Wednesday, January 13, 2021

#humpdaycheckdown | YOFF SZN 2 | BaltyMORE Week

Photo Credit - USA Today  


On to the next opponent this week, the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills were able to overcome a trifecta of an Allen collapsing fumble, an obvious bad call, and a Hail Mary last week, marking the first postseason win of the Allen-Beane-Mac era. 2020 was an unforgettable year, but for the people of Western New York, and those loyal to the Bills all over the globe, the Bills have provided a shining light. 

Last week, the Bills didn't falter. The Bills didn't flop. The team buried the hatchet and surpassed what any team has done in years. This week presents a new challenge, so let's get after it for this weeks #humpdaycheckdown..

Snow Problem At All...

The talk of the town is the potential of snow, or weather impact on the game. When questioned, Stefon Diggs was clear in saying though he doesn't want to play in the snow and never has, he'll do what he's gotta do..


 I understand not wanting to play in truly bad conditions but looking at the weather at 30-35 degrees and a 50% chance of precipitation, it should be a beautiful night at the Ralph for football. Neither Diggs nor Lamar Jackson have ever played in the snow, which is sort of surprising. 

Ball Handling Birds

The Ravens didn't even dress RB Mark Ingram last week. They have primarily used rookie JK Dobbins and a dash of Gus Edwards to accompany Jackson in the run game. A key loss on the offensive side of the ball from last seasons matchup with Buffalo is the man who took one to the house, Hayden Hurst. The Ravens will count on Mark Andrews and Hollywood Brown to carry the load, with a slowly galloping version of Dez Bryant also. 

The Bills defense did a pretty good job on Indianapolis' run game, but was gashed over and over by the TEs in deep crossing routes. Jackson relies heavily on off script plays, and doesn't have much on the outside. They will be practicing HEAVY run game this week for sure, including spells of Patrick Ricard at TE and H-back. 

I'd expect a heavy dose of motions, unbalanced sets, FB pull/smash/lead/kickout blocking, and quick game in the pass. Most pass game off action one way or the other.

Roman Reigned

Greg Roman and Tyrod Taylor were doing very similar things during their tenure here in Buffalo as Roman is doing with Lamar. The passing game at times appears anemic because, it is. We saw what it did versus an elite Jacksonville defense in our first playoff appearance. The lack of WR production was downright gross. Kelvin Benjamin and Rob Ryan gross. Most of the time there are only 2 or even 1 option to throw to. 1, 2, go. Remind you of Rod?

Roman is a genius when it comes to up front blocking though. Something that our defense has had its bouts with. The linebacking corps was decent against the run last week, but underestimated the charisma of Rivers in the pass game. They will need to be sharp in pass game this week on play action. 

Don't forget how Roman gashed us all while we grabbed our beers at the start of the 2nd half last year. (Notice how the hit on QB occurs low so to protect QB but causes TD)

Weather or no weather, the front 7 for the Bills are in for a street fight this week. The game will be won or lost by the Linebackers, and the way they are able to shed, read, pursue, and finish.

Oh Josh...

You forget JA is just a kid. He has been SO GOOD this year, it's as if we've had him for 10 years. He carries himself as if he's lived here his whole life. He was NOT happy with himself following the fumble versus Indy. This was good to see. There really is nothing worse than seeing a kid not care. He cares, and for that reason, I can't fault him for his never-say-die attitude. That being said.. next time just fall down like Tom Brady JA.

My Game Ball

The gameball truly does belong to #75 Daryl Williams, who was able to come up with the ball for the Bills.

I don't know much about Daryl. He became a member of the team in March of 2020. Think about that for a second. As much praise and honor as guys like Josh, Stefon, Michah, Jordan all deserve, take one second to recognize that Daryl Williams deserves the Gameball of 2020. 

This guy is a downright guardian angel. 

Credit whoever you want, but remember 75. The bottom line is he came to this franchise and city during the beginning of a worldwide pandemic, and recovered what could have been a season ending fumble. The guy has started every game for a Bills O-Line that probably hasn't received enough credit. 

I don't know much about Daryl, but he has quietly emerged into a forever etch into my memory. He wasn't around for the Orton times, the Losman times or Even the Peterman times. He just got here and he scrapped for that ball, and for that.. I thank you Daryl. We all thank you. So you and I can both get to know the former All pro a bit better.. here's a video.

Stay tuned to the end of the week for my Pregame Dump- where I will dig into the Ravens scouting report a bit deeper, and give my full pregame prediction for Saturday's contest. If you love the blog, please let me know you're reading, share, tell a friend. If you don't, tell me what you'd like to see done better! 

BLEUMAFIA - Bills Lovers Everywhere United - & Bleu Cheese Lovers Everywhere




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