Sean McDermott wants Bills to remain as intact as possible

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

3 hours ago, papazoid said:

total nonsense,,,,just coach speak

 

you will see another  massive overhaul

 

likely gone to name a few

Gore

Yeldon

dimarco

Kroft 

lee smith

long

trent murphy

lawson

lo alexander

 

To me an overhaul is akin to replacing the entire O Line save one player. 

 

Gore - I liked the get because of the experience he brought

Yeldon - IMO never contributed to the run game, but his pass catching was better than I had expected those few games he played. Buh Bye 

 

 

PLAYER (19) POS. AGE STATUS   Jordan Phillips DT 27 UFA Keep Spencer Long C 29 CO Keep Lorenzo Alexander OLB 37 UFA RETIRED Kevin Johnson CB 28 UFA ?? Shaq Lawson DE 26 UFA Keep Quinton Spain G 29 UFA Keep LaAdrian Waddle RT 29 UFA IR all season … Keep for 1 more year?  Frank Gore RB 37 UFA Thanks for your contributions Julian Stanford OLB 29 UFA ?? Maurice Alexander LB 30 UFA ?? Kurt Coleman FS 32 UFA ?? Corey Liuget DT 30 UFA ?? Senorise Perry RB 28 UFA ST need? Isaiah McKenzie WR 25 RFA Keep Dean Marlowe SS 28 RFA ?? Jason Croom TE 26 ERFA ?? Levi Wallace CB 25 ERFA ?? Robert Foster WR 26 ERFA ?? Isaac Asiata G 27 RFA ??   the ??  It wouldn't bother me to see them move on.

1 hour ago, BillsVet said:

 

One weekend's worth of football doesn't change a decade plus trend that has demonstrated you've got to have a strong offense to win in the post-season.  Even still, Buffalo is a 25-25 team with the offense they've put on the field under McD.

 

I'll take my chances with a really strong offense and enough defense versus a pedestrian offense and excellent defense. 

 

 

I think I've heard this a number of times 

 

It's not what you do in the regular season but what you do in the Post Season.  

 

10 wins and a Mulluigan (JETS) got them there.  Add the right WR and TE set and they can do it again. imo

 

2 hours ago, Best Williams Available said:

When we get to the SB (and win) we can revisit this idea. Until then, let’s get a team on players capable of getting us there first.

 

Which is why (homerism) I translated that into

 

Keep the Studs, lose the Duds. 

2 hours ago, TheFunPolice said:

These guys have been known to surprise us before.

 

Did ANYONE see them trying to trade for Antonio Brown? 

 

I heard talk of interest, but when they heard the asking price they were still laughing after they hung up the phone

Edited January 9, 2020 by SlimShady'sGhost

[jrober38]

3 hours ago, SlimShady'sGhost said:

 

Points scored in regulation for this past weekends playoff games - 

 

19, 20, 20, 17. 

 

Buffalo's season average  PPG - 19.0

 

A few things.

 

1. The Bills played the worst defense that made the playoffs this year

 

2. The Bills played the 26th hardest strength of schedule this year and were still 23rd in points scored.

 

(next year we play the 5th hardest SoS based off 2019 results). 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

1 minute ago, jrober38 said:

 

A few things.

 

1. The Bills played the worst defense that made the playoffs this year

 

2. The Bills played the 26th hardest strength of schedule this year and were still 23rd in points scored.

 

(next year we play the 5th hardest SoS based off 2019 results). 

 

Enough of the lame excuses.

 

Your beloved Patriots played the same damn schedule and lost to 99% of the playoff teams they faced.

[jrober38]

3 minutes ago, SlimShady'sGhost said:

 

Enough of the lame excuses.

 

Your beloved Patriots played the same damn schedule and lost to 99% of the playoff teams they faced.

 

LOL

When have I ever liked the Pats. 

 

What the hell does the rest of your post even mean?

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

3 minutes ago, jrober38 said:

 

LOL

When have I ever liked the Pats. 

 

What the hell does the rest of your post even mean?

