It's another edition of The Podbag on today's Talking Buffalo, the episode where the listeners control the topics with their questions, comments and takes submitted. Patrick Moran's responding to them, including one that leads to a nice discussion about whether Buffalo Bills fans (and perhaps the media) are acting a little too stressed over what's looking a very shaky Bills safety room.
It's no secret Buffalo is struggling with both health and on-field play when it comes to the safety position, it's been obvious since the beginning of training camp last summer and you can argue last season as well. Taylor Rapp's pretty effectively but banged up a lot. Cole Bishop is a second-round pick last year but has battled injury and shaky play that makes head coach Sean McDermott sound less than confident in him. Damar Hamlin is athletically limited and at times a liability despite his amazing story and offseason free agent signee Darrick Forrest never got any momentum going. Only fifth-round rookie Jordan Hancock, who got banged up last week is inspiring any real optimism is not confidence recently.
However, a comment from a listener leads to a suggestion and discussion that we're spending too much time on that position and not enough on other factors who can help the safeties. That includes a pass rush that should be improved with Joey Bosa and three rookie defensive lineman that were among the first four picks as well as Terrell Bernard and Matt Milano both healthy behind them. In fact, Bills defensive coordinator said this week that Milano has been arguably as good as any Bill on either side of the ball this summer. Long story short--the better the defense is in front of the safeties the less play that's no better than average will matter.
Also, a listener doesn't think either Tyrell Shavers or Elijah Moore is making this team and another points out an element that should keep the Bills offense near the top of the league's best. That plus the preseason sucks, the best episode of Hard Knocks yet dropped this week and a whole lot more.
The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!
Major props to Talking Buffalo sponsor, Sonny Red’s at 1841 Abbott Road in Lackawanna, just minutes from Highmark Stadium. We consider them THE most underrated spot for wings, pizza and other great food in Western New York plus it’s a great place to drink and have a great time. Also big thanks to Imperial Pizza and their two locations (1035 Abbott Road and 1655 Main Street), home of not only great pizza and tons of other delicious eats but also the best everyday lunch special in town.
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