A Few Thoughts about the Falcons Game, in no particular order

[Virgil]

I've played Madden for about 20 years now and I'd like to think I'm pretty good at it.  I was ranked in the top 5% for a bit and really have the most fun when I'm playing someone who knows football.  It can be easy at times when you play someone who only runs the same plays over and over again, but can't adjust to anything else.  Sometimes, I will even mess around and try new plays when I'm up against someone who I can tell isn't on my skill level.  In those games though, I've found ways to lose because I gave them too many opportunities to stay in the game.  They weren't the better team, but I made the poorer decisions.  Usually I can turn it around, but others....

 

1 - Allen - Was there an article this week that said Allen had a weak arm that I missed?  Allen decided it was a fastball only game, on a day where the weather was so cold that the football felt like a rock.  If Diggs can't pull in a basic slant pass, you know something is wrong.  Allen put up one of his worse statistical passing games and I still never really felt like we were going to lose this game.  The Falcons defensive line did a good job of getting their hands up and tipping two passes into interceptions.  The other interception was an example of when hero ball goes wrong.  Fortunately, Allen is a true dual threat QB and score two touchdowns on the ground and learned to lean on his rushing attack in the second half, helping the Bills cruise to an easy win.

 

2 - Defensive Backs - Outside of the big Kyle Pitts play, I thought the Bills defensive backs played one of their best overall games of the season.  What was so impressive was their ability to turn their heads back to the pass at just the right time.  I know the Falcons are word beaters at receiver, but there were plenty of passes where we would've been flagged for PI in prior weeks.  Dane and Levi played a hell of a game it's great to see this unit step up in Tre's absence

 

3 - Stevenson - For those who got comfortable on punt returns, this was the game to bust out the old Zanax.  Stevenson fumbled on his first punt return, which led to a safety.  Then he later bobbled another punt.  On two kick off returns, he found a way to get tackled by another Bill.  With McD's zero tolerance policy, I wonder if we see McKenzie back there next week considering he wasn't a factor in the passing game again.

 

4 - Talking to herself
"There's no one else who needs to know"
She tells herself
Memories back when she was bold and strong
And waiting for the world to come along
Swears she knew him, now she swears he's gone

 

5 - Edmunds - I have to go back on my word from a few weeks back and talk about Edmunds again.  Is it me, or is he always chasing down plays or standing around a group tackle?  He showed his value in the passing game on a few plays where he used his lanky body to jump around and block passing lanes, but that's about all I saw him do in this game.  He got trucked twice in this game, where the running back got an additional 3-5 yards on the tackle.  I just don't get it with this kid anymore and I'm at the point where I hope they can trade him for some value heading into his 5th year.

 

6 - Phillips - It drives me crazy when players finally figure out how to play in their contract year.  Over the past few weeks, Phillips has finally become the cog in the middle of the defensive line that we hoped he could be when we drafted him.  Unfortunately, he's also injured constantly.  In this game, Harrison was all over the place and did a great job against the Falcons run.  For a big boy, he showed some speed getting to plays on the edge and getting involved.  Him and Oliver were a wrecking crew in this game, where Oliver was consistently getting double teamed. 

 

7 - Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory - When Matt Ryan got the taunting penalty against Poyer, only to find out he didn't actually get into the end zone, leading to no points; did anyone else picture that happening to the Bills 5 years ago?  Being on the other side of it, it's hysterical to watch these sub .500 teams find ways to take themselves out of games.  For those who watched the Jets game, who were up 4; they ran a QB sneak on 4th and a long 2.  The coach said it was a play call mix-up, but still.  We had the Josh Allen slip and the Hail Murray, but it's still overall night to no longer feel like "that team"

 

8 - Return of the Young Ends - MIA for weeks, Groot and AJ finally decided to show up for this game in a big way.  Groot had the huge strip sack while AJ made some great plays in space and a big open field tackle.  I'm still not seeing much from them against 1 on 1 match ups, but hopefully they are also starting to get some confidence.

