Buffalo Rumblings - All our coverage: AFC playoff implications abound in Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore RavensBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2019-12-14T10:15:13-05:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/207608832019-12-14T10:15:13-05:002019-12-14T10:15:13-05:00Bills fan confidence dips following loss to Baltimore Ravens
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<figcaption>Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Not a bad reaction after Buffalo hangs with the top squad in the league.</p> <p id="yT38PE"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> fans were very confident heading into the game against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>, but they weren’t being unrealistic. That is bared out in this week’s Fanpulse polling from SB Nation, as Bills fans showed just a slight dip following the loss.</p>
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<p id="XsEVXc">After notching an all-time high of 93% last week, 85% of respondents in our poll this week were still confident in the direction of the Bills. That’s the sixth-best in all of SB Nation’s NFL polling. Baltimore Ravens fans remain at 100% for the sixth straight week.</p>
<p id="RlqbgK">Around the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoff-picture">AFC playoff picture</a>, fans of the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> bounced back from a low of 42% last week to 52% confident this week. <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> (90%) and Tennessee Titans (86%) fans are above Buffalo with the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (75%), <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> (36%), <a href="https://www.silverandblackpride.com/">Oakland Raiders</a> (34%), and <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> (21%) all below Bills fans. </p>
<p id="6EpogN">We’ll have to see what the opportunity to clinch a playoff spot will do this week. A Bills win should put us back into the 90s in addition to the playoffs, while a loss with a looming game against the Patriots could tank confidence.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/14/21021743/buffalo-bills-fan-confidence-dips-slightly-following-loss-to-baltimore-ravensMatt Warren2019-12-12T15:18:09-05:002019-12-12T15:18:09-05:00Nick & Nolan: Can Josh Allen handle the blitz & a Steelers Preview
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<p>Should we start calling more screens? Can Duke Williams help?</p> <p id="ZfJkJq">Nick & Nolan recap the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>' loss to the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> and discuss whether we need to be worried about <span>Josh Allen</span> having a bad game. What is this Cover 0 everyone is talking about and did Brian Daboll have answers to it? Would the screen game help <span>Josh Allen</span>? Would T. J. Yeldon or Duke Williams help if they were active?</p>
<p id="RCdoGx">Can we do anything to help <span>Dawson Knox</span> with his drops? Would having him get fewer snaps be a solution? Can Tyler Kroft play more?</p>
<p id="jAixFu">How did we slow down <span>Lamar Jackson</span> and the Baltimore offense? Was it a formation? A personnel package? Did players just play well?</p>
<p id="nShS8u">Then a <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> preview and how this should be a similar game to the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> game a few weeks back, for more reasons than one. Let’s dust off the playbook from a couple weeks ago and see if it works as well as it did the first time around.</p>
<p id="gbxgBw">#gobills #buffalobills #bills #billsmafia</p>
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<p id="SsmBNd"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this article on Apple News, the embedded audio will be removed. Click through to the site in your browser or listen on iTunes.</em></p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/12/21012453/nick-nolan-can-buffalo-bills-qb-josh-allen-handle-the-blitz-pittsburgh-steelers-previewBruce Nolannickbat2019-12-12T07:50:00-05:002019-12-12T07:50:00-05:00Mafia Mavens: David and Goliath, a “Duck” and a cheater walk into a bar
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<p>Lots of Bills talk, too.</p> <p id="pnPDCB">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> played in their “David and Goliath” game on Sunday against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> and, despite not being victorious, Robyn and Danyel still believe there are some positives to take away from it all. Have the Bills catapulted themselves up to Goliath status or do they remain the underdog David still? It might be a bit of both.</p>
