FanPost

Time for Some Reflection

What I think the majority of Rumblers (including myself) need to do is to take a breath and relax. Every pass and subsequently every incompletion, completion, INT, and TD (or lack there of) is too heavily scrutinized. I have come to the understanding that it is only the preseason but considering that is all we have right now, everyone (especially reporters) are divulging every play or movement as breaking news in the world of football. What they don't comprehend or choose to ignore is the realization that what happens in the preseason means nothing. Yes, it is better than following tweets during training camp but come on, the preseason means squat. This mundane part of the year holds no bearing on what will happen in the regular season when coaches game plan and attempt to set the tone, instead of reacting to it. As I understand it, preseason playbooks are extremely vanilla and most veterans know that the regular season is where they make their money. The only thing they are attempting to accomplish is working through the kinks and staying uninjured. So, there is absolutely no reason to get all up in arms whenever Manuel throws a bad pass or the ever-changing offensive line misses a block that would result in a TD or first down. Just because Manuel misses a throw to a receiver in the end zone, it does not mean he has regressed and on the same note this can also be true for any other player on the roster. The preseason puts potential on display but players are more worried about remaining healthy and less on their stats.

Take for instance, the difficulty of the first string offense getting in the end zone. In reality, when they arrive in the red zone during a real game setting there will probably be designed plays that will highlight Manuel's strengths which include play actions, QB runs, fade throws, and misdirection. I truly believe Marrone and Hackett are utilizing the bare bones of the playbook to assist Manuel in familiarizing himself with the schematics and help him learn to run through his progressions. In a real game setting, once the offense gets within the 20 yard line, I am sure there will be more creativity based on what the opposing defense's strengths and weaknesses are. I am extremely encouraged by the progression of two of the offenses blatant drawbacks last year: third down conversion and sustaining drives. Both of those areas have improved so far in this preseason. Red zone success will come as well once the entire set of starters (O-line, WR's and RB's) are on the field at the same time. Certain group of people forget that there are a lot of moving parts right now, especially in the receiving core and O-line.

The same can be said for our defense. Just because their run defense has been stellar it does not mean that they will carry it into the regular season at the same level. Another area that will change is their secondary. Gilmore and company (especially Gilmore) are more worried with learning the system and remaining healthy than how many yards or touchdowns they give up.

In closing, there is a reason the preseason does not matter and is considered exhibition games. Coaches are more worried about discipline, injuries, and comprehension of the playbook than which starters put up the most positive stats. Before we as a fan base super impose our expectations on the organization and rejoice or cringe at the teams results, just relax. Remember the preseason draws no basis on the regular season and enjoy just watching the games when they mean nothing.

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.