Rewatching the ravens game tonight

[John from Riverside]

We were very much in that game......

 

Our defense made plays even though the Ravens scored points

You could see the holes int he offense.....do we really want Devin S. and McKenzie attempting to catch down the field passes at critical situations

We needed more size on the field at the pass catcher position

Gore got shallacked in the red zone...at this point he really was done.   I hope Moss can help us here

2 fumbles by Josh in this game (one we got back) cant do that against the good teams

The blitzes that the ravens were throwing at us were being completely ignored by our offensive coordinator

 

Despite all this......we had a chance to tie it on the final offensive play

 

I know that everyone considers the ravens to be this elite team (and they are) but we despite all of our problems on offense had a chance to win this

[QB Bills]

The Titans said they used the Bills' defense that game as a blueprint to beat the Ravens in the playoffs. If Allen could have even been average that day, the Bills win easily. 

[Troll Toll]

4 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

We were very much in that game......

 

Our defense made plays even though the Ravens scored points

You could see the holes int he offense.....do we really want Devin S. and McKenzie attempting to catch down the field passes at critical situations

We needed more size on the field at the pass catcher position

Gore got shallacked in the red zone...at this point he really was done.   I hope Moss can help us here

2 fumbles by Josh in this game (one we got back) cant do that against the good teams

The blitzes that the ravens were throwing at us were being completely ignored by our offensive coordinator

 

Despite all this......we had a chance to tie it on the final offensive play

 

I know that everyone considers the ravens to be this elite team (and they are) but we despite all of our problems on offense had a chance to win this

The bolded part is what I remember most, our OC basically let them tee off on Josh. How do you become an NFL OC when you are oblivious to the obvious? Where are the screens and quick hitters?

[Matt_In_NH]

My opinion....more talent on offense helps (Diggs and Moss) but the number one variable that will move this offense forward is Josh Allen's continued improvement.  It's not just give him weapons and the results will come.  He needs to improve also.

[BigBillsFan]

Allen looked horrible in that game. The first half he only completed dump offs and was 3 or 11 or something close to that.

 

It's games like this and NE he needs to improve the most.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

6 minutes ago, BigBillsFan said:

Allen looked horrible in that game. The first half he only completed dump offs and was 3 or 11 or something close to that.

 

It's games like this and NE he needs to improve the most.

In light of the unkind avatar next to your screen name, the league has awarded this week's conditional draft pick to the New England Patriots.

[Buffalo Boy]

1 hour ago, Troll Toll said:

The bolded part is what I remember most, our OC basically let them tee off on Josh. How do you become an NFL OC when you are oblivious to the obvious? Where are the screens and quick hitters?

THIS!!!!

All Day!!!!

For all the talk of the long ball, which is important, having a better blitz pickup strategy is imperative. Not just for JA but the O as a whole.

[ganesh]

1 hour ago, BigBillsFan said:

Allen looked horrible in that game. The first half he only completed dump offs and was 3 or 11 or something close to that.

 

It's games like this and NE he needs to improve the most.

bring consistency.  

 

[thebandit27]

1 hour ago, Buffalo Boy said:

THIS!!!!

All Day!!!!

For all the talk of the long ball, which is important, having a better blitz pickup strategy is imperative. Not just for JA but the O as a whole.

That, and our WRs created absolutely no separation from their press coverage.

[Buffalo Junction]

1 hour ago, thebandit27 said:

That, and our WRs created absolutely no separation from their press coverage.

^^^ This ^^^ Plus, without receivers getting separation those pressure packages cannot be beaten with deep shots & max protection or quick strike passes. 

[Rubes]

4 hours ago, Troll Toll said:

The bolded part is what I remember most, our OC basically let them tee off on Josh. How do you become an NFL OC when you are oblivious to the obvious? Where are the screens and quick hitters?

 

The second half of the Texans playoff game comes to mind as well...

 

[Gugny]

The Ravens game is not only a game that we could have won; it's a game that we should have won.  

 

I need to stop clicking links about these kinds of games.  Dammit, John!!

[Gugny]

9 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

How do you figure that? 

 

Bills had barely 100 yards of offense through 3 quarters. Baltimore was clearly the better team.

 

 

I think Daboll's play-calling killed any chance at winning the game.  Passing 39 times with a pretty ineffective Allen, whilst only running the ball 23 times in a game where Singletary was (as usual) averaging over 5 YPC, was stupid.

