A Few Thoughts About the Rams Game, in no particular order

[Virgil]

Sometimes you just need to take a step back, clear the mechanism, and watch your team with a fresh perspective.  As I think about the last few years, the waiting for the bad thing to happen syndrome really made it difficult to enjoy the success of the players and the team, because I was always waiting for the next shoe to drop.  As this game approached, I thought more about what losing on the national stage and waiting 10 days for Week 2 would feel like.  The anxiety was palpable.  However, as the game started and I debated taking notes to potentially write these thoughts, I put my phone away and just watched the game with as fresh as a perspective as possible.  I tried not to worry when the score was tied at half and I did my best to drown out CC on the air.  The result, was nothing short of amazing.

 

1 - McD - I've never started one of these talking about McD, and I really struggled with where I wanted to start these.  But at the end of the day, I've always said the coach owns the players focus and drive on the field.  To say that this team showed up ready would be an understatement.  McClappy looked as focused and riled up as I've ever seen him and this team showed it on the field.  In a game where we just put our best 11 guys out there against their best 11, we imposed our will in every facet of the game.  I don't even know how to fully describe the transformation I saw during this game, but this is not the same team we saw in the playoffs last year.  Previous teams would possibly fold after allowing a team like the Rams to stay in the game up until halftime.  Not these Bills.  These Bills came out of the tunnel angry and laid the wood even harder in the second half.  This team is overpowering and can beat anyone in this league.  I am truly in awe of the physicality and sheer dominance from this game.  McD started his campaign for coach of the year on a high note, and I have nothing but faith he is going to address the slippery hands for some of our guys.

 

2 - Jordan - It would be very easy to put Allen number two here, but Jordan Phillips deserves this spot based on results versus expectations.  His best play won't even show up on the stat sheet as Stafford barely got the ball away.  But I tell you this, no amount of bleach is going to clean those pants, because Phillips took him out at full speed before the release.  Phillips was an absolute terror up the middle and played at the speed of a guy 100 pounds lighter.  If I'm an opposing quarterback with a less than competent offensive line, I might call out sick before playing the Bills. 

 

3 - Allen - We have the best quarterback in the league.  This is no longer an opinion.  We have the absolute best quarterback in the league.  Let that sink in for a second.  Not only did he start 10 for 10.  Not only did he have a perfect QB rating in the second half.  But the guy is out there laughing after he gets his.  Literally, Josh looks like a kid at Christmas after he ripped the soul from opposing defenders like a total psychopath.  Now, I'm not a fan of the hits he took in the fourth quarter and Ken needs to tell him to calm down a bit there, but Allen was everything you want to see in a quarterback.  Of everything I loved from this game, being able to just watch the beauty in how Allen handled this game was almost euphoric.  His first int was all on the muscle hamster, and the second was on Josh a good bit.  But honestly, when those are pretty much your only incomplete passes, you can flick the ball 50 yards downfield while running full speed, and you can stiff arm a safety into China, what do you have to complain about?  Opposing defenses better pray Allen gets sick or hurt, because he is coming for all of them.

 

4 - Smiles from a stranger, seem to change your day when
You were just about to go and throw your towel in
Lately I've been thinking about making changes
It's been on my mind for some time and I'm anxious

 

5 - Dorsey - Without any real trickery or gadget plays, this might have been one of the most beautifully called games I can remember seeing.  Not only did we not punt, but I have zero doubt that we would have scored on every single possession if not for the turnovers.  Even on the field goal, Josh had multiple options for the first down.  The Gabe Davis touchdown was perfectly drawn up and executed.  The run/pass ratio was solid.  The rotation of players was healthy, while still keeping Diggs and Davis on the field.  Everyone got a chance to contribute.  In a game where it was Ken's first chance to call the plays, this guy gets an A+ and I look forward to see him evolve over the season.  I'm also very curious to see how he handles the runningback rotations going forward.  Motor seemed like the hot hand, but Moss got a good portion of carries.  With Cook's fumbles, I feel like we may be waiting a bit to see him unleashed.

