After the most dissapointing season of the league at 7-9 for the Bills (by league vote), Ownership has taken a long look at what the future holds, and has decided that it's time for a BIG change.
Jimmy G is no longer leading the pack in Buffalo. That job now belongs to Journeyman QB Teddy Bridgewater. Along with that change came a plethora of new weapons for the Bills offense, Including WR's Dante Pettis and Marqise Lee, HB James White, and TE Greg Olsen. All substantiol improvements for the team. In addition, the Bills have taken these weapons and development a new Spread style offense to take full advantage of all of their options.
The biggest Surprise however, might be the change from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4. The Bills biggest issue on defense the first 2 season has been the complete lack of a pass rush. The solution?.. a new system designed around a 3-4 disquise zone blitz scheme. There are minimal Notable additions to the defense, but tehy did manage to pick up Dean lowry at interior DL, several edge players for the new 3-4 system in derek rivers, shareef miller, and josh martin, and some average safety pieces to fill the void left by poyer in Josh jones and Eric reid.
The Bills draft went about as we expected.. The qb's we took risks on weren't up to our standards and found themselves as free agents pretty quickly. WR greg redmon will likely find a spot on the practice squad this season along with safety danny mims. The only drafted rookie to make the 53 man roster will be Interior defensive lineman Adrian Thomson, who will be playing a backup and situational pass rush roll behind Oliver and Lowry, and Phillips.
The new look Mafia has arrived.. Now we wait to see if it's us or the opponents that are going through the tables!
Well, the start of season 2 is underway and the Bills are looking to build on a promising, but ultimately disappointing 1st season. Despite their best record in decades at 12-4, the Bills went 0-1 in the playoffs, losing to the chiefs in a game that was closer than it should have been. The chiefs ran all over the Bills defense, and made it clear that there was still work to do here in Buffalo.
We went into the offseason with 2 very specific goals.
1. Do not let the offensive line fall apart with expiring contracts coming up.
2. Find a way to improve the front 7 on defense.
Overall, We feel like we maintained those goals well. Losing S1 free agent signing john sullivan to retirement produced a big hole in the offensive line, and the the Bills Filled that gap with up and comer Cody Ford. The Bills also went after Lane Taylor and Justin Pugh in free agency to ensure any future gaps due to contracts or injuries we're filled with talented big men up front. Other relevant changes to the offense include the loss of TE Tyler Kroft, WR Cole Beasley, FB Kyle Justasrelevantasanyoneelse, and HB Frank Gore. Predicting the move to the a more vertical offense, Kroft was let go in favor of younger and faster vertical threats in Neal sterling and Dawson Knox. Cole beasley will be replaced by Veteran John Brown, and filling in the Slot receiver spot will by the S1 kick returner Isiah Mckenzie. In the backfield The Bills have replaced Frank Gore with the bulldozer, lagarrette blount, rpelace Kyle with roosevelt Nix, and added Jalen Richard to the stable of backs in yeldon and singletary.
Moving over to the defensive side of things, The priority of helping the front 7 in the run game will fall on the shoulders of new NT Linval Joseph, from the Vikings. The Bills managed to retain all of their defensive starters, while improving the front 4, which we are very happy about. Depth has changed hrer and there, but the only other significant improvement is the addition of veteran safety Jahlle Addae, who should be a big role player in a defense that loves bringing 3 safeties onto the field.
The only downside from the offseason in the minds of the Bills owners... The draft. Yes, the Bills traded away a significant portion of their draft capitol to improve their team early with the additions of julio jones, avery williamson, trevor williams, and some other role players. What was left were a couple of depth picks in the 5th and 6th rounds. The results were less than decent, and by the start of the season, the 3 rookies found themselves in free agency. Nevertheless, the Bills used their draft stock to improve, and no one can argue with the results.
We're looking forward to seeing what this team can bring to the table in season 2. Good luck everyone!
After a 9 game winning streak that put the Bills in position to lock in a first round bye in the playoffs, the bills find themselves still fighting. It's been an unexpectably great season for the Bills after coach Barkley came in and decided the team was ready to win now. Moves were made, the league was shook up, and the Bills showed the league that the AFC East title wasn't the Patriots by default. It comes down to a week 17 matchup between the Jets and Bills. The week 1 matchup was a close 21-17 game that went the Bills way, and week 17 should be no different. If the Bills come out on top, 2019 will become their best season since 1991. Let's take a look at the moves made to get them here.
Preseasons - Coach Barkley decides after several practices that Josh Allen simply isn't the QB for his system. In comes the 49ers, looking for a spread QB and not feeling Jimmy G. So the swaps in place, and the 49ers send over FB Kyle Jesuszxyckyzcky to sweeten the deal.
Results - 102 QB rating, Lowest turnover total in the league, and a 12, possibly 13 win season with Jimmy at the helm.
