McDermott press conference 9/2 and practice updates

[Don Otreply]

2 hours ago, SWATeam said:

Knox is coming for all you haters.

 

Crow sandwiches forthcoming.   

I for one will happily enjoy my crow, if/when Dawson brings a higher level of constant performance, serve it up, 

[BuffaninSarasota]

1 hour ago, JGMcD2 said:

 

A preseason game is a preseason game. If I wanted to talk about a preseason game I would’ve asked about preseason game. 
 

That’s why I asked if you saw anything during practice. 

 

Why don't you go get the papers get the papers

Edited September 2, 2021 by BuffaninSarasota
typo

[Mango]

1 minute ago, Kelly the Dog said:

We discussed this a bit yesterday. Coach Tuesday reminded me about the Jets. They have Tyler Kroft, who is nothing, and virtually nothing else. 

 

2 things. 

1. The Jets have been dysfunctional. As far as I am considered, they still are until they prove they aren't. I am not sure that is a great spot. 

2. I actually liked Kroft. I thought he did well in his spot duty. Was he great? No. But he was a reliable target when given the chance. Sort of like a Scott Chandler. 

[Dan Darragh]

My 9 year old grandson is a huge Knox fan because he remembers the play when Knox "pancaked 3 guys" after making a catch.  He was 7 at the time and it's his first football memory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KGX0BbI5Wk

[appoo]

12 minutes ago, Mango said:

 

2 things. 

1. The Jets have been dysfunctional. As far as I am considered, they still are until they prove they aren't. I am not sure that is a great spot. 

2. I actually liked Kroft. I thought he did well in his spot duty. Was he great? No. But he was a reliable target when given the chance. Sort of like a Scott Chandler. 

 

With a young QB who's never even faced elite college competition much less NFL regular season competition, you want a run heavy, quick decision, game plan. So that seems really short sighted of the Jets, to ask Wilson to run a full spread offense, which requires a LOT of read/progression stuff.

 

 

Btw, this makes Knox a pretty intriguing late round fantasy target.  If the Bills go TE, they're going to Knox. They're gonna air the ball out a TON, and the defenses are going to game plan around Diggs, Beasley and Davis. Knox is going to get a lot of linebackers on him, and is he's gotten over the dropsies he's gonna get a lot of chunk plays.

Edited September 2, 2021 by appoo

[WideNine]

1 hour ago, SWATeam said:

You'd think he's the worst player of all-time from the comments on this site.

 

We all knew, or should have, that he was a project coming out.  Switched from QB to TE and had very little experience or production at the position- and at a position that historically takes some time to transition to the pro game.  I thought he started coming on late in the season and I'm optimistic moving forward.  We shall see.

 

Sensationalism on a TBD post?

 

Never.

 

I think folks have been pretty rational about what Knox does well, and where he needs more consistency. If competition is about improving positions, then getting a TE that other teams fear because he does not drop or fumble the ball away is a key component to force them to lose sleep figuring out how they will match up with him.

 

We need that kind of consistency from Knox - I can't speak for most fans, but I am less concerned about being "right" about a player than having a player prove me wrong by turning the corner and becoming what the team needed him to be.

 

 

 

[Malazan]

1 hour ago, Eastport bills said:

Until he makes crucial plays and stops the critical drops and missed blocks, he's on probation. 

 

Have you told that to him in person? I find message board posts have a hard time giving a player the urgency behind being on probation. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

28 minutes ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

 

Did we offer Hollister a PS spot, I was not aware of that.

 

Not that has been reported. 

 

Beane was very confident "we think he'll be signed very soon" (eg to a roster elsewhere)

 

[gdabillsfan]

1 hour ago, Beast said:

 

So what if a crow sandwich is coming. We all hope one is.

Yum crow, it's the other dark meat.😊

[Hapless Bills Fan]

 

That almost makes it sound as though Hollister, with his friendship and prior "chemistry" with Josh, was indeed signed as a "shot across the bows" to Knox, so now Knox got the message and leveled up so we didn't need him.

