The Bills need to go out and really win easily for once, and Washington could allow for that. That would make all of us happy
- turbo044

I have no doubt the Bills will win

Dabol is a sub par OC
- hubie

you can blame the head coach for this as well... he's very conservative. But I'm NOT a fan of the play calling yesterday at all. I think Dabol is just an average coach.

I expect Beane to do nothing today... we need a DT,DE Pass rusher, WR, and Tackle.

DT, WR in the worst way. this ofseanson they have to find a Pass rusher or this will never be an elite defense... we struggle way to much to put pressure on QB's.

you can blame the head coach for this as well... he's very conservative. But I'm NOT a fan of the play calling yesterday at all. I think Dabol is just an average coach.
- gordong

I feel his offense is very vanilla very boring easily defended and smart DC can change their plan up on him.

Talk with a guy at work about him all the time. He gets all this credit for what he did at Alabama who is a running offense where he gets the best players in the country to come play. Its very easy if you continuously get the best players and just let them roll out every year.

I expect Beane to do nothing today... we need a DT,DE Pass rusher, WR, and Tackle.

DT, WR in the worst way. this ofseanson they have to find a Pass rusher or this will never be an elite defense... we struggle way to much to put pressure on QB's.
- gordong

I think you can get away with the receiver/TE corps if the quarterback finds a way to get them the ball.

Pass-rushing, while not elite, had 3 sacks against Wentz yesterday.

The interior D-Line got abused and exposed yesterday, and somewhat last week as well. That should be priority #1.

Brandon Beane is regarded as one of the most active GM's on the trade market. While doing nothing is not completely out of the realm of possibility, to expect him to do so based on past results is completely unwarranted.

I feel his offense is very vanilla very boring easily defended and smart DC can change their plan up on him.

Talk with a guy at work about him all the time. He gets all this credit for what he did at Alabama who is a running offense where he gets the best players in the country to come play. Its very easy if you continuously get the best players and just let them roll out every year.
- hubie

They need to find a way to get Singletary involved more, I like Gore and he has done good job, but we all can see how explosive Singletary can be. And the O-line needs to pick it up. The best way to help a young QB is to be able to run the Ball, with your running backs.

I think you can get away with the receiver/TE corps if the quarterback finds a way to get them the ball.

Pass-rushing, while not elite, had 3 sacks against Wentz yesterday.

The interior D-Line got abused and exposed yesterday, and somewhat last week as well. That should be priority #1.

Brandon Beane is regarded as one of the most active GM's on the trade market. While doing nothing is not completely out of the realm of possibility, to expect him to do so based on past results is completely unwarranted.
- buffalofan19

I think he knows the flaws and he knows he can't fix them now, and Honestly Bean has shown a willingness to trading, just don't think he's in the we have a chance here let go for it mode.. as for the sacks it been a struggle for years now.... this defense is never going to be great if they don't find a consistent pass rush, maybe the Rookie (cant think of his name) develops into one... but who knows. we need better LB play or players as well. zero depth.

You know it's a Buffalo Bills Monday when people are calling for Ed Oliver to be cut and Edmunds to be traded

I think he knows the flaws and he knows he can't fix them now, and Honestly Bean has shown a willingness to trading, just don't think he's in the we have a chance here let go for it mode.. as for the sacks it been a struggle for years now.... this defense is never going to be great if they don't find a consistent pass rush, maybe the Rookie (cant think of his name) develops into one... but who knows. we need better LB play or players as well. zero depth.
- gordong

He acquired Kelvin Benjamin at the deadline two years ago. I see him addressing at least something, even if it is just a depth move.

He acquired Kelvin Benjamin at the deadline two years ago. I see him addressing at least something, even if it is just a depth move.
- buffalofan19

I dont need a big move. Maybe flip a 4th for a depth linebacker. They missed Milano against the dolphins. Bills are still building. Keep the 1sts and 2nds

I feel his offense is very vanilla very boring easily defended and smart DC can change their plan up on him.

Talk with a guy at work about him all the time. He gets all this credit for what he did at Alabama who is a running offense where he gets the best players in the country to come play. Its very easy if you continuously get the best players and just let them roll out every year.
- hubie

Yeah I agree with everything you said. I watch other games and see creative WR routes all the time, but not here... now maybe we just are not executing properly but as a rule I don't see much imagination in the Offensive game plans, now is that because they don't trust Allen yet? Or they aren't coming up with it. and I'm because a little worried about Allen's development... He's got all the tools, but at some point we need to see more from him... If we are seeing the same things a year from now we are going to be in big trouble

You know it's a Buffalo Bills Monday when people are calling for Ed Oliver to be cut and Edmunds to be traded
- gerbe75pts

I haven't seen 1 person say that, could we use a space eater to help Oliver and Edmund's, sure could, could we use some more depth at LB, yes, but that can be taken care of in house

Not ranked: Buffalo Sabres – Another week, another top five that doesn’t include the team that’s sitting in first place overall. What gives?