Week 5 - The Bills run game is starting to sputter, and they need weapons. Coach Barkley makes a blockbuster trade, sending Multiple 1st round picks, and young talent Zay Jones to the Atlanta falcons in return for Superstar WR Julio Jones.
Results - In games played(not simmed) Julio has averaged 6 catches, 140 yards, and a TD, and more importantly, opened the running game back up.
Week 8 - Trade deadline comes and the Bills need some help on defense. In unusual fashion, coach Barkley elects to go to a division rival, trading for LB Avery Williamson from the Jets in exchange for a mid round pick and veteran backer lorenzo alexander.
Results - The Bills interior defense instantly improves, especially in the redzone where they struggled early. Bills open up their coverage looks and start racking in the turnovers. With 1 game to play, the Bills are 4th in points allowed and 1st in turnover differential.
Despite the setback, the Bills are looking to lock in a bye week and shock the league in the playoffs.
Minneapolis, MN: "Not even close". That's what Adrian Peterson had to say in his post game interview when asked if he felt his age would play a role in his performance this season. If his performance today was any indication, he may be spot on with that analogy. The recently celebrated 30 year old star put up 26 carries for 232 yards against the Jaguars opening week. While a late game fumble on his part nearly cost them the victory, the Vikings defense was able to pick up the slack and held on to win 42-28. However, Peterson wasnt the only star of the day. Dre Kirkpatrick was able to intercept the ball 3 times, including a touchdown saving play that he took the other way for 6 points to all but seal the win. The Vikings haven't had solid Cornerback play since Antoine Winfield left the team, and the fans showed their appreciation for the life the defense showed on the field.
Key Points
The Good: The Vikings Offensive line played outstanding today, opening up huge running lanes for Peterson, and protecting our young quarterback from pressure. Jennings is showing the veteran leadership on field, and Rudolph is developing into the pro bowl caliber tight end we expect him to become. The Vikings Defensive line played well considering their 2nd and 3rd string Defensive Tackles are injured. Kirkpatrick had a solid performance at Corner and proved he can be a huge factor on the field. Desmond Bishop and Harrison Smith also performed well today.
The Bad: The Vikings would like to see more performance from Cordarrelle Patterson at the Wide Receiver position. Now that Oliphant is returning kicks, Patterson will have more time to focus on the intagible's of his receiving game. This may be a defining year for the young player. Turnover are also a big issue right now. The Vikings managed to win a game in which the turned the ball over 8 times, including 5 interceptions, and 3 fumbles, but that sort of performance wont last long. The Vikings Defensive line needs to get more pressure on the QB moving forward as well, and the QB position needs to be more consistent.
When asked about the performance, Owner Nick barkley had this to say:
" Opening the season with a win is always great. Momentum can play a huge role in a game of inches. Make no mistake about it though, we have a lot of work to do. We won't continue to win games if we Turn the ball over the way we did today. We need to play smarter, and keep making plays on the field. Thank you."
The Off-Season - If there was one thing for certain during the 2015 Off-Season, it was that the Vikings Intended on Improving the team they had in place, and not making drastic changes. That is evident in 1 simple stat: The Vikings have exactly 2 new starters this year.
Rookie 5th Round QB Dwight Hinz was drafted to fill the 3rd QB roll on the team. After the Vikings made a trade during the offseason to get Rams QB Kody Szczepanik(in exchange for the Vikings 2nd round pick), it was all but a given that he would be the starter for 2015. Matt Cassel has taken up the position of veteran backup, and With the expectation that the Vikings needed help from the draft at other positions, the QB position seemed all but locked into place. Dwight Hinz was a 5th round pick from California-Davis college, who has gone from roster filler, to starter in just a few months time.
That brings us to the second(and last) new starter for the 2015 season, Utah Defensive Tackle Stuart Dugue. The Vikings made quick work replacing DE's Allen and Robison, Picking up Cliff Avril last offseason, and Arizona State sensation Antione Verbal in the 2014 draft. Dugue will fill the final piece of the puzzle at defensive line for the Vikings. Dugue is Slated to play DT along side Sharrif Floyd, filling the last hole in a Defensive line with very high expectations. While Dugue is technically second on the Depth chart, many believe he will be the starter before the season is over.
Where we excel - It's no secret that while the Vikings have made several moves to improve their offense, its strength still lies on the legs of Adrian Peterson, and the Blocking of our Offensive line. With weapons like Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Kyle Rudolph on the field to help balance the offense, the Ground game should be very successful.
What needs work - The QB position has been in question for the Vikings for too long, and even now, the answer isn't clear. Rookie QB Dwight Hinz will stat, and has impressed the coaches a lot, but can he make the instant improvement we need? If it doesn't happen, will we see Szczepanik take the helm? Or will veteran QB Matt Cassel have to step up and try to fill the role again?
