Athletic article on Bills Fan Expectations

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Joe Buscaglia.  Athletic, paywall, cheap trial usually available

https://theathletic.com/2682501/2021/07/01/bills-fan-survey-results-lofty-super-bowl-expectations-plus-a-tight-battle-for-most-overrated-player/?source=emp_shared_article

 

1,527 fans completed the survey, and there are some interesting paradoxes there.

 

But before you look or I post excerpts, let's run our own fan mini-survey.

 

Not fair to replicate Joe's article exactly, but I thought 3 questions would be interesting, that being our maximum

 

[Greg S]

I went with 13-14 wins and winning the Super Bowl. Might as well have the highest expectations and that means winning it all.

[TroutDog]

I must admit I was initially confused seeing ‘17’ in the regular season!

[Buffalo Boy]

The window is WIDE open right now!!!!

    With the belief that McD and Frazier didn’t suddenly forget how to coach D and that last year was an aberration ( on a few levels), our D will be markedly better led by a much improved D line showing.

     While D Coordinators are trying To scheme against last years downfield passing attack , Daboll and Co will show some short game wrinkles that keep them guessing and improve our play action game.

     Super Bowl BABY💪💪💪💪💪

 

[BarleyNY]

Might as well set the goal high and shoot for it all.  Some things have to come together, including some players stepping forward, and there has to be some luck, but a SB win is certainly possible.  F a SB loss.  That’s pretty much the worst possible outcome for the Bills - or at least me personally.  

[Blainorama5]

I think they drop down 1 game from last season.  Obviously would like to see them make the SB, but if they make it back to the AFC Championship game again I don't know how you couldn't call that a successful year.  Back to back final four finishes?  I'd take that in a heartbeat.

[StHustle]

53 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

Joe Buscaglia.  Athletic, paywall, cheap trial usually available

https://theathletic.com/2682501/2021/07/01/bills-fan-survey-results-lofty-super-bowl-expectations-plus-a-tight-battle-for-most-overrated-player/?source=emp_shared_article

 

1,527 fans completed the survey, and there are some interesting paradoxes there.

 

But before you look or I post excerpts, let's run our own fan mini-survey.

 

Not fair to replicate Joe's article exactly, but I thought 3 questions would be interesting, that being our maximum

 

 

 

Willing to go put on a limb and say these poll numbers will mirror The Athletics

[teef]

i guessed at 12 wins.  i think a super bowl appearance would be considered a wild success for this season, and i do think the bills have what it takes to win a super bowl.    winning a super bowl means everything went right that season, and a bit of luck was sprinkled in.   we've seen that you don't even have to be the best team in the nfl that year to win it, but i truly think the core is strong enough with this team to put them in the conversation for the next few, (or more ) years.

[Bray Wyatt]

Expectations and goals are different. 

 

Goal is obviously the Super Bowl, but I dont think if we dont make it that the season wont be a success (wow lots of negatives there lol).

 

I chose 12 wins and AFC Championship game repeat as expectations and I would consider that a success. It would show that last season wasn't a fluke and the Allen is for real (not that I dont think he is, just that it would certainly silence the majority of his detractors/doubters)

[RiotAct]

We’ll win 12 games in the regular season easy, most likely 13-14

4 minutes ago, Bray Wyatt said:

 

I chose 12 wins and AFC Championship game repeat as expectations and I would consider that a success. It would show that last season wasn't a fluke and the Allen is for real (not that I dont think he is, just that it would certainly silence the majority of his detractors/doubters)

wait… there are still people that doubt he’s our guy?  (besides people like Nick Wright who do it  as a schtick).

[Bray Wyatt]

3 minutes ago, RiotAct said:

We’ll win 12 games in the regular season easy, most likely 13-14

wait… there are still people that doubt he’s our guy?  (besides people like Nick Wright who do it  as a schtick).

 

I have seen repeated on FB as well as on here that some people think it was a fluke because of no fans in the stands 

[Might Rather]

I said AFC championship repeat would be a successful season but now I think of how everyone would be talking of not being able to get over the hump. 