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<p id="eMxvLP">Next, even though history is working against the Bills in Pittsburgh, the ladies think that this new-look team can pull of the W. They’re not afraid of the “Duck”.</p>
<p id="oUfipI">Also, what should happen to Robert Kraft and the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> if the NFL finds them guilty of cheating once again? The girls get fired up as they discuss what they feel the repercussions of this situation should be.</p>
<p id="8iWS10">Finally, the winner of the 8x10 <span>Stevie Johnson</span> picture is announced. The new giveaway is an autographed 8x10 of Jon Feliciano. Please follow The Mafia Mavens on Twitter for more details. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This week's giveaway is a signed 8x10 of mean dawg <a href="https://twitter.com/MongoFeliciano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MongoFeliciano</a>! To enter, follow us, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmyreu81?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jimmyreu81</a> & then quote tweet this tweet with your favorite part of the newest episode which comes out at midnight tonight using <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MafiaMavens?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MafiaMavens</a>. Good luck & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBills?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBills</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BillsMafia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BillsMafia</a> <a href="https://t.co/y1aEep2mPm">pic.twitter.com/y1aEep2mPm</a></p>— The Mafia Mavens Podcast (@TheMafiaMavens) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMafiaMavens/status/1204909352039145472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a>
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<p id="LrUJDK">Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-podcast-news-notes-analysis-radio-itunes-google-play-stitcher">Buffalo Rumblings podcast channel</a> featuring Billieve, Blitzed Bills, Buffalo Rumblings Q&A, Breaking Buffalo Rumblings, Circling the Wagons, the Mafia Mavens, and the Nick and Nolan Show:</p>
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<p id="SsmBNd"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this article on Apple News, the embedded audio will be removed. Click through to the site in your browser or listen on iTunes.</em></p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/12/21011899/mafia-mavens-david-and-goliath-a-duck-and-a-cheater-walk-into-a-bar-buffalo-bills-podcastDanyel Geist2019-12-11T12:00:00-05:002019-12-11T12:00:00-05:00Analysis: How the Bills can attack Cover-0
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<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>How to beat the popular defense of the day.</p> <p id="EiEeoz">Why can’t the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> defeat Cover-0?</p>
<p id="5eT0k7"><span>Josh Allen</span> threw three interceptions against the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>. Against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>, he suffered six sacks, lost a fumble, and broke his streak of 2+ touchdown games. Both teams make major use of the Cover-0 defense; in fact the Ravens used it 16 times on Sunday (per Brian Daboll). That’s out of 30 total blitzes the Ravens sent at Allen and company. For most of the day, Buffalo struggled to respond to the onslaught. Why did this happen, and what could they have done? To understand the context, let’s start with understanding Cover-0.</p>
<p id="UQB839">The name might conjure visions of an 11-man blitz, but in this case we’re talking about man coverage across the board, with zero zone defenders. For instance, Cover-1, or “man-free”, has everyone in man coverage except a single free safety, who takes the middle of the field. Cover-0, on the other hand, has no deep safety and no bracketed coverage. Receivers are in one-on-one match-ups. When it comes to running backs and tight ends, the decision depends on the type of blitz called (and Cover-0 is pretty much always a blitz, since you cannot rush only four when the offense has five men who can’t be covered man-to-man—the linemen). You might see an approach like a “green dog” blitz, where the linebacker is in man coverage on a running back unless the player stays in to block, where he’ll blitz instead.</p>
<p id="j1dfps">Cover-0, the ultimate risk-reward call, can be confounding for young quarterbacks because it unlocks so many zone-blitz opportunities. With no deep safeties, you can have seven or eight potential pass rushers in the box. It’s ripe for overload blitzes or rat defenders to screw with a player’s perception. The setup can break protection calls, create pressure where there shouldn’t be any, or create the <em>illusion</em> of pressure in a clean pocket.</p>