 

6 - Von - Before we signed Von, I got caught talking about him to a friend about how I thought he was too old to really be a force and probably didn't deserve a ton of money.  An hour later, the Bills signed him.  Since then, I've hoped for the best, but realistically expected an average season of maybe seven sacks because, how much difference can one guy make?  Apparently, a lot.  I was super wrong.  Holy ***** was this defensive line transformed.  Seven sacks and zero blitzes.  Von pulled in two sacks where he showed both speed and power.   Not only that, but whatever he's teaching AJ and Boogie, keep it going.  Everyone showed up for this game and I have to believe this is due to the leadership and support of Von.  If Von and company can even repeat half of this performance for the rest of the season, a lot of records are going to be in jeopardy.

 

7 - Special Teams - Big shout out to Martin for handling some errand snaps and Bass for connecting on each of his kicks.  The kick-off out of bounds was inexcusable, but nothing I would worry about going forward.  Did anyone else think the camera angles were strange for the field goals and extra points?  They were just off center enough to throw off my perspective of their accuracy.  We had fantastic coverage on both kick teams and another no punt game. 

 

8 - Secondary - When you run a zone defense against a guy like Kupp who makes his living finding space, you know you're going to give up some yardage.  Kupp's was a beautiful touch throw and toe tap, where Poyer left a little too much space.  Beyond that, our secondary was lights out in this game.  I was incredibly worried about Robinson eating us up in this game and you barely heard his name.  I wasn't completely shocked to see Elam play back-up, but I think that's a huge testament to best man plays and the depth Beane has created.  For a Rams team that went one dimensional in the second half and still didn't score a touchdown, it's hard to not be incredibly excited for this season against the pass.  Besides the Dolphins, we don't really face many receiving threat teams before Tre comes back.  I would argue that with our new pass rush and the depth of our secondary, we could easily be the best pass defending team in the league.

 

9 - The Duo - I'm going to have to think of a better name for Davis and Diggs, but my dear lord were they on point.  Time will tell if this will be the new norm, but we clearly have a 1st and 2nd WR, with a supporting cast to surround them.  Under Daboll, it seemed like Diggs was the only constant and different receivers would step up from week to week.  In this game, Diggs and Davis were the guys and they rewarded Ken and Josh for it.  These guys were basically uncoverable in showing straight line speed, possession catches, and great route running.  If I'm an opposing defense, I don't know who you put your best corner on, but ask Ramsey how that went for him.  I think I saw a stat that Ramsey gave up a perfect QB rating to anyone he covered last night and Josh made some comments to him after the Diggs touchdown.  You know that felt good.

 

10 - Knox - I know he didn't show up on the stat sheet much, but him and Gilly both did a great job with chip blocks and other supporting roles.  He didn't go out often, but with how everyone else was playing, he didn't need to.  I almost like the fact that he didn't get a lot of exposure so other teams have something else to plan for.  But with everything going on in his life, earning the contract extension, I'm just glad to see him on the field and part of the win.

 

 

Have a great 10 days off everyone!  I will be at the Titans game, so not sure if there will be thoughts next week or not.  Either way, it's going to be a great season. 

 

Go Bills!

[gobills1212]

Josh allen is good

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

1 minute ago, gobills1212 said:

Josh Allen is a GOD

FIFY

 

[ticketssince61]

Not really the place for this, but did not want to start a new thread

 

I was at the game, and I felt that the Rams fans were very unknowledgeable

 

Every time, the RAMS had a crucial 3rd or 4th down, their fans were on their feet cheering. The Rams on the sidelines tried to get the fans to quiet down

 

GO Bills

[RoyBatty is alive]

Great write up.  Great game for almost every aspect.  I cant even complain about McD.

 

On the Secondary, now I am  nitpicking.    Kupp is great etc etc but allowing anyone to get 13 catches is off the bell curve bad.  Yes we played zone, not to get beat by the big play,  and Kupp  knows where the holes in the zone and hits them but that is a bit concerning.  And on the TD for Kupp Poyer was flat out beat .

Edited September 9, 2022 by RoyBatty is alive

[Virgil]

1 minute ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

Great write up.  Great game for almost every aspect.  I cant even complain about McD.

