Buffalo Rumblings - All of our coverage: Josh Allen replaces Nathan Peterman as Buffalo Bills destroyed by Baltimore Ravens, 47-3Buffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2018-10-04T10:00:02-04:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/175949292018-10-04T10:00:02-04:002018-10-04T10:00:02-04:00All-22 analysis: Buffalo Bills fullback Patrick DiMarco
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<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We take a look at how the Buffalo Bills have utilized team captain Patrick DiMarco</p> <p id="rPzMSC">If you’ve been following the weekly snap counts you may have noticed an odd trend. The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> are hardly putting fullback <span>Patrick DiMarco</span> on the field on offense. His high-water mark so far this season came against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> when he logged 12 offensive snaps. All told, he’s seen the field a mere 25 times through four games. Let’s review 40% of his playing time and see what the Bills have been up to at the fullback position.</p>
<h4 id="iHM95t">Play 1</h4>
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<p id="wgtIzh">Here <span>Patrick DiMarco</span> is doing some typical fullback work. DiMarco and <span>LeSean McCoy</span> go to opposite sides of Nathan Peterman. As DiMarco sets up one lane, Vlad Ducasse pulls to make another. Shady has to quickly choose which lane to go with after the play starts. He chose...poorly. <span>McCoy</span> tries to cut back but it’s too late and actually collides with DiMarco. This was his entire game on offense against the Ravens.</p>
<h4 id="4Y1qrU">Play 2</h4>
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<p id="cRkoWH">As you’ll see, the Bills haven’t been shy about letting DiMarco run a route from the fullback spot. Quite often he finds a soft spot. This is however the only time a quarterback has decided to actually throw it to him. <span>Josh Allen</span> and DiMarco are out of sync. DiMarco looks inside for the ball and has to come back and make a diving grab to the outside. There’s almost zero yards-after-catch as a result. </p>
<h4 id="CyXp5y">Play 3</h4>
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<p id="oABFYt">Near the end zones the Bills are more likely to bring DiMarco in, whether it’s scoring position or backed up on the wrong side of the field. DiMarco is likely looking to block in case <span>Allen</span> decides to scramble on this play. He does look back in good position to make a catch however. A flick of the wrist and this might have been a touchdown (don’t worry, see the next play). </p>
<h4 id="nsP0ro">Play 4</h4>
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<p id="Ha7WYk">DiMarco was made the second-highest paid fullback in the league by Buffalo for a reason. He’s a good fullback. The ability to stop his man at the line clears just enough room for <span>Chris Ivory</span> to punch the ball in for a touchdown. DiMarco has been used often in short yardage situations. If there’s a <span>Josh Allen</span> quarterback sneak, there’ll be DiMarco—slamming into <span>Allen</span> to push him forward a bit more. The Bills haven’t had much in the way of short-yardage situations so far this year and it’s likely DiMarco sees more playing time if the Bills start seeing more third-and-short. </p>
<h4 id="Bn3rRp">Play 5</h4>
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<p id="rhXAiU">There’s been a few of these too. DiMarco isn’t a downgrade at the receiver position, but arguably he may have been more effective blocking this running play from the fullback spot. </p>
<h4 id="G1EYy9">Play 6</h4>
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<p id="amO93c">There haven’t been too many plays where <span>Patrick DiMarco</span> has been asked to help in pass protection. This snap and another chip or two and one actual blocking assignment have been it. DiMarco hasn’t been the only back mostly absent from this role either. The Bills have been reluctant to have any of their backs help <span>Josh Allen</span> out by blocking. </p>
<h4 id="xjOxWl">Play 7</h4>
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<p id="A6OztV">It’s unfortunate that Allen can’t get the ball to the wide open DiMarco on this play as there’s a decent chance to move the sticks. This play was set up well by Brian Daboll. They used a similar formation including motion from DiMarco twice earlier in this game against the Vikings. The first time was a lead block for <span>Ivory</span> on a running play. The second was right before this play on what also appeared to be a run (Allen fumbled so we’ll never know for sure). DiMarco sells the block as if it’s the same play call. The defense bites and he’s wide open. </p>
<h4 id="AghgMQ">Play 8</h4>
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<p id="OVjg9o">Despite DiMarco’s above average speed and agility for a fullback he’s been rarely used to block to the outside. He does his job well, and perhaps some more of this could help jump-start the Bills’ offense. </p>
<h4 id="HFWPY3">Play 9</h4>
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<p id="FC8aPN">There’s a lot to like about Patrick DiMarco but he’s hardly perfect. He doesn’t get enough of the block and the lane he’s there to clear shuts fast (though it’s not completely his fault). </p>
<h4 id="k85lMR">Play 10</h4>
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<p id="Yo9HAZ">As they say, “always end on a high note.” DiMarco’s low snap counts don’t seem to be the result of poor play. His success here leads to a few more yards. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/10/4/17931154/all-22-analysis-buffalo-bills-fullback-patrick-dimarco-josh-allen-lesean-mccoySkarekrow2018-09-13T18:00:02-04:002018-09-13T18:00:02-04:00FanPulse: Bills fan confidence plummets after blowout
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<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="iG1u4I"><em>Welcome to SB Nation </em><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fanpulse"><em>FanPulse</em></a><em> — a survey of fans across the NFL, powered by </em><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/"><em>SurveyMonkey</em></a><em>. Each week, we send 32 polls to 100+ plugged in fans from each team. </em><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/"><em>Bills</em></a><em> fans, </em><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-Ds6yBGK-JPKHgEZqkPtqk2fMwRywc5YT5SKmk8wlvjcBTA/viewform?usp=sf_link"><em>sign up HERE to join FanPulse</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<h3 id="yzDkgy"><strong>How confident are you in the direction of the team? </strong></h3>
<p id="fi3tde"><em>Last week: 89 percent confidence</em></p>
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<p id="hJycWy">Bills fans’ confidence plummeted after a beatdown in Baltimore. Buffalo’s 47-3 loss at the hands of the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> dropped 59% from 89% confidence before Week 1 to just 30% confidence in Week 2. Note that this poll was conducted from Monday through Wednesday and head coach Sean McDermott didn’t name a starting quarterback until Wednesday.</p>
<h3 id="QEGmgA"><strong>Will the Bills win or lose in Week 2?</strong></h3>
