Starting December neck and neck with NE

[hondo in seattle]

Last year the Pats had their Rent-a-QB under center.  This year they have their new franchise QB and their D is back on track.  This is different.  

 

We need to prove that the Belichick era is over and a new day has dawned.  This is the Bean, McDermott, Allen dynasty and we own the AFCE.  

 

Monday is a statement game.  

[BillsFan619]

11 hours ago, hondo in seattle said:

Last year the Pats had their Rent-a-QB under center.  This year they have their new franchise QB and their D is back on track.  This is different.  

 

We need to prove that the Belichick era is over and a new day has dawned.  This is the Bean, McDermott, Allen dynasty and we own the AFCE.  

 

Monday is a statement game.  

Thanks for sharing, bro. Great thoughts.

 

Yep, I definitely agree. While it would’ve been nice to be farther head in the division, we can still send the same message to the patriots.

 

It’s all in front of us still. What a great opportunity!

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

On 11/28/2021 at 6:04 PM, BillsFan619 said:

Well, the AFCE comes down to December. Unless something really weird happens to either team, it specifically comes down to two games against NE in 20 days. With all of the struggles and disappointments we had mid-season, what an opportunity we have before us.

 

That said, by how some are responding , you'd think we don't even have a chance at the division. Yes, we've struggled but we are still a really good team. And, we still have everything in front of us to win this division (and more). I get it, it's the Pats. The PTSD is probably still fresh for some since they dominated for so long. We all wanted them to stay in the AFCE cellar once Brady moved on to the Bucs. And last year was amazing, because for once, we played the part that the Pats usually played against us. We pulled one out and then completely dominated them in Foxborough (I still love that our team made BB throw a phone - an instant classic). On top of that the competition wasn't close and we ran away with the division with a 13-3 record.

 

After a down year, the Pats are back (at least for this year) and we're starting December neck and neck with them. I know it's not who we wanted to contend with, but even two years ago, we as fans would've been begging to have the opportunity that's in front of us. That opportunity being two games against the Pats in December to most likely decide the division. That opportunity being that we control our own destiny heading into December. That opportunity being a chance for us to keep the AFCE crown in Buffalo and be the team that keeps it from being in Foxborough again.

 

We're a good team that struggled mid-season. The Pats struggled in the first part of the season and have unfortunately come into form and have been playing good ball. So, here we are. We cruised to the division title last year but most division titles in most years go down to the wire. It's something we as fans need to get used to. While it would've been nice to have a repeat of last year where the division came pretty easily to us, this is a good thing for our Bills. It keeps them focused. It reminds them that every game matters. And, it gives them the opportunity to show the Pats who's in charge in the AFCE.

 

Only time will tell if they take that opportunity but that time starts next Monday at home in front of the greatest, most loyal fans. It's time to go get it, Buffalo. Show them that it's not going to happen in our house, on your watch. Show them who the new king of the division is.

 

Go Bills!

Weird people are so defeatist…split with NE and we’re still in great shape for the division record tiebreaker…we were shaky in our afc games but fortunately we blew one against jax and not Miami 

Edited November 30, 2021 by Generic_Bills_Fan

[Royale with Cheese]

I mean it's better for our health to be comfortably ahead in the division.

But this is what makes the game more exciting.

 

I have had so many games with the Bills where we don't face a ton of adversity and my adrenaline doesn't rise much....it's a comfortable watch.

I'm anticipating this game so much that it feels like a playoff game or the opener.  Our hearts need to be worked, we need to experience adrenaline again.

I would love to see a slugfest and multiple lead changes....I want the nerves. 

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

17 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

I mean it's better for our health to be comfortably ahead in the division.

But this is what makes the game more exciting.

 

I have had so many games with the Bills where we don't face a ton of adversity and my adrenaline doesn't rise much....it's a comfortable watch.

I'm anticipating this game so much that it feels like a playoff game or the opener.  Our hearts need to be worked, we need to experience adrenaline again.

I would love to see a slugfest and multiple lead changes....I want the nerves. 

I have a feeling it’s not gonna be close lol someone is gonna blow someone out. If the pats dline is having their way with us it’ll be us but if we hold up decently we’re going to be back to our 30+ points ways and I don’t see Mac hanging in a shootout.