Where we excel - Before the beginning of last season, it looked like the Vikings DL was about to go from one of the best, to one of the worst. 2014 pickups Cliff Avril and Antione Verbal, and 2015 rookie Stuart Dugue, along side Sharrif Floyd have seemingly erased that concern, and the Vikings defensive line looks as good as it was before. Harrison smith has become a dominant player at the safety position and will be a force for the defense.
What needs work - The Vikings linebacker core could be the biggest question for team. Bishop has not shown the veteran leadership he was expected to provide, Jerrell Freeman has under performed at the MLB position, and 2013 Rookie Gerald Hodges is progressing slowly, to say the least. The Vikings also still have plenty of questions at the Corner position. Kirkpatrick could be a viable force at the position, if he continues to improve. Rhodes has been moved to Slot corner as he is still struggling to make that next step up. He was replaced by Shaun Prater, who understands the game, but struggles to make plays when needed. The defense will be relying a lot on the offense to keep them out of bad situations this year, which has been a problem for the Vikings in the past.
"Everyone knows we play to win, and everyone knows the final goal is the Superbowl. Right now we are concentrating on doing the little things right. Not making mistakes, and taking advantage of the opportunities that we are given. We are taking this season one game at a time, and one opportunity at a time, and we will see what happens. Thank you."
Baltimore, MD - After starting the season 0-3, giving up a staggering 109 points and scoring just 17 in 3 games, the Ravens have finally found a little life. During the week the Ravens underwent yet another personnel change on the field, with defensive players again being shifted and moved from one spot to another. This change marking the third one already this season. However, the staff may have finally found something that works. The Bills made a late game surge, bringing the final score a bit closer, with the Ravens winning 27 - 21, but the game was far from that close. for 3 quarters the Ravens defense played almost lights out, finishing the game with 8 forced turnovers(7 Int's, 1 Fumble recovery). And while a late game prevent defense allowed Buffalo's E.J. Manuel to finally find some windows to shine in, The ravens forced the situation, holding C.J. Spiller to just 57 yards on the ground. While a 1-3 start is certainly nothing to brag about, the Ravens defense has certainly given their opponents something to worry about.
When asked about the performance, The Ravens new owner, Nick Barkley, had this to say...
Baltimore, MD. - Introducing a new defensive scheme to a team is always a challenge, Especially when it happens during a season. Never the less, thats what Baltimore Ravens new owner, Nick Barkley, Decided to do this week against the Browns. It was a sudden move, but not too surprising considering his background. Was it better than last week? Yes. Did it give the Ravens what they needed to win? No. But once again, it's not the defense thats struggling to show life, it's the offense. Flacco added two more interceptions to the four he threw last week, bringing his total to six in just two games. Is it all his fault? Probably not. Is his performance a big part of the problem? Probably. When a QB completes 64% of his passes, and puts the ball in the endzone, most people might say he is having a good day. But this is where the stats lie. Flacco missed multiple receivers at key moments throughout the game, Negating a walk in touchdown and a first down on a key 3rd and long. Add all that to a fumble by Ray Rice in the redzone, and you are basically handing your opponent all the momentum.
When asked about the performance, The Ravens new owner, Nick Barkley, had this to say...
"As I said last week, We have a lot of work to do. We have had the chance to evaluate the new system here in Baltimore. We will make the appropriate adjustments, and go from there. Flacco is a top QB in this league, and he is our starter for the forseeable future, without question. We will continue to improve as we work our way to the playoffs. Thank you."
Ask any previous superbowl winning team if a superbowl "Hangover" is real, and you will probably get a chuckle and a "we have to work harder" from the coaching staff. However, there were no laughs or chuckles coming from the Ravens locker room after tonights game against the Broncos. Perhaps it was over confidence that led to the 31 to 0 beating the Broncos handed to the Ravens, but there is no doubt that chalking this one up to a "Hangover" isn't going to cover it.
The ravens were outplayed on both sides of the ball, amounting just 182 yards of offense, and giving up over 400 yards on defense. And while the defense looked like it could use some work, giving up 400 yards to the Broncos offense isn't going to turn any heads. The real story tonight was the offense. In what may very well be called the worst performance of his career, Joe Flacco completed just 11 passes for 100 yards, while throwing 4 interceptions, finishing the game with a QB rating just over 23. Normally you could find the clues leading to such a performance, but Flacco was sacked twice the entire game, and was supported by a running game that averaged 4.5 YPC. Can the Ravens bounce back next week against the Browns, or is this the beginning of a very long, painful "hangover".
When asked about the performance, The Ravens new owner, Nick Barkley, had this to say...
As a new face around the franchise, I am still learning the in and outs of this team. What you saw tonight was just that, a learning experience. There is no "hangover", or superbowl slump. We simply have a lot of work to do. Adapting to the game is just part of football, and we will adapt. There is a lot of young, and very talented players in this organization, and I have very high expectations for everyone here. Thank you and we will see you next week.