National Spotlight - Face it Buffalo is not much of a story

[Billsfan1972]

They were after week 4, but now not so much as people for the most part are meh about a 6-2 team that has not played well the past four weeks.

 

I wish it was different, but it is what it is.

 

Look at the stories going on.....

 

WIlson and the 6-1 Seahwaks, Pitt undefeated, KC being KC, TB  & TB, Brees and what exactly are the Saints, NYJ (ha ha ha), Dallas (what a disaster), Rodgers regressing, Baltimore and has the league figured out Lamar, Arizona & is Kyler a star, Burrow, Herbert........

 

I want the Bills in thew spotlight and hope that changes the next two weeks. 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Pitt and KC are both decidedly better than Buffalo unless the Bills can straighten out the defense.  If they can, they'd be up  there with them too.  Agree, Lamar may be figured out.

[Beerball]

That spotlight illuminated the fact that the Bills are still The Not Ready for Prime Time Players.

 

We were, many of us, giddy going into the TN game and the team shat the bed.  It’s nice that we have a decent team. We do not have a dominant team.

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

2 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

Pitt and KC are both decidedly better than Buffalo unless the Bills can straighten out the defense.  If they can, they'd be up  there with them too.  Agree, Lamar may be figured out.

Figured out... ?  only unbeaten team with an incredible defense skills players and a HoF QB breaks up a game winning TD pass in the end zone.

 

what a life hack

[Ethan in Cleveland]

They emberassed themselves on national TV two weeks in a row. The media loves winners and they love Buffalo when they win. 

Barring an upset win over Seattle or Pittsburgh, the narrative the rest of the way will be the demise of New England and Tua's play with the Dolphins.

 

[ToBillsFan]

Just like the title says, it seems that this is the consensus around here. I bet most of you would agree Bucs have a strong chance at contending, yet all the negativity here lately would say the opposite for the Bills. 
 

Have we won ugly in some cases? Hell yeah 

 

Years ago we would be begging for the ugly wins, rather than losses. Appreciate the fact that we will most likely win the division for the first time since Tom Brady decided to pick up a football. We’re not there yet maybe but we waaaay closer than we were in the last 20 years. We have this year to gain even more experience and an off-season to shore up those holes. Remember one show stopper on D can change a whole game, so just chill and enjoy the stressful show....at least this year the stress ends in a W!

[Houston's #1 Bills Fan]

Winning solves everything....

[BuffaloBill]

Buffalo will not gain national respect unless they make a deep run in the playoffs. In addition to this Josh Allen has to play more consistently at a high level.

 

The emergence of of a problematic team in South Florida (Miami) also plays into the Bills losing luster. The Bills are not the underdog anymore. Miami now sits in that role in the AFCE. Underdogs make for better press.

 

 

[DrDawkinstein]

Agreed. Both teams have vastly different strengths and weaknesses, but both feel similar when watching their games.

 

We ARE a GOOD team. The problem plaguing Bills fans and this board is that after 20 years of bad football and watching the Patriots dominate, our fans think you need to play PERFECT football in order to win. That isnt the case.

[uticaclub]

We had 2 prime time games after getting a ton of press for starting 4-0 and got our asses handed to us in back to back weeks on national TV. After that we played 2 of the worse teams in the NFL, narrowly won and looked bad doing it. We don't deserve any attention until we prove we deserve it

[SCBills]

Yup - The National Media wanted Buffalo to be a story, but we failed against Tenn/KC and now they've moved on...justifiably.   Doesn't mean we can't become a national storyline again... We have another chance this Sunday.

[Houston's #1 Bills Fan]

Key word: Contenders. While they having a winning record and have beaten some good teams, they aren't elite yet, just like the Bills. NFC is still going through Seattle, Arizona and Green Bay. AFC has Pittsburgh, KC. The Bills are also "contenders", but will need to beat Seattle and Pittsburgh to be considered elite or favored in the Superbowl.

 

Nice to at least be at the adult table, though... 

[BillsFanSD]

8 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

They emberassed themselves on national TV two weeks in a row. The media loves winners and they love Buffalo when they win. 

Barring an upset win over Seattle or Pittsburgh, the narrative the rest of the way will be the demise of New England and Tua's play with the Dolphins.

 

If the national media wants to spend all their time talking about two teams sitting at home in January while we're hosting a playoff game, what do I care?

[Dr. K]

18 minutes ago, Billsfan1972 said:

They were after week 4, but now not so much as people for the most part are meh about a 6-2 team that has not played well the past four weeks.

 

I wish it was different, but it is what it is.

 

Look at the stories going on.....

 

WIlson and the 6-1 Seahwaks, Pitt undefeated, KC being KC, TB  & TB, Brees and what exactly are the Saints, NYJ (ha ha ha), Dallas (what a disaster), Rodgers regressing, Baltimore and has the league figured out Lamar, Arizona & is Kyler a star, Burrow, Herbert........

 

I want the Bills in thew spotlight and hope that changes the next two weeks. 

Who cares whether they are in the spotlight? I'd rather they be ignored until the playoffs. 

 

Plus, the national takes on the Bills and the performances of individual players on the team are, IMHO, frequently shallow and just as frequently wrong. 

