Round 1 Playoff: Colts at Bills - Sat. 1/9 1:05pm

[Penfield45]

4 minutes ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

Just want to point out, this Bills team is so powerful and I like a lot of you have a lot of confidence going into this playoff game. However as we are all aware, anything happens in the playoffs.

 

Remember how good the Pats offense was all those years and once they hit the playoffs teams keep it very close pretty much every game. Just basically saying (to some ppl) that if the Bills offense doesn't look unstoppable as they have for majority of the season, don't be surprised.

 

I feel we will defeat the Colts but I think it may end up being a closer game than some may want to admit. But this is our chance, our year. Although 2020 sucked, this Bills team is definitely a silver lining and they are definitely championship caliber.

 

Go Bills!

 

we aren't blowing out the colts. this is the playoffs and they are one of the most balanced teams in the league 

 

all that matters is the win. Don't care if we win 9-6. just get that 1st playoff win and then we can start talking about a SB run 

[Patrick Duffy]

3 minutes ago, Penfield45 said:

 

we aren't blowing out the colts. this is the playoffs and they are one of the most balanced teams in the league 

 

all that matters is the win. Don't care if we win 9-6. just get that 1st playoff win and then we can start talking about a SB run 

Yes, that's what I was saying. I just know some ppl are expecting the Bills to curb stomp them and run them out of the stadium (and they still may). But the AFC is pretty strong, even if the Bills did play and beat a lot of very strong teams soundly.

 

Playoffs always seem to surprise you at times.

Edited January 4, 2021 by Patrick_Duffy

[RichRiderBills]

Taylor has got to be tired AF running so much last week, then pushing this late into a season. They cant expect to lean on him as hard.

[DJB]

The Colts are a really good team. We can't take them lightly. Rivers is a statue with a noodle arm so that plays right into our hands nicely however. 

[wjag]

5 minutes ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

Yes, that's what I was saying. I just know some ppl are expecting the Bills to curb stomp them and run them out of the stadium (and they still may). But the AFC is pretty strong, even if the Bills did play and beat a lot of very strong teams soundly.

 

Playoffs always seem to surprise you at times.

 

To me the one game on the docket that could be a blow out (either way) is the Baltimore-Tennessee game.  Tennessee is awful on 3rd down and defense.  But they have a battering ram for a RB that had Baltimore DBs running for cover last year.  Baltimore just rushed for 400 yards.  I could see them dismantling the Titans too by rushing it down their throats.  My gut tells me Ravens are motivated to stand up to the Titans who beat them this year in week 10 and derailed last year's coronation.

[RevWarRifleman]

Thanks Yolo. I'll have my popcorn ready.     Go  Bills!!

[nucci]

16 minutes ago, RichRiderBills said:

Taylor has got to be tired AF running so much last week, then pushing this late into a season. They cant expect to lean on him as hard.

Surely you can't be serious

[The Wiz]

36 minutes ago, Stank_Nasty said:

Busting myths for the 14 NFL playoff teams in 2020: Josh Allen's new strength, and how dangerous are the Ravens? (espn.com)

 

7. Indianapolis Colts

 

The myth: The Colts have one of the league's best defenses.

This was the case for the first half of the season. Indianapolis was No. 1 in the league in total defense, if you measure by fewest yards allowed per game, through Week 9. Darius Leonard is a terror at linebacker. DeForest Buckner is a force in the middle of the defensive line. Xavier Rhodes was having a resurgent season at cornerback. The Colts' defense was one of the very best -- if not the best -- into the early part of November.

 

Why it's wrong: It didn't hold up. From Weeks 10-16, Indy ranked 26th in total defense and 27th in defensive efficiency. In its last three games against teams in the playoff field -- Green Bay, Tennessee and Pittsburgh -- the Colts have allowed an average of 35 points and 390 yards. They did win the Green Bay game in overtime, but they blew a 24-7 second-half lead in Pittsburgh in Week 16 to cost themselves a chance to win the AFC South.

Could they get it together in the postseason? Sure. But they have to go to Buffalo, where the Bills' offense is clicking as well as any in the entire league

And to follow that up with the bills:

 

The myth: Josh Allen can't beat defenses from the pocket.

Allen had a fine 2019 season, but the book on him was that he was at least as big of a threat to beat teams with his legs as with his arm. Last season, he ranked 21st in the league in Total QBR (53.7), 22nd in touchdown passes (16) and 30th in completion percentage (62.1%) on throws from inside the pocket.

 

Why it's wrong: Because Allen is a different quarterback in 2020. Through Week 16, he had more dropbacks in the pocket than he did last season (470 to 419) and ranked first in the league in QBR (87.1), seventh in touchdown passes (26) and first in completion percentage (72.9%) on throws from inside the pocket. The jump Allen took from Year 2 to Year 3 is one of the stories of the entire season.