 

We ALL know you do your best to trash the Bills.  YET I gave you the courtesy of one reply.

 

I'd say thanks for the contribution, but that would be a lie.  

[jrober38]

2 minutes ago, SlimShady'sGhost said:

 

We ALL know you do your best to trash the Bills.  YET I gave you the courtesy of one reply.

 

I'd say thanks for the contribution, but that would be a lie.  

 

Cool.

 

I post a couple of facts you don't like and you get completely bent out of shape and throw a temper tantrum.

 

Hilarious. 

[Reed83HOF]

23 minutes ago, jrober38 said:

 

A few things.

 

1. The Bills played the worst defense that made the playoffs this year

 

2. The Bills played the 26th hardest strength of schedule this year and were still 23rd in points scored.

 

(next year we play the 5th hardest SoS based off 2019 results). 

You're not wrong and you need to be right around the 21-24 points per game threshold - this has been a big issue with us for a long ass time. 

 

It has been mentioned in this thread (and I have mentioned in numerous threads as well) against Cover 0, we have no answer for it and cannot beat it. Our pass catchers (WR & TEs)

 

1.) do not get enough separation consistently against the better DBs in the league

2.) have had their fair share of drops this year 

3.) are not good at contested catches

4.) don't generate a ton of YAC

 

The WR we should be targeting in RD1 should have these traits and be an explosive athletic freak (the Beane DNA) and we need an RT and a better TE that Kroft & Smith. 

3 hours ago, papazoid said:

total nonsense,,,,just coach speak

 

you will see another  massive overhaul

 

likely gone to name a few

Gore

Yeldon

dimarco

Kroft 

lee smith

long

trent murphy

lawson

lo alexander

These are all players who can and should be upgraded. They keep saying the want to keep and resign the core, none of these guys represent the core. The core is Dawkins, Allen, Edmunds, Milano, Oliver & White. Singletary will likely be a core guy 

Edited January 9, 2020 by Reed83HOF

[jrober38]

1 minute ago, Reed83HOF said:

You're not wrong and you need to be right around the 21-24 points per game threshold - this has been a big issue with us for a long ass time. 

 

It has been mentioned in this thread (and I have mentioned in numerous threads as well) against Cover 0, we have no answer for it and cannot beat it. Our pass catchers (WR & TEs)

 

1.) do not get enough separation consistently against the better DBs in the league

2.) have had their fair share of drops this year 

3.) are not good at contested catches

4.) don't generate a ton of YAC

 

The WR we should be targeting in RD1 should have these traits and be an explosive athletic freak (the Beane DNA) and we need an RT and a better TE that Kroft & Smith. 

 

I agree with all of your points. I'd also add one more which is that Allen often fails to recognize an all out blitz when it's coming and thinks he'll have way more time to throw than he actually does. His pre snap recognition isn't the best. He also struggles to beat man coverage because he doesn't naturally throw with anticipation. He's better at beating zone because when guys are open, they're open and he's got the arm strength to beat defenders who are sitting in zone, waiting to break on the ball. When he needs to anticipate a small window, he often struggles. 

 

With how good the upcoming wide receiver class is, I hope the Bills double dip. Grab one early and grab one late and really build out the depth chart. 

 

The Bills showed against Houston they aren't married to playing Beasley when they played Duke ahead of him for much of the game. The Bills need to do whatever it takes to add talent to the WR position, and with so much talent available it could be a good year to grab another guy in the 4th round. Because there is so much talent available at that position, there might be a late 2nd/early 3rd talent available when we pick in the 4th round. 

[Putin]

19 hours ago, SlimShady'sGhost said:

Sean McDermott wants Bills to remain as intact as possible
 

Head coach Sean McDermott and General Manager Brandon Beane have spent a lot of time overhauling the Bills roster since joining the organization in 2017, but McDermott’s hope for this offseason isn’t centered around bringing new faces to Buffalo.