1 hour ago, BarleyNY said:

 F a SB loss.  That’s pretty much the worst possible outcome for the Bills

I can't agree more with BarleyNY . 

Superbowl it is👍

[Mr. WEO]

22 people say 11-12 wins, but 30 people say SB appearance/win.....

[H2o]

I think we end up with 13-14 wins this year. I think getting to the AFC Championship Game would be a successful season (even though it would still be heartbreaking to lose). Finally, I believe this team does have what it takes to hoist a Lombardi. Most of these guys have been together 3 or more years now, both defensively and offensively. You can't underestimate the continuity of being in the same system, with the same coordinators, with the same assignments for that amount of time. We also are having a normal offseason for the younger players this year where that wasn't afforded last year. I think it will make a huge difference for the 2nd year guys, as well as the people brought in last year who are going into their 2nd season with the team. The only thing that could completely derail this entire train would be injuries and I hope we are fortunate in that regard this year. 

[P Riv]

We still have to beat a combination of KC, Tennessee, Cleveland, in the playoffs, then there's TB or GB to get past if we reach the SB.  Tall order and we have a good solid team, but we're putting all of our hopes in the QB to carry it all.  Need Josh to be Aaron Rodgers, and even he's only been able to pull it off once.

[RyanC883]

I think with our talent and depth at QB, DL, and the secondary, we are primed to win 13-14 games.  I suppose I could consider making the AFC Championship game a "success", but I have a hard time doing that.  This team is built to win it all, not become another perennial playoff team that never gets it done.  If we stay healthy, and the D improves in run D and pass rush, (and I expect the RB game to improve as well) we can beat anyone.  

Just now, P Riv said:

We still have to beat a combination of KC, Tennessee, Cleveland, in the playoffs, then there's TB or GB to get past if we reach the SB.  Tall order and we have a good solid team, but we're putting all of our hopes in the QB to carry it all.  Need Josh to be Aaron Rodgers, and even he's only been able to pull it off once.

 

not sure we need Allen to carry us the way Rodgers carries GB.  First, we have better WR (and potentially TE) group than GB, and hopefully our running game matches theirs.  Williams and Moss flashed at the end of last year.  Second, our secondary is likely the best in the NFL, and if our pass rush and run D get their act together, we could routinely hold teams below 17 points, and even give elite teams like KC major issues.  

[Kwai San]

27 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

22 people say 11-12 wins, but 30 people say SB appearance/win.....

 Tampa had only 11 wins.....

[P Riv]

7 minutes ago, RyanC883 said:

I think with our talent and depth at QB, DL, and the secondary, we are primed to win 13-14 games.  I suppose I could consider making the AFC Championship game a "success", but I have a hard time doing that.  This team is built to win it all, not become another perennial playoff team that never gets it done.  If we stay healthy, and the D improves in run D and pass rush, (and I expect the RB game to improve as well) we can beat anyone.  

 

not sure we need Allen to carry us the way Rodgers carries GB.  First, we have better WR (and potentially TE) group than GB, and hopefully our running game matches theirs.  Williams and Moss flashed at the end of last year.  Second, our secondary is likely the best in the NFL, and if our pass rush and run D get their act together, we could routinely hold teams below 17 points, and even give elite teams like KC major issues.  

 

Sounds good to me, but I don't believe we did much of anything to improve our run game or defend against it either.  We're going to have some high scoring games IMHO.  KC's weakness was their O-line, look what they accomplished this offseason.  Everybody tries to improve, we more or less kept the status quo.  We needed a stud D-lineman or a beast at RB to get closer to pushing over the hump.  Maybe we'll get lucky with few injuries, everything goes right, etc.  Every season is different and pre-season hype based on last year is usually wrong.  

[Bleedbuffaloblue]

I was in the 13-14 wins, afc championship game and yes to SB Champ caliber group. This team definitely has the potential to win it all, but as others have noted it usually takes a little luck too. Staying away from major injuries and fluky losses (Hail Mary, etc) are key to getting home playoff games and hopefully home field advantage throughout.

