Still struggling to accept this

[Ray Stonada]

I know Buffalo is not actually cursed and I don't believe it is rigged but I am having a hard time accepting we lost again. 

 

I still feel that was our game… 20 things went wrong and we lost by 3.

 

I keep wishing Josh had hit Knox on the TD, or Cooks catch had counted, or Hardman caught the sideline pass… they won't stop replaying in my mind.

 

I think Bears fans must be feeling the same way today. But they have everything to look forward to with a young team and Ben Johnson. Maybe Baltimore or SF can feel worse then us: Lamar Jackson has been in the NFL eight years and has won three playoff games. SF never gets there in the end. But those teams have a bunch of Super Bowls in their past.

 

 

[BillsFanForever19]

10 hours ago, Ray Stonada said:

I know Buffalo is not actually cursed and I don't believe it is rigged but I am having a hard time accepting we lost again. 

 

I still feel that was our game… 20 things went wrong and we lost by 3.

 

I keep wishing Josh had hit Knox on the TD, or Cooks catch had counted, or Hardman caught the sideline pass… they won't stop replaying in my mind.

 

I think Bears fans must be feeling the same way today. But they have everything to look forward to with a young team and Ben Johnson. Maybe Baltimore or SF can feel worse then us: Lamar Jackson has been in the NFL eight years and has won three playoff games. SF never gets there in the end. But those teams have a bunch of Super Bowls in their past.

 

It hurts. But I never looked at the core of this roster, specifically the weapons around Josh, and felt this was a Championship team.

 

Certainly not when they performed worse than even I had expected and we were scrambling and pinning our hopes on guys like Gabe Davis, Brandin Cooks, and Mecole Hardman to save the offense.

 

Because of that, we underachieved in the regular season. We were losing to teams like the friggin' Falcons and the Dolphins. We didn't win the division for the first time in forever with the easiest achedule we've had in a long time.

 

And on top of all of those things, we were (once again) snake bitten with injuries all season. Ed Oliver lost for the year before the halfway mark. Our 1st Round Pick only played in 9 out of 19 games. Michael Hoecht transformed this defense and we only got a game and a half out of him. The only guy who could consistently get open for us (Dalton Kincaid) was playing through an injury rather than getting work done and had to be managed down the stretch. Jordan Poyer (surprisingly) saved our Secondary alongside Cole Bishop - then we lost him for the Playoffs and were rolling out a Rookie who wasn't ready and then Cam Lewis. And that's not even getting into week to week things.

 

Ultimately, Brandon Beane failed Josh Allen and this team. Watching the Seahawks curb stomp the 49ers, who booted the defending Super Bowl Champions from the playoffs the week before, I couldn't help but think that even if we had beaten the Broncos and the Patriots - we'd have fallen to that team. Even if the Rams pull it off against them, I don't think we'd beat the Rams either. So it would have ended in another Super Bowl loss, in my opinion.

 

I felt the same way last year. That Beane built a team that required Josh Allen to be a God, never make a single mistake, and carry everyone. Even then, we still needed kick. Hopefully, this off-season he (or whoever the GM is if he gets fired) finally builds a team that can actually get it done.

Edited January 19 by BillsFanForever19

[GunnerBill]

12 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

It hurts. But I never looked at the core of this roster, specifically the weapons around Josh, and felt this was a Championship team.

 

Certainly not when they performed worse than even I had expected and we were scrambling and pinning our hopes on guys like Gabe Davis, Brandin Cooks, and Mecole Hardman to save the offense.

 

Because of that, we underachieved in the regular season. We were losing to teams like the friggin' Falcons and the Dolphins. We didn't win the division for the first time in forever with the easiest achedule we've had in a long time.

 

And on top of all of those things, we were (once again) snake bitten with injuries all season. Ed Oliver lost for the year before the halfway mark. Our 1st Round Pick only played in 9 of 17 games. Michael Hoecht transformed this defense and we only got a game and a half out of him. The only guy who could consistently get open for us (Dalton Kincaid) was playing through an injury rather than getting work done and had to be managed down the stretch. Jordan Poyer (surprisingly) saved our Secondary alongside Cole Bishop - then we lost him for the Playoffs and were rolling out a Rookie who wasn't ready and then Cam Lewis. And that's not even getting into week to week things.

 

Ultimately, Brandon Beane failed Josh Allen and this team. Watching the Seahawks curb stomp the 49ers, who booted the defending Super Bowl Champions from the playoffs the week before, I couldn't help but think that even if we had beaten the Broncos and the Patriots - we'd have fallen to that team. Even if the Rams pull it off against them, I don't think we'd beat the Rams either. So it would have ended in another Super Bowl loss, in my opinion.

