Buffalo Bills Preseason Game One Summary

 On Saturday, the Buffalo Bills played the first of their three preseason games for the 2023 NFL season. The Bills won the game 23-19. I understand that the score in a team's first preseason game is generally insignificant. It's also difficult to draw conclusions after one game, but even with this small sample size, I believe there are some highlights that deserve attention.

The two biggest offensive stars, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs sat out this game. However, another key starter, running back James Cook, did start the game, and made immediate and favorable contributions. Four carries, 20 yards, and a touchdown were enough to allow others in the backfield to show their talents, even as Cook solidified his position as the featured RB heading towards the regular season. With Damien Harris sitting out due to injury, running backs Jordan Mims and Latavius Murray showed promise, each averaging around 3.5 yards per carry. An assortment of Wide Receivers shared playing time as well, with a total of 11 targeted at some point in the game, and 8 catching at least one pass. KeeSean Johnson, Andy Isabella, and Marcell Ateman led the way, each with over 40 yards receiving. Tyrell Shavers and Dezmon Patmon each scored touchdowns, with 38 and 35 receiving yards respectfully.

On the defensive side of the ball, most projected starters did see action for at least two series. Some highlights include an interception by Dane Jackson, and a team leading 7 tackles by rookie linebacker Dorian Williams. An outstanding feel-good moment with this group was seeing Damar Hamlin return to game action for the first time since his near-death experience on the field last January. He contributed 3 solo tackles in an excellent, inspirational effort. Overall, the defense made it very difficult for the Colts 4th overall pick QB Anthony Richardson to establish any consistent ball movement, and a resulting 39.2 QB rating.

The question now, after this first game is how are some of the position competitions affected? Some key position battles are at middle linebacker, cornerback, and wide receiver. At this time, I don't see any of these battles being decided, especially with two preseason games still to go. However, some players either provided an advantage for themselves, or in some cases, put their name in the hat to be considered. At linebacker, Terrel Bernard is said to have the lead for the starting spot. However, he missed the game due to a hamstring injury. A competitor for the spot, Tyrel Dodson played well, with two tackles, but did little to impress in raising his status. At cornerback, leading candidate Dane Jackson had the game's only interception, and saw no further action, confirming him to be a leading candidate for the starting position. One last defensive note to mention is the outstanding play of the defensive line. Not only did the starters contribute their fair share, but potential third stringers such as Boogie Basham and free agent pickup Poona Ford were impressive as well. Basham had a sack with his three tackles, and played very inspirational defense during his time in the game.

Perhaps no position for the Bills has more depth than wide receiver. However, the quality of that quantity still remains to be seen. Still, impressive performances by previously mentioned receivers will make the final decisions a bit more difficult. Andy Isabella also made a case with a couple of excellent kickoff returns.

One final debate to discuss is that of backup quarterback. Projected number two Kyle Allen did nothing significant to impress. Matt Barkley on the other hand completed 14 of 15 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Yes, it was against a mostly third team defense by that point, but the 154 quarterback rating speaks for itself no matter who it's against. Keep an eye on this situation in future matchups.

Many will say that NFL preseason games are insignificant, and in some ways they are. However, I find it very interesting watching both new and old players perform, and it makes for some very interesting discussion as we move closer to the final roster deadline and the start of the season. Stay tuned for Game two!!

A Fan's Perspective of the Mets Trade Deadline Activity

 It has never been easy being a Mets fan. Playing little brother to the Yankees in New York, and having more losing seasons than winning ones can definitely make supporting this team extremely difficult. I have found that being a Mets fan in 2023, has been even more difficult. Watching a team that was expected to play for a World Series heartlessly play themselves into sub-mediocrity has been gut-wrenching to say the least. Something had to be done.

And something was done. It was newsworthy and impactful. However, was it the right thing to do? I'm just one fan (one for over 50 years), but I believe I share the sentiments of many other Mets fans regarding what just happened over the past few days. 

I believe there is good and bad to share of these recent events. The bad part is how embarrassing it looks to the Mets organization. Imagine a country declaring war on other countries. They prepare their troops, gather their weapons, inspire the citizens, and get ready to take over new territory. Then, in the middle of it all, they retreat.  In essence, they are saying, "Wait, we change our minds. We're not gonna do it this way. We're heading back." It then seems like the whole philosophy and all the planning was for nothing. That's what the Mets have done. They've gone back on everything they sold to their players and fans.

On the other hand, there is good in this situation as well. It is looking more and more like the days of buying championships in Major League Baseball are gone. Heck, even the Yankees seem like they aren't doing it anymore. Who's been the best team in baseball over the past seven or so seasons? The Houston Astros. They sacrificed and endured a few miserable seasons to get to this point. However, through excellent player development and management, they built a solid foundation that is not going anywhere anytime soon. Ditto to the Braves, Rays, and now potentially Orioles, and maybe even the Reds as well. This is the way to go in modern day MLB. I found it a breath of fresh air when the Mets let loose some of their young potential earlier this season in players like Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos.

Ok, so you don't want me to be wishy washy. Pick a side, you say. I understand, so here's my overall take. Even though it's a bad look, and you've wasted an entire baseball season (potentially even one or two more after this), I believe this is the best course of action to take. It appears that the owner and GM realized that what they were doing wasn't working. They realized the formula for success in this league is to build a solid foundation with good, young players, perhaps bringing in some solid veterans along the way. Better late than never, but at least I feel they are doing things the right way now. 

There are still reasons for concern. This isn't going to change overnight. And now you have some veteran players who aren't happy (such as Lindor, Alonso, and Nimmo), because they were sold something that was never delivered to them. However, I believe this is the best move in the long run. As a fan, I would rather watch a young, enthusiastic team play exciting baseball, (even if they lose more than they win), instead of the heartless, uninspiring brand we watched this year. With the current young group we've seen now, and the other prospects they received in these recent trades, I think Mets fans will be a bit more patient watching a fun team develop into a potentially championship team.

Let's face it. This was an extremely difficult week in a difficult season for Mets fans. However, I believe it's a good thing, and the right direction for this franchise. Hopefully Mets players and fans will reap the benefits sooner than later.