 

On the Secondary, now I am  nitpicking.    Kupp is great etc etc but allowing anyone to get 13 catches is off the bell curve bad.  Yes we played zone and he  knows where the holes are and hits them but that is a bit concerning.  And on the TD for Kupp Poyer was flat out beat .

 

You're not wrong, but I also feel like that's who we are.  We bend, but don't break.  The fact that he was the ONLY threat out there and they only scored off a turnover on a great throw and catch, I don't know that I can complain.  He didn't specifically beat any single person.   I'll take that output every day

[fergie's ire]

I wasn't sure you were going to continue doing these this year...but I am glad you are.  Always a good read.  Much appreciated.

[Virgil]

3 minutes ago, ticketssince61 said:

Not really the place for this, but did not want to start a new thread

 

I was at the game, and I felt that the Rams fans were very unknowledgeable

 

Every time, the RAMS had a crucial 3rd or 4th down, their fans were on their feet cheering. The Rams on the sidelines tried to get the fans to quiet down

 

GO Bills

 

Interesting.  You could hear the noise on the TV, but thought it was all Bills fans

Just now, fergie's ire said:

I wasn't sure you were going to continue doing these this year...but I am glad you are.  Always a good read.  Much appreciated.

 

It may not be every week, and they honestly might not be as detailed with my not taking notes anymore.  I'm trying to focus on enjoying the games and making it feel like less of a job.  Also, if they perform like this every week, it will become harder to talk about the same thing each week. 

[RoyBatty is alive]

4 minutes ago, ticketssince61 said:

Not really the place for this, but did not want to start a new thread

 

I was at the game, and I felt that the Rams fans were very unknowledgeable

 

Every time, the RAMS had a crucial 3rd or 4th down, their fans were on their feet cheering. The Rams on the sidelines tried to get the fans to quiet down

 

GO Bills

Also fair-weather as well and not knowledgeable.

 

What would you estimate the % of Bills fans were there?  I heard at one point they had to resort to a silent count, how embarrassing for an NFL team on the day you unveil your SB banner.

[GunnerBill]

I have said the past couple of years we are an elite guy short. You normally need 4 or 5 to win a Superbowl. We had Josh, Tre and Stef. Von makes four. He has plenty left in the tank. 

[Beach]

ah! i missed these, esp after a win!  great write up.

[fergie's ire]

2 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

Interesting.  You could hear the noise on the TV, but thought it was all Bills fans

 

It may not be every week, and they honestly might not be as detailed with my not taking notes anymore.  I'm trying to focus on enjoying the games and making it feel like less of a job.  Also, if they perform like this every week, it will become harder to talk about the same thing each week. 

Very understandable and deserved.  Enjoy the games.  I'll appreciate these when they are here and get it when they aren't...and hold off on the wellness check request if I don't see one.

[HOUSE]

Never put your phone away during the game,

There could be a text from aunt Marge

[ticketssince61]

6 minutes ago, RoyBatty is alive said:

Also fair-weather as well and not knowledgeable.

 

What would you estimate the % of Bills fans were there?  I heard at one point they had to resort to a silent count, how embarrassing for an NFL team on the day you unveil your SB banner.

 

In terms of fair weather, I would says that those who attended were pretty committed and almost all wore Rams Jerseys or other Rams items

 

In terms of Bills fans, It was hard to tell because different sections had different percentages. When you looked around, the lower level ($$$) seats had very few Bills fans, but the upper level seemed to have had a lot more. My best guess is 10% to 15% but could easily be way off. Any one else think otherwise?

Edited September 9, 2022 by ticketssince61

[WhoTom]

I wasn't expecting to see this today but was pleasantly surprised when I did. Excellent write-up, as usual, Virg. One comment about the "no trickery" thing. I agree for the most part, but the opening drive TD play had everyone fooled. Other than that, though, they pretty much just forced their will and took whatever the D gave, which turned out to be a lot.

[newcam2012]

31 minutes ago, Virgil said:

Sometimes you just need to take a step back, clear the mechanism, and watch your team with a fresh perspective.  As I think about the last few years, the waiting for the bad thing to happen syndrome really made it difficult to enjoy the success of the players and the team, because I was always waiting for the next shoe to drop.  As this game approached, I thought more about what losing on the national stage and waiting 10 days for Week 2 would feel like.  The anxiety was palpable.  However, as the game started and I debated taking notes to potentially write these thoughts, I put my phone away and just watched the game with as fresh as a perspective as possible.  I tried not to worry when the score was tied at half and I did my best to drown out CC on the air.  The result, was nothing short of amazing.