[Royale with Cheese]

47 minutes ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

I have a feeling it’s not gonna be close lol someone is gonna blow someone out. If the pats dline is having their way with us it’ll be us but if we hold up decently we’re going to be back to our 30+ points ways and I don’t see Mac hanging in a shootout.

 

Since I think we are light on the DL without Star, bad weather effects us more because we are relying on speed.  

I didn't have a good feeling about the Colts game once it was raining.  They're a big OL.  

 

In dry conditions, I anticipate a better showing.  We've been good against the run most of the year.

[BillsFan619]

5 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

I mean it's better for our health to be comfortably ahead in the division.

But this is what makes the game more exciting.

 

I have had so many games with the Bills where we don't face a ton of adversity and my adrenaline doesn't rise much....it's a comfortable watch.

I'm anticipating this game so much that it feels like a playoff game or the opener.  Our hearts need to be worked, we need to experience adrenaline again.

I would love to see a slugfest and multiple lead changes....I want the nerves. 

Love your spirit and attitude, bro.

 

While I hope it’s not tooooo exciting, so that the nerves aren’t too high 😜🤣, this is what December football is all about. Fighting for the division, and if your record is good enough, fighting for the number one seed. We have the opportunity for both.

 

Don’t let your rival have it. Go out and get it, Buffalo.

Edited November 30, 2021 by BillsFan619

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

14 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

Since I think we are light on the DL without Star, bad weather effects us more because we are relying on speed.  

I didn't have a good feeling about the Colts game once it was raining.  They're a big OL.  

 

In dry conditions, I anticipate a better showing.  We've been good against the run most of the year.

Do we know star is not playing? That would be concerning lol I think it’s more of a 50/50 game without him. Edmunds was sorely missed in that colts game and he is back. Klein was absolutely terrible at MLB…with edmunds back we could kick him over to the outside and run less nickel but I don’t think that was really an option in the colts game the way the injuries shook out. Of course Leslie Frazier wasn’t gonna say ‘we already had a terrible linebacker on the field and you wanted us to add another one?’ In that postgame presser after the colts game but I’ve got a feeling that was the issue 

Edited November 30, 2021 by Generic_Bills_Fan

[Royale with Cheese]

22 minutes ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

Do we know star is not playing? That would be concerning lol I think it’s more of a 50/50 game without him. Edmunds was sorely missed in that colts game and he is back. Klein was absolutely terrible at MLB…with edmunds back we could kick him over to the outside and run less nickel but I don’t think that was really an option in the colts game the way the injuries shook out. Of course Leslie Frazier wasn’t gonna say ‘we already had a terrible linebacker on the field and you wanted us to add another one?’ In that postgame presser after the colts game but I’ve got a feeling that was the issue 

 

I don't know at this point.  We need Star back for sure though.

[BillsFan619]

4 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

I don't know at this point.  We need Star back for sure though.

I believe the first media interviews of the week are on Tuesday. Hopefully McD will have an update on Star and Spencer at that time.

 

Unless they got hit real hard with symptoms, I'd think that they'd be back for this game.

[BillsFan619]

On 11/28/2021 at 5:29 PM, Success said:

 

I still have hope for the O-line, for all of the reasons you mentioned.  If Brown can come back & stay healthy, and both Feliciano & Dawkins can get back to their previous form - it will make a huge difference.  And I'm not saying we'll be amazing, but it won't be a liability.

 

Those aren't crazy ifs. I hope that it can be a surprise to all of us as we head into the final stretch.

 

I like your takes in this thread, Success.

 

Let’s hope we get some good news about Brown today as we start the final stretch of the season.

 

I know they’re all important, but of the three, which o-linemen is most important to have back in your opinion? Brown, Feliciano being back to previous form or Dawkins being back to previous form?

 

Others can feel free to answer this as well if you have an opinion about it.

Edited November 30, 2021 by BillsFan619

[Success]

1 hour ago, BillsFan619 said:

I like your takes in this thread, Success.

 

Let’s hope we get some good news about Brown today as we start the final stretch of the season.

 

I know they’re all important, but of the three, which o-linemen is most important to have back in your opinion? Brown, Feliciano being back to previous form or Dawkins being back to previous form?

