THE ROCKPILE REVIEW - And, We're Off!

[Shaw66]

The Bills opened the 2021 NFL season on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers and well, can we get a do over?  

 

The day didn’t start well for Bills fans in Orchard Park.  Traffic into Highmark Stadium was a nightmare – a one-hour drive from home to first beer was two hours or more on Sunday.  The crush of fans entering the stadium was as big as on the worst of days.  To their credit, the Bills knew it was coming and urged ticket holders to get there early and enter the stadium early.   Everyone will know better next time. 

 

Once in the stadium, the fans were ready for a party.  The stadium was amped like Monday night against the Cowboys several years ago.  The noise as the offense was introduced made it impossible to hear the names of any players being announced.  It got louder as Emmanuel Sanders came out of the tunnel, even louder for Beasley, louder still for Diggs, and when Allen appeared, Highmark literally rocked.  Fred Jackson asked the fans, “Where would you rather be than right here, right now?”  We all knew the answer.  By the time Isaiah McKenzie took the opening kickoff back for 75 yards, the fans were in an absolute frenzy. 

 

Then the Bills offense went three and out, settling for a field goal.  That was all we needed to know about how the game would go – a lot of noise, then nothing.

 

I know it’s a long season, I know there will be ups and downs, I know no one wins them all.  Still, is it too much to ask that the team be ready to play when the season starts?   2020 wasn’t a mirage; the Bills actually were a good team.  So what happened on Sunday?  Josh Allen was human, that’s what happened.   He wasn’t sharp.  He threw some short balls into the dirt, he missed guys deep, he threw into tight coverage where there was little or no hope.  He made multiple bad cuts on designed runs.  He fumbled twice. 

 

Ben Roethlisberger was the better quarterback on Sunday, consistently shrugging off tacklers to make plays, consistently throwing more accurately than Allen.  Ben’s showed Allen how MVPs win games.

 

Josh didn’t play like MVP candidate, and Brian Daboll didn’t coach like a head-coaching candidate.  It’s axiomatic in the NFL that whatever worked for you last season is not going to work so well this season.  Why?   Because the other coaches are as smart as you are, and they aren’t going to continue to get beat by last year’s offense.  

 

The Steelers had all summer to look at film of the 2020 Bills passing game, and they didn’t waste the opportunity.  The Steelers completely blanketed the Bills’ mid-range passing game; those deadly 15- to 25-yard completions that Josh dropped on defenses all last season were gone.   Allen found Diggs and Sanders on out patterns that looked nice but can’t be the staple of any offense, and he found Beasley over the middle on classic short balls.  Too many of those completions resulted in the receivers getting pounded by Steelers.   Not much of what worked in 2020 was working in the first half on Sunday, and nothing changed in the second half.  Daboll’s offense was flat on Sunday, and he didn’t know what to do about it.

 

The Bills weren’t horrible, just not good enough to win the kind of games championship teams win.  Ed Oliver was the slashing defensive tackle the Bills hoped he would be when they drafted him.  Micah Hyde made tackles all over the field, and he had one spectacular pass defensed.  Tre’Davious White shone.  Gabriel Davis’s touchdown catch was even better than Allen’s throw.  Singletary worked hard and took advantage of the holes the offensive line gave him. 

 

It was very much a field position game.  Up and down the stat sheet, the Bill’s won the statistical battle, but the Bills kept giving Pittsburgh short fields, and the Steelers took advantage.  McDermott’s decision to go for it on 4th and 8 instead of punting or trying the field goal gave the Steelers a short field and a field goal.  Then, on fourth and one the Bills tried a modest trick play and failed – if your man can’t execute the block, don’t run the play.  Pittsburgh got a short field and a touchdown.  And then the blocked punt, the instant change of field position, ended the game.  The Bills defense, which played well enough, needed to be a little better.

 

At the end of the day, what bothered me most was Josh Allen’s body language when he began the final drive with a couple of incompletions.  A Steelers fan behind me kept saying, “it’s not over, it’s not over,” but Allen’s body language said it was.  He was lackadaisical coming back to the huddle, had a “whatever” kind of manner about him, as though he was mailing in the last few plays.  Sanders had a false start, as if he didn’t care too much, either.  Diggs strolled back to the line of scrimmage.  Then Motor popped a couple of runs, and the Bills seemed to have a last gasp in them.  Alas, Allen had no magic, and the Bills lost. 