 

Baltimore was clearly the better coached team.  Just like they were all season.

[BarleyNY]

22 minutes ago, Buffalo Junction said:

^^^ This ^^^ Plus, without receivers getting separation those pressure packages cannot be beaten with deep shots & max protection or quick strike passes. 

I just rewatched the game.  I really disagree with separation being an issue.  A couple plays, sure.  But that’s typical in an NFL game.  There were some real issues with protection - especially against delayed blitzes.  There were too many drops.  And Allen had some issues with some poor decisions and throws as well as not getting the ball out quickly against the blitz at times.
 

That was a very tough matchup and that’s got to be considered when grading out everyone involved.  Hopefully we can improve our consistency in a lot of areas.  That along with the addition of Diggs would make a huge difference in games like this. 

[Cripple Creek]

9 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

We were very much in that game......

 

Our defense made plays even though the Ravens scored points

You could see the holes int he offense.....do we really want Devin S. and McKenzie attempting to catch down the field passes at critical situations

We needed more size on the field at the pass catcher position

Gore got shallacked in the red zone...at this point he really was done.   I hope Moss can help us here

2 fumbles by Josh in this game (one we got back) cant do that against the good teams

The blitzes that the ravens were throwing at us were being completely ignored by our offensive coordinator

 

Despite all this......we had a chance to tie it on the final offensive play

 

I know that everyone considers the ravens to be this elite team (and they are) but we despite all of our problems on offense had a chance to win this

I'm shocked, shocked I say, that you found something positive to say about the Bills.

[Buffalo Junction]

16 minutes ago, BarleyNY said:

I just rewatched the game.  I really disagree with separation being an issue.  A couple plays, sure.  But that’s typical in an NFL game.  There were some real issues with protection - especially against delayed blitzes.  There were too many drops.  And Allen had some issues with some poor decisions and throws as well as not getting the ball out quickly against the blitz at times.
 

That was a very tough matchup and that’s got to be considered when grading out everyone involved.  Hopefully we can improve our consistency in a lot of areas.  That along with the addition of Diggs would make a huge difference in games like this. 

Separation, and separation that is synchronized with the QBs progression are different things. My impression at the time was that they weren’t meshing. Whether that’s on Allen, Daboll, the WRs, or some combination is certainly up for debate. The fact that they traded for Diggs leads me to believe that the staff felt they needed help at WR to overcome these deficiencies. 

[Gugny]

7 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Someone posted some context on this in another thread.... Singletary was doing absolutely nothing most of the game outside of one big gain.... his YPC was more like 2 if you take out that one big gain. He wasn't doing much of anything with the opportunities he did get. 

 

I don't disagree the Bills were outcoached on offense. The breakdowns on the offensive line were super frustrating, as were the drops and Allen's inaccurate throws. Baltimore was the better team hands down. There's a reason they went 14-2 and we went 10-6.

 

The Bills also got bailed out with some ridiculous penalties on that final drive. 

 

Baltimore was obviously the better team.  I just think this was a winnable game, even though the Ravens were pretty much in control for the whole game.  We contained the best QB in 2019 ... but we gave up big plays.  Our offense sucked.  Gore shouldn't even have had pads on.  And it STILL ended up a close game.  That's why I say we should have won.

 

If the Bills had better play-calling, I do think they could have won the game.  But yes ... the better team won.

 

EDIT:  I also disagree that Singletary "was doing absolutely nothing most of the game."  Just a quick glance at the play by play and I see runs of 9, 14, 8, 5 and 6 in the first half, alone.   Then I see that got a whopping seven carries in the 2nd half - one of which was a 38-yard run to give the Bills 1st and goal.

 

 

 

 

Edited May 24, 2020 by Gugny

[GoBills808]

This game was lost on dropped passes 

[CookieG]

4 hours ago, Buffalo Boy said:

THIS!!!!

All Day!!!!

For all the talk of the long ball, which is important, having a better blitz pickup strategy is imperative. Not just for JA but the O as a whole.

On the 1st three series, Allen had a guy open deep on each series.

 

On the 1st drive he overthrew Brown when he had a step on his guy;

On the 2nd drive he overthrew Foster by at least 5 yards when he had 2 steps on his guy;

On the 3rd drive he overthrew Knox by at least 5 yards when he had 3 or more steps on his guy.

