It Just FEELS as Though Buffalo Lost A Lot more Than the Game Yesterday

[ShakAttack]

the Jets apparently had an amazing week of practice leading up to the game yesterday. They responded to an embarrassing loss the week before, and we need the same thing this week, I don’t care if it’s an NFC game. It’s a 6-1 team and we need this to get back on track, avoid a 2 game losing streak and get our confidence back because suddenly the rest of our schedule looks just as tough as how it started.

[Johnnycage46]

4 minutes ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

We’re so dramatic.

 

No we ARE NOT!  How could you SAY THAT?  Why do you hate me?

[Straight Hucklebuck]

Feels like last year.

 

Bills beat Chiefs in Arrowhead, you have a game lead.

 

Feels like the Jags.

 

Watching KC survive last night and pull even.

 

And with the Bills these strange lulls/problems just pop up.

 

You go from an offense that can score 30+, to an offense that has no rhythm.

 

Allen goes from a wizard, orchestrating a last second throw to Knox, to now throwing rookie like interceptions again. 
 

Nobody besides Diggs is doing anything offensively. 2022 Gabe is a 2/3 no show, McKenzie is just too limited, too small, our Coaching staff continues to bury Kahlil Shakir.

 

Singletary runs for 80 yards one game, then we say we can’t run the ball at all and give him 8 carries the next week in a one possession game.

 

Allen played like Zach Wilson yesterday. They were in his head. He bailed out of every pocket, looking for miracle plays. And what bothers me is, two weeks in a row, he’s under throwing several passes a game. 
 

Greg Cosell has said a run game settles your offense, and this towns media is allergic to any notion that you can pass 40 times a game and run 20-25 times a game.

 

With this team, they are just fragile and prone to unexplained lapses where they forget how to play football. 
 

Meanwhile, Mahomes literally got 10 yards help rushing last night and they found a way. 

[ShakAttack]

5 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

Ok cool. Good thing the No 1 seed (which we still are by the way). Doesn’t keep you out of the playoffs. 
 

And to be honest. I don’t know if I want it after watching how Flat McDs teams have been after byes. 

So then he will be fine. As his Dime at the end of the game showed. Especially with how cautious this coaching staff is with Injuries. If there was anything major there he would have been off the field. 

 

I actually do not disagree with thinking twice about the 1 seed based on how we look coming out of the bye, it’s a valid point, unfortunately, but

 

i also don’t want to be playing another playoff game in Arrowhead 

[HOUSE]

The Bills lost the magic that slipped away about 4 games ago. Time to regroup,  refocus, and reclaim the division. 

[benderbender]

1 hour ago, NORWOODS FOOT said:

I agree. Yesterday in a post I just wrote, "I'm sad," and this is really why. As someone who lived through the four Super Bowl losses my main driver in being a fan now is to finally see a team get over the hump. And it feels like my history as a Bills fan has been one of feeling stupid for actually having hope and believing in the team.

 

I really didn't think I would ever feel that way with this team with Josh Allen under center. And yet 0-2 in the division has me worried.

 

I know the season is long. And I know that this will all just make for part of a great story if we end up winning the championship.

 

But for the moment I feel that I've (potentially) been disillusioned regarding this team. That my belief was ill-founded and like I'm being forced to consider the possibility that this team to is somehow just another pretender. 

 

Caring about the Bills has been been a big unnecessary pain in my life. It hurts more than liking a sports team should.

 

Let's see how they respond.

Yesterday felt like a drought game for sure. The opponent making the right halftime adjustments, us sticking to our guns, waiting for our QB to seal the deal but instead throwing mystery picks, the D who carried us all game getting gassed from being out there all day falling behind and watching the game slip away. Back when field goal deficits were insurmountable. Vintage Fitzpatrick/Tyrod years. 

Edited November 7, 2022 by benderbender

[TheBrownBear]

I'm almost starting to wonder if Josh isn't concussed?  The picks we've seen in the past two weeks aren't about a bum throwing elbow or whatever.  They are inexplicable, especially that first throw yesterday.  It's as if he didn't recognize a Jets player was there.  Concerning.

[Einstein]

Good thread.

 

The loss doesn’t bother me as much as the concern that this slump will continue. It does indeed feel like the aura of this team has gone.

[RichRiderBills]

1 hour ago, BuffaloBaumer said:

Not since the Super Bowl year vs the Giants did have the feeling that Buffalo was the best team in the league, and it wasn't even close. Besides losing to an also injury depleted Jets team, most likely the #1 seed, as well a nice cushion in the division, the aura of this team since to have slipped away as well. I am not saying the attitudes of the players have changed, I am talking about people I know. Yes, Bills fans can overreact a ton after a loss, but this one feels different.

