Buffalo Rumblings - Nathan Peterman leads Buffalo Bills against Los Angeles ChargersBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2018-06-07T11:00:02-04:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/164289192018-06-07T11:00:02-04:002018-06-07T11:00:02-04:00Stop blaming Patrick DiMarco for Nathan Peterman’s first interception
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<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>An exploration into Nathan Peterman’s first career interception and some “not Patrick DiMarco” reasons it might have occurred</p> <p id="DQJbG1"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/5/27/17355548/plays-that-defined-2017-buffalo-bills-at-los-angeles-chargers">We all know how</a> the debut of quarterback <span>Nathan Peterman</span> went by now. And if you don’t it’s probably better that way (psssst...turn back now). Turnover after turnover marred his first start to the point where he was pulled after only half a game and written off by many fans before even that long. </p>
<p id="wcKYO8">Just in case anyone felt like coverage on this was lacking, let’s <s>over</s>analyze his first interception. Seeing the ball ricochet off <span>Patrick DiMarco</span>’s hands, it’s easy to assume DiMarco should have caught it. But how easy of a catch was it really? We turn to math and science...grooooooaaaaaan...to find out. </p>
<h2 id="ox52F1">Some fun data to set us off</h2>
<p id="SaTtOL">Here’s the play in question for reference purposes. </p>
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<p id="7ccMCM">Now that we’re all just a little more sad than we were a minute ago, let’s discuss fault for a second before moving on to the math and science part of the show. Typically, to blame the quarterback you need to make the case that the ball was uncatchable. Accuracy is often the easiest argument. While the ball wasn’t placed perfectly (more on that later), it wasn’t so far off as to be uncatchable. However, Peterman rifles it in pretty good. Is there such a thing as “too fast” in the NFL? Let’s examine a second gif to get that conversation percolating. </p>
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<p id="CGzt0c">Please note that due to camera angles and other factors, calculations will be in the “pretty darn good” category instead of “exact.” This view of the play shows the ball exiting <span>Nathan Peterman</span>’s hand and being marked at the Buffalo 48-yard line. The second line as the ball reaches <span>Patrick DiMarco</span>’s hands is at the Los Angeles 44. </p>
<p id="5M9AJz">Between these two points the ball traveled 8 yards (24 feet) in 413 milliseconds. I put this data into an equation to find feet per hour. (If you’d like to check my math I did this: 24ft/.413s = x/3600s). The result turns out to be 209,200ft/hr. We divide that by the number of feet in a mile (5,280) and we have our first fun fact of the article. </p>
<p id="B2sML4">Nathan Peterman threw the ball at <strong>39mph</strong>. Not his fastest by any means, but pretty darn fast. </p>
<h2 id="YkhYpw">Human reaction time and the concept of “too fast”</h2>
<p id="O3AdPw">There is indeed a risk of “too fast” on an NFL pass. Rather than being based strictly on speed, however, we need to turn to reaction time to a visual stimulus. This is essentially a measure of the delay between seeing something and taking appropriate action. Put another way, when a receiver sees the ball coming his way there is a short delay before the hands and arms start moving. Additionally, time is needed to make the correct movement (move the arms). A 39mph pass in and of itself is not a problem. The problem then becomes this. If the pass took just under half a second to travel between players, is that enough time to react and respond appropriately? </p>
<p id="gacNg7">Human reaction time to a visual stimulus is a little over a quarter second (a quarter second = 250 milliseconds). There’s deviation dependent on which study you refer to, but we’ll use the 250-millisecond mark for the purpose of our discussion. </p>
<p id="L9shu0">If you really feel like diving in, there are a few items linked below with brief summary here. In the studies/pieces linked, participants were asked to respond with a simple physical action when a visual stimulus was noted. Typically pressing a button with one finger. Response time is recorded from the moment the stimulus appears until the button press acknowledges it. </p>
<p id="ckDIIw"><a href="http://file.scirp.org/pdf/NM20100100001_38982209.pdf">This paper</a> from Jose Shelton and Gideon Praveen Kumar had limited participants but concluded response times to be around a third of a second (331 milliseconds). </p>
<p id="1teuSL"><a href="http://www.iaeng.org/publication/IMECS2012/IMECS2012_pp1449-1454.pdf">This study</a> from Annie W.Y. Ng and Alan H.S. Chan had better participant numbers. For Patrick DiMarco’s age group it concluded a similar response time of approximately one-third of a second. </p>
