Week 17: Bills at Bengals on MNF

[Success]

Kind of surprised to see all the chitter chatter from Cincy.  I'm not a huge believer in "bulletin board material" when it comes to grown men - but that's gotta give the Bills a little bit of a boost heading into Monday.

 

[Toledo Bill]

Just now, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

Really want to hear about Poyer. This guy makes all the difference. Not only with how good he is when on the field. But also even more so with how terrible we are without him out there.

What an issue for Beane next year. Poyer means so much to this team but wiil age, this years injuries and salary cap lead to him leaving? I sure hope not, great leader and player but those variables are a concern. But… one year at a time…

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

7 minutes ago, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

Really want to hear about Poyer. This guy makes all the difference. Not only with how good he is when on the field. But also even more so with how terrible we are without him out there.

he is practicing today, so hopefully trending in the right way.

[GolfandBills]

8 minutes ago, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

Really want to hear about Poyer. This guy makes all the difference. Not only with how good he is when on the field. But also even more so with how terrible we are without him out there.

Same as last week.  One limited practice and he’ll play.  

[BRH]

1 hour ago, Process said:

The amount I'm betting on the Bills moneyline continues to go up. 

 

 

Man done ***** around and he about to find out. 

[newcam2012]

2 hours ago, Rockinon said:

 

Good post. I will go a bit further. Many here are really underestimating Buffalo's defense. Some actually comparing KC to Buffalo and saying how well Cincy did against KC. Big difference between Buffalo's D and KC's. I see a bunch of people talking about a 3 man rush and dropping more into coverage. Buffalo does not need to drop more into coverage because LBs like Edmunds are so good in coverage. The Buffalo defense is good specifically because it's pass defense is so good. Now many will argue that the pass defense has dropped off and it has. That does not mean that they are going backwards. They simply have 2 rookies learning on the job and some injuries they have had to deal with.

 

I expect the Bills will go with a 4 man rush and be effective. The defensive backs will be up to the challenge this week. And Cincy will struggle to move the ball. Don't underestimate the game plan by Buffalo's coaching staff. Meanwhile, Cincy's D isn't that great. They have been good at stopping the run and pedestrian at stopping the pass.  I see Buffalo going with a balance attack. Perhaps a bit more pass plays than run plays and being effective at both. There is a recent trend that has been over looked. The running backs have been successful out of a spread offense. Perhaps a little Chan Gailey type success. Was Kromer with Buffalo when Gailey was the HC? Either way, this is a pretty cool development. The kind of stress this puts on a defense is noticeable. Safeties may decide the best course is to keep playing deep, but if the run is effective, they'll have to make some hard choices.  Drop into coverage and watch the run game beat you. Move up, and watch the pass game beat you. All this from the exact same spread offense.

 

I get the media hype. Cincy is a good football team. A dangerous team. They managed to find a back door into the Superbowl last year. If they had to go through Buffalo, I am not convinced they would have made it that far. And I am not convinced they are on Buffalo's level this year either. Of course maybe I'm seeing things through rose colored, Bills fan glasses, but I don't think so. Go Bills!

 

Also, if Cincy plays Buffalo like they do KC, they are in trouble. Mahomes is one squirrely QB. That's not Josh. Josh will lower his shoulder and run through a defender. Or stiff arm a defender. Or hurdle a defender. Completely different animal.

I agree with lots off your post. This game on paper is quite fascinating.

 

The Bills D is very good. However, can we trust this defense? Throughout the year the team has been inconsistent stopping the run. They do very well against one dimensional running teams. The likes of the Titans, Ravens, and Bears. Are the Bengals in this category?

The Bengals  have struggled to run the ball. Nixon can be very good and Perine is a solid #2. The Bengals running game or lack of is one of the keys to the game. An effective running game will open up things for Burrow to carve the Bills D.  A similar scenario to the one you have for the Bills. A major issue for the Buffalo  has been tackling. This isn't the game to miss tackles. Clearly, the Bengals are a quick passing team. At times, they don't run enough. Sound familiar?  I believe this is a game where the Bengals will try to do more with their run game. Negate the Bills pass rush and try to ooen things up for Burrow. Perhaps I'm wrong. 

 

Agree with your analysis of the Buffalo defensive scheme. You just don't blitz Burrow often. He usually makes you pay for blitzing. The Bills can't just sit back in soft zone coverage and be a pass funnel offense. Burrow will carve out the Bills D all day long. Imho, you have to confuse and pressure him. Thus, get him off his rhythm and timing. Easier said then done. Agree that the Bills D is better than the Bengals D.

