A Few Thoughts About the Seahawks Game, in no particular order

[Virgil]

In full transparency, I didn't see a win today.  Not because I don't have faith in the Bills, but because I believe the Seahawks are arguably the best team in the NFL.  I know there defense is statistically crap, but they have Russell Wilson, who to me is the best overall quarterback in the league.  A step further, Russ is my favorite non-Bill in the league.  His story in the NFL, his ability to make 4th quarter comebacks, and they accuracy he eventually showed today is something I believe is elite.  With that being said, I hoped we could win 1 of our next 2 games to keep pace, as NFC games are good to win, but not deal breakers.  In any case, I was very happy to be wrong and Andre Roberts proved that very quickly on the kick-off.

 

1 - Allen - I've said in previous games that you can just tell from the beginning if Josh has "it" or doesn't.  Today, he absolutely had it.  Josh was straight up phenomenal in all aspects of his game.  He showed his athleticism avoiding some (but not enough) sacks, he was accurate, he showed legs when he needed to, and he ended up being the best quarterback on the field today (and you know how I feel about Wilson).  Nothing rattled Josh today and he just kept on coming.  Even with our typical 3rd quarter lull, Allen was lights out in way that validates his start of season performance.  I don't know if his hurt shoulder, bad weather, or the adjusted scheduled, but Josh was back to MVP form today and against an elite team.  The only knock on Allen today was the sacks he took right around the 35 that affected FG range.  It didn't come back to bite us, but I feel like he's had this issues a few times. 

 

2 - Klein - One game doesn't earn you overall redemption, but no one tell AJ Klein that.  Where the hell did this game come from?  Klein was all over the field today and laying the wood on guys.  In his post game, AJ said the game plan was good.  Well, if the game plan was to absolutely terrorize the offense, then copy and past for the rest of the season.  His sack, forced fumble, and recovery on Russ was borderline criminal.  That was the kind of play that makes you look for a flag because something just had to be illegal there.  In a game where Milano was a big concern to be missed, AJ handled business in coverage and rushing the passer.  He showed great speed and I honestly think his play elevated Edmunds a bit, who's also been missing in action.  Just a great game and I hope to see more of it before the official apology tour begins.

 

3 - Big Hits - I've never embedded video's on TSW, but this game made me wish I could.  There were some hits in this game that made me audibly react.  There was one kick return in particular where I don't know how the Seahawks returner got up.  Even my boy Russ took shots today that's going to require an ice bath later.  I'm going to get to the coaching and prep later, but this is a game that will be fun to watch the replay of on defense for a while to come.  Is there an angry hits version of angry runs?  If so, I know a few plays...

 

4 - Man got the rub on, sister got the rub

They're goin' around doing the rub, the rub

Ain't it crazy, ain't it crazy

Ain't it crazy one day keep on rubbin' that thing.

 

5 - QB Pressure - I'm going to bring up both teams here as they each did a great job of getting to the QB.  There were more sellout blitzes than I've seen in a long time that were feast or famine.  We had a few that left some guys wide open, but that's the price you pay.  I love the dialed up blitzes as Russel was running for his life a lot.  Russ had his life saved a few times by the blocking back, but even that wasn't enough a lot.  Both teams showed five man lines and still sent extra guys.  Hughes continued his great season with another strip sack.  Addison chased down Wilson with surprising speed.  Kudos to Frazier for mixing up who that extra guy was as I saw a variety of DB's going after Russ.  Both QB's overall handled the pressure the best they could, but I overall think the Bills offensive line held up better, regardless of what the sack total's were.  A few of those were on Josh for not getting rid of the ball fast enough. 

 

6 - DB's - Metcalf/Lockett - I've eaten my crow a few weeks back, but I'll continue with how impressive DK looks on the field.  Dude is an absolute specimen and seems to have squashed any concerns about body control.  The deep ball over Tre was just unfair.  I was actually surprised how much single deep safety we ran and dared Russ to beat us.  Other than that, most of the receivers catches were from deep cushions and the typical McD "bend but don't break."  Lockett was surprisingly not heard from at all as it seemed our DB's did a solid job keeping the receivers out of the game.  Most of Russ's passing yards game from that broken deep ball TD and TE's downfield.  I think those were acceptable losses within our game plan.  Poyer balled out again and is unquestionably our defensive MVP and it was nice to see Tre get some vindication with the 4th quarter interception.