First of all, the Sabres are only tied for first overall, with the Caps. They’re ahead of Washington by points percentage, but if you look at it that way then they’re also behind the Bruins. Still, that’s pretty impressive, and they have a chance to take sole possession of top spot tonight. The Caps and Bruins are in the top five. Why not Buffalo?

If you’ve been reading this column each week, you know the drill by now: These rankings are meant as a long-term play, one where we’re trying to figure out who’s going to win the Stanley Cup in June, not who’s playing well right now. Think of it this way: If someone offered you a million dollars if you could correctly pick this season’s champion and gave you five choices – no odds or longshots to consider, just the five teams you think have the best shot – who would you take? Would the Sabres really be one of your five teams? Probably not, even after a strong start. They wouldn’t be one of mine. That’s what these rankings are about.

So that’s the logic. But maybe the logic is wrong, and the Sabres really should be one of those five picks. There’s a case to be made. Their record is a big part of that. So is the eye test – this really does look like a different team under Ralph Krueger. Jack Eichel looks like he’s on the way to the sort of breakout year that was always a requirement for the Sabres taking the next step. The goaltending isn’t killing them anymore. They can actually hold a lead. It’s all coming together.

The counterargument would start with some of the underlying numbers. The Sabres are on a significant PDO heater, thanks to 11.2 percent all-situations shooting and excellent .923 goaltending. The powerplay is clicking at nearly 30 percent. In terms of possession and expected goals, they’ve been merely average, maybe even a bit less than that. That’s a lot of blinking warning lights on the regression dashboard.

You could argue that this is a talented young team that should put up strong shooting and powerplay numbers. But then you also have to ask if two goalies who’ve been merely leaguewide average starters (at best) their entire career suddenly got way better. Maybe they did – it happened to the Islanders last year. The Sabres hired Mike Bales away from the Hurricanes this summer, so maybe he’s gone and Mitch Korn’ed the position into one of strength. That’s possible. But you’d be forgiven if you wanted to see it play out for more than a few weeks.

Then there’s the elephant in the room when you talk about the Sabres being red hot: We did this last year. The Sabres won ten straight last November, driving them to first place overall two months into the season. Then it all fell apart, and anyone who had them ranked as a top-five Cup contender ended up looking silly. This year isn’t last year, and our own John Vogl has explained why. But this is still a team that’s varied between bad and distressingly awful for eight seasons now. Overreacting to one good month – especially when it featured a schedule packed with struggling teams – feels like asking for trouble.

And maybe it is. History does tell us something, especially when we’re dealing with such a small sample size. We can’t rely on it too much; the Blues won the Cup last year after missing the playoffs in 2018, and the Knights went to the Cup final when they didn’t even have any history. But it matters.

Add it all up, and Buffalo isn’t a top-five team quite yet, at least to my eyes. But if not now, when? The Sabres go into Washington on Friday; if they smoke the Caps on their own ice, does that move the needle? They’ve got that European back-to-back with my precious Lightning the weekend after that; surely a sweep there would have to be enough? We’re almost into November; what’s the cutoff between a hot streak and something more?

The answer: I’m not sure. This isn’t an exact science, as you might have guessed. The Sabres aren’t there yet, but they’re getting close. Stayed tuned, and we’ll see if they can kick down the door.

From The Athletic re The Top 5 NHL Teams.

Not ranked: Buffalo Sabres – Another week, another top five that doesn’t include the team that’s sitting in first place overall. What gives?

More Stuff from "Down Goes Brown" at The Athletic.

From The Athletic re The Top 5 NHL Teams.
- Der Kaiser

I read this, and can't disagree with any of it.

I dont need a big move. Maybe flip a 4th for a depth linebacker. They missed Milano against the dolphins. Bills are still building. Keep the 1sts and 2nds
- jcragcrumple

I think the only way he trades one of those picks is for a younger kid that has a huge upside... but I don't see anyway he gives them up to be honest. I'm okay with that I guess. one thing I do like about Beane is he is pretty good at drafting guys.

I dont need a big move. Maybe flip a 4th for a depth linebacker. They missed Milano against the dolphins. Bills are still building. Keep the 1sts and 2nds
- jcragcrumple

I think DT is a bigger need. If teams go 3 or 4 wide, Milano could very well not be on the field anyway. The interior D-Line was exposed in a big way yesterday.

Not ranked: Buffalo Sabres – Another week, another top five that doesn’t include the team that’s sitting in first place overall. What gives?

First of all, the Sabres are only tied for first overall, with the Caps. They’re ahead of Washington by points percentage, but if you look at it that way then they’re also behind the Bruins. Still, that’s pretty impressive, and they have a chance to take sole possession of top spot tonight. The Caps and Bruins are in the top five. Why not Buffalo?