 

In each of those plays, he had a clean pocket.

In each of those plays, there was nothing but green in front of the receiver.

 

The Ravens were daring him to throw deep, maybe because of the wind, maybe because of his deep throw issues or maybe a combination of both. But they were leaving the deep ball out there.

 

He hits on those throws and they are up 21-3 in the 1st quarter. By that time, the Raven's have to change their defense. 

 

 

Edited May 24, 2020 by CookieG

[njbuff]

Just give Baltimore credit for being the better team.

 

They didn't win 14 games for nothing.

 

Chalk it up as a lesson learned and the next time they play the Ravens, we would expect this team to be better prepared, with a different result.

 

Sometimes you have to learn a lesson to become great.

 

I give you my 1994 Devils as a prime example.

[Drunken Pygmy Goat]

24 minutes ago, njbuff said:

Just give Baltimore credit for being the better team.

 

They didn't win 14 games for nothing.

 

Chalk it up as a lesson learned and the next time they play the Ravens, we would expect this team to be better prepared, with a different result.

 

Sometimes you have to learn a lesson to become great.

 

I give you my 1994 Devils as a prime example.

This.

 

You have to crawl before you walk, and walk before you run. Last year, the Bills were walking while the Ravens were running. And to quote Aerosmith, sometimes you have to lose to know how to win. Games like this, as well as the WC loss should be viewed as learning experiences that the team should be better for because of them. HC is still rather inexperienced in comparison to most in his position, QB very inexperienced still, many starters on both sides of the ball are still very young and inexperienced; this team is pretty much right where they should be right now, and that’s ok with me, so long as those issues that should be “learning experiences” don’t become habits or trends. The arrow is pointing in the right direction right now.

[BarleyNY]

2 hours ago, Buffalo Junction said:

Separation, and separation that is synchronized with the QBs progression are different things. My impression at the time was that they weren’t meshing. Whether that’s on Allen, Daboll, the WRs, or some combination is certainly up for debate. The fact that they traded for Diggs leads me to believe that the staff felt they needed help at WR to overcome these deficiencies. 

I do not buy that argument in general and I don’t see what you’re saying on the All 22 in the first half anyway.  (Haven’t watched the second half All 22 yet.)  Defenses can change up the timing of the receivers, disguise coverages, jump routes, etc.  But if receivers are running good routes and are getting open, the they’re doing their jobs.

 

The biggest problem with the offense in the first half was Allen missing deep throws to open WRs.  That would’ve produced points and forced the Ravens into a less aggressive scheme.  The other thing was Knox getting blown up which led to Allen getting blindsided and fumbling deep in our own end.  That was on Knox, not Allen BTW.  

[CardinalScotts]

12 hours ago, QB Bills said:

The Titans said they used the Bills' defense that game as a blueprint to beat the Ravens in the playoffs. If Allen could have even been average that day, the Bills win easily. 

the blitz pick up or lack of on the killer strip sack....that's not on josh bud. You've been listening to the Bulldog who had to be chastised by Sal...that on the tight end  bulldog.. Oh

1 hour ago, BarleyNY said:

I do not buy that argument in general and I don’t see what you’re saying on the All 22 in the first half anyway.  (Haven’t watched the second half All 22 yet.)  Defenses can change up the timing of the receivers, disguise coverages, jump routes, etc.  But if receivers are running good routes and are getting open, the they’re doing their jobs.

 

The biggest problem with the offense in the first half was Allen missing deep throws to open WRs.  That would’ve produced points and forced the Ravens into a less aggressive scheme.  The other thing was Knox getting blown up which led to Allen getting blindsided and fumbling deep in our own end.  That was on Knox, not Allen BTW.  

actually it was the 35 mph winds which affected that 17 yd punt which set up a baltimore score in our own end.

 

here is a link to the weather if you dont remember

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2019/12/buffalo-bills-baltimore-ravens-will-battle-strong-winds-on-sunday.html

 

Edited May 24, 2020 by CardinalScotts

[NewEra]

Can’t get myself to watch one game from last year.  Just mash ups of plays.  
 

this game in particular pissed me off.  One play got us.  Poyer getting beat.  Our D came to play.  Too bad Baltimore’s did too.  Just remember blitz after blitz after blitz.  