 

7 - Officiating - Talk about a one sided officiating crew.  I don't remember the full details, but there was a 3rd and long where they call a late hit against Russ and PI.  Both calls were bogus to me.  Then, there was an illegal shift that ended with a pass to our 3 yard line that wasn't called.  This next one could go both ways, but the offensive holding seemed to be completely ignored against the Bills.  Hughes got called on a terrible personal foul that brought the Seahawks into Bills territory.  Lastly, the Davis possible touchdown pass not even getting reviewed was rough to me, however McD didn't challenge it either.  Regardless, it felt like the Ref kept the Seahawks in it on a few drives and tried to knock us back.  Either way, nothing we couldn't overcome.

 

8 - Receivers - This truly was a game for everyone.  I don't know if it was the Seahawks D or Daboll's play calling, but guys were open all over the field for Allen.  Most of Diggs catches were with huge cushions and runs after the catch.  Brown looked healthy for the first time in weeks, and it showed on the field.  Beasley was reliable when needed, but honestly wasn't needed as much.  Davis also got in the action with some nice grabs.  Daboll also called up two perfectly timed screens.  This is the type of game film that should keep upcoming opposing defensive coordinators up at night.  I honestly don't know how you can stop all these guys.  Moreso, if this is Daboll figuring out how to take advantage of the short yardage game, look out, because you know we can handle the deeper game. 

 

9 - Frazier - Some would say that giving up 30+ points can't be a good defensive effort.  I would say this was our best defensive effort of the season.  The Bills looked like a completely different team out there today.  We didn't give up a passing TD until the broken play and then in garbage time.  We gave up a few big gainers, but also created a lot of negative plays.  Our blitzes were exotic and wonderfully disguised.  This level of adaption in scheme for our 9th game gave me more hope than anything else from this game.  We showed the ability to adapt and succeed in a new identity.  We knew the Seahawks couldn't be completely shut down, so we found the wins where we could and it was enough to put us in the drivers seat the entire game.  Just a brilliant effort.

 

10 - McD - When your team comes out flat, the coach takes the fall.  When your team comes out hot, stays hot, and puts a boot on the other teams neck throughout the entire game, the goach should also get the credit.  At 7-2, McD had his team play their most complete game tonight.  Even with Milano out, and the decision to bench Phillips again, McD pulled all the right levers today.  We took down one of the best teams in the league and never looked back once we took the lead.  For those who want to attach our wins to this point, there's nothing you can say to dimish this accomplishment.  McD had them ready and I think all of us are a little more ready for the rest of this season.

 

Go Bills!

Edited November 9, 2020 by Virgil

[Southern Bills Fan]

Good write up. In regards to number 2, it seems like Klein is much more comfortable attacking the line of scrimmage than dropping back into coverage. 

[Buffalo Junction]

8 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

2 - Klein - One game doesn't earn you overall redemption, but no one tell AJ Klein that.  Where the hell did this game come from?  Klein was all over the field today and laying the wood on guys.  In his post game, AJ said the game plan was good.  Well, if the game plan was to absolutely terrorize the offense, then copy and past for the rest of the season.  His sack, forced fumble, and recovery on Russ was borderline criminal.  That was the kind of play that makes you look for a flag because something just had to be illegal there.  In a game where Milano was a big concern to be missed, AJ handled business in coverage and rushing the passer.  He showed great speed and I honestly think his play elevated Edmunds a bit, who's also been missing in action.  Just a great game and I hope to see more of it before the official apology tour begins.

I think McD and Frazier figured out how to utilize Klein in a way that kept him from being exposed. It seemed to me that they did their best to have him playing downhill or in the flat for the most part so his lack of athleticism couldn’t be exploited like it has in previous weeks. Honestly, they probably caught the Seahawks by surprise there. Hats off to the coaching staff because they caught Carroll and company with their pants down. 

[Virgil]

2 minutes ago, Southern Bills Fan said:

Good write up. In regards to number 2, it seems like Klein is much more comfortable attacking the line of scrimmage than dropping back into coverage. 

