Will we win the division next year?

[Success]

3 hours ago, uticaclub said:

We are a wildcard team at best next year. We’ve hit out the ceiling with this regime and the rest of the division/conference knows how to beat us. The only thing the Bills have going for them is that Josh Allen is better than everyone and will find ways to win

 

I think it's possible we only get the WC - but I wouldn't say it's likely, and certainly wouldn't say that's the ceiling. Even though the Jets & Phins both beat the Bills this year, neither was ready to take the division from us, and we were a few plays from being undefeated.

 

My concern comes more from our limitations this offseason. If the other 3 teams play their cards right, they can improve more than we can.  But all 3 still have questions surrounding their starting QB's, and have flaws that might be difficult to overcome. The Bills should still be favored for the division title.

 

[Billz4ever]

On 1/26/2023 at 6:10 PM, Success said:

Patriots - their D was better than ours this year, and one of the top D's in the NFL. If we had that D last week, we'd be playing this coming Sunday.  Now, they have an ACTUAL OC coming in, to coach a QB who will never be elite, but isn't as bad as we always say.

 

Jets - I thought they should have made the playoffs this year. And that was with bad QB play for most of the year.  They are going for a vet - Rodgers, Jimmy G., who knows.  Their D is already one of the top units in the league, and they have some great young players.  I think Saleh is the real deal.

 

Dolphins - obviously, the greatest threat.  If Tua was healthy all year, things might have played out very differently over the past few weeks. They are a very good team, on both sides of the ball.

 

I think the AFC East could be historically good as a division.  It will be such a fight - I'd still pick us to come out on top, but there will be a few close games that will likely decide it in the end.

 

Thoughts?

 

We scored 10 points and had no answers for Cincy's pass rush.  Not sure how the defense playing better changes that outcome.  Not to mention, Burrow threw for 375 against that defense in December.  

[Success]

1 minute ago, Billz4ever said:

We scored 10 points and had no answers for Cincy's pass rush.  Not sure how the defense playing better changes that outcome.  Not to mention, Burrow threw for 375 against that defense in December.  

 

TOP.  The Bengals had long drives, and both kept Allen off the field, and limited our # of possessions.

 

[LabattBlue]

All depends on who is at QB for MIA and NYJ.   The Patriots could also be a challenger if they bring in some weapons at WR and hire an actual OC. 

Edited February 1, 2023 by LabattBlue

[eball]

I'm gonna say yes.

 

[Billz4ever]

40 minutes ago, Success said:

 

TOP.  The Bengals had long drives, and both kept Allen off the field, and limited our # of possessions.

 

Cincy had 442 yards of offense and held the ball for 36:48 against that defense in December.

 

Cincy had a worse TOP against our defense than they did against NE. They held the ball 3 minutes longer against NE than against us.

Edited February 1, 2023 by Billz4ever

[BritBill]

As it stands, yeah. 

[Gregg]

24 minutes ago, Billz4ever said:

Cincy had 442 yards of offense and held the ball for 36:48 against that defense in December.

 

Cincy had a worse TOP against our defense than they did against NE. They held the ball 3 minutes longer against NE than against us.

 

But Bill made adjustments and they were able to shut down the Bengals offense in the 2nd half. Cincinnati jumped out to a big lead and looked like they were going to blow them out. But the Pats were able to come back and if not for a fumble inside the Bengals 5 late in the game they might have won.

[Billz4ever]

16 minutes ago, Gregg said:

 

But Bill made adjustments and they were able to shut down the Bengals offense in the 2nd half. Cincinnati jumped out to a big lead and looked like they were going to blow them out. But the Pats were able to come back and if not for a fumble inside the Bengals 5 late in the game they might have won.

So that was a breakdown of Cincy's D then.

 

Still not seeing how that's a ringing endorsement of NE's D when they gave up almost 450 yards, 22 points, and allowed Cincy to hold the ball for almost 37 minutes.

 

Again, we scored 10 points and Cincy held the ball less time against our D, so it wasn't a matter of TOP.  It was a matter of us not doing anything with the ball when we had it.

 

Cincy ran more plays (78 to 71), had more yards (442 to 412) and had a greater TOP (36:48 to 33:54) against NE's D than against ours, so the claim that we somehow win that game (with the reason being TOP) if we had NEs defense against Cincy rather than our own is just not supported by anything.

