Christian Benford Apology Thread

[BADOLBILZ]

8 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

It isn't true he was bad for 11 games. He has played 12 games this year was very bad for the first 6 but since the bye Benford has been playing well. It is only the last two weeks I think you can say he has got back to the sort of level he was playing at last year where he was one of the best half dozen outside corners in football. But he has played well his last 6 games. 

 

I don't know what the reason was for the slow start, and those summising it is linked the head injuries are not being unfair. 

 

I agree with you on Rousseau btw. I think he has had a good year. The issue with Rousseau is the expectations a lot of people have of the type of player he will be have never really stacked up with the reality. And then there is a fair question about where his contract slots him in when you look at defensive ends across the league... he is probably paid like a player that he isn't quite in reality too. But in terms of him playing his position, being assignment sound and actually causing more disruption than probably shows up on the stat sheet I think it is his most consistent season as a pro. He has played better this year than when he got 8 sacks last year. Sometimes that is just how it goes.

 

1) Bad for 6 and better for 5 is how you have a "bad" 115 passer rating against going into week 13.   I think there was a premature rush by some to point out that he wasn't giving up much yardage after the bye........when the team itself was leading the NFL in least passing yardage allowed......largely because they were getting trampled so easily on the ground.    He's gotten back to himself and may even be leveling up even in recent weeks.     

 

2) Yeah certainly appeared that he was playing tentatively.   

 

3) Contract slotting is really just a GM/agent tool.  Contracts are first and foremost about timing.  I think you have to judge a player on their performance relative to their peers and how that relates to the highest aav at the position.   It's simpler and also very imperfect but more genuine because you don't have to exclude players with less than 4 years experience and players who are over performing their poorly timed contracts etc. etc.    That's why I never use slotting to support or discredit a player but will use PFF.    

[GunnerBill]

29 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

1) Bad for 6 and better for 5 is how you have a "bad" 115 passer rating against going into week 13.   I think there was a premature rush by some to point out that he wasn't giving up much yardage after the bye........when the team itself was leading the NFL in least passing yardage allowed......largely because they were getting trampled so easily on the ground.    He's gotten back to himself and may even be leveling up even in recent weeks.     

 

2) Yeah certainly appeared that he was playing tentatively.   

 

3) Contract slotting is really just a GM/agent tool.  Contracts are first and foremost about timing.  I think you have to judge a player on their performance relative to their peers and how that relates to the highest aav at the position.   It's simpler and also very imperfect but more genuine because you don't have to exclude players with less than 4 years experience and players who are over performing their poorly timed contracts etc. etc.    That's why I never use slotting to support or discredit a player but will use PFF.    

 

On 1) the tape supports him playing better after the bye, it isn't just the fact that (you are not wrong) teams were just charging all over us. As for passer rating - PFR and PFF have slightly different numbers but per PFF he gave up over 100 passer rating 4 times in the first 6 weeks and only once since. His performance was on a steady upswing post the bye then the last two weeks he has been brilliant. 

 

On 3) I agree, but I do think there is a legitimate question that people can ask about whether he is overpaid for the skillset he has. That is different than the "he is invisible" or "he has been a slug" type criticism which isn't fair. He is playing well. What they are expecting of him is not necessarily in line with his skillset.

[Buffalo Ballin]

Christian Benford is becoming Him on defense. Should be another Defensive Player of the Week.

 

That sack and that pick 6.

[Mark Vader]

2 hours ago, RkFast said:

 

I didnt see them, Im sure. 

I try to ignore them, but sometimes you can't miss it. BBFS is a real thing here.

[BADOLBILZ]

5 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

On 1) the tape supports him playing better after the bye, it isn't just the fact that (you are not wrong) teams were just charging all over us. As for passer rating - PFR and PFF have slightly different numbers but per PFF he gave up over 100 passer rating 4 times in the first 6 weeks and only once since. His performance was on a steady upswing post the bye then the last two weeks he has been brilliant. 

 

On 3) I agree, but I do think there is a legitimate question that people can ask about whether he is overpaid for the skillset he has. That is different than the "he is invisible" or "he has been a slug" type criticism which isn't fair. He is playing well. What they are expecting of him is not necessarily in line with his skillset.

 

 

Yeah we don't disagree I just think the cumulative performance was bad until a couple of weeks ago.   He dug a deep hole with his terrible first couple months.  But it is how you finish in the NFL which is why I haven't been willing to throw dirt on this team all season.    

[NoName]

On 12/8/2025 at 9:30 AM, SageAgainstTheMachine said:

The most irrational fans crucified him.  Most of us knew all along he’s our best defensive player.

I was down on him after his slow start to the season but I am glad I was wrong.  I do think a healthy Bosa and and a healthy Oliver are arguably as good or close to being as good as CB 47 is.

[BillsShredder83]

On 12/8/2025 at 9:43 AM, Matt_In_NH said:

Thompson should be the starter… that is not a hot take.  

I didnt advocate against this, I said same thing actually.

[Matt_In_NH]

3 hours ago, BillsShredder83 said:

I didnt advocate against this, I said same thing actually.

I was not intending to argue.  I was just agreeing.