Einstein Posted January 16 Author Share Posted January 16 Just now, Bleeding Bills Blue said: Only thing i don't love about kicking is its cold, and that tends to lead to worse kicking performance. If you don't want to kick and potentially throw even more field position their way (block was obviously the worst case), you just go for it. 7 yards and we can run the clock off for a shorter FG or potentially a TD with little to no time on the clock. Agreed. Either kick or go for it. Punt shouldn’t even be an option IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 To answer the OP’s question….yes. At least this year we do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Process Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 2 hours ago, GunnerBill said: I blame McDermott for that decision too. I often defend him when fans shout about being aggressive. This isn't Madden, sometimes the right decision is the conservative one. The right decision yesterday was to punt. Kickers were struggling going that way, Bass hasn't made one from 49 or longer in literally months, and you are 21-0 up with 2 minutes of the half to play against Mason Rudolph. Pooch punt, try and pin them. Do not give them a chance at a momentum changing play. I wouldn't have hated going on 4th down.... but if that was in their minds they had to run on 2nd or 3rd down and try and make it 4th and 4 or 5. The FG was the worst of the three options. Overall though, Bass is a concern. I don't think he has been fully healthy all year, I think it is now in his head and his confidence is low. Wouldn't want to rely on him. If you don't want to kick then you go for it. Punting from the 31 yard line should never be a thing, ever. Imo. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royale with Cheese Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 He is now the kicker that I get nervous every time he's on the field. 2 hours ago, GunnerBill said: I blame McDermott for that decision too. I often defend him when fans shout about being aggressive. This isn't Madden, sometimes the right decision is the conservative one. The right decision yesterday was to punt. Kickers were struggling going that way, Bass hasn't made one from 49 or longer in literally months, and you are 21-0 up with 2 minutes of the half to play against Mason Rudolph. Pooch punt, try and pin them. Do not give them a chance at a momentum changing play. I wouldn't have hated going on 4th down.... but if that was in their minds they had to run on 2nd or 3rd down and try and make it 4th and 4 or 5. The FG was the worst of the three options. Overall though, Bass is a concern. I don't think he has been fully healthy all year, I think it is now in his head and his confidence is low. Wouldn't want to rely on him. 49 yards for Bass shouldn't be a difficult kick for Bass. I would have kicked it too. Either kick it or go for it. I wouldn't have punted. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 42 minutes ago, Einstein said: Love Gunner but I have no idea where he is coming from with this punt stuff. Punting from the 31 yard line, with very little wind, would have been universally panned. The only reason it’s even second guessed is because it was blocked. Imagine if the punt went into the endzone and we gained a whole 11 yards on the punt! And a few drives later the Steelers drove from their own 8 yard line and scored a TD. Yet we are to believe that punting there would have stopped them? I’m skeptical. I said before they tried it "you punt here." You have to play the game situation. The punt was the right option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einstein Posted January 16 Author Share Posted January 16 1 minute ago, GunnerBill said: I said before they tried it "you punt here." You have to play the game situation. The punt was the right option. There is not a coach in the NFL who punts there. (checks notes: Jauron isn’t in the NFL anymore right?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKBillFan Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Unless Bass has a career game or two over the next three games - should the Bills get that far - I'd be happy to reconsider the position over the close season. Bass has become less and less trustworthy as time has gone on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 1 minute ago, Einstein said: There is not a coach in the NFL who punts there. (checks notes: Jauron isn’t in the NFL anymore right?) Well there should be. If you are playing Kansas City you go for it. 100% of the time. But you are not. You are playing Mason Rudolph leading a dink and dunk offense that can't get deep on you and has 2 minutes to go the distance. I think the VERY best they would have done is score 3 points. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Royale with Cheese Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 1 minute ago, GunnerBill said: Well there should be. If you are playing Kansas City you go for it. 100% of the time. But you are not. You are playing Mason Rudolph leading a dink and dunk offense that can't get deep on you and has 2 minutes to go the distance. I think the VERY best they would have done is score 3 points. They did score in 41 seconds after the blocked FG I believe. Pickens is a big play waiting to happen. In the playoffs, I think you always go for the kill. Punting at the 31 is way too conservative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einstein Posted January 16 Author Share Posted January 16 2 minutes ago, GunnerBill said: Well there should be. If you are playing Kansas City you go for it. 100% of the time. But you are not. You are playing Mason Rudolph leading a dink and dunk offense that can't get deep on you and has 2 minutes to go the distance. I think the VERY best they would have done is score 3 points. I honestly would agree with you if it was the 40+ yard line. But the risk of it only being a net 11 field difference is too high. Why not just go for 4th? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 1 minute ago, Royale with Cheese said: They did score in 41 seconds after the blocked FG I believe. Pickens is a big play waiting to happen. In the playoffs, I think you always go for the kill. Punting at the 31 is way too conservative. They scored in 35 seconds, 5 plays, but from the Bills 33 yard line. Also when you are starting deep in your own end inside two minutes your first couple of calls are going to be more conservative. I don't think they score a touchdown from a punt. They might have scored a FG. Being conservative is bad if you are playing a team who can score quickly. Pittsburgh couldn't. They should have played conservative. 