Popular Post Virgil Posted November 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 15, 2021 One of the toughest parts about writing these is not knowing what the Bills plan was going in. There are so many plays where you assume one player missed their assignment, when maybe they were the one who reacted first to cover up for someone else. That thought typically keeps my perspective in check and I try to only focus on the end results of the play or a specific engagement between players. Regardless, it's tough to not give into the eyeball test. With that being said, I lead into #1 of our Jets scrimmage results. 1 - Klein - I was really impressed with Klein's game in place of Edmunds as he made multiple plays that stood out. One of my biggest complaints about Edmunds is that he doesn't make those game changing plays often enough to make me want the team to commit to him long term. On the very first series of this game, Klein almost made one of those plays. He crept up to the line after the ball was snapped, getting lost in the mass of blockers and making White think the middle of the field was open. As White set to throw, Klein stepped back into his zone and almost had an interception off his hands. With Edmunds, I feel like he would have stayed in the zone the whole time, discouraging the pass in the first place. Same end result, but Klein had the bigger play opportunity. Beyond that, Klein has some amazing solo tackles in space, and shot the gap with speed for a tackle for a loss. Klein played like a missile waiting for his target and I honestly hope to see more of him at MLB. 2 - Brieda - My fantasy team be damned; it's hard to not love the 3 headed monster we saw yesterday. Brieda caught a beautiful pass on a wheel route for the first touchdown and then showed power and speed for a rushing touchdown later. He didn't get a lot of carries, but he made the most of them, possibly showing Motor and Moss that their spots in the split aren't secured. Speaking of Motor, he was frustrating with his unassisted fumble, but also finally executed an outside zone run play (CALL THOSE MORE DABOLL). Overall, everyone got a rushing touchdown, but Brieda set the tone early and hopefully gets to see more touches. I also loved that Josh had him at the podium for the post game, while taking ownership for their turnovers (even if Allen's interception hit the ground. I mean, seriously?!) 3 - Allen - Anyone else get the vibe that he just didn't care about coverage in this game and wouldn't be denied. He threw up multiple balls that just gave his receivers a chance. This was seen most with Diggs, even calling the same play back to back. Their chemistry is undeniable and they feed off each other. With Diggs great play, comes Allen confidence, and then everyone else benefits. All had some beautiful passes, but also kept the fire on the sidelines when forced to punt. If there is a sugar-high Josh, this was "Don't ***** with me" Josh. He also had a really nice run that was negated by a BS holding call against Dawkins. Allen had some misses and wasn't perfect, which I only say because he is capable of it, but he was overall the MVP candidate we know he can be. 4 - Holding hands are daughters and sons And their faiths are falling down, down, down, down I have wished for so long How I wish for you today 5 - GABE! - I don't think I realize how much I love watching this kid play until he showed up big in this game. I get that Sanders can squeak open deep, but Davis just straight blew by his cover guy and the safety. Davis also showed great concentration on a deep ball that was tipped around. I don't care how many snaps it cuts into for Sanders (who made an amazing one handed catch against PI), we are a better team when Davis is taking the top off defenses and keeping them honest. I don't know what the snap counts were, but Daboll needs to keep it going. Also, Davis had a few good blocks to help the run game, something Sanders also struggles with. 6 - Secondary - What else can you say except, Mike White is going to need trauma counseling after this game. Every single starting defensive back recorded a turnover, which the defensive line helped with tipped passes at the line. Of all the interceptions, Tre's may have been my favorite. Similar to Klein's almost interception earlier in the game, Tre was shadowing a mid zone and another player. However, once White released the ball, Tre showed off his closing speed and acted like the deep safety, pulling in the pick easily. Everyone played a part in this game and Wallace played phenomenally, laying some hits in the process. Poyer's interception at the goal line was the final punch in the stomach and it was just a great day overall as they slammed the book shut on the ascending Mike White story. 7 - McKenzie in Motion - It's hard to wonder how much the Bills pay attention to the online criticism, because the McKenzie motion sweep was back on display in this game again, even scoring a Touchdown off it. As said all week, it's not that the play is unstoppable, but it's just one more thing the defense has to think about before pinning their ears back and going after Josh. McKenzie also had a great return game today, almost breaking one. Just another example of the 2020 gang getting involved again. 