If you’ve been reading this column each week, you know the drill by now: These rankings are meant as a long-term play, one where we’re trying to figure out who’s going to win the Stanley Cup in June, not who’s playing well right now. Think of it this way: If someone offered you a million dollars if you could correctly pick this season’s champion and gave you five choices – no odds or longshots to consider, just the five teams you think have the best shot – who would you take? Would the Sabres really be one of your five teams? Probably not, even after a strong start. They wouldn’t be one of mine. That’s what these rankings are about.

So that’s the logic. But maybe the logic is wrong, and the Sabres really should be one of those five picks. There’s a case to be made. Their record is a big part of that. So is the eye test – this really does look like a different team under Ralph Krueger. Jack Eichel looks like he’s on the way to the sort of breakout year that was always a requirement for the Sabres taking the next step. The goaltending isn’t killing them anymore. They can actually hold a lead. It’s all coming together.

The counterargument would start with some of the underlying numbers. The Sabres are on a significant PDO heater, thanks to 11.2 percent all-situations shooting and excellent .923 goaltending. The powerplay is clicking at nearly 30 percent. In terms of possession and expected goals, they’ve been merely average, maybe even a bit less than that. That’s a lot of blinking warning lights on the regression dashboard.

You could argue that this is a talented young team that should put up strong shooting and powerplay numbers. But then you also have to ask if two goalies who’ve been merely leaguewide average starters (at best) their entire career suddenly got way better. Maybe they did – it happened to the Islanders last year. The Sabres hired Mike Bales away from the Hurricanes this summer, so maybe he’s gone and Mitch Korn’ed the position into one of strength. That’s possible. But you’d be forgiven if you wanted to see it play out for more than a few weeks.

Then there’s the elephant in the room when you talk about the Sabres being red hot: We did this last year. The Sabres won ten straight last November, driving them to first place overall two months into the season. Then it all fell apart, and anyone who had them ranked as a top-five Cup contender ended up looking silly. This year isn’t last year, and our own John Vogl has explained why. But this is still a team that’s varied between bad and distressingly awful for eight seasons now. Overreacting to one good month – especially when it featured a schedule packed with struggling teams – feels like asking for trouble.

And maybe it is. History does tell us something, especially when we’re dealing with such a small sample size. We can’t rely on it too much; the Blues won the Cup last year after missing the playoffs in 2018, and the Knights went to the Cup final when they didn’t even have any history. But it matters.

Add it all up, and Buffalo isn’t a top-five team quite yet, at least to my eyes. But if not now, when? The Sabres go into Washington on Friday; if they smoke the Caps on their own ice, does that move the needle? They’ve got that European back-to-back with my precious Lightning the weekend after that; surely a sweep there would have to be enough? We’re almost into November; what’s the cutoff between a hot streak and something more?

The answer: I’m not sure. This isn’t an exact science, as you might have guessed. The Sabres aren’t there yet, but they’re getting close. Stayed tuned, and we’ll see if they can kick down the door.

From The Athletic re The Top 5 NHL Teams.
- Der Kaiser

I understand what they're saying, but this is why power rankings are dumb. They're just ranking the teams they already think are good

You know it's a Buffalo Bills Monday when people are calling for Ed Oliver to be cut and Edmunds to be traded
- gerbe75pts

who is saying either of those things?? They are kids, why would we cut them?

They need to find a way to get Singletary involved more, I like Gore and he has done good job, but we all can see how explosive Singletary can be. And the O-line needs to pick it up. The best way to help a young QB is to be able to run the Ball, with your running backs.
- Buff36

Good post

Singletary is going to play a huge roll moving forward

who is saying either of those things?? They are kids, why would we cut them?
- gordong

My guess is someone on the radio shows this morning called in and said that. Not that it in anyway represents the opinion of the majority of the fanbase.

I think DT is a bigger need. If teams go 3 or 4 wide, Milano could very well not be on the field anyway. The interior D-Line was exposed in a big way yesterday.
- buffalofan19

Me too, depth LB is coming, Thompson should be ready to go this week. Milano doesn't leave the field, him and Edmund's are always out there, Alexander comes of the field.

I haven't seen 1 person say that, could we use a space eater to help Oliver and Edmund's, sure could, could we use some more depth at LB, yes, but that can be taken care of in house
- Buff36

Bills message boards

I think it's because at some point you would like to see your offense bail your defense out when, God forbid, it has an off day.
- buffalofan19

You do. And they kinda did last week.

The defense gave up a 9 minute 17 play drive from Miami, made the stop and our offense took it 98 yards the other way.

They’ve shown they’re capable of putting great drives together

I’m optimistic long term on the offense when some playmakers show up.

I watched James White take a screen 65 yards on 3rd and 10 yesterday.

We don’t have that YAC player yet

Bills message boards
- gerbe75pts

Didn't know they still had 1

They need to find a way to get Singletary involved more, I like Gore and he has done good job, but we all can see how explosive Singletary can be. And the O-line needs to pick it up. The best way to help a young QB is to be able to run the Ball, with your running backs.
- Buff36

I agree, I feel like with the other 2 you know whats happening but with Singletary could run / could pass