 

For me, I am terrified that our invincible QB has gone back to his old ways and that is a pretty scary thought. For the last 2 years, I suppose I never thought that Allen would be the reason we ever lost a game (especially one like yesterday). Although Mahomes is not always perfect, he is never the reason the Chiefs lose a game here or there. Keeping the 1 seed is a distance 2nd place in my list of concerns when compared to how Allen responds the rest of the season. In a nutshell, it just sucks when the Bills vibe is sucked dry on a Monday and today it just seems as though everything has changed moving forward. The Vikings game can't get here soon enough to prove me wrong...

 

During the glory years, I never felt the Bills were the best team. The 49ers were still looming large. Bills vs Giants was close in the early season. The skins the next year were a juggernaut. Then we had Dallas rise.

 

For sure we were top 3 but not clear cut best. AFC was seen as very weak back then.

 

I just want to encourage folks to go back and watch those old games. We ran so many screen passes and intermediate passes to RB. Not just thurm either, Harmon, Davis, etc...

 

It was a huge fallacy that team was a big huck it deep down field passing team. They were very balanced...and when weather got bad, they knew to run and screen.

 

This is the missing link once more in our offense. We really got this going in December last year too....not sure why we are not screening.

Edited November 7, 2022 by RichRiderBills

[Casey D]

17 minutes ago, NORWOODS FOOT said:

 

You sound kind and well-adjusted! 

 

I wish I could feel like you.

 

You are certainly right.

 

A lot of people, perhaps immaturely, are looking for the Bills to heal the wound they made in our sports psyche. 

 

It feels funny saying all of this out loud, but sometimes the truth ain't pretty. 😆

Not really no.  I was miserable all night and this morning.  I try and work through it and stick with the adage that which does not kill you only makes you stronger.  It hopefully applies to the Bills too!!!

[teef]

i'm of the group that thinks this is a slump.  it happens, and you just don't want to destroy yourself while processing through.  as long as this team is ready to go for the playoffs, i'm happy.  i'd rather have this slump happen now vs 4-6 games from now.

[SoCal Deek]

My concerns remain the same. This team shows an utter lack of urgency; which I put squarely on the coaching staff. Trusting the Process is fine, but there are times when you need to pull it out of your arse and step on the gas, dammit! 

[Buffalo ill]

Is this the "Buffalo Bills football has way too much influence on my life and mental health" thread?

[US Egg]

Season is mirroring last season.

 

A 12 win season be no surprise.

[Johnnycage46]

5 minutes ago, Casey D said:

Not really no.  I was miserable all night and this morning.  I try and work through it and stick with the adage that which does not kill you only makes you stronger.  It hopefully applies to the Bills too!!!

 

I've often wondered about the "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" aspect of being a Bills fan.  But I also think what will end up killing me is all of those years of things that didn't kill me...finally piling up.  I hate football.

[Joe Ferguson]

The most terrifying thought is maybe this is what Allen is supposed to be.  The last two years where he put up incredible MVP numbers was a fluke. He finally landed to Earth in the 2nd half of the Green Bay game. If this continues against the Vikings, it will be a miracle to get the #1 seed.

[Milanos Milano]

2 minutes ago, teef said:

i'm of the group that thinks this is a slump.  it happens, and you just don't want to destroy yourself while processing through.  as long as this team is ready to go for the playoffs, i'm happy.  i'd rather have this slump happen now vs 4-6 games from now.

Well we have been pregnant for 63 years! Show us the baby! 

[GunnerBill]

Mahomes was literally the main reason the Chiefs lost the AFCCG last year FWIW

[The Firebaugh Kid]

I'm very concerned to watch the all 22 and see what the Jets did to confuse him. Our offense is usually unstoppable and for whatever reason it's been suspect for the better part of 6 quarters. 

[nedboy7]

Nah.  Josh having a slump. People over estimate the ability plug in backup guys into a D and stay the same level.  Clearly there is a drop off.   Both will recover.  

4 minutes ago, Joe Ferguson said:

The most terrifying thought is maybe this is what Allen is supposed to be.  The last two years where he put up incredible MVP numbers was a fluke. He finally landed to Earth in the 2nd half of the Green Bay game. If this continues against the Vikings, it will be a miracle to get the #1 seed.

So the past two years are the fluke. Not the past 2 games.  

[Milanos Milano]

4 minutes ago, Buffalo ill said:

Is this the "Buffalo Bills football has way too much influence on my life and mental health" thread?

Some of us are pain dungeon masters. You have to be a bit of a masochist to be a fan. 

