The BES Report An Innovative Look at NFL Team Performance
Former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Jeremy Maclin visited the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday and Wednesday. While there, he evidently received a sales pitch from his former Philadelphia Eagles teammate and current Bills halfback LeSean McCoy.
However, it appears Maclin wants to consider all of his options as he is reportedly is visiting the Baltimore Ravens as well. On the surface, the Ravens seem like a better fit for Maclin than the Bills.
Experienced Head Coach
First of all, the Ravens have a veteran head coach in John Harbaugh with a wealth of playoff experience that includes a Super Bowl win. The Bills recently hired head coach Sean McDermott this offseason, his first time at the helm of an NFL team.
Quarterback With Playoff Experience
The same contrast can be drawn between Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Flacco has guided the Ravens to six playoff appearances, three AFC North titles and a victory in Super Bowl XLVII. Conversely, Taylor only has two years of starting experience and zero playoff appearances with the Bills.
Better Shot At The Division Title and More
More importantly, the divisional dynamics are a major factor in this as well. In the AFC East, the New England Patriots are the dominant team, having won the division 14 times in the last 16 years. That doesn’t bode for Maclin joining the Bills , a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 1999.
On the other hand, the AFC North is a more evenly contested division that has seen three different teams claim its title at least twice since 2008.
Ultimately, Maclin will have to weigh other factors including offensive scheme, surrounding cast and obviously the money. However, we view the Ravens as a better fit overall.