 

9 - McD - As this game ended, there were a lot of tweets about records broken and whatnot.  A few things stood out for me that really shows all the things McD and Beane have done for this team.  This was our first playoff clinching win since the late 90's.  This is our 4th playoff run in 5 years.  McD has over 10 wins in multiple seasons and is already climbing up the Bills coaching wins records.  There's always something to criticize, and that's what we do as fans, but to take a step back and look at things now versus the drought is very impressive. 

 

10 - Thoughts - This may be my last season writing these post game thoughts.  I haven't fully made up my mind and it has nothing to do with any of my readers.  Honestly, the support from so many of you is why I've kept doing this as long as I have.  I'm coming up on almost 10 years of writing these and it really is work.  I know the writing is casual and spelling is off, but that's meant to be part of the charm.  The truth is, I can't watch a game without taking notes.  As my work life changes, getting these written becomes more like an assignment.  I can't really just enjoy the game or comment much afterwards, because I feel like I have an obligation, versus something that started out as fun after Bill left it behind.  If I do decide to walk away, it doesn't mean I won't write thoughts or comments in other places, but I just won't commit to the timetable and rhythm I've been following until now, and it may not have as many details.  Sometimes, I just want to watch a game and enjoy it, versus sitting the and adding notes to sort through later.  But again, the community has been so supportive and maybe this season was more taxing for some reason.  Regardless, I reserve the right to change my mind.

 

Go Bills!!!

[clayboy54]

Thanks Virgil! It would be sad to lose your thoughtful analysis and opinions. Much like when Bill wrote these, they're always worth reading and often are rather thought provoking. I hope I speak for others saying that we will respect your decision either way. I just want to let you know how so many of us appreciate your work each and every game.

[BuffaloBillies]

Nice write-up. I also thought Josh was throwing fastball missiles throughout the game, sometimes when the guy was only 10 feet away.

Maybe you could do "skinny" write-ups so it doesn't seem like an assignment. One paragraph of top 5 observations or something like that.

[Coach Tuesday]

One of your better ones.

 

Agree Josh was throwing too many fastballs.

 

Re the DBs, even on Pitts’ big play the defensive back (think it was Levi) was right there and almost made a play on the ball - Pitts pulled it away from him and then took off for a big gain.

[PonyBoy]

Virgil do what makes you happy, not us. This past week I barely followed GDT because of the sniping, negativity etc... I found myself reading too much or what post I could get in while fresh, instead of just enjoying or hating the game Lol. I originally followed this thread due some of the WNY only sarcasm, humor  & wit, but that is not as common as it used to be. The sun will still rise, pick your spots, Bills fans will always be here, in spirit or on keyboard. Thank you! 

[DCbillsfan]

Harrison Phillips is coming on.  Yes he's been fighting injuries for quite some time but he looks as good as he ever has.  Think the Bills need to re-sign him.  Show Star the door.

Edited January 4, 2022 by DCbillsfan

[BubbaT]

I wondered if Josh had an extra Red Bull pre game or played Anthrax instead of Sinatra. It was like Nolan Ryan from 5 yards away. To me, it also looked like many plays in the first half were off schedule and ad libbed. Almost nothing came out on time and in rhythm after the first couple to open the game. Was he confused? Was he just looking for big plays and eschewing taking the available short stuff and chain movers  he used so successfully the week before vs NE? It was baffling to me. 

 

I was happy the O ran the ball well for more than the obvious reason that they showed they could do it. I also was happy it kept the Falcons offense off the field. I realize the Falcons aren't the Chiefs (I mean the Bills gave them 2 points and 3 extra possessions and they still only got to 15 points) but there were times when the holes to run through seemed ginormous and the receivers were open when Ryan bought time to get it there. I thought the 2nd quarter was really disconcerting on both sides of the ball. Just happy they won. Happy too to see how well Bates played. The line looks so much better with a guard that can pull AND be stout and anchor.