 

It’s a long season, there will be ups and downs, no one wins them all.  Still, it would have been nice if the Bills hadn’t spoiled their own party.  They have plenty of work to do. 

Edited September 13, 2021 by Shaw66

[oldmanfan]

Always good stuff Shaw.  Josh wasn’t his best, true, but this game reminded me of the first SB loss.  Steelers beat up on our receivers when they touched the ball, and instead of going with an effective running game (Singletary had over 6 ypc) we kept trying to throw against a D committed to stopping us from doing so.
 

Plus some of Josh’s struggles came from an O line that was overmatched.  Dawkins doesn’t be appear to be in game shape yet.  And we may need to think about getting Bates in to solidify the interior.  
 

Given all that, the D played well and even with the offense issues we lost because of a special teams gaffe.  Which you can bet won’t be repeated.

 

On to Miami.  My concern there will be the heat and how it affects the O line.

[WhoTom]

39 minutes ago, Shaw66 said:

Everyone will know better next time. 

 

Good post, Shaw. Although the above quote was referring to the traffic, I'm hoping that it also applies to the team. As I said in Virgil's thread, this loss should serve as a wake-up call, just like the Hail Murray pass did last year.

 

 

[HOUSE]

I thought the fans were louder for Sanders , Beasley kind of got cheered & booed ...lol

[Bleedbuffaloblue]

Great post as usual Shaw. Pretty much nailed it spot on.

JA surely wasn’t the guy we saw last season. Don’t know what the real reason(s) was, but just hope it was more of a mirage than a glimpse into the future. Personally, I’m confident he and the offense will bounce back it a big way next week against the Fish. Hope this smack in the mouth will remind some of these guys they need to do more than just show up if they expect to gain a W.

[Apocalypse Nuts]

Maybe it was good for them to get shellacked like that on the first game. Aa good wake up call that they aren’t as good as they thought they were and they’re going to have to really work for it.

 I’m at least encouraged by the defensive performance .

[US Egg]

The game was reminiscent of many of the Bills '18/'19 games.

 

"D" keeping Bills in the game and offense not finding a rhythm.

 

.....and some head scratching coaching decisions. It was ugly.

[TampaBillsJunkie]

Good write up. I love seeing fan takes on here. I pretty much felt the same way. I'm hoping we dont Fitz up Allen with big money. He definitely did not have that winners fire yesterday.  Your point about using the same offense is excellent. It did seem like Pitt knew what we wanted to do and shut it down.

 

I honestly thought that we were going to come out in the second half with adjustments on what we saw in the first half and Allen was going to take over the game in a route. I figured the defense would continue to bottle up Harris and Ben wouldn't hit much downfield. 

 

The blocked punt was unforgivable and basically changed the game. After that happened, the way the offense was playing, I actually for the first time since 2019 had doubts. It was obvious that Daboll was not the genius we thought and he couldn't scheme his way out. When he tried it was a miserable fail, especially the 4th and 1 lateral.  

 

To me a big blame goes to the OL also. Heyword and Watt were just eating them alive and it was pathetic to watch. No plays were designed to neutralize them or throw double teams at them. 4 and 5 wide sets expose the OL and Allen was not quick enough to compensate. Horrible offensive coaching and game-planning. 

 

Overall, I think the defense played well, not spectacular. Surprisingly, the big play came from Addison, who seemed to be on the TBD chopping block. The rest of the DL didn't do much outside a few splash plays from Oliver. If you can't knock Big Ben down, how are they going to get to faster, more mobile QB's.

 

All said, there are definite areas of concern going into Miami. Perhaps this team read too many news articles. I expect "humble and hungry" next week. Hopefully this is lesson learned. I hope the OC and DC learn from this and realize you can't force a game plan down someone's throat based on perceived talent. You need to make adjustments to expose weak areas. 

 

On to Miami, GO BILLS!!

 

 

Edited September 14, 2021 by TampaBillsJunkie

[BRH]

1 hour ago, Shaw66 said:

At the end of the day, what bothered me most was Josh Allen’s body language when he began the final drive with a couple of incompletions.  A Steelers fan behind me kept saying, “it’s not over, it’s not over,” but Allen’s body language said it was.  He was lackadaisical coming back to the huddle, had a “whatever” kind of manner about him, as though he was mailing in the last few plays. 