For this season my biggest fear is losing key players to the virus if our team vaccination numbers don’t improve. If we lose a few key players here or there for a game or two that could really derail a deep playoff run or making the playoffs entirely. I hope my fears aren’t realized, but this Delta variant has to be taken seriously. I hope what we are seeing now where most all   Infections are to unvaccinated individuals will spur more of the players to get their shots.

[Patrick Duffy]

I would say as far as my expectations are for this upcoming season, are fairly reasonable and likely very similar with most others..... After what they accomplished last year, I expect at least about the same.

 

I expect a deep playoff run of course to hopefully another AFC Championship game appearance (long as team has no major injuries obviously). If that happens I think I will be a little more confident that this time they would be able to get over the hump and get to the Super Bowl. Then I would 100% go insane if they win it.

 

 

 

[Mr. WEO]

23 minutes ago, Kwai San said:

 Tampa had only 11 wins.....

 

I don't think that cuts it in the AFC with 17 games.

[Kwai San]

1 minute ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

I don't think that cuts it in the AFC with 17 games.

 

Maybe - maybe not.  I would limb it out to a maybe not but who knows?

[machine gun kelly]

On 7/8/2021 at 11:40 AM, RyanC883 said:

I think with our talent and depth at QB, DL, and the secondary, we are primed to win 13-14 games.  I suppose I could consider making the AFC Championship game a "success", but I have a hard time doing that.  This team is built to win it all, not become another perennial playoff team that never gets it done.  If we stay healthy, and the D improves in run D and pass rush, (and I expect the RB game to improve as well) we can beat anyone.  

 

not sure we need Allen to carry us the way Rodgers carries GB.  First, we have better WR (and potentially TE) group than GB, and hopefully our running game matches theirs.  Williams and Moss flashed at the end of last year.  Second, our secondary is likely the best in the NFL, and if our pass rush and run D get their act together, we could routinely hold teams below 17 points, and even give elite teams like KC major issues.  

Ryan, I am so hopeful they give a fair shot to Antonio Williams, but it was only 1 play for 13 yards.  He ran on that one play like exactly what we needed.  I commented earlier a serious open competition where he gets a real chance in 3 preseason games may prove very fruitful.  I don’t know whether moving forward he can be versatile and play a role in ST as that would certainly help.

 

As far as wins, I’m down with 13-14 and have been for awhile especially because House tells me the Ertz deal is almost done. 🙏🤣🤪🤩🦬🏋️‍♂️  Sorry Chand that was easy.  Just a joke joke (even though I do really want him if the right deal for us).

 

A SB appearance I know is not optimal, but that is a significant step as we all know that means we beat KC and the teams before in the playoffs.  That ostensibly means we are now the best team in the AFC.  I don’t know how that isn’t a success.  Don’t get me wrong, I want The crown and I’m definitely 60/40, we can do it.  Making the SB and maybe losing in OT is not a horrific ending.  It’s certainly better than the mess with the Skins and Cowgirls final.  There was no shame in the Giants.  That was poor coaching, but a heck of a game.

Edited July 11, 2021 by machine gun kelly

[Mr. WEO]

1 hour ago, RyanC883 said:

I think with our talent and depth at QB, DL, and the secondary, we are primed to win 13-14 games.  I suppose I could consider making the AFC Championship game a "success", but I have a hard time doing that.  This team is built to win it all, not become another perennial playoff team that never gets it done.  If we stay healthy, and the D improves in run D and pass rush, (and I expect the RB game to improve as well) we can beat anyone.  

 

not sure we need Allen to carry us the way Rodgers carries GB.  First, we have better WR (and potentially TE) group than GB, and hopefully our running game matches theirs.  Williams and Moss flashed at the end of last year.  Second, our secondary is likely the best in the NFL, and if our pass rush and run D get their act together, we could routinely hold teams below 17 points, and even give elite teams like KC major issues.  

 

GB 2 TE's caught 14 TDs.  Their RBs ran for 1800+ yards, over 5 YPC and 13 TDs.  

 

Like last year, Josh will be carrying this Offense. 

