Buffalo Bills @ NJ Jets - A Few Thoughts about the Jets Game, in no particular order

[Virgil]

Image Credit: © Chris Pedota-USA TODAY Sports

 

One of the toughest parts about writing these is not knowing what the Bills plan was going in. There are so many plays where you assume one player missed their assignment when maybe they were the one who reacted first to cover up for someone else. That thought typically keeps my perspective in check, and I try to focus only on the play's end results or a specific engagement between players. Regardless, it's tough not to give in to the eyeball test. With that being said, I lead into #1 of our Jets scrimmage results.
 
1 - Klein - I was really impressed with Klein's game in place of Edmunds as he made multiple plays that stood out. One of my biggest complaints about Edmunds is that he doesn't make those game-changing plays often enough to make me want the team to commit to him long-term. On the very first series of this game, Klein almost made one of those plays. He crept up to the line after the ball was snapped, getting lost in the mass of blockers and making White think the middle of the field was open. As White set to throw, Klein stepped back into his zone and almost had an interception off his hands. With Edmunds, I feel like he would have stayed in the zone the whole time, discouraging the pass in the first place. Same end result, but Klein had the bigger play opportunity. Beyond that, Klein has some amazing solo tackles in space and shot the gap with speed for a tackle for a loss. Klein played like a missile waiting for his target, and I honestly hope to see more of him at MLB.
 
2 - Brieda - My fantasy team be damned; it's hard not to love the three-headed monster we saw yesterday. Brieda caught a beautiful pass on a wheel route for the first touchdown and then showed power and speed for a rushing touchdown later. He didn't get a lot of carries, but he made the most of them, possibly showing Motor and Moss that their spots in the split aren't secured. Speaking of Motor, he was frustrating with his unassisted fumble but also finally executed an outside zone run play (CALL THOSE MORE DABOLL). Overall, everyone got a rushing touchdown, but Brieda set the tone early and hopefully gets to see more touches. I also loved that Josh had him at the podium for the post-game while taking ownership for their turnovers (even if Allen's interception hit the ground. I mean, seriously?!)
 

© Chris Pedota-USA TODAY Sports

 

3 - Allen - Anyone else get the vibe that he just didn't care about coverage in this game and wouldn't be denied. He threw up multiple balls that just gave his receivers a chance. This was seen most with Diggs, even calling the same play back to back. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they feed off each other. With Diggs great play comes Allen confidence, and then everyone else benefits. All had some beautiful passes but also kept the fire on the sidelines when forced to punt. If there is a sugar-high Josh, this was "Don't ***** with me" Josh. He also had a really nice run that was negated by a BS holding call against Dawkins. Allen had some misses and wasn't perfect, which I only say because he is capable of it, but he was overall the MVP candidate we know he can be. 
 
4 - Holding hands are daughters and sons
And their faiths are falling down, down, down, down
I have wished for so long
How I wish for you today
 
5 - GABE! - I don't think I realized how much I love watching this kid play until he showed up big in this game. I get that Sanders can squeak open deep, but Davis just straight blew by his cover guy and the safety. Davis also showed great concentration on a deep ball that was tipped around. I don't care how many snaps it cuts into for Sanders (who made an amazing one-handed catch against PI); we are a better team when Davis takes the top off defenses and keeps them honest. I don't know what the snap counts were, but Daboll needs to keep it going. Also, Davis had a few good blocks to help the run game, something Sanders also struggles with.
 

© Chris Pedota-USA TODAY Sports

 

6 - Secondary - What else can you say except Mike White is going to need trauma counseling after this game. Every single starting defensive back recorded a turnover, which the defensive line helped with tipped passes at the line. Of all the interceptions, Tre's may have been my favorite. Similar to Klein's almost interception earlier in the game, Tre was shadowing a mid zone and another player. However, once White released the ball, Tre showed off his closing speed and acted like the deep safety, pulling in the pick easily. Everyone played a part in this game, and Wallace played phenomenally, laying some hits in the process. Poyer's interception at the goal line was the final punch in the stomach, and it was just a great day overall as they slammed the book shut on the ascending Mike White story.
 