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

It looked to me like Josh lost all his confidence after that 2nd interception. I don’t like that. I hope it was a bad day and I hope he just didn’t take the game serious enough and just let down. If this guy loses anything he had we have no shot. We are great because he is great. We can’t absorb him regressing back to some wildcard out there.

[Bermuda Triangle]

1 hour ago, JerseyBills said:

I agree on the Allen part but Mahomes looked Bad as well and if it wasn't for some terrible officiating, they lose.

He was missing wide open guys all day. It happens 

Agreed, but when the chips were down, and KC absolutely needed a score (and the refs to assist on the 2-point conversion attempts), Mahomes got it done.

[BuffaloBaumer]

6 minutes ago, Joe Ferguson said:

The most terrifying thought is maybe this is what Allen is supposed to be.  The last two years where he put up incredible MVP numbers was a fluke. He finally landed to Earth in the 2nd half of the Green Bay game. If this continues against the Vikings, it will be a miracle to get the #1 seed.

This is by far my number 1 concern 

[muppy]

1 hour ago, CNYfan said:

I think we are experiencing a mild slump.  The Bills will be back at it, doing handsprings, in no time. 

I saw this on my feed this morning. The Bills WILL weather this storm and get back on track. They are too good not to. 

 

 

[UKBillFan]

The day after the night before, I'm trying to think logically. Josh looked average to poor for much of the regular season last year post bye and look what he did in the play offs. The disappointment is I thought he had raised his floor but he hasn't. But he still has his ceiling.

 

Making the post season is key. Anything after that is on the day, whether at OP or away.

[Alphadawg7]

1 hour ago, MAJBobby said:

Except we are still the NO1 seed. 
 

we are still top dog in AFCE. 
 

on pace for a 12-4 record going into final week. 
 

still have 4 division games with 3 of them ar home. Yeah we will be fine. 

I feel like only like 2% of the posters on this board right now even understand this info.  Someone should pin this so the rest of people ready to jump off a cliff because we lost a game can process this info.  

[DCofNC]

This team is built entirely on Josh Allen’s shoulders.  It’s Allen and Diggs on the O, there’s not one other special player out there.  I said it before the season, everybody WANTS Davis to be special, he never has been, McKenzie, same thing.  We signed back less talent than we let walk away on O.   If Allen falters, this team is dead.  The part that sucks is he’s been so bad the last 6 quarters it feels like we have lost 2 games in a row. 
 

I know you can’t say it around Bills loyalist, but the lie about this being the most talented roster in football is being exposed. I’ll give the D a pass, even decimated but injuries they are holding teams to low point totals (though it’s ugly), but the O?  You got what you should have thought you had, Allen, Diggs and a bunch of guys nobody else would pay either. McKenzie has been a real disappointment after all the camp buzz, Crowder is doing what Crowder does which has always been his issue, Davis has not stepped up, Knox has been invisible and there’s still no run game.  It’s all on Allen, pray he figures it out again.

[strive_for_five_guy]

10 minutes ago, The Firebaugh Kid said:

I'm very concerned to watch the all 22 and see what the Jets did to confuse him. Our offense is usually unstoppable and for whatever reason it's been suspect for the better part of 6 quarters. 

We only had nine possessions yesterday, two of which were shortened end of half scenarios.  The defense has got to get off the field, so that we even have the ball.  And then when we get the ball, gotta have better pass protection, WRs have to get open and make plays, and Josh has got to stop throwing boneheaded INTs.  If just one of those things is better yesterday, we probably win the game.

Edited November 7, 2022 by strive_for_five_guy

[muppy]

SMH fans sound like whipped puppies today moaning and crying oh woe is me ....I get it. Disappointing loss.  

 

A lot more football to play this season . Lets get some of our starters back. 

 

a bit of adversity and the fanbase folds like a cheap suit.

 

/vent

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

11 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

Mahomes was literally the main reason the Chiefs lost the AFCCG last year FWIW

Mahomes is the best QB in the league and has been from the minute he stepped into the league. He’s won one already and they have hosted 4 straight afc championship games…he can do whatever now, they got theirs. And he’s the reason they are still great

[GunnerBill]

Just now, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

Mahomes is the best QB in the league and has been from the minute he stepped into the league. He’s won one already and they have hosted 4 straight afc championship games…he can do whatever now, they got theirs. And he’s the reason they are still great

 

I don't disagree. But the OP stated he is never the reason the Chiefs lose. He was by far the biggest reason they lost a chance to go to a 3rd consecutive Superbowl last year. 

 

I'm still a Mahomes #1, Allen #2 guy... but the statement that he is never the reason his team loses is false. 