[NewEra]

12 win

 

if we don’t win the super bowl I will most likely see this season as a failure. 
 

yes, we can absolutely win the super bowl this season.  

[Mr. WEO]

6 minutes ago, NewEra said:

12 win

 

if we don’t win the super bowl I will most likely see this season as a failure. 
 

yes, we can absolutely win the super bowl this season.  

 

Why can't they win more than 12 games then?

[Allen2D̶i̶g̶g̶s̶TBD]

I think we may have an easier schedule on paper compared to last season, but each of our division rivals improved in key areas over the offseason.

 

If Tua makes progress and they're able to keep Xavien Howard, the Dolphins could challenge for the division. (They went 10-6 last year)

 

The Jets got a potential star rookie qb, signed Corey Davis, and underrated star DE Carl Lawson. Most importantly, they got rid of Adam Gase.

 

The Patriots got a rookie qb who is better suited to their offense than Cam. They filled out their receiving group with two athletic TE's and two experienced WR's. Their defense and running game will keep them in games (we only beat them in the 2nd game because of a well-timed fumble)

 

I think the Texans, Jaguars, and Falcons are our only "easy" games, but it's too early to tell. Our passing offense is near its ceiling, and we will need improvement from our running game and defense in order to improve significantly. I see another 13 win season, but that's actually more impressive because the division got a lot tougher.

[NewEra]

19 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

Why can't they win more than 12 games then?

They can…….

 

My prediction is 12 regular season wins.  
 

Where did I insinuate that they can’t win more than 12 games?   

 

 

[Patrick Duffy]

17 minutes ago, NewEra said:

12 win

 

if we don’t win the super bowl I will most likely see this season as a failure. 
 

yes, we can absolutely win the super bowl this season.  

I don't know if I'd say failure if they get to the Super Bowl and don't win. I would say disappointing I think but not a failure. If they don't make a deep playoff run like last season I would go with failure then. I really believe Bills can get back to the AFCCG though. Although some repeating playoff teams from last season (including Bills) will be tougher and depends how cards fall, still think they have a really good chance to get back that far.

 

But if they are once again playing in the AFCCG and this time win to get to SuperBowl and end up losing.....I definitely wouldn't go as far to call the season a failure as I would disappointing. In any event though relatively speaking, all teams I guess would kinda consider it to be a failure if they don't get to/win a Championship. So I get it in those terms since a Championship is the main goal for all teams.

 

 

[FilthyBeast]

I'm not so much concerned with regular season wins than this team taking the next step which is at the very least representing the AFC in the SB.

 

Either way the proverbial window is still open for this team and they need to do whatever it takes to win a title in the next few years before Allen gets a huge deal and the overall talent around him starts to erode which is what you will also likely see happen to the Chiefs after the 2021 season.

[NewEra]

3 minutes ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

I don't know if I'd say failure if they get to the Super Bowl and don't win. I would say disappointing I think but not a failure. If they don't make a deep playoff run like last season I would go with failure then. I really believe Bills can get back to the AFCCG though. Although some repeating playoff teams from last season (including Bills) will be tougher and depends how cards fall, still think they have a really good chance to get back that far.

 

But if they are once again playing in the AFCCG and this time win to get to SuperBowl and end up losing.....I definitely wouldn't go as far to call the season a failure as I would disappointing. In any event though relatively speaking, all teams I guess would kinda consider it to be a failure if they don't get to/win a Championship. So I get it in those terms since a Championship is the main goal for all teams.

 

 

I hear ya.  I feel similarly, that’s why I wrote “most likely” see the season as a failure if we don’t win the SB.   
 

 

[Rochesterfan]

6 minutes ago, Allen2Diggs said:

I think we may have an easier schedule on paper compared to last season, but each of our division rivals improved in key areas over the offseason.

 

If Tua makes progress and they're able to keep Xavien Howard, the Dolphins could challenge for the division. (They went 10-6 last year)

 

The Jets got a potential star rookie qb, signed Corey Davis, and underrated star DE Carl Lawson. Most importantly, they got rid of Adam Gase.