 

I just don't understand why we couldn't have two OK to good TE on the roster, so that if Knox is injured we have someone to put in the game who is not a big step down. 

 

Maybe Sweeney has developed and is That Guy as well as "all that" as a blocker. I'd just feel better about it if we'd actually SEEN this in PS or open practices.  It's not that he was there and didn't, it's that he was ....injured again

 

14 minutes ago, WideNine said:

I think folks have been pretty rational about what Knox does well, and where he needs more consistency. If competition is about improving positions, then getting a TE that other teams fear because he does not drop or fumble the ball away is a key component to force them to lose sleep figuring out how they will match up with him.

 

We need that kind of consistency from Knox - I can't speak for most fans, but I am less concerned about being "right" about a player than having a player prove me wrong by turning the corner and becoming what the team needed him to be.

 

Outstanding post.  To take a step, IMO, we need a TE where teams say "we've got to stop him from going off".  We all hope Knox becomes that thing, but right now he is simply not a guy other teams fear.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

2 hours ago, Mango said:

 

 

So I don't think he is addressing the issue some are scratching their heads about re: the tight end room. Knox is the starter, OK. But what has Sweeney shown to keep him and not Hollister? 

This sort of feels like not bringing in a quality vet to challenge your young QB so that you can show faith in him. Except you don't put two QB's on the field at the same time. 

I have had a suspicion that Hollister didn't lose his job to Sweeney, he lost it to Kumerow. If they want two receiving TE's on the field, I suspect the staff thinks Kumerow can fill that role. They are the same height, Hollister has 30 lbs, but Kumerow is quicker. I suspect Kumerow is a better ST player as well. They view Kumerow as a better big bodied receiving threat and provides more utility at ST. 

Agree. Good take

[Chandler#81]

3 hours ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

 

Did we offer Hollister a PS spot, I was not aware of that.

Give it a rest, Roy. Yer boy simply isn’t good enough.

[macofniagara]

1 hour ago, Beast said:

 

So what if a crow sandwich is coming. We all hope one is.

 

That doesn't change that he has been, at best, inconsistent. 

I've been eating healthy portions of Josh Crow and it's Michelin Star worthy 

[Flip Johnson]

2 hours ago, Warcodered said:

I do think everyone was a little too hyper focused on any drops he had.

 

Agree.

I also think "drops" in the NFL have a lot to do with anticipation and timing. Knox could probably catch 100 straight balls on a JUGS machine his rookie year. But he drops the ball in real games, because at game speed when you are still figuring out footwork, timing, soft spots in the zone, etc. the ball can get on you faster than you anticipate. 

The point is, I believe his hands are fine. I think he's going to take a step in his feel for the game and when that happens his drops will go down.

[Kelly the Dog]

Just now, Flip Johnson said:

 

Agree.

I also think "drops" in the NFL have a lot to do with anticipation and timing. Knox could probably catch 100 straight balls on a JUGS machine his rookie year. But he drops the ball in real games, because at game speed when you are still figuring out footwork, timing, soft spots in the zone, etc. the ball can get on you faster than you anticipate. 

The point is, I believe his hands are fine. I think he's going to take a step in his feel for the game and when that happens his drops will go down.

Yep. Most of the drops in his career, on replay, you can see him start to look upfield before he secures it. That's not a hands problem that is a concentration problem and can be fixed. We would like to have had it fixed by now of course. I expect him to have a pretty decent year. Not great, not all pro, but make a bunch of catches with a couple less bonehead plays.

[Mango]

5 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

That almost makes it sound as though Hollister, with his friendship and prior "chemistry" with Josh, was indeed signed as a "shot across the bows" to Knox, so now Knox got the message and leveled up so we didn't need him.

 

I just don't understand why we couldn't have two good all-around TE on the roster.

 

Maybe Sweeney has developed and is "all that" as a blocker, and we'd just feel better about it if we'd actually SEEN this in PS or open practices.

 

This is my thought as well. As posted earlier, I do think Kumerow is the one who beat out Hollister as a receiving threat. McD just does not want to make that public before the start of the season. 