<p id="ti3zEi">The website <a href="https://www.humanbenchmark.com/tests/reactiontime/statistics">Human Benchmark</a> has a similar test and arguably provides the best data. With over 65 million participants and the inclusion of data regarding screen and device latency, it represents the most comprehensive look for a similar test. Their data suggests around 280 milliseconds. </p>
<p id="oIWCc7">If everyone agrees that testing with a simple physical reaction has response times greater than a quarter second, why are we running with the 250-millisecond estimate? First off, none of the studies examined professional athletes. There’s some reason to think they may have an advantage (better diet and overall health for example). Also, wherever there’s some doubt, I’ve erred on the side of caution. </p>
<h2 id="UHY2Y6">Are these controlled tests fair parallels to the DiMarco situation?</h2>
<p id="tPiYqC">The worry is that either Patrick DiMarco or the test subjects could have differences that lead to a significant advantage that make it difficult to use the 250 millisecond estimate. Luckily, Patrick DiMarco’s situation is not too dissimilar from the studies above in many key areas. </p>
<p id="2tExHp">Practicing a given task can lead to better response times, and Patrick DiMarco has definitely practiced football tasks. Similar to DiMarco, participants in trials such as these often are given practice runs. Their times are also generally not recorded off of a single trial, meaning multiple attempts accounts for additional practice. The overall low complexity of the requested action in the test setting should also be considered. </p>
<p id="tDP7sf">DiMarco is <em>expecting </em>the ball, and should have an advantage. Similarly, participants in response time studies are told “you will see [visual stimulus].” Similar to the practice point above, participants are told what to expect and are given the opportunity to see it before going “live” with their numbers. If anything, Patrick DiMarco is at a relative disadvantage from the simple trials. If you look at the play again, Nathan Peterman has left the pocket. Even if this is a designed rollout, the receiver needs to first locate the quarterback effectively which raises the difficulty. Comparing this to the simple trials it would be like asking participants to first locate the screen before testing. </p>
<p id="dXzajR">Furthermore, there are three receivers on the same side of the offense all running similar routes at different levels. Until they see the trajectory they can’t know if the ball is coming to them or one of the other options. It’s critical that this is evaluated in the air, as each receiver can cause problems for the next if they were to...ahem...tip a ball that wasn’t meant for them. The best case scenario is that the play is designed to go to DiMarco, but this merely puts him on the same level of expectation as study participants rather than providing an advantage. </p>
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<p id="c6O50t">There’s actually good cause to think Patrick DiMarco is at a disadvantage, as his task is also muddied by the fact that he’s running, needs to be worried about getting hit, has multiple responsibilities to mentally juggle and has distractors such as crowd noise and sunlight (look at the shadows). To err on the side of caution, we’ll simply leave it at the fact that he does not have an advantage, which suggests our 250-millisecond estimate should be safe.</p>
<p id="HwN1Zi">With the safe guess of 250 milliseconds established, our next step is to identify when DiMarco should start his response. Compared to the gif used to determine velocity, we’ll back the timeline up by one frame to the point where the ball can first be seen to be released. This span was selected as DiMarco cannot fully expect a pass to come his way from the windup, as the ball could be thrown away or Peterman can pump fake. The time from Peterman’s hand to DiMarco’s hands is 463 milliseconds. We subtract the reaction time as this represents time before the physical action <strong>can </strong>occur. DiMarco is left with just over a fifth of a second (213 milliseconds) to raise both hands and make the catch. </p>
<h2 id="wb4zur">What good is average reaction time when talking about one specific person?</h2>
<p id="0Agt71">It’s not ideal to draw conclusions about one person based on an average. In fact, most of the above is really best left to the theoretical world and works more to establish a concept of “too fast” for NFL throws. As an example, a conclusion we can say is that most people would have no realistic chance of catching a 39mph ball from 4 yards away. That’s neat, but it doesn’t help us here.</p>
<p id="GSlgdC">Luckily we have a Plan B. This plan consists of seeing when DiMarco shows any sign of reacting to the ball coming his way. From there we can use the frame by frame to determine times just like we’ve been doing. For this exercise, I look to the first frame in which we see a deliberate motion to catch. This simulates our simple physical movement akin to pushing a button in the studies above. Naturally, there’s a gif.</p>