 

McDermott said at a Tuesday press conference that a team picks up a different identity every year, but that he hopes to “keep as much of this team intact as possible” heading into next season. He said that his experience with the Panthers after Super Bowl 50 has colored his thinking on the subject.

 

“One of the things that happened when we came off the Super Bowl in Carolina is we probably let too many of the leaders out of the building,” McDermott said, via the Buffalo News. “Some of that comes with retirements and other factors. That’s part of what I meant with keeping as much of this team intact as possible. Each team is different but you give yourself a better chance if you keep the team intact.”

 

 

 

mods merge if duplicated 

 

I generally agree with this  but we do need to add few more key pieces to this offense , If our goal is going to be HOSTING a playoff game , winning a division and a bye week ( IMO ) should be the next step !!!

[tcampbell104]

17 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

Need two good WRs, IMO. 

 

Too many useless WRs on this roster currently. Foster, Roberts, and McKenzie is good for a jet sweep that’s about it.

the blocking for roberts sucked improve that and he will be an awesome return man

[May Day 10]

This kind of speaks to my one fear of McDermott and Beane.

 

They create this family, fun, and football atmosphere here.... which seems to be great, and the players buy in.  

 

However, I hope it doesnt bring too much emotion to it and cloud their judgement when re-signing their players.  Good teams often allow performers to sign elsewhere, knowing that the delta between them and an rookie wage player (or someone waiting in the wings) will not be that severe.  This will become especially important if/when Josh Allen gets starting QB money.  

 

It also makes things like Lee Smith and Croom happen.  Great guys im sure.  Connected.  But no roster room or money for them.

Edited January 9, 2020 by May Day 10

[Reed83HOF]

12 minutes ago, jrober38 said:

 

I agree with all of your points. I'd also add one more which is that Allen often fails to recognize an all out blitz when it's coming and thinks he'll have way more time to throw than he actually does. His pre snap recognition isn't the best. He also struggles to beat man coverage because he doesn't naturally throw with anticipation. He's better at beating zone because when guys are open, they're open and he's got the arm strength to beat defenders who are sitting in zone, waiting to break on the ball. When he needs to anticipate a small window, he often struggles. 

 

With how good the upcoming wide receiver class is, I hope the Bills double dip. Grab one early and grab one late and really build out the depth chart. 

 

The Bills showed against Houston they aren't married to playing Beasley when they played Duke ahead of him for much of the game. The Bills need to do whatever it takes to add talent to the WR position, and with so much talent available it could be a good year to grab another guy in the 4th round. Because there is so much talent available at that position, there might be a late 2nd/early 3rd talent available when we pick in the 4th round. 

We have an extra 5th and 2 extra 6ths to use to move around as well; I expect us to be fairly aggressive in targeting the WRs we want.

 

I agree with what you say about Allen, he is also prone to panicking. Continued upgrades on the OL and sure handed WRs/TEs who don't drop the ball should provide quick outlets that will help as well.

7 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

This kind of speaks to my one fear of McDermott and Beane.

 

They create this family, fun, and football atmosphere here.... which seems to be great, and the players buy in.  

 

However, I hope it doesnt bring too much emotion to it and cloud their judgement when re-signing their players.  Good teams often allow performers to sign elsewhere, knowing that the delta between them and an rookie wage player (or someone waiting in the wings) will not be that severe.  This will become especially important if/when Josh Allen gets starting QB money.  

 

It also makes things like Lee Smith and Croom happen.  Great guys im sure.  Connected.  But no roster room or money for them.

I don't see Beane being prone to this, McD might be

[Best Williams Available]

It’s interesting to me he used the word “leaders” and not “talent”. I think we are putting words in his mouth talking about the talented players only. It’s proven this guy loves old less talented leaders and puts a premium on these players. Sometimes to the detriment of talent.
 

The more I think about talent the more I think the greatest talent (best NFL players) were frequently not leaders. Many (most?) were self-centered guys with a tremendous amount of individualistic drive to be the best at their position.

[BillsVet]

1 hour ago, SlimShady'sGhost said:

I think I've heard this a number of times 

 

It's not what you do in the regular season but what you do in the Post Season.  