 

100% agreed.  Lorax liked lining up with his hands on the ground.  AJ just wants to run straight in.  Once he got his confidence, it looked to translate to the rest of his game

[IronyAbounds]

Overall a great team effort, and I'd have to give the game ball to Daboll. I thought the play calling was outstanding. Given how bad Seattle is against the pass he didn't try to establish the run. Just superb.

[JoPoy88]

Anyone that “didn’t see a possible win today” hasn’t been paying much attention sorry @Virgil the defense for the hawks is historically bad. If you as a ***expert*** didn’t highlight this game six weeks ago as a steal you’re obviously not paying attention. Where’s bill?

[Big Turk]

The Davis play wasn't reviewed because it wasn't ruled a TD on the field...McD would have had to challenge it...

 

Also I don't know if they really benched Phillips, I think they just made a decision to go with guys who gave them a better chance rushing the passer because Seattle was down to their 3rd string RB

[1st Ammendment NoMas]

Great job. Agreed on all points. It was a joy to watch this game and for once I had confidence we weren't going to screw this up. (well accept for a few series in the 3rd quarter when I got Rams flashbacks and Josh was getting sacked)

[Virgil]

2 minutes ago, JoPoy88 said:

Anyone that “didn’t see a possible win today” hasn’t been paying much attention sorry @Virgil the defense for the hawks is historically bad. If you as a ***expert*** didn’t highlight this game six weeks ago as a steal you’re obviously not paying attention. Where’s bill?

 

I never said we couldn't win, I'm saying I didn't think we would.   Again, the Seahawks are on of the best teams in the league and can score a crapton of points.  Our offense has not clicked in 3 weeks.  If you can't understand how that might pose a problem, I got nothing for you.  If we played how we did the past 3 weeks, we don't win this game.

 

Fortunately, we brought out A game on both sides of the ball

3 minutes ago, matter2003 said:

The Davis play wasn't reviewed because it wasn't ruled a TD on the field...McD would have had to challenge it...

 

Also I don't know if they really benched Phillips, I think they just made a decision to go with guys who gave them a better chance rushing the passer because Seattle was down to their 3rd string RB

 

You might be right about Phillips.  I thought he had a good game last week, so I still found it a little surprising.  But it does seem that McD is taking his defensive line rotation to the next level this season.

[Philo]

15 minutes ago, Virgil said:

3 - Big Hits - I've never embedded video's on TSW, but this game made me wish I could.  There were some hits in this game that made me audibly react.  There was one kick return in particular where I don't know how the Seahawks returner got up.  Even my boy Russ took shots today that's going to require an ice bath later.  I'm going to get to the coaching and prep later, but this is a game that will be fun to watch the replay of on defense for a while to come.  Is there an angry hits version of angry runs?  If so, I know a few plays...

 

7 - Officiating - Talk about a one sided officiating crew.  I don't remember the full details, but there was a 3rd and long where they call a late hit against Russ and PI.  Both calls were bogus to me.  Then, there was an illegal shift that ended with a pass to our 3 yard line that wasn't called.  This next one could go both ways, but the offensive holding seemed to be completely ignored against the Bills.  Hughes got called on a terrible personal foul that brought the Seahawks into Bills territory.  Lastly, the Davis possible touchdown pass not even getting reviewed was rough to me, however McD didn't challenge it either.  Regardless, it felt like the Ref kept the Seahawks in it on a few drives and tried to knock us back.  Either way, nothing we couldn't overcome.

 

3 - That was Bam Johnson absolutely destroying the Seattle return man. That was a vicious hit and I loved it. 

 

7 - I really hate blaming refs for things going poorly, but it definitely felt like there was a stretch there with a few ticky tack calls that kept Seattle afloat in the second half. At one point I  remember seeing a graphic saying something like 6 fouls on the Bills for 65 yards and 1 foul on the Seahawks for 2 yards. A couple of those calls felt a bit suspect. Fortunately, the Bills were too damn good today for it to matter in the end. 

 

[JoPoy88]

4 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

I never said we couldn't win, I'm saying I didn't think we would.   Again, the Seahawks are on of the best teams in the league and can score a crapton of points.  Our offense has not clicked in 3 weeks.  If you can't understand how that might pose a problem, I got nothing for you.  If we played how we did the past 3 weeks, we don't win this game.