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<p id="mASVAP">There are two important stoppages. The first is to point out where it’s tempting to think DiMarco is making a move to catch the ball as he’s turning his body toward the quarterback. This is squaring to the play in case the ball is coming but nothing more. First note that his arms continue pumping for a couple more frames, until the second freeze. Also, note <span>Nick O’Leary</span> is going through the same process of squaring to the play behind him. The second pause represents the first frame he’s making a motion like he anticipates the ball. Specifically, his arms stop swinging like they’re running and start to come up.</p>
<p id="RKx5N3">From Nathan Peterman’s hand to when Patrick DiMarco acts like he expects the ball, it’s 230 milliseconds. It turns out our quarter second estimate was pretty good. From there, DiMarco is then left with the remainder of 233 milliseconds to make the catch. </p>
<h2 id="whRDPB">Whose fault was it then?</h2>
<p id="F4SCWU">Both players. Patrick DiMarco gets his hands up and around the ball so you do have to assume he had a shot at it. Nathan Peterman should have taken some heat off of it and given his receiver a much better chance. When looking at the play in totality, I tend to place a little more blame on Peterman. With DiMarco wide open, the velocity wasn’t remotely necessary. Putting the ball ahead of him and slower carried no risk. The ball pops DiMarco in the facemask as well. For this route that puts the ball a little high and behind where it should be, further adding to the catch difficulty. </p>
<p id="WfXwaA">There is a flaw in my argument when shifting blame away from DiMarco. None of the conversations so far addresses whether 230-250 milliseconds is enough time to get your hands up to make a catch. There aren’t good enough studies on this either, so we’ll have to be more creative. </p>
<h2 id="6ZZeiW">The Patrick DiMarco Experience!</h2>
<p id="tb3yfE">Below is a gif with a few different visual stimuli. Before each one is a blank slide that will last two or three seconds. On the blank slides pump your arms like you’re running. If you can stand up and run in place, even better. As soon as you see anything, try to raise your hands as fast as you can and catch an imaginary football in front of your face. Each stimulus will last for 480 milliseconds before disappearing (slightly longer than what DiMarco had). </p>
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<p id="MAgl4U">How’d you do? Now remember that he had some things that made it tougher for him. Impossible catch? Nah. Tough catch? Very much so. </p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/6/7/17423202/stop-blaming-patrick-dimarco-for-nathan-petermans-first-interceptionSkarekrow2017-11-27T14:43:02-05:002017-11-27T14:43:02-05:00Bills correct McDermott, confirm Benjamin has torn meniscus
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<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This could hold the pass catcher out for a while</p> <p id="Ve1anM">Late Sunday morning, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter said on <em>Sunday NFL Countdown</em> that wide receiver <span>Kelvin Benjamin</span> <a href="https://twitter.com/StillTalkinTV/status/934812851616788481">suffered a torn meniscus</a> in his right knee last week against the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>. On Monday afternoon, <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> head coach Sean McDermott denied the report in his press conference. Minutes later, the Bills media relations staff corrected McDermott, saying he misheard the question.</p>
<p id="hQYXhd">Confused yet?</p>
<p id="bHc59U">There are a few ways to treat a torn meniscus. One potential way does not require surgery, but takes up to three months for the person to be completely back to 100% efficiency. If they choose to do surgery, it takes about four weeks for the injured person to return to full strength. </p>
<p id="3DCgWr">It should also be noted that Benjamin tore his left ACL in 2015 but the current injury is to his right knee.</p>
<p id="kqAQL2">Editor’s note: this article was originally published as a report of the Schefter comments but was updated following McDermott’s Monday afternoon press conference to say the Bills denied the Schefter report. It was then changed to reflect the information provided by the media relations staff of the team after the conclusion of the press conference. - MRW</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/11/27/16701754/buffalo-bills-receiver-kelvin-benjamin-torn-meniscus-knee-injury-fantasy-football-acl-tearWill KennedyMatt Warren2017-11-26T12:00:04-05:002017-11-26T12:00:04-05:00What do the Buffalo Bills have in RB Travaris Cadet?