<p id="h2Swqy"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/odds">Odds</a>: <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> are 9-point favorites</p>
<p id="Dhpkap"><a href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com">Bolts From The Blue</a> FanPulse: Chargers by 12</p>
<p id="JoMRAC"><a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com">Buffalo Rumblings</a> FanPulse: Chargers by 11</p>
<h3 id="ye9ua8"><strong>Other than QB, what is most valuable to an NFL offense? </strong></h3>
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</div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnq0WyzAPlU/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Do you agree with this week's #FanPulse? </a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sbnation/?utm_source=ig_embed_loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Sports Blog Nation</a> (@sbnation) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-09-13T14:06:13+00:00">Sep 13, 2018 at 7:06am PDT</time></p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/13/17854902/fanpulse-bills-fan-confidence-plummets-after-week-1-blowoutMatt Warren2018-09-13T09:00:00-04:002018-09-13T09:00:00-04:00A long-winded review of the Bills’ first half offense against the Ravens
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<figcaption>Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="yQpBpu">I didn’t bother looking at the second half as the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> had pulled their starters. If you’re not a masochist and don’t want to read the 3100+ words that follow you can skip to the end and see the list of who killed each of the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ eight first-half possessions.</p>
<h1 id="jCrJz3"><strong>Drive One</strong></h1>
<h2 id="s11hS8">1<sup>st</sup> and 10 (<span>LeSean McCoy</span> runs left for -1 yards)</h2>
<p id="Skwses"><span>Vladimir Ducasse</span> turns the DT to the right and gets some push, opening a hole for <span>McCoy</span>. When the play began, <span>Dion Dawkins</span> fired off the line and to his right in order to wall-off any LBs from <span>McCoy</span>’s running lane—but more or less ignored the first LB he encountered. <span>John Miller</span> pulled across the formation but wasn’t fast enough to reach <span>Terrell Suggs</span> before <span>Suggs</span> had effectively closed off McCoy’s rushing lane. <span>Ryan Groy</span> and <span>Jordan Mills</span> held their own and <span>Charles Clay</span> contributed nothing. The Ravens read run all the way and a DB came off <span>Kelvin Benjamin</span> and headed to the backfield before McCoy had even taken the handoff. No Ravens player was more than 10 yards from the line of scrimmage (LOS).</p>
<h2 id="XM8kiO">2<sup>nd</sup> and 11 (INC)</h2>
<p id="J5iIgX"><span>Nathan Peterman</span> locked onto McCoy almost instantly because it was a WR screen pass but McCoy was covered and hit behind the line before the ball arrived. Two of the WRs on that side of the field took down DBs with low blocks as <span>Peterman</span> threw. McCoy headed out to the left flat at the start of the play, and Baltimore was all over it as their OLB ignored <span>Peterman</span> and took off after McCoy.</p>
<h2 id="JYN0Zp">3<sup>rd</sup> and 11 (sack)</h2>
<p id="RTuKab">Peterman had four seconds with a beautiful throwing lane right down the middle of the field before things started to break down. <span>Benjamin</span> came open across the middle a second too late and he and <span>Zay Jones</span> were in the same part of the field. It didn’t look like Peterman saw <span>Logan Thomas</span> who had chipped two guys and leaked out to the left—though it would have been a fairly short gain unless <span>Thomas</span> had been able to make a guy miss. Give Peterman credit for scanning the three main receiving options, each of whom got to the sticks or deeper. McCoy stayed in to help block. Maybe Peterman’s not tall enough to have seen <span>Thomas</span> over the line?</p>
<h3 id="0rd7dV">Drive Synopsis:</h3>
<p id="9MdEHD">The offensive line didn’t kill this drive. Baltimore read the first two plays beautifully and none of Buffalo’s receivers got open in the four seconds Peterman had before the pressure forced him to move off his spot.</p>
<h1 id="wMaynd"><strong>Drive Two</strong></h1>
<h2 id="NwTZWp">1<sup>st</sup> and 10 (INC)</h2>
<p id="T39XdN">Peterman fakes a handoff to McCoy who is moving right along with the entire offensive line—<span>Groy</span> and <span>Miller</span> even pulling around <span>Mills</span>. On the backside of the “run,” <span>Dawkins</span> chopped down Suggs. The defense reacts to the run and Peterman has a clear view of the left side of the field where he has three WRs. Benjamin is clearing an out pattern for <span>Jones</span> but Peterman is already throwing to <span>Jeremy Kerley</span> running right up the seam. Peterman misses, throwing behind <span>Kerley</span>. If the ball is placed in front of <span>Kerley</span> it’s a 1<sup>st</sup> down. That one is all on Peterman as both Kerley and Jones were open. Even Benjamin would have boxed out the DB and earned around a seven-yard gain.</p>
<h2 id="pectdA">2<sup>nd</sup> and 10 (three-yard completion to Kerley)</h2>
<p id="iEwOSY">Peterman faked a handoff to McCoy and threw to the left to Kerley, who had come in motion from the right side of the formation. The pass was on target and Kerley was able to keep his momentum. Jones and Benjamin blocked DBs downfield immediately. Incidentally, had Peterman given the ball to McCoy, the line did a good job of forming a lane for McCoy with all but <span>Ducasse</span> sealing the left side while <span>Clay</span> (yes, <span>Clay</span>) stonewalled an OLB. <span>Ducasse</span> was leading McCoy into the lane and was poised to take out a DB in the hole giving McCoy a bit of room…but likely not much more than the yards Kerley got.</p>
<h2 id="zrXltY">3<sup>rd</sup> and 7 (INC)</h2>
<p id="kbGwzS">Buffalo sent four downfield and McCoy leaked out of the backfield. Peterman stared at Benjamin the entire way and the line held up, giving him a clean pocket. Peterman overthrew Benjamin who had a step on the DB. The safety was late getting over so if the ball had been well placed, Benjamin would have advanced the ball from the 18 to about midfield.</p>
<h3 id="j8njHa">Drive Synopsis:</h3>
<p id="UCOchb">The opportunity was there and like the first drive—Peterman missed it. He threw behind Kerley on 1<sup>st</sup> down and then overthrew Benjamin on 3<sup>rd</sup>. Either pass would have netted a first down with the Benjamin pass being the bigger opportunity of the two.</p>
<h1 id="3w3QC6"><strong>Drive 3</strong></h1>
<h2 id="Me4qZx">1<sup>st</sup> and 10 (one-yard run negated by offensive holding)</h2>
<p id="sxeIvW">With the Bills lined up with a FB in front of McCoy and <span>Marshall Newhouse</span> at TE, the defense responded with nine in the box. Peterman elected (had to?) to go with the run anyway. McCoy and <span>Patrick DiMarco</span> faked left before going right. As McCoy got the ball, a hole opened up right in the middle. <span>Groy</span> and <span>Dawkins</span> turned their guys to the left while <span>Miller</span> and <span>Mills</span> double-teamed the DT and moved him right. Ducasse pulled to the right while <span>Clay</span> and <span>Newhouse</span> tried to form a wall with Mills and <span>Miller</span>. <span>DiMarco</span> couldn’t run into the hole because Newhouse lost his man (and held). McCoy headed right but Ducasse had three guys to block. </p>