 

Virgil I enjoy your write ups. That said, do what makes you happy. You don't owe us anything.

 

Edited January 4, 2022 by BubbaT

[TampaBillsJunkie]

I'm a young'in for this board but I do enjoy your posts and Shaw's write ups. It's one thing I come here to read. I also laugh my ass off at how people get mobbed for their opinions if they aren't well thought out or off the wall. 

[BillsFanSD]

32 minutes ago, Virgil said:

7 - Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory - When Matt Ryan got the taunting penalty against Poyer, only to find out he didn't actually get into the end zone, leading to no points; did anyone else picture that happening to the Bills 5 years ago? 

Yes!  This was the second week in a row where I was strongly reminded of the drought-era Bills.  In the New England game, we had the ball and the lead with 7:30 to go, and the drought teams found a way to lose those games with near 100% regularity to Brady and Belichick.  And you're absolutely right that the taunting penalty would have been a very Billsy way to lose, considering just how creative we got with losing games during the drought.

[Ray Ray]

Virgil, you have a have uncanny way of writing your game thoughts that identifies your passion and gives us, your readers, the insight we come to enjoy.  Having you is very important voice to this board.  We all wait each week for your knowledgeable post game analysis.  I have no idea what you do for a living, but your ability it write and capture the level of emotion each Bills fan experiences from week to week deserves a forum pro and con.  Good luck on your future writing and know we the Bills fan enjoy every thought, “in no particular order”.

Edited January 7, 2022 by Ray Ray

[RiotAct]

still waiting for Lukin…

[Haslett_Stomp]

Thanks Virgil, as always.  I echo the sentiments others have expressed that your "thoughts" (and Bill's previously) and Shaw's Rockpile Review are a must read every week.  Who knows, if the Bills get on a roll you can go out with a win!

Edited January 4, 2022 by Haslett_Stomp

[Buddo]

Good stuff as usual Virgil.

 

To point 6. Phillips is frustrating, as he does have ability, yet has been hampered by a variety of injuries. In respect of 'figuring it out in a contract year', I'm convinced that is as much a function of how contracts have to be set up these days.

 

Instead of being able to bring guys on gradually, when you could sign them for longer contracts, you only have so much time to get them ready.

 

With lower round picks, I genuinely believe that hampers their development.

 

Also part of this, are the practise restrictions the NFLPA has negotiated.

 

Imho, a lot of lower round picks would benefit from more coaching, that doesn't involve any sort of hitting, yet are prevented from getting that by rules.

 

I also think that a lot of those guys, would be happy to get that coaching, as it would improve their chances of making it in the NFL.

 

If you did a bit of a dive into plenty of other rosters around the NFL, I'm sure you would see a lot of guys similarly placed as Phillips, in their development.

[Rico]

6. Recently, Gugny  tried to shame Cody Ford into stepping up. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked so far , but sometimes fans can indeed make a difference. Case in point, I will take full credit for Jag Harry's performance over the past month.

Edited January 4, 2022 by Rico

[LeGOATski]

Watching the Bills CBs execute perfect technique on those PBUs and then watching the Cowboys CBs try to do it was like night and day. Whoever coaches these DBs is a pro's pro.

[Augie]

18 minutes ago, LeGOATski said:

Watching the Bills CBs execute perfect technique on those PBUs and then watching the Cowboys CBs try to do it was like night and day. Whoever coaches these DBs is a pro's pro.

 

Wait! Are you saying we should NOT fire this coaching group? 

 

 

I’m so confused…….

 

@Virgil I love your stuff and always enjoy it. If you decide it’s time for you to fully enjoy the games, I totally get that. You deserve it, and I’ll respect whatever you decide and remain appreciative of your contributions. 

[GETTOTHE50]

I love how you cant help but bring up edmunds 😆 partly bc i 100% agree with you.

 

I truly hope you dont stop writing these. It has been a taxing season for all of us. We were expecting more wins and this season has had some bad lows. I didnt even think we were going to be cheering for the bills in the playoffs up until we beat the patties.