[BearNorth]

Colts have played 11 games in domes this year. Their outdoor games were 86 degrees - L @ Jax, 49 degrees @ Chicago, 63 degrees L @ Cleveland, 49degrees @ Tenn, 46 degrees L @ Pittsburgh.  3 of their 5 losses outdoors.

Edited January 4, 2021 by BearNorth

[Bulldog]

23 minutes ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

Yes, that's what I was saying. I just know some ppl are expecting the Bills to curb stomp them and run them out of the stadium (and they still may). But the AFC is pretty strong, even if the Bills did play and beat a lot of very strong teams soundly.

 

Playoffs always seem to surprise you at times.

Yes - anything can happen in the playoffs. The Colts defense is competitive, but I am confident that our offense will adequately produce - if our "D" plays as it has recently - slowing down the run & putting a lot of pressure on Rivers - I see that as a winning formula for the Bills.

 

[Beast]

30 minutes ago, Penfield45 said:

 

we aren't blowing out the colts. this is the playoffs and they are one of the most balanced teams in the league 

 

all that matters is the win. Don't care if we win 9-6. just get that 1st playoff win and then we can start talking about a SB run 

 

I'll talk about a SB run now, thanks. It may or may not happen but you have been predicting gloom all year. Nobody cares what you have to say.

19 minutes ago, DJB said:

The Colts are a really good team. We can't take them lightly. Rivers is a statue with a noodle arm so that plays right into our hands nicely however. 

 

What would make you think the Bills are going to take Indy lightly after what we have witnessed the past few months?

[PaattMaann]

40 minutes ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

Just want to point out, this Bills team is so powerful and I like a lot of you have a lot of confidence going into this playoff game. However as we are all aware, anything happens in the playoffs.

 

Remember how good the Pats offense was all those years and once they hit the playoffs teams keep it very close pretty much every game. Just basically saying (to some ppl) that if the Bills offense doesn't look unstoppable as they have for majority of the season, don't be surprised.

 

I feel we will defeat the Colts but I think it may end up being a closer game than some may want to admit. But this is our chance, our year. Although 2020 sucked, this Bills team is definitely a silver lining and they are definitely championship caliber.

 

Go Bills!

 

I am not sure if you are suggesting this or not, but I am taking this like "the bills have been great on offense but dont be surprised if they go kind of conservative because thats what happens in the playoffs"...which, if that is what you are expecting, you are INSANE! 

 

This offense will be pedal to the metal, full throttle, unleashed. This is our teams identity, that is Josh's identity now. I fully expect them to throw the ball all around the yard and put up points, like they have all year. This better be what we see them attempt to do, its what we do! 

[Pokebball]

39 minutes ago, RichRiderBills said:

Taylor has got to be tired AF running so much last week, then pushing this late into a season. They cant expect to lean on him as hard.

While he did carry the ball twice his average yesterday, I think he's fine.

[Bulldog]

14 minutes ago, BearNorth said:

Colts have played 12 games in domes this year. Their outdoor games were 86 degrees - L @ Jax, 49 degrees @ Chicago, 63 degrees L @ Cleveland, 46 degrees L @ Pittsburgh.  3 of their 5 losses outdoors.

Definitely a possible factor in our favor - a dome team playing in Orchard Park in January. I know that we can't count on extended forecasts, but the extended currently shows Saturday as a high of 29 degrees with light winds. Perhaps that would be cold enough to bother the dome acclimated Colts, but be a great day for our offense to shine.

[DJB]

23 minutes ago, Beast said:

 

I'll talk about a SB run now, thanks. It may or may not happen but you have been predicting gloom all year. Nobody cares what you have to say.

 

What would make you think the Bills are going to take Indy lightly after what we have witnessed the past few months?

 

I'm not talking the Bills themselves. I'm talking the fans who think we have this one wrapped up

[RichRiderBills]

58 minutes ago, Penfield45 said:

 

we aren't blowing out the colts. this is the playoffs and they are one of the most balanced teams in the league 

 

all that matters is the win. Don't care if we win 9-6. just get that 1st playoff win and then we can start talking about a SB run 

 

But....we could blow them out. The past several weeks, someone has said " we are not blowing them out" for every team we've blown out.

 

 

 

 

[YoloinOhio]

Hopefully a nice little distraction from preparing for the Bills offense 

 

 

[RichRiderBills]

12 minutes ago, DJB said:

 

I'm not talking the Bills themselves. I'm talking the fans who think we have this one wrapped up

 

I agree should not be cocky...our team wont be. They are the ones who need to be grounded. 

 

Based on almost everything measurable, you would be foolish to pick against Buffalo.

 

Then again, based on intangibles ( Philip Rivers winning @ Buffalo?) You would be pretty foolish to pick against buff as well. 