<p id="AHpqFN">I’m pinning this one on Newhouse because if <span>DiMarco</span> had gone into the hole, McCoy may have followed. There was only one DB in position to fill the hole and DiMarco should have been able to move him out of the way for McCoy to gain some yards up the gut. Instead, McCoy went right and into three waiting defenders.</p>
<h2 id="4sBzgi">1<sup>st</sup> and 20 (sack)</h2>
<p id="ga8jz9">Peterman faked a handoff and was almost immediately put on the run thanks to Groy getting steamrolled. Ducasse had pulled either to block for a run or at least make the defense think it was going to be a run. Groy had to reach well over to his left while he was being engaged by a DT to his right. The DE to his left just crumpled Groy and Peterman had to bail and that was that. Had Peterman handed McCoy the ball, Miller had the DT who engaged Groy sealed to the left, Mills had his man locked up, Clay was in position to block the closest LB and Ducasse was free to take on the LB next nearest to the hole. McCoy wouldn’t have gone far (four to five yards maybe) as there were two other DBs closing on the hole but it would have been the better end result. </p>
<p id="vwSfeB">If this was a run-pass option (RPO), it is on Peterman as the Bills had five blockers (WR, TE, RG, LG, RT) to take on the five defenders at the point of attack. If it was a dedicated pass then Groy draws the criticism—but he was in a tough spot.</p>
<h2 id="ZvLQyP">2<sup>nd</sup> and 24 (<span>Marcus Murphy</span> seven-yard run)</h2>
<p id="cuFw20">The Ravens had seven in the box, making the run a reasonable call given the down and distance. The execution was abysmal with <span>Murphy</span> having to dodge two guys in the backfield. At the snap, Groy pulled left past a defender who was being targeted by Dawkins—but too far to Dawkins’ right. Meanwhile Miller put his right hand out towards a defender without actually blocking him while looking left towards a LB. Mills set up to block one of the defenders who was backing out at the snap and didn’t even see the guy Miller waved at. Ducasse pulled and engaged Suggs while Clay went to the second level. It’s almost comical how quickly the DE slipped past Dawkins through the gap created by Ducasse and Groy pulling. He failed to bring down <span>Murphy</span>, who reversed field, dodged a third guy who ran by Groy unblocked into the backfield—with Mills still set up to block no one, which was odd since it was a run play and he could have gone downfield and hit someone—picking up a nice gain all on his own.</p>
<h2 id="OOcZR9">3<sup>rd</sup> and 17 (Groy false start)</h2>
<h2 id="TkOWUZ">3<sup>rd</sup> and 22 (<span>Murphy</span> 9-yard run)</h2>
<p id="8LMShM">The Ravens had five guys within ten yards of the LOS, with the rest all back in coverage. The line did a reasonable job of giving Murphy a gaping hole to run through. Baltimore didn’t care.</p>
<h3 id="tuLipb">Drive synopsis:</h3>
<p id="R9WN3e">Even if Peterman should have handed the ball off instead of getting sacked he’s not the reason the Bills had to punt this time. 15 yards worth of penalties and a lot of miscommunication doomed this series, though the defense may have appreciated that the offense stayed on the field for five whole plays.</p>
<h1 id="iEiaSH"><strong>Drive 4</strong></h1>
<h2 id="AdubUO">1<sup>st</sup> and 10 (four-yard completion to Kerley)</h2>
<p id="znJ2x1">The Bills’ line set up to run and Peterman looked hard at Benjamin running into quadruple coverage before coming off and seeing Jones in triple coverage and finally dumping the ball off to Kerley. The defense responded quickly and Kerley went from being all alone to having five Ravens around him.</p>
<h2 id="4oPJWq">2<sup>nd</sup> and 6 (McCoy six-yard run negated by holding call)</h2>
<p id="sUh6mj">For the first time in the game, the Bills were keeping up with the sticks. Ducasse pulled and hooked a guy who Clay had tried unsuccessfully to chop down with a low block. The rest of the line had done well on the play and Ducasse just wasn’t fast enough to engage the defender before the defender was able to slide past him.</p>
<h2 id="S2lVAF">2<sup>nd</sup> and 14 (INC)</h2>
<p id="rKZAbt">Peterman faked to McCoy and locked on to Benjamin. There wasn’t a defender within five yards of Peterman as he started his throwing motion. A late blitzer was coming but still five yards away. To the left, two receivers ran three-yard hook routes right next to each other (????) and McCoy stayed in to block. The pass was behind Benjamin, allowing him to stop and out-jump the defender. Benjamin had the ball almost all the way to the ground when he let the DB rip it away from him. That’s all on Benjamin as he would have had a first down at the 41.</p>
<h2 id="2L03pl">3<sup>rd</sup> and 14 (INC)</h2>
<p id="7fXjOm">Once again Peterman had a clean pocket, this time because the Ravens only sent three. Peterman hit his back foot and hopped forward instead of throwing the ball to Kerley who was coming open over the middle just past the sticks. Instead, Peterman threw the ball to a very well-covered <span>Zay Jones</span> and the pass was soundly rejected. Peterman threw to Jones even though there was zero chance of a first-down conversion. </p>
<h3 id="7sl0YZ">Drive Synopsis:</h3>
<p id="f0EpsD">Ducasse certainly hurt the drive but Benjamin had a first-down conversion in his hands and let some Lilliputian take it away from him.</p>
<h1 id="bbBqU1"><strong>Drive 5</strong></h1>
<h2 id="0AMwoD">1<sup>st</sup> and 5 (INC)</h2>
<p id="TMLTbe">The Ravens had gifted Buffalo five yards on an offsides penalty and the Bills still had to punt. Buffalo took a shot to Benjamin with Peterman overthrowing him by several yards. The DB almost made a nice INT though. When Peterman started his throwing motion, the DB was still three yards farther downfield than Benjamin. He had a clean pocket and none of his other three receivers were open when he threw. He did, however, have <span>Jason Croom</span> coming open on a seam route. When Peterman pulled the trigger, <span>Croom</span> was just passing the DB nearest to him and had a free run to the end zone. Down by 17 and just given a turnover by the defense, Peterman’s unforced error (wrong receiver, overthrown) prevented the team from at least threatening to make a game of it.</p>
<h2 id="pBv4Ol">2<sup>nd</sup> and 5 (McCoy one-yard run)</h2>
<p id="FAmaLv">The Bills ran it into an eight-man box. Dawkins and Ducasse took on the DT while Groy blocked a DE. Mills set up to block Suggs, while Ducasse pulled left to lead McCoy. Jones tried to help out by slipping into the hole to try to get a piece of a DB. Ducasse left Dawkins to get to the second level, but Dawkins lost control of the DT who clogged the hole and brought down McCoy. Even if Dawkins had done better with sustaining his block, McCoy wasn’t going far.</p>
<h2 id="j5WTDU">3<sup>rd</sup> and 4 (sack)</h2>