<p id="ehAt6P">This is why the Ravens and especially the New England Patriots have seen so much success from deploying the tactic this year. In a year where long-tenured veterans like Roethlisberger, Flacco, Manning, Smith, Stafford, and Luck are replaced with a wave of youth, defensive coordinators are throwing so much at these players that they start “seeing ghosts.”</p>
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<p id="nHPofO">Imagine you’re <span>Josh Allen</span> on the field against the Ravens. It’s 2nd and 8 from your 30-yard line, near the start of your drive. You’re in your favorite personnel package with <span>Devin Singletary</span>, <span>Cole Beasley</span>, <span>John Brown</span>, <span>Dawson Knox</span>, and <span>Isaiah McKenzie</span> on the field. Baltimore responds with a 3-2-6 Dime package—Carr, Humphrey, Smith, and Peters at cornerback, Thomas and Clark at safety, Bynes and Judon at linebacker, and Williams, Pierce, and Ferguson on the defensive line.</p>
<p id="2GIOS1">You line up in shotgun with two wide to the left, a tight end off right tackle, a wideout to the right, and Singletary beside you. At first, the defense comes out with what looks like man-free. But as you start your cadence, something insidious happens:</p>
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<p id="toM02f">Oh yeah. Sure looks like a blitz is coming. In fact, this defense is calling a play from <span>Rex Ryan</span>’s playbook: Cable 0 Train. It’s a six-man pressure package, where two safeties, a dime back, a defensive tackle, and an end will rush the passer, while an end contains or drops into coverage as a rat defender. But the offense doesn’t know that.</p>
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<p id="7KK5MI">And therein lies the rub. Maybe <span>Allen</span> sees the safeties come downhill, and he calls a blitz beater. But what if it’s a disguise, and the safeties drop after the snap? (By the way, the Bills do something very similar by mugging the A gaps with their linebackers pre-snap, and usually dropping them into coverage.) Let’s consider the possible responses to this pre-snap look, and the assumed Cover-0 blitz.</p>
<h2 id="BHt1wh">Double-check the protection, identify a hot route, and run your play</h2>
<p id="JeKlB9">At a minimum, you need to read the defense, set your protection, and decide who your hot route is. We talk a lot about gap control as a defensive concept, but gaps matter for offenses too. Look at this defensive front—there are seven gaps a rusher could attack, and eight potential rushers. </p>
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<p id="S7RgjS">It’s not likely that everyone comes downhill, but with only five or six blockers to allocate for seven gaps, you need to set up the best coverage available. For one thing, don’t expect the linebacker and safety to both blitz—because the tight end would be wide open. Another thing to watch is the dime back—that he’s mugging the right guard is a strong suggestion that he’ll blitz instead of covering someone. </p>
<p id="QXcLUz">The Bills have Ghost/Tosser called, a standard Erhardt-Perkins play. The left side is a tosser concept, made to beat Cover-2 or man-to-man coverage. The right side is ghost, a Cover-3 beater.</p>
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<p id="Fd0fBC">Against a blitz, the hot route is the running back leaking into the flat. That’s Allen’s primary read, then, and that’s what’ll keep the chains moving. If he weren’t pressured, he could read low to high on the ghost concept. Against this defensive call, the blitzing safety has responsibility for the running back running a route to his side, so Allen will need his throw to fit around him.</p>
<h2 id="00HrmY">Go to max-protect</h2>
<p id="QZowD1">The classic response to a defense throwing the kitchen sink at the pocket is to add more protection. Allen can call in his receivers, condense the formation, and switch to a play call that inserts his running back and tight end as pass protectors. If the defense plans to send seven or eight rushers, then doggone it we can block with seven or eight of our own.</p>
<p id="WeRKgk">The tight split formation has a side benefit in that it shrinks the available pass-rushing gaps. When there’s less room to maneuver, there’s less room for a free rusher to escape.</p>
<p id="TdG2wH">Out of this plan, you can also have receivers do a chip release. They’ll bump their defender (or a nearby lineman) on their way out into their pass route. It slows down the development of the play, but helps buy additional time in the pocket.</p>
<p id="pNFsC6">Max protect is a common choice for deep passing plays. To keep the safeties deep, reduce the blitzing, and open up the running game, just connect on a deep pass or two. Having extra protection—more time—lets you run deeper passing routes.</p>