 

I didn't want to make a lot out of it, but prior to that final drive the cameras showed Josh sitting on the sidelines and not saying anything, just sort of taking it all in.  I don't go in for the fake rah-rah stuff, but in past years I would have expected to see Josh talking to his receivers, his O-line, his coaches, whatever, either just to prepare for the next possession or to get them fired up and remind them that the game isn't over until we say it is.

 

The look in his eyes told me the game was already over.  I tried to ignore it and hope for the best, but then he went out and proved it.  

 

I'm not accusing him of giving up.  I think he just knew that they didn't have the answers yesterday.  Not in Daboll's playcalling, not in his receivers' ballcatching, and certainly not in his line's blocking.  

 

That said, I still expect things to be very different next Sunday.

[jaybee]

Good review, and one of the few I've seen that evaluated Allen honestly. Many ignored his performance, or blamed everything else but the QB performance.  That play early on where Sanders was wide open and Josh over threw him reminded me of his 1st two seasons.  And, he needs to protect the ball.  I'm not here to blame this loss on him.  It was a team effort in all three phases, mostly offense and ST.  However, giving a contract that huge to our QB based on one good season is questionable practice.  IMHO. 

 

With a stellar dominating performance next week of course, all of yesterday will be forgotten.  Lets hope so because that was a lackluster performance fer sher.

[davefan66]

2 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

 

 

At the end of the day, what bothered me most was Josh Allen’s body language when he began the final drive with a couple of incompletions.  A Steelers fan behind me kept saying, “it’s not over, it’s not over,” but Allen’s body language said it was.  He was lackadaisical coming back to the huddle, had a “whatever” kind of manner about him, as though he was mailing in the last few plays.  Sanders had a false start, as if he didn’t care too much, either.  Diggs strolled back to the line of scrimmage.  Then Motor popped a couple of runs, and the Bills seemed to have a last gasp in them.  Alas, Allen had no magic, and the Bills lost. 

 

It’s a long season, there will be ups and downs, no one wins them all.  Still, it would have been nice if the Bills hadn’t spoiled their own party.  They have plenty of work to do. 

Just rewatched the game.  I was there yesterday and didn’t notice his body language.  
 

Watching on TV you could see it, and in his face.  Definitely wasn’t the Josh we had at the end of last season.  Seemed out of it.  Not sure what the issue is.  Maybe he expects so much from himself, coupled with the new contract and he took on too much.  Hopefully he can settle down for next week. 
 

Biggest issue is getting that offensive line to play better.  Maybe it was the Steelers knowing we weren’t going to run the ball, but pass over 50 times and they just pinned their ears back and rushed.  Need to mix it up more, take some of the load off Josh and run the ball.  Singletary had a good game and should have ran the ball more to control the LOS.

[Figster]

3 hours ago, davefan66 said:

Just rewatched the game.  I was there yesterday and didn’t notice his body language.  
 

Watching on TV you could see it, and in his face.  Definitely wasn’t the Josh we had at the end of last season.  Seemed out of it.  Not sure what the issue is.  Maybe he expects so much from himself, coupled with the new contract and he took on too much.  Hopefully he can settle down for next week. 
 

Biggest issue is getting that offensive line to play better.  Maybe it was the Steelers knowing we weren’t going to run the ball, but pass over 50 times and they just pinned their ears back and rushed.  Need to mix it up more, take some of the load off Josh and run the ball.  Singletary had a good game and should have ran the ball more to control the LOS.

I agree 100% with your last comment, from 1 davefan to another

 

Thanks Shaw for a great review

Edited September 13, 2021 by Figster

[Turbo44]

I didn't watch a game on Sunday where Bib Ben was good??  He hit for 56%, had one INT called back on a phantom hold and nearly had two other deflected INTs.  He led Pittsburgh to 3 first downs in the first half.  He looked shot to me.  Pittsburgh didn't win because of Ben

[Success]

Great write-up. Good observations on the body language.

 

Everything just seemed off.  It felt like the whole team & coaching staff didn't get enough sleep, or all broke up w/ their girlfriends.  Just out of sync.

 

And I don't think there is any doubt:  they fell for the hype.  The hype may have been justified - but the players can't fall into that.  This is a season like any other, and they have to earn every single win.

