From: gordons@netcom.com (Gordon Storga)
Subject: Re: Buffalo over Dallas 27 - 20
Organization: Gizmonic Institute - Home of the "Big G Burger"
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1993 01:00:48 GMT

<1974@niktow.canisius.edu> bittle@niktow.canisius.edu (Jason Bittle) writes:
><C161Lt.D17@fc.hp.com>, gates@fc.hp.com (Bill Gates) writes:
>>     1.  Emmitt Smith and Thurman Thomas compare very well, but I think
>>         Dallas will run all over the Bills D.  The Dallas OL run-blocks
>>         very well.  I believe they are a better overall OL than the Bills'
>>         OL.  I expect to see the Moose on more short-yardage plays, and
>
> Hold on a second here.  The Bills' OL is one of the best in the league, as
>rated by such analysists as John Madden (a VERY HEAVY NFC FAN.  (and excuse
>the pun)).  I would say that they are equal, and at the least, the Bills are
>better.

I hate to break it to you but Madden's opinion doesn't hold much weight 
(pun intended) with some of us.  The fact is, against tougher defenses
Smith was able to produce more yards and TDs than Thomas.

>>     2.  There is no way, contrary to your prediction, that Buffalo can shut
>>         down an air attack consisting of Smith, Novacek, and Johnston for
>
> I will agree with you on this point, because I felt that the weakest part of
>the Bills defense is their secondary, and their lack of coverage.  Perhaps
>it's Corey's (Def. Coord Walt) lack of imagination on the defense.  But, the
>Bills have been playing awesome in the last three weeks (or rather, 2 and 1/2
>games) in the playoffs, only allowing 16 points in the last 10+ quarters.
>That's less than a field goal a quarter, and that should be more than plenty
>to beat any team, if they can be consistant.

But they haven't been consistent.  Dallas has been the #1 defense almost
all season.  Now *that's* consistent, no "if they can be" about it.

>>     3.  I feel pretty good about the Buffalo receivers vs. the Dallas
>>         secondary.  Sure, the Bills will complete some passes.  But I
>>         think Dallas will eliminate the big play.
>
> Well, they almost blew it in San Fran, giving up your "big play" in the first
>quarter, but being called back due to a holding call.  The success of the
>Bills will be how effective they are on the running game, producing a good
>passing game.  Getting Dallas' LB to freeze on the run, and trick them with
>play action passes and screen plays will work.

Misdirection might work well against Dallas.  They react so quickly you
can get them out of position some times.

...
>>     6.  The Bills have shown inconsistency in the Colts and Jets games.
>
> Obviously you have never followed the Bills as closely as we (or I) have.  If
>you did, you will realize that the Bills play about as good as their
>opponents.  How else can you explain them kicking the wholly $hit out of
>Pittsburg, Miami (in Miami), San Fran (in SF), and Denver, and lose to the
>Jets, Colts and Raiders?  Not inconsistency, the Bills have had a history in
>the past of taking it easy in games that they think are going to be easy, and
>not "trying" as hard.  

So which opponent were they playing as good as last January when they were
playing the Redskins?

>                       I won't take anything away from the Bills, they go out
>there and give their 100% and sometimes more (in the Houston playoff game, for
>example), but it's just that that 100% in a 49ers-Bills game is much different
>than a 100% in a Jets-Bills game.

This sounds like an excuse for poor performance.

...
>> Two things could tilt things the Bills' way:  Superbowl hype pressure on
>> the 'boys, and the no-huddle offense.  But I think the 'boys will deal with
>> both.
>
> I'll address both of these topics:  The hype was big enough on the Bills to
>cost them to blow the Redskins game (last year), and believe me, it is too
>insurmountable to be just 'dealt' with.  It has an overwhelming effect on the
>players.  It might be the undoing of the 'boys.

You know, there are a number of "first time" SB teams that have won:
Pittsburgh, SF, Giants, Gibbs Redskins, Flores Raiders, etc.  "First time"
means the first time the bulk of the starters have been in a SB, not the
Teams first SB.  Why didn't it effect these teams?

> Since the Cowboys have never seen the no-huddle offense, we will have to wait
>until the 31st until we discover if they can indeed handle it.

You really think that Dallas has never seen a "no huddle" offense?


Gordon
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