 

LB Pratt and LB Wilson are very good and physical. They will present problems for the Bills offense. Like you have stated the Bengals are good at stopping the run. Will the Bills be able to establish the run game? If they can't the Bills offense may struggle to move the ball consistently. After Diggs, the Bills pass catchers fall off dramatically with a lack of consistency. I'm thinking this could be a nice Knox night.

 

Sure Allen is different than Mahomes. The Bengal D  contained Mahomes. I don't think it's a stretch to say they can contain Allen. They are on the same level with a similar skills. Pratt and Wilson are solid LBs with speed, size, and strength. They will be spying on Allen. Great match up to watch.

 

A few big other keys that may decide the game.

 

(1) The turnover battle. Bills and Allen have to protect the ball. 

(2) Who has more explosive offensive plays? 

(3) Which coaching staff has the better in game and halftime adjustments. 

 

This game is setting up to be a classic. The anticipation is euphoric as a Bills fan and a football fan. On a national stage, I want nothing more than a Bills victory. Can't wait.

 

GO BILLS!!!!!

[BuffaninSarasota]

34 minutes ago, boyst said:

Burrows been sacked 39 times and 2 fumbles.  Josh is 2nd in the league in fumbles though not all turnovers. He has 31 sacks against with 5 fumbles. 

It’s Burrow

[BRH]

 

[GETTOTHE50]

This is why I can’t stand burrow and the bengals. Their arrogance knows no bounds. 

 

the defense should play the best game of their life. 
 

Chris simms ripped on treday (and run game), mixon ripped on the linebackers, and Boyd called the defense ‘basic’

 

Did they not see what happened to Mike white? 

[NewEra]

23 minutes ago, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

Really want to hear about Poyer. This guy makes all the difference. Not only with how good he is when on the field. But also even more so with how terrible we are without him out there.

He’ll play

[Drew21PA]

4 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

I agree with lots off your post. This game on paper is quite fascinating.

 

The Bills D is very good. However, can we trust this defense? Throughout the year the team has been inconsistent stopping the run. They do very well against one dimensional running teams. The likes of the Titans, Ravens, and Bears. Are the Bengals in this category?

The Bengals  have struggled to run the ball. Nixon can be very good and Perine is a solid #2. The Bengals running game or lack of is one of the keys to the game. An effective running game will open up things for Burrow to carve the Bills D.  A similar scenario to the one you have for the Bills. A major issue for the Buffalo  has been tackling. This isn't the game to miss tackles. Clearly, the Bengals are a quick passing team. At times, they don't run enough. Sound familiar?  I believe this is a game where the Bengals will try to do more with their run game. Negate the Bills pass rush and try to ooen things up for Burrow. Perhaps I'm wrong. 

 

Agree with your analysis of the Buffalo defensive scheme. You just don't blitz Burrow often. He usually makes you pay for blitzing. The Bills can't just sit back in soft zone coverage and be a pass funnel offense. Burrow will carve out the Bills D all day long. Imho, you have to confuse and pressure him. Thus, get him off his rhythm and timing. Easier said then done. Agree that the Bills D is better than the Bengals D.

 

LB Pratt and LB Wilson are very good and physical. They will present problems for the Bills offense. Like you have stated the Bengals are good at stopping the run. Will the Bills be able to establish the run game? If they can't the Bills offense may struggle to move the ball consistently. After Diggs, the Bills pass catchers fall off dramatically with a lack of consistency. I'm thinking this could be a nice Knox night.

 

Sure Allen is different than Mahomes. The Bengal D  contained Mahomes. I don't think it's a stretch to say they can contain Allen. They are on the same level with a similar skills. Pratt and Wilson are solid LBs with speed, size, and strength. They will be spying on Allen. Great match up to watch.

 

A few big other keys that may decide the game.

 

(1) The turnover battle. Bills and Allen have to protect the ball. 

(2) Who has more explosive offensive plays? 

(3) Which coaching staff has the better in game and halftime adjustments. 

 

This game is setting up to be a classic. The anticipation is euphoric as a Bills fan and a football fan. On a national stage, I want nothing more than a Bills victory. Can't wait.

 

GO BILLS!!!!!

They contained Mahomes ?

16/27 233 no picks and a td

 

chiefs had 140 rushing 

 

I just have watched a different game because I saw the KC defense lose that one - offensively they ran heavy because that’s what the bengals gave them.

 

Joe didn’t do much better that game.  Against a subpar KC defense ….