 

Fortunately, we brought out A game on both sides of the ball

 

You might be right about Phillips.  I thought he had a good game last week, so I still found it a little surprising.  But it does seem that McD is taking his defensive line rotation to the next level this season.

they’re not one of the best “teams” in the league though. Their defense is one of the worst in history. They have an mvp qb dragging them forward and a freak WR to help him out. A complete “team” they are not and never were this season. You smoked the espn bs. The bills always had a very lively chance to take this game, especially at home

[Ya Digg?]

I thought both roughing the passer penalties were definitely bogus-I’m not sure what else Oliver or Hughes could do! I actually thought both Oliver and Edmunds had good games today. Oliver won’t show up in the stats but he seemed to be all over that pocket all game long. Edmunds was finally making plays in the backfield...it was nice to see what he can do again when the defensive line does what they are supposed to do

[Orlando Tim]

20 minutes ago, Southern Bills Fan said:

Good write up. In regards to number 2, it seems like Klein is much more comfortable attacking the line of scrimmage than dropping back into coverage. 

This was known when we brought him in, surprised they kept trying to force his square peg into a round hole style.

[Fixxxer]

Josh was in the zone in the first half, if I'm not mistaken, he had already hit 6 different receivers in the 1st QTR alone. 

 

Glad Klein had the game he had, probably someone forwarded him the trade him for a pretzel thread we had here last week.

 

Taron Johnson thought Wilson was stopped and lost David Moore for a TD. The Seahawks and Wilson are relentless, you can't sleep on them. 

 

Yappin' Adams is a great blitzer and very good against the run, but he's clueless in coverage. He kept one drive alive for us when he tripped Beasley and was badly turned by Stefon Diggs. He reminds me of Roy Williams, former Dallas safety, good hitter but very overrated. 

 

Did Josh audibled on that Brown quick screen pass? A shame Smoke didn't score on that play. 

[klos63]

16 minutes ago, matter2003 said:

The Davis play wasn't reviewed because it wasn't ruled a TD on the field...McD would have had to challenge it...

 

Also I don't know if they really benched Phillips, I think they just made a decision to go with guys who gave them a better chance rushing the passer because Seattle was down to their 3rd string RB

Semantics, if Phillips was good enough, he'd be playing. He was a starter at the beginning of the season, he's not earning his roster spot.

[JoPoy88]

11 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

I never said we couldn't win, I'm saying I didn't think we would.   Again, the Seahawks are on of the best teams in the league and can score a crapton of points.  Our offense has not clicked in 3 weeks.  If you can't understand how that might pose a problem, I got nothing for you.  If we played how we did the past 3 weeks, we don't win this game.

 

No, you really don’t. You’re horrible at this compared to Bill and Shaw. 

[Kwai San]

Good writeup Virgil....The refs were in homer mode for sure.

 

For once the Bills beat both teams on the field.  Kudos to them.

 

Arizona gotta be shaking in their cleats right now!

 

Go BILLS!!!

[Big Turk]

3 minutes ago, klos63 said:

Semantics, if Phillips was good enough, he'd be playing. He was a starter at the beginning of the season, he's not earning his roster spot.

 

Not really. He is a run defender. Bills wanted to get after Wilson not make sure they could defend the run better. 

[Kwai San]

10 hours ago, JoPoy88 said:

No, you really don’t. You’re horrible at this compared to Bill and Shaw. 

Wow dude....lighten up. You think you can do better have at it.....otherwise move along and I doubt I'm the only one thinking that.....

Edited November 9, 2020 by Kwai San

[Virgil]

10 minutes ago, JoPoy88 said:

No, you really don’t. You’re horrible at this compared to Bill and Shaw. 

 

To each their own.  One less Christmas card to write.  Interesting where the negativity and need to attack comes from.  Maybe call the old man, get some hugs?  Good luck to you.

7 minutes ago, matter2003 said:

 

Not really. He is a run defender. Bills wanted to get after Wilson not make sure they could defend the run better. 

 

That's a good point.  With the Seahawks not showing any form of rushing attack and their top 2 guys down, Bills most likely made the decision to go with pure speed guys

Edited November 9, 2020 by Virgil