Rewind to 1st Preseason Game

I’ve been trying to say this for a while. Good post. You did it better than me.

If our D can put any pressure on the pass and hold them reasonable points, there is no reason we should not be in this game.

This is kind of what I’m thinking – if Trent can put together a solid first couple drives we might have a chance of staying in this game. Confidence is important – but it can come and go quickly. I think a good start will be very important for us.

I’m excited to let Mayhem loose on Brady.

Don’t forget that was a preseason game. The defense wasn’t showing nearly all of its packages, for two reasons. It’s the preseason, and you don’t want to tip your hand with video of blitzes and formations to anyone. On top of that, Buffalo plays Tennessee during the regular season, so Tennessee really doesn’t want to show much. I’m not so sure that if their defense is going full out, and they are using the full arsenal of plays, that the Bills are that successful. There is reason to be optimistic from this just from considering the caliber of the defense faced, but don’t let it get to your head.

Yes we moved the ball on them. We followed up with Chicago and Green Bay, Once again the offense moved the ball with little to no success punching it in. Finishing with Pittsburgh and Detroit which catulputed the release of Schonert. We are expecting to see the aggressiveness from our offense as we did in our first preseason game and there is no reason why we shouldn’t see it. Also, remember that in the games that followed Trent was pretty sharp, from a statistical stand point. Only to get frustrated with the 3-4 fronts which supposedly handicapped the play calling. The frustration grew during the final two preseason games. That frustration has filtered through the entire Bills nation. Trent’s confidence was flippin shattered and Schonert had to finally go. It is unfortunate that Schonert didn’t see things the same way. Maybe now he does, but I doubt it.

The dinks and dunks won’t go away. They proved to be an effecient set up play for second and third downs. The dinks and donks wont be the topic of conversation come Tuesday morning though. Things will be different on offense. We may even have a few surprises from players we wouldn’t expect, like Xavier Omon or Shawn Nelson.

Does anyone remember the look on Don Shula’s face when he put Marino in to finish the game against the bills some twenty five years ago. The dolphins lost the game, I believe 38 – 35 but he was estatic because he found the leader of his team for the next decade. We will play to win Monday night, the bills players are not intimidated by the patriots at all. The fans carry that baggage, thanks to the media. Our bigger success coming out of this game will be Trents confidence. His ability to run the offense, protect the ball, and keep his teammates focused on each play. The ability to lead during adverse times. This accomplishment will better serve this team than a win will. But trust me they are playing to win, because that is what they are coached to do.