 

Coach McD was off for the first 3 quarters of the season for some reason, but things started to turn around during the buccaneers game when they made a big come- back.

 

Otherwise, good win! good post!

[LeGOATski]

10 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

Wait! Are you saying we should NOT fire this coaching group? 

 

 

I’m so confused…….

 

@Virgil I love your stuff and always enjoy it. If you decide it’s time for you to fully enjoy the games, I totally get that. You deserve it, and I’ll respect whatever you decide and remain appreciative of your contributions. 

Whoever coaches the DBs should be promoted to head coach AND general manager.

 

Get those other two clowns out of there.

[cale]

Good work, my man. You have contributed more than your fair share. I don't think anyone would begrudge you a retirement of sorts @Virgil. 🙂

[Coffeesforclosers]

@Virgil, didn't you do these back on BB.com message board times?

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

I've always enjoyed these.  Thanks very much to you and Bill.  If you do feel like stepping away I'd humbly volunteer to take up the mantle as I'm a writer and take notes on everything by my nature.  Just let me know.

[WhoTom]

Thanks for this and all the other great write-ups, Virg - I look forward to them every week. But I totally understand your point about not enjoying the games. A few years ago, my wife and I started a music fan blog - my part was to do concert and music fest write-ups. It got to the point where I wasn't enjoying the shows as much, so we eventually ditched the idea.

 

Every fan should enjoy a Bills game to the fullest, so do what makes you happy.   ☮️🍺

 

 

[Virgil]

3 minutes ago, Coffeesforclosers said:

@Virgil, didn't you do these back on BB.com message board times?

Nope. No idea who that would be 

[WhoTom]

4 minutes ago, Coffeesforclosers said:

@Virgil, didn't you do these back on BB.com message board times?

 

There was a guy who did "10 things I think I think" after each game. When he stopped doing that, Shaw66 sort of took it over and turned it into The Rockpile Review, which he brought over here when BBMB was shut down.

[qwksilver]

@Virgil These should not detract from your game day experience.  That doesn't seem fair, so thanks again for doing these. 10 years is a great run so no shame in calling it. This week's was spot on!

 

How about you get a few guest writers during the year to take some of the burden off? Maybe then it won't seem overwhelming for 20 weeks or so.

 

Betterman was an instant classic 👍

[hemma]

Unfortunately, a critical shortage of readable writers has caused us to be disinclined to accept your proposed.early retirement.

 

Carry on.

[hondo in seattle]

2 hours ago, BillsFanSD said:

Yes!  This was the second week in a row where I was strongly reminded of the drought-era Bills.  In the New England game, we had the ball and the lead with 7:30 to go, and the drought teams found a way to lose those games with near 100% regularity to Brady and Belichick.  And you're absolutely right that the taunting penalty would have been a very Billsy way to lose, considering just how creative we got with losing games during the drought.

 

 

I agree.  When I saw how that play evolved from an Atlanta TD to 3rd-and-goal from the 16, I thought exactly the same thing: What a Billsy turn of events!  

 

I actually empathized for Ryan and the Falcons because it was so easy for me to imagine being in a situation like that.  

[BillsFan619]

Thanks for all you’ve done, Virg. As I shared when I first joined in late 2020 (I read the board for years before I actually joined in 2020), your write up has always been a post game must read. That said, you’ve got to enjoy the games.

 

It’s crazy to think that it’s almost been 10 years. I still remember the post you shared on the forum where you mentioned that Bill was okay with you taking over.

 

You’ve done a great job. Well done!

[Behindenemylines]

Virgil I appreciate your thoughts and they have made me a better student of the game.   I’ll certainly miss that and bet others will as well.  With that said ten years is a long time and I can fully appreciate wanting to pass the torch.  
 

