So deeper thoughts on the game.
#1 Drake 'Drake Maye' Maye. Not a lot of throws were a super high degree of difficulty. But he did great. Nothing else to say.
#2 The OL played really well today, and did it down 2 starters. I think we are seeing the depth at play here and it has become respectable. One of the things the Jets do well is rush the passer... and the OL held up well today. I know they were without McDonald who is their best guy, but still this pass rush ins't all that bad without him. Though clearly not nearly as good. The point is they aren't trash. But the did very little vs our OL. Maye usually had the time he needed even when the first read wasn't there. So while i never wish injuries to happen, they do and i think this OL will be stronger for it come playoff time. Now if someone goes down in that run (outside of Campbell) I will not think it is the end of the season.
#3 Williams making steady progress. Still has stuff to work out, but progress is progress. Hold on to the damn ball though... first drop of the year and it was his easiest catch yet. Isn't that how it goes sometimes?
#4 Stevenson. While i still don't love the contract, when he doesn't fumble he is a starting quality RB and has turned into a decent pass catcher against all logic. Henderson is the crown jewel due to his home run ability, though as one poster has pointed out his reads at time need work. But Stevenson's saavy has shined though. He almost put the ball on the ground today transitioning it between arms. He better not be getting too comfortable again. I hated him when he was so focused on the ball it hurt his production, and now he is in danger of playing too loose again. Find that happy medium.
#5 Chism! Love to see it. As pointed out here he got open on a few other plays vs this trash secondary. I still have hopes for him. He will need to continue this into next game and into the playoffs. We can't not expect 100 yards from Diggs every game and now with Hollins out we need other guys to start carrying the load more often. More Hooper seems to be the easiest option... one big body for another. But that alone isn't enough. They need more from Boutte, Williams, Chism and Hooper all together.
#6 On Defense you can point to the run D... I won't, They had back ups in for back ups at that point. I am not worried. 58 rush yards in the first 3 QTs... They surrendered more total after that. Schooler i think was the safety and I have no idea who was on the line. Let em have it. I am happy with how our run D contained the very competent Hall and that decent OL to that point, particularly considered they were down Tonga, Williams and Farmer.
#7 We really need Williams back. It has become clear for the front 7/6 he is the straw that stirs the drink. With him in the line up suddenly everything else falls into place. We start getting more pressure for all 4 spots cause of his impact and this means the DBs need to defend less long as well as the LBs are in a little better position to make plays. I think Williams injury is being very underestimated. With him i don't think the Bills score those 5 straight TDs on us... no way. He is the MVP of the D and that has been made clear I think. Keeping all 5 DBs healthy is also extremely important but without Williams they can't cover forever.
#8 Special teams was huge this game to me. Yes the missed FG is a concern. But back to the loss to the Bills... a huge factor was their huge returns. This STs unit took on the best STs unit in the NFL and gave them nothing all game. If this team wants to win they need every edge they can get. And winning in STs and the field position battle be a great way to help get that edge.
#9 Hawkins is getting more expensive by the game. IDK how it will play out as this is far and away his best year ever IMO. To pay or not to pay. We will see how it goes.
#10 I loved the offensive game plan today. It was nice to see a successful screen, even if vs the Jets... but i think they need to include more things or have them ready. Things other NFL teams are taking advantage of. The modified tush push, the lateral after the catch (the Bills used that one a few times), RPOs (Though those have had issues when they have used them.. need to work on it.) I hope they have some of those ready for the playoffs particularly against good Ds. The one I want to see is a Diggs catch then lateral to the streaking Williams. I think that could be devastating.
