That Aud Smell

Good point. The deficiency is not something that can't be mitigated or perhaps even mostly eliminated as you grow and learn. And people can say what they will about McDermott, but that guy puts his money where his mouth is when it comes to "growth mindset." This is also a good point. And I feel it's something that has evolved over his tenure. I can't readily count the number of games in the past ~30 regular season games where I've said, or agreed with someone saying, "the Bills really made good in-game adjustments." Talk about bottom-5 in his era, I think Marv may have never figured out how to really adjust a plan on the fly.

it's cliche, for sure. but - outside of great QB play - line play on both sides of the ball means the most to team success. and the bills' o-line is a good one. they've had some rough patches, but they're a very good unit.

I think McDermott is a top-5 NFL HC when it comes to preparation. And I think he's a bottom-5 NFL HC when it comes to crucial, situational in-game decisions. Proverbial gun to my head, I don't think I'd move on from him in favour of some shiny new OC boy genius. His consistency is remarkable. Making the playoffs always means you have a chance to win the Super Bowl. It's just a few games after all. Look at the Manning-led Giants teams. But ... for so long as the Bills have Allen, I will feel the pull of that shiny new OC move.

Hmm. Interesting. 5 games is probably about right. It will build, though. If they can win 7 of 10 or something? Look out. I got chills just typing that!

It really isn't that serious. Or snarky. Or heavy. It's just a bit of fun. It's mostly not my cuppa (I burned out on it, I think). But for those who still participate, it's just a bit of goofin'.

The 4-5 Sabres (4-4-1). #DeLuca500

rookie DT Carter needs surgery on his wrist. likely a 4-game IR candidate. what a bummer. the guy was balling out of late.

why wouldn't it be? if i were an advertiser, i'd be (1) concerned whether a content creator's ostensible engagement numbers are valid and (2) potentially persuaded by a content creator's ability to demonstrate the legitimacy of its engagement numbers.

interesting. i wonder if content creation sites are employing that sort of screening so that they can more confidently represent to advertisers what sort of engagement they get.

it worked for me

I'd assume so. I'd also assume that the team's business office offers some support, guidance. He's the captain. I'm sure the team wants him taking on this sort of role in the community. It's a sign of the times, I reckon, that he's taking on a public role together with his girlfriend (not (yet) his wife).

man, there's good reason that the saudis want to get out of fossil fuels and into pro sports franchises ... there's just nothing out there that's shown the sort of value growth that pro clubs have shown. it's nuts.

Cripes - not sure if it's just the cruddy ESPN+ production value - but that crowd sounded utterly funereal during a really spirited scrap. It gives some perspective on our concerns with how quiet KBC can be.

that team was unrecognizable. more please

These are valid criticisms. I'm hoping, with time, he can improve his confidence and habits when it comes to playing a "heavier" game. (He's never gonna be a bruiser -- but just lean on people a bit more, as you say.) I like a lot about other parts of his game. I think his vision and passing ability are very, very good.

And yet the Chiefs keep Chiefin’.

Was it Mr. Allen? I swear that exact phrasing was used — “stick to hockey because you obviously don’t know football.” I had a better retort then, tbh: “Motherfu**ker, I don’t know sh1t about shinola. I’m just here popping off takes.”

This has echoes of some former Sabrespacer. Which account was it? An easy block then. An easy block now.

Worthy’s also got 7 carries for ~50 yards and 2 TD’s. They’re both having good rookie seasons. Is Brian Thomas (Jr.?) having the best rookie WR season though?

I mean. Rodgers can still sling it. The arm talent is there. So he'll do some sh1t -- especially if you inexplicably rush 2 players on the first half's final play (thanks, Sean!). But he's throwing picks. A lot of them. He can't move very well. And he's still trying to run the offense that made him an MVP 10 years ago, when times have changed and offenses have had to evolve.

(This is simply not a credible take.)

i totally forgot about the preseason injury. dude's gotta be hurt. he doesn't look right. not sure if it was mentioned upthread, but it also provides context for him fighting krebs in practice. he's frustrated.

the timing here is … intentional?

I’ve been away and offline. What the hell’s going on with Quinn?!

There are a few supercuts of Rapp’s friendly fire out there on teh interwebs.