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<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Could journeyman provide a lift to Buffalo’s backfield?</p> <p id="9nCIt1">When the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> did not match the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>’ offer sheet to restricted free agent <span>Mike Gillislee</span> this offseason, it provided an opportunity for a change-of-pace running back to complement <span>LeSean McCoy</span>. The Bills may have found that complement in journeyman Travaris Cadet.</p>
<p id="84exSe">After allowing Gillislee to leave, the Bills made the decision to cut second-year running back <span>Jonathan Williams</span> following a productive preseason, which cut into the running back depth chart further. </p>
<p id="CXdRod">Veteran free agent <span>Mike Tolbert</span> was brought in to provide the thunder to Shady’s lightning-quick style of rushing, but through the first 11 weeks of the NFL season, the “Toldozer” has not proven to be an effective complimentary back to McCoy, rushing 50 times for 179 yards (3.6 yards per carry), while adding 12 receptions for 61 yards in nine games. </p>
<p id="tds2dc">With Tolbert struggling and now hurt, battling a hamstring injury, sixth-year free agent <span>Travaris Cadet</span> was brought in to provide some depth at running back, and during Sunday’s otherwise disappointing loss to the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>, Cadet might have proven himself capable of handling a portion of the tailback duties. </p>
<p id="dQ4ztO">Cadet, who was cut by the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> in October following their Week 6 loss to the New England Patriots, rushed three times for 17 yards vs. the Chargers, an average of 5.7 yards per rush, displaying a quick step that Tolbert has never had during his NFL career. Cadet also hauled in six passes for 39 yards as a receiving threat. </p>
<p id="nI1lGi">He rushed for a 12-yard gain off the right edge, and added a 16-yard reception on a pass out of the backfield in the second half of the loss to the Chargers. Cadet caught all six passes thrown his way, and seemed comfortable working with <span>Tyrod Taylor</span>. </p>
<p id="xOjiat">Cadet’s most productive season came with the New Orleans Saints in 2014, when he caught 38 passes for 296 yards. </p>
<p id="XW3Fne">Cadet was signed as an insurance policy for McCoy, but if he produces like he did in his Bills debut, he could have a lasting impact in Buffalo’s backfield as the long sought-after compliment to Shady. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/11/26/16701246/buffalo-bills-what-do-the-bills-have-in-running-back-travaris-cadet-2017John Boccacino2017-11-23T07:21:47-05:002017-11-23T07:21:47-05:00Bills Links, 11/23: Tyrod back as the starting quarterback
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>McDermott officially announces Taylor as the starter against the Chiefs</p> <p id="aiZYx0">As you have likely already heard, <span>Tyrod Taylor</span> was named the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> against the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. There is plenty of coverage on the decision below, including the press conferences with both Taylor and head coach Sean McDermott. There is also additional coverage on the Chiefs, including their signing of <span>Darrelle Revis</span> early on Wednesday. </p>
<p id="F0sNFo">From the staff at Buffalo Rumblings we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving, and hope that you enjoy a day with family, friends, football and food!</p>
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<p id="qKehBk"><a href="http://www.wkbw.com/sports/bills/joe-b-mcdermott-bills-must-learn-from-the-mixed-messages-they-ve-sent">Joe B: McDermott, Bills must learn from the mixed messages they've sent - WKBW.com</a><br>The Buffalo Bills have once again decided to go back to Tyrod Taylor, but head coach Sean McDermott was essentially in a lose-lose situation no matter what decision he made.</p>
<p id="LS9zAy"><a href="http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2017/11/sean_mcdermott_explains_why_tyrod_taylor_will_start_for_buffalo_bills_over_nate.html#incart_river_index">Sean McDermott explains why Tyrod Taylor will start for Buffalo Bills over Nate Peterman | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>McDermott continued to send mixed messages on Wednesday.</p>
<p id="3ui9Jb"><a href="http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2017/11/sean_mcdermott_buffalo_bills_will_start_tyrod_taylor_over_nathan_peterman_vs_chi.html#incart_river_index">Sean McDermott: Buffalo Bills will start Tyrod Taylor over Nathan Peterman vs. Chiefs | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>The Bills will go back to Taylor.</p>
<p id="35ick8"><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Tyrod-Taylor-Do-Whatever-it-Takes-to-Win/77970e18-2948-452b-9de6-02d2d0901500">Tyrod Taylor: "Do Whatever it Takes to Win" - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Bills QB Tyrod Taylor talks about being named the starter and this week's matchup with the Chiefs.</p>