[Roger Goodell]

8 hours ago, Ridgewaycynic2013 said:

In light of the unkind avatar next to your screen name, the league has awarded this week's conditional draft pick to the New England Patriots.

 

That's my job.

[BigBillsFan]

4 hours ago, GoBills808 said:

This game was lost on dropped passes 

 

I guess you didn't watch the game. In the 1st half Allen couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.

[BarleyNY]

5 hours ago, CardinalScotts said:

 

here is a link to the weather if you dont remember

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2019/12/buffalo-bills-baltimore-ravens-will-battle-strong-winds-on-sunday.html

 

Yeah, I literally rewatched the game today.  I’m pretty sure both teams played in the same weather.  Both were impacted by it.  It’s just an excuse.  NFL Game Pass is currently free.  I suggest watching the game on All 22 (Coaches Film).  It’s not possible to see some of the things talked about in this thread (like WR separation) with the regular TV broadcast.  It’s worth the watch. 

[scuba guy]

Ok just rewatched the game 

 

Couple points

1)The code word for the snap that game was brown every time josh said it the next thing was the snap brown 80 a couple of times

First half was another b word did not remember

 

2)Yes def can easily pick up on that especially if they are blitzing,  the fakes the Ravens d did not move

 

3)4 throws by Josh akin at 7' 2" could not have graped

2 bad drops by Cole 

 

4)  and yes wait for it

 

  R punter sucks

  You heard it here first

We lost almost 60 yards in field position 

 

 

Edited May 25, 2020 by scuba guy
Spelling error

[BarleyNY]

On the punter thing, here are the Stats:

Bojorquez  7 punts for 300 yards for a 42.9 yard average with 1 inside the 20

Koch 7 punts for 309 yards for a 44.1 yard average with 2 inside the 20

 

Both punted in the same crappy conditions and did almost exactly the same quality of job.  The punting game did not determine the outcome of that game. 

[Jerome007]

I don't criticize Daboll like some of you mouthing at the mouth, but the failed blitz pickups and lack of adjustments were really bad. Sure Josh had bad throws but like any QBs he needs a groove and he wasn't getting much help.

 

I actually wanted both QBs to gain over 100 yards rushing and make that an entertaining part of the game, with Josh besting him and the Bills winning, of course. Both were contained well. The Ds played well.  

[GoBills808]

7 hours ago, BigBillsFan said:

 

I guess you didn't watch the game. In the 1st half Allen couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.

Yawn 

 

nothing ever new from you

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

On 5/24/2020 at 2:19 AM, John from Riverside said:

 

Despite all this......we had a chance to tie it on the final offensive play

 

I know that everyone considers the ravens to be this elite team (and they are) but we despite all of our problems on offense had a chance to win this

Elite?  No there yet.  
 

One blown coverage play got them a TD.  ONE play was the deciding factor.   

 

 

The Bills had them solid but for 1 stinking play. 

[scuba guy]

13 hours ago, BarleyNY said:

On the punter thing, here are the Stats:

Bojorquez  7 punts for 300 yards for a 42.9 yard average with 1 inside the 20

Koch 7 punts for 309 yards for a 44.1 yard average with 2 inside the 20

 

Both punted in the same crappy conditions and did almost exactly the same quality of job.  The punting game did not determine the outcome of that game. 

Yes stats say that they both were above 42 yards per punt

 

My point is Corey shanked 3 punts in a row and the landed near the 50 yard line my seasons are under m and t club the crowd all ahed at those punts 

 

Know yes when the ball hit the ground it did roll forward on all 3 and give him an extra 10 yards per punt

 

Roberts caught and fare catches all of his punts for no yac.

 

So would you rather have 44 yards great hang time and fare catch

 

Or a shank 

[first_and_ten]

What this game did tell me is that The Bills can compete against the best. 

[Nihilarian]

19 hours ago, BarleyNY said:

I do not buy that argument in general and I don’t see what you’re saying on the All 22 in the first half anyway.  (Haven’t watched the second half All 22 yet.)  Defenses can change up the timing of the receivers, disguise coverages, jump routes, etc.  But if receivers are running good routes and are getting open, the they’re doing their jobs.