 

10 wins and a Mulluigan (JETS) got them there.  Add the right WR and TE set and they can do it again. imo

 

There's a reason McD talked at the Combine about needing to score 21 or more to have a chance to win NFL games.

 

Teams scoring 21 or more points have won 46 of the last 55 playoff games from 2014 and 2018. 

 

Gotta score at a higher rate than 19 per game and I trust that McD and Beane will allocate the resources to improve the offense for 2020.  Otherwise, their ceiling is probably 9-10 wins. 

Edited January 9, 2020 by BillsVet

[Mango]

Just heard, good football team wants to keep as many of its good players as possible. BIG if true

[BuffaloBills1998]

5 hours ago, papazoid said:

total nonsense,,,,just coach speak

 

you will see another  massive overhaul

 

likely gone to name a few

Gore

Yeldon

dimarco

Kroft 

lee smith

long

trent murphy

lawson

lo alexander

I see us retaining Lawson everyone else on that list is a goner for sure 

[LabattBlue]

For all those worrying...there is ZERO chance Gore is back with the Bills in 2020.  His HoF career is over and he will ride off into the sunset.

[tcampbell104]

13 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

I don't care. He can't play WR. 

he didnt get a lot of chances to build chemistry with josh. anyway he's not going to be one of the top three

Edited January 9, 2020 by tcampbell104

[tcampbell104]

Just now, ScottLaw said:

I'd hope the upgrade the WR room enough where he's borderline to make the roster. They shouldn't be wasting roster spots on WRs who are useless offensively. 

sorry but with an improved offense, starting field position will make a big deal for the offense. if you disagree we'll leave it at that.

[reddogblitz]

3 hours ago, Reed83HOF said:

You're not wrong and you need to be right around the 21-24 points per game threshold - this has been a big issue with us for a long ass time. 

 

Actually, this is not true.

 

The year before Coach McDermott and GM Beane arrived we averaged 24.9 points per game and 23.7 the year before that.

 

I love ? tons about what Coach McDermott has done. The D is awesome. Great culture and teamwork.  PLAYOFFS!!!!!

 

But his offensive performance has been abysmal.   After 3 years and a total offensive rebuild, this is the best we can do? 19 points per? Sad.  

[TheFunPolice]

I think the offense is close. 

 

Draft a top WR prospect, sign another Brown/Beasley level WR in free agency, and get a bruiser type RB to pair with Singletary. 

 

Do those 3 things and bring back Spain and I think you see vastly improved offense. Also, sign Dalton to be the backup QB. 

[John from Riverside]

To me (besides the pass catcher's and rb position) it is increasingly likely that Spain walks and Cody Ford moves into LG.

 

If that happens we are definately looking at RT (unless they really like Waddle) because Ty. has not been able to stay healthy

[Reed83HOF]

20 minutes ago, reddogblitz said:

 

Actually, this is not true.

 

The year before Coach McDermott and GM Beane arrived we averaged 24.9 points per game and 23.7 the year before that.

 

I love ? tons about what Coach McDermott has done. The D is awesome. Great culture and teamwork.  PLAYOFFS!!!!!

 

But his offensive performance has been abysmal.   After 3 years and a total offensive rebuild, this is the best we can do? 19 points per? Sad.  

But we couldn't pass the ball and TT was not bringing us back from being down...

[Fixxxer]

8 hours ago, SlimShady'sGhost said:

 

That can be read as

More weapons on the Offense are needed to ensure more points.

 

that's how I read it as well. They weren't looking for scapegoats on offense, they were implying more help is needed (and development from Allen)

[reddogblitz]

3 minutes ago, Reed83HOF said:

But we couldn't pass the ball and TT was not bringing us back from being down...

 

But we could sure score points.  Put an offense that productive with this team we are playing this weekend and possibly favored.

 

Fat lot of good being able to pass the football did Saturday.  And no one brought us back from being down.  BECAUSE WE COULDN'T SCORE POINTS.