7 - McKenzie in Motion - It's hard to wonder how much the Bills pay attention to the online criticism because the McKenzie motion sweep was back on display in this game again, even scoring a Touchdown off it.  As said all week, it's not that the play is unstoppable, but it's just one more thing the defense has to think about before pinning their ears back and going after Josh. McKenzie also had a great return game today, almost breaking one. Just another example of the 2020 gang getting involved again.

 

8 - Pass Protection - I can't say that I watched each offensive lineman in this game, but I did notice the extra help Daboll gave the front line. We kept an additional one or two guys in to block on a good majority of the snaps, which led to more time in the pocket. There was one breakdown play where a free DB came in from the strong size, and neither Knox nor the HB chipped him. I don't know how Allen didn't see him coming, but it was a solid hit on him that none of us want to see. Regardless of how it happened, the pass protection was there, and Allen easily put up over 300 yards. On a side note, it also felt like the receivers were getting deep quicker than normal. There were a few plays where Allen threw it up, and I was surprised to see how far downfield our guys had already got.
 

© Chris Pedota-USA TODAY Sports

 

9 - Defensive Line - I'm really curious to see the snap counts for this game and possible where they lined up, as it was tough to keep track of for this game. It looked like Oliver, who also played a statless great game, was lined up on the end a few times. AJ seemed to have his snap count increased, and potentially at the expense of Groot. Again, I'm not sure what the strategy was, and it's hard to complain about the outcome. We tipped quite a few passes, but the pressure was mediocre. Boogie absolutely leveled a guy in the backfield, which was my highlight of the 4th quarter. What I found the most interesting was when we decided to blitz. It seemed like we sent extra pressure on 2nd down the most, but we had some 3rd and longs where we only sent 3. Again, I can't argue with the result, but I was surprised we didn't go after White earlier more often. Side note, anyone disagree with the flag against AJ for roughing? I don't know what he could have done differently on that play.
 
10 - McD - While there is no excuse for last week's debacle, you have to give McD credit for having his team ready for this game. McD didn't mince words all week to the press and called people out as needed. Allen was pissed, Diggs had swag, and the trio ran angry. Poyer and Hyde had the secondary jumping, and Klein was shot out of a cannon. I know we played the Jets, but there are no easy wins, as we've learned these past few weeks. We have a decent stretch of games coming up against teams that show promise. McD needs to keep this going if we want to secure the one seed.
 

 
On to the Colts and the surprisingly solid Wentz and Pittman is sneaking up the receiving stat boards. Star is out against Taylor, arguably the best active RB in the game right now, but we are still the better team and need to get it done at home.

 

Go Bills!

 

 

BillsFans - Virgil

 

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[Core Four]

Great write-up and I don't disagree with any of it.

 

1-Klein: Strongly agree that we need to see more of Klein, who brings a situational awareness and instinct to the game that Edmunds doesn't have.  The two are very different players who fill different roles; I don't want Klein downfield in coverage, like I don't want Edmunds diagnosing plays near the LoS that rely in instincts.

 

9-Defensive LIne: In the game thread, I too noticed and questioned what AJE did to warrant a flag.  Just another example of over officiating.

[Figster]

51 minutes ago, Core Four said:

Great write-up and I don't disagree with any of it.

 

1-Klein: Strongly agree that we need to see more of Klein, who brings a situational awareness and instinct to the game that Edmunds doesn't have.  The two are very different players who fill different roles; I don't want Klein downfield in coverage, like I don't want Edmunds diagnosing plays near the LoS that rely in instincts.

 

9-Defensive LIne: In the game thread, I too noticed and questioned what AJE did to warrant a flag.  Just another example of over officiating.

I just want to say great posting since you joined us Core Four.

 

Like Virgils thoughts, its always a pleasure.

 

Thanks guys

[snafu]

Thanks @Virgil I haven't read a word yet.  I'm just trying to figure out that first photo.  Does Klein have three legs in that photo?  It's the screwiest thing I've seen in awhile.

