Alphas first stab at the 53 as we approach first preseason game

[NewEra]

19 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

More likely than cut him would be he develops some nagging injury and winds up on IR to start the season.

This is what I’m hoping for with Doyle and Stevenson.  

[Simon Says]

Bills won't keep 11 DLINE. Phillips and Addison could be trade bait.

Gilliam won't see many reps on offense and can be replaced on ST.

If Sweeney doesn't make it, Bills might acquire a TE.

I think a CB that can return kicks could be  a smart pickup.

Get younger by replacing Jones with A. Williams

Edited August 12, 2021 by Georgie
Add Williams

[DCofNC]

On 8/10/2021 at 7:01 PM, Sheneneh Jenkins said:

imo the rookie that looks most impressive makes it and other may go to PS. I think Obada makes the 53 also. I feel confident saying he is a lock.

That’s not an option, you don’t cut a 1st or 2nd round pick and hope they clear waivers to stash them on the PS. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Interesting roster review by Fairburn and Buscaglia in the Athletic

https://theathletic.com/2765876/2021/08/12/observations-on-all-92-buffalo-bills-players-as-they-head-into-the-preseason/

 

If there's any positions on offense where you want to hear their take, LMK.  I'm focusing on D here.

 

Their take on the DE roster battle.  They see Hughes and Addison as locks.

Quote

Greg Rousseau: Even with a year off from football, Rousseau has looked ready for the NFL in his first camp. What stands out most is not just his length but that he understands how to use it to manipulate offensive linemen and impact passing lanes. He’ll make an impact as a rookie.

Boogie Basham: After a hot start to camp, Boogie Basham has faded a bit. He worked with the third team during the scrimmage and hasn’t had as many splash plays. His flexibility to play inside could help him find the gameday roster this year, but the Bills’ defensive line is deep.

Efe Obada: Obada has been the Bills’ star of camp on the defensive side of the ball. Rarely does a practice go by without Obada getting into the backfield for a pressure or sack. He’s looking like a sure bet to make the team and a player who will factor into the rotation. Obada also happens to be a jovial personality in front of a microphone, a plus for reporters and readers.

A.J. Epenesa: Epenesa carried his strong spring into training camp. He’s now light enough that it doesn’t appear he’ll be a factor as an interior rusher, but that’s fine because he looks a lot quicker off the edge and hasn’t lost his power. A productive second season could be in store.

Darryl Johnson: Heath Farwell called Darryl Johnson a matchup nightmare on special teams, but Johnson’s work on the special teams units might not be enough to save his roster spot this year. He’s found his way into the backfield occasionally, but the Bills are too deep at defensive end to find a spot for him in the rotation.

Mike Love: Love deserves credit for being a terror against the third-team offensive line in the two stadium practices. There’s a reason the Bills have kept him around so long. Maybe he sticks on the practice squad again, but the numbers game will make it so tough for him to be on the active roster. He deserves to play somewhere in the NFL in 2021, though.

 

Their take on the DT roster battle.  See Lotulelei and Oliver as locks.

Quote

Harrison Phillips: Now fully healthy, Phillips has had some flash days at camp where he’s looked like a good run defender with some pass-rushing juice. To me, he’s a one-technique defensive tackle only, which limits his gameday role. Phillips has done enough to make the team so far this summer.

Vernon Butler: Of the defensive tackles with a chance to make the team, Butler has been the least impressive of the group. His low pressure percentage from last year has transferred to the summer, and Phillips has outplayed him. Butler suffered a concussion and has sat out the previous few practices as well. The Bills can save $3.3 million by releasing Butler, and that extra cap room would look pretty good to roll over into 2022 if Butler doesn’t improve.

Justin Zimmer: Bar none, Zimmer has been one of the best-performing defensive players of training camp. He is constantly winning his one-on-one matchups and is loved and respected by both his coaches and teammates. If he continues this performance in preseason games, Zimmer should make the 53-man roster without hesitation. If his excellent 2020 season is any indication, there’s no reason to believe Zimmer will fade.

 

Their take on the LB roster battle:

Quote

Andre Smith: Smith is looking more and more like a good bet for the roster. They’ve been developing him on defense in addition to their trust in him on special teams. Smith signed a two-year deal this offseason which is another positive sign that he’ll remain in Buffalo for the year.

Tyler Matakevich: Lock Matakevich in as one of the 53. He’s their best special teams player on the roster and has shown some improvement in run defense this camp as well.

Tyrell Adams: The sixth linebacker spot is where things get interesting for the Bills. Adams has shown well both as a defender and on special teams, which will help his case. I would not be surprised if Adams served in the same role as Darron Lee last year as the veteran practice squad linebacker.

Tyrel Dodson: Dodson is in his third summer with the Bills which is when they need to start seeing a step forward. Dodson hasn’t been remarkably noticeable, though that could change as linebacker is one of the toughest positions to gauge in non-tackling practices. Dodson will battle Adams for the sixth linebacker spot, as well as the entire roster. It’s no guarantee that the Bills even keep six linebackers.