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

3 hours ago, BillsVet said:

 

There's a reason McD talked at the Combine about needing to score 21 or more to have a chance to win NFL games.

 

Teams scoring 21 or more points have won 46 of the last 55 playoff games from 2014 and 2018. 

 

Gotta score at a higher rate than 19 per game and I trust that McD and Beane will allocate the resources to improve the offense for 2020.  Otherwise, their ceiling is probably 9-10 wins. 

I’ve see it written that 1 player can change the outcome to 3 to 7 points per game.   
 

on offense those points will get the 21 points he spoke to.  
 

I’ll repeat myself.    Keep the good, replace the bad.  

[PromoTheRobot]

On 1/8/2020 at 5:26 PM, SlimShady'sGhost said:

Sean McDermott wants Bills to remain as intact as possible
 

Head coach Sean McDermott and General Manager Brandon Beane have spent a lot of time overhauling the Bills roster since joining the organization in 2017, but McDermott’s hope for this offseason isn’t centered around bringing new faces to Buffalo.

 

McDermott said at a Tuesday press conference that a team picks up a different identity every year, but that he hopes to “keep as much of this team intact as possible” heading into next season. He said that his experience with the Panthers after Super Bowl 50 has colored his thinking on the subject.

 

“One of the things that happened when we came off the Super Bowl in Carolina is we probably let too many of the leaders out of the building,” McDermott said, via the Buffalo News. “Some of that comes with retirements and other factors. That’s part of what I meant with keeping as much of this team intact as possible. Each team is different but you give yourself a better chance if you keep the team intact.”

 

 

 

mods merge if duplicated 

 

 

All things said are open to change as needed.

[billsfan89]

I think they keep 2 out of 3 of the "Big 3" free agents (Spain, Shaq, and Phillips.) Retain Wallace and Foster as exclusive rights free agents and add 1-2 big pieces to complement the roster a bit before going to fill any remaining needs via the draft. 

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

6 hours ago, jrober38 said:

 

A few things.

 

1. The Bills played the worst defense that made the playoffs this year

 

2. The Bills played the 26th hardest strength of schedule this year and were still 23rd in points scored.

 

(next year we play the 5th hardest SoS based off 2019 results). 

 Good news is 2019 results mean nada with regards to next year’s actual sos

1 hour ago, SlimShady'sGhost said:

I’ve see it written that 1 player can change the outcome to 3 to 7 points per game.   
 

on offense those points will get the 21 points he spoke to.  
 

I’ll repeat myself.    Keep the good, replace the bad.  

why can’t it jus be that simple?  
 

Or keep everyone you can,

 

attempt to upgrade weakest areas. 

 

Select the best roster when building the 53

 

 

[Chaos]

I am a bit of a broken record on this subject.  If the Bills are really thinking of themselves as "championship" caliber rather than "playoff" caliber, they need to switch focus from improving the team from the year before and focus on what it is going to take to go from winning zero playoff games to winning 3 or 4 playoff games in a row.  This means figuring out how to get better than the chiefs and ravens. Our QB may become just as good as Mahomes and Jackson. He is not going to become better (neither is any other young QB).   I just don't see how keeping things intact and making small incremental moves propels us past those teams, unless you think those teams are going to collapse. 

Edited January 10, 2020 by Chaos

[ComradeKayAdams]

19 minutes ago, Chaos said:

I am a bit of a broken record on this subject.  If the Bills are really thinking of themselves as "championship" caliber rather than "playoff" caliber, they need to switch focus from improving the team from the year before and focus on what it is going to take to go from winning zero playoff games to winning 3 or 4 playoff games in a row.  This means figuring out how to get better than the chiefs and ravens. Our QB may become just as good as Mahomes and Jackson. He is not going to become better (neither is any other young QB).   I just don't see how keeping things intact and making small incremental moves propels us past those teams, unless you think those teams are going to collapse. 