 

The biggest problem with the offense in the first half was Allen missing deep throws to open WRs.  That would’ve produced points and forced the Ravens into a less aggressive scheme.  The other thing was Knox getting blown up which led to Allen getting blindsided and fumbling deep in our own end.  That was on Knox, not Allen BTW.  

This game is a big point of contention for me simply because, for me, it highlights the inability of the current Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator to adapt and make the proper offensive adjustments on game day.

 

The Bills had played on Thanksgiving day, Thursday previous and had extra time to rest, prepare for the Ravens. Anyone with a brain could research the Ravens defense in previous game to see that while not having one, two outstanding pass rushers they make up for that by blitzing almost 50% of the defensive snaps each and every game.

 Extra time to prepare, knew what to expect!

 

 

First series Ravens game,  3rd and 4 deep middle pass incomplete for John Brown, PUNT. 

Second series, 3rd and 12 deep left pass incomplete for Robert Foster, PUNT. 

Third series 2nd and 10, incomplete deep left for Dawson Knox. 3rd and 10, pass incomplete deep left John Brown, PUNT. 

 

 

So, In the Bills first three series the answer for all that Ravens blitzing was to have Allen attempt four deep throws when the down and distance were not favorable. Then basically give up on the deep throw for most of the rest of the game. NOW, when the Ravens saw that Allen couldn't hit that deep pass which would have really hurt them with all their blitzing. The Ravens defense stepped up their blitzing from 50-55% of the defensive snaps to 65% or more. This put Allen under tremendous pressure the rest of the game. 

How much pressure you ask? The Ravens defensive players came on a blitz 96 times that game for 6 sacks, 12 QB hits, 15 QB pressures, 3 harries!

 

For the fourth series in the second quarter the Bills went to the run game. After a 15+ yard penalty on the Ravens for roughing the passer the Bills reeled off seven straight runs from the Bills 42 to the Ravens 14 yard line. Four first downs by running with both Singletary and Allen. Result, FG. 

 

So, up until this point the Bills drives went, PUNT, PUNT, PUNT, FUMBLE, FG. With a score when the Bills finally decided to commit to run the ball. 

 

Now, the Bills know that they can run on the Ravens to stop all that Blitzing and yet the next series swap out Singletary for Gore. After a 1st down Allen is sacked on third down, PUNT. The Bills went back to the pass for most of the rest of the game with some on and off success. 

 

So, in a nutshell, after a few deep passing attempts to thwart the Ravens blitzing the Bills OC literally had no answer to stop that ferocious Baltimore Ravens Blitz! Just keep putting that 2nd year, inexperienced QB under the gun for 39+ drop backs. The Bills offensive line didn't do the job in stopping those blitzes, the receivers didn't do the job in getting open, getting separation.  The Bills OC had no plan "B" or anything to effectively counter the Ravens defensive scheme.

 

I also feel this was a game the Bills should have won in 2019. 

 

 

For 2020 the Bills have the 5th toughest schedule in the league and won't be facing bums at QB or many bad teams like they did in 2019. The offense will need to get it together and start scoring points ...and lots of them. 

[first_and_ten]

9 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

It told me what I already knew. The defense will keep them in any game but the offense still has a long way to go.

 

I think with the addition of Diggs and the continuity of the O line and most importantly, The progression of Allen, that long way to go will be a hop, skip and a jump frm a real Offense.

[PromoTheRobot]

A lot of coulda' shoulda' moments last season. 13-3 was within our grasp.

[without a drought]

I hope they win this time.

[Scott7975]

On 5/24/2020 at 7:51 AM, BigBillsFan said:

Allen looked horrible in that game. The first half he only completed dump offs and was 3 or 11 or something close to that.

 

It's games like this and NE he needs to improve the most.

True but so was Lamar.  The first half Lamar was like 5 of 10 1TD 1INT almost all dump offs.  Lamar had far better weapons.  Our receivers barely got open and when they did get the ball had some dropsies too.  Allen needed to play better, but he wasn't the entire reason.

Edited May 25, 2020 by Scott7975

[Scott7975]

On 5/24/2020 at 11:42 AM, ScottLaw said:

How do you figure that? 

 

Bills had barely 100 yards of offense through 3 quarters. Baltimore was clearly the better team.

 

 

They were?  They were equally as bad and only had one real drive the entire game.  Clearly better?  That's some hyperbole there.