 

Others can feel free to answer this as well if you have an opinion about it.

 

It's a good question.  The 1st thing I thought was, we need all 3 to really have the line we want.  As far as most important, I'd have to go w/ Dawkins - some of his play has been a mystery to me. There were times against the Saints when he didn't seem to be trying (but I can't say I watch him closely during the game).

 

We need him to be that franchise LT that he was signed to be.

[BillsFan619]

10 hours ago, Success said:

 

It's a good question.  The 1st thing I thought was, we need all 3 to really have the line we want.  As far as most important, I'd have to go w/ Dawkins - some of his play has been a mystery to me. There were times against the Saints when he didn't seem to be trying (but I can't say I watch him closely during the game).

 

We need him to be that franchise LT that he was signed to be.

Good thoughts, Success!

 

I'd have to agree. While the whole line is important, there's a reason the LT (blindside) is typically the highest paid linemen in the NFL. That said, it was awesome to hear that Feliciano and Brown are back practicing today.

 

And even though we weren't talking about Star, it was great to hear that he's back as well. It's HUGE to have him back. What are your thoughts on Star?

[without a drought]

**** New England.

 

I might hate this version more than the Brady led Pats.

[Success]

11 hours ago, BillsFan619 said:

Good thoughts, Success!

 

I'd have to agree. While the whole line is important, there's a reason the LT (blindside) is typically the highest paid linemen in the NFL. That said, it was awesome to hear that Feliciano and Brown are back practicing today.

 

And even though we weren't talking about Star, it was great to hear that he's back as well. It's HUGE to have him back. What are your thoughts on Star?

 

Getting Star back is huge, especially heading into a game against NE, who focus on the run.  He changes our D against the run.  I'm not sure if we would have beaten the Colts with him (probably not that day), but it wouldn't have been that kind of day if he was in there.

 

[BuffaloBill]

On 11/28/2021 at 6:19 PM, Bob in STL said:

One game at a time.  Win on Monday Night. 

 

 

^^^ this - the end

[Nextmanup]

Two comments on this topic:

 

1) This reminds me very much of the Super Bowl years, where it felt like every season came down to the end of the year, and a critical game against Miami for the division title---a battle we ALWAYS won.

 

2) This pair of games against NE is the true rivalry/battle we NEVER HAD with them.  It totally disappeared last year with COVID and Brady fleeing to TB.  We were a much better team and there wasn't a lot on the line.

 

We finally get some hugely important game against NE, but on equal footing, where both teams are strong and about the same.  

 

WE HAVEN'T SEEN THIS IN TWENTY YEARS!

 

CAN'T WAIT FOR THE GAMES

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

On 11/29/2021 at 9:28 AM, hondo in seattle said:

My similar thoughts last week in a different thread:

 

There have been a lot of disappointed Bills fans out there calling for Beane's, McD's, Daboll's, and/or Frazier's head.   A lot of it has to do with expectations.  We thought the AFC was ours this year and we'd prance through the season all the way to the Super Bowl.  Well, expectations are a deceptive b*tch.

 

Here's how I see it:  We're going into December, tied for the AFCE lead, with a critical game coming up against the Pats.  Compared to the sorry reality of a few years ago, this is a fantastical dream come true.  Meaningful games in December...  a real opportunity to take down the Pats - again...  I mean, this is really good stuff and I'm excited.  

 

https://www.twobillsdrive.com/community/topic/236166-our-nemesis-the-new-england-patriots/

 

After worrying about the OL in the offseason, I started to think this was our year when we took down the Chiefs.   

 

Well, maybe not.  But this showdown with the Pats has me jazzed!  Can't wait till Monday!

I love how unrealistic expectations by the media and the fans ends up being the teams fault 😃 it was pretty clear New England was gonna be a tough out…heck they almost got us once last year 

[BillsFan619]

11 hours ago, Nextmanup said:

Two comments on this topic:

 

1) This reminds me very much of the Super Bowl years, where it felt like every season came down to the end of the year, and a critical game against Miami for the division title---a battle we ALWAYS won.

 

2) This pair of games against NE is the true rivalry/battle we NEVER HAD with them.  It totally disappeared last year with COVID and Brady fleeing to TB.  We were a much better team and there wasn't a lot on the line.