<p id="0uJFw0">The downside here is, of course, fewer pass options to work from. You’ll have, at most, three routes (maybe only two). Imagine if the defense <em>looks like </em>it’ll run Cover-0, but then two safeties drop at the snap. Now you might have two pass routes and four defenders in coverage. Yuck.</p>
<p id="kIJb4q">Another issue: With everyone clustered in the box, there won’t be any room to escape the pocket and extend a play. You need to count on your’n to beat his’n.</p>
<p id="m2szv6">Below I have a play that could be called specifically to beat this Cover-0 blitz. This switch-pump-smoke concept is made for a touchdown. Two receivers, in one-on-one coverage, run switch routes (they cross then start a smoke route downfield). As they reach about 15 yards downfield, Allen pump fakes and the receivers stutter like they’re about to sit on the pass. Then they burst downfield again and prep for the deep ball. Another receiver, to the right, is available on a short hitch/throwaway if the deep throw isn’t available.</p>
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<p id="H978Jr">As long as protection holds up, one or both of those receivers should be open downfield. It’s onto the quarterback to deliver the ball into the receiver’s hands.</p>
<h2 id="B6Cy4Q">Spread out the defense</h2>
<p id="RufdIA">As an alternative, you could send everyone out and operate out of an empty set. You lose any extra protection, but you’ve made your decision easier now. With five receivers to cover, the defense can only leave six in the box. That’s fewer potential blitzers and it simplifies your protection.</p>
<p id="pCVDkc">This could play to your advantage with an athletic quarterback like Allen—if the defense blitzes, and he escapes, there won’t be anyone in a zone to defend him. He could gash them for a 30-yard run outside the pocket. Because of this, the defense will probably allocate at least one player to containment or as a spy.</p>
<p id="fjOqDY">More players running routes also means more chances for one-on-one wins. If the defense has a weakness in coverage, the empty set can help find it. And the Bills have a few man beaters on their roster, mainly Singletary and <span>Beasley</span>.</p>
<p id="kxMfMR">That being said, teams like the Ravens and Patriots also have elite depth in the secondary. They run Cover-0 because they <strong>can</strong> run it. As we saw on 4th and 8 Sunday, sometimes great man-to-man defense wins the day.</p>
<p id="ari6rt">Another issue with Empty is that it removes a running back as the backup plan from the backfield. He can’t pass protect, he can’t chip and release, he’s not a hot route. It’s just the line, the rushers, and the quarterback.</p>
<p id="sjvRZO">Here’s an example of a play you might call from an empty set against Cover-0. It’s a flood concept from an empty set, with Allen rolling to the right. If the defensive end crashes on the pocket, Allen can dodge outside and run for yardage behind his receivers. If the defensive end tries to contain (or drops into coverage), Allen can take the sail concept to his right or the high-low read on his left.</p>
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<h2 id="EmwaC4">So why did the Bills struggle so much against the Ravens?</h2>
<p id="ZPFkCd">We say it time and again: Football is 11-on-11, and if one player can’t do his job a play may fail. The Bills had a half-dozen opportunities to blow open the game with deep touchdowns, but Allen was pressured or he out-threw his teammate or the teammate dropped a pass.</p>
<p id="XuktDx">Allen thrives when he feels comfortable moving in the pocket, but he succumbed to early pressure. He tried rolling out to space, but Judon and the other Ravens were so fast he couldn’t reach any openings. We saw the same thing against the Patriots.</p>
<p id="TOotiD">After Sunday’s loss, Nate Geary made a great point on Twitter that I agree with: When the defense sends a challenge to the offense, the “answer” is two parts—a scheme solution on paper, and the execution of the solution.</p>
<p id="c63erC">The Bills correctly schemed opportunities to beat Cover-0 on numerous occasions. The execution, on Sunday, was lacking. And while Buffalo similarly struggled against the Patriots, it’s not all bad. Allen beat Cover-0 on Thanksgiving with his touchdown pass to Dawson Knox. He has had answers on other opportunities. But the Ravens had his number on Sunday, and teams will keep dialing this up until he proves he can handle it.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/11/21005183/analysis-how-the-buffalo-bills-can-attack-cover-0-blitzing-josh-allen-brian-dabollDan Lavoie2019-12-11T11:00:00-05:002019-12-11T11:00:00-05:00Billieve: What to make of Buffalo’s loss to the Ravens?