 

I felt the same way last year. That Beane built a team that required Josh Allen to be a God, never make a single mistake, and carry everyone. Even then, we still needed kick. Hopefully, this off-season he (or whoever the GM is if he gets fired) finally builds a team that can actually get it done.

 

Yea I kinda feel the same. I have felt both last year and this year that this just isn't quite a Championship team. It is a solid team, with a lot of good players. But not enough great players. That doesn't typically get it done. 

 

Now there have been opportunities there both years because of the way the playoffs lined up for us and because we have Allen but we fell short when we needed the one play - actually 3 years running - in a way that was kind of predictable. 

 

I do think Beane will be back but if he is it HAS to be with a very clear direction from Terry - Get Josh legit outside receivers or get out. 

[RobbRiddick]

46 minutes ago, Ray Stonada said:

I know Buffalo is not actually cursed and I don't believe it is rigged but I am having a hard time accepting we lost again. 

 

I still feel that was our game… 20 things went wrong and we lost by 3.

 

I keep wishing Josh had hit Knox on the TD, or Cooks catch had counted, or Hardman caught the sideline pass… they won't stop replaying in my mind.

 

I think Bears fans must be feeling the same way today. But they have everything to look forward to with a young team and Ben Johnson. Maybe Baltimore or SF can feel worse then us: Lamar Jackson has been in the NFL eight years and has won three playoff games. SF never gets there in the end. But those teams have a bunch of Super Bowls in their past.

 

 

I know it's a cliche but it's just a game. in the grand scheme of things what does it really matter? I've been a fan for over 40 years and I was devastated for days after wide right, angry beyond words after the music city miracle, but some time during the drought I stopped caring as much. I also just assume this team will find a way to screw it up, which is why I pick us to lose every game and try to guess what bizarre thing will happen in the big games to ***** victory away from us. 

 

and like I said in another thread, these guys are all rich beyond believe and will be spending the next few months golfing and partying and all the rest of it while we work and pay the bills. It'd be great to see them finally win it all and I'll be over the moon if they do but IMO it's best to just laugh this stuff off, shrug and then go about your day

[Kelly to Allen]

Let's all be honest. Outside Allen, has this ever really been a true Superbowl level team? 

 

I honestly don't think so. The 13 second team was probably a legitimate super bowl team.

 

 

I'm not so sure we were ever supposed to win it all outside that year 

[Kelly to Allen]

The Patriots getting to the Superbowl before us is going to Sting. Especially with a 1st yr hc, 2nd yr qb....It's also going to send off proverbial  alarm bells at one bills dr at the highest level of power within the entire front office.

 

It's a massive massive indictment on a systemic level that many issues are preventing the Allen era bills from winning a championship. It's undeniable at this point. 

 

That can be a good thing or bad thing.

 

Ppl or institutions that are desperate can go in either direction. Many times it's a disaster....

Edited January 19 by Kelly to Allen

[All_Pro_Bills]

Allen makes his share of mistakes but without him this roster is a 5 or 6 win team. Years of poor drafting has accumulated over time to leave them with less and less talent pushing up against the salary cap. 

Suddenly the Patriots have become a challenge and look set for the next 5, maybe 6 seasons. The Jets have stockpiled numerous 1st rounders and if they hit on those picks that makes 2 obstacles just in the division. 

 

I put this on Beane. The talent evaluation and draft record of the GM and his front office team has left them in a terrible situation. No money to spend and a roster with only a few top tier players. 

Other teams drafting at the end of the round have consistently done much better. 

 

Beane has never gone all-in on the Josh Allen Experience. The team needs play maker WRs. Not more defensive lineman picks he reaches for or lottery ticket hope and pray it works out free agents. 

 

It's time to bet the farm, do what it takes to win the championship now and if that results in 1 or 2 losing seasons afterward then so be it. I think the fan base would embrace that and I for one have no problem if the price of a Super Bowl championship is a couple down years. But I don't think our GM has it in him to take that approach. 

 

Being happy to win 10 or 12 games every year with the worlds best player at QB just to lose every year in the play offs in some heartbreaking fashion and draft 26 to 30 leaves everyone with an empty feeling is not success.

 

We need a new GM that will do what it takes focusing on a win now approach.

 

[JerseyBills]

Absolutely gut wrenching loss 

Brutal L

This was me literally 30 seconds after the game 

I was just so frustrated,  after the first penalty in OT I walked out of the room and took a walk , I saw this story too many times

I knew we'd lose 

I couldn't stomach watching it

I have no clue how Barstool got ahold of this but yea 

Edited January 19 by JerseyBills

[Bill from NYC]

47 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I do think Beane will be back but if he is it HAS to be with a very clear direction from Terry - Get Josh legit outside receivers or get out. 

Don't you find it strange that it hasn't already happened? Is this even excusable? 

 

Count me as one who thinks that Beane should be fired, and followed out the door by his boss McDermott (the man who hired him).