Edited February 1, 2023 by Billz4ever

[corta765]

25 minutes ago, Billz4ever said:

Again, we scored 10 points and Cincy held the ball less time against our D, so it wasn't a matter of TOP.  It was a matter of us not doing anything with the ball when we had it.

 

Bingo. It was a collective failure by the offense across the board and in a sense the culmination of an offense that felt off identity-less the back half of the season. From the Packers 2nd half on the only two games I thought the offense looked good with a plan was the Pats night game (run the ball and strike with passing when needed) and 2nd Phins game (burn their secondary and Josh was super Josh). Other then that it felt so often like you didn't know if a drive was going 3 and out, 14 play TD, stall midfield etc.. because they were never consistent enough with anything other then getting the ball to Diggs. When you can eat a teams offensive line with 3 - 4 rushers top any QB is going to have a problem and Dorsey never adjusted enough to stunt any of this. I actually thought Josh was fine for the most part, wasn't obviously his best day but he was one of the few guys who did anything.

 

More then anything on offense this offseason even more then adding a WR/OL I really would like to see Dorsey create a true identity and stick with it while also mixing some creativity from window dressing on player movement to jet sweeps etc.. to diversify things. We can add Mike Evans and Quintin Nelson, but without a better scheme that is more consistent it won't matter.

[Billz4ever]

2 minutes ago, corta765 said:

 

Bingo. It was a collective failure by the offense across the board and in a sense the culmination of an offense that felt off identity-less the back half of the season. From the Packers 2nd half on the only two games I thought the offense looked good with a plan was the Pats night game (run the ball and strike with passing when needed) and 2nd Phins game (burn their secondary and Josh was super Josh). Other then that it felt so often like you didn't know if a drive was going 3 and out, 14 play TD, stall midfield etc.. because they were never consistent enough with anything other then getting the ball to Diggs. When you can eat a teams offensive line with 3 - 4 rushers top any QB is going to have a problem and Dorsey never adjusted enough to stunt any of this. I actually thought Josh was fine for the most part, wasn't obviously his best day but he was one of the few guys who did anything.

 

More then anything on offense this offseason even more then adding a WR/OL I really would like to see Dorsey create a true identity and stick with it while also mixing some creativity from window dressing on player movement to jet sweeps etc.. to diversify things. We can add Mike Evans and Quintin Nelson, but without a better scheme that is more consistent it won't matter.

Most people (including me) were fine with Dorsey taking over after Dabs left because we all thought he was a Dabs clone and they wouldn't skip a beat.  What we thought and what we actually got were two completely different things. Hope he can figure it out soon.

[corta765]

18 minutes ago, Billz4ever said:

Most people (including me) were fine with Dorsey taking over after Dabs left because we all thought he was a Dabs clone and they wouldn't skip a beat.  What we thought and what we actually got were two completely different things. Hope he can figure it out soon.

 

Agreed I was one who thought it would've been lock step progression without issue. Unfortunately at times he looked like a 1st year coordinator which was not ideal and in the playoffs it all seem to come to a head. I had expected some hiccups but figured he would've grown out of them as the season progressed and that never happened. Daboll in 2018 really didn't have much other then Josh talent wise, but I could appreciate scheme wise what he was trying. Even in 2021 when he had some off games it was in part for trying to almost be too exotic not too predictable. I need Dorsey to take a step and realize having talent in places does not over rule good scheme design and sometimes your best friend is a simple 4-5 yard slant or out route. I loved in the AFC title it was 3rd and 2 and Cincy did a designed QB draw for Burrow who ended up going 10-12 yards for the first. Nothing wild, no 40 yard deep throws, just get the first and bite on the fact their line isn't expecting it. I do think he will improve and with some talent infused at WR/OL it will allow some growth, the key is how much. I will say this Crowder's injury hurt more then people realized. The plan was for him to get the majority of snaps at WR3 with McKenzie mixed in. His numbers coming in were identical to Beasley in prior years and he was a really steady dependable pass catcher in years prior. We never got to see how that would've shaken out.

