THE ROCKPILE REVIEW - The Complete Package

[Shaw66]

You want big-time, winning football?  Bills 33, Patriots 21.  Big-time, winning football.

 

On the road.  First place in the division at stake.  Up against the greatest coach, ever.  Physically dominated by the Patriots three weeks earlier.   Injuries.  COVID complications. 

 

What does a good team do in that situation?  Take control of the game early and never let go.  Be the better team for 60 minutes.  That’s what the Bills did to the Patriots. 

 

It was a masterpiece.  Every way.  It was Sean McDermott’s masterpiece.  That was the kind of win that’s on the resumes of great coaches. 

 

Defense.  Open the game with a 3 and out for -6 yards.  Hold the Patriots 50 yards below their season yardage average, 5 points below their points average.  Two takeaways.   Hand Mac Jones his worst passing day of the season. 

 

Offense.  Follow the opening three and out with a touchdown drive.  Score on every possession following a Patriot score.  Score to end the half.  Score to open the third quarter.  Go on a dominating drive in the fourth quarter to bleed the clock and get the touchdown to put the game out of reach.  Brian Daboll had everything he needed to attack the Patriot defense. 

 

Josh Allen.  Made a few overthrows but hey, Allen was superb, again.  Three touchdown passes, plus a drop in the end zone by Sanders.   Third down completions.  There were beautiful throws all over the field, none more beautiful than Allen’s rocket to Diggs for a TD, and Diggs’s catch.  The backhanded flip to Diggs.  The backhanded flip to Knox.   Dynamic runs.   The week before the game, Belichick said the Bills offense goes through Allen.  That means the Belichick defensive approach should have been take away Allen.  Take away Allen?  No can do.  More about Allen later.

 

Stefon Diggs.   The man is a playmaker. 

 

Isaiah McKenzie.  Talk about stepping up!.  Wow!   He dropped one, but WOW!  The guy made some outstanding catches. 

 

The offensive line, especially after Boettger went down, had an excellent game.  They protected Allen, and they created space for Singletary.  They were ready. 

 

Harrison Phillips, again.  Tremaine Edmunds hitting, again.  AJ Klein made his additional snaps count. 

 

The Bills went to New England determined to win.  Not just to win the game.  They went to New England to win every play.  They knew how to win.  They focused on winning, and they stayed focused.

 

What’s been one of the constants in Bills’ losses over the past few seasons?   Not every loss, but a lot of them?   The look on Josh Allen’s face in the final few minutes, that’s what.  Flushed, maybe a bit frightened.  Sometimes staring blankly, sitting on the bench as the game unwinds.  Even when he wins, Allen’s face often flashes with immature excitement.

 

None of that on Sunday in Foxboro.  The face of Josh Allen against the Patriots was the face of a grown man in charge.  In the fourth quarter it was his game.  His face said it. 

 

Josh is on a path to greatness.   He has been for four years.  Against the Patriots he took another big step. 

 

GO BILLS!!!

 

 

s

[AlfaBill]

I thought the same thing today regarding JAs facial expression. He was calm and determined. There was a replay they showed of a 4th down play. JAs face was stone as he scanned the field and delivered the strike. 

[oldmanfan]

Agree with every single word!

[Iiiiiiiiive Got a Feeeelin]

Mac Jones was completely exposed today also which cant be overlooked.  Looked like absolute trash. Loved it

 

 

Edited December 27, 2021 by Iiiiiiiiive Got a Feeeelin

[GETTOTHE50]

If I ever run into JA17 in public, I’m going to give him the biggest hug ever, if he allows me ofc 😆

[DaggersEOD]

Incredible as always Shaw.

 

Just rewatched the game and while I was a nervous wreck throughout, JA was ice. 
 

I completely agree that he is maturing before our eyes and there is no limit to his potential. 
 

Also, what a game by McKenzie! If he can replace/step in for Beas, we are in amazing shape! Now and for the future. 

[Success]

Great write-up - covered all the bases.

 

I loved the line about winning every play.  They kind of did. Obviously, NE had a few drives that were nice - but even on those, it didn't feel like we let up.  We weren't going to be denied in that game.

 

One of the top 5 wins the Bills have had, at least for me, including the SB years.  I don't think people realize how significant this was - to not let the Pats just take the division back & get a sweep a year after we were on top.  Their fans were feeling it, and we were already hearing the chatter about how we blew our 1-year window.  

 

This is the Bills division now.  

 

 

[BrainwashedBillsFan]

I’m sorry but most of the time tremaine Edmonds has no clue what he is doing out there. Yes he had one nice hit in the open field but if you key in on this guy he is out of position almost every play or gets blocked out of it. It’s frustrating. 

