We need a downfield passing game

[Low Positive]

2 minutes ago, Bruffalo said:

 

I don't think anyone would disagree with you. The turnovers were a major factor in this loss.

 

I don't think that negates what I said though. 

The defense held them to two touchdowns and three FGs. One of those FGs was a gift from Keon Coleman. So, the defense is responsible for 20 points. But for some reason, all of WNY and the rest of Bills Mafia has created a reality in their minds that the Bills defense gave up 40 points to the Pats. 

[Bruffalo]

19 minutes ago, Low Positive said:

The defense held them to two touchdowns and three FGs. One of those FGs was a gift from Keon Coleman. So, the defense is responsible for 20 points. But for some reason, all of WNY and the rest of Bills Mafia has created a reality in their minds that the Bills defense gave up 40 points to the Pats. 

 

The defensive line has been playing very well all things considered. I'd love to see them get home more, but the pressure rate has been good. 

 

The secondary didn't have a single pass breakup in the entire game. That's unacceptable. You can't expect to win a game when the secondary does nothing but tackle after the pass. They are abysmal out of structure, which we are seeing more because the pressure rate is higher. 

Edited 2 hours ago by Bruffalo

[gobills404]

21 minutes ago, Bruffalo said:

 

I don't think anyone would disagree with you. The turnovers were a major factor in this loss.

 

I don't think that negates what I said though. 

Yeah the defense overall needs to get a lot better if we want to win the whole thing. As long as the turnovers don’t become a trend the offense is already plenty good enough.

[Scott7975]

2 hours ago, Low Positive said:

We make an assumption that is probably not true. We assume that an OC calls plays and the offense runs those exact plays. But Josh audibles A LOT. And from what I'm seeing, he audibles from downfield passes into runs and screens based upon the coverage he is seeing. 

 

Even if Josh audibles, he is coached to audible to certain plays based on what he sees. 

[Scott7975]

2 hours ago, gobills404 said:

The Bills have 19 passes of 20+ yards this season. 3rd most in the league. Not too shabby for a team that apparently can’t push the ball down the field.

 

https://www.nfl.com/stats/team-stats/

 

Thanks. This enticed me to look a little deeper. 10 of those 19 were in week 1. Week 2 he had none. Week 3 he had 1. The last two games split the rest. It goes back to what I was saying... they really only use it when they need to put superman cape on. I think it needs to be part of the regular offense just to keep defenses honest. Every team needs some chunk yards.

[Scott7975]

2 hours ago, sven233 said:

 

I'm not sure what context these stats show.  Air yards or just the results?  Because there have been several short screens or check downs that our guys have busted for big plays.  Doesn't necessarily mean we are pushing the ball down the field.  

 

Here's the thing.....I think the narrative itself of pushing the ball down the field is kind of overblown.  What I want to see is more consistency in the intermediate areas of the field.....that 15-20 yard area and I want to see that consistency come from on-time plays within the structure of the offense.  So many times, Allen scrambles, buys time until someone finally comes open.  Seems like it is a rarity that Allen drops back, plants his feet, and fires a laser 15 to 25 yards down the field.  You'd think if teams are playing to prevent you from getting over the top, there would be room to roam in these mid-level distances.  But that's not happening with consistency.

 

So, no....I don't need to be chucking the ball 40+ yards down the field on a regular basis, but it would be nice to see more success in the intermediate levels within the structure of the offense instead of relying on Shakir or Cook to bust one after the catch.  

 

Good post. Mostly what I meant in my OP. When I say downfield, I don't necessarily mean chucking hail marys.

[gobills404]

39 minutes ago, Scott7975 said:

 

Thanks. This enticed me to look a little deeper. 10 of those 19 were in week 1. Week 2 he had none. Week 3 he had 1. The last two games split the rest. It goes back to what I was saying... they really only use it when they need to put superman cape on. I think it needs to be part of the regular offense just to keep defenses honest. Every team needs some chunk yards.

Would you happen to know what Josh’s completion%, passer rating, etc. are when he does throw down the field compared to the rest of the league? I feel like as long as Josh takes advantage of the opportunities he does get down the field it will help keep defenses honest like you said. Even if it’s not a large volume of attempts.

 

[hondo in seattle]

I remember when GMs and coaches believed in the concept of triplets.  Obviously, no team can have All-Pros everywhere.  But if you wanted your offense to work, you needed to get a superior QB, WR, and RB.  It's hard to defend an offense that has all of that.  

 

Back in the 90s, we had Kelly, Reed, and Thurm.

 

Dallas had Aikman, Michael Irving, and Emmit Smith when they beat us in two Super Bowls.  

 

Today we have Allen, Cook, and ? 

 

As much as I like Cook, he's not in the Thurman-Smith class.  And none of our wideouts come close to Michael Irvin or Andre Reed.  Josh is why we win when we win.  Not having enough weapons besides Josh is why we lose when we lose.   (Not to mention a subpar defense).

 

Edited 40 minutes ago by hondo in seattle