 

[Shaw66]

6 minutes ago, Turbo44 said:

I didn't watch a game on Sunday where Bib Ben was good??  He hit for 56%, had one INT called back on a phantom hold and nearly had two other deflected INTs.  He led Pittsburgh to 3 first downs in the first half.  He looked shot to me.  Pittsburgh didn't win because of Ben

He was 5 for 7 and a TD in the fourth quarter.  He made some lights out throws.  

4 minutes ago, Success said:

Great write-up. Good observations on the body language.

 

Everything just seemed off.  It felt like the whole team & coaching staff didn't get enough sleep, or all broke up w/ their girlfriends.  Just out of sync.

 

And I don't think there is any doubt:  they fell for the hype.  The hype may have been justified - but the players can't fall into that.  This is a season like any other, and they have to earn every single win.

 

RIght.  Everything just seemed off.   Hence, the title. 

[appoo]

10 minutes ago, Turbo44 said:

I didn't watch a game on Sunday where Bib Ben was good??  He hit for 56%, had one INT called back on a phantom hold and nearly had two other deflected INTs.  He led Pittsburgh to 3 first downs in the first half.  He looked shot to me.  Pittsburgh didn't win because of Ben

That's where I disagree with the OP. He was awful outside a few throws in the 4th. Got bailed by out by the ref twice on bad calls, and got lucky with a tip ball for a TD. 

Edited September 13, 2021 by appoo

[Shaw66]

4 hours ago, appoo said:

That's where I disagree with the OP. He was awful outside a few throws in the 4th. Got bailed by out by the ref twice on bad calls, and got lucky with a tip ball for a TD. 

Bottom line, Ben produced and Allen didn't.  

[appoo]

17 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

Bottom line, Ben produced and Allen didn't.  

 

Which is fine, but there's a lot of context to that. The Steelers really didn't ask much of Ben. He averaged 2.1 seconds to release the ball, which is basically 1 read and chuck it. That meant it was literally impossible to get pressure on him. They built a run-heavy, quick passing game plan that was basically reliant on everything else going right - and even then Roethlisberger needed two pretty bad pass interference calls, and a lucky tip ball - to get points. He basically made a single great throw - the 3rd down in the 4 minute offense that got them into FG range. 

 

I think the better conclusion is that the Steelers were able to hide Ben while the Allen couldn't carry the bills to victory on his own.  Ben didn't "win" this game - he just didn't lose it. 

Edited September 14, 2021 by appoo

[RiotAct]

21 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

 

RIght.  Everything just seemed off.   Hence, the title. 

you sly dog!

[Shaw66]

15 minutes ago, appoo said:

 

Which is fine, but there's a lot of context to that. The Steelers really didn't ask much of Ben. He averaged 2.1 seconds to release the ball, which is basically 1 read and chuck it. That meant it was literally impossible to get pressure on him. They built a run-heavy, quick passing game plan that was basically reliant on everything else going right - and even then Roethlisberger needed two pretty bad pass interference calls, and a lucky tip ball - to get points. He basically made a single great throw - the 3rd down in the 4 minute offense that got them into FG range. 

 

I think the better conclusion is that the Steelers were able to hide Ben while the Allen couldn't carry the bills to victory on his own.  Ben didn't "win" this game - he just didn't lose it. 

Good points.  Steelers may be built to win by hiding Ben, but the Bills are built win by putting the ball in Josh's hands.  Limited role or not Ben produced, and he's going to the Hall of Fame because he produced for nearly two decades.   Josh has to produce.   If the Bills want to win by hiding Josh, then they should trade him and keep Trubisky - he's cheaper.  

 

Right now, it's live by the Josh or die by the Josh.  

[Motorin']

I'm so glad you pointed out Josh's demeanor. I would say that's my biggest criticism of him so far. He's sulked on the sidelines late in games that haven't gone well, or stared blankly off into the distance when he should be getting focused on what to do when he gets the ball back. 

 

If you want to go home and take some time to sulk by yourself after a big game that's one thing. But not in front of your teammates, and absolutely not while there's still time on the clock.

 

 

[SoCal Deek]

1 hour ago, Motorin' said:

I'm so glad you pointed out Josh's demeanor. I would say that's my biggest criticism of him so far. He's sulked on the sidelines late in games that haven't gone well, or stared blankly off into the distance when he should be getting focused on what to do when he gets the ball back. 