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<p>How should Bills fans feel after the team’s 24-17 loss in a game where they had a chance to steal a win?</p> <p id="PlvEsb">On the latest episode of the <a href="http://traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5574006080.mp3">Billieve </a><a href="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP7218709492.mp3">Podcast</a>, host <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/authors/john-boccacino">John Boccacino</a> and co-host Jamie D’Amico analyze the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ (9-4) 24-17 loss to the AFC-leading <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> (11-2) in Week 14. </p>
<div id="SLNzot"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP7218709492" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
<p id="SffogI">The Bills had a great chance to earn a statement win by knocking off the league’s front-running MVP candidate (<span>Lamar Jackson</span>) and the high-flying Ravens offense, putting themselves in position to steal a win late despite making several big mistakes. </p>
<p id="NC7Hwv">Among the topics covered: </p>
<ul>
<li id="XVoKy6">While the defense was phenomenal (outside of one broken coverage play that led to a long touchdown), the offense couldn’t keep up; </li>
<li id="2iSaVM">The offensive line struggled mightily in pass blocking against the Ravens; </li>
<li id="pDQPy6">
<span>Josh Allen</span> once again underwhelmed in his performance when under pressure, although he wasn’t helped by drops from <span>Dawson Knox</span>, <span>Cole Beasley</span> and others; </li>
<li id="UZjp6d">Once again, Brian Daboll showed a tendency to dial up the deep ball vs. Baltimore with little success to show for it; </li>
<li id="LwytZW">
<span>Allen</span> was beaten up by a physical Ravens defense; </li>
<li id="r89yh4">
<span>Devin Singletary</span> continued his impressive rookie season, averaging more than five yards per rush; </li>
<li id="93mheT">Leslie Frazier’s defense did an outstanding job containing Baltimore’s offense, limiting the Ravens to 257 yards of total offense; </li>
<li id="nfEQfJ">linebackers <span>Tremaine Edmunds</span> and <span>Lorenzo Alexander</span> were all over the field and enjoyed terrific games vs. Baltimore. </li>
</ul>
<p id="zImCi9">The bottom line: the Bills need to clean up a few items (the drops and poor pass protection chief among them) but Buffalo fans should feel good knowing the Bills had a chance to steal this game Sunday.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="M19cFT">
<p id="T630OR">Check out the <a href="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP7218709492.mp3">latest episode of Billieve</a> to find out our podcasters’ thoughts on these topics and more, then leave your thoughts in the comments section.</p>
<p id="yqTNyv">Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-podcast-news-notes-analysis-radio-itunes-google-play-stitcher">Buffalo Rumblings podcast channel</a> featuring Billieve, Blitzed Bills, Buffalo Rumblings Q&A, Breaking Buffalo Rumblings, Circling the Wagons, the Mafia Mavens, and the Nick and Nolan Show:</p>
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<p id="SsmBNd"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this article on Apple News, the embedded audio will be removed. Click through to the site in your browser or listen on iTunes.</em></p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/11/21011370/billieve-podcast-buffalo-bills-what-to-make-of-buffalos-loss-to-the-ravens-week-14-josh-allenJohn Boccacino2019-12-11T09:00:00-05:002019-12-11T09:00:00-05:00Analysis: How the Bills tried to slow down Baltimore’s aggressive defense
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<img alt="NFL: DEC 08 Ravens at Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/61gvOgYnwysgUZab7WjxYUOTYck=/0x0:1624x1083/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65875288/1187781108.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Buffalo threw everything, even the kitchen sink, against Baltimore to try to get past their aggressive defense</p> <p id="dLRoH0">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ offense had agonizing stretches where they couldn’t get anything going against a fierce <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> defense. With a lot of blitzes and an emphasis on stopping the run, the Ravens consistently made things difficult for the Bills. After a look at every offensive snap in the game, I’ve reached the conclusion that Brian Daboll tried like hell to crack the code, but execution issues routinely sunk good ideas. It’s another week for notes, so if you’re a glutton for punishment check them out below. </p>