 

We finally get some hugely important game against NE, but on equal footing, where both teams are strong and about the same.  

 

WE HAVEN'T SEEN THIS IN TWENTY YEARS!

 

CAN'T WAIT FOR THE GAMES

Great thoughts!

 

Mike Catalana and Mike Reiss were talking back and forth about the Bills and Pats. They both agreed that, for the most part, the Bills and Pats haven't often been good at the same time. The late 80s/early 90s Bills were great, the Pats not so much. There was a couple years in the mid to late 90s that both teams were good but then it was the Pats dynasty along with our drought.

 

In many ways we're in uncharted territory with the Pats. But, it's still ours for the taking. We have the opportunity to take the division and be the ones that keep it from them. It all starts on MNF. Go Bills!

[Jay_Fixit]

New England.

 

lol

[BillsFan619]

On 11/30/2021 at 9:45 PM, without a drought said:

**** New England.

 

I might hate this version more than the Brady led Pats.

Really. Even with all the domination the Brady led Pats had?

 

Would love to hear your thoughts on why.

[BillsFan619]

On 11/30/2021 at 9:45 PM, without a drought said:

**** New England.

 

I might hate this version more than the Brady led Pats.

@without a drought, brings up a very interesting thought and discussion.

 

Does anyone else feel the same way where they possibly don’t like this Pats team over the Brady lead Pats teams?
 

Would love to hear anyone’s thoughts.

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

5 hours ago, BillsFan619 said:

@without a drought, brings up a very interesting thought and discussion.

 

Does anyone else feel the same way where they possibly don’t like this Pats team over the Brady lead Pats teams?
 

Would love to hear anyone’s thoughts.

I think some of us are just salty we didn’t get a long run of the pats being bad haha I hated the Brady led pats much more especially considering they were stealing our defensive signals for years 😂

[BillsFan619]

6 hours ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

I think some of us are just salty we didn’t get a long run of the pats being bad haha I hated the Brady led pats much more especially considering they were stealing our defensive signals for years 😂

Thanks for sharing, Generic.

 

I get it. It was nice to see them have such a down year last year. It was especially nice to destroy them in their house and see BB throw the phone. As I shared in the OP, that was an instant classic.

 

The cool thing is, everything is still right in front of us. We can take the division and be directly responsible for keeping it from them. Even though it would've been great for them to have another down year, we have a great opportunity on Monday night. Go get it, Buffalo!

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

14 hours ago, BillsFan619 said:

Thanks for sharing, Generic.

 

I get it. It was nice to see them have such a down year last year. It was especially nice to destroy them in their house and see BB throw the phone. As I shared in the OP, that was an instant classic.

 

The cool thing is, everything is still right in front of us. We can take the division and be directly responsible for keeping it from them. Even though it would've been great for them to have another down year, we have a great opportunity on Monday night. Go get it, Buffalo!

Not sure how many baseball fans are out there and what team y'all prefer but the few years where the yankees were good and the red sox were bad or vice versa were much less fun overall looking back on it...i think the same thing kind of applies here.  Yea its gonna be more tense during the regular season but thats the exciting part of being a sports fan.  Also if we cant at least split with a team like the pats i doubt were a serious playoff contender anyway regardless of if we make it there.  A split would be a win this year for us...unless we lose one to the jets somehow lol

[Success]

1 minute ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

Not sure how many baseball fans are out there and what team y'all prefer but the few years where the yankees were good and the red sox were bad or vice versa were much less fun overall looking back on it...i think the same thing kind of applies here.  Yea its gonna be more tense during the regular season but thats the exciting part of being a sports fan.  Also if we cant at least split with a team like the pats i doubt were a serious playoff contender anyway regardless of if we make it there.  A split would be a win this year for us...unless we lose one to the jets somehow lol

 

2 big "agrees" with you in a row, Generic!  I love the Yankees, and it's better for my anxiety when they're good & the Red Sox aren't - but it's just more fun when both are good.  Those are the games & seasons that you really remember (hopefully well, but not always).

 

If I'm a Patriots fan, the one thing I probably lament is that it was so easy in the division for 20 years. I'm sure it was fun, but I'll take our division reign in the '90's where we had real battles w/ the other teams.