Joe Giles-Harris: Giles-Harris was a late-spring add and had one practice with both an interception and fumble recovery. He hasn’t stood out outside of that day and likely faces an uphill climb to make the roster over Adams or Dodson.

 

Their take on the CB roster battle:

Quote

Levi Wallace: Wallace handles himself like a veteran who belongs in the starting lineup. He’s had a clear edge over Dane Jackson from the start of camp and is showing why the Bills haven’t yet added another veteran at corner. He looks a bit bigger, too.

Dane Jackson: Jackson is very active around the football. He has the instincts to break on the ball and make plays. But his lack of consistency has caused up to lose ground to Levi Wallace in the battle for the No. 2 cornerback job.

Siran Neal: Neal has been around the ball a lot, making multiple interceptions in camp to this point. While he does most of his work as a nickel cornerback, the Bills have also tested him on the boundary. He looks like a roster lock at this point.

Rachad Wildgoose: Wildgoose has played both in the slot and on the boundary. He’s improved as much as any cornerback from the start of camp to where he is now. He’s unafraid to hit. He’ll be fun to watch in the preseason.

Cam Lewis: The Bills have tested Lewis in the slot and on the boundary to see how much they can get out of him. An injury ruined his opportunity at playing time a year ago, but the Bills haven’t forgotten all he did to earn that chance. He hasn’t been spectacular in camp, but his experience is keeping him ahead of the rookies.

Olaijah Griffin: Of the two undrafted cornerbacks, Olaijah Griffin has looked slightly better in the first 11 practices. He’s handled himself well in one-on-one drills and has impressive ball-tracking skills. He’s worth developing on the practice squad.

 

[MJS]

12 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

Henry wasn’t an issue last season…. The Bills pass rush didn’t sniff Tannenhill and he picked them apart. 
 

Bills defense doesn’t match up well with the Titans or Chiefs. Just gotta hope the pass rush is improved and Allen can carry the team again.

The Bills were also banged up against the Titans. Milano and White didn't play. John Brown and Zach Moss were both inactive too. Josh Allen and Tremaine Edmunds both played, but they were both dealing with injuries. I think the 2020 game against the Titans was just not a good representation of the Bills or the Titans given the strange COVID situation and the significant injuries to the Bills.

 

I'm looking forward to playing them them this year.

6 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

Interesting roster review by Fairburn and Buscaglia in the Athletic

https://theathletic.com/2765876/2021/08/12/observations-on-all-92-buffalo-bills-players-as-they-head-into-the-preseason/

 

If there's any positions on offense where you want to hear their take, LMK.  I'm focusing on D here.

 

Their take on the DE roster battle.  They see Hughes and Addison as locks.

 

Their take on the DT roster battle.  See Lotulelei and Oliver as locks.

 

Their take on the LB roster battle:

 

Their take on the CB roster battle:

 

They mentioned that we save money by releasing Butler? I thought we took a significant dead cap number from releasing or trading him, and that was one of the things that solidifies his roster chances.

[GunnerBill]

20 minutes ago, MJS said:

They mentioned that we save money by releasing Butler? I thought we took a significant dead cap number from releasing or trading him, and that was one of the things that solidifies his roster chances.

 

Yea I believe they are wrong. That saving depended on moving him before 1st June. Now I believe it would be all dead money and zero saving.

[BillsFanForever19]

On 8/11/2021 at 4:49 PM, Alphadawg7 said:

Its certainly possible, but like I said in another reply, I just don't who we cut/trade to keep him.  For right now, I just don't know where to fit him in.  Again though, this roster is prior to preseason play, so maybe once the games get going some cut worthy players will reveal themselves and make it easier to find spots for guys like Taiwan, Daryl, Hodgins, and Sweeney.  

 

Don't know where? You're keeping ELEVEN D-Lineman. It's going to be 10 at the absolute most. You're keeping 10 DB's also. How do you justify Cam Lewis? We have the same exact DB's we had last season, minus Josh Norman and Dean Marlowe replaced by Dane Jackson and Damar Hamlin (also Siran Neal is a CB, not a Safety). 

 

They aren't going to keep an extra DB or DL who won't dress unless someone gets hurt over their Special Teams captain who will play every game. Taiwan Jones was chosen as a healthy scratch tonight. He's not going anywhere. Even if it came down to the RB position, Jones will make it over Breida or whomever they decided was the RB3 Yeldon role.

Edited August 14, 2021 by BillsFanForever19

[Alphadawg7]

11 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

Don't know where? You're keeping ELEVEN D-Lineman. It's going to be 10 at the absolute most. You're keeping 10 DB's also. Why? How do you justify Cam Lewis? We have the same exact DB's we had last season, minus Josh Norman and Dean Marlowe replaced by Dane Jackson and Damar Hamlin (also Siran Neal is a CB, not a Safety). 