 

 

 

 

[Figster]

8 minutes ago, snafu said:

Thanks @Virgil I haven't read a word yet.  I'm just trying to figure out that first photo.  Does Klein have three legs in that photo?  It's the screwiest thing I've seen in awhile.

 

 

 

 

 Klein's 3 legged good, lol

[IDBillzFan]

Thanks for the write-up, Virgil.

 

 

[Foxx]

16 minutes ago, snafu said:

Thanks @Virgil I haven't read a word yet.  I'm just trying to figure out that first photo.  Does Klein have three legs in that photo?  It's the screwiest thing I've seen in awhile.

 

 

 

 

 I thought the same thing at first. 

[GG1]

36 minutes ago, Figster said:

 Klein's 3 legged good, lol

 

Not what his name implies.

[GG1]

2 hours ago, Virgil said:

 

7 - McKenzie in Motion - It's hard to wonder how much the Bills pay attention to the online criticism, because the McKenzie motion sweep was back on display in this game again, even scoring a Touchdown off it.   As said all week, it's not that the play is unstoppable, but it's just one more thing the defense has to think about before pinning their ears back and going after Josh.  McKenzie also had a great return game today, almost breaking one.  Just another example of the 2020 gang getting involved again.

 

 

 

View full article

 

 

My pet theory is that Daboll has not dialed up the O-game plan to 11 in the first half of the season, especially with NE coming on the back end.  It likely caused him a W against Jax, but there was a lot more variability yesterday and I expect more to come. 

[Core Four]

1 hour ago, GG1 said:

 

My pet theory is that Daboll has not dialed up the O-game plan to 11 in the first half of the season, especially with NE coming on the back end.  It likely caused him a W against Jax, but there was a lot more variability yesterday and I expect more to come. 

 

I've wondered about this, but I'm leaning toward Daboll simply got a new toy in Emmanuel Sanders, who was getting force fed the ball.  This probably limited the creativity of playcalls and didn't get guys like Gabe Davis as involved as last year.

[Ninety-4]

Great report.

 

For me I think the Bills need a true #1 RB. A difference maker.  In baseball they have WAR ratings (wins above replacement).  None of these 3 would have good numbers in that regard.   I don't see any of the 3 of them as starting caliber and even the 3 combined are not a great package.  Singletary is very average to me, a backup or part time player.  Not a difference maker.  He's not overly quick or elusive, is small and not someone who breaks many tackles.  Moss, more of an inside N/S style but not big enough to excel in that area.  Brieda?  He hasn't had much opportunity yet and looked pretty good Sunday in his role but another smallish back and isn't special in terms of speed.  Good speed yes but not championship caliber IMO.  

 

It's a weak spot in this offense to me. 

[Uncle Joe]

37 minutes ago, Ninety-4 said:

In baseball they have WAR ratings (wins above replacement). 

Baseball is a game of stats. WAR does nothing for me:
From Wiki: 'No clearly established formula exists for WAR."

[Arm of Harm]

2 hours ago, Ninety-4 said:

Great report.

 

For me I think the Bills need a true #1 RB. A difference maker.  In baseball they have WAR ratings (wins above replacement).  None of these 3 would have good numbers in that regard.   I don't see any of the 3 of them as starting caliber and even the 3 combined are not a great package.  Singletary is very average to me, a backup or part time player.  Not a difference maker.  He's not overly quick or elusive, is small and not someone who breaks many tackles.  Moss, more of an inside N/S style but not big enough to excel in that area.  Brieda?  He hasn't had much opportunity yet and looked pretty good Sunday in his role but another smallish back and isn't special in terms of speed.  Good speed yes but not championship caliber IMO.  

 

It's a weak spot in this offense to me. 

For me, you’ll have a much better running game with a very good OL and a decent RB, vs. a bad OL and a very good RB. There are some exceptions to that rule, for example if you have Barry Sanders. But for the most part your OL is more important to your running game than your RB. 
 

The Bills’ OL is mediocre at best, and that is the heart of the problem with the running game. If I’m Branson Beane, OL is at the top of my off-season priorities. 