 

100% agree. At bare minimum, the Bills need to improve on the following:

 

1. Upgrade from Gore as the between-the-tackles power RB.

2. Replacement of Alexander at Sam LB.

3. Genuine #1 WR (the "X" WR) with a large catch radius.

4. A young or relatively young DE who can at least share reps with Hughes but eventually replace him.

5. One more good OL (RT or RG, depending on Ford's situation).

 

Incremental improvements on offense will not suffice. The Bills need to go from the #24 offense to somewhere within the top 10 if they want to overtake the Chiefs and Ravens. Josh Allen doesn't need to be as good as Mahomes or Jackson, but he needs to be solidly above average and he needs help in the form of at least one significant upgrade at RB, WR/TE, and OL...as outlined above.

 

I also noticed that Sean McDermott is already among the 15 longest-tenured head coaches in the NFL. 6 of them have already won a Super Bowl, all within the first 5 years of coaching. An additional 2 at least have made it to the Super Bowl. An additional 4 are currently alive in the second round of the playoffs. Finally, the 2 remaining (ironically both former Bills head coaches: Marrone and Lynn) have already won playoff games before but are both likely to be fired next year. So my point is that another one and done playoff appearance should not be acceptable. Neither should be getting swept by the Patriots again when all of the other 4 AFC playoff teams have shown this season that they are capable of beating them. Bills fans need to shake off the legacy of failure from the Drought Era and raise their expectations!

[Thurman#1]

On 1/9/2020 at 7:46 AM, NoHuddleKelly12 said:

Next year’s identity—pedal to the metal on O? I anticipate at least a couple splash signings to bolster that side of the ball in addition to what should be another good draft day haul. 

 

 

If by splash signings you mean guys like Clowney, or guys who are the #1 FAs at key positions, I really doubt it. They've said all along that they will build through the draft and supplement with low- to medium-priced FAs. If you mean medium-priced FAs, guys like Morse, like Brown and Beasley, I'm totally with you and would expect to see more than a couple.

 

I could see one really expensive FA. Most of the best teams do this, they build through the draft and supplement, but some of them bring in a big-ticket guy every 4 or 5 years or so. I could see that happening here, though I'm not sure this is the year.

[Chaos]

19 minutes ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

If by splash signings you mean guys like Clowney, or guys who are the #1 FAs at key positions, I really doubt it. They've said all along that they will build through the draft and supplement with low- to medium-priced FAs. If you mean medium-priced FAs, guys like Morse, like Brown and Beasley, I'm totally with you and would expect to see more than a couple.

 

I could see one really expensive FA. Most of the best teams do this, they build through the draft and supplement, but some of them bring in a big-ticket guy every 4 or 5 years or so. I could see that happening here, though I'm not sure this is the year.

Is Morse really medium price, or did he just perform like he is medium priced? 

[jrober38]

2 hours ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

 Good news is 2019 results mean nada with regards to next year’s actual sos

 

 

 

They mean something.

 

I mean, Seattle, San Fran and KC aren't going to be as bad as the Giants, Bengals and Redskins were this year. 

 

We had a cupcake schedule this year. It will be significantly harder next season. 

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

7 minutes ago, jrober38 said:

 

They mean something.

 

I mean, Seattle, San Fran and KC aren't going to be as bad as the Giants, Bengals and Redskins were this year. 

 

We had a cupcake schedule this year. It will be significantly harder next season. 

cowboys, eagles, patriots, Steelers, jets, browns were all Playoff or Super Bowl contenders in August. 

[Thurman#1]

8 hours ago, Best Williams Available said:

It’s interesting to me he used the word “leaders” and not “talent”. I think we are putting words in his mouth talking about the talented players only. It’s proven this guy loves old less talented leaders and puts a premium on these players. Sometimes to the detriment of talent.
 

The more I think about talent the more I think the greatest talent (best NFL players) were frequently not leaders. Many (most?) were self-centered guys with a tremendous amount of individualistic drive to be the best at their position.

 

 

No, that's not putting words in his mouth.

 

He's specifically said that they have to have the talent, that without the talent they don't get into the room.