 

They aren't going to keep an extra DB or DL who won't dress unless someone gets hurt over their Special Teams captain who will play every game. Taiwan Jones was chosen as a healthy scratch tonight. He's not going anywhere. Even if it came down to the RB position, Jones will make it over Breida or whomever they decided was the RB3 Yeldon role.

 

Ive already said since posting, what was my first draft prior to preseason, that after hearing from people I think we could keep just 4 DT instead of 5 and that someone like Butler or Phillips are probably staring at the bubble right now.  

 

Taiwan I also said could make the roster, but sorry, him being a healthy scratch is not an indication of him being a lock.  He offers literally nothing they consider of value offensively considering he never sniffs the field, even when short handed.  They already know with certainly exactly what he brings to the table, which is 100% ST value.  They have had him here multiple seasons, he does not need as much evaluation.  

 

So, just because he is sitting doesn't mean he is locked in, it could be to give some looks to others to see what they can bring to fill his ST role.  And if someone else impresses at ST that they also value at another position (like say Kumerow), then Taiwan could end up cut.  

 

Its the first preseason game, they are going to take longer looks at lesser known players as much as they are going to sit key players.  Taiwan is not a key player no matter how good he is on ST.  He is just a specialist who offers very little beyond that.  And if no one shows potential to fill his ST role, his odds of making the roster certainly increase.  But this roster isn't going to be easy to make this year, good players won't be on the final roster.  

 

And as far as Cam goes, he has had some positive reports in camp and flashed in the past.  I still think having to go through offensive juggernaughts to get to the Super Bowl, the defense is going to be slightly weighted than offense this year given its an elite unit and the defense was the achilles heal last year and dealt with more injuries, not to mention having more younger developing players in the depth charts of the D.

[BillsFanForever19]

7 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

Taiwan I also said could make the roster, but sorry, him being a healthy scratch is not an indication of him being a lock.  He offers literally nothing they consider of value offensively considering he never sniffs the field, even when short handed.  They already know with certainly exactly what he brings to the table, which is 100% ST value.  They have had him here multiple seasons, he does not need as much evaluation.  

 

So, just because he is sitting doesn't mean he is locked in, it could be to give some looks to others to see what they can bring to fill his ST role.  And if someone else impresses at ST that they also value at another position (like say Kumerow), then Taiwan could end up cut.  

 

Its the first preseason game, they are going to take longer looks at lesser known players as much as they are going to sit key players.  Taiwan is not a key player no matter how good he is on ST.  He is just a specialist who offers very little beyond that.  And if no one shows potential to fill his ST role, his odds of making the roster certainly increase.  But this roster isn't going to be easy to make this year, good players won't be on the final roster.  

 

If you look at the healthy guys who aren't playing, they're all locks. So you're suggesting Taiwan Jones and only Taiwan Jones is sitting bc they know what he is? With Zach Moss and Christian Wade hurt so we're already short staffed tonight at RB and need bodies? C'mon 🙄

 

That's not why he's sitting tonight. He's sitting because he's an important piece to our squad like the others who are sitting. You look at Special Teams and say you want someone who does more than just that. But that's not how McBeane looks at it. They realize and have talked about the importance of having a solid core as when you just rely on offensive and defensive contributors, you get burned. 

 

Yes, Taiwan Jones doesn't offer much outside of Special Teams. But that doesn't matter. Because Special Teams is one of the three phases of the game and he's our most important player in that role. I think you're seriously disrespecting that side of the ball by saying it's not enough that he's only a good Special Teams player.

Edited August 14, 2021 by BillsFanForever19

[Alphadawg7]

26 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

If you look at the healthy guys who aren't playing, they're all locks. So you're suggesting Taiwan Jones and only Taiwan Jones is sitting bc they know what he is? With Zach Moss and Christian Wade hurt so we're already short staffed tonight at RB and need bodies? C'mon 🙄

 

That's not why he's sitting tonight. He's sitting because he's an important piece to our squad like the others who are sitting. You look at Special Teams and say you want someone who does more than just that. But that's not how McBeane looks at it. They realize and have talked about the importance of having a solid core as when you just rely on offensive and defensive contributors, you get burned. 

 

Yes, Taiwan Jones doesn't offer much outside of Special Teams. But that doesn't matter. Because Special Teams is one of the three phases of the game and he's our most important player. I think you're seriously disrespecting that side of the ball by saying it's not enough that he's only a good Special Teams player.

I humbly disagree that him sitting guarantees him a roster spot.  I fully understand the value of STs, I am not saying it’s impossible for Taiwan to make the team, I’m saying I disagree it’s a foregone conclusion as you suggest.  Just my 2 cents

Edited August 14, 2021 by Alphadawg7

[BillsFanForever19]

1 hour ago, Alphadawg7 said:

I humbly disagree that him sitting guarantees him a roster spot.  I fully understand the value of STs, I am not saying it’s impossible for Taiwan to make the team, I’m saying I disagree it’s a foregone conclusion as you suggest.  Just my 2 cents

 

I don't know how you can say "you fully understand the value of STs" and then write a guy off the roster who was called "the best gunner in the NFL" by McDermott in Camp, then disregard what it says that we're not risking him getting hurt when we're already down a number of RB's by saying (that as opposed to literally every other player we're doing that for) we're just doing it because "they know what he is".

