Gugny Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 (edited) I've always felt concerned about the (to me) apparent lack of 3rd quarter scoring we see out of the Bills. After looking it up (https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/3rd-quarter-points-per-game?date=2020-09-21), I feel that my concern is warranted: 2018: 23rd in the NFL, averaging 3.9 points 2019: 26th, averaging 3.4 points 2020: 31st, with a goose egg through two weeks This is not me complaining about Daboll. I've actually been happy with him so far this season (although, I'm still pissed about the playoff loss, but I digress). The team under this current coaching staff has always just seemed flat (offensively) coming out of halftime. I'm interested to see how others feel about this topic and possibly gain a better understanding of why this seems to be a trend. Edited December 18, 2020 by Gugny 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. K Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 2 minutes ago, Gugny said: I've always felt concerned about the (to me) apparent lack of 3rd quarter scoring we see out of the Bills. After looking it up (https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/3rd-quarter-points-per-game?date=2020-09-21), I feel that my concern is warranted: 2018: 23rd in the NFL, averaging 3.9 points 2019: 26th, averaging 3.4 points 2020: 31st, with a goose egg through two weeks This is not me complaining about Daboll. I've actually been happy with him so far this season (although, I'm still pissed about the playoff loss, but I digress). The team under this current coaching staff has always just seemed flat (offensively) coming out of halftime. I'm interested to see how others feel about this topic and possibly gain a better understanding of why this seems to be a trend. The Bills offense ran 8 plays in the third quarter, on two possessions. One of them started on the one yard line after the goal line stand. It's not surprising that they did not function well in that circumstance. The big problem was that the defense could not get off the field, letting the Fins grind out long, time consuming drives. I would not draw too many conclusions from this so early in the season. If the offense had more chances in the third quarter, I am confident they would have gotten it moving, as they did in the fourth. 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted September 21, 2020 Author Share Posted September 21, 2020 1 minute ago, Dr. K said: The Bills offense ran 8 plays in the third quarter, on two possessions. One of them started on the one yard line after the goal line stand. It's not surprising that they did not function well in that circumstance. The big problem was that the defense could not get off the field, letting the Fins grind out long, time consuming drives. I would not draw too many conclusions from this so early in the season. If the offense had more chances in the third quarter, I am confident they would have gotten it moving, as they did in the fourth. Totally get that with yesterday's game, but I'm going off of the two prior seasons, as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 Our 3rd Quarters arent just an Offensive problem. They are a Team problem that goes all the way up to McDermott. It's the one major problem left in his coaching. I dont know what they do to fix it since I dont know wtf is going on in the locker room at halftime. But it definitely needs to change. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCBills Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 It's an issue... no other way around it. We need to figure it out. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColoradoBills Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 4 minutes ago, Dr. K said: The Bills offense ran 8 plays in the third quarter, on two possessions. One of them started on the one yard line after the goal line stand. It's not surprising that they did not function well in that circumstance. The big problem was that the defense could not get off the field, letting the Fins grind out long, time consuming drives. I would not draw too many conclusions from this so early in the season. If the offense had more chances in the third quarter, I am confident they would have gotten it moving, as they did in the fourth. Correct. Both drives ended on a missed pass to Diggs on a 3rd and short. If I remember correctly one was a bad pass and one was a Diggs drop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo_Stampede Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 I don't know why the team struggles in the 3rd. Im sure they're trying to find a fix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. K Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 (edited) 5 minutes ago, Gugny said: Totally get that with yesterday's game, but I'm going off of the two prior seasons, as well. Right. I can't argue with that: it is a problem. But on the evidence of the first two games, I think there is reason to expect the offense to score more than it has in the past, and that includes in the third quarter. We''ll have to see. I think the Rams game is a big test. Edited September 21, 2020 by Dr. K 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Call_Of_Ktulu Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 11 minutes ago, Gugny said: I've always felt concerned about the (to me) apparent lack of 3rd quarter scoring we see out of the Bills. After looking it up (https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/3rd-quarter-points-per-game?date=2020-09-21), I feel that my concern is warranted: 2018: 23rd in the NFL, averaging 3.9 points 2019: 