 

The Patriots got a rookie qb who is better suited to their offense than Cam. They filled out their receiving group with two athletic TE's and two experienced WR's. Their defense and running game will keep them in games (we only beat them in the 2nd game because of a well-timed fumble)

 

I think the Texans, Jaguars, and Falcons are our only "easy" games, but it's too early to tell. Our passing offense is near its ceiling, and we will need improvement from our running game and defense in order to improve significantly. I see another 13 win season, but that's actually more impressive because the division got a lot tougher.

 

Sorry - we beat them in the second game 38-9 a complete domination from start to finish.  We did only beat them by a FG in game 1, but we were the better team - just needed to finally get that win and cement ourselves as the better team.  Game 1 versus NE was mental more than anything.

 

The Dolphins we’re 10-6 solely on the basis of the defense.  I would not expect them to repeat the turnover fest that kept them in games - everything I see suggests a regression to the mean for the Dolphins and around a 0.500 record 8-9, 9-8 or so.

 

The Pats spent a ton on offense, but I think they will be a run, short pass game team and neither their QBs - nor their WRs scare me - I think they will be better than last year, but are still going to lose some close games that Brady would have won.  They are a 0.500 level team also.

 

The Jets intrigue me, but Corey Davis and Carl Lawson do nothing for me on that team.  Lawson had a great contract year on team that went no where.  I picture it very much like Phillips going to Arizona (or Lawson going to Miami) then getting hurt and/or doing nothing.  They put everything into the contract year.  I think the Jets are 3-4 years away - assuming they don’t get impatient and blow it up again.  I am not sure they got the 4th or 5th best QB in the draft at the 2nd spot, but my guess is long term he is closer to Darnold than Lawrence or even Fields or Lance.

 

I guessed 11-12 wins for the Bills - I could easily see 14, but realistically the last few games will depend on seeding and guys they want to rest.  I would also consider it successful to get back to the AFCCG again, but that obviously is not the goal - the actual goal is to win it all and the Bills can do that.

[Patrick Duffy]

9 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I hear ya.  I feel similarly, that’s why I wrote “most likely” see the season as a failure if we don’t win the SB.   
 

 

Gotcha!... I mean if Bills do get back to AFCCG and happen to win this time, we all will be going nuts to the point it may be a heath risk for some lol. But if it goes down like that, during that moment all of us will consider it a success

Edited July 8, 2021 by Patrick_Duffy

[Blainorama5]

1 hour ago, machine gun kelly said:

As far as wins, I’m down with 13-14 and have been for awhile especially because House tells me the Ertz deal is almost done.

Don't make me bump that Ertz thread....  🤪

[Mr. WEO]

40 minutes ago, NewEra said:

They can…….

 

My prediction is 12 regular season wins.  
 

Where did I insinuate that they can’t win more than 12 games?   

 

 

 

When you said you predict they will not win more than 12 games.

[P Riv]

16 minutes ago, Rochesterfan said:

 

Sorry - we beat them in the second game 38-9 a complete domination from start to finish.  We did only beat them by a FG in game 1, but we were the better team - just needed to finally get that win and cement ourselves as the better team.  Game 1 versus NE was mental more than anything.

 

The Dolphins we’re 10-6 solely on the basis of the defense.  I would not expect them to repeat the turnover fest that kept them in games - everything I see suggests a regression to the mean for the Dolphins and around a 0.500 record 8-9, 9-8 or so.

 

The Pats spent a ton on offense, but I think they will be a run, short pass game team and neither their QBs - nor their WRs scare me - I think they will be better than last year, but are still going to lose some close games that Brady would have won.  They are a 0.500 level team also.

 

The Jets intrigue me, but Corey Davis and Carl Lawson do nothing for me on that team.  Lawson had a great contract year on team that went no where.  I picture it very much like Phillips going to Arizona (or Lawson going to Miami) then getting hurt and/or doing nothing.  They put everything into the contract year.  I think the Jets are 3-4 years away - assuming they don’t get impatient and blow it up again.  I am not sure they got the 4th or 5th best QB in the draft at the 2nd spot, but my guess is long term he is closer to Darnold than Lawrence or even Fields or Lance.