 

I'm not saying that just his sitting makes him a lock. I'm saying he was already a lock and them not risking him getting injured tonight says all you need to know.

Edited August 14, 2021 by BillsFanForever19

[Alphadawg7]

1 hour ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

I don't know how you can say "you fully understand the value of STs" and then write a guy off the roster who was called "the best gunner in the NFL" by McDermott in Camp, then disregard what it says that we're not risking him getting hurt when we're already down a number of RB's by saying (that as opposed to literally every other player we're doing that for) we're just doing it because "they know what he is".

 

I'm not saying that just his sitting makes him a lock. I'm saying he was already a lock and them not risking him getting injured tonight says all you need to know.

Please show me where I “wrote him off the roster”.  I don’t know what you are reading dude, I said multiple times, even before you chimed in, he very well could make the roster.  
 

You are insisting he’s a “lock” and I simply disagree with your lock assessment.  Don’t start twisting it to make it sound like I’m declaring it’s impossible for him to be on the roster because I haven’t remotely come close to saying anything of the sort.

 

And hate to break it to you, but Taiwan, as the “best gunner in football”, has been cut multiple times in his career, including by Beane and McD in 2019 when this roster was a lot easier to make.

 

So sorry, your absolute confidence in him making the roster is not an opinion I share.  I do fully acknowledge he very well could make the roster, I am not even remotely insisting he won’t.  This was just my initial 53 man prediction at end of camp, before preseason game play where stock in players will go up and down, injuries will happen, trade inquiries will occur etc. 

[GunnerBill]

2 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

I humbly disagree that him sitting guarantees him a roster spot.  I fully understand the value of STs, I am not saying it’s impossible for Taiwan to make the team, I’m saying I disagree it’s a foregone conclusion as you suggest.  Just my 2 cents

 

Guarantees him, no. But the signs are very much pointing to him making the team after tonight IMO. 

[BillsFanForever19]

5 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

Please show me where I “wrote him off the roster”.  I don’t know what you are reading dude, I said multiple times, even before you chimed in, he very well could make the roster.  
 

And hate to break it to you, but Taiwan, as the “best gunner in football”, has been cut multiple times in his career, including by Beane and McD in 2019 when this roster was a lot easier to make.

 

You literally wrote him off the roster by having him as a cut. And while I point out that was extremely unlikely in the first place and that tonight points to it being even more unlikely than that - you maintain that it means nothing.

 

Hell, even when Antonio Williams was dinged up - they still opted to keep him on the bench and then put Williams back in later when he was cleared. If he were a fringe player on the roster or even in a battle to keep his job, they wouldn't have done that.

 

You can hedge your bet by saying "he might still make it". But you don't seem to want to hear the logic pointing to that already being the case and continue to point to reasons why he could/should be cut. I don't know any other way of reading it than you're personally writing him off the roster.

 

And I hate to break it to you, but McDermott never cut him. He's also not been cut multiple times in his career. He was cut once in 2017 after 6 seasons with the Raiders, most likely for cap reasons while being on the final year of a 3 year contract extension there.

 

He was a Free Agent after the 2018 season with us and chose Houston in FA because they offered him more. And after a year of subpar Special Teams, McDermott and Beane realized their mistake and brought him back for last year and this year. 

Edited August 14, 2021 by BillsFanForever19

[BillsCelticsAngelsBama]

Looking at the Bills depth chart, I think it's a crime that Gabe Davis is not listed as a starter. He was a great addition to the team. i know he'll play a lot but he is too good not to be  a 1A receiver in the next season or two. That's all I have to whine about. !! GOBILLS

[Brand J]

Was there ever talk about expanding the 53 man roster to 55 or so since they’re playing 17 now? Teams should be allowed to carry more bodies on the roster.

[dollars 2 donuts]

@Alphadawg7  you may have convinced me, especially after last night, that the Bills may go 10 deep on the DL.

 

Edit: @BarleyNY you too, man.  I thought 9 at most, but now…

Edited August 14, 2021 by dollars 2 donuts

[Doc]

6 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

You literally wrote him off the roster by having him as a cut. And while I point out that was extremely unlikely in the first place and that tonight points to it being even more unlikely than that - you maintain that it means nothing.

 

Hell, even when Antonio Williams was dinged up - they still opted to keep him on the bench and then put Williams back in later when he was cleared. If he were a fringe player on the roster or even in a battle to keep his job, they wouldn't have done that.