[Like A Mofo]

 

Only thing I worry about is the old peaking too early thing.

 

Every team in the AFC is really really good IMO. This will be tough.

 

All I am focused on is seeing this new regime and new era of Buffalo Bills earn their 1st playoff win. Nothing more. Nothing less.

 

Control Taylor to about 100 yards and make the Colts more one dimensional.

 

Limit turnovers to 1 (figure Allen might throw 1 pick which happens) Be strong in the red zone. Special teams.

 

We got this.

 

I say Buffalo 27-20

[Pokebball]

Not sure if this belongs here or in the Beasley thread, but what is the latest on Cole?  I'm guessing he won't be ready for this Saturday.  Hoping for the following weekend???

[YoloinOhio]

Just now, Pokebball said:

Not sure if this belongs here or in the Beasley thread, but what is the latest on Cole?  I'm guessing he won't be ready for this Saturday.  Hoping for the following weekend???

No news yet unless someone can pry something out of McDermott in his 4pm media call.  Wednesday will be first injury report. 

[The Wiz]

 

[Logic]

I always look at the three main matchups:

Our offense vs their defense, our defense vs their offense, and head coach vs head coach.

With all due respect to the Colts, who won 11 games and are a good, balanced playoff team -- I believe that all three of the above matchups favor Buffalo.

The one thing that has me a bit worried is that their defensive line, led by Deforest Buckner, has the potential to give our offensive line fits. Control the line of scrimmage and you control the game. BUT....The Steelers' front seven was no joke, either, and we put up 26 points against them. I do not believe that the Colts defense, overall, is as good as Pittsburgh's. Furthermore, with regard to pressure from the Colts' d-line -- Allen has just gotten so good (and calm) with his movement in the pocket and knowing when to roll to his right that I think he overcomes the challenges Indy's D presents.

Looking deep within myself and trying to put my homer-ism aside, I just don't see the Bills losing this one. I'm very cautious with my predictions of Bills success -- I had them going 9-7 or 10-6 this year -- but I see Bills victory this Sunday.

[Success]

Of all the QB's in the AFC, Rivers is the guy I thought would be the best match-up, for obvious reasons.  He just can't run, and we don't have to worry about that kind of containment.  I think we can force a few mistakes out of him, also. 

 

That said, their running game & D are no joke, and they are very well coached.  This is the best AFC playoff line-up in literally decades. I remember years that even the 4-6 seeds were very marginal playoff teams, and the Pats (or Colts) could count on a cakewalk until the AFCCG.

 

This is such an important game. It's the 2nd to last monkey on our back (the 3rd to last being the actual playoff drought, and the last being a SB win).  I don't want any more monkeys on our back.  I like monkeys. I just don't like them on our back.

 

 

 

[r00tabaga]

Did anyone watch their LT yesterday? Costanzo was playing at high level.

Obviously Jonathan went off for 250+ but was that between the tackles.... right side...etc

[Patrick Duffy]

2 hours ago, wjag said:

 

To me the one game on the docket that could be a blow out (either way) is the Baltimore-Tennessee game.  Tennessee is awful on 3rd down and defense.  But they have a battering ram for a RB that had Baltimore DBs running for cover last year.  Baltimore just rushed for 400 yards.  I could see them dismantling the Titans too by rushing it down their throats.  My gut tells me Ravens are motivated to stand up to the Titans who beat them this year in week 10 and derailed last year's coronation.

Yes I agree and also thin that the Ravens get the W this time around against the Titans. I think that game will be close. All depends which team slows down the others rushing attack enough to make a difference and which ever team that is I think we likely win.

2 hours ago, PaattMaann said:

 

I am not sure if you are suggesting this or not, but I am taking this like "the bills have been great on offense but dont be surprised if they go kind of conservative because thats what happens in the playoffs"...which, if that is what you are expecting, you are INSANE! 

 

This offense will be pedal to the metal, full throttle, unleashed. This is our teams identity, that is Josh's identity now. I fully expect them to throw the ball all around the yard and put up points, like they have all year. This better be what we see them attempt to do, its what we do! 

Ummm nah man. I'm simply saying that teams may keep this game a lot closer than some expect. Like if the Bills don't put up 30 or more points and the game is within a possession closing it out don't be surprised

 

Nothing to do with the Bills game plan. That's great and they will keep doing what got them here. 

[PaattMaann]

9 minutes ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

Yes I agree and also thin that the Ravens get the W this time around against the Titans. I think that game will be close. All depends which team slows down the others rushing attack enough to make a difference and which ever team that is I think we likely win.

Ummm nah man. I'm simply saying that teams may keep this game a lot closer than some expect. Like if the Bills don't put up 30 or more points and the game is within a possession closing it out don't be surprised

 

Nothing to do with the Bills game plan. That's great and they will keep doing what got them here. 