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<h3 id="5az572">Play 1</h3>
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<p id="7Id35q">If you read through my notes you’ll see how frequently the Bills used a tight end and/or running back to block or create the illusion of extra help. It was pretty regularly, with <span>Dawson Knox</span> and <span>Devin Singletary</span> the most common players used for this. <span>Tyler Kroft</span> (seen above) was pretty common as well. <span>Kroft</span> does alright here, Singletary is late to find someone to block but is likely doing what was asked of him. </p>
<p id="At8X2o">But let’s give credit where credit is due. The Ravens used a lot of different pressure looks and the Bills were frequently a step behind. An early unbalanced look to the right catches <span>Jon Feliciano</span> peeking and subsequently missing a block. <span>Mitch Morse</span> doesn’t fare any better and the result is obvious above. </p>
<h3 id="NGBZgp">Play 2</h3>
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<p id="k092PM">The Bills used a few plays early where the entire team was bunched up like this. The Ravens, who were already planning on stacking players in the box, gladly put everyone in front of the Buffalo offense and ran straight at them. Buffalo used motion from the line in various ways to try and get the Ravens off-kilter. It didn’t work on this play, but found some success here and there. Generally speaking, the entire line trying to pull in the same direction was less successful than doing so with just a couple players. </p>
<h3 id="BJn3am">Play 3</h3>
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<p id="RStuD7">The Bills tried the usual methods to beat the blitz. Fans definitely recall deep shots to start the game in the hope of getting the Ravens to back off a bit. The inability to connect on those deep shots made this plan unsuccessful. Later on the Bills would emphasize quick-strike passes that had a fair amount of success. Drops hurt some of these chance too, however, as did other execution problems. There was at least one screen pass for instance where the ball made it to <span>Isaiah McKenzie</span> far quicker than his blockers were able to. </p>
<h3 id="La2d86">Play 4</h3>
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<p id="mpXUqR">This play is here to emphasize the difference between play design and execution. Protections were routinely missed in this game, with just about everyone on the line being at fault for at least one busted play. Dawson Knox helps <span>Dion Dawkins</span> initially when the better play was likely to his left. Making matters worse, to <span>Josh Allen</span>’s right, <span>Cody Ford</span> doesn’t create as much space as he’d like. <span>Allen</span> could still step up and throw, if it weren’t for <span>Feliciano</span> being walked back and preventing it. Similar issues were prevalent all day, and for just about everyone. </p>
<h3 id="oRHhUN">Play 5</h3>
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<p id="9GJXY7">As the Bills neared the goal line late in the game they even brought out their best blocking unit. <span>Lee Smith</span> had just a few snaps, with two meaningful ones. This one went well. The other one he was walked back into <span>Frank Gore</span>, preventing a possible touchdown. <span>Patrick DiMarco</span> even saw a couple snaps and was perhaps the only player who didn’t put a bad rep on tape against Baltimore. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="CUXMaz">
<h3 id="irak7P">Summary</h3>
<p id="m2LyZX">I came away surprised at just how much the Buffalo Bills attempted to counter the aggressive Baltimore Ravens’ defense. Deep shots, quick passes, max protect, pulling blockers, and more. The Bills tried it all. A few plays left me cringing, such as the bunched-up formations or a screen pass expecting Cody Ford to outrun a <span>Josh Allen</span> fastball. Overall though, it’s hard to find fault with the game plan as the Bills had prepared for just about everything. </p>