[BuffaloMatt]

I really just want one game this year where I can relax and enjoy a dominate performance by the Bills. Instead of feeling dread through the whole second half. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 minute ago, Dr. K said:

Who cares whether they are in the spotlight? I'd rather they be ignored until the playoffs. 

 

Plus, the national takes on the Bills and the performances of individual players on the team are, IMHO, frequently shallow and just as frequently wrong. 

 

"Buffalo vs Everyone" Right On!

[Brennan Huff]

16 minutes ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

Figured out... ?  only unbeaten team with an incredible defense skills players and a HoF QB breaks up a game winning TD pass in the end zone.

 

what a life hack

Wasn’t the first bad game for Jackson this season. Defenses have figured him out

[DrDawkinstein]

4 minutes ago, BuffaloMatt said:

I really just want one game this year where I can relax and enjoy a dominate performance by the Bills. Instead of feeling dread through the whole second half. 

 

That rarely ever happens in the NFL, and even if it did, we still wouldnt believe it as Bills fans until the final whistle anyways.

[smuvtalker]

7 minutes ago, Dr. K said:

Who cares whether they are in the spotlight? I'd rather they be ignored until the playoffs. 

This.  I have zero problems with the Bills being excluded from the spotlight.  I hate to say it, but it seems like every time the national media starts to hop onto the bandwagon and start giving us props, we immediately proceed to embarrass ourselves in primetime, and it's usually a blowout.  We don't even make it competitive.

 

I'm just fine being ignored. At this point we haven't earned any attention.

Edited November 3, 2020 by smuvtalker

[Royale with Cheese]

[Lfod]

I see the potential for the Bills to be able to stomp any team. I don't know why but they seem to play to the level of every team they play. They have both been a very good team and at times and other times they look like they are falling apart. 

 

The only thing I was concerned about is the drop in defensive production and how slow it was to adjust to the times. 

 

I'm not pulling out pitch forks like some of the others I have seen, but I understand feeling a little disappointed after thinking the Bills have arrived after the first 4 games. 

 

I'm glad at least the team has the potential to be world beaters if everything is working as intended. I think some people need to step back from the ledge thought. Remember the time we were hoping for another team to get us into the playoffs. 

Edited November 3, 2020 by Lfod

[Gugny]

20 minutes ago, Beerball said:

That spotlight illuminated the fact that the Bills are still The Not Ready for Prime Time Players.

 

We were, many of us, giddy going into the TN game and the team shat the bed.  It’s nice that we have a decent team. We do not have a dominant team.

 

Based on the games played and the results of those games, I can't disagree with you.

 

However, I do think the Bills are better than what they've shown.  All teams have to overcome injuries, but the Bills have been missing some key players on offense and defense; and it appears that our defensive superstar (White) is playing more than just a little dinged up.

 

But ... again ... dominant teams overcome.  The regular season is only half over and there is time for Beane to add a piece or two, as well as time for the coaching staff to make some mid-season adjustments (i.e. - stop abandoning what's working).

 

Mostly, it's on the players to execute.  Josh needs to be more consistent.  Receivers need to be more consistent.  The defense needs to do better and get some takeaways.

 

It's not too late to become ready for Prime Time.

 

As unlikely as it is, they can start with beating a very tough Seattle team.

 

Go Bills!

[Wsam4031]

bills are 6-2 who cares what the national media says. 6-2 with a 2 game lead in the division. if we said this at the beginning of the year everyone would've jumped at 6-2 after 8. All this negativity is just unreal

[Billsfan1972]

14 minutes ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

That rarely ever happens in the NFL, and even if it did, we still wouldnt believe it as Bills fans until the final whistle anyways.

Happens 5-7 games every week.  Not for the Bills though.....

 

Quick check 53 games decided by 10+ points through 8 weeks or 6.6/week.....  Bills have done it once 27-17 week one vs. Jets.

[JohnNord]

It’s simple.  From the national perspective, I think getting beaten badly by Tennessee and KC created a negative impression, as did narrow wins versus NYJ and KC.

 

I think the Bills are viewed as a good team

but not one that’s taken seriously.  A team like Baltimore who has a worse record and has yet to defeat a top team, is viewed as a more legit contender because of last season and a larger margin of victory versus opponents.

 

The Bills have a chance to change all that over the next few weeks 

[DrDawkinstein]

Just now, Billsfan1972 said:

Happens 5-7 games every week.  Not for the Bills though.....

 

Quick check 53 games decided by 10+ points through 8 weeks or 6.6/week.....  Bills have done it once 27-17 week one vs. Jets.

 

So what? Doesnt mean their fans werent sweating it out til the end. And you would be too with only a 10 point lead until maybe less than 2min left.

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

30 minutes ago, BuffaloMatt said:

I really just want one game this year where I can relax and enjoy a dominate performance by the Bills. Instead of feeling dread through the whole second half. 

With this defense a 24 point lead isn’t safe. The only thing that I found that works is just change the channel when the defense is on the field. I used this same methodology with the Tyrod Taylor offense and it worked very well. 