<p id="RFhbvP"><a href="http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2017/11/what_andy_reid_said_about_sean_mcdermott_and_buffalo_bills_quarterback_situation.html#incart_river_index">What Andy Reid said about Sean McDermott and Buffalo Bills' quarterback situation | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>Reid has long been a mentor of McDermott's.</p>
<p id="epERo0"><a href="http://www.cover1.net/bright-spots-on-offense-from-the-bills-vs-chargers-game/">Bright spots on offense from Bills vs. Chargers | Cover 1</a><br>"Finding a silver lining in a game in which the Bills lost 54-24 is very difficult, but not all of the plays executed were negative."</p>
<p id="zqUF6a"><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Sean-McDermott-Focused-on-the-Chiefs/0137fee7-5c1d-4ccc-8e00-768ed19f367e">Sean McDermott: "Focused on the Chiefs" - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Head Coach Sean McDermott spoke with the media Wednesday before Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.</p>
<p id="Kx8mnV"><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Top-7-storylines-for-Bills-Chiefs-this-week/8d3897b2-a51f-4411-85dd-583141a9497c">Top 7 storylines for Bills-Chiefs this week - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>With Tyrod Taylor slated to start on the road in one of the NFL's loudest venues, John Murphy breaks down the most important storylines for this week's AFC clash.</p>
<p id="5G8S4B"><a href="http://buffalonews.com/2017/11/22/chiefs-sign-darelle-revis/">Chiefs sign Darelle Revis - The Buffalo News</a><br>"Free agent cornerback Darrelle Revis has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, the team announced Wednesday."</p>
<p id="wPdkAA"><a href="http://buffalonews.com/2017/11/22/micah-hyde-leads-afc-pro-bowl-voting-at-strong-safety/">Bills' Micah Hyde leads AFC Pro Bowl voting at strong safety - The Buffalo News</a><br>"The Bills Micah Hyde is leading the fan vote among AFC strong safeties for the Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Wednesday."</p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/11/23/16692870/bills-links-11-23-tyrod-taylor-back-as-the-starting-quarterbackAnthony Marino2017-11-22T16:30:02-05:002017-11-22T16:30:02-05:00Bills playoff odds looking less and less likely
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<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Prognosticators drop Buffalo’s postseason odds for third straight week</p> <p id="kkcbao">The recent three-game slide by the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> (5-5), featuring blowout losses to the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>, <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>, and <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>, has put a severe damper on Buffalo’s chances at snapping the team’s 17-year playoff drought. </p>
<p id="cGXBsK">But despite being outscored 135-55 during its three-game losing streak, the most points allowed by a Buffalo team over a three-game stretch in franchise history, the Bills still have a halfway-decent chance to make the postseason tournament. </p>
<p id="b4Ag3G">Their chances are diminishing by the loss, but in the watered-down AFC, where only five teams have records above .500, anything is possible. <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/11/20/16679166/afc-playoff-picture-buffalo-bills-wild-card-position-third-straight-loss-titans-ravens-dolphins-jets">Buffalo is currently tied for the final Wild Card spot</a>, but if the season ended today, the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> would edge the Bills for the last AFC playoff spot based on their record against conference teams, which is the second tiebreaker. </p>
<p id="r5rNuF">Buffalo is 3-3 vs. the conference this year, while the Ravens are 4-3, meaning the Bills sit in <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/11/20/16679166/afc-playoff-picture-buffalo-bills-wild-card-position-third-straight-loss-titans-ravens-dolphins-jets">seventh place in the conference</a>.</p>
<p id="ViT8RA">The good news? The Bills can control their conference record, as all six remaining games are against AFC foes. Buffalo travels to Arrowhead Stadium to face the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> on Sunday. The Bills also have two games remaining against both the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> and the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>, and one game remaining vs. the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. </p>
<p id="O9KKvU">The Chiefs and Patriots represent Buffalo’s opponents who currently hold down playoff spots. </p>
<p id="zn8upj">So what do the Bills’ odds look like to make the playoffs? </p>