4 minutes ago, Einstein said: I honestly would agree with you if it was the 40+ yard line. But the risk of it only being a net 11 field difference is too high. Why not just go for 4th? I wouldn't have hated going for 4th down the way I hated the FG. But personally I want to give the Steelers in that situation zero free field position. Even if I make them start at the 25 - worst case scenario - I am giving them nothing free. They have got to drive 75 yards and they are starting in their own end. Fans are encouraged to hate conservative play calling. But there are times when it is the right play. The situation called for conservatism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 1 minute ago, GunnerBill said: They scored in 35 seconds, 5 plays, but from the Bills 33 yard line. Also when you are starting deep in your own end inside two minutes your first couple of calls are going to be more conservative. I don't think they score a touchdown from a punt. They might have scored a FG. Being conservative is bad if you are playing a team who can score quickly. Pittsburgh couldn't. They should have played conservative. I still wouldn’t punt - too many variables for an expected outcome of an 11 yard change in field position. But I’d definitely call plays like you’re in 4-down territory and they definitely should’ve run the ball to get down to the two minute warning - Romo was right about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Just now, Coach Tuesday said: I still wouldn’t punt - too many variables for an expected outcome of an 11 yard change in field position. But I’d definitely call plays like you’re in 4-down territory and they definitely should’ve run the ball to get down to the two minute warning - Romo was right about that. I agree. If they had got it to say 4th and 3 then my preference would be go for it, over punt. But at 4th and 7 I'd punt. Worst case scenario I am making Mason Rudolph dink and dunk 75 yards in 2 minutes and the first couple of plays they are going to be considering the risk of giving the ball back to the Bills and that makes them call plays differently than starting at the opponents 33 where your whole play book is open to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Man with No Name Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 58 minutes ago, Einstein said: Love Gunner but I have no idea where he is coming from with this punt stuff. Punting from the 31 yard line, with very little wind, would have been universally panned. The only reason it’s even second guessed is because it was blocked. Imagine if the punt went into the endzone and we gained a whole 11 yards on the punt! And a few drives later the Steelers drove from their own 8 yard line and scored a TD. Yet we are to believe that punting there would have stopped them? I’m skeptical. Not true. I second guessed it the second I saw Bass run onto the field. Giving the steelers the ball on the 40 with 2:30 to go was not a sound decision. Bass hasn't been good on those kicks in good conditions. His chances were definitely less than 50% as it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebug Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 I have zero faith that this guy can make a big kick when it matters! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einstein Posted January 16 Author Share Posted January 16 8 minutes ago, Man with No Name said: Bass hasn't been good on those kicks in good conditions. If Bass can't be trusted to hit a 48 yard field goal with clear skies and little-to-no wind, then we are in big trouble. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Frankish Reich Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 (edited) 10 minutes ago, Einstein said: If Bass can't be trusted to hit a 48 yard field goal with clear skies and little-to-no wind, then we are in big trouble. True. Back when Norwood went wide right from 47, that was a difficult kick for kickers of his time. It really isn't (or shouldn't be) anymore, simply because the quality of kickers in general is so much better now. Good article on exactly how good NFL kickers are now: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/12/09/nfl-kickers/ "What’s unique about kickers’ success this season is how frequently coaches have trusted them — with justification — from length. NFL teams have attempted 177 field goals of at least 50 yards, already the third most ever and on pace to break the record set last year. Kickers have made 67.2 percent. Jan Stenerud, the first kicker elected to the Hall of Fame, made 66.8 percent of his field goals — from all distances. Jake Elliott delivered one of the signature moments of the season when he drilled a 59-yard field goal off wet turf, through wind and driving rain to push the Philadelphia Eagles into overtime against the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 26. The circumstances heightened Elliott’s kick, but he is hardly alone. Four kickers this season have made a field goal of at least 60 yards, and 11 have drilled at least one from at least 57." Edited January 16 by The Frankish Reich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einstein's Dog Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 1 hour ago, Einstein said: Love Gunner but I have no idea where he is coming from with this punt stuff. Punting from the 31 yard line, with very little wind, would have been universally panned. The only reason it’s even second guessed is because it was blocked. Imagine if the punt went into the endzone and we gained a whole 11 yards on the punt! And a few drives later the Steelers drove from their own 8 yard line and scored a TD. Yet we are to believe that punting there would have stopped them? I’m skeptical. Or, imagine deciding to punt and it's blocked. McDermott wouldn't hear the end of it. As to the OP, yes, I am no longer confident in Bass. I think it will/should start to be a factor in McD's game management (although I hope McD still opts to try 49 yd FGs). On a side note I was also disappointed with Bass in the New England game and his pathetic non-tackle of the kick returner. I know he's a kicker but still in the rare instance that he needs to be involved in a tackle I thought he would do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FilthyBeast Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Yes and ST as a whole has been terrible this year outside of Harty's heroics last week. Bass seems really shaky this year and the only silver lining is he can't possibly have a worse game then he did against the Steelers...at least I think, but who on earth has any confidence in him hitting a potential game tying/winning kick against the Chiefs or any other team in the playoffs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KOKBILLS Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Yes... Yes we do... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GASabresIUFan Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 By the way, Bass’ deadcap for 2024 is 7.38 mill vs a salary of 4.42. He will be returning next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheyCallMeAndy Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 9 minutes ago, GASabresIUFan said: By the way, Bass’ deadcap for 2024 is 7.38 mill vs a salary of 4.42. He will be returning next season. And he should, just bring in competition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADOLBILZ Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 3 hours ago, Einstein said: If Bass can't be trusted to hit a 48 yard field goal with clear skies and little-to-no wind, then we are in big trouble. Yeah this is where @GunnerBill is wrong. You have to let your players do their jobs. Anyone who thinks that was going to be a tough kick is wrong. It was routine for an NFL kicker. I was there as I have been for hundreds of Bills games. No wind to speak of. At halftime the kickers weren't struggling with practice kicks. Bass is just in a funk. They gotta' get him out of it and not letting him kick routine field goals isn't going to do that. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo_Stampede Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 Pretty much every kicker has a down year. Until he misses a kick to win or lose the game let’s relax. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoHuddleKelly12 Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 It would be, dare I say, “Billsy” if we get to a spot deep in the playoffs and are forced to make a kick to tie or win with his current run of less than stellar performances. Hopefully he pulls it all together, and soon! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transient Posted January 16 Share Posted January 16 The title asks if we have a kicking problem... the post asks if we can trust him... all these one-word yes and no responses... I'm so confused. 😨 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QLBillsFan Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 Certainly concerned as it relates to facing KC and potentially the Ravens in the next 2 weeks. Both with outstanding and clutch kickers. The blocked kick was about 5 feet off the ground.. the chip shot ?🤷🏻♂️.. yikes. KC ST unfortunately a big advantage this week given Martins hammy as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xwnyer Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 Martin had sucked most of year until last few weeks. bass has been inconsistent maybe an underlying minor injury . Hope this does not become an issue down the roads but just go for it on fourth and never try a FG. I think the FG attempt in first half near end was a mistake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Sack Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 Just glad he didn’t miss vs Chargers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EasternOHBillsFan Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 (edited) From those who remember the Norwood years, Norwood did this same thing in his last 2 seasons... he declined and fell off a cliff stat wise. So I guess we just wait until Bass has a Norwood moment? 😕 6 hours ago, KOKBILLS said: Yes... Yes we do... We have had many solid kickers who dealt with poor conditions, but it's pretty damn concerning. Edited January 17 by EasternOHBillsFan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaybills Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 On 1/15/2024 at 6:43 PM, Einstein said: Bass is now 78% for the year (5th worst in NFL) and we haven’t let him attempt a field goal over 50 yards in 3 months. He also just missed a 20-some yard field goal. Can we trust him to make a game winning Playoff/Super Bowl kick at this point? We may Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADOLBILZ Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 1 hour ago, ScottLaw said: Yea I was baffled at the suggestion of punting a 49 yard FG away in the game day chat… completely wrong…..like what world are we living in where you do that in todays NFL? Some people were buying the narrative that you couldn't kick in that direction. Not that night. After being at around 300 Bills home games I have a pretty good idea when you can't kick that way. Bass just over kicked the one's he missed in the event of a gust. It wasn't necessary. I wouldn't have had a problem with them going for it either. But punting? GTFOH with that nonsense. 😂 Only thing you can't do there is get it blocked. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Einstein Posted January 22 Author Share Posted January 22 Welp, there it is. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freak-O Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 We do have a kicker problem. We also have injury problems and maybe worst of all, lubricated receiver hands problem. And a missing Diggs problem. This was painful. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBrownBear Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 YES 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saundena Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 Diggs, Martin and Bass were awful. I liked some of the gutsy calls by McD I don't know of Bass is fixable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILBillsfan Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 Bass has always been bad from the right hash he has had plenty of years to keep working on it and still fails on right side of the field... I don't have the stats but I would be the majority of the misses have been from the right side Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negan Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 Bass should be cut, other kickers make these kicks all the time. He's a bum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 Special teams decisions -both personnel and the fake- did not work today 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagwell358 Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 Just now, ILBillsfan said: Bass has always been bad from the right hash he has had plenty of years to keep working on it and still fails on right side of the field... I don't have the stats but I would be the majority of the misses have been from the right side He’s not an nfl kicker. he faked it for two years. I don’t care what the cost is. He has to go 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.