 

And also on the split. That's what I'm hoping for. In some ways, I think it would be better than sweeping if we were to meet them in the playoffs - I can't see BB losing to ANY team 3x in a row in a season, or 5x in a row in general.

 

[BillsFan619]

5 minutes ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

Not sure how many baseball fans are out there and what team y'all prefer but the few years where the yankees were good and the red sox were bad or vice versa were much less fun overall looking back on it...i think the same thing kind of applies here.  Yea its gonna be more tense during the regular season but thats the exciting part of being a sports fan.  Also if we cant at least split with a team like the pats i doubt were a serious playoff contender anyway regardless of if we make it there.  A split would be a win this year for us...unless we lose one to the jets somehow lol

Are you admitting that you're one of the salty ones or were you just sharing the general consensus that you observe? 🤣

 

Yeah, I agree. Last year spoiled some. It tainted their view of playoff push expectations. Like I said in my op, it's not typical to run away with the division every time, it's typically a dog fight until the final couple weeks or even the final week. Now that we're competitive, it's something fans need to get use to.

 

I think it also spoiled their expectations of JA as well. He's struggled some but he's still been great. I think this year could actually be more of an indicator of his long term success than last year. He's been figured out some, thus part of the struggle. But, he's pushing through it and still having a good year. That's how QBs become great and stick around.

 

PS- I'll also add that I believe the big contract has tainted some as well. People's expectations just get so high (I get why, the contract is high). Even McD said so in his presser.

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

18 minutes ago, Success said:

 

2 big "agrees" with you in a row, Generic!  I love the Yankees, and it's better for my anxiety when they're good & the Red Sox aren't - but it's just more fun when both are good.  Those are the games & seasons that you really remember (hopefully well, but not always).

 

If I'm a Patriots fan, the one thing I probably lament is that it was so easy in the division for 20 years. I'm sure it was fun, but I'll take our division reign in the '90's where we had real battles w/ the other teams.

 

And also on the split. That's what I'm hoping for. In some ways, I think it would be better than sweeping if we were to meet them in the playoffs - I can't see BB losing to ANY team 3x in a row in a season, or 5x in a row in general.

 

yea i think weve got a bit of the hot hand fallacy going on right now regarding the patriots....each week youre playing a new team on a new day with different positional matchups so the fact theyre on a bit of a winning streak isnt as relevant as its being made out to be....we won like 9 or 10 in a row before getting spanked by the chiefs in the afc championship so we know that better than anyone lol  it comes down to the matchups on the field and we are in a completely different situation this week than we were against the colts.  and looking at it and a higher level...i think saying our defenses are about even is fair to say.  They have some exploitable weaknesses in the secondary and we like to pass...we have potentially exploitable weaknesses up front and they like to run.  and saying our offense is better is a bit of a no brainer.  and we are at home...this really is a game we should win more than half the time.  but weve got a bunch of analysts trying to make the sexy pick that could be outsmarting themselves lol  if we had the same lineup as the colts game we'd be behind on offense and defense it was really not a shock we lost that one.  That is not the game you want to be missing your run stuffing DT and starting mlb.

[PatsFanNH]

21 hours ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

I think some of us are just salty we didn’t get a long run of the pats being bad haha I hated the Brady led pats much more especially considering they were stealing our defensive signals for years 😂

😂 you know that was always going on? Teams were stealing signals for years it’s where they stole it that got them in trouble..  mind you why the NFL didn’t give the D a microphone to call plays in like the O years ago was just silly. 

[BillsFan619]

@Success

@Generic_Bills_Fan

 

In thinking about it more, here's another way I think it tainted expectations. Hopefully I can explain this right.

 

"Oh no, we're not running away with the division like we did last year. We must not be as good." Granted, we've struggled in a couple games we weren't expecting, but, we're still a really good team and "not running away with the division" doesn't necessarily mean we're slipping. It means there's competition.

 

"Oh no, there's a type of defense that JA struggles with. He must be regressing." First of all, Brady even has a type of defense he struggles with. Second, like I said above, he's pushing through it and that's a great indicator of his long term success.

 

As some say, success typically isn't linear. Hopefully my thoughts made sense. Go Bills!