[Thurman#1]

2 hours ago, Chaos said:

Is Morse really medium price, or did he just perform like he is medium priced? 

 

 

Well, first, he was very good. Not outstanding, but very good. He tied that line together, a line that had not had a single guy ever play beside either of the guys he was next to.

 

But yeah, by NFL free agent standards, he's medium-priced. The top 100 players, by average salary are nearly all on second or third contracts, either FAs or guys who were prevented from going to FAs by being re-signed. Morse doesn't make that list.

 

For OL FAs, he was medium-priced.

Edited January 10, 2020 by Thurman#1

[Dkollidas]

I get the idea behind keeping everyone together. Keeping continuity and gaining more and more chemistry.

 

That being said I think at most we sign 2 of the 3 bigger UFA’s at most.

 

The thing is, I’m not really worried about losing any of them. I’m honestly most interested in keeping Kevin Johnson on board. He provides good starting caliber depth at a key position. 

I believe Guard, Defensive Tackle, and Defensive End could all be replaced by the same caliber or better players for the same or  less money than Spain/Phillips/Lawson will get on the open market. Whereas I doubt we’ll see a starting corner come in for much less than a guy like Kevin Johnson. 

[Dr. Who]

1 hour ago, jrober38 said:

 

They mean something.

 

I mean, Seattle, San Fran and KC aren't going to be as bad as the Giants, Bengals and Redskins were this year. 

 

We had a cupcake schedule this year. It will be significantly harder next season. 

Hard to imagine any division being softer than NFC East this year. OTOH, I think we will be better next year and playing good teams is a plus if you win a fair number of those games. It gives a young team confidence entering the post-season. I think Josh and the team will make a leap partly because I trust Beane to significantly upgrade the playmakers on offense.

[Thurman#1]

2 hours ago, KayAdams said:

 

100% agree. At bare minimum, the Bills need to improve on the following:

 

1. Upgrade from Gore as the between-the-tackles power RB.

2. Replacement of Alexander at Sam LB.

3. Genuine #1 WR (the "X" WR) with a large catch radius.

4. A young or relatively young DE who can at least share reps with Hughes but eventually replace him.

5. One more good OL (RT or RG, depending on Ford's situation).

 

Incremental improvements on offense will not suffice. The Bills need to go from the #24 offense to somewhere within the top 10 if they want to overtake the Chiefs and Ravens. Josh Allen doesn't need to be as good as Mahomes or Jackson, but he needs to be solidly above average and he needs help in the form of at least one significant upgrade at RB, WR/TE, and OL...as outlined above.

 

I also noticed that Sean McDermott is already among the 15 longest-tenured head coaches in the NFL. 6 of them have already won a Super Bowl, all within the first 5 years of coaching. An additional 2 at least have made it to the Super Bowl. An additional 4 are currently alive in the second round of the playoffs. Finally, the 2 remaining (ironically both former Bills head coaches: Marrone and Lynn) have already won playoff games before but are both likely to be fired next year. So my point is that another one and done playoff appearance should not be acceptable. Neither should be getting swept by the Patriots again when all of the other 4 AFC playoff teams have shown this season that they are capable of beating them. Bills fans need to shake off the legacy of failure from the Drought Era and raise their expectations!

 

 

Genuine #1 with a large catch radius isn't a bare minimum thing. It isn't even a need. It's a want.

 

You don't need one to win a title. Very few SB winners going back quite a way have had a guy like that.

 

It's a legitimate thing to want. If we got a guy like that it would be great. But it's not a need ... and thank goodness for that because getting one is extremely tough. There are so few to go around.

 

What we genuinely do need is an upgrade at #3 WR behind Brown and Beasley. If that guy turns out to be the type of guy you want, fantastic. But it's unlikely. And if we instead get another genuinely good receiver, or maybe even two. that would be plenty.

 

I'd expect Beane to bring in a big radius guy, unless they really think Duke Williams is going to improve enough that they'd be happy with him. I wouldn't expect the guy they bring in to necessarily be a true #1. That would be lucky.