The Bills, fresh off rumors that this would be the final game for the Ryan twins in Buffalo should they lose came out and laid an egg, dropping a lesson in physicality with Pittsburgh 27-20. During the game it became apparent that the defense was not going to assert itself and the offense was going to struggle against a fast and furious Steeler defense.
But more than the box score, seeing the Bills allow a team record (and now Steeler offensive record) 298 all purpose yards against Le’Veon Bell was ghastly. In particular, his 236 yards rushing (another record) made nearly every Bills defender look like they wanted to be anywhere but New Era Field.
Tyrod Taylor passed for 228 yards on 15/25 attempts with two touchdowns and a pick – getting boh Sammy Watkins and Charles Clay their first touchdowns in nearly a year(!?) – but wasn’t consistent enough in his own right to be blameless. Shady McCoy chipped in with a touchdown rushing (27 yards) and lead all receivers with 6 receptions for 81 yards.
With this loss, the Bills are officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Through 2 seasons w/Bills:
Williams: 11-21
Mularkey: 14-18
Jauron: 14-18
Gailey: 10-22
Marrone: 15-17
Rex: 14-15— Joe (@BuffaloWins) December 11, 2016
At the 2 season mark is a study in futility. I also would argue a study in bad decisionmaking at head coach selection. Twice in this drought you’ve had a defensive “genius” destroy that side of the ball after having much success there; Twice you had re-treads none would think could get a job; and twice they picked someone who tried to do bad impersonations of their mentors.
Find a coach that wants to be his own man (or woman – yeah I said it) and finally have the spine organizationally to not obfuscate behind half truths and dada.
Questions about the team’s heart and desire are fair. Questions about Rex’s ability to lead this team as well. However, I’m of the opinion that the team and team philosophy is flawed and until that is fixed nothing will change. Even if they had a “superior” quarterback, the line will not hold up. The receivers will not show up – so until all of those things are fixed, put me in the “get Whaley his own HC and let’s finish this one way or the other” pile.
That’s where I am on the dreary Sunday. What say you?
https://twitter.com/evancdent/status/808056360936112130
When Rex boasted about building a bully, the worst thing that could happen was this game. Pittsburgh, for all of its spread and throw magic with Big Ben can still line up and punch you in the mouth. Repeatedly. The Bills saw this and flinched every time. In fact, the 3 4th downs and shorts they punted near the 50 were vintage bully moves – when someone of equal or superior ability shows up, the bully does not.
https://twitter.com/manecci/status/808056310616952832
They’re like this because at some point deep down they’re more interested in profit and getting their heads patted for being “smart” than making football decisions and having the testicular/ovular fortitude to carry them to their natural conclusions. In my humble opinion.
Should we fire Rex Ryan to the sun or the moon?
— Peelon Musk (@mmigliore) December 11, 2016
I’m currently reading the Ringworld series with a friend, so I’d say as far as technology will allow us in the present state – so somewhere south of Alpha Centauri.
Why do I do this to myself every year?
— bbJJ Fiancé bbJJ (@BBJay_716) December 11, 2016
Because, like all of us – even the most hardened and bitter – you want it to be the year they finally get out of their own freaking way. It’s all we have Jordan until we as a fanbase just give up on them and they get the 30k that tells them nice but no thanks, I’ll do yard work in a snowstorm instead.
That’s it for this week. Next up are the Browns – will the Bills have my beautiful unicorn Cardale under center or will Tyrod’s be there? Get ready for the “competitive advantage” non answers!
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