26th, averaging 3.4 points 2020: 31st, with a goose egg through two weeks This is not me complaining about Daboll. I've actually been happy with him so far this season (although, I'm still pissed about the playoff loss, but I digress). The team under this current coaching staff has always just seemed flat (offensively) coming out of halftime. I'm interested to see how others feel about this topic and possibly gain a better understanding of why this seems to be a trend. It feels like we are just a little slow in making adjustments after halftime. They need to embrace the mentality of we can pass it no matter what you do, try and stop us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie's Dead Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 5 minutes ago, DrDawkinstein said: I dont know what they do to fix it since I dont know wtf is going on in the locker room at halftime. But it definitely needs to change. Too bad Robert Loggia's not around anymore, RIP (warning, NSFW, language): 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain_Quint Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 To me, the defense seems to rely on a bend but dont break mentality on the scripted drives to start the game and the 2nd half. That leads to long time consuming drives by the opposing teams. So they may be limited on offense due partially to that. Also: 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Boy Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 (edited) Josh threw a perfect pass to Diggs and Diggs slowed down. To me it was a simple question of them still working out the kinks. If Diggs takes that one extra step, it’s a completion and we aren’t having this discussion. I understand seeing a trend across three seasons but this season and team are not last years. Give it a few more weeks and then we can talk. Edited September 21, 2020 by Buffalo Boy 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 I think 2020 3rd quarter lack of scoring is a red herring. The Bills are 3rd in the NFL in yards, 8th in scoring so far this year. The offense has been fine. I think the lack of scoring in the 3rd quarter is a meaningless statistical aberration. To suggest that we're continuing a multi year trend is premature. We've only played two games and this is not the Bills of past years. Daboll has fully implemented his offense. Allen has seemingly mature as a QB. And the offense has new weapons this year. I think we need to wait a few games to make any characterizations about the 2020 Bills offense. I'm pretty sure it won't have the same traits as the 2018 offense when the 3rd quarter problems began. More specifically, I don't think the 3rd quarter drought will continue. Let's wait and see. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJS Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 I'm sure they will be focusing on that going forward. It's the big, glaring issue for the team right now. The bills usually do a fine job at addressing their most glaring issues. Maybe they need to scheme it up in the 3rd quarter with some trick plays or gimmick plays that get a little momentum. For the defense, I'm not sure. They seemed to blitz too much yesterday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 (edited) 8 minutes ago, Buffalo Boy said: Josh threw a perfect pass to Diggs and Diggs slowed down. To me it was a simple question of them still working out the kinks. If Diggs takes that one extra step, it’s a completion and we aren’t having this discussion. I understand seeing a trend across three seasons but this season and team are not last years. Give it a few more weeks and then we can talk. This is right on. The things that stopped our two third quarter drives yesterday had nothing to do with scheme or preparation. Those mistakes could have happened in any quarter but they just happened to happen in the third. Edited September 21, 2020 by hondo in seattle 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted September 21, 2020 Author Share Posted September 21, 2020 7 minutes ago, hondo in seattle said: I think 2020 3rd quarter lack of scoring is a red herring. The Bills are 3rd in the NFL in yards, 8th in scoring so far this year. The offense has been fine. I think the lack of scoring in the 3rd quarter is a meaningless statistical aberration. To suggest that we're continuing a multi year trend is premature. We've only played two games and this is not the Bills of past years. Daboll has fully implemented his offense. Allen has seemingly mature as a QB. And the offense has new weapons this year. I think we need to wait a few games to make any characterizations about the 2020 Bills offense. I'm pretty sure it won't have the same traits as the 2018 offense when the 3rd quarter problems began. More specifically, I don't think the 3rd quarter drought will continue. Let's wait and see. With all due respect, Hondo, it was a clear trend through the two previous seasons and we've begun this season and two weeks in, the trend is not trending upward. I don't know how it's premature to raise a red flag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 13 minutes ago, Buffalo Boy said: Josh threw a perfect pass to Diggs and Diggs slowed down. To me it was a simple question of them still working out the kinks. If Diggs takes that one extra step, it’s a completion and we aren’t having this discussion. I understand seeing a trend across three seasons but this season and team are not last years. Give it a few more weeks and then we can talk. with same coach and largely same personnel it’s definitely a spot to keep an eye on trends carrying over. its a bit like some teams being excellent out of a bye and others terrible- regardless of approach taken. Coach needs to know his teams needs for energy levels and attention to detail vs some space during pauses. im not fretting was few teams are foot on the gas 100% of the time but it’s something to keep an eye on as a chance to grow a bit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brennan Huff Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 27 minutes ago, SCBills said: It's an issue... no other way around it. We need to figure it out. It’s definitely an issue. I was scared to bring it up yesterday because I probably would have gotten banned or something for being “negative”. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ya Digg? Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 If someone says it's not an issue or it's premature to say it's an issue, they are putting blinders on. It's certainly an issue - that being said, the Bills finally have an offense capable enough of fixing that issue 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColoradoBills Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 23 minutes ago, Ya Digg? said: If someone says it's not an issue or it's premature to say it's an issue, they are putting blinders on. It's certainly an issue - that being said, the Bills finally have an offense capable enough of fixing that issue Agreed and the way I see it is that it's an execution issue not a play calling or a game planning issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 Defense "is an Achilles Heel" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Figster Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 Half time adjustments I think will get better over time in my humble opinion. When you have a young developing QB scripted play calling is going to help them achieve success until the opposition DC makes half time adjustments. Older veteran QB's on the other hand adjust better to what the opposing DC throws at them coming out after halftime with more of a been there done that mentality. I think as Allen and Daboll evolve over time 2nd half adjustments will become more evident and effective in my humble opinion Gu. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cantankeous Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 Wow.😲 As someone else is fond of saying, you’re a rabble-rouser @Gugny! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nextmanup Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 I think the anemic play in the third quarter is related to the team meal at halftime. They are eating chicken wings, pizza, and cheeseburgers all through the break and I think it is hitting them hard in the third quarter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Who Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 1 hour ago, Brennan Huff said: It’s definitely an issue. I was scared to bring it up yesterday because I probably would have gotten banned or something for being “negative”. Reported. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 2 hours ago, Gugny said: I've always felt concerned about the (to me) apparent lack of 3rd quarter scoring we see out of the Bills. After looking it up (https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/3rd-quarter-points-per-game?date=2020-09-21), I feel that my concern is warranted: 2018: 23rd in the NFL, averaging 3.9 points 2019: 26th, averaging 3.4 points 2020: 31st, with a goose egg through two weeks This is not me complaining about Daboll. I've actually been happy with him so far this season (although, I'm still pissed about the playoff loss, but I digress). The team under this current coaching staff has always just seemed flat (offensively) coming out of halftime. I'm interested to see how others feel about this topic and possibly gain a better understanding of why this seems to be a trend. How can we be 31st if we haven’t scored any points this season? What team has scored negative points? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksm27 Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 I agree it's been a concern in previous years. This year, in Week 1 against the Jets we had 2 missed FGs in the 3rd quarter. And as others have pointed out, yesterday there were two 3rd down incompletions to Diggs that normally would be converted. Missing throws and kicks that you normally make can at least partially be chalked up to a lack of mental focus, so I put a lot of it on McD to have his team more focused coming out of the locker room at halftime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroutDog Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 I agree with both the OP and the opposing views: it is a concern and let’s see what’s happened to remedy it beyond two games before we get our panties in a wad. This has 100% been the MO since McD arrived and he needs to solve it. With that being said, perhaps he already has and the process to solve it simply hasn’t rooted yet as this was such a weird offseason. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 2 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said: Our 3rd Quarters arent just an Offensive problem. They are a Team problem that goes all the way up to McDermott. It's the one major problem left in his coaching. I dont know what they do to fix it since I dont know wtf is going on in the locker room at halftime. But it definitely needs to change. If I were more talented on this site, as to the issue going on, I'd have posted the infamous picture of Peter Pan! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted September 21, 2020 Author Share Posted September 21, 2020 11 minutes ago, Beerball said: How can we be 31st if we haven’t scored any points this season? What team has scored negative points? I'll PM you. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 It’s all about the 4th Quarter And the Bills produced when it mattered Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transient Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 2 hours ago, Gugny said: With all due respect, Hondo, it was a clear trend through the two previous seasons and we've begun this season and two weeks in, the trend is not trending upward. I don't know how it's premature to raise a red flag. It's a legitimate concern. As much as I'm thrilled with how they've looked overall through 2 games and as much as I hate to tip my hat to the Pats***, one of their hallmarks has been the ability to win going away by scoring to end the half and then scoring to start the third and completely change the complexion of a game. The fact that the Bills have developed a tendency to kill their own momentum to start the third the last few seasons is what has kept bad teams in close games and what has made it hard to beat good teams despite often dominating for 3Q. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putin Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 3 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said: Our 3rd Quarters arent just an Offensive problem. They are a Team problem that goes all the way up to McDermott. It's the one major problem left in his coaching. I dont know what they do to fix it since I dont know wtf is going on in the locker room at halftime. But it definitely needs to change. Is it because the OTHER team is also making half time adjustments?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billsfan1972 Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 This was a huge concern over & over again last year as many lamented the conservative nature of the coaching almost every third quarter last year. It was the continual "Play for a 17-13" win mentality that we questioned McD about. Hope this is a two game blip. 2 minutes ago, Putin said: Is it because the OTHER team is also making half time adjustments?? But the Bills lose that game weekly.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted September 21, 2020 Author Share Posted September 21, 2020 18 minutes ago, SlimShady'sSpaceForce said: It’s all about the 4th Quarter And the Bills produced when it mattered To me, it's more about playing all four quarters. Many of our close wins should not have been close. Including yesterday. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 2 hours ago, Cantankeous said: Wow.😲 As someone else is fond of saying, you’re a rabble-rouser @Gugny! Who’s This dude?😳 There’s no arguing how inept the Bills offense plays in the 3rd quarter. Has been since McDermott became HC. But yesterday was a bit of a different story. Jets got the ball 1st to start the half. 2 plays in, we had a 40 minute lightning delay. When play resumed, so did Fitz’s gamesmanship, ending with a score. Then Josh was nearly picked on a 3rd & short from deep in our end. Next, we started at our 1 and conservative play forced a punt, before the 4th quarter fireworks erupted. I likened it to SB XXV, where Giants long, time consuming drive just before the half, followed by an extremely long halftime, followed by another long, time consuming drive by the G-men had Kelly doing stretching exercises and playing catch on the sideline. Then he got going again. Basically, I have no clue why our current team seems drowsy from halftime. At least it’s helping Allen create an impressive 4th Qtr comeback legacy.🤷♂️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stroke 17 Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 I tried to make this point last week. My attempt was about deferring to getting the ball to start the 2nd half and basically laying an egg over the last few years. You have made my point better than I did. Thanks for the fact check. I salute you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nextmanup Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 11 minutes ago, Gugny said: To me, it's more about playing all four quarters. Many of our close wins should not have been close. Including yesterday. I agree with you. Jets are a bottom 3 team, league wide, and the Fish are middle of the pack. The mistakes didn't hurt us against them. How things play out against much better teams remains to be seen. I am very anxious to see what we look like against the Rams, and then the Chiefs and Patriots, where mistakes can't be tolerated as easily and we're actually playing playoff caliber talent. So far, so good though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah John Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 The problem wasn't that the offense was flat in the third quarter. The problem was that the defense was flat in the third quarter, and couldn't get off the field. The offense missed a couple of easy 3rd downs or it would have done much better. The defense got hurt over and over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billsfan1972 Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 15 minutes ago, Utah John said: The problem wasn't that the offense was flat in the third quarter. The problem was that the defense was flat in the third quarter, and couldn't get off the field. The offense missed a couple of easy 3rd downs or it would have done much better. The defense got hurt over and over. Offense or Defense (though last year it seemed more O related), that still is a coaching issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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