[Bill from NYC]

36 minutes ago, All_Pro_Bills said:

 

Beane has never gone all-in on the Josh Allen Experience. The team needs play maker WRs. Not more defensive lineman picks he reaches for or lottery ticket hope and pray it works out free agents. 

 

I will never understand why Beane shoulders all of the blame and McDermott is absolved of any responsibility. Do you think that if McDermott insisted on getting more weapons for Josh and more depth for the OL, Beane would (or even could) overrule him? I consider this scenario to be 100% impossible.

 

We are lucky that Josh doesn't insist on a trade. He plays far from his family, in the freezing cold, and with a coach who concentrates of defensive backs and defensive tackles. He deserves better and without McDermott and the GM that he holds on a leash, this team could and should win the Super Bowl in 2027.

 

For what very little it is worth, I predict that this scenario will come true next season. Yes, next year I think that we will have a new coach, a new GM, more weapons and protection for Josh, and a Super Bowl win.

 

As always, jmo.

[machine gun kelly]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Yea I kinda feel the same. I have felt both last year and this year that this just isn't quite a Championship team. It is a solid team, with a lot of good players. But not enough great players. That doesn't typically get it done. 

 

Now there have been opportunities there both years because of the way the playoffs lined up for us and because we have Allen but we fell short when we needed the one play - actually 3 years running - in a way that was kind of predictable. 

 

I do think Beane will be back but if he is it HAS to be with a very clear direction from Terry - Get Josh legit outside receivers or get out. 

GB, I always respect your opinions, but for me, he’s had enough chances.  I keep rewinding that interview with Jeremy and Joe last year, and it just comes across as arrogance.  There’s a problem when you think you’re the smartest guy in the room.

[GunnerBill]

27 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

Don't you find it strange that it hasn't already happened? Is this even excusable? 

 

Count me as one who thinks that Beane should be fired, and followed out the door by his boss McDermott (the man who hired him).

 

I think if you fire one they both should go too. I don't see any rational argument for keeping one without the other. It has been pitched to me you could replace Beane from within and maintain the HC/GM alignment but if the guys underneath Beane are that much better why hasn't it shown in the outcomes of his drafting?

 

No, it's not excusable on the lack of outside receivers. I have been banging the drum for 4 years. Basically from the moment we didn't replace Sanders and left ourselves with Stef, Gabe and nothing else (not even a mid round guy to develop) at outside receiver. I know Tom Brady won Superbowls with slots, tight ends and receiving backs.... but a) he had an all timer at tight end and b) Josh Allen is not Tom Brady - both great but in totally different ways.

[All_Pro_Bills]

19 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

I will never understand why Beane shoulders all of the blame and McDermott is absolved of any responsibility. Do you think that if McDermott insisted on getting more weapons for Josh and more depth for the OL, Beane would (or even could) overrule him? I consider this scenario to be 100% impossible.

 

We are lucky that Josh doesn't insist on a trade. He plays far from his family, in the freezing cold, and with a coach who concentrates of defensive backs and defensive tackles. He deserves better and without McDermott and the GM that he holds on a leash, this team could and should win the Super Bowl in 2027.

 

For what very little it is worth, I predict that this scenario will come true next season. Yes, next year I think that we will have a new coach, a new GM, more weapons and protection for Josh, and a Super Bowl win.

 

As always, jmo.

You bring up a good point. The unusual and perhaps archaic organization structure at work here. The GM reporting to the HC? From what I understand about how most NFL teams operate this is the reverse of most if not all others. Perhaps the owner simply restructuring the organization to have the GM report to the owner and the HC to report to the GM to align with other teams operating process will resolve some of the issues of at play here? 

 

The obstacle to this is for all intents Terry Pegula is invisible and non-existant when it comes to his oversight of the team.

 

 

Edited January 19 by All_Pro_Bills

[Bill from NYC]

5 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I think if you fire one they both should go too. I don't see any rational argument for keeping one without the other. It has been pitched to me you could replace Beane from within and maintain the HC/GM alignment but if the guys underneath Beane are that much better why hasn't it shown in the outcomes of his drafting?

 

No, it's not excusable on the lack of outside receivers. I have been banging the drum for 4 years. Basically from the moment we didn't replace Sanders and left ourselves with Stef, Gabe and nothing else (not even a mid round guy to develop) at outside receiver. I know Tom Brady won Superbowls with slots, tight ends and receiving backs.... but a) he had an all timer at tight end and b) Josh Allen is not Tom Brady - both great but in totally different ways.

McDermott fails to understand that it is a different game than it was in the 70's and 80's, and there is no reason to indicate that he ever will. 