8 - Pass Protection - I can't say that I watched each offensive lineman in this game, but I did notice the extra help Daboll gave the front line. We kept one or two guys in extra to block on a good majority of the snaps, which led to more time in the pocket. There was one breakdown play where a free DB came in from the strong size and neither Knox or the HB chipped him. I don't know how Allen didn't see him coming, but it was a solid hit on him that none of us want to see. Regardless of how it happened, the pass protection was there and Allen put up over 300 yards easily. On a side note, it also felt like the receivers were getting deep quicker than normal. There were a few plays where Allen threw it up and I was surprised to see how far downfield out guys got already. 9 - Defensive Line - I'm really curious to see the snap counts for this game, and possible where they lined up, as it was tough to keep track of for this game. It looked like Oliver, who also played a statless great game, was lined up on the end a few times. AJ seemed to have his snap count increased, and potentially at the expense of Groot. Again, I'm not sure what the strategy was and it's hard to complain with the outcome. We tipped quite a few passes, but pressure was mediocre. Boogie absolutely leveled a guy in the backfield, which was my highlight of the 4th quarter. What I found the most interesting was when we decided to blitz. It seemed like we sent extra pressure on 2nd down the most, but had some 3rd and longs where we only sent 3. Again, I can't argue with the result, but I was surprised we didn't go after White earlier more often. Side note, anyone disagree with the flag against AJ for roughing? I don't know what he could have done differently on that play. 10 - McD - While there is no excuse for last weeks debacle, you have to give McD credit for having his team ready this game. McD didn't mince words all week to the press and called people out as needed. Allen was pissed, Diggs had swag, and the trio ran angry. Poyer and Hyde had the secondary jumping and Klein was shot out of a cannon. I know we played the Jets, but as we've learned these past few weeks, there are no easy wins. We have a decent stretch of games coming up against teams that show promise. McD needs to keep this going if we want to secure the one seed. On to the Colts and the surprisingly solid Wentz and Pittman is sneaking up the receiving stat boards. Star being out against Taylor, arguably the best active RB in the game right now, but we are still the better team and need to get it done at home. Go Bills! 35 2 7 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
npeartisgod Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 Man, I look forward to these each week. Well done, as always. Good game for the team to get their groove back as we head to the tough stretch. Go Bills! 4 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marky Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 Also Knox. Offense is different without him. Davis when Beasley comes back. Full cast sure is going to be fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cale Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 Great recap, Virgil. I also read your Why this Offense is different post last week and it seemed like this week we went throwback on the offense. And it worked. I don't know why Gabe isn't in games more. He is great. It's almost like the coaches bought a new luxury toy in Sanders and now feel like they need to use him more. When Davis is more versatile. He is going to go elsewhere this season and become All World. I like Brieda. I think I would like Antonio Williams better. They guy went to RB University. But I agreed with all 8 points in that post. At any rate, great review. Thank you, Charles 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 This was the get-right game we needed before this next string of 4 games, which will be a true test. McD better have the coaches and players ready to recreate this exact performance, from playcalling and scheme to execution. Nice to see it against the Jets, even better since they are in the division, but we'll need to see this focus and determination if we are going to survive the next month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeGOATski Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 You don't think Singletary set the tone by getting 15 yards on the very first run? 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SectionC3 Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 I’m just going to say it. Gabe Davis is going to see much more action moving forward (the deep threat has been sorely lacking), and Sanders is going to start to kick into the slot and take some reps from Beasley. Won’t be popular, but we will be better for it. And, as far as the running backs go, I’m done with all of them. Singletary’s ball security issues are going to preclude second contract for him, Moss is the equivalent of a .250 hitter in baseball who does everything decently but nothing particularly well, and Breida is cast best with only a few touches a game. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwksilver Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 Glad to see you back. This was a complete game in all 3 phases. I really liked Allen under center, opens up a legitimate play action which we don't really have out of the shotgun and gives the RBs some momentum after the handoff. Pearl Jam was an excellent choice... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dukestreetking Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 1 hour ago, Virgil said: 5 - GABE! - I don't think I realize how much I love watching this kid play until he showed up big in this game. I get that Sanders can squeak open deep, but Davis just straight blew by his cover guy and the safety. I agree, but a question: does GD look like he has a "play thru it" injury, like turf toe or something? He's running....funny. Seems to have a hitch in his giddy-up. Even seen it in practice vids. Maybe just me, but he still looks a little off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRH Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 Everything was great as usual, but I have to ask about this. "With Edmunds, I feel like he would have stayed in the zone the whole time, discouraging the pass in the first place." Really, what evidence do you have for this "feeling"? Klein had a really good game because he was being asked to play a position that fits him (unlike when he had to step in for Milano last year). But you seriously don't think Edmunds would have had an even bigger impact? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 1 minute ago, BRH said: Everything was great as usual, but I have to ask about this. "With Edmunds, I feel like he would have stayed in the zone the whole time, discouraging the pass in the first place." Really, what evidence do you have for this "feeling"? Klein had a really good game because he was being asked to play a position that fits him (unlike when he had to step in for Milano last year). But you seriously don't think Edmunds would have had an even bigger impact? Not to answer for Virgil, but as someone who feels the same way... it is tough to think that since Edmunds rarely makes much of an impact normally. For a guy with his size and reach, I would expect him to be making more plays in the middle of the field like Kuechley used to. But Edmunds hasnt been anything like that. 1 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special K Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 25 minutes ago, SectionC3 said: I’m just going to say it. Gabe Davis is going to see much more action moving forward (the deep threat has been sorely lacking), and Sanders is going to start to kick into the slot and take some reps from Beasley. Won’t be popular, but we will be better for it. I think this is a preview of what we will see next year as well....Beasley is in the final year of his contract, I believe, and probably won't be re-signed. I think they would make a good trio of WR's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krf139 Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 One seed? Let’s focus on the division first - which we lead by .5 game more than 1/2 way through 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apocalypse Nuts Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 I would like these weekly posts so much more if not for that god awful profile picture, Virg. Just being honest. It only detracts from your content 1 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFanSD Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 I know we have an embarrassment of riches at WR, but I'd like to see more of Gabe Davis, and I don't mean next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramza86 Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 I like what Brieda brought to the table on the run. Not that he should be starting....but that his outside speed will keep defensive linemen and linebackers honest. The mckenzie jetsweep and outside run for speedy backs will ultimately save Josh Allen a lot of pain and help mask offensive line issues. Am I crazy in thinking Singletary is the most talented RB on the team? I just feel like hes does the most with the least. he makes defenders look silly so much. Wish he was a little bit faster. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 Agree with most of the write up. Hope they stay with 3 RB active, more of Davis and McKenzie. Klein is worth keeping around in the off season , recall a number of posters here stating he'll be cut after this year to free up $$, but great backup to have and can step in for either Edmunds or Milano. Amazing the difference when Allen has more time to pass, but do think the line will look very different next year inside. More of a question than a comment, posted this elsewhere too: I'm not one to complain much about calls by the refs as just feel overall they even out and fans always think their team is way drawing the short end of the straw. The one call I am trying to figure out was the personal foul on AJ Epinesa towards the end of the game. They showed a replay not a very good angle though, but didn't notice anything that looked bad. Could have been the wrong number. Not that officials would ever make a mistake like that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 1 minute ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said: Agree with most of the write up. Hope they stay with 3 RB active, more of Davis and McKenzie. Klein is worth keeping around in the off season , recall a number of posters here stating he'll be cut after this year to free up $$, but great backup to have and can step in for either Edmunds or Milano. Amazing the difference when Allen has more time to pass, but do think the line will look very different next year inside. More of a question than a comment, posted this elsewhere too: I'm not one to complain much about calls by the refs as just feel overall they even out and fans always think their team is way drawing the short end of the straw. The one call I am trying to figure out was the personal foul on AJ Epinesa towards the end of the game. They showed a replay not a very good angle though, but didn't notice anything that looked bad. Could have been the wrong number. Not that officials would ever make a mistake like that! I think they got him for going into the QB's legs. Cant go low. Of course, they didn't care that Epenesa was engaged with another player who pushed him down and into the QB's knees. BS call. But I believe that is what they saw that triggered the flag. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethan in Cleveland Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 I was in the club when AJ got that penalty. Even the Jets radio guys didn't think it was a penalty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florida Bills Fanatic Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 Great recap! You nailed it. Thanks for taking the time to do this. It's much appreciated. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xwnyer Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 one interesting thing was all the big sweep runs went to right side. Spencer Brown is a beast and a BS holding on Dawkins negated a nice Allen rollout to right side. One concern Eirc Wood mentioned is Brown seems slow getting ups few times hope they can get that back feeling better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyDays Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 (edited) 4 hours ago, Virgil said: 2 - Brieda - My fantasy team be damned; it's hard to not love the 3 headed monster we saw yesterday. Brieda caught a beautiful pass on a wheel route for the first touchdown and then showed power and speed for a rushing touchdown later. I want to point out Singletary or Moss do not score either of those TDs. If Breida isn't active that's two red zone TDs taken off the board for an offense that has struggled to score in the red zone this year. No guarantee we get in the end zone on either of those drives if not for Breida. He needs to be a part of this offense every week. Edited November 15, 2021 by HappyDays 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearNorth Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 Great job as usual. Here's a stat [yes I know it was against the Jests] that opened my eyes; Allen threw for 305 of his 366 yards using play action, the 2nd-most in a game by any QB since 2016. Play action slows the pass rush, and wondering if it also doesn't eventually lead to better room for the running game. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearNorth Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 3 hours ago, Dukestreetking said: I agree, but a question: does GD look like he has a "play thru it" injury, like turf toe or something? He's running....funny. Seems to have a hitch in his giddy-up. Even seen it in practice vids. Maybe just me, but he still looks a little off. On the 35 yard toe tap, he outran the DB's, Josh underthrew the ball, which was batted and Davis grabbed it falling OOB while being interfered with. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 2 hours ago, Ramza86 said: Am I crazy in thinking Singletary is the most talented RB on the team? He is and generally I think he has run hard this year. But he put the ball on the floor AGAIN yesterday. 10 fumbles in two and a half seasons. You can't have it and it is why the Bills keep going back to Moss. They trust him to hold onto the football. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bills92 Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 Great summary as usual Virgil... I really like your thought about Davis. I agree, when he becomes a real part of the passing attack - we just seem to be at another level. As I mentioned on an earlier post, I really think Daboll and company seem to be holding him back and he could be the X factor for a special playoff run. Go Bills! P.S Loving the multiple Pearl Jam references... As a long time member of the Ten Club - I appreciate this at multiple levels (It doesn't get Vedder then this) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jokeman Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 4 hours ago, Special K said: I think this is a preview of what we will see next year as well....Beasley is in the final year of his contract, I believe, and probably won't be re-signed. I think they would make a good trio of WR's. Sanders isn't signed past this year either. 1 hour ago, HappyDays said: I want to point out Singletary or Moss do not score either of those TDs. If Breida isn't active that's two red zone TDs taken off the board for an offense that has struggled to score in the red zone this year. No guarantee we get in the end zone on either of those drives if not for Breida. He needs to be a part of this offense every week. Moss looks to be the slowest of the 3 all things considered, granted I'd rather see Brenda dressed over someone like Kumerow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Duffy Posted November 15, 2021 Share Posted November 15, 2021 (edited) 6 hours ago, Virgil said: Side note, anyone disagree with the flag against AJ for roughing? I don't know what he could have done differently on that play. Yeah was another bad call, however Jets also got some bad calls against them. There was a couple plays there was some bad calls against Jets (although I wasn't complaining) that I thought were non sense. Edited November 15, 2021 by Sheneneh Jenkins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. K Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 (edited) Good comments. But if you're going to praise Breida and then ding Singletary for his "unassisted fumble" you in fairness ought to mention Breida's own unassisted fumble. I liked what Breida brought to the game but we can't ignore that. And I think he was the back who neglected to chip block the free blitzer who wiped out Josh. Edited November 17, 2021 by Dr. K 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyC81 Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 11 hours ago, BearNorth said: On the 35 yard toe tap, he outran the DB's, Josh underthrew the ball, which was batted and Davis grabbed it falling OOB while being interfered with. Davis had those incredible plays last season when Josh scrambled and hit him at the sideline. With Brown let go, I’m sure we all figured it was to get him more involved. Hope to see him more going forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSBill Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 (edited) Great Job, as always Virgil. Concerning points 2, 5, & 7 (Breida, McKenzie, Davis), my take is that getting more speed involved in the offense is a good thing. Continue to find creative ways to do that Mr. Daboll. Edited November 16, 2021 by CSBill 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrDawkinstein Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 15 hours ago, Xwnyer said: one interesting thing was all the big sweep runs went to right side. Spencer Brown is a beast and a BS holding on Dawkins negated a nice Allen rollout to right side. One concern Eirc Wood mentioned is Brown seems slow getting ups few times hope they can get that back feeling better. I'm very concerned about a guy his size already having back problems. Makes me think he's already on the downside of his career, and we'll need to be replacing him in 2-3 years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apocalypse Nuts Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 (edited) 20 hours ago, Apocalypse Nuts said: I would like these weekly posts so much more if not for that god awful profile picture, Virg. Just being honest. It only detracts from your content Just wanted to add, in the interest of full disclosure, that I may or may not have a few such pictures of myself around from many moons ago. However, you probably won't be seeing those posted anywhere if I can help it. I'd rather have a crazy-ass Colonel Kurtz than show my real mug. Please do keep up your excellent weekly contributions though. We all look forward to your "thoughts" each week, in whichever order you choose to present them. I guess not when they drop a stinker like the Jaguars game. But you know what I mean. (And if that's a high school picture, I'm guessing we're probably the same age. You look a lot like a few buddies of mine back then from my high school in Manassas, VA.) Edited November 16, 2021 by Apocalypse Nuts 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of a K-Gun Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 22 hours ago, Virgil said: 7 - McKenzie in Motion - It's hard to wonder how much the Bills pay attention to the online criticism, because the McKenzie motion sweep was back on display in this game again, even scoring a Touchdown off it. As said all week, it's not that the play is unstoppable, but it's just one more thing the defense has to think about before pinning their ears back and going after Josh. McKenzie also had a great return game today, almost breaking one. Just another example of the 2020 gang getting involved again. McKenzie's touchdown was so good it even faked out the camera man. Love seeing this back in the Bills' playbook. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virgil Posted November 16, 2021 Author Share Posted November 16, 2021 1 hour ago, Apocalypse Nuts said: Just wanted to add, in the interest of full disclosure, that I may or may not have a few such pictures of myself around from many moons ago. However, you probably won't be seeing those posted anywhere if I can help it. I'd rather have a crazy-ass Colonel Kurtz than show my real mug. Please do keep up your excellent weekly contributions though. We all look forward to your "thoughts" each week, in whichever order you choose to present them. I guess not when they drop a stinker like the Jaguars game. But you know what I mean. (And if that's a high school picture, I'm guessing we're probably the same age. You look a lot like a few buddies of mine back then from my high school in Manassas, VA.) I actually lived in Manassas for a few years, back in 2018. I still go back for McKays used book store 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwai San Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 (edited) 22 hours ago, Apocalypse Nuts said: I would like these weekly posts so much more if not for that god awful profile picture, Virg. Just being honest. It only detracts from your content You got it backwards man!! @Virgil has a ROCKING profile pix!!! Edited November 16, 2021 by Kwai San 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 As always, Virgil, good writeup. Welcome back! 23 hours ago, Virgil said: 1 - Klein - I was really impressed with Klein's game in place of Edmunds as he made multiple plays that stood out. One of my biggest complaints about Edmunds is that he doesn't make those game changing plays often enough to make me want the team to commit to him long term. On the very first series of this game, Klein almost made one of those plays. He crept up to the line after the ball was snapped, getting lost in the mass of blockers and making White think the middle of the field was open. As White set to throw, Klein stepped back into his zone and almost had an interception off his hands. With Edmunds, I feel like he would have stayed in the zone the whole time, discouraging the pass in the first place. Same end result, but Klein had the bigger play opportunity. Beyond that, Klein has some amazing solo tackles in space, and shot the gap with speed for a tackle for a loss. Klein played like a missile waiting for his target and I honestly hope to see more of him at MLB. Klein is a very solid player. Part of our defensive improvement as the season wore on was, I think, Frazier and McDermott eventually recognizing that the "NextManUp" idea blows wads when you have players with somewhat unique skill sets like Milano or Edmunds and redistributing responsibilities to craft an LB role for Klein that was suited to his strengths. And I believe that's what they did last Sunday. My point: the proper way to evaluate both Edmunds and Klein is "are they correctly doing what's asked of them". For Klein, that answer was a resounding "Yes" last Sunday, but recognize that part of the role that's normally filled by Edmunds may have been shifted to Milano and Johnson and vice versa (part of their normal role shifted to Klein). I do at times wonder if we would be better going to a 4-3 defense and playing Klein more. Taron Johnson's level of play has made that hard, but (for example) against Tennessee I felt our guys just wore down against Henry as the game went on, and I wondered if bringing fresh legs and a guy who can "thump" onto the field would have helped. I'll probably have the same question against the Colts. 23 hours ago, Virgil said: 2 - Brieda - My fantasy team be damned; it's hard to not love the 3 headed monster we saw yesterday. Brieda caught a beautiful pass on a wheel route for the first touchdown and then showed power and speed for a rushing touchdown later. He didn't get a lot of carries, but he made the most of them, possibly showing Motor and Moss that their spots in the split aren't secured. I think the guy who may have a seat out of this is Kumerow. Kumerow has been active every week for his 65% of the ST snaps. Yesterday Breida played 63% of the ST snaps. If the Bills built some confidence that Breida can play on teams, it's easier to keep Breida active even if he only takes 14% of the offensive snaps (similar number to what Kumerow has taken, but Breida undoubtedly made more out of his). The question for Breida to step up and answer is his blocking. He can physically block, I think, but that one Allen sack suggested to me that something was amiss in the protections/correct route for hot read. Some patience may be required there. Anyway, it might turn out long-term to be a Good Thing for Kumerow to have put himself on the Covid list last Tuesday and