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

15 minutes ago, BillsFan619 said:

Are you admitting that you're one of the salty ones or were you just sharing the general consensus that you observe? 🤣

 

Yeah, I agree. Last year spoiled some. It tainted their view of playoff push expectations. Like I said in my op, it's not typical to run away with the division every time, it's typically a dog fight until the final couple weeks or even the final week. Now that we're competitive, it's something fans need to get use to.

 

I think it also spoiled their expectations of JA as well. He's struggled some but he's still been great. I think this year could actually be more of an indicator of his long term success than last year. He's been figured out some, thus part of the struggle. But, he's pushing through it and still having a good year. That's how QBs become great and stick around.

 

PS- I'll also add that I believe the big contract has tainted some as well. People's expectations just get so high (I get why, the contract is high). Even McD said so in his presser.

haha idk that is a great question...i think im more on the disliking brady train than the belichick train ive noticed this year.  Belichick had a bit of an underdog story going on this season as people falsely concluded he couldnt get it done without brady.  the pats being competitive now doesnt upset me a whole lot but thats easy for me to say before this season is over haha if they start winning the division every year im sure i will change my mind.  

 

totally on board with the josh allen analysis...he certainly has areas to improve but i think hes been the best hes ever been this year.  In similar games last season where our offensive line struggled against a 4 man rush he looked terrible...theres just been many more of these games and he has actually looked quite good MOST of the time.  He did sort of blow that jags game though trying to do too much...couple less turnovers and we pull that one out 12-9 probably.  the dude is making nearly impossible freak plays look absolutely routine...i dont know how you can defend this team if the offensive line plays decent.

[Success]

7 minutes ago, BillsFan619 said:

@Success

@Generic_Bills_Fan

 

In thinking about it more, here's another way I think it tainted expectations. Hopefully I can explain this right.

 

"Oh no, we're not running away with the division like we did last year. We must not be as good." Granted, we've struggled in a couple games we weren't expecting, but, we're still a really good team and "not running away with the division" doesn't necessarily mean we're slipping. It means there's competition.

 

"Oh no, there's a type of defense that JA struggles with. He must be regressing." First of all, Brady even has a type of defense he struggles with. Second, like I said above, he's pushing through it and that's a great indicator of his long term success.

 

As some say, success typically isn't linear. Hopefully my thoughts made sense. Go Bills!

 

That makes total sense, and to take that last point one step further, I've seen a TON of Pats fans and pundits take the linear approach w/ Mac Jones.  As in, "He's playing better than Brady was as a rookie. Therefore, his next step will be a Lombardi, followed by league MVP, followed by 5 more Lombardi's and the HOF."

 

Mac was projected by scouts to be the most pro ready, but to have the lowest ceiling.  So far, they were spot on w/ the 1st part.  There is no reason to believe that he'll take even the next potential step and have some sort of linear progression. This might be as good as he gets. Or, he might actually get worse.

 

[BillsFan619]

39 minutes ago, Success said:

 

That makes total sense, and to take that last point one step further, I've seen a TON of Pats fans and pundits take the linear approach w/ Mac Jones.  As in, "He's playing better than Brady was as a rookie. Therefore, his next step will be a Lombardi, followed by league MVP, followed by 5 more Lombardi's and the HOF."

 

Mac was projected by scouts to be the most pro ready, but to have the lowest ceiling.  So far, they were spot on w/ the 1st part.  There is no reason to believe that he'll take even the next potential step and have some sort of linear progression. This might be as good as he gets. Or, he might actually get worse.

 

You nailed it, bro!

 

Struggle doesn't always mean regression. And, success doesn't always mean ascension will happen. What matters is, will you push through? Will you push the struggle? Or, if you're having some success, will you push through to the next level?

 

What's your personal take on Mac Jones? Do you think he'll ascend or is this as good as it gets for him?

Edited December 3, 2021 by BillsFan619

[What a Tuel]

On 12/2/2021 at 11:00 AM, BillsFan619 said:

Really. Even with all the domination the Brady led Pats had?

 

Would love to hear your thoughts on why.

 

Belichick. And the national media's idea that they can just pick up another dynasty, just like that. Eff the cheaters.