286 2tds - it’s good…solid day

 

KC 4th quarter was bad offensively for sure 

 

 Idk I’m not sold on KC being this jaughernaut this year though- I’ve seen them to be really suspect 

[Low Positive]

15 minutes ago, BRH said:

Man done ***** around and he about to find out. 

Two things:

 

1) They are just following the cockiness that Joe Burrow brought that changed the culture of the team. The Bengals were a losing organisation for decades that lost games before they even started. Joe came in and brought that cigar smoking smugness from LSU and turned the whole thing around in just a few years. It may have now gone a bit too far, but it did work.

 

2) Joe Mixon is a woman-beating idiot.

[LEBills]

1 minute ago, Drew21PA said:

They contained Mahomes ?

16/27 233 no picks and a td

 

chiefs had 140 rushing 

 

I just have watched a different game because I saw the KC defense lose that one - offensively they ran heavy because that’s what the bengals gave them.

 

Joe didn’t do much better that game.  Against a subpar KC defense ….

286 2tds - it’s good…solid day

 

KC 4th quarter was bad offensively for sure 

 

 Idk I’m not sold on KC being this jaughernaut this year though- I’ve seen them to be really suspect 

The Chiefs were about to put the game away until Kelce fumbled it and allowed Bengals to come back

[newcam2012]

4 hours ago, SCBills said:

Which playoff game has Burrow looked elite in?

 

Im not saying he isn’t a Top 5 QB.  He is. Allen, Mahomes, Burrow, Herbert … and then I may go Lawrence at 5. 
 

But I do think there’s a big game drop off from Allen & Mahomes to Burrow.  
 

Burrow’s Bengals rode last season’s playoff run on some luck, what seemed like 50 field goals, and a defense that hit stride at the right time and has figured out a way to confuse Mahomes.  
 

It wasn’t a run due to Burrow.  Most playoff games I watch of Buffalo and KC… the QB is very much on display.  

That's very fair. I could be overselling the Burrow skill set.  I just clearly remember him on several occasions leading and marching his team down the field. Him using his arm and legs on timely runs. Maintaining his poise in the pocket and delivering on big 3rd and 4th down conversations. He's done it both in college and the pros. He seems to be a leader, a winner. a motivator, and his team believes in him.

 

At least, that's what's engrained into my head when I think of Burrow. Perhaps, it's not accurate as another poster has pointed out his stats that don't elude greatness. I guess we will find out Monday. 

[Nitro]

Joe Mixon flaps his gums a few days before a key game.  What a rookie mistake.  Never give the opponent bulletin board material.  I want the Bills to quietly go about their business and win Monday night.

[Drew21PA]

5 minutes ago, LEBills said:

The Chiefs were about to put the game away until Kelce fumbled it and allowed Bengals to come back

They, like Minnesota - have been extremely lucky

 

luck is gonna run out 

1 minute ago, Nitro said:

Joe Mixon flaps his gums a few days before a key game.  What a rookie mistake.  Never give the opponent bulletin board material.  I want the Bills to quietly go about their business and win Monday night.

Not just him though - they all are.

 

[newcam2012]

13 minutes ago, Drew21PA said:

They contained Mahomes ?

16/27 233 no picks and a td

 

chiefs had 140 rushing 

 

I just have watched a different game because I saw the KC defense lose that one - offensively they ran heavy because that’s what the bengals gave them.

 

Joe didn’t do much better that game.  Against a subpar KC defense ….

286 2tds - it’s good…solid day

 

KC 4th quarter was bad offensively for sure 

 

 Idk I’m not sold on KC being this jaughernaut this year though- I’ve seen them to be really suspect 

Agree on the Chiefs being beatable. I would argue that their is no elite juggernaught of a team in the AFC. The consensus top 3 teams of the Bills, Chiefs, and Bengals all are beatable. The Dolphins, Chargers, and Ravens can make some noise if they get healthy. The AFC seems wide open. The Chiefs stand out because Mahomes is known as the Grim Reaper for a reason. 

6 minutes ago, Nitro said:

Joe Mixon flaps his gums a few days before a key game.  What a rookie mistake.  Never give the opponent bulletin board material.  I want the Bills to quietly go about their business and win Monday night.

I don't think it means much. This isn't a college game or players. Players don't need extra motivation for this game. Both team will be ready to rumble... Looking for that Bills KO or TKO. 

Edited December 31, 2022 by newcam2012

[Patrick Duffy]

3 hours ago, Mat68 said:

Buffalo wins and imo it will not be close.  Cincy is the the more consistent team blah blah blah.  They played like garbage vs 2 poor teams.  Tampa and New England lost those games Cincy did not win them.  I think they are feeling themselves and buying into there own hype.  Buffalo shows they are the best team in the AFC and possible league 34-17 Bills.