Would it be possible to hand this down to a willing participant?  Seems like a tradition here and hate to see it pass away.  Guys like me who look forward to the thoughts and perspectives, then research them for further understanding of the game will certainly be missing a mentor.  
 

Only If your retiring: viable and willing candidates please  apply!

 

thank you again Virgil!

[ganesh]

Thanks for a decade of writing @Virgil  Enjoyed it.  As many wrote, you should do what is important for you and your family.  Your post allows everyone to have some collective way of discussing the game instead of 10 separate threads.  I am sure we can still do the same and someone else may get interested and want to contribute.    Go Bills.

[Sherlock Holmes]

2 hours ago, Augie said:

 

Wait! Are you saying we should NOT fire this coaching group? 

 

 

I’m so confused…….

 

@Virgil I love your stuff and always enjoy it. If you decide it’s time for you to fully enjoy the games, I totally get that. You deserve it, and I’ll respect whatever you decide and remain appreciative of your contributions. 

I love you Virgil!! The thought of running my fingers through your mullet has made me smile since back in BBMB times! Often times it is the only soothing thought after a loss!

Edited January 5, 2022 by Sherlock Holmes

[Scott7975]

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

Nope. No idea who that would be 

 

Shaw66 was one of the ones that did write-ups on the BBMB, but not sure if that's who is talking about as there were a few.  He also has been doing them for a long time.  I've enjoyed reading both his and yours.  You do what you need to do.  If its too stressful to do these then its not fun.  If its not fun then don't do it.  Enjoy football and then enjoy casual banter here about it.

Edited January 5, 2022 by Scott7975

[Virgil]

12 minutes ago, Sherlock Holmes said:

I love you Virgil!! The thought of running my fingers through your mullet has made me smile since back in BBMB times! Often times it is the only soothing thought after a loss!

No one said you had to stop

[Sherlock Holmes]

Just now, Virgil said:

No one said you had to stop

 

I could never quit you Virgil, never...

[RevWarRifleman]

Thanks Virgil for all the "Thoughts..." over the years! I've enjoyed all of them that I've read over the years. Good work and analysis.

 

Go Bills!

[transient]

Ten years… TEN YEARS?!?! 😳 I never would have guessed it was that long… I remember when the torch was passed… thanks for all the great reads… did you have to hit me over the head with a shovel to remind me how quickly time is passing, though.
 

I suddenly feel like one of those people in the Progressive ads that are turning into their parents. I’m all discombobulated and I have this overwhelming urge to see if @Chandler#81 needs any help yelling at the kids on his lawn now. ☹️

[Bad Things]

Thanks for the great write up, Virg.

 

I'll really miss reading them if you decide to retire, but I understand 100%.

 

Has it seriously been 10 years since you took over from Bill??  That's crazy how fast time flies.

 

Let's go Buffalo!

[JaBu]

 

Hopefully you are just speaking your notes into your phone or tablet, much like commenting to a fan watching the game with you. If not, how could you enjoy the game at all. I rarely write or type anything out anymore. Edit, format and send it on; or if necessary paste into a word processor and do the same.

 

Whatever you do, enjoy the game and your life. It goes by way too fast, just ask us old timers.  👴

 

Thanks @Virgil for your salient contributions here!

[BobbyC81]

11 hours ago, BuffaloBillies said:

Nice write-up. I also thought Josh was throwing fastball missiles throughout the game, sometimes when the guy was only 10 feet away.

Maybe you could do "skinny" write-ups so it doesn't seem like an assignment. One paragraph of top 5 observations or something like that.

Growing up in Buffalo and having played some tackle football in the snow (man, was that fun!) I can attest to trying to catch a frozen football.  With Josh throwing it too hard, it would’ve been very difficult to catch.

[SoCal Deek]

Great write up Virgil. Please don’t stop. It’s a really long season. Maybe you just need a second bye week. Might I suggest that Week 18 against the last place Jets would be a great time for a well deserved break…then we’ll see you in the playoffs! 
Go Bills

 

PS: Great observations on Edmunds.