[Iiiiiiiiive Got a Feeeelin]

7 minutes ago, BrainwashedBillsFan said:

I’m sorry but most of the time tremaine Edmonds has no clue what he is doing out there. Yes he had one nice hit in the open field but if you key in on this guy he is out of position almost every play or gets blocked out of it. It’s frustrating. 

I dont know if this was ever discussed previously you bring up some new and intriguing points

 

[RyanC883]

this is exactly how this team should be playing every freaking week.  This is the version of the Bills that can win the Super Bowl.  This is why I (and many of you) have been frustrated this season because this version goes into hiding at some points.  This is the Bills that can win the SB.  LETS GO!!!!!!!

Edited December 27, 2021 by RyanC883

[Shaw66]

16 minutes ago, BrainwashedBillsFan said:

I’m sorry but most of the time tremaine Edmonds has no clue what he is doing out there. Yes he had one nice hit in the open field but if you key in on this guy he is out of position almost every play or gets blocked out of it. It’s frustrating. 

Yeah, I still have a problem with how he fills gaps, or doesn't.  But he had more than one nice hit, and he's all over the field.   He may not be what you imagine at middle linebacker, but if the Bills let him go, it may be years before they fill the middle that well again.  

[EasternOHBillsFan]

Amazing review as always!

 

This victory was formed from the amalgamation of two games- the Patriots and Buccaneers games. The Patriots game was a "well, we know who REALLY owns the division" slap in the face" and the Buccaneers game was a "this team has huge heart despite the loss".

 

Both games gave the Bills the chip on their shoulder and the passion they could hang with ANYONE.

 

Forged from fire... LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

 

So damn proud.

[HoofHearted]

20 minutes ago, BrainwashedBillsFan said:

I’m sorry but most of the time tremaine Edmonds has no clue what he is doing out there. Yes he had one nice hit in the open field but if you key in on this guy he is out of position almost every play or gets blocked out of it. It’s frustrating. 

I assume you think the big 31 yard gain was his fault?

[Brueggs]

Great read!  #19 showed up to play today!  

[CSBill]

Thanks Shaw! Always a pleasure reading your reviews. The game analysis is never over until you and Virgil make your unique contributions with your own unique styles. Thank you!
 

And your point today is spot on: Josh Allen is a special talent and he played a phenomenal, as only Josh Allen can do, style game. Jaw dropping throws, great decision making, huge runs, flip passes, and inspiring leadership. When we needed him most, all his best qualities were on display today. 
 

 

[Logic]

I said this in another thread, but I thought today was Josh's best game as a pro.

Given the surrounding roster circumstances, the stakes of the game, and the quality of the opponent and opposing head coach...the win was huge. The WAY he won was huge. He made the right decision on almost every play. He played a complete, mature, intelligent, composed, poised game. He's had flashier games, but in terms of being the consummate field general, I don't think he's ever been better. Today wasn't the most EXCITING he's ever been, but I think it's the BEST he's ever been. Like you said, it was winning football.

Health permitting, Josh Allen is going to have a bronze bust in Canton one day.

[Shaw66]

26 minutes ago, Logic said:

I said this in another thread, but I thought today was Josh's best game as a pro.

Given the surrounding roster circumstances, the stakes of the game, and the quality of the opponent and opposing head coach...the win was huge. The WAY he won was huge. He made the right decision on almost every play. He played a complete, mature, intelligent, composed, poised game. He's had flashier games, but in terms of being the consummate field general, I don't think he's ever been better. Today wasn't the most EXCITING he's ever been, but I think it's the BEST he's ever been. Like you said, it was winning football.

Health permitting, Josh Allen is going to have a bronze bust in Canton one day.

You could feel it. He was in command.  He never seemed to be in a hurry.  He missed some throws and didn't sulk.  He just played football.  And there aren't many who play football like he can. 

[Billznut]

1 hour ago, Iiiiiiiiive Got a Feeeelin said:

Mac Jones was completely exposed today also which cant be overlooked.  Looked like absolute trash. Loved it

 

 

Yep can’t wait to watch the moronic national media try to gracefully backpedal all their Patriots ball washing tomorrow. Should be amusing if nothing else. 

[Heathcliff]

Dabbs took a different approach. Instead of leaving the RB to block the blitz, leak him out. I think what we saw was Josh understanding taking the quick check downs can be deadly. 

[Irv]

1 hour ago, BrainwashedBillsFan said:

I’m sorry but most of the time tremaine Edmonds has no clue what he is doing out there. Yes he had one nice hit in the open field but if you key in on this guy he is out of position almost every play or gets blocked out of it. It’s frustrating. 

I watched Edmunds very closely. He looked like *****.