 

I'd definitely be overwhelmed with uncontrollable joyful bliss if that happens.....

 

But to say this and only basing it off how Bengals performed against Bucs and Pats (and Won) is a bit short sighted imo. And a Bengals team riding a 7 game win streak to add...

 

Anything can happen, but this is a game that I can only expect a knock down drag out battle going into their house with the importance of what's on the line here. I just have a hard time understanding those who say, " Bills will win big and won't be close". 

[Rockinon]

5 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

I agree with lots off your post. This game on paper is quite fascinating.

 

The Bills D is very good. However, can we trust this defense? Throughout the year the team has been inconsistent stopping the run. They do very well against one dimensional running teams. The likes of the Titans, Ravens, and Bears. Are the Bengals in this category?

The Bengals  have struggled to run the ball. Nixon can be very good and Perine is a solid #2. The Bengals running game or lack of is one of the keys to the game. An effective running game will open up things for Burrow to carve the Bills D.  A similar scenario to the one you have for the Bills. A major issue for the Buffalo  has been tackling. This isn't the game to miss tackles. Clearly, the Bengals are a quick passing team. At times, they don't run enough. Sound familiar?  I believe this is a game where the Bengals will try to do more with their run game. Negate the Bills pass rush and try to ooen things up for Burrow. Perhaps I'm wrong. 

 

Agree with your analysis of the Buffalo defensive scheme. You just don't blitz Burrow often. He usually makes you pay for blitzing. The Bills can't just sit back in soft zone coverage and be a pass funnel offense. Burrow will carve out the Bills D all day long. Imho, you have to confuse and pressure him. Thus, get him off his rhythm and timing. Easier said then done. Agree that the Bills D is better than the Bengals D.

 

LB Pratt and LB Wilson are very good and physical. They will present problems for the Bills offense. Like you have stated the Bengals are good at stopping the run. Will the Bills be able to establish the run game? If they can't the Bills offense may struggle to move the ball consistently. After Diggs, the Bills pass catchers fall off dramatically with a lack of consistency. I'm thinking this could be a nice Knox night.

 

Sure Allen is different than Mahomes. The Bengal D  contained Mahomes. I don't think it's a stretch to say they can contain Allen. They are on the same level with a similar skills. Pratt and Wilson are solid LBs with speed, size, and strength. They will be spying on Allen. Great match up to watch.

 

A few big other keys that may decide the game.

 

(1) The turnover battle. Bills and Allen have to protect the ball. 

(2) Who has more explosive offensive plays? 

(3) Which coaching staff has the better in game and halftime adjustments. 

 

This game is setting up to be a classic. The anticipation is euphoric as a Bills fan and a football fan. On a national stage, I want nothing more than a Bills victory. Can't wait.

 

GO BILLS!!!!!

Some good stuff here. Cincy may very well try to establish a run game too, if for no other reason to keep the Buffalo offense off the field. Buffalo's defensive tackles are fairly healthy now though. And our linebackers are good too. Poyer's health is a concern but I think the Bills are simply playing it safe with him.  I think Cincy will find that they will have to lean on the pass game perhaps after finding the run game is not working? Then find out the Buffalo pass defense is better than they thought too. I really hope they do try to get their run game going.

 

As for your 3 bullet points, those are keys in any football game. Lets hope the Bills protect the football and minimize penalties. Not sure how many big plays there will be. Both teams are going to do there best to limit them. As for coaching, I have been thoroughly impressed with Buffalo's in game adjustments. Especially on defense.

 

As for Buffalo's receiving options, I don't know if you've noticed, but Josh has been passing to RBs more lately. Have had some success there too. It's still going to be a balance between run, pass and screens because there is no way Cincy is going to leave a deep WR in single coverage. Josh has been finding all season long that this is how defenses are playing him. He has found ways to keep the offense clicking even though the deep stuff hasn't been there. I still believe the big difference between these two teams is defense. Cincy is going to have a hard time keeping Josh Allen and company in check and not the way around.

[Patrick Duffy]

1 hour ago, CaliBills said:

 

 

Are the Bengals trying to just give the Bills defense bulletin board material or what?"

 

Yeah I'm a little surprised with they way couple of their statements are worded. I mean Matt M. and T. Edmunds are one of the top LBers this season. Especially Milano. But hey, I certainly have no problems with them making this reading material for the Bills to see