 

You can hedge your bet by saying "he might still make it". But you don't seem to want to hear the logic pointing to that already being the case and continue to point to reasons why he could/should be cut. I don't know any other way of reading it than you're personally writing him off the roster.

 

And I hate to break it to you, but McDermott never cut him. He's also not been cut multiple times in his career. He was cut once in 2017 after 6 seasons with the Raiders, most likely for cap reasons while being on the final year of a 3 year contract extension there.

 

He was a Free Agent after the 2018 season with us and chose Houston in FA because they offered him more. And after a year of subpar Special Teams, McDermott and Beane realized their mistake and brought him back for last year and this year. 

 

It's not ideal but Jones will be kept strictly as a gunner.  Antonio Williams' uninspiring performance last night likely means PS for him, at best.

 

6 hours ago, MOVALLEYRANDY said:

Looking at the Bills depth chart, I think it's a crime that Gabe Davis is not listed as a starter. He was a great addition to the team. i know he'll play a lot but he is too good not to be  a 1A receiver in the next season or two. That's all I have to whine about. !! GOBILLS

 

Don't worry, Gabe will have his chance next year.  When they signed Sanders it wasn't for him to be a backup.

 

1 hour ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

  you may have convinced me, especially after last night, that the Bills may go 10 deep on the DL.

 

Edit: @BarleyNY you too, man.  I thought 9 at most, but now…

 

I don't think there is a 10th OL worth keeping.  I think they'll stick with 9.

[dollars 2 donuts]

15 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

 

 

I don't think there is a 10th OL worth keeping.  I think they'll stick with 9.

 

Doc, I agree, but I was referring to defense of line.

[Doc]

15 minutes ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

Doc, I agree, but I was referring to defense of line.

 

D'oh!  Guess I need to start wearing reading glasses now.

[Alphadawg7]

11 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

You literally wrote him off the roster by having him as a cut. And while I point out that was extremely unlikely in the first place and that tonight points to it being even more unlikely than that - you maintain that it means nothing.

 

Hell, even when Antonio Williams was dinged up - they still opted to keep him on the bench and then put Williams back in later when he was cleared. If he were a fringe player on the roster or even in a battle to keep his job, they wouldn't have done that.

 

You can hedge your bet by saying "he might still make it". But you don't seem to want to hear the logic pointing to that already being the case and continue to point to reasons why he could/should be cut. I don't know any other way of reading it than you're personally writing him off the roster.

 

And I hate to break it to you, but McDermott never cut him. He's also not been cut multiple times in his career. He was cut once in 2017 after 6 seasons with the Raiders, most likely for cap reasons while being on the final year of a 3 year contract extension there.

 

He was a Free Agent after the 2018 season with us and chose Houston in FA because they offered him more. And after a year of subpar Special Teams, McDermott and Beane realized their mistake and brought him back for last year and this year. 

Man, you related to him or what?  Why is this such a hot button for you?  You obviously didn’t read my other comments in the thread.  I said MULTIPLE times he very well could make the roster.  

 

I simply disagree he is a lock this year and that’s it, you’re grossly over exaggerating my stance to try and validate your lock status argument.  
 

I mean don’t you think you are over reacting to what was clearly labeled a first attempt prior to preseason to predict a roster?  You’re somehow taking a first draft guess of a 53 man roster, prior to preseason mind you, as some sort of proclamation or guarantee which is mind blowing because nothing I have said in this thread is remotely close to indicating that about anyone I listed as making it or that I left off.  Hell I even made an edit like a day later after more info came out about Knox from McD that was endorsement and said the follow up comments from people swayed me to think it will be 10 at DT too.  
 

And for a guy being so untouchable for McD and Beane, they didn’t keep him during his first stint here when this roster was easier to make.  

Edited August 14, 2021 by Alphadawg7

[BillsFanForever19]

2 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

Man, you related to him or what?  Why is this such a hot button for you?  You obviously didn’t read my other comments in the thread.  I said MULTIPLE times he very well could make the roster.  

 

I simply disagree he is a lock this year and that’s it, you’re grossly over exaggerating my stance to try and validate your lock status argument.  
 

I mean don’t you think you are over reacting to what was clearly labeled a first attempt prior to preseason to predict a roster?  You’re somehow taking a first draft guess of a 53 man roster, prior to preseason mind you, as some sort of proclamation or guarantee which is mind blowing because nothing I have said in this thread is remotely close to indicating that about anyone I listed as making it or that I left off.  Hell I even made an edit like a day later after more info came out about Knox from McD that was endorsement and said the follow up comments from people swayed me to think it will be 10 at DT too.  
 

And for a guy being so untouchable for McD and Beane, they didn’t keep him during his first stint here when this roster was easier to make.  

 

Apparently, you're not reading my posts. As stated in my previous post, they have never cut him or even let him go without a contract offer. They made an offer to him after his one year deal in 2018 during the 2019 FA process. Houston offered more money and more opportunities as a RB in a less crowded backfield. So he chose to go there instead for a season. 