<p id="blnyK4">Peterman, known as a pretty bright player, took a sack that cost Buffalo some first-half points off a turnover. The Bills had five WRs and the Ravens rushed four. As Peterman reached the top of his drop, Benjamin generated separation by cutting under an out-breaking route. Peterman looked left but didn’t see that if Benjamin caught the ball, his size and momentum would have likely gotten him the first down. He focused on another throw to the end zone but protection broke down before that WR got to the 15. Peterman danced through the wash but was hit by the last of the defensive players near the LOS. Had Peterman come off of the left side of the field he would have seen that the safety was moving left and that Kerley had a straight shot to the end zone right through the area that safety was vacating. A simple head turn and Peterman had either a nearly certain first down (Benjamin) or a fairly certain TD (Kerley).</p>
<h2 id="OqZ3gx">Drive Synopsis:</h2>
<p id="Oy26bG">Twice in the drive, Peterman missed opportunities to turn Edmunds’ forced fumble into a TD. Each time he was locked in on one guy the whole way. That’s another wasted drive on Peterman’s shoulders.</p>
<h1 id="mRnYvL"><strong>Drive 6</strong></h1>
<h2 id="lYDoYs">1<sup>st</sup> and 10 (McCoy four-yard run negated by holding on Clay)</h2>
<p id="v0qE2G">The Ravens had seven in the box and the safety started running to the line at the snap. Dawkins and Ducasse both tried cutting backside defenders. Dawkins whiffed entirely and Ducasse only managed to slow his guy down. Groy moved left to give a defender a push and then peeled back to engage a DB. Miller eventually caught up to the guy Groy had pushed, and sealed him off from McCoy. Mills locked onto a LB and pushed him out of the way. Clay was supposed to block a LB who ripped under him, causing Clay to hold. If he hadn’t held, the LB would have hit McCoy in the backfield.</p>
<h2 id="cBuOjO">1<sup>st</sup> and 18 (ten-yard completion to Benjamin)</h2>
<p id="AE0g7Q">McCoy split out wide and Peterman looked over at him but came back across the field to find Benjamin—who had been given a six-yard cushion. The line was, well, a line except for Mills who had a LB in space and did well enough for Peterman to have a clean pocket. Benjamin was the right read.</p>
<h2 id="68kgvZ">2<sup>nd</sup> and 8 (INC)</h2>
<p id="dY8UwM">Peterman faked a handoff and then kind of hopped up while throwing the ball. It looked like that affected his accuracy, but on closer inspection the DE got his hand up and it looked like the pass was just barely deflected by the defender’s arm. Had he made the connection, Murphy would have gained about five or six yards leading to 3rd and short. It was an overhand delivery but still not quite tall enough to clear the line.</p>
<h2 id="jXmrX7">3<sup>rd</sup> and 8 (INT)</h2>
<p id="a9eEBl">Peterman sailed a pass to Benjamin, who was open while crossing the middle. Had Peterman made the connection in stride, Benjamin would have taken the ball to at least the 40 and possibly the 45. Peterman had about three yards between himself and the nearest other player when he started to throw. As he let the ball go, a defender was closing in from behind and to Peterman’s right so he didn’t interfere with the throw at all. The line did well enough with Dawkins re-routing Suggs well behind Peterman, and only a late blitzer finally getting through after it was too late.</p>
<h3 id="CDx8IC">Drive Synopsis:</h3>
<p id="gAKzEO">Peterman’s errant throw ended the drive.</p>
<h1 id="0sbzLh"><strong>Drive 7</strong></h1>
<h2 id="7wFRGt">1<sup>st</sup> and 10 (McCoy run for one yard)</h2>
<p id="EhYQle">Can you believe it isn’t even halftime? Groy got bulldogged by the DT, pulled forward and then slammed to the ground. The DT then made the tackle. That was despite Ducasse chipping the DT before moving on to the second level. Dawkins did well, driving his man back and then downfield. Miller and Mills did well enough, though Miller’s guy got in on the very tail end of the tackle.</p>
<h2 id="PpMhOL">2<sup>nd</sup> and 9 (INC)</h2>
<p id="6hfo9l">Peterman had a predetermined throw to McCoy who was coming out of the backfield. The ball was slightly behind McCoy, so he had to turn back to Peterman while still backing up field. That said, McCoy should have had that reception for six or seven yards, putting the team in 3<sup>rd</sup> and short.</p>
<h2 id="KMKMCb">3<sup>rd</sup> and 9 (scramble)</h2>
<p id="5ZDZrt">The Bills sent three WRs downfield against eight DBs. While rushing only three guys (against seven!!!!), Dawkins gave up immediate pressure, forcing Peterman to start moving to his right just as McCoy leaked out into the left flat. Jones was wide open but also four yards behind the line to gain, with two defenders closing in on him. McCoy had one defender about eight yards from him, but he was on the left side of the field and Peterman was moving right. Peterman decided to run, even though he was 15 yards from the line to gain and had one defender closing on him with three more ready to stop him a bit farther downfield.</p>
<h3 id="DuVyzZ">Drive Synopsis:</h3>
<p id="t9dKtF">I’d (dis)credit Dawkins and McCoy with the end of this drive. McCoy could have set up 3<sup>rd</sup> and short and Dawkins could have given Peterman more than 1.5 seconds in the pocket.</p>
<h1 id="Aw5qgS"><strong>Drive 8</strong></h1>
<h2 id="pOHbdq">1<sup>st</sup> and 10 (with 5 seconds, left 8 yard pass to <span>Croom</span>)</h2>
<p id="I1EIkJ">With the entire secondary 20 yards downfield, Peterman threw a quick pass to Croom. What was the point of that? The Bills had the ball near midfield and a QB who can easily throw to the end zone. Why didn’t McDermott put <span>Josh Allen</span> in for the last play of the half—a heave into the end zone?</p>
<h3 id="YPKYis"><strong>Drive Synopsis:</strong></h3>
<p id="GQdvGO">This one is all on McDermott.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="HnJQU5">
<h1 id="lEvJ20"><strong>In Conclusion</strong></h1>
<p id="5nXtLa">Boil it all down and here are the guilty parties:</p>
<ul>
<li id="bufbtS">Drive 1: offensive line (or Peterman, depending on play call)</li>
<li id="WYQ8hs">Drive 2: Peterman</li>
<li id="APs6ht">Drive 3: offensive line</li>
<li id="LOSfH8">Drive 4: Benjamin</li>
<li id="2onvRk">Drive 5: Peterman</li>
<li id="SB3lgw">Drive 6: Peterman</li>
<li id="63pDuN">Drive 7: McCoy and Dawkins</li>
<li id="mV0enH">Drive 8: McDermott</li>
</ul>
<p id="8hmNCX">The good news is that the common element in three (possibly four) of the stalled drives is replaceable and that the line wasn’t, on more careful viewing, the horror show it appeared to be on first glance. That doesn’t mean the line is good by any means—just that it wasn’t largely responsible for the horrible start to the season.</p>
<p id="kPFByv">The bad news is that the replacement (<span>Allen</span>) may not be much better, at least for a while, and that the line will almost certainly cause the Bills to lose some games this year regardless of QB play.</p>
<p id="wRmUia">The worst news is that we expect no further good news this season.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/13/17849188/a-long-winded-review-of-the-buffalo-bills-1st-half-offense-vs-baltimore-ravensRon From NM2018-09-13T07:00:08-04:002018-09-13T07:00:08-04:00Bills Links, 9/13: Allen is the new starting QB