 

1 - McD - I've never started one of these talking about McD, and I really struggled with where I wanted to start these.  But at the end of the day, I've always said the coach owns the players focus and drive on the field.  To say that this team showed up ready would be an understatement.  McClappy looked as focused and riled up as I've ever seen him and this team showed it on the field.  In a game where we just put our best 11 guys out there against their best 11, we imposed our will in every facet of the game.  I don't even know how to fully describe the transformation I saw during this game, but this is not the same team we saw in the playoffs last year.  Previous teams would possibly fold after allowing a team like the Rams to stay in the game up until halftime.  Not these Bills.  These Bills came out of the tunnel angry and laid the wood even harder in the second half.  This team is overpowering and can beat anyone in this league.  I am truly in awe of the physicality and sheer dominance from this game.  McD started his campaign for coach of the year on a high note, and I have nothing but faith he is going to address the slippery hands for some of our guys.

 

2 - Jordan - It would be very easy to put Allen number two here, but Jordan Phillips deserves this spot based on results versus expectations.  His best play won't even show up on the stat sheet as Stafford barely got the ball away.  But I tell you this, no amount of bleach is going to clean those pants, because Phillips took him out at full speed before the release.  Phillips was an absolute terror up the middle and played at the speed of a guy 100 pounds lighter.  If I'm an opposing quarterback with a less than competent offensive line, I might call out sick before playing the Bills. 

 

3 - Allen - We have the best quarterback in the league.  This is no longer an opinion.  We have the absolute best quarterback in the league.  Let that sink in for a second.  Not only did he start 10 for 10.  Not only did he have a perfect QB rating in the second half.  But the guy is out there laughing after he gets his.  Literally, Josh looks like a kid at Christmas after he ripped the soul from opposing defenders like a total psychopath.  Now, I'm not a fan of the hits he took in the fourth quarter and Ken needs to tell him to calm down a bit there, but Allen was everything you want to see in a quarterback.  Of everything I loved from this game, being able to just watch the beauty in how Allen handled this game was almost euphoric.  His first int was all on the muscle hamster, and the second was on Josh a good bit.  But honestly, when those are pretty much your only incomplete passes, you can flick the ball 50 yards downfield while running full speed, and you can stiff arm a safety into China, what do you have to complain about?  Opposing defenses better pray Allen gets sick or hurt, because he is coming for all of them.

 

4 - Smiles from a stranger, seem to change your day when
You were just about to go and throw your towel in
Lately I've been thinking about making changes
It's been on my mind for some time and I'm anxious

 

5 - Dorsey - Without any real trickery or gadget plays, this might have been one of the most beautifully called games I can remember seeing.  Not only did we not punt, but I have zero doubt that we would have scored on every single possession if not for the turnovers.  Even on the field goal, Josh had multiple options for the first down.  The Gabe Davis touchdown was perfectly drawn up and executed.  The run/pass ratio was solid.  The rotation of players was healthy, while still keeping Diggs and Davis on the field.  Everyone got a chance to contribute.  In a game where it was Ken's first chance to call the plays, this guy gets an A+ and I look forward to see him evolve over the season.  I'm also very curious to see how he handles the runningback rotations going forward.  Motor seemed like the hot hand, but Moss got a good portion of carries.  With Cook's fumbles, I feel like we may be waiting a bit to see him unleashed.

 

6 - Von - Before we signed Von, I got caught talking about him to a friend about how I thought he was too old to really be a force and probably didn't deserve a ton of money.  An hour later, the Bills signed him.  Since then, I've hoped for the best, but realistically expected an average season of maybe seven sacks because, how much difference can one guy make?  Apparently, a lot.  I was super wrong.  Holy ***** was this defensive line transformed.  Seven sacks and zero blitzes.  Von pulled in two sacks where he showed both speed and power.   Not only that, but whatever he's teaching AJ and Boogie, keep it going.  Everyone showed up for this game and I have to believe this is due to the leadership and support of Von.  If Von and company can even repeat half of this performance for the rest of the season, a lot of records are going to be in jeopardy.