remove any table-banging Heath Farwell may have been doing about how much he needs Kumerow on ST therefore Breida must sit. 23 hours ago, Virgil said: 3 - Allen - Anyone else get the vibe that he just didn't care about coverage in this game and wouldn't be denied. He threw up multiple balls that just gave his receivers a chance. This was seen most with Diggs, even calling the same play back to back. Their chemistry is undeniable and they feed off each other. With Diggs great play, comes Allen confidence, and then everyone else benefits. All had some beautiful passes, but also kept the fire on the sidelines when forced to punt. If there is a sugar-high Josh, this was "Don't ***** with me" Josh. He also had a really nice run that was negated by a BS holding call against Dawkins. Allen had some misses and wasn't perfect, which I only say because he is capable of it, but he was overall the MVP candidate we know he can be. After last season, Allen mentioned "interceptable balls" as a concern he wanted to address. I wonder if Allen had switched to seeing the field too conservatively and passing up throws he would unhesitatingly take, last season. Perhaps this game represents a needed step towards the middle. 23 hours ago, Virgil said: 5 - GABE! - I don't think I realize how much I love watching this kid play until he showed up big in this game. I get that Sanders can squeak open deep, but Davis just straight blew by his cover guy and the safety. Davis also showed great concentration on a deep ball that was tipped around. I don't care how many snaps it cuts into for Sanders (who made an amazing one handed catch against PI), we are a better team when Davis is taking the top off defenses and keeping them honest. I don't know what the snap counts were, but Daboll needs to keep it going. Also, Davis had a few good blocks to help the run game, something Sanders also struggles with. Sanders took 60% of the snaps yesterday, down from 99% vs Jax and overall 84% on the season. Gabe Davis took 52%, up from 28% vs Jax and overall 38% on the season. Sanders blocking was good at the start of the season. It's fallen off. I'll put it out there, I don't care how good care a guy takes of his body, 84% of the snaps is a hellacious load for a 34 year old WR. Add to it that Sanders was nursing a foot injury all through training camp and the first week of the season and couldn't practice, it's hard to think the nicks and dings aren't adding up. I think Sanders is a strong addition, but one where it stands to reason "less is more". If we cut his snaps and put Gabe Davis out there a bit more, we might like the result. Yesterday wasn't a huge change. I'm talking perhaps 5-8 fewer snaps for Sanders and 5-8 more for Davis. Similar argument for Beasley. I'd like to see a few more McKenzie snaps and a few less Beasley. I know the guy's a gamer and thinks he can play through any injury, but he can't. 23 hours ago, Virgil said: 6 - Secondary - What else can you say except, Mike White is going to need trauma counseling after this game. LOL, you could see it in his eyes that he had no clue where the DB came from on some of those plays. I wish him well, but "overconfidence is a B word", Man. He shouldn't have said that about believing he should have been the #1 pick in the 2018 draft. 23 hours ago, Virgil said: 7 - McKenzie in Motion - It's hard to wonder how much the Bills pay attention to the online criticism, because the McKenzie motion sweep was back on display in this game again, even scoring a Touchdown off it. As said all week, it's not that the play is unstoppable, but it's just one more thing the defense has to think about before pinning their ears back and going after Josh. I've always said that when a large number of people with average knowledge feel strongly about something, it's always worth asking why. Sometimes they're missing something, but sometimes they're right, and the Bills needing to operate from Allen under center more often is an example. The success of the jet sweep and backfield motion is really an example of what shifting to under center can do. It's more difficult to run, and less successful in deception from the shotgun. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apocalypse Nuts Posted November 16, 2021 Share Posted November 16, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, Kwai San said: You got it backwards man!! @Virgil has a ROCKING profile pix!!! I don't know what I was thinking. It's truly an original! 2 hours ago, Virgil said: I actually lived in Manassas for a few years, back in 2018. I still go back for McKays used book store OMG! Hilarious! What are the odds? I lived there or near there for 30 years and graduated HS there in 1992 (geez!). If you go back and look at my yearbook, you'll find more than a few guys that look just like you. Virgil, you are my new favorite, brother! So glad you're a Bills fan! If we ever meet in person, dinner is on me! Edited November 16, 2021 by Apocalypse Nuts 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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