[Casey D]

18 minutes ago, Johnnycage46 said:

 

I've often wondered about the "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" aspect of being a Bills fan.  But I also think what will end up killing me is all of those years of things that didn't kill me...finally piling up.  I hate football.

Well you could give football up then.

 

My view is that losing is the worst feeling in the world, much worse than winning feels good.  The best thing about winning is the absence of that feeling when you lose.  I think particularly for Josh, he feels the same way.  A reminder of the pain is always good to motivate you not to feel it next week. And that can be done only by winning. Then no awful "what ifs" that litter the Board today.

 

But I think you will be just fine.  Hang in there!

Edited November 7, 2022 by Casey D

[teef]

16 minutes ago, IronMaidenBills said:

Well we have been pregnant for 63 years! Show us the baby! 

i get it, but that's not necessarily how these long seasons work.  we've seen teams struggle for periods only to right the ship and gain steam.  we just have to hope it all lines up with the start of the playoffs.  we'll see.

[Charles Romes]

Last year every top team disgraced itself at some point of the season. With a 17 game schedule and a single playoff bye per conference available the regular season is one giant slog fest. Ups and downs are inevitable.  

[May Day 10]

These games happen to every team.  Even when its not expected.  All 32 teams are filled with world class athletes and top notch strategic minds who are hyper-competitive.

 

Looking at the Jets yesterday, they were a motivated, driven team with young talent who played like their season and reputation was on the line.  The Bills looked kind of like they felt like they already had been awarded the win and just needed to not lose it and get through the game.

 

Hopefully lesson learned and it sharpens their drive and preparation moving forward.  

 

I would rather have this happen now, than go 16-1, and fall on their faces in the Divisional Round

Edited November 7, 2022 by May Day 10

[GunnerBill]

The biggest concern for me yesterday that hasn't had much attention in all the handwringing about Josh (who sucked) and the run defense (which was bad) is that YET AGAIN in a game on the line situation the offensive line collapsed. 

 

This is a repeating pattern now:

• In Tennessee (2021) the offensive line got blown up on the sneak when the Bills were going in to try and win at the end;
• In Jacksonville (2021) Allen was under duress the entire drive and sacked on the final 3rd down knocking us out of FG range to tie;
• Against the Pats (2021) we turned 1st and 10 at the NE 13 into 3rd and 14 with a false start and then Allen was harassed on both 3rd and 4th down causing incompletions;
• In Miami (2022) Allen was under duress that entire drive and then Quessenberry took a holding penalty that knocked us out of FG range to tie;
• Yesterday with plenty of time to drive down for a tying FG the Bills have a holding penalty on 1st down then give up a strick sack on 2nd down.

I feel like I am stuck on repeat but the offensive line IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH. 

[Greg S]

Just now, ChasBB said:

Agree with OP - it was a sickening loss very similar to Jags loss last season.  I guess the cute little "don't blink" mantra has worn off already - maybe just aim for "don't suck".

 

This isn't the same as the Jags loss. Jacksonville was a bad team last year and with Urban Meyer as their HC. I hate saying this, but the Jets are good minus the QB. I don't think JD did this with the Bills in mind or maybe he did, but he built a roster that matches up very well with Buffalo. The Jets are going to be a pain in the ass for the Bills. The rematch in Buffalo will be another close one.

[SoCal Deek]

1 minute ago, Casey D said:

Well you could give football up then.

 

My view is that losing is the worst feeling in the world, much worse than winning feels good.  The best thing about winning is the absence of that feeling when you lose.  I think particularly for Josh, he feels the same way.  A reminder of the pain is always good to motivate you not to feel it next week. And that can be done only by winning.

 

But I think you will be just fine.  Hang in there!

Good post. Regarding Josh, I mentioned last week how impressed I was when he knew immediately after the Packers game that he didn’t play well….but…yesterday when he threw the early pick it all seemed to come crashing down on him again. Josh needs somebody on the sideline telling him to get his head in the game, or maybe telling him to lighten up. I’m not sure Keenum is that guy. I actually loved Barkley in the court jester role, where he seemed to be keeping things light. 

[Milanos Milano]

5 minutes ago, teef said:

i get it, but that's not necessarily how these long seasons work.  we've seen teams struggle for periods only to right the ship and gain steam.  we just have to hope it all lines up with the start of the playoffs.  we'll see.

I think people are just tired of having the Bills do Billsy things and pulling the rug out. Mostly just disappointment from a good team underwhelming when they shouldn’t be. Gabe Davis and particularly McKenzie have been soul crushers lately and it sucks.