[Billz4ever]

5 minutes ago, corta765 said:

 

Agreed I was one who thought it would've been lock step progression without issue. Unfortunately at times he looked like a 1st year coordinator which was not ideal and in the playoffs it all seem to come to a head. I had expected some hiccups but figured he would've grown out of them as the season progressed and that never happened. Daboll in 2018 really didn't have much other then Josh talent wise, but I could appreciate scheme wise what he was trying. Even in 2021 when he had some off games it was in part for trying to almost be too exotic not too predictable. I need Dorsey to take a step and realize having talent in places does not over rule good scheme design and sometimes your best friend is a simple 4-5 yard slant or out route. I loved in the AFC title it was 3rd and 2 and Cincy did a designed QB draw for Burrow who ended up going 10-12 yards for the first. Nothing wild, no 40 yard deep throws, just get the first and bite on the fact their line isn't expecting it. I do think he will improve and with some talent infused at WR/OL it will allow some growth, the key is how much. I will say this Crowder's injury hurt more then people realized. The plan was for him to get the majority of snaps at WR3 with McKenzie mixed in. His numbers coming in were identical to Beasley in prior years and he was a really steady dependable pass catcher in years prior. We never got to see how that would've shaken out.

The lack of use of the slot/shorter to mid routes like what we came to know for so long with the Josh to Beasley connection is probably what surprised me the most this season.  We became almost a feast or famine offense in that regard since that aspect of the offense all but vanished.

Edited February 1, 2023 by Billz4ever

[Nextmanup]

34 minutes ago, Billz4ever said:

Most people (including me) were fine with Dorsey taking over after Dabs left because we all thought he was a Dabs clone and they wouldn't skip a beat.  What we thought and what we actually got were two completely different things. Hope he can figure it out soon.

Not sure why fans are so willing to be patient with a 7 figure salary earner at this level.

 

If he can't do it NOW, get him the hell out of there and find someone who can.

 

 

[Billz4ever]

33 minutes ago, Nextmanup said:

Not sure why fans are so willing to be patient with a 7 figure salary earner at this level.

 

If he can't do it NOW, get him the hell out of there and find someone who can.

 

 

A lot of fans aren't willing to be patient.  The FO and HC are.  Their opinions are really the only ones that matter here.

[PauleeeWalnuts]

Going to be tough if the Jets land Rodgers and Miami continues to ascend. We lost to Zach Wilson and barely beat Skylar Thompson this season, it’s going to be a tough road. 

Edited February 1, 2023 by PaulieYayo

[Georgia Bill]

Win the East?  Sure.   Win the 1 seed?  I don't see that happening with our schedule.

[Buffalo_Stampede]

If the Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots don’t win it there’s a chance the Bills do.

[rockpile]

I cheer for the Bills to win every week, at the same time having zero expectations. I have had my hopes stomped too many years (60+) to expect anything. 

[Success]

2 minutes ago, rockpile said:

I cheer for the Bills to win every week, at the same time having zero expectations. I have had my hopes stomped too many years (60+) to expect anything. 

 

It's actually the best attitude to have.  Most of being a sports fan is pain, heartbreak or disappointment.  Even fans of great dynasties like the Yankees, Lakers and Patriots end up losing the vast majority of years that they watch games. Of course, it's a bit easier if you have a few titles under your belt - but those fanbases still go through it.

 

[B-Man]

12 minutes ago, rockpile said:

I cheer for the Bills to win every week, at the same time having zero expectations. I have had my hopes stomped too many years (60+) to expect anything. 

 

 

"Hope for the Best,  Expect the Worst"

 

 

[John from Riverside]

Tua still in concussion protocol
 

No other QB worth anything on any of those teams

 

And we have to worry about losing the division?

[Gregg]

8 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

Tua still in concussion protocol
 

No other QB worth anything on any of those teams

 

And we have to worry about losing the division?

 

What if Rodgers goes to the Jets?

[corta765]

16 hours ago, Billz4ever said:

The lack of use of the slot/shorter to mid routes like what we came to know for so long with the Josh to Beasley connection is probably what surprised me the most this season.  We became almost a feast or famine offense in that regard since that aspect of the offense all but vanished.

 

Agreed. I think everyone thought too Knox would've taken some of those targets, instead he just was the same as prior.

[Southern_Bills]

Still have draft and free agency, no one really knows what any of the 4 teams will look like as a whole.

 

So to make a prediction now is like planning how to spend your money when you hit the lotto. It's fun, but it means nothing. 

