Reasons for optimism, has needle moved at an improved roster this year?

[hondo in seattle]

Like most years in the Beane/McD/Josh era, I see a good team, not a great one.  

 

My optimism is rooted in maybe's - maybe our receiving corps is better this year, maybe Bosa makes a difference, maybe this season we stay healthier than other teams, maybe balls bounce in our favor during a playoff run, maybe decisive borderline ref calls go our way in key moments. 

 

The average team has a 1-in-32 chance of winning it all.  We're good enough to be 1-in-10 or something like that.  With a little help from Lady Luck and the Gridiron Gods, this could be our year.

 

Edited August 28 by hondo in seattle

[Jerome007]

29 minutes ago, hondo in seattle said:

Like most years in the Beane/McD/Josh era, I see a good team, not a great one.

What? The Bills have been a great team. Besides not winning the Big One, how can you say that? What does it take for some of you? A perfect season?

 

This year they are way stronger. Injuries and some luck will determine the rest. 

[BuffaloMatt]

I'm a victim of the 4SB losses and the seventeen year walk through the desert. Sadly, I'm never optimistic. However, I am always hopeful and extremely greatful for the McBeane/Allen era, and will be for as long as it lasts!

[frostbitmic]

The biggest reason for optimism is Josh Allen and what he can do to opposing Defenses.

- A solid line in front of Josh and a really good RB room.

- Coleman reportedly looking really good this summer.

 

- A healthy Benford, Bernard and Milano.

[boater]

Scoff at me if you want... but I think the WRs as a group will be big producers this year.

[skibum]

I think I was expecting more big moves in the off season, since last year the team was so cash-strapped.

 

But the team should be better overall, in large part because a lot of quality starters are returning and many of them are still young and improving. The only significant loss was Mack Hollins. The Bills have a pretty strong continuity advantage, and they are coming off a season in which I think they far exceeded expectations. Big picture says they should be better. 

[D. L. Hot-Flamethrower]

The offense will be at least as good-unless Josh gets hurt. The defense and ST will be better. Especially the defense as the season progresses and IF! we don't have too many injuries. The early schedule looks like we should have a great start. I'd expect 13-4/14-3 and top seed.

Edited August 28 by D. L. Hot-Flamethrower

[H2o]

3 hours ago, chris heff said:

Who is Lattimer?

You ever seen the movie The Program? Hoecht is Lattimer. 

[stuvian]

I have no doubt Clappy will have this team playing at its peak for a twelve or thirteen win season. My confidence comes more from expecting the Chiefs to regress and the belief that we have the Ravens' number. The Bengals D is weak and I expect them to fail to make the playoffs.

 

I'm expecting a WR to make his presence felt but I don't know who. We need to go in to the postseason with Josh having a rapport with his receivers so that we don't turtle our way out of the title. Our defense looks like a bunch of lunch pail strivers with none a true threat on his own. Holding out hope we sign Z'adarius Smith to bolster our sack count.

[hondo in seattle]

3 hours ago, Jerome007 said:

What? The Bills have been a great team. Besides not winning the Big One, how can you say that? What does it take for some of you? A perfect season?

 

This year they are way stronger. Injuries and some luck will determine the rest. 

 

To me, a great team means an elite roster and a Super Bowl appearance.  

 

We've never had one of the top two rosters in the league and haven't quite made the SB - yet.