 

If you want to go home and take some time to sulk by yourself after a big game that's one thing. But not in front of your teammates, and absolutely not while there's still time on the clock.

 

 

Last season, Josh had Barkley to lighten the mood on the sideline. He was always talking to Josh, and always had a huge smile on his face. I'm hoping that Mitch and Josh have the same relationship. There will be times when Josh needs someone to pick him up and/or calm him down.

[appoo]

2 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

Good points.  Steelers may be built to win by hiding Ben, but the Bills are built win by putting the ball in Josh's hands.  Limited role or not Ben produced, and he's going to the Hall of Fame because he produced for nearly two decades.   Josh has to produce.   If the Bills want to win by hiding Josh, then they should trade him and keep Trubisky - he's cheaper.  

 

Right now, it's live by the Josh or die by the Josh.  

This I agree with 

[marky]

On 9/13/2021 at 8:47 AM, Shaw66 said:

Allen’s body language said it was.  He was lackadaisical coming back to the huddle, had a “whatever” kind of manner about him, as though he was mailing in the last few plays.  Sanders had a false start, as if he didn’t care too much, either.  Diggs strolled back to the line of scrimmage. 

Club them with a 1x2.

[Shaw66]

4 hours ago, beavis said:

Club them with a 1x2.

I dunno.  You think that would work?

[Straight Hucklebuck]

1 hour ago, Shaw66 said:

I dunno.  You think that would work?

My question to you Shaw is we seem to have a split starting.

 

What I see is a narrative pushed by WGR that offense (Bills no exception) needs to be all passing, no running, unless Josh is doing that too. They scored 501 points last year with that approach, so do it again, look around the league and copy the Cowboys and Bucs.

 

Always aggressive, Howard Simon was mad the Bills punted on 4th down at the Steelers 43 and once at their own 45 in the first half, let alone the 4th-8 and 4th-1 in the second half.

 

Verses fans observing that in SOME situations a bit of balance would not be a bad thing, maybe give Singletary more than 5 carries in the first half and 11 for the game.

 

What is your thought to the 51 passes, 25 runs (9 of them Allen) in the game?

 

If we’re okay with Allen throwing 51 times every game, then maybe what you see is it’s not going to be good enough some Sunday’s and furthermore, it can look ugly at times. The Bills have a mediocre line and no second pitch (no Tight Ends for safety valves, no RB screens, no run game). 

[Shaw66]

16 minutes ago, Straight Hucklebuck said:

My question to you Shaw is we seem to have a split starting.

 

What I see is a narrative pushed by WGR that offense (Bills no exception) needs to be all passing, no running, unless Josh is doing that too. They scored 501 points last year with that approach, so do it again, look around the league and copy the Cowboys and Bucs.

 

Always aggressive, Howard Simon was mad the Bills punted on 4th down at the Steelers 43 and once at their own 45 in the first half, let alone the 4th-8 and 4th-1 in the second half.

 

Verses fans observing that in SOME situations a bit of balance would not be a bad thing, maybe give Singletary more than 5 carries in the first half and 11 for the game.

 

What is your thought to the 51 passes, 25 runs (9 of them Allen) in the game?

 

If we’re okay with Allen throwing 51 times every game, then maybe what you see is it’s not going to be good enough some Sunday’s and furthermore, it can look ugly at times. The Bills have a mediocre line and no second pitch (no Tight Ends for safety valves, no RB screens, no run game). 

I gotta admit, I don't pretend to know what to do.  I just watch and listen.  

 

On this run-pass split thing, McDermott has said that he wants to be able to have success passing 50 times or running 40 times, depending on what works against one defense or another.  That's his objective.   I don't know if he really meant it, but he's said it.  

 

I don't care if they throw 50 times, if that's the way they think that they can move the ball.  The only objective is to be successful - move the ball, score, win.  That's the objective.  

 

What bothered me about Sunday is that they threw 50 times but had so little success.  The Steelers had defenders everywhere.  Now, some of that was bcause they could get pass rush with four, but frankly, I didn't think the pass rush shouldn't have disrupted the passing game that much.  Allen had protection on plenty of plays, but nowhere to go with the ball.  And Allen escaped the rush often enough.   The problem wasn't the pass rush; it was that the scheme wasn't generating the open throws that Allen found so often last year.  Pittsburgh was prepared for the route trees, and Daboll didn't have variations available that could counter the Steelers' defensive schemes.  And/or, Allen wasn't composed enough to find them.  