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<img alt="NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pXFYeX9zrtVhM1omyNtGhpWNZ1I=/0x22:2787x1880/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61380947/usa_today_11134744.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bills made the decision official on Wednesday</p> <p id="VGiyy5">The <span>Josh Allen</span> era is officially underway for the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>, as Sean McDermott announced the rookie would start at quarterback against the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> on Sunday. It was a move that was expected by many, but McDermott made the move official during Wednesday’s press conference - relegating <span>Nathan Peterman</span> to the backup role. Today’s edition of the Bills Links includes plenty of feedback and analysis of the switch, with feedback from Allen’s teammates including <span>LeSean McCoy</span>, <span>Micah Hyde</span>, and <span>Jeremy Kerley</span>.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="GIGdxg">
<p id="SfL2Lk"><a href="https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/bills-mcdermott-said-starting-allen-whats-best-team">Bills' McDermott said starting Allen is what's best for the team | WGR 550 SportsRadio</a><br>The head coach wasn't willing to give his reasons for starting Allen</p>
<p id="IyERU2"><a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2018/09/lesean_mccoy_on_josh_allen.html#incart_river_index">LeSean McCoy excited for Josh Allen, says Nathan Peterman 'had his shot' | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br><span>McCoy</span> said Bills have to 'move on' and help <span>Josh Allen</span> in first start.</p>
<p id="eUAHN3"><a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/expo/sports/erry-2018/09/bd8c264a471311/welcome-to-the-league-rook-med.html#incart_river_index">Welcome to the league, rook!: Media members react to Buffalo Bills naming Josh Allen starter | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br><span>Josh Allen</span> will be the second rookie quarterback to start this season.</p>
<p id="OJC9aF"><a href="https://www.buffalobills.com/audio/obl-9-12-reaction-to-josh-allen-being-named-starting-qb-chris-mortensen-has-high">OBL 9/12: Reaction to Josh Allen being named starting QB - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Bills rookie QB Josh Allen was named the starting QB for Sunday’s home opener against the Chargers. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen shared his thoughts on Josh Allen, match-up vs. the Chargers and more from around the league.</p>
<p id="IhLj5m"><a href="https://buffalonews.com/2018/09/12/vic-carucci-it-was-time-for-mcdermott-to-put-aside-pride-and-make-the-switch-to-allen/">Vic Carucci: It was time for McDermott to put aside pride and make the switch to Allen – The Buffalo News</a><br>"Sean McDermott tried his best to keep details of the decision a mystery, although that shroud he was using sounded an awful lot like a stubborn mans pride." (Subscription required.)</p>
<p id="r8QPhr"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641776&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F521196%2F2018%2F09%2F12%2Fhe-hasnt-made-the-same-mistake-twice-what-josh-allens-teammates-think-about-him-taking-the-reins%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buffalorumblings.com%2F2018%2F9%2F13%2F17853430%2Fbuffalo-bills-links-9-13-josh-allen-is-the-new-starting-qb-in-buffalo-nathan-peterman" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">‘He hasn’t made the same mistake twice’: What Josh Allen’s teammates think about him taking the reins – The Athletic</a><br><span>Josh Allen's</span> teammates see real promise in their new starting quarterback as the Bills turn to the No. 7 draft pick for Week 2. (Subscription required.)</p>
<p id="DV6laJ"><a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2018/09/kurt_warner_no_idea_what_buffalo_bills_were_trying_to_accomplish_on_pass_concept.html#incart_river_index">Kurt Warner: 'No idea' what Buffalo Bills were trying to accomplish on pass concepts | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>The Hall of Fame quarterback was not impressed with the Bills' offensive concepts.</p>
<p id="eph7Yy"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/10/17844110/buffalo-bills-sign-nate-orchard-release-adolphus-washington-hard-knocks">Buffalo Bills sign Nate Orchard, release Adolphus Washington - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Shuffling backup defensive linemen.</p>
<p id="jZHZ07"><a href="https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/bills-sign-og-ike-boettger-release-cb-ryan-lewis">Bills sign OG Ike Boettger, release CB Ryan Lewis | WGR 550 SportsRadio</a><br><span>Boettger</span> is now the tenth offensive lineman on the 53 man roster</p>
<p id="zDw8Tw"><strong>Featured on Buffalo Rumblings</strong></p>
<p id="yvrGYM"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/12/17848638/buffalo-bills-baltimore-ravens-rookies-quarterback-josh-allen-linebacker-tremaine-edmunds">Bills-Ravens Rookie Report: Josh Allen and Tremaine Edmunds provide hope for the future - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>The Bills’ 2018 first round picks flashed in an otherwise forgetful game</p>
<p id="vnrFuP"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/12/17849242/all-22-analysis-buffalo-bills-wide-receivers-baltimore-ravens-kelvin-benjamin-nathan-peterman">All-22 Analysis: Buffalo Bills receivers had opportunities vs Baltimore Ravens - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Were the receivers for the Buffalo Bills blanketed all game against the Baltimore Ravens?</p>
<p id="sowkZR"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/12/17852708/buffalo-bills-claim-og-ike-boettger-waive-cb-ryan-lewis-kansas-city-chiefs">Buffalo Bills claim OG Ike Boettger, waive CB Ryan Lewis - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>The Bills swapped out a pair of roster cutdown players.</p>
<p id="IV2Vbf"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/12/17849936/buffalo-bills-quarterback-josh-allen-named-starting-qb-for-week-2-nate-peterman-sean-mcdermott">Buffalo Bills name Josh Allen the starting QB for week 2 - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Sean McDermott made the announcement official on Wednesday morning</p>
<p id="HZSXzX"></p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/13/17853430/buffalo-bills-links-9-13-josh-allen-is-the-new-starting-qb-in-buffalo-nathan-petermanAnthony Marino2018-09-12T12:50:02-04:002018-09-12T12:50:02-04:00Analysis: Bills receivers had openings at Baltimore
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<img alt="NFL: Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wll1grlaMUp-3l0oHL6ccfWJf4A=/355x518:2740x2108/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61356465/usa_today_11216709.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Were the receivers for the Buffalo Bills blanketed all game against the Baltimore Ravens?</p> <p id="TnsIkz">You may have heard that the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> season opener against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> went somewhat badly. While a lot has been written about starting quarterback <span>Nathan Peterman</span>, it takes more than one person playing poorly to lose by...[scans repressed memories]...oh dear God. </p>