 

oh ok, I just wasn't sure which way you were going with that. Yea playoff games do tend to be close, because well obviously its usually hard to get into the playoffs and the level of parity rises. That kind of goes with the territory. 

[reddogblitz]

12 hours ago, MJS said:

He should have Sinatra on repeat all week

 

I would recommend "Live at the Sands".

[PaattMaann]

10 minutes ago, r00tabaga said:

Did anyone watch their LT yesterday? Costanzo was playing at high level.

Obviously Jonathan went off for 250+ but was that between the tackles.... right side...etc

 

They love running a power run look to the right but then pitching to Taylor going left/weakside...their backup LT did a good job run blocking yesterday.

 

Costanzo out and Veldheer in is a big loss for the Colts. When Costanzo first got hurt a few weeks ago, I Read an article that had some kind of incredible stat in it, that since he was drafted, in games Costanzo didnt play due to injury, the offensive numbers for the colts dropped DRASTICALLY, as well as wins. Man I'm gonna see if I can find the stat. I do remember that in the game he got injured in, I think it was the Titans game, The colts went 0-8 on successful drives the rest of the game. He was hugely important to their offensive success. 

[Patrick Duffy]

2 minutes ago, PaattMaann said:

 

oh ok, I just wasn't sure which way you were going with that. Yea playoff games do tend to be close, because well obviously its usually hard to get into the playoffs and the level of parity rises. That kind of goes with the territory. 

Yeah, agree. I guess what I'm mainly trying to say is, some ppl are expecting the Bills to blow the Colts out. I think it will be closer and I don't recall too many blow outs during the playoffs the past few years. There may have been a couple but it's usually pretty rare.

[Penfield45]

2 hours ago, DJB said:

The Colts are a really good team. We can't take them lightly. Rivers is a statue with a noodle arm so that plays right into our hands nicely however. 

They are a very good 1sf half team , one of the best in the league 

 

2nd half is where they fall apart at times. We need to build a lead early and force Rivers to throw in the 2nd half 

[PaattMaann]

3 minutes ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

Yeah, agree. I guess what I'm mainly trying to say is, some ppl are expecting the Bills to blow the Colts out. I think it will be closer and I don't recall too many blow outs during the playoffs the past few years. There may have been a couple but it's usually pretty rare.

Last years wildcard round games were all close.

 

Overall there were several blow outs last year, two 17 point games, a 16 point game, a 20 point game....so half the games in last year alone were blow outs. I do agree I guess that there is a higher chance at a close game than a blow out. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

25 minutes ago, r00tabaga said:

Did anyone watch their LT yesterday? Costanzo was playing at high level.

Obviously Jonathan went off for 250+ but was that between the tackles.... right side...etc

 

Costanzo is a Beast

[Royale with Cheese]

5 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

They were only -3 vs Fins yesterday...

 

 

Did we cover?

[r00tabaga]

3 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Costanzo is a Beast

As a ‘Cuse fan, I remember him at BC. Dominant.

[Meatloaf63]

1 hour ago, Success said:

Of all the QB's in the AFC, Rivers is the guy I thought would be the best match-up, for obvious reasons.  He just can't run, and we don't have to worry about that kind of containment.  I think we can force a few mistakes out of him, also. 

 

That said, their running game & D are no joke, and they are very well coached.  This is the best AFC playoff line-up in literally decades. I remember years that even the 4-6 seeds were very marginal playoff teams, and the Pats (or Colts) could count on a cakewalk until the AFCCG.

 

This is such an important game. It's the 2nd to last monkey on our back (the 3rd to last being the actual playoff drought, and the last being a SB win).  I don't want any more monkeys on our back.  I like monkeys. I just don't like them on our back.

 

 

 

I hate monkeys, especially the flying ones. Those things scared the crap out me when I was a kid😡

[K-9]

4 minutes ago, Meatloaf63 said:

I hate monkeys, especially the flying ones. Those things scared the crap out me when I was a kid😡

Boo!

 

[BillsSbSoon]

Rivers actually worries me a bit because weve struggled with him whenever weve played him for the most part. Different team different year i know. He gets the ball out quick like fitzpatrick and that has given us problems

[PaattMaann]

11 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Costanzo is a Beast

 

good thing he isnt suiting up then. 

[Patrick Duffy]

12 minutes ago, PaattMaann said:

Last years wildcard round games were all close.

 

Overall there were several blow outs last year, two 17 point games, a 16 point game, a 20 point game....so half the games in last year alone were blow outs. I do agree I guess that there is a higher chance at a close game than a blow out. 

I mean (my memory isn't the best) weren't those games pretty competitive for a lot of the game? I mean no blowouts like Bills/Finns yesterday when a team is up by 30 plus points with like 10 mins left in the 3rd qter.