<p id="wQKCn3">Ultimately, execution issues cost a few golden opportunities. And on many other plays the easy answer is that Baltimore’s defense is the real deal. Just as we’ve seen many players have their worst outings against Buffalo, the Ravens’ complex and aggressive defense is able to create some worst outings of their own. </p>
<p id="F9QGMO">My film-study notes, if you’re so inclined:<br><a href="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19483081/Bills_vs_Ravens_dealing_with_pressure.pdf">Bills vs Ravens dealing with pressure.pdf</a></p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/11/21010523/all-22-analysis-how-the-buffalo-bills-tried-to-slow-down-baltimore-ravens-aggressive-defenseSkarekrow2019-12-11T08:45:00-05:002019-12-11T08:45:00-05:00Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens: Rookie review
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<img alt="Baltimore Ravens v Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8deP2QVfazGZI3ZvLbWXKY4O6v4=/290x0:4376x2724/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65875242/1187270998.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Ford has a letdown game and Singletary carries the load</p> <p id="g2cA01">The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> gave the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>—and their fans—a taste of playoff-quality football after defeating the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> 24-17. It was a plucky effort by <span>Josh Allen</span> in attempting to tie the game on the final drive, but the quarterback came up short. Meanwhile, the defense played about as well as could be hoped against a dynamic Ravens offense led by <span>Lamar Jackson</span> and schemed by Greg Roman. The rookies didn’t all light the world on fire during this game, but a couple still managed to make positive impacts.</p>
<p id="bcGlxI">More about how each rookie performed against the Ravens below.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="GoJPbh">
<h3 id="8c1muq">DT <span>Ed Oliver</span>
</h3>
<p id="BuaEWa">Considering the team’s opponent was Lamar Jackson—a unique quarterback able to break off 40-yard runs at any moment—it’s to be expected that Oliver may have been more concerned with keeping the signal caller hemmed into the pocket than attacking him one-on-one. To that point, the tape reveals that in obvious pass-rushing situations, the rookie defensive tackle seemed to be holding back in anticipation of Jackson vacating the pocket. Jackson’s 3.6 yards per rush average speaks to this strategy. Against the run, Oliver was susceptible to being pushed out of his lane on occasion, but that was somewhat rare and his effort on other runs seemed to make up for it.</p>
<h3 id="dkKVsu">OT <span>Cody Ford</span>
</h3>
<p id="m7K6op">Following up a strong game against the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, Ford had a letdown game against Baltimore. Matthew Judon’s speed rush and technique were just too much for the rookie, who gave up multiple sacks and pressures. Ford also had a couple bad hiccups in the run game, although he had the key block that sprung a 38-yard run from Singletary.</p>
<h3 id="zRPCwK">RB <span>Devin Singletary</span>
</h3>
<p id="xanIe8">It was tough sledding upfront for the offensive line yet, despite that, the rookie runner had 118 yards from scrimmage thanks to some great open-field moves and his availability in the passing game. What makes the rookie runner so great is that he just never goes down after first contact, but he doesn’t avoid the contact either. The only reason he had such production against Baltimore is because of that type of mentality combined with his balance.</p>
<h3 id="QdYDqm">TE <span>Dawson Knox</span>
</h3>
<p id="QN34jB">Fans were quick to blame Knox for several crucial dropped passes, but he should also be commended for his long catch in the fourth quarter, as well as a pass that <span>Allen</span> completely missed on in the first quarter. On the other hand, Knox was completely at fault for a poor block of Judon that resulted in a sack/fumble, although it’s worth questioning whether the rookie should have been put in that situation at all. Knox really needs some time at the jugs machine.</p>