We have not seen anything good or bad from Sweeney it feels. I think he would have cleared waivers and made it to the PS without issue. In that scenario why not keep Knox, Hollister, and Gilliam with Sweeney on the PS? I do think Quinton Morris is an interesting TE PS prospect. 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

10 minutes ago, Mango said:

 

This is my thought as well. As posted earlier, I do think Kumerow is the one who beat out Hollister as a receiving threat. McD just does not want to make that public before the start of the season. 

We have not seen anything good or bad from Sweeney it feels. I think he would have cleared waivers and made it to the PS without issue. In that scenario why not keep Knox, Hollister, and Gilliam with Sweeney on the PS? I do think Quinton Morris is an interesting TE PS prospect. 

 

I hesitate to say this because I know someone else will pipe up with a version of "Kumerow isn't a TE you fool! He's a freakin' 209 lb 6'4" toothpick, and I'm sure it's been suggested to him more than once that he bulk up and try TE so he probably can't carry the weight"

 

Yes, I know Kumerow isn't a TE, but I do think he does fill aspects of the "TE as receiving threat" role in that he can be open when he's covered, and he's a decent downfield and backfield (not in-line) blocker.  There's some tidy film out there of a DLman licking his chops as he went through the line to blow up the run play in the backfield only to find himself quickly escorted out of the play by Jake (this was in GB).  The "Wait, it wasn't supposed to go like this!" was palpable.

[Punching Bag]

1 hour ago, Limeaid said:

Jarrett Bailey

@JBaileyNFL

Working on a piece on what the Steelers must do to beat the Bills, and I gotta say, this could get the job done.

 

Response in tweet by:

Jon, of #BillsMafia 

@jonathankoch77

(I don't entirely get how to share tweets)

 

Quote

 

Few problems with this list.

• Josh Allen is an escape artist
• Cole Beasley's proven he does not care about the virus
• Tre has a goalie academy, he'll catch that
• And Sean is so dedicated he'd drag a porta toilet to the sidelines and coach from inside.

 

 

Evidently he has no issue with #4 but I have not seen Steelers players coordinated enough to do that kind of dance/

[RoyBatty is alive]

22 minutes ago, Chandler#81 said:

Did it a rest, Roy. Yer boy simply isn’t good enough.

HE is not "my boy" and I don't know what "Did it a rest means".

[Punching Bag]

2 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I hesitate to say this because I know someone else will pipe up with a version of "Kumerow isn't a TE you fool! He's a freakin' 209 lb 6'4" toothpick, and I'm sure it's been suggested to him more than once that he bulk up and try TE so he probably can't carry the weight"

 

Yes, I know Kumerow isn't a TE, but I do think he does fill aspects of the "TE as receiving threat" role in that he can be open when he's covered, and he's a decent downfield and backfield (not in-line) blocker.  There's some tidy film out there of a DLman licking his chops as he went through the line to blow up the run play in the backfield only to find himself quickly escorted out of the play by Jake (this was in GB).  The "Wait, it wasn't supposed to go like this!" was palpable.

 

Agree with assessment of Kumerow on that play I remember it.  Bills had a safety last year pushing OL into backfield and player and he had same kind of expression on his face.  Would love to see someone good with media splicing to create a WTF? reel.

[YoloinOhio]

 

 

[Motorin']

3 hours ago, Warcodered said:

I do think everyone was a little too hyper focused on any drops he had.

 

He plays a really important role in the passing offense when the ball's not thrown to him, and he doesn't get a lot of credit for it.

 

He is really good at taking the top off the defense and forcing a safety to commit to him. This opens up a lot of one on one opportunities for the wr's. Like on the double post on Gabe's TD vs GB. 

[YoloinOhio]

 

[gordong]

4 minutes ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

HE is not "my boy" and I don't know what "Did it a rest means".

Pretty sure it's bills daily shorthand for "Give it a rest".  🤣

[YoloinOhio]

 

[todd]

2 hours ago, GoBills808 said:

He's easily the worst player of all time, and what's even more amazing for a Super Bowl contending team is that we have THREE of the worst players of all time starting between him, Edmunds, and Lotulelei

And the one of those running backs. 🤪

Edited September 2, 2021 by todd

[Solomon Grundy]

1 hour ago, Flip Johnson said:

 

Agree.