[Success]

10 minutes ago, BillsFan619 said:

You nailed it, bro!

 

Struggle doesn't always mean regression. And, success doesn't always mean ascension will happen. What matters is, will you push through? Will you push the struggle? Or, if you're having some success, will you push through to the next level?

 

What's your take on Mac Jones? Do you think he'll ascend or is this as good as it gets for him?

 

I go back & forth on that. The part of me that has PTSD about the Pats fears the worst - he HAS shown flashes of being excellent.

 

But, if I'm objective, he hasn't shown anything yet.  I kind of chuckle when people say he's already proven he's the best from that QB class.  They ask him to do so little, while most of the other guys in that class have to practically carry their teams, who are poorly constructed and generally not well-coached.

 

He screams game manager right now.  He's not impressive at all in the red zone, and he really winds up when he has to throw any distance.  I think there is zero chance he lives up to the hype - but w/ Belichick & McDaniels at the helm, I won't take him lightly. They just know how to use his strengths & avoid his weaknesses.

 

[BillsFan619]

13 minutes ago, Success said:

 

I go back & forth on that. The part of me that has PTSD about the Pats fears the worst - he HAS shown flashes of being excellent.

 

But, if I'm objective, he hasn't shown anything yet.  I kind of chuckle when people say he's already proven he's the best from that QB class.  They ask him to do so little, while most of the other guys in that class have to practically carry their teams, who are poorly constructed and generally not well-coached.

 

He screams game manager right now.  He's not impressive at all in the red zone, and he really winds up when he has to throw any distance.  I think there is zero chance he lives up to the hype - but w/ Belichick & McDaniels at the helm, I won't take him lightly. They just know how to use his strengths & avoid his weaknesses.

 

Good thoughts, Success.

 

Even though he's had a good first year, I'm not overly impressed like some. While we could lose on Monday, I'm not thinking it will be because of Mac Jones. He may not lose you games but he doesn't seem like a QB that can outright win you games. I guess that's one of the main characteristics of a game manager though (like you called him). Good enough not to be the reason to lose but not great enough to win you the game if needed.

 

I believe that could be the difference on Monday since our defenses are similar. The Pats don't have the QB that can win you games (at least not yet). We do.

[PatsFanNH]

5 hours ago, BillsFan619 said:

@Success

@Generic_Bills_Fan

 

In thinking about it more, here's another way I think it tainted expectations. Hopefully I can explain this right.

 

"Oh no, we're not running away with the division like we did last year. We must not be as good." Granted, we've struggled in a couple games we weren't expecting, but, we're still a really good team and "not running away with the division" doesn't necessarily mean we're slipping. It means there's competition.

 

"Oh no, there's a type of defense that JA struggles with. He must be regressing." First of all, Brady even has a type of defense he struggles with. Second, like I said above, he's pushing through it and that's a great indicator of his long term success.

 

As some say, success typically isn't linear. Hopefully my thoughts made sense. Go Bills!

The difference is unlike last year the talking heads have a team they want talk about in NE.  The Phins were boring and well self sabotaging by putting Tua in instead of riding Fitz.. this year they can have “return of the evil empire” or “The Dark Lord strikes back” so much more fun and brings viewers in… The Bills are still a damn good team and should win the division. They have it right there for them to take.

3 hours ago, BillsFan619 said:

Good thoughts, Success.

 

Even though he's had a good first year, I'm not overly impressed like some. While we could lose on Monday, I'm not thinking it will be because of Mac Jones. He may not lose you games but he doesn't seem like a QB that can outright win you games. I guess that's one of the main characteristics of a game manager though (like you called him). Good enough not to be the reason to lose but not great enough to win you the game if needed.

 

I believe that could be the difference on Monday since our defenses are similar. The Pats don't have the QB that can win you games (at least not yet). We do.

Jones is a rookie, playing as well as you can expect for a rookie. Is he a game manager? Maybe but isn’t that what you want your rookie QB to be?  I don’t know what Jones will be 3 or 4 years from now but right now he is better than I thought he be. 
 

The difference on Monday night will be who stops the run better IMO. Both teams looked AWFUL against the run. 