<h3 id="TF88zY">LB <span>Vosean Joseph</span>
</h3>
<p id="C0OZIP">The former fifth-round linebacker remains on injured reserve following shoulder surgery.</p>
<h3 id="POBBcn">S <span>Jaquan Johnson</span>
</h3>
<p id="GiHpPd">Johnson was active against at home against Baltimore, but only for his role on special teams.</p>
<h3 id="zsBW3n">TE <span>Tommy Sweeney</span>
</h3>
<p id="2G20B4">With the return of <span>Tyler Kroft</span>, Sweeney was again a healthy scratch this week at Baltimore.</p>
<h3 id="ao8mmS">DE <span>Darryl Johnson Jr.</span>
</h3>
<p id="aQKMdM">Only on the field on defense for four snaps, Johnson didn’t exactly have much time to make an impression against Baltimore. With Shaq Lawson turning it on recently this may be how things stay until the end of the season for the rookie. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/11/21010341/buffalo-bills-vs-baltimore-ravens-rookie-review-devin-singletary-ed-oliver-dawson-knoxgrif2019-12-11T08:40:00-05:002019-12-11T08:40:00-05:00Win Probability notes: Bills vs. Ravens
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<img alt="NFL: DEC 08 Ravens at Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pHlE2A8pgmuoS0Wa3zoj9qg7w7k=/0x0:3776x2517/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65875238/1187781072.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It was never really close.</p> <p id="CCwWNF">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> lost a heartbreaker this past Sunday to the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>—a team some believe to be the best in the league. Despite it being a one-score game late in the fourth, the Bills wouldn't surpass a 35% win probability on the day. Contextually, this was a tale of two defenses, both of which held the other’s offense in check most of the day. Aside from a 61-yard touchdown pass to <span>Hayden Hurst</span>, <span>Lamar Jackson</span> was held in check yardage-wise on the day and wasn’t the full reason the Bills failed to pull out the victory. That being said let’s look at where the fault lies in this week’s probability breakdown. </p>
<p id="X16GuV">(Charts courtesy of <a href="https://live.numberfire.com/nfl/7389">numberfire LIVE</a>.)</p>
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<p id="A3Fn4l">After a four-and-out by <span>Josh Allen</span> and company, the Ravens would cap off their first scoring drive with a field goal from <span>Justin Tucker</span>, which—despite being a Ravens scoring play—would swing the Bills +0.27%. While Baltimore managed to score on their second drive, it was clear that Buffalo’s defense had prepared properly for the high-powered Ravens offense. However, for Buffalo early on it was clear Baltimore would be sending pressure early and often as well as playing Cover-0 a majority of the game—something the offense has struggled against all season. </p>
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<p id="P0Pst4">On the ensuing drive <span>Josh Allen</span> would fumble on Buffalo’s 26-yard-line to set up the Ravens in scoring position. The fumble itself would drop the Bills -8.19% and set up a Baltimore touchdown on a shovel pass to Nick Boyle. The touchdown would bring Buffalo to a 17.92% win probability and give the Ravens a two-score lead late in the first quarter.</p>
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<p id="cJIlz2">Despite having a 1.94% chance of winning with 9:54 left in the fourth quarter The Bills managed to pull off one of the biggest swings of the season late in the game. After a defensive-pass-interference call benefiting <span>Cole Beasley</span>, Buffalo’s win probability swung 22.23%. Unfortunately, the Bills would fail to convert on a 4th and 10, sending the Ravens’ offense in for victory formation. </p>
<p id="hxrHyK">The Bills encountered the presumed best team in the league Sunday and, despite the numbers, once again showed that regardless of who they play, their opponents will have to be ready for four quarters of football. The Bills head to Pittsburgh Sunday to play the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> where a win would clinch a playoff birth. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/11/21010051/win-probability-notes-buffalo-bills-v-baltimore-ravens-numberfirelive-lamar-jackson-josh-allenMax Liebel