<p id="eHF0hJ">Please note; the following analysis came from an intent to review whether the receiving options were getting open, or if they were blanketed all game. This discussion will inherently touch upon the offensive line and of course the quarterback making it more of a team analysis. Because of the nature of this review, completed passes are pretty much ignored (one exception). The reason being that with a completed pass there is an assumption of “someone was open enough.” </p>
<h2 id="RR0Hnm">Play 1</h2>
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</figure>
<p id="gMNWpH"><span>Nathan Peterman</span> has a couple of good options and he looks like he’ll pull the trigger. Unfortunately he doesn’t trust anyone enough and pulls the ball back down. There’s likely a little more time if he hangs back instead of stepping into the sack as well. </p>
<h2 id="ewvxpQ">Play 2</h2>
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<p id="NYJG6w">From what we see, this was intended to be a quick timing pass. The first read is open and Peterman fires it in that direction. Since we’re evaluating the team more globally, had there been more time to develop the play, the line has Peterman protected quite well. At least two other receiving targets came open. There’s quite a bit to like on this snap believe it or not. </p>
<h2 id="aDsyHX">Play 3</h2>
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<p id="6YbWHm">The graphics tell most of the story for this play. <span>Kelvin Benjamin</span> is the intended target. While he’s “open” at the end of the play, his route was disrupted quite a bit leading to the incompletion. To defend Peterman, he needs to throw this and trust <span>Benjamin</span> gets to his spot. By the time Benjamin’s route gets blown up it’s too late to decide. We set out to review the ability of the receiving options to get open so let’s finish the play. Every other skill player is open at some point, which, again, means there’s more to like than a first glance suggests. (However, if you look closely one player probably wasn’t going to make the catch.)</p>
<h2 id="ePYtWu">Play 4</h2>
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<p id="lOIIsW">Evaluating everyone, the protection holds up again. Three receiving options are in great position to make plays, with a fourth potentially open (<span>Kelvin Benjamin</span>). The pass is delivered to the receiver that’s most covered by the defense and the result is an incompletion. </p>
<h4 id="mj4x4T">Play 5</h4>
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<p id="9IZKc8">Since we’re all about rubbing salt in our wounds let’s answer our question in truly heartbreaking fashion. Peterman scans the field and again has decent protection. Not liking what he sees, Peterman throws to his wide open safety valve <span>Jeremy Kerley</span>. Meanwhile, <span>Robert Foster</span>’s afterburners force questions of “what if?” </p>
<h4 id="T2nxmQ">Play 6</h4>
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<p id="MND8R3">There are several potential receivers who come open during this play. For the graphic I’ve highlighted the two that are in the area Peterman honed in on. Benjamin has a little contact with the defender which slows him down. The throw isn’t even necessarily a bad option as Benjamin was acquired to win situations such as this one. To come back to the original focus, it’s easy to see that <span>Jason Croom</span> was open. </p>
<h4 id="Th8NKX">Play 7</h4>
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<p id="YABQe3">The graphic suggests utter failure on the part of Peterman but that shouldn’t be the main takeaway. The GIF is there to answer our question and, undeniably, receivers were open. <span>Jeremy Kerley</span> is a little animated about how open he was in fact. Unlike many of the plays above, the line rapidly breaks down. If the play was designed to have Peterman scan left to right he didn’t have time to progress through his reads to reach <span>Kerley</span>.</p>
<p id="CEZIiz">Against the Ravens, Peterman had 13 incompletions, six of which are highlighted here. I could have kept recording but at this point the original purpose of the analysis has already been answered. The skill positions actually didn’t do badly at all, with plenty of open targets. </p>
<h4 id="SmgaEl">Play 8</h4>
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<p id="EyPcl4">To stress that the goal wasn’t to slam <span>Nathan Peterman</span>, here’s a <span>Josh Allen</span> play with similar results. At various times during the play, no less than three receivers are open. <span>Allen</span> has good protection with over three seconds to throw the ball. <span>Allen</span> missed opportunities as well. </p>
<h4 id="KRCAcE">Play 9</h4>
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<p id="w8a5EK">One more. The defensive pass interference bails out <span>Josh Allen</span>. Like the Peterman toss above on Play 7, it’s hard to fully blame the quarterback here. Benjamin is supposed to go win these battles. Also like Peterman though, other options were present and the answer remains “yes.” Receivers were getting open. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/12/17849242/all-22-analysis-buffalo-bills-wide-receivers-baltimore-ravens-kelvin-benjamin-nathan-petermanSkarekrow2018-09-12T12:40:55-04:002018-09-12T12:40:55-04:00Bills-Ravens Rookie Report: Allen and Edmunds provide hope for the future
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<img alt="Buffalo Bills v Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iw_c567_U_TfAJEJTfiPnQOs1uo=/0x0:6720x4480/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61355765/1029929384.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Bills’ 2018 first round picks flashed in an otherwise forgetful game</p> <p id="1Ig7jO">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> got thrashed by the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in their first game of the 2018 season on Sunday. If there’s anything positive to take away from the game however, it was the play of the Bills’ two 2018 first rounders. Read about the performance of the Bills’ entire 2018 rookie class below.</p>
<h3 id="6DsRuu"><span>QB Josh Allen</span></h3>
<p id="0yV6ET">Allen came into the game while it was already out of hand and while the stat sheet doesn’t really show it, his performance was more positive than negative. On certain snaps, such as the would-be touchdown to <span>Kelvin Benjamin</span> in the third quarter, the rookie quarterback demonstrated an ability to stay in the pocket, go through his reads and deliver accurate passes. On others, Allen’s internal clock would go off and he would decide to abandon the pocket too early, just as wide receivers were earning separation. His offensive line and his wide receivers didn’t do him many favors. Regardless, Allen peppered in NFL-level throws during his time on the field and gave Bills fans at least some hope.</p>
<h3 id="f1TWcB"><span>LB Tremaine Edmunds</span></h3>