 

And this goes to the crux of our back and forth. You make points to argue against what I say and I simply reply back with why I don't agree with the assessment or in this case, point out the parts that are simply incorrect. That's... kinda how message boards work? 

 

This last post is a prime example of what I've been saying. You spend most of the post taking a stance of me "overreacting" and spend time defending yourself that you never said Taiwan couldn't make the team. Yet you couldn't help but end the post with a (incorrect) negative on him. 

[LyndonvilleBill]

I guess I am part of the minority here. I am with you Alpha. I don't think he's a lock either at this point. Not saying he won't make the roster but, I believe I saw, 6 tackles during regular season, 0 (zero) offensive help and 47% of special teams snaps? With roster spots being so limited, I wonder if Brieda or Kumerow could pick those snaps up and allow maybe an extra receiver to make the roster. I guess we will all find out soon enough.

[Alphadawg7]

11 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

Apparently, you're not reading my posts. As stated in my previous post, they have never cut him or even let him go without a contract offer. They made an offer to him after his one year deal in 2018 during the 2019 FA process. Houston offered more money and more opportunities as a RB in a less crowded backfield. So he chose to go there instead for a season. 

 

And this goes to the crux of our back and forth. You make points to argue against what I say and I simply reply back with why I don't agree with the assessment or in this case, point out the parts that are simply incorrect. That's... kinda how message boards work? 

 

This last post is a prime example of what I've been saying. You spend most of the post taking a stance of me "overreacting" and spend time defending yourself that you never said Taiwan couldn't make the team. Yet you couldn't help but end the post with a (incorrect) negative on him. 

I have no idea what you are even talking about anymore.  
 

I don’t even have anything against him.  I think he absolutely does have a chance to make the roster, but heaven forbid I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion and in my first pass I didn’t have him making it over some of our other prospects at other positions.

 

But you have for whatever reason taken some huge exception to the fact I had the audacity to leave him off my first draft of a roster despite repeatedly saying he absolutely could make the roster.  
 

And I didn’t take a jab at him, I took a jab at your over the top he’s untouchable stance by pointing out he’s clearly not if he’s changed teams so many times in his career, regardless as to why he changed teams.  

Edited August 15, 2021 by Alphadawg7

[ColoradoBills]

Well Taiwan Jones didn't play last night and the punt coverage team played extremely well.

1.8 yards a return on 4 attempts.

 

So there is that for what it's worth.

[GunnerBill]

2 hours ago, LyndonvilleBill said:

I guess I am part of the minority here. I am with you Alpha. I don't think he's a lock either at this point. Not saying he won't make the roster but, I believe I saw, 6 tackles during regular season, 0 (zero) offensive help and 47% of special teams snaps? With roster spots being so limited, I wonder if Brieda or Kumerow could pick those snaps up and allow maybe an extra receiver to make the roster. I guess we will all find out soon enough.

 

They have looked at both in that role in camp and then decided they didn't need to risk Jones in a pre-season game. While he isn't a lock at this point it would be a surprise based on what McDermott and Beane have said and done this offseason if Jones isn't on the team.

[Doc]

2 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

Well Taiwan Jones didn't play last night and the punt coverage team played extremely well.

1.8 yards a return on 4 attempts.

 

So there is that for what it's worth.

 

I'm worried that Taiwan Jones will be looking to break Matt Haack's leg.

[ColoradoBills]

1 minute ago, Doc said:

 

I'm worried that Taiwan Jones will be looking to break Matt Haack's leg.

 

LOL you just may be right!

I just re-watched the game and with Haack's Haangtime there was a crowd around their PR every time.

 

[Alphadawg7]

After the first preseason game I feel like of the possible scenarios are less likely now.   Both of these were already reflected in my initial 53 projection, and I think the first preseason game may have just confirmed them.

 

1.  The odds we keep 7 WRs went way down even further.  I already didn’t think we would keep 7, but after the game and there only being 2 preseason games left, the odds of us keeping 7 got even smaller.    

 

2.  Antonio Williams making the final 53 seems even less likely now with him not doing anything significant and fumbling once.  He was a guy I didn’t have making the roster already coming out of camp because he was still stuck behind Singletary, Moss and Brieda.  But he was a guy I was intrigued by and looking forward to seeing play this preseason in hopes he would flash that potential again.  

 

But with the first game over and only 2 left, I think the path to make 53 is just to steep a hill to climb now, especially since Singletary looked great and Moss and Brieda had a strong camp too according to reports.  

[machine gun kelly]

On 8/10/2021 at 5:44 PM, Alphadawg7 said:

Here is my first attempt at the final 53 and also who I think starts come week 1 based on camp reports ahead of our first preseason game.  Obviously some of these are certain locks, and others are fluid and preseason could change some of them:  

 

Preseason is going to be quite important I think this year to the final makeup on this roster at several key positions.  And not just for backup roles, quite a few starting roles up for grabs too as we all know.  I would say RB, TE, DE, CB2, and KR (although I think McKinzie is now a pretty strong favorite for KR/PR duties) are all spots where not only is depth chart uncertain, but the starting spot is certainly in play as well.  