[T master]

I think next season will be a totally different ball game in our division & a much harder climb to the top for the Bills ! 

 

Miami was tough enough this year & have some decent draft capitol plus the hire of Vic Fangio as their new D coordinator, with the weapons that they have & if Tua could in any way stay healthy that last game could have had a different ending .

 

The Pats last season were kind of a mess on the offensive side of the ball i don't think their QB play was that bad but their offensive coordinator was out of his zone but now they will be bringing Bill back in the fold which could be a difference maker on that side of the ball .

 

Then the Jets are a good QB away from being a really good team & they will be bringing back their rookie RB Breese Hall which was tearing it up before he got hurt which the Bills run D wasn't that good this season so there is that .

 

So the Bills need to make some kind of changes to stay a top of our division & it's not going to be the way it has been the past couple of seasons then if you add into that the players that may not be back next year like Poyer, Edmunds, & some others it could be a tough go so Bills beware !! 

Edited February 2, 2023 by T master

[John from Riverside]

4 hours ago, Gregg said:

 

What if Rodgers goes to the Jets?

I don’t know if you noticed, but Aaron Rodgers is starting to get pretty washed up even if he came into the division which is far from finalized there’s no guarantee that he would have success there

[Gregg]

29 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

I don’t know if you noticed, but Aaron Rodgers is starting to get pretty washed up even if he came into the division which is far from finalized there’s no guarantee that he would have success there

 

He had nobody to throw to last year in GB. The Jets have a decent receiving corps lead by Wilson. Their RBs are decent as well led by Carter. I am not mentioning Breece as I figure it will take him some time to get back to what he was. It took Barkley a year or so to regain his form. The defense while not elite is solid. Even if Rodgers declined some, he is still better way better than White, Flacco, Wilson.

[PrimeTime101]

[WyoAZBillfan]

We’re going to win the Super Bowl next year. That’s all I know. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[John from Riverside]

11 minutes ago, Gregg said:

 

He had nobody to throw to last year in GB. The Jets have a decent receiving corps lead by Wilson. Their RBs are decent as well led by Carter. I am not mentioning Breece as I figure it will take him some time to get back to what he was. It took Barkley a year or so to regain his form. The defense while not elite is solid. Even if Rodgers declined some, he is still better way better than White, Flacco, Wilson.

Well, it sounds like you’ve talk to yourself into it
 

Don’t say I didn’t tell you if it happens

[Gregg]

1 minute ago, John from Riverside said:

Well, it sounds like you’ve talk to yourself into it
 

Don’t say I didn’t tell you if it happens

 

If Rodgers ends up on the Jets, then I hope this move blows up in their faces. I just think they will challenge the Bills for the division if they get him.

[LABILLBACKER]

It wouldn't surprise me to see Rodgers go to the Jets. If Tua stays healthy they'll be a problem. We have to play the best division in football,  the NFCE.  And we have to beat Mahomes, Burrow & Herbert.  This is going to be a daunting schedule so winning the division will be possible but extremely challenging.

[papazoid]

the bills are the class of the AFCE

 

yes they win the division.....after that, who knows, will von miller, hyde, daquan jones, tre white and poyer all be healthy and playing ?

 

yea, yea, all teams deal with injuries....but 4 pro bowlers on defense....i dont think so

[Gregg]

1 minute ago, papazoid said:

the bills are the class of the AFCE

 

yes they win the division.....after that, who knows, will von miller, hyde, daquan jones, tre white and poyer all be healthy and playing ?

 

yea, yea, all teams deal with injuries....but 4 pro bowlers on defense....i dont think so

 

Don't they have to resign Poyer?

[CincyBillsFan]

51 minutes ago, Gregg said:

 

He had nobody to throw to last year in GB. The Jets have a decent receiving corps lead by Wilson. Their RBs are decent as well led by Carter. I am not mentioning Breece as I figure it will take him some time to get back to what he was. It took Barkley a year or so to regain his form. The defense while not elite is solid. Even if Rodgers declined some, he is still better way better than White, Flacco, Wilson.

By the end of the season I think GB had a better receiving group then the Jets.  And while the Jets RB's are okay they're not as good as the two guys for GB.  And I'm pretty sure the Jets O line wasn't as good as GB's. 

 

IMO going to the Jets would be a lose/lose with both Rogers and the Jets getting the short end of the stick.