<p id="bXDoVb">After a shaky first quarter, <span>Edmunds</span> found his groove in the second. To start the game, the Ravens offense featured a lot of misdirection runs, weak-side runs and faked sweeps that made the rookie linebacker hesitate and react late. Edmunds, and the defense as a whole, seemed to adjust in the second quarter and started to make some positive plays. On the same series, Edmunds tackled a fleeing <span>Joe Flacco</span> for a sack, broke up a pass intended for the tight end, and then forced a fumble. Like Allen, this was a performance to build off of.</p>
<h3 id="45gk28"><span>DT Harrison Phillips</span></h3>
<p id="Vntjaq">Phillips was in a rotation with the rest of the defensive tackles and really failed to make much of an impact with his limited time on the field. While the game was still competitive in the first few quarters, Baltimore tended to avoid him on run downs and the former Stanford Cardinal only had a few opportunities to rush the passer, which were largely ineffective. </p>
<h3 id="AxFZsR">CB <span>Tarron Johnson</span>
</h3>
<p id="Og7S4a">Johnson was called for pass interference on a Ravens first-quarter drive that eventually resulted in a touchdown. It did not appear to be warranted. While his effort in the run game was noticeable on a few plays in the first and second quarter, Johnson was forced to exit the game halfway through the second quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return. </p>
<h3 id="JEGjuh">S <span>Siran Neal</span>
</h3>
<p id="fvza8z"><span>Neal</span> notched the first stat his NFL career, adding one assisted tackle in his debut. He played three defensive snaps.</p>
<h3 id="rAyixA">WR <span>Robert Foster</span>
</h3>
<p id="PAjHjd">Thanks to the blowout, <span>Foster</span> saw time on offense, playing 25% of the team’s offensive snaps. He was targeted twice but failed to come down with a reception.</p>
<h3 id="UKT8ue">P <span>Corey Bojorquez</span> </h3>
<h3 id="XD6D3U">The newly-acquired rookie punted 8 times for an average of average of 49 yards, with a long of 58. Those are impressive numbers. Although he fumbled early in the second half, the conditions on the field were likely to blame. </h3>
<h3 id="8ayqzg">Notes</h3>
<ul><li id="UzqZKU">G <span>Wyatt Teller</span> and WR Ray-Ray McCloud were inactive.</li></ul>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/12/17848638/buffalo-bills-baltimore-ravens-rookies-quarterback-josh-allen-linebacker-tremaine-edmundsgrif2018-09-12T09:30:03-04:002018-09-12T09:30:03-04:00Week 2 power rankings have Bills dead last
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<img alt="Buffalo Bills v Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zO495dioxPVnhM1suzL8PMxv-iI=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61340667/1031120004.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Every outlet has the Bills ranked in the same spot. I’ll let you figure out which one. </p> <p id="Gkwzf8">After a brutal beatdown in Baltimore, the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> find themselves at the bottom of every power ranking from the national media, and deservedly so. The Bills were already towards the bottom of everyone’s list in the first place, so it’s no surprise that they've hit rock-bottom. </p>
<p id="LvjPeq">In <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641776&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fpicture-gallery%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2F2018%2F09%2F11%2Fnfl-power-rankings-week-2%2F1262866002%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buffalorumblings.com%2F2018%2F9%2F12%2F17846932%2Fbuffalo-bills-week-two-power-rankings-nathan-peterman-josh-allen-nfl-week-two-sean-mcdermott-worst" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em>USA Today</em>’s power rankings</a>, the Bills stayed in the same spot—last. In their ranking, they said they aren't allowed to put Alabama or Clemson above the Bills, or else they would. The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> moved up from 17th to 15th in their rankings, as well.</p>
<p id="um4h0P">The group of writers at<em> </em><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/09/11/nfl-power-rankings-2018"><em>Sports Illustrated</em>’s MMQB</a> kept the Bills as the last-ranked team in the NFL. For their point system that ranks the teams, the Bills only had nine, while the next closest team had 19. The Ravens moved from 22nd in their rankings last week to 16th this week. </p>
<p id="MA9EAB">Last week,<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000960785/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-aaron-rodgers-restores-packers"> NFL.com</a> had the Bills at 31 in their power rankings, and they bumped the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> out of the last spot for this week. In their rankings, the Ravens jumped from 16th last week to 9th this week. The punches thrown at the Bills continue. </p>
<p id="K4fm84">“It could’ve been worse. <span>EJ Manuel</span> could have backed up Nate Peterman on Sunday. Took some grief from Bills fans for placing them 31st last week. Turns out I <em>did</em> rank them wrong. Now what? Does Sean McDermott go to <span>Josh Allen</span>? Is that even fair to the rookie first-round pick, given the state of the offensive line? By the way, Buffalo’s scrimmage-yards leader was Marcus Murphy. It’s OK if you’ve never heard of him. Oy vey.”</p>
<p id="1Up9nC"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-2-power-rankings-packers-hold-top-spot-but-jaguars-can-stake-claim-with-win-over-patriots/">CBS Sports </a>was one of the outlets to rank the Bills last the week prior to this one, and they'll remain in that spot. They blame the team’s struggles on <span>Josh Allen</span> not starting. The Ravens moved up three spots from 15th to 12th. </p>
<p id="nFE3Fr">The Ravens jumped nine spots at<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/9/11/17844724/nfl-power-rankings-2018-week-2-vikings-dominant-defense-propels-them-to-top"> SB Nation</a>, going from 17 to 8. The Bills stayed in last place with Rebecca Toback saying, “Buffalo decisively looks like the NFL’s worst team.”</p>
<p id="b3O5Zq"><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2794678-nfl-power-rankings-brs-expert-consensus-rank-for-every-team-entering-week-2#slide26">Bleacher Report</a> had the Bills ranked higher than any other website last week... at 30th. The blowout caused them to lose that spot and the Bills dropped into the cozy 32nd spot. For the Ravens, they made their biggest jump in Bleacher Report’s rankings. They go from 18th to 7th, an 11-spot difference.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/12/17846932/buffalo-bills-week-two-power-rankings-nathan-peterman-josh-allen-nfl-week-two-sean-mcdermott-worstDylan Zadonowicz2018-09-12T09:15:00-04:002018-09-12T09:15:00-04:00Penalty Recap: Bills at Ravens
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<img alt="NFL: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z5FCIQNRmbCo01hE87jKiyiItAs=/0x19:3325x2236/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61339937/usa_today_9776030.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bills didn’t do so hot in Baltimore, including in the area of avoiding penalties</p> <p id="Dh1Srn">Welcome, fans of the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>, to the week one penalty recap. I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that Penalty Harm returns with the regular season! The bad news is that the Bills offered up plenty of data points. The worst news is that<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krbl911ZPBA"> the frogurt is also cursed. </a></p>
