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Holding on for dear life, the Bills were able to come home and beat the Texans, 30 – 21 and keep their playoff hopes alive. If last week was a funeral dirge, this week was two parts horror movie, one part triumphant waltz and a final dash of a hopeful reprise. Is it for real? Should we get excited? Here are my thoughts:
- Tyrod’s Game and My Epiphany: A few years ago, back when Vick was on the Falcons still, I remember watching a game and after listening to Sirius. Pat Kirwan noted that one of keys of Schaub’s mobility on the Texans was attributed to having to lose weight to back up Vick and imitate the bootlegs that were built into their offense. Over the years I’ve kept that in mind and looked at other backups that took on traits of their starter counterpart. In the case of Tyrod, in talking with a friend earlier this evening I came to the realization that I see a lot of Flacco’s game, particularly the penchant for the deep ball to the sidelines – only wrapped in a 6 foot package that can run a 4.48 – 4.49 forty. I’m going to continue to observe this – and for me it’s also a helpful tool for looking at what they go after in the off-season. I’d wager another deep threat to give him both sides of the field to work with off of the play action is on the menu, pending Harvin’s prognosis
- Defense is Herky – Jerky: I would love to say this game was the return of a dominant defensive unit. But, between the injuries (add Gilmore to that list with a bum shoulder pending MRI) and some resistance (hello Mario) still to the scheme, I wonder what is it going to take to get the team to finally gel. With four games left, I doubt a magic turnaround is in order – but I’d love at least a *bit* more of the defense that handled their business last year.
- Too Many Drops: Much has been made the last week as to whether or not Tyrod is the answer at quarterback. Games like this can help – but the drops by Woods (getting tangled up in his own feet) and Charles Clay completely short arming a wide open pass over the middle isn’t helpful to Taylor’s cause. Over the past few weeks, the receivers have had a penchant for randomly just dropping passes – and for an efficiency based offense like the Bills run those gaffes can kill you. Particularly as the defense continues to find its way.
Alright, onward to the Tweet Bag!
@RDotDeuce bigger strength: QB or Defense?
— Disgusted Buffalo (@DisgustedBuff) December 6, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsQB. Not even close. Tyrod, as I mentioned above is playing like a 6′ Flacco in his game, without the turnovers. That’s more than just a ‘game manager’ to me. And the defense, which was sold to be superior to last year’s model, can’t get out of it’s own way at times and is now playing bend-but-don’t-break. Playing in that manner wasn’t what we were sold, so I’m a bit leery of the defense from snap to snap to be honest.
@RDotDeuce I think the last couple of few misses are on Schmidt. That one was all laces. New job for EJ?
— Brian Cummings (@B_inShortsville) December 6, 2015
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I am a fan of the backup being the holder for a kick, but I’m also really really nervous because of all the snaps I’ve seen EJ bobble for no reason at all. So that’d make it worse in my opinion.
@goosesroost @RDotDeuce my wife left me
— hannahconda (@c_ntnntl) December 6, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsTwo parter! Just like my favorite eps of NCIS!(No, I’m not 70) First – Ryan. I think you’re onto something with your question. I think as fans we at times can’t see the forest for the trees. Or as I mention to students in my day job, taking a 10,000 foot look at what’s going on and figure out where you’re going. I think the affection for the team will lead to deeper dives for some into the team, but also deeper caverns when they fail to live up to what you perceive their bar to be. I’m someone that has interests and am “all in” on them. If I’m reading about something in history, I’m spending the week reading/watching/listening to addendums. In the case of the Bills, I’m spending free time to evaluate start data while helping my wife study for her law school exams. So, with myself as the anecdote, yeah, we care too much and the good is great and the bad is horrid. It’s also similar to the confirmation bias you mentioned in your great post from the 4th. We hear “Because Buffalo” and we expect the failure because we have seen it. We’ve also seen comebacks and dominating blowouts too – but we expect the loss. Really really tough. And Second – Hannah, I’m sorry but when you’re Wawa deficient, that’ll happen. Get back out there and you’ll be fine!
@RDotDeuce @BuffaloWins am I nuts to think they can go 5-0 to end the season? cause I think they totally can
— Bob Scott (@bobFNscott) December 6, 2015
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Bob, I think you’re a perfectly sane guy. However, with the way the team has played this year – and the way the refereeing has had back breaking roles in games lost this season (see below) – I cannot see them doing it. I’d love it, if only to dream of sitting at a home playoff game for the first time in my 34 years.
@RDotDeuce Why do we take the sport seriously, especially given the state of officiating. Not saying we cant have fun, but…
— The DefenseKringle (@TheDefenseman) December 6, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThis is at the heart of a lot of my feeling on pro football. Right now, there’s so many bad calls per game that unless you’re one of the better teams, it’s going to affect you. I’d love to say, “take it out of the ref’s hands” but a lot of the time what can you do? On the Nuk Hopkins TD, you have two officials watch Hopkins shove Darby before the TD but no call. On the two calls this season of PI on Robey, the NFL later apologizes and says they weren’t right. But those plays allowed teams to score TDs after that. I’d love to say “deal with it”, but that sort of inconsistency is maddening. At no point during a game can I say with clarity a catch or a run or a score is real, because I wait 4-10 (to 15?!?) seconds for a ‘flag’ logo to pop up on the screen. This is going to be something that over time can affect the NFL and their bottom line, especially as the gaffes become more and more prominent. Having a month of Monday and Sunday Night football games end in ignominy would make you think fixes have to come, but the overall arrogance of the league allows it to just no-sell problems. As a fan, I’m conflicted. Do we then just assume that in addition to hoping our team gets better each game, the refs also become more competent in their second jobs? Or do bail out on the Bills and instead wait each week for the result and watch if it’s not a complete farce? That shouldn’t be a situation to be in.
@RDotDeuce Did Rambo save our season?
— Mike McKenzie (@mack10zie) December 6, 2015
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It bears watching, but Rambo’s game today – and the rake of the ball late – was definitely key in making December still mean something for this Bills team, no question.
That’s it for this week. Hopefully the team will rest up and be ready to rock and roll in the city of brotherly love. Worst case, Rex gets a cheese steak and I get agita. Go Bills.
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