 

I guessed 11-12 wins for the Bills - I could easily see 14, but realistically the last few games will depend on seeding and guys they want to rest.  I would also consider it successful to get back to the AFCCG again, but that obviously is not the goal - the actual goal is to win it all and the Bills can do that.

 

The first game NE had us on the ropes in the last minutes, then Newton got sloppy carrying the ball near the goal line.  Second game was two teams headed in completely different directions and we spanked them (felt GREAT).  This year, different season and different teams, can't really predict it.  Their defense last year in a bad season for them...was still number 7 in scoring defense.  If you look at what they added, its going to be rough sledding against them, and their punter is a weapon.  Their WRs don't scare me either, but aside from Moss and Welker, who ever did?  Thats not how they play and I suspect they will use their TE's and RB's in such a way that they don't need a traditional WR1 and never really have.  Our number one and two cover guys may be better than their receivers, but they'll throw to options three and four where it favors them, thats how they work.   Quality low budget guys, lots of depth.  Their Achilles heal is QB, otherwise their overall roster may be better than ours.  We outclass them really badly in QB1 and WR1 and thats all, they have us in just about every other position grouping.  

I think having to play them twice a year is a great thing for us, a great measuring stick and challenge that will make us better.  

 

I agree on the Jets and also think they should have kept Darnold, drafting a QB was a mistake.  Now they have a rookie QB and two unknowns backing him up with no veteran to mentor...thats just dumb.  Their D-line looks good, if CJ Mosley can make a comeback their front 7 isn't bad.  They might win 5-6 games and hopefully steal one from NE or MIA.  They don't have much offensive firepower, but they might sneak up on some people and win with Saleh's enthusiasm (the intangibles).

Dolphins....meh, I think Tua will be a low success/not quite a bust and isn't the answer for them.  I think they regress, maybe badly.  

 

We win 12 games, the division, host a home playoff game, maybe even home in the Divisional round again.  AFCCG repeat.

 

 

[NewEra]

22 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

When you said you predict they will not win more than 12 games.

I predicted 12 wins.  Please explain how predicting 12 wins is the same as saying “they can’t win more than 12 games”.  I’ll wait

[Rochesterfan]

6 minutes ago, P Riv said:

 

The first game NE had us on the ropes in the last minutes, then Newton got sloppy carrying the ball near the goal line.  Second game was two teams headed in completely different directions and we spanked them (felt GREAT).  This year, different season and different teams, can't really predict it.  Their defense last year in a bad season for them...was still number 7 in scoring defense.  If you look at what they added, its going to be rough sledding against them, and their punter is a weapon.  Their WRs don't scare me either, but aside from Moss and Welker, who ever did?  Thats not how they play and I suspect they will use their TE's and RB's in such a way that they don't need a traditional WR1 and never really have.  Our number one and two cover guys may be better than their receivers, but they'll throw to options three and four where it favors them, thats how they work.   Quality low budget guys, lots of depth.  Their Achilles heal is QB, otherwise their overall roster may be better than ours.  We outclass them really badly in QB1 and WR1 and thats all, they have us in just about every other position grouping.  

I think having to play them twice a year is a great thing for us, a great measuring stick and challenge that will make us better.  

 

I agree on the Jets and also think they should have kept Darnold, drafting a QB was a mistake.  Now they have a rookie QB and two unknowns backing him up with no veteran to mentor...thats just dumb.  Their D-line looks good, if CJ Mosley can make a comeback their front 7 isn't bad.  They might win 5-6 games and hopefully steal one from NE or MIA.  They don't have much offensive firepower, but they might sneak up on some people and win with Saleh's enthusiasm (the intangibles).

Dolphins....meh, I think Tua will be a low success/not quite a bust and isn't the answer for them.  I think they regress, maybe badly.  

 

We win 12 games, the division, host a home playoff game, maybe even home in the Divisional round again.  AFCCG repeat.