[Core Four]

1 hour ago, Arm of Harm said:

The Bills’ OL is mediocre at best, and that is the heart of the problem with the running game. If I’m Branson Beane, OL is at the top of my off-season priorities. 

 

Yep.  At a minimum, Morse and Feliciano need to be replaced.  Morse is not the biggest problem on the line, but he needs to be stronger in the run game and push the DTs back.  Feliciano is a backup, at best.

 

Also, Doyle appears to be a long way from the quick development of Spencer Brown.  If Beane though Doyle might be able to supplant Dawkins at LT, he is probably reconsidering.  At this point, I kind of doubt Dawkins is going anywhere.

[IDBillzFan]

1 hour ago, Core Four said:

 

Yep.  At a minimum, Morse and Feliciano need to be replaced.  Morse is not the biggest problem on the line, but he needs to be stronger in the run game and push the DTs back.  Feliciano is a backup, at best.

 

Also, Doyle appears to be a long way from the quick development of Spencer Brown.  If Beane though Doyle might be able to supplant Dawkins at LT, he is probably reconsidering.  At this point, I kind of doubt Dawkins is going anywhere.

 

Not unless they want to eat that new contract (four year/$58M/$30M guaranteed).

 

Caveat: I don't pretend to understand all the bits and pieces of NFL contracts so for all I know, no one eats anything but the guarantee at this point.

[Seasons1992]

On 11/15/2021 at 2:25 PM, snafu said:

Thanks @Virgil I haven't read a word yet.  I'm just trying to figure out that first photo.  Does Klein have three legs in that photo?  It's the screwiest thing I've seen in awhile.

 

 

 

 

 

So I was laying in bed this morning and scrolled backwards to see this....and you're DAMN right. Three legs on that photo!

[Seasons1992]

22 hours ago, Core Four said:

 

I've wondered about this, but I'm leaning toward Daboll simply got a new toy in Emmanuel Sanders, who was getting force fed the ball.  This probably limited the creativity of playcalls and didn't get guys like Gabe Davis as involved as last year.

 

I absolutely believe this.

[Foxx]

56 minutes ago, IDBillzFan said:

 

Not unless they want to eat that new contract (four year/$58M/$30M guaranteed).

 

Caveat: I don't pretend to understand all the bits and pieces of NFL contracts so for all I know, no one eats anything but the guarantee at this point.

I believe you're referring to Morse here.

 

Here are the outs for next year (via Spotrac)

PRE-6/1 RELEASE 2022 Dead Cap: $3,750,000 2022 Cap Savings:      $7,500,000

PRE-6/1 TRADE 2022 Dead Cap:  $2,750,000    2022 Cap Savings:   $8,500,000

POST-6/1 RELEASE 2022 Dead Cap: $3,750,000   2023 Dead Cap: $0      2022 Cap Savings: $7,500,000

POST-6/1 TRADE 2022 Dead Cap: $2,750,000      2023 Dead Cap: $0      2022 Cap Savings: $8,500,000

 

 

[IDBillzFan]

38 minutes ago, Foxx said:

I believe you're referring to Morse here.

 

Here are the outs for next year (via Spotrac)

PRE-6/1 RELEASE 2022 Dead Cap: $3,750,000 2022 Cap Savings:      $7,500,000

PRE-6/1 TRADE 2022 Dead Cap:  $2,750,000    2022 Cap Savings:   $8,500,000

POST-6/1 RELEASE 2022 Dead Cap: $3,750,000   2023 Dead Cap: $0      2022 Cap Savings: $7,500,000

POST-6/1 TRADE 2022 Dead Cap: $2,750,000      2023 Dead Cap: $0      2022 Cap Savings: $8,500,000

 

 

 

Nope. It's Dion. According to a quick pull from Buffalo Rumblings.

[Foxx]

24 minutes ago, IDBillzFan said:

 

Nope. It's Dion. According to a quick pull from Buffalo Rumblings.

Yeah, with a $10mm dead cap no matter how you look at it, he isn't going anywhere. It may be that he slides inside where it was projected would be his best position coming out of college. Can Spence play LT?