<h3 id="4LlkBD"><strong>Standard and Advanced Metrics</strong></h3>
<h4 id="Q0ES2g">Penalty counts</h4>
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<p id="LV1pF7">Neither the Buffalo Bills nor <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> did well using the traditional metric of “how many flags were thrown.” The 2018 season kicked off with an average of eight flags assessed per team (the left set of bars). Both the Bills and Ravens helped to raise this average. </p>
<p id="JQIpyC">Both teams were even worse when it came to flags thrown, landing at twelve apiece. For those of you new to my recaps, I put stock in offset and declined penalties, as they help create a sense of a team’s tendency to commit penalties. The term “True Count” is used to reflect the total yellow laundry. </p>
<h4 id="UdUU7B">Penalty yards</h4>
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<p id="oIP0IX">Despite a high count, the Buffalo Bills were nearly average in assessed yards. That suggests a tendency to skew toward procedural penalties, such as false starts. We’ll see if that’s what happened shortly. The Ravens, then, were even more skewed in that direction. While they were one higher than league average in assessed count, they were well below that average in assessed yards. </p>
<p id="46t7ZM">For true yards, any positive gains wiped out by a penalty are counted in that total. We’ll have a couple examples of this below. The NFL does track a similar statistic, but not exactly as I do it. Therefore my metric of “true yards” is not available league wide. What the chart easily shows though is that the Bills negated 24 yards in addition to their assessed yards. Baltimore only negated 17. </p>
<h3 id="xFnuhg"><strong>Penalty Harm</strong></h3>
<h4 id="Jh2341">Baltimore Ravens</h4>
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<p id="7dN6CU">For a brief rundown of what penalty harm is, an explanation can be found at the bottom. For those of you familiar with the project, here we go.</p>
<p id="VOryNj">At 1.0 Harm or under, the penalty is typically a boo-boo rather than a “shot ourselves in the foot” situation. The Ravens had quite a few of these. For these or any other penalty I don’t explain here, feel free to ask away in the comments. There’s oodles of data that isn’t included every week. </p>
<p id="jQeM4w"><span>Matt Judon</span> was lucky that his unnecessary roughness call occurred so close to the end zone. It was assessed as eight yards (half the distance to the goal) and gave the Bills a first down from second for the remainder of the 1.8 harm. </p>
<p id="x5HYwc"><span>Alex Lewis</span> wiped out a 14-yard gain to land at 2.4 Harm (10 yards plus 14 yards). </p>
<p id="TiSrRP"><span>Brandon Carr</span> was called for defensive pass interference. He set the Bills up with a first down and gave them a free 20 yards for a total of 3.0 Harm. This was the fourth play in a row with a penalty and gave the Bills their best chance at a touchdown all day. Judon’s flag kicked off the chain of events. Wedged in between were flags from <span>Dion Dawkins</span> and Vlad Ducasse. </p>
<p id="sCd1JO">And yeah, the GIFs are carrying over into the regular season. Below, we have the most egregious penalty of the day for Baltimore. Willie Snead’s offensive pass interference flag wiped out a touchdown, which is about the worst way a penalty can hurt a team. The 7.0 Harm for that factor adds to the 13 yards (10 assessed, 3 impacted) for 8.3 Harm. Snead’s actions were necessary to help the Ravens score, too, but he could easily have avoided the flag by being more subtle in his “rub” route. </p>
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<p id="HN4Vdy">The Baltimore Ravens ended the day with 18.5 Total Harm. After doing these for quite some time, a team should aim for a number at 10.0 or below. Low teens usually indicates some impact on the game. If the Ravens hadn’t run away on the scoreboard, their penalties would be a talking point. </p>
<h4 id="eiCtYG">Buffalo Bills</h4>
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<p id="Yz8w10">A repeated point that I’ve seen this week is that the Bills wiped out a ton of big plays via penalty. Eh. Not really. Only four penalties wiped out any gain. Three of these were for less than five yards. Only John Miller’s holding call (4.4 Harm) negated a big play. The 15 yards he wiped out from <span>Josh Allen</span> to <span>Jeremy Kerley</span> came in the fourth quarter when the game was already long lost. Also critical to the conversation is that the Miller flag and only one other on the day negated a first down.</p>
<p id="tmLAV1">One could argue that the high volume of penalties disrupted the offensive rhythm, which is a more valid argument. To be clear, though, penalties were not a major factor in explaining Buffalo’s offensive struggles. </p>
<p id="2PCM0I"><span>Deon Lacey</span> made a critical error and lucked out when <span>Tremaine Edmunds</span> bailed him out on the next snap by forcing a fumble. The Ravens were 4th and 5 backed up on their own end of the field and <span>Lacey</span> was caught in the neutral zone on the punt attempt. This gave the Ravens a fresh set of downs, and earned Lacey a 3.5 Harm flag. </p>
<p id="vlNcQZ"><span>Taron Johnson</span> had the worst penalty of the day for the Bills at 4.8 Harm (seen below). Johnson’s defensive pass interference gave up 28 yards and two free downs. The pass was, in all probability, uncatchable, making this call a fringe one. How the contact is sold by the “victim” might also have been a factor. </p>
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<p id="iu7csD">While the Bills didn’t have any single really bad penalty, they had several that were pretty bad. They combined for 20.4 Harm, which is a very bad day. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="alj5l7">
<h4 id="EmBxPM">What is Penalty Harm? </h4>
<p id="IUcx2K">Traditional metrics of count and yards give very poor context into how badly a penalty impacted the game. <span>Deon Lacey</span>’s five yarder is a prime example. On the stat sheet it goes down the same as a false start, but it’s easy to see the two penalties are drastically different in outcome. Penalty Harm is an attempt to quantify other ways in which a flag hurts a team to red flag the worst penalties for discussion. </p>
<p id="A6qJVh">How is it assessed? </p>
<ul>
<li id="R3mY2k">0.1 unit of harm for every yard assessed</li>
<li id="ZJcOJN">0.1 unit of harm for every yard negated by penalty</li>
<li id="KM4vm6">1.0 unit of harm for every down the penalty gave back to the opponent (or took away from your team like intentional grounding)</li>
<li id="XW8iqp">3.0 units for negating a field goal, 7.0 for a touchdown</li>
<li id="1Yk6Aa">4.0 units for negating a turnover</li>
</ul>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/9/12/17844796/penalty-recap-buffalo-bills-at-baltimore-ravens-dion-dawkins-deon-lacey-taron-johnson-john-millerSkarekrow