 

In some way, Daboll thought he could run against the Steelers; he tried often enough.  It looked to me that the Bills were running outside zone blocking schemes, and it just wasn't working.  Just like last season.  Motor's only real success running came in the fourth quarter, when the Bills were going really pass heavy, and the running game caught the Steelers off guard.  So, I'm not sure that running more against the Steelers was the answer.   I think more effective passing is the answer.  I think that the Bills need creativity - the Andy Reid kind of creativity, where the pass routes seem different from week to week, and the plays they run off those plays, the little gadget shovel passes and other things, keep catching the defense off guard.  

 

Maybe to put it another way, when you have the talent the Bills have - Allen, Moss, Beasley, SIngletary, Davis, McKenzie, and Knox, you have the talent to be creative from week to week, to be one step ahead of the defense.  Once in a while, that's going to be running the ball, but most of the time it's going to be bombs away.   That's how KC plays, because they have Mahomes, Hill, Kelce and some other talent.  

 

 

 

 

[Locomark]

One item missing here is our whole offense is based on option routes so when you cross up the receivers you also mess up the timing and QB. They can also call non-option route plays to stop this indecision as I think Daboll may be exposed as someone who goes to these routes almost exclusively. Are you telling me that we field 3 all pro receivers who can’t get open on basic route trees? 

[Shaw66]

34 minutes ago, Locomark said:

One item missing here is our whole offense is based on option routes so when you cross up the receivers you also mess up the timing and QB. They can also call non-option route plays to stop this indecision as I think Daboll may be exposed as someone who goes to these routes almost exclusively. Are you telling me that we field 3 all pro receivers who can’t get open on basic route trees? 

Right.  I think Allen is as talented as Mahomes, and his receivers are, too.  It's the creativity that is lacking. 

[John from Riverside]

12 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

Good points.  Steelers may be built to win by hiding Ben, but the Bills are built win by putting the ball in Josh's hands.  Limited role or not Ben produced, and he's going to the Hall of Fame because he produced for nearly two decades.   Josh has to produce.   If the Bills want to win by hiding Josh, then they should trade him and keep Trubisky - he's cheaper.  

 

Right now, it's live by the Josh or die by the Josh.  

This won’t even be the same ben by mid season We got the fresh been just going in his arm is going to fall off his shoulder just like it did last year

[Governor]

At the time, it looked to me like Allen was holding his ankle after a sack. Then he was holding it once again a few plays later. I wonder if that played a part in his end of game attitude. Maybe he hurt.

[Shaw66]

6 hours ago, Governor said:

At the time, it looked to me like Allen was holding his ankle after a sack. Then he was holding it once again a few plays later. I wonder if that played a part in his end of game attitude. Maybe he hurt.

I didn't see that, but you could be right. 

[SoCal Deek]

I remain very concerned about the offense. During preseason I remember when we’d run the ball ten straight times or then we’d pass the ball ten straight times and I’d say ‘this has to be them simply working on repetition to sharpen up some execution things’. But after Sunday I’m starting to think that wasn’t the case at all. Daboll actually thinks he can line his guys up in five wides and pass the ball ten straight times! It’s not going to work in the NFL. You’ll get some decent drives but most will sputter out, or get stopped with a holding penalty, and end up in a field goal. Rinse and repeat! 

Edited September 15, 2021 by SoCal Deek

[Shaw66]

2 hours ago, SoCal Deek said:

I remain very concerned about the offense. During preseason I remember when we’d run the ball ten straight times or then we’d pass the ball ten straight times and I’d say ‘this has to be them simply working on repetition to sharpen up some execution things’. But after Sunday I’m starting to think that wasn’t the case at all. Daboll actually thinks he can line his guys up in five wides and pass the ball ten straight times! It’s not going to work in the NFL. You’ll get some decent drives but most will sputter out, or get stopped with a holding penalty, and end up in a field goal. Rinse and repeat! 

