys are expected to kill it out the gate or they shouldnt be on the team. Duke has 5 NFL games under his belt. Lets compare his first 5 games to DK Metcalf who has a future HOF throwing to him and was the #2 guy on the roster:

 

DK - 

26 Targets
12 Receptions
2 TD
267 Yards

 

DuKe-

29 Targets
16 Receptions
1 TD
215 Yards

 

If Duke had Russell Wilson as his QB, who doubts Duke doesnt have just as good or better numbers than DK?? Let's be real here.

That is his second attempt to catch the ball, why didn't you show the first? Anyways here's the picture of the first attempt at the pass. Notice both arms seem to be free at that point.

 

 

Edited January 7, 2020 by LOVEMESOMEBILLS

[Doc Brown]

If he had the speed Metcalf had he'd be making 20-25 million a year on his second contract for the team lucky enough to draft him.

[John from Riverside]

1 hour ago, Ethan in Portland said:

He doesn't have near the speed of DK.  Ran a 4.73 40 which is elite LT speed not #1 WR speed.  He didn't have more than a half a yard of separation most of the game.  They would be foolish not to bring him back but he is not the answer for WR #1.  

This is where I am at as well......I absolutely think Duke has a place on this team....and I absolutely think we need to find a number 1 receiver.

 

 

[Thurman#1]

24 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

This is where I am at as well......I absolutely think Duke has a place on this team....and I absolutely think we need to find a number 1 receiver.

 

 

 

 

John Brown is a #1.

 

If we find someone better than him, great, but not especially likely.

 

What we need is a major upgrade on the folks below Brown and Beasley.

[transplantbillsfan]

1 hour ago, Teddy KGB said:

DK is a grown ass man who would’ve caught the ball.   
 

No free passes.   
 

Hit the weight room Duke, and he still dropped it.   
 

Your pic is after the bobble no ? 

 

Mmmmmmm... DK had 7 drops on 100 targets this year.

 

Let's not pretend he's superhuman hands guy all the sudden.

 

Duke had 2 on 19 targets and that one right there was a massively contested catch he likely would've caught if not for the DPI.

 

That said, I do wish we drafted Metcalf instead of Ford last year.

[John from Riverside]

5 minutes ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

John Brown is a #1.

 

If we find someone better than him, great, but not especially likely.

 

What we need is a major upgrade on the folks below Brown and Beasley.

The problem with this is as soon as corners start holding Brown with no call....that number 1 aura goes away very quickly.

 

We need big phsyical recievers that can fight through holds to go along with smoke

[Motorin']

3 minutes ago, transplantbillsfan said:

 

Mmmmmmm... DK had 7 drops on 100 targets this year.

 

Let's not pretend he's superhuman hands guy all the sudden.

 

Duke had 2 on 19 targets and that one right there was a massively contested catch he likely would've caught if not for the DPI.

 

That said, I do wish we drafted Metcalf instead of Ford last year.

You realize that's a 30% higher drop rate for Duke, right?

[Bermuda Triangle]

7 minutes ago, Motorin' said:

You realize that's a 30% higher drop rate for Duke, right?

 

more like 3%

[LOVEMESOMEBILLS]

8 minutes ago, transplantbillsfan said:

 

Mmmmmmm... DK had 7 drops on 100 targets this year.

 

Let's not pretend he's superhuman hands guy all the sudden.

 

Duke had 2 on 19 targets and that one right there was a massively contested catch he likely would've caught if not for the DPI.

 

That said, I do wish we drafted Metcalf instead of Ford last year.

Watch the game again, I just did as it was on the NFL Network. Duke's hands were free on the first attempt at the ball and he most certainly should've caught it. The replay in slow motion clearly showed that ball was right there for him to catch, the announcers even commented on it. Booger said something to the effect that Duke has got to get two hands on that. The arm isn't grabbed until the second attempt at the ball. Not the greatest picture, but you can see both his hands and arms were free to catch the ball. I recommend you rewatch the game again and see the replay of it, it's clear as day, it was a perfect pass.

 

 

[Motorin']

4 minutes ago, Bermuda Triangle said:

 

more like 3%

No dawg. Though it's a small sample size, Duke's averaging 10.5 drops per 100. 

 

10.5 - 7 = 3.5

 

So I was wrong. That 50% more drops. 

 

3.5 / 7 = .5

 

8 minutes ago, Bermuda Triangle said:

 

more like 3%

 

[transplantbillsfan]

5 minutes ago, Motorin' said:

You realize that's a 30% higher drop rate for Duke, right?

 

Fancy way of making something look much worse than it is.

 

Poster said DK would clearly come down with that, but Metcalf isn't exactly glue-hands.

 

7% vs 10.5%?

 

Wait wait...better yet... 7 drops for a guy who was CONSTANTLY in the game seeing game action and getting comfortable with his QB vs 2 drops who was active for only 5 total games (4 with Allen) and was still developing chemistry with his QB???? 

 

I'm tired of the Duke Williams discussion already. Honestly, the guy shouldve gotten a ton more playing time this year, but he didn't. Would it have changed outcomes of games? Maybe. I don't think we were ever Championship bound, but it might have gotten that single playoff win off our back.

 

Yes, I said that. Just him. He very easily could've been that difference.

 

Regardless, I think he's a fringe roster player next year because I believe (maybe I should say desperately hope...?) that Beane & Co saw that Allen pretty desperately needs a big bodied WR to throw to and so upgrades are coming in the offseason.

 

Duke Williams will just remain one of those "what-ifs" for the 2019 season even if he's not much of a cog in the machine moving forward.