 

My first stab at the final 53 (starters listed in bold first, followed by backups)

 

QB Allen - Trubisky

RB Singletary - Moss, Brieda

FB - Gilliam (not in bold because we wont ever "start" a FB in this offense, but Gilliam will be the only FB on the roster)

**UPDATED** TE Knox - Hollister

WRS Diggs and Sanders - Davis, Kumerow

Slot WR Cole - McKenzie

OL:  Dion, Jon, Mitch, Cody, Daryl - Ike, Bates, Brown, Doyle 

 

LDE:  Hughes - Obada, Boogie

RDE:  AJE - Addison, Rousseau

DT:  Star & Oliver - Phillips, Butler, Zimmer

WLB:  Milano - Smith

MLB:  Edmunds - Matakevich

SLB:  Klien - Adams

LCB:  Tre - Taron

RCB:  Levi - Dane, Lewis

SS:  Poyer - Neal

FS:  Hyde - Johnson, Hamlin

 

PR/KR:  Mckenzie (already counted above to the 53 total)

K:  Bass

P:  Haack

LS:  Ferguson

 

 

NOTES ON ABOVE:

As you can see I have AJE beating out Addison, Singletary staying atop the depth chart, Levi starting, and Knox keeping his starter status ***UPDATED***

 

At CB, I think Dane is still in the mix, but I think Levi has got a sizable enough lead that its probable he holds down the starting job week 1.  

 

With AJE, I think they want to get some of that youth on the field and AJE has apparently been tearing up camp.  With Addison being older, rotating him in to keep him fresh makes a lot of sense even though Addison has been getting his own share of praise too and still could start come week 1.  AJE and Hughes is a nice balance of vet and youth, with a nice combo of vet and youth rotating through as well.  

 

At RB, I think all 3 of them have had good moments in camp, but Moss is dinged up again and coming off an injury.  Singletary has been looking good in camp, so I think he holds onto his starting spot to start the season with Brieda being more used as a change of pace back.  Honestly, I think our run game is going to be a lot like SF had when Brieda was there, any given week one of them can be the lead dog and have a big game.  I think we will have a good overall ground game, with no one guy dominating the season touches as they ride the hot hand or game plan each week.  

 

***UPDATED*** With Hollister and Knox, the guy I want to win the job is Knox just based on the matchup problems his physical ability can create.  Originally I speculated Hollister was going to emerge as the starter just based on how critical some of the reporters covering camp had been on Knox thus far.  But with this report today 8/11, McDermott is giving Knox a lot of praise and saying he has had a strong camp overall.  So given this story today, I have updated this to be Knox winning the job based on McD's praise as I trust his opinion a lot more than others as he has shown to pretty much always mean what he says in his time here.  

 

https://billswire.usatoday.com/2021/08/11/sean-mcdermott-dawson-knox-really-good-training-camp-buffalo-bills/

 

Speaking of trades, after the draft I have previously speculated, like many, that Addison (or maybe Hughes, but less likely) could be someone who gets traded if AJE, Obada, and the rookies keep impressing.  And while I won't rule it out, the more I think about it, the less likely I think it happens.  If I had to guess right now, I think we keep all 6 DE's and constantly rotate fresh legs to help wreak havoc in a year we are expected to challenge for a SB.  ESPECIALLY after how they saw the Bucs get to Mahomes and beat the Chiefs in the SB.  And right now, it appears we have 4 starting quality DE's and 2 high quality rookies for our future.  Thats a lot of pass rush fire power for us to have fresh to go after Mahomes and the Chiefs, the biggest foe in our path to a SB.

Alpha, I commented the other day, but when scanning this morning you’re title, it made me think of this..

 

 

Alpha likes this.  
 

Signed,

 

The Alpha.

 

Have a good Sunday brother.

[EmotionallyUnstable]

8 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

After the first preseason game I feel like of the possible scenarios are less likely now.   Both of these were already reflected in my initial 53 projection, and I think the first preseason game may have just confirmed them.

 

1.  The odds we keep 7 WRs went way down even further.  I already didn’t think we would keep 7, but after the game and there only being 2 preseason games left, the odds of us keeping 7 got even smaller.    

 

2.  Antonio Williams making the final 53 seems even less likely  now with him not doing anything significant and fumbling once.  He was a guy I didn’t have making the roster already coming out of camp because he was still stuck behind Singletary, Moss and Brieda.  But he was a guy I was intrigued by and looking forward to seeing play this preseason in hopes he would flash that potential again.  

 

But with the first game over and only 2 left, I think the path to make 53 is just to steep a hill to climb now, especially since Singletary looked great and Moss and Brieda had a strong camp too according to reports.  

Im in agreement that they won’t roster 7 (barring some magical run from Stevenson or Hodgins) but aside from having only 2 games left to make their case, any other reason why that game solidified your belief they’ll only carry 6?