I also think "drops" in the NFL have a lot to do with anticipation and timing. Knox could probably catch 100 straight balls on a JUGS machine his rookie year. But he drops the ball in real games, because at game speed when you are still figuring out footwork, timing, soft spots in the zone, etc. the ball can get on you faster than you anticipate. 

The point is, I believe his hands are fine. I think he's going to take a step in his feel for the game and when that happens his drops will go down.

I’ve had teammates that were All Pro at practice, but froze up in games. 

[LABILLBACKER]

4 hours ago, Warcodered said:

I do think everyone was a little too hyper focused on any drops he had.

.....until they keep coming. We'll see just like with Edmunds. 

[BuffaloMatt]

4 hours ago, SWATeam said:

Knox is coming for all you haters.

 

Crow sandwiches forthcoming.   

Mmmmmmmm. I'll take seconds!!

[Eastport bills]

2 hours ago, jeremy2020 said:

 

Have you told that to him in person? I find message board posts have a hard time giving a player the urgency behind being on probation. 

Of course,  I speak to him every day. He knows he's toast if he's pedestrian this year.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

1 hour ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

haha— true NFL First World Problems! 

[maddenboy]

4 hours ago, Mango said:

I have had a suspicion that Hollister didn't lose his job to Sweeney, he lost it to Kumerow. If they want two receiving TE's on the field, I suspect the staff thinks Kumerow can fill that role. They are the same height, Hollister has 30 lbs, but Kumerow is quicker.

Agree.

 

And maybe Kumerow is a better blocker.  Not of DEs, but of DBs and OLBs he would be called on to block in our offense (no idea here).  But surely OBD has studied tape on Kumerow's blocking, in addition to other stuff.  Hollister-as-Tight-End might have lined up more in-line and been called upon to block big guys.

 

and plus too, probably Kumerow woulda been snatched up on release.  and/or Kumerow and his agent made noises about all the phone calls holding on line 2.

[Patrick Duffy]

2 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

 

Guess that would be a little tougher when the pass rush was struggling like it was.

[YoloinOhio]

For those without IG, josh Allen comments  on the post from the Bills: 

“Not a flag… only one pump”

Edited September 2, 2021 by YoloinOhio

[John from Riverside]

Is it just me or do other starting TE's in the league also drop balls from time to time

 

I am old and getting senile but I seem to remember that

[foreboding]

5 hours ago, SWATeam said:

Knox is coming for all you haters.

 

Crow sandwiches forthcoming.   

I hope Dawson butterfingers has me crockpotting two crows by mid-season!!

[NI Bills Fan]

24 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

For those without IG, josh Allen comments  on the post from the Bills: 

“Not a flag… only one pump”

...and Kim Pegula seemed to like it!

[Patrick Duffy]

24 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

Is it just me or do other starting TE's in the league also drop balls from time to time

 

I am old and getting senile but I seem to remember that

Well every TE WR RB will have a drop once in a while. Obviously some just drop more often than others.

[appoo]

1 hour ago, YoloinOhio said:

For those without IG, josh Allen comments  on the post from the Bills: 

“Not a flag… only one pump”

 

I still can't believe the NFL is trying to regulate this. What do they think is going to happen if they don't? All out brawls? Cats hanging out with dogs? Men marrying goal posts?

[Big Blitz]

Too lazy to dig....

 

What are the advanced stats on Knox - like that expected catch rate or yards after catches - anything is there anything that's the equivalent of "yea he strikes out a lot but his hard hit percentage and barrel rate is tremendous."  

 

The books say 14 drops in 2 seasons.  

 

His rookie year he had 50 targets - which really isn't bad.  

 

He missed some time last season.  

 

 

What about his blocking?  It has to be superior to Hollister.  And honestly this has to be where the TE helps us most.  We have got to be able to run effectively especially when the weather is bad (think of the games Cleveland played - overall we got lucky last year)