<p id="upWjgJ">According to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/upshot/buffalo-bills-nfl-playoff-picture.html#&"><em>New York Times</em></a><em> </em>playoff simulator, the Bills have a 25 percent chance at qualifying for the postseason. A win over Kansas City improves Buffalo’s playoff chances to 43 percent, while a loss drops them to 16 percent.</p>
<p id="s7qbFM">ESPN’s Football Power Index, which three weeks ago gave the Bills a 61.1 percent chance at making the playoffs, dropped Buffalo’s odds to nine percent, with a projected win-loss record of 7-9 heading into Sunday’s game at Kansas City. </p>
<p id="Wd9C9H">Among other sports prognosticators, <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2017-nfl-predictions/">FiveThirtyEight</a> gives Buffalo a 17 percent chance, and the betting site <a href="https://www.betlabssports.com/blog/jags-saints-super-bowl-no-joke/">Betlab Sports</a> puts the Bills’ playoff chances at 16 percent. </p>
<p id="u6gyzZ">For now, the only thing that matters is following that old sports cliché: win one game at a time. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/11/22/16692280/buffalo-bills-playoff-probability-drops-third-straight-time-week-12-2017John Boccacino2017-11-22T16:00:00-05:002017-11-22T16:00:00-05:00Rookie report: lots of playing times for the first-years against Chargers
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<img alt="NFL: Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Voq_FitMYxvIvXWCDUn59wnYAsE=/0x0:3920x2613/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57716249/usa_today_10426210.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The team’s rookie fifth rounder played like one</p> <p id="TCD6TD">Another week, another crushing blowout loss for the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> on Sunday, this time against the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>. Bills fans can share in a bit of optimism though as the team’s top three rookies all performed well. It continues to look like the team mostly hit the 2017 draft out of the park.</p>
<h3 id="vIK88X">CB Tre’Davious White</h3>
<p id="EKWrr4">White was not targeted in coverage much throughout the game (which is sometimes a complement in itself) and when his receiver was thrown the ball, White was there for the tackle, limiting any functional yards after the catch. Pro Football Focus had him down for allowing only two catches for 19 yards. White continues to be a solid starting corner, which is a very good return for the former 27th pick in the draft.</p>
<h3 id="T58x38"><span>WR Zay Jones</span></h3>
<p id="DNAC3v">After a very disappointing start to the season, it appeared that there wasn’t much chemistry between Jones and <span><strong>Tyrod Taylor</strong></span>. He uncharacteristically dropped passes and Taylor was missing him on throws. The past few weeks, Jones has started to come in to his own and on Sunday had 4 catches for 68 yards. Granted, most of those yards came after Peterman was benched and Tyrod entered the game, but any progress is welcome.</p>
<h3 id="Z6GmfE"><span>LT Dion Dawkins</span></h3>
<p id="pNWT1Z">While the right side of the offensive line struggled to protect Peterman in the passing game, Dawkins, who was primarily matched up against <span>Melvin Ingram</span>, had a decent day in pass protection and a very good run blocking performance. Dawkins was the lead blocker on Lesean McCoy’s 37-yard run in the first quarter and on the very next play when McCoy ran 27 yards for a touchdown. Dawkins is a big man, but his athleticism when getting out in front of McCoy is impressive. </p>
<h3 id="X1Sl4e"><span>LB Matt Milano</span></h3>
<p id="eXZ0Uv"><span>Ramon Humber</span> got the start over Milano again, but Milano was able to collect a decent amount of defensive snaps. However, he didn’t make much of an impact, as he finished with no statistics. He continued to be a stalwart presence on special teams.</p>
<h3 id="8gVNqH">QB <span>Nathan Peterman</span>
</h3>
<p id="pL1BOc">Peterman’s first game as a starting quarterback in the NFL can be described as a rare perfect storm of misfortune. He was benched after throwing five interceptions and achieving a passer rating of 17.9. Not all five of the interceptions were totally his fault, as a couple came when he was pressured and one was just plain bad luck. The rest of the picks though were very poor decisions by the rookie. Peterman was a fifth round pick for the team and played like it. Now that McDermott has <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/11/22/16690018/tyrod-taylor-will-start-for-the-buffalo-bills-against-the-kansas-ciiy-chiefs?_ga=2.132281102.147987344.1510921070-1624824145.1510187893">made the switch back</a> to Tyrod Taylor, Peterman man not see the field again, perhaps until the Bills are eliminated from the playoffs. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/11/22/16690676/nathan-peterman-buffalo-bills-rookies-leave-stamp-on-week-11-tredavious-white-dion-dawkins-milanogrif2017-11-22T08:00:02-05:002017-11-22T08:00:02-05:00Jekyll and Hyde: how far have the Bills fallen?