Well, I sort of agree with you.   It CAN work to run ten times in a row, or pass ten times in a row.   It all depends on what the defense is doing, who they have on the field, what scheme they're running, etc.   For years, teams have run no-huddle as a device to keep the same 11 defensive players on the field, because those players don't match up well against the 11 the offense has on the field.   Brady used catch teams mismatched like that and run the ball over and over.  

 

It's why I think the offensive failure on Sunday was so much on Daboll.   Yes, you can pass ten times in a row, and yes, you can go five-wide over and over again, but that only makes sense if you have schemes and plays that allow you to take advantage of what those calls and formations do for you.   Whether you can take advantage is exactly what the coaches are supposed to figure out during the week, and they need to have contingency plans built into the game plan so that they can attack in different ways if that's what's need on Sunday.   

 

I mean, it's not like the Bills didn't know the Steelers had pass rushers.  They knew the Steelers were third in the league last season in yards allowed and points allowed.   The Bills have the talent to attack any defense, and it's up to the coaches to figure out how.  You can't just throw 11 guys on the field and say, "Go outplay them."

[appoo]

We have a game plan offense. There's ups and downs with that. The upside is that it's defensive scheme agnostic - theoretically you should be ok against teams stacking the run, pass defend first, strength back or front - and still be able to do some work. 

 

The downside is that game plan offenses don't have a bread and butter staple, and tend to be more finesse than power. It's hard for teams to switch from a power offense to a spread pass game. It's easier to be a spread offense and a finesse, crease, run team. 

 

Daboll made a point that he didn't have much interest in having Allen hold the ball long enough to throw more deep balls. He didn't think his protection would hold up, and when that happens you're just hoping you don't end up with a Turn over. 

 

If your basic pass protection isn't holding up, then your conventional alternative is turn to a power run game. The Problem is the Bills simply do not have the personell to turn to that. They can run various zone stuff, but the Steelers backers were flying to that. So Daboll did what he thought was his only options left - short to intermediate pass, misdirection runs, QB runs. 

 

Didn't work. 

 

That's not to say this offense will be lost, or that the Bills won't make the SB. If Allen hits on just 2 deep throws, this game is probably over by the middle of the 3rd quarter. The margin the Steelers were playing in their defensive game plan was extraordinarily thin. 

 

But in terms of the Bills. they were basically playing out a worst case scenario on offense. Line can't Pass Pro. Backers were good on Zone runs, Allen wasn't hitting his deep shots. 

[Beast]

I'm not worries about the Bills offense.

 

1- If Allen hits a wide open Sanders, there is 7 more points.

 

2- If McDermott calls on Bass to make a 53 yard FG, which I am still puzzled why he didn't, even with a little wind, there are 3 more points.

 

That's 26 points they should have put on the scoreboard. No, our offense didn't look sharp but their own errors caused them to lose that game. 

 

 

[rockpile]

3 hours ago, Shaw66 said:

Well, I sort of agree with you.   It CAN work to run ten times in a row, or pass ten times in a row.   It all depends on what the defense is doing, who they have on the field, what scheme they're running, etc.   For years, teams have run no-huddle as a device to keep the same 11 defensive players on the field, because those players don't match up well against the 11 the offense has on the field.   Brady used catch teams mismatched like that and run the ball over and over.  

 

It's why I think the offensive failure on Sunday was so much on Daboll.   Yes, you can pass ten times in a row, and yes, you can go five-wide over and over again, but that only makes sense if you have schemes and plays that allow you to take advantage of what those calls and formations do for you.   Whether you can take advantage is exactly what the coaches are supposed to figure out during the week, and they need to have contingency plans built into the game plan so that they can attack in different ways if that's what's need on Sunday.   

 

I mean, it's not like the Bills didn't know the Steelers had pass rushers.  They knew the Steelers were third in the league last season in yards allowed and points allowed.   The Bills have the talent to attack any defense, and it's up to the coaches to figure out how.  You can't just throw 11 guys on the field and say, "Go outplay them."

 

The way they lined up for each offensive play was ridiculous. Five receivers meant it was a pass. Bringing in a running back or two meant it was a run. 

 

Also, the apparent use of Josh as an RB was foolish. It seemed like a few plays were designed for Josh to run, not an on field decision by Josh to scramble or take advantage of a lane that opened up. They cannot afford to use him routinely as an RB! The exception would be 4th and short where he should run, not be assigned to attempt trick plays.