 

7 - Special Teams - Big shout out to Martin for handling some errand snaps and Bass for connecting on each of his kicks.  The kick-off out of bounds was inexcusable, but nothing I would worry about going forward.  Did anyone else think the camera angles were strange for the field goals and extra points?  They were just off center enough to throw off my perspective of their accuracy.  We had fantastic coverage on both kick teams and another no punt game. 

 

8 - Secondary - When you run a zone defense against a guy like Kupp who makes his living finding space, you know you're going to give up some yardage.  Kupp's was a beautiful touch throw and toe tap, where Poyer left a little too much space.  Beyond that, our secondary was lights out in this game.  I was incredibly worried about Robinson eating us up in this game and you barely heard his name.  I wasn't completely shocked to see Elam play back-up, but I think that's a huge testament to best man plays and the depth Beane has created.  For a Rams team that went one dimensional in the second half and still didn't score a touchdown, it's hard to not be incredibly excited for this season against the pass.  Besides the Dolphins, we don't really face many receiving threat teams before Tre comes back.  I would argue that with our new pass rush and the depth of our secondary, we could easily be the best pass defending team in the league.

 

9 - The Duo - I'm going to have to think of a better name for Davis and Diggs, but my dear lord were they on point.  Time will tell if this will be the new norm, but we clearly have a 1st and 2nd WR, with a supporting cast to surround them.  Under Daboll, it seemed like Diggs was the only constant and different receivers would step up from week to week.  In this game, Diggs and Davis were the guys and they rewarded Ken and Josh for it.  These guys were basically uncoverable in showing straight line speed, possession catches, and great route running.  If I'm an opposing defense, I don't know who you put your best corner on, but ask Ramsey how that went for him.  I think I saw a stat that Ramsey gave up a perfect QB rating to anyone he covered last night and Josh made some comments to him after the Diggs touchdown.  You know that felt good.

 

10 - Knox - I know he didn't show up on the stat sheet much, but him and Gilly both did a great job with chip blocks and other supporting roles.  He didn't go out often, but with how everyone else was playing, he didn't need to.  I almost like the fact that he didn't get a lot of exposure so other teams have something else to plan for.  But with everything going on in his life, earning the contract extension, I'm just glad to see him on the field and part of the win.

 

 

Have a great 10 days off everyone!  I will be at the Titans game, so not sure if there will be thoughts next week or not.  Either way, it's going to be a great season. 

 

Go Bills!

Damn Virgil! I always enjoy your write ups. But this one really struck a nerve in a good way. I damn near cried with joy while reading it. Don't tell anybody...

Edited September 9, 2022 by newcam2012

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Knox was tired from signing the contract, wore him out!

[Virgil]

12 minutes ago, WhoTom said:

I wasn't expecting to see this today but was pleasantly surprised when I did. Excellent write-up, as usual, Virg. One comment about the "no trickery" thing. I agree for the most part, but the opening drive TD play had everyone fooled. Other than that, though, they pretty much just forced their will and took whatever the D gave, which turned out to be a lot.

You’re not wrong and I thought about that.  I meant moreso gadget plays things like that 

[SoCal Deek]

We were at the game and the "goofball of the night" award goes to the Rams DJ, who tried to get the home crowd amped up with some sing-a-along crowd participation songs.  What was his first selection, you ask?  Yep....he played SHOUT, and the Bills fans went nuts!  The crowd around us couldn't figure out what had just happened as every Bills fan stood up in unison and started singing/dancing in the aisles! Talk about an unforced error.....sheeesh!

 

PS: nice write up Virgil! 

Edited September 9, 2022 by SoCal Deek

[RiotAct]

31 minutes ago, ticketssince61 said:

 

Every time, the RAMS had a crucial 3rd or 4th down, their fans were on their feet cheering. The Rams on the sidelines tried to get the fans to quiet down

hahaha that’s funny.  If I was at the game, I’d be egging them on.  “Yeah, cmon, cheer for your team here!!!”