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<img alt="NFL: Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T9bAWDhoO96NLJPDeR2M9vhz60Q=/0x0:2974x1983/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57707595/usa_today_10426538.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We go good cop/bad cop on the Bills.</p> <p id="BbUdC6">Following a third consecutive soul-and-spirit-crushing blowout loss for the Buffalo Bills, this time at the hands of the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>, the takes were as hot as freshly fried wings. Like many of you, my friends and I talked after the game, and rationality was not high on the priority list. For those of you who missed the last Jekyll and Hyde article, what follows is a list of in the heat of the moment thoughts and remarks (Hyde) and a more rational, cool-headed view (Jekyll). </p>
<p id="5DnFnt">As always, add some of your own Jekyll and Hyde remarks in the comments!</p>
<h2 id="vUhBAQ"><strong>Hyde: Dennison needs to be fired before leaving Los Angeles. The offense has regressed greatly this year and it is a result of his ability to call a game. </strong></h2>
<p id="z0Qf7j">Jekyll: The beast inside was wrong on this one, but only partially. What my other half erred on is the timing of a replacement. You can point to the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> canning their offensive coordinator, Mike McCoy, but Buffalo is 5-5 and still has a chance to make the playoffs. </p>
<p id="87PvWF">I’ll wait for you to stop laughing or saying how my head needs to be examined. </p>
<p id="IJXEhI">While Dennison is woefully inept at play calling (I look at Tyrod running read-option down 30 late in the fourth quarter as an example of that), I am not a fan of change this late in the season. </p>
<p id="iwsnUO">What should happen is McDermott has a heart-to-heart with Dennison and lays down some rules, first of which should be no more designed plays to fullback Mike Tolbert. This offense has no identity and McDermott needs to put his stamp on that side of the ball one way or the other. If we want to be a running team, stop with the 30 passes a game in a close game and run. Use fullback <span>Patrick DiMarco</span> for what we brought him in for and get <span>LeSean McCoy</span> his touches. </p>
<h2 id="3ofMGN"><strong>Hyde: We are cursed. Every good start we have to a season is doomed to be .500 or worse by the end of the year. The pre-2016 Cubs have nothing on us. </strong></h2>
<p id="BxDI0J">Jekyll: This is a bit out there, but I can see where Mr. Hyde is coming from. As <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> fans, we have been here before during the drought. Fast starts make us think of potential bye weeks in January. By Thanksgiving, however, we fall back to Earth with a resounding, “Why us?”</p>
<p id="2WIcuU">In reality though, three straight weeks of having opponents blow our doors off has nothing to do with luck or curses. It has to do with a team that has glaring holes, which the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>, <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>, and Los Angeles Chargers have exploited to near perfection. </p>
<p id="ae1Trv">The simple truth is that this is the team most of the national pundits predicted we would be all season. It just took longer than expected for the true team to come forward. </p>
<h2 id="MdSu8U">
<strong>Hyde: Tolbert shouldn’t see the field the rest of the year. In one game, </strong><span><strong>Travaris Cadet</strong></span><strong> proved he is a more valuable piece to the offense then big Mike. </strong>
</h2>
<p id="OzvdUZ">Jekyll: You know, you haven’t been too far off with your hot-headed takes this week. While there were few bright spots in Sunday’s game (shoutouts to <span>Stephen Hauschka</span>, <span>Jordan Poyer</span>, and Shady), the biggest positive was Cadet’s play. </p>
<p id="C6OEea">Cadet proved to be a viable weapon in the passing game (6 catches for 39 yards) and offers more of a home run threat than No. 35. I understand that McDermott wanted some of his guys when he came here, but I want the best players on the field.</p>
<p id="aaIeRM">At this point, that is clearly Cadet. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/11/22/16680756/buffalo-bills-jekyll-and-hyde-just-how-far-has-the-sky-fallen-at-one-bills-driveLawrence_Foster2017-11-22T07:55:12-05:002017-11-22T07:55:12-05:00Bills Links, 11/22: Will a decision at quarterback come today?