Edited August 15, 2021 by EmotionallyUnstable

[machine gun kelly]

2 hours ago, EmotionallyUnstable said:

Im in agreement that they won’t roster 7 (barring some magical run from Stevenson or Hodgins) but aside from having only 2 games left to make their case, any other reason why that game solidified your belief they’ll only carry 6?

EU, I think the consideration for the 7th is only possible if they only keep 3 TE’s with Gilliam as the third even though he’s a FB.  That means Sweeney doesn’t make it, and they use that resource as a 7th.  
 

It’s more likely they keep Sweeney as the 4th, and 6 for WR’s as that is what McD has done historically.  If not,  where are you stealing from in the position groups as it has to come from somewhere. It’s more likely Stephenson and Hodgins go to the PS.

[Alphadawg7]

2 hours ago, EmotionallyUnstable said:

Im in agreement that they won’t roster 7 (barring some magical run from Stevenson or Hodgins) but aside from having only 2 games left to make their case, any other reason why that game solidified your belief they’ll only carry 6?

Well I already had them carrying 6 only on simply a numbers game across the roster.  But for me, the only one IMO who had a chance to maybe make them consider 7 was Hodgins.  But he was going to really need an impactful preseason to make that a real consideration. 
 

But 1 catch and getting hurt again did him no favors.  After missing the season last year with a shoulder injury, the last thing he needed was to get hurt again.  Hopefully it’s not serious, but missing anymore time I think will seal his fate for the PS given the difficulty to make roster already at his position and the lack of time to make an impact with only 2 preseason games left, and one of those the first half will be used a lot as a dress rehearsal for the starters.  
 

I mean realistically there are about 5 to 6 quarters at most of preseason football left for the non starters as the starters likely play a quarter next week and close to a half the week after I would expect.  That’s not much time for anyone battling for a spot on the 53 at this point.  

4 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

EU, I think the consideration for the 7th is only possible if they only keep 3 TE’s with Gilliam as the third even though he’s a FB.  That means Sweeney doesn’t make it, and they use that resource as a 7th.  
 

It’s more likely they keep Sweeney as the 4th, and 6 for WR’s as that is what McD has done historically.  If not,  where are you stealing from in the position groups as it has to come from somewhere. It’s more likely Stephenson and Hodgins go to the PS.

I honestly am starting to believe Sweeney is going to make the 53.  I originally had him making the 53, but made a last second change.  But the more I hear McD and them talk about him, and seeing him make some plays against the Lions, I think it’s a real possibility he is going to make the roster.  And when I do my updated version 2 I am going to include him I think.  

[GunnerBill]

9 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

Well I already had them carrying 6 only on simply a numbers game across the roster.  But for me, the only one IMO who had a chance to maybe make them consider 7 was Hodgins.  But he was going to really need an impactful preseason to make that a real consideration. 
 

But 1 catch and getting hurt again did him no favors.  After missing the season last year with a shoulder injury, the last thing he needed was to get hurt again.  Hopefully it’s not serious, but missing anymore time I think will seal his fate for the PS given the difficulty to make roster already at his position and the lack of time to make an impact with only 2 preseason games left, and one of those the first half will be used a lot as a dress rehearsal for the starters.  
 

I mean realistically there are about 5 to 6 quarters at most of preseason football left for the non starters as the starters likely play a quarter next week and close to a half the week after I would expect.  That’s not much time for anyone battling for a spot on the 53 at this point.  

I honestly am starting to believe Sweeney is going to make the 53.  I originally had him making the 53, but made a last second change.  But the more I hear McD and them talk about him, and seeing him make some plays against the Lions, I think it’s a real possibility he is going to make the roster.  And when I do my updated version 2 I am going to include him I think.  

 

Yea positionally I think Sweeney in for your 11th lineman. Working out who that 11th lineman is will be more difficult.

[LabattBlue]

I like the OJ reference in the thread title. 

[MasterStrategist]

My take:

 

In: Sweeney, Stevenson, and Dodson

 

Out: Lewis, Obada or Addison (I think it's tough to keep 11 DL, will likely try trading someone), and Smith

 

Reasons:

1. Stevenson might be too difficult to stash, and his speed is something we are lacking

2. Sweeney is our best blocking TE, and some potential to keep developing

3. Dodson looked very solid, it will be a tough call who they like at the #4 and #5 spots (Makatevich ST play makes him a lock)

4. Neal is more a nickle corner than safety and is our backup to Taron.  I don't think we have luxury of keeping Lewis (he is more replaceable than Stevenson)

 

Josh Thomas also impressed me, him vs Hamlin for that 4th safety spot should be good competition.  I'm a big Hamlin fan, being in the Pitt area, got to see him and Dane play alot. 

 

Going to be tough cuts again.  Hopefully sneak Thomas, Smith, Hodgins, and Lewis onto the PS