[Billsfan1972]

1 minute ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

So what? Doesnt mean their fans werent sweating it out til the end. And you would be too with only a 10 point lead until maybe less than 2min left.

I did not go through specifics, but many were blowouts, and others got to 10 because of a late score by the other team.

 

Sure week 1 NYJ scored last minute to make it respectable....  Week three they almost blew it vs. LAR.  Vs LVR too the gme was in hand....  But always somewhat close.  

[BuffaloMatt]

1 minute ago, Call_Of_Ktulu said:

With this defense a 24 point lead isn’t safe. The only thing that I found that works is just change the channel when the defense is on the field. I used this same methodology with the Tyrod Taylor offense and it worked very well. 

Thanks for the tip! I just might try it. 

[HOUSE]

[DabillsDaBillsDaBills]

29 minutes ago, ToBillsFan said:

Just like the title says, it seems that this is the consensus around here. I bet most of you would agree Bucs have a strong chance at contending, yet all the negativity here lately would say the opposite for the Bills. 
 

Have we won ugly in some cases? Hell yeah 

 

Years ago we would be begging for the ugly wins, rather than losses. Appreciate the fact that we will most likely win the division for the first time since Tom Brady decided to pick up a football. We’re not there yet maybe but we waaaay closer than we were in the last 20 years. We have this year to gain even more experience and an off-season to shore up those holes. Remember one show stopper on D can change a whole game, so just chill and enjoy the stressful show....at least this year the stress ends in a W!

 

Bucs 23 Saints 34

Panthers 17 Bucs 31

Bucs 28 Broncos 10

Chargers 31 Bucs 38

Bucs 19 Bears 20

Packers 10 Bucs 38

Bucs 45  Raiders 20

Bucs 25 Giants 23

 

The Bills and Bucs are both 6-2 and both just struggled to win against bad teams. The comparison ends there.

 

The Bucs have a +82 point differential on the year, and had back to back blowout wins over quality opponents. The Bills are -1 point differential and are still looking for a blowout win,  let alone a blowout win against a good team. 

 

As far as spotlight/narratives go I think it's pretty easy to see why the national media is more interested in the Bucs. 

[Lagoon Blues]

23 minutes ago, Wsam4031 said:

bills are 6-2 who cares what the national media says. 6-2 with a 2 game lead in the division. if we said this at the beginning of the year everyone would've jumped at 6-2 after 8. All this negativity is just unreal

 

"if we said this at the beginning of the year everyone would've jumped at 6-2 after 8."

 

I keep thinking this as well.

 

[Billsfan1972]

5 minutes ago, Lagoon Blues said:

 

"if we said this at the beginning of the year everyone would've jumped at 6-2 after 8."

 

I keep thinking this as well.

 

I'm a fan & that is what I expected.....  They're perfectly fine, just want to see the Offense playing like they were weeks 1-4 and blaim McD & coaching.  

 

As fans we expect better.

[BritBill]

National Attention Champions 2020 sounds brilliant. We'd need the other 31 to be unlucky to win it though. 

[warrior9]

It's just mind blowing to me.

For so long, we lose these close games and it's "The Bills can never pull out close games" or "We will never be able to contend unless we _____________"

 

Now we do and it's "We're not good enough because we're winning these games too close"

 

I get we need to beat and dominate to be nationally respected but the fact of the matter is.... we're winning games.

[BritBill]

2 minutes ago, warrior9 said:

I get we need to beat and dominate to be nationally respected but the fact of the matter is.... we're winning games.

 

It's not enough anymore though. Style, panache, receivers doing backwards flips into the endzone as The Rolling Stones play the shout song in the stands is the expectation now. Anything other than a win without these just isn't acceptable, Rodger. 

[QLBillsFan]

It comes down to a storyline and right now JA has chilled a bit. But right back in the spotlight with games against Wilson ( the first half MVP) and the a bit overhyped but electric K Murray will give the Bills an opportunity. If they excel the spotlight will shine bright. Two losses will bring in the pretenders discussion. Two wins it’s all about the Bills. Just how the media cycle goes. I really feel the pressure to beat the Pats is unreal and I expect the next two games to see an improvement from the Bills. They will need it!

[buffalo2218]

1 hour ago, Ethan in Portland said:

They emberassed themselves on national TV two weeks in a row. The media loves winners and they love Buffalo when they win. 

Barring an upset win over Seattle or Pittsburgh, the narrative the rest of the way will be the demise of New England and Tua's play with the Dolphins.

 

Between the Cowclowns and Tua, I really don't understand the hype on either one. I get why the Bills are getting pushed aside, too much blast from the past in terms of the team falling flat on it's face midway through a season. But while our defense (or lack thereof) is an issue, Allen seems to be reverting to 2019 form. But I'm not sure if it's on him, or Daboll's game planning. What I saw of Tua didn't indicate success or failure. What I've seen of the Cowpunks did indicate the wrong Jones is running the show

[DCofNC]

1 hour ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said:

Pitt and KC are both decidedly better than Buffalo unless the Bills can straighten out the defense.  If they can, they'd be up  there with them too.  Agree, Lamar may be figured out.

Give Lamar a chance against this D, my Gawd.