 

Did you watch the game last night?  Houston has an astoundingly GREAT defense imo. I consider Will Anderson to be the second best player in football (second to Josh Allen), and that entire defense is just stacked with talent. What good did it do them? Their QB absolutely sucks and they played without Nico Collins. You know as well as anyone that this is an offense driven league and has been since the rule changes. Everyone seems to know this except McDermott. It is sickening tbh.

 

I don't think that McDermott will ever lead us to a SB win because I don't view him as capable of doing so. As long as Josh is healthy he will keep us in the playoffs. That he can do. Let's watch what he does in the draft this season. Maybe he will trade up for Caleb Downs.

[GunnerBill]

27 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

GB, I always respect your opinions, but for me, he’s had enough chances.  I keep rewinding that interview with Jeremy and Joe last year, and it just comes across as arrogance.  There’s a problem when you think you’re the smartest guy in the room.

 

I wasn't saying he should be back. I was saying I think he will be. 

[CSBill]

I spent most of last week on vacation with my grandson, at the Happiest Place on Earth - Disney World. (Side note: He's 8 years old, and we wore Bills gear each day to see how many "Go Bills!" we could get, which ended up somewhere around 50. He loved it.)

 

Got home in time for the game, even the misery of that didn't ruin my week. 

 

But then, unwisely so--I knew it would be like this--I logged on to TBD, after a week away. And it is even worse than I imagined . . . 

 

From the Happiest Place on Earth to the Most Miserable and Depressing Place on Earth. 

 

Maybe I need to help him learn to root for another team? Am I being a good grandparent, making him a Bills fan ????

[Dick_Cheney]

33 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

I will never understand why Beane shoulders all of the blame and McDermott is absolved of any responsibility. Do you think that if McDermott insisted on getting more weapons for Josh and more depth for the OL, Beane would (or even could) overrule him? I consider this scenario to be 100% impossible.

 

 

 

Completely disagree. Yes, I do think Beane would and essentially has overruled him. This has been hinted at in Buffalo media for months. It’s been hinted at by McDermott himself with the repeated comments since the trade deadline of mentioning specific players other teams traded for and how big of

difference makers they are. He’s openly commented on the impressiveness of multiple other teams rosters repeatedly over the last month or two. It has come across almost petty at times but it’s totally understandable and frankly, it’s completely accurate. 

 

Other than not taking a knee to end the first half, I don’t think McDermott did much that lost us this game at all. I think it’s a lot easier to argue the opposite. To be that close, in that messy of a game, with such a mediocre roster around Allen, speaks volumes. 

[GunnerBill]

5 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

McDermott fails to understand that it is a different game than it was in the 70's and 80's, and there is no reason to indicate that he ever will. 

 

Did you watch the game last night?  Houston has an astoundingly GREAT defense imo. I consider Will Anderson to be the second best player in football (second to Josh Allen), and that entire defense is just stacked with talent. What good did it do them? Their QB absolutely sucks and they played without Nico Collins. You know as well as anyone that this is an offense driven league and has been since the rule changes. Everyone seems to know this except McDermott. It is sickening tbh.

 

I don't think that McDermott will ever lead us to a SB win because I don't view him as capable of doing so. As long as Josh is healthy he will keep us in the playoffs. That he can do. Let's watch what he does in the draft this season. Maybe he will trade up for Caleb Downs.

 

I mean McDermott's had a lot of high octane passing offenses for a guy who you claim is completely against them. Do I think he decided after Dorsey that they needed to get better at running the football to reduce the variance in this offense? Yes, I do. Do I think maybe at his core he is more comfortable with that than with the almost run and shoot style Dorsey ran and the high volume passing of Daboll? Yes, but while it was working under Dabes, McDermott didn't try and fix what wasn't broken. 

 

Do I think he and Beane undervalue receiver? Yes, I do. I predicted it on this board the moment Beane was hired. They come from Carolina. A franchise that made the Superbowl (on the back of a 15-1 season) with Ted Ginn and Devin Funchess, I think they do (and when I say THEY - this is not just McDermott indeed I think Beane is EVEN STRONGER on this than his coach) that you prioritise the trenches and you can get by to an extent at receiver. But it is ALSO the talent evaluation at receiver that has failed and that is entirely on Brandon Beane. So McDermott isn't blameless.... he is in on the strategy. But it is a flawed strategy that has also been dreadfully executed. And so Beane carries more of the can for that. 

 

But as I said before, Beane in my view is out of chances, and I see not rationale for keeping one without the other. I just don't think Pegula sees it that way. I expect both back. 

[Bill from NYC]

3 minutes ago, CSBill said:

Am I being a good grandparent, making him a Bills fan ????

Yes. It worked with my daughters. It will help to make him a loyal person who does not quit in the face of adversity.

[Livinginthepast]

12 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

Yes. It worked with my daughters. It will help to make him a loyal person who does not quit in the face of adversity.

It definitely teaches kids resilience in the face of regular karmic unfairness!