 

 

 

Not sure I agree - the play he fumbled was a 2nd and 10 on the 19 - even if he doesn’t fumble it would have been 3rd and 6 from the 15.  The most likely outcome was still a FG to tie the game and I still liked the Bills chances in OT.  I don’t think we were on the ropes as NE never lead in the game - they kept having to match us.

 

I think NE has talent, but they are not a great team.  I think their TEs are better, but our top 4 maybe 5 WRs start for them and they really do not have good WRs or depth and if they get rid of Harry it is even worse. I also think there OLine is not any better than the Bills - they have some good run blockers, but pass blocking is not a strength and the last time they lost their OLine coach - the line fell apart and they had to bring him back after a year - so I expect their line to be a liability this year.

 

Their defense has loads of potential whether Gilmore plays or not, but they will need to be a top scoring defense because that offense is going to be in the bottom of the league scoring.  
 

I expect at least 1 tight game and one comfortable win against them, but I just do not seem them hanging around at the end of the season.  Looking realistically at their schedule I see them looking good early, but starting with LAC at the end of Oct. going 3-7 down the stretch for a 7-10 or 8-9 record.  

[P Riv]

10 minutes ago, Rochesterfan said:

 

Not sure I agree - the play he fumbled was a 2nd and 10 on the 19 - even if he doesn’t fumble it would have been 3rd and 6 from the 15.  The most likely outcome was still a FG to tie the game and I still liked the Bills chances in OT.  I don’t think we were on the ropes as NE never lead in the game - they kept having to match us.

 

I think NE has talent, but they are not a great team.  I think their TEs are better, but our top 4 maybe 5 WRs start for them and they really do not have good WRs or depth and if they get rid of Harry it is even worse. I also think there OLine is not any better than the Bills - they have some good run blockers, but pass blocking is not a strength and the last time they lost their OLine coach - the line fell apart and they had to bring him back after a year - so I expect their line to be a liability this year.

 

Their defense has loads of potential whether Gilmore plays or not, but they will need to be a top scoring defense because that offense is going to be in the bottom of the league scoring.  
 

I expect at least 1 tight game and one comfortable win against them, but I just do not seem them hanging around at the end of the season.  Looking realistically at their schedule I see them looking good early, but starting with LAC at the end of Oct. going 3-7 down the stretch for a 7-10 or 8-9 record.  

 

I like your confidence, maybe I still have the 20 year hangover.  As far as O lines go, here's an example of what the world outside B'lo is thinking: https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-all-32-nfl-offensive-line-units-entering-2021-season

As far as NE's O-line coach is concerned, he left in 2019, not 2020.  They're over that hump.  I can't see them going 3-7 down the stretch, especially starting with a LAC that they crushed last year 45-0 with a bad team.  

Just checked the replay of the Newton fumble, if he had it tucked it would have been either 3rd and 1 or 1st and goal.  It was slapped out of his hand and no one was within 2-3 yards in front of him.  So, the strip saved the game.... Awesome play.  

[Rochesterfan]

7 minutes ago, P Riv said:

 

I like your confidence, maybe I still have the 20 year hangover.  As far as O lines go, here's an example of what the world outside B'lo is thinking: https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-ranking-all-32-nfl-offensive-line-units-entering-2021-season

As far as NE's O-line coach is concerned, he left in 2019, not 2020.  They're over that hump.  I can't see them going 3-7 down the stretch, especially starting with a LAC that they crushed last year 45-0 with a bad team.  

Just checked the replay of the Newton fumble, if he had it tucked it would have been either 3rd and 1 or 1st and goal.  It was slapped out of his hand and no one was within 2-3 yards in front of him.  So, the strip saved the game.... Awesome play.  

 

The strip occurred at the 15 and was recovered on the 13.  Newton’s knee hits the ground right where the ball was recovered.  
 

The strip saved the game, but it would have still been 3rd and 4 or so.  There is no way he gets a first as just after the hit by Zimmer - Newton goes down and his knee hits.  
 

I understand there was a definite chance we could have lost, but I still think they would of had a 3rd and mid range and would of needed a timeout. 
 

Either way - it was a great ending for us.