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<img alt="NFL: Buffalo Bills at Atlanta Falcons" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/52kuzTVOwjlWoi9LOw4VE9bq6lc=/0x0:4137x2758/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57707645/usa_today_10321496.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Many expect Sean McDermott to announce a decision today</p> <p id="sfSKy8">Sean McDermott has yet to name a starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. While many expect that he will name <span>Tyrod Taylor</span> the starter, there is a contingent of fans that feel <span>Nathan Peterman</span> should get another opportunity. </p>
<p id="60wGRk">Today’s edition of the Buffalo <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> Links continues the quarterback discussion, while taking a closer look at the Kansas City Chiefs. There are also updates on <span>Eric Wood</span>, <span>LeSean McCoy</span>, and the impact on the field from the <span>Marcell Dareus</span> trade.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="UqpDcA">
<p id="7edCDB"><a href="http://buffalonews.com/2017/11/22/bn-blitz-newsletter-what-message-are-the-bills-trying-to-send-with-their-starting-quarterback/">[BN] Blitz newsletter: What message are the Bills trying to send with their starting quarterback? - The Buffalo News</a><br>"This is a frustrating time to be a Bills fan."</p>
<p id="i5u2Rx"><a href="http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2017/11/nfl_week_12_power_rankings_buffalo_bills_continue_downward_spiral.html#incart_river_index">NFL Week 12 Power Rankings: Buffalo Bills continue downward spiral | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>Buffalo has dropped their last three contests by large margins.</p>
<p id="7HXPry"><a href="http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2017/11/we_should_be_ripping_dopey_buffalo_bills_hc_sean_mcdermott_says_mike_wilbon.html#incart_river_index">We should be ripping 'dopey' Buffalo Bills HC Sean McDermott, says Mike Wilbon | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>Sean McDermott would be out of a job if PTI's Mike Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser owned the Buffalo Bills.</p>
<p id="okT5af"><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-Today-Wood-hones-in-on-fixing-pass-protection/44acb14d-e353-4e22-b28a-173b2cb00be3">Bills Today: Wood hones in on fixing pass protection - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Here's the Bills news of note for Nov. 22nd.</p>
<p id="rYNcPp"><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/McCoy-still-producing/9d29bb4c-d4f0-4bca-b991-edaf7b315edb">McCoy still producing - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>LeSean McCoy has pushed through some early season run game struggles to put up his typically solid production.</p>
<p id="qSt6Xc"><a href="https://www.lockedonbills.com/billschiefs-crossover-show/">Bills/Chiefs Crossover Show - Locked On Bills</a><br>The latest Locked On Bills podcast previews Bills/Chiefs.</p>
<p id="ZkYH53"><a href="http://www.cover1.net/the-impact-of-trading-dt-marcell-dareus/">The impact of trading DT Marcell Dareus | Cover 1</a><br>This has been a hot topic for Bills fans, and Erik Turner takes a closer look at the impact.</p>
<p id="97Tb1t"><a href="http://billswire.usatoday.com/2017/11/22/eric-wood-not-sure-buffalo-bills-starting-nathan-peterman/">Eric Wood ‘not sure’ Bills should have started Nathan Peterman | Bills Wire</a><br>Eric Wood said that he 'wasn't sure' if the Buffalo Bills starting Nathan Peterman on the road was a good idea.</p>
<p id="GM3dX8"><a href="http://billswire.usatoday.com/2017/11/21/2018-nfl-draft-buffalo-bills-top-5-draft-needs/">2018 NFL draft: Ranking the Bills Top 5 draft needs | Bills Wire</a><br>The Buffalo Bills have plenty of holes to fill in the offseason so we ranked the Top 5 needs in the 2018 NFL draft.</p>
<p id="020YRU"><a href="http://billsmafia.com/2017/11/20/bills-fan-base-horror-nfl/">How we behave after this horror show defines us as a fan base - Bills Mafia</a><br>Robyn Mundy provides some perspective for Bills fans.</p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2017/11/22/16689694/bills-links-11-22-will-a-decision-at-quarterback-come-today-tyrod-taylor-nathan-petermanAnthony Marino