[Buffalo Bills Fan]

34 minutes ago, PatsFanNH said:

The difference is unlike last year the talking heads have a team they want talk about in NE.  The Phins were boring and well self sabotaging by putting Tua in instead of riding Fitz.. this year they can have “return of the evil empire” or “The Dark Lord strikes back” so much more fun and brings viewers in… The Bills are still a damn good team and should win the division. They have it right there for them to take.

Jones is a rookie, playing as well as you can expect for a rookie. Is he a game manager? Maybe but isn’t that what you want your rookie QB to be?  I don’t know what Jones will be 3 or 4 years from now but right now he is better than I thought he be. 
 

The difference on Monday night will be who stops the run better IMO. Both teams looked AWFUL against the run. 

 

The Bill's might struggle. Almost shut down Henry his big td run helped out big time in yards. The Bill's didn't have Edmunds (best tackler on Bills), star (run defender), Harrison Phillips played injuried Colts game, Vernon Butler is awful.  Could be part of scheme as well. But anyways it is too soon to say awful vs run. They'll likely get better.  

 

All teams find weakness. When team's find Jones can he overcome? Like teams did to Mahomes and Allen this year. Both are doing much better.  I like Mac think he is having a great rookie year. Would be good for him if he turns well for you guys.  Too early to say he is a (great) QB yet.

[BillsFan619]

1 hour ago, PatsFanNH said:

The difference is unlike last year the talking heads have a team they want talk about in NE.  The Phins were boring and well self sabotaging by putting Tua in instead of riding Fitz.. this year they can have “return of the evil empire” or “The Dark Lord strikes back” so much more fun and brings viewers in… The Bills are still a damn good team and should win the division. They have it right there for them to take.

Jones is a rookie, playing as well as you can expect for a rookie. Is he a game manager? Maybe but isn’t that what you want your rookie QB to be?  I don’t know what Jones will be 3 or 4 years from now but right now he is better than I thought he be. 
 

The difference on Monday night will be who stops the run better IMO. Both teams looked AWFUL against the run. 

Thanks for sharing. You have good and balanced thoughts.

 

Buffalo is a really good football team that has struggled in a couple games you wouldn’t have expected them to. That said, through all that struggle even with the patriots doing better than expected, the Bills still have it all in front of them.

 

And yes, I agree with you, all you could have expected out of a rookie Mac Jones this year was to be a game manager. Yes, nobody knows what he’ll be in 3 to 4 years, but to @Success’s point, he really does seem like he’s at his ceiling or close to it. Again, not making a prediction by any means, but that’s how it seems right now.

 

Mac Jones is playing better than JA did his first year but there was just something you saw in JA where you realized that if it clicked for him, he could be so much better. I just don’t necessarily sense that in Mac Jones right now.

Edited December 4, 2021 by BillsFan619

[PatsFanNH]

33 minutes ago, BillsFan619 said:

Thanks for sharing. You have good and balanced thoughts.

 

Buffalo is a really good football team that has struggled in a couple games you wouldn’t have expected them to. That said, through all that struggle even with the patriots doing better than expected, the Bills still have it all in front of them.

 

And yes, I agree with you, all you could have expected out of a rookie Mac Jones this year was to be a game manager. Yes, nobody knows what he’ll be in 3 to 4 years, but to @Success’s point, he really does seem like he’s at his ceiling or close to it. Again, not making a prediction by any means, but that’s how it seems right now.

 

Mac Jones is playing better than JA did his first year but there was just something you saw in JA where you realized that if it clicked for him, he could be so much better. I just don’t necessarily sense that in Mac Jones right now.

I doubt you watch many Pats games. What makes me THINK he has a much higher ceiling is simply how he looks after a mistake. He doesn’t dwell on it and he moves forward and continues to fight. The best example I have of this was when he threw the pick 6 against Dallas (Diggs) the very next play he threw right at Diggs again for a hugs TD pass to get the Pats the lead back.. that’s a trait you can’t teach being able move on from a mistake.. He also seems to be reading defenses better every week, heck he was better at it by week 3 than Cam was all last year. (He literally called out Cleveland when he saw them line up said “You got us this time”)
 

Now will he ever be a huge game breaker with his feet? No but I see his football smarts and the ability to read the D better and get the right play called at the line. But again only time will tell.