Rocky Landing

I have to believe that having begun his second stint as a Bill by having to stand up in front of the press and say things like, "I'm not a racist jerk..." is going to put him on his best behavior. That being said (and, I'm being completely subjective, here), there is something about the ever-present smirk on his face-- even when he is being contrite-- that seems to spell out 'A-hole' across his forehead. But, he is a Bill, now. And so I will embrace him.

What bothers me about this list is that it tries (and pretends) to be objective, while attempting a largely subjective task. A team is not merely the sum of its various parts, and if it were, I suspect the Bills would be higher on this list. And, if we ever manage to get our act together, we will be.

I don't understand the assumption that because somebody has worked with someone else before, they would want them again. I, personally, have worked with some class-A douche bags whom I wouldn't piss on if their faces were on fire. I keep their names in my phone so that I'll know to ignore them if they ever call. Is there some reason that Roman would want either of these guys? Because, "he's worked with them before," is not a great reason.

It is a silly post, but I think you're both missing the point. When Rex stated that he wanted to "build a bully," he's stating that defensive lines are going to be a little more cautious in attacking our QB (whomever that may be), if they know that they may get hurt in the process. That's my take, anyway. I think the RI signing supports this line of reasoning.

I would say that it is HoF who consistently lacks context. And, while certainly quite a few Patriots*-hating posters were rather gleeful in their condemnation of the Pats*, I don't recall any assertions that they represent the only cheating ever done in the league. Indeed, it is the very context of their cheating that places a permanent asterisk on their legacy. As I mentioned above: We all cheat on our taxes. But, in context, there is a difference between me fudging my receipts, and Bernie Madoff not reporting hundreds of millions in income. By focusing on things like the Jets' "wall of humanity" (a one-time event that led to the immediate suspension of the offending party), or Jerry Rice's recent admission of stickum on his gloves (regardless of whether "everyone did it"), or the numerous other instances of cheating that has taken place in the NFL, it is those who use such arguments in defense of the Patriots* who are denying the context of the Patriots systemic actions. It is the context that impacts, and effects the Patriots* legacy.

Oh, you're going to use Jerry Rice's actions in defense of the Patriots*? I'm shocked!!! When a player breaks the rules, it is just that: a player breaking the rules. Jerry Rice cheated. That's what it is. When an organization breaks the rules, it is systemic to that organization. And, even if you can prove that every team cheats (you can't), so what? We ALL cheat on our taxes. But, there's still a big damn difference between me and Bernie Madoff.

OK, he's a dipsh*t. But, he's OUR dipsh*t. I embrace him. And, one thing's for sure-- he isn't going to be bullying anyone in the locker room. Let's hope he keeps it on the field.

I had to abstain from this poll. No one on this list could stay out until 3am, partying and getting laid, and then show up for an early Sunday game and shred an opponent like Broadway Joe Namath. He gets my vote.

Regardless of who came up with which ideas, the fact is that as commissioner, Roger Goodell is the chief executive of the NFL. You seem to be characterizing him as a mere figurehead (or, as you put it, "punching bag") without responsibilities, or power beyond being the owner's mouthpiece. (As if the owners are of one mind.) This is far from true. Inasmuch as Goodell answers to the owners, the owners do also, in various capacities, answer to him. And, even if such things as league expansion, playing in London, or lengthening the season were not his ideas (obviously, they weren't), as the chief executive of the NFL, it is his responsibility to facilitate, and execute the league's agenda. That is no wall task, and clearly, in these terms, he has done a great job-- fan opinion notwithstanding. And certainly, there are far more important, albeit less newsworthy, responsibilities such as marketing strategy, and other things related to the NFL's remarkable growth rate that Goodell oversees, and have his ideas, and input all over them. That-- more than being an effective punching bag-- is what makes him valuable to owners. Talking to the media isn't in his contract. But, declining an interview regarding "deflate gate" on Superbowl Sunday, after he had already scheduled an open press conference on the subject is hardly hiding under his desk. Fining players for breach of contract is, in reality, part of his job.

I seem to remember fans calling for Tagliabue to be tarred and feathered for various reasons.

Is this sarcasm? Or did you watch a different game?

In the words of Clint Eastwood, "deserve's got nothin' to do with it."

This is silly. Why would anybody believe that Goodell would allow the conversation, on Super Bowl Sunday, to be focused on deflated footballs? Were he to agree to such an interview, the owners, and other shareholders (fans notwithstanding), would be far more disturbed. Like it or not, Goodell isn't going anywhere. And, however you feel about him, the man is no idiot.

That's awesome. How can you hate this guy? Me too!

It's a small league. We found out Marrone talked trash on his way out the door, as he picked up a cool million for quitting. What more might the Jets have found out? Or, maybe after firing a HC/GM duo that famously couldn't get along, they didn't want a power hungry HC who couldn't get along with his GM? Or, maybe the reality of firing a HC that ALL the players loved, for a HC that players publicly voiced disdain for as he was leaving, set in. Or, maybe they watched some film of our offense?

My prediction: Patriots* win the Super Bowl. Brady retires. Kraft fires Bellichick. Bellichick gets a job coaching the Taliban.

We're a dynasty in the offseason.

Patriots* by 10. Then Brady retires.

The Patriots* will be at a disadvantage, as they will be playing with balls that are inflated more than they are used to.

The guy also attended UC Berkeley. He majored in social welfare. The continued assertion by some on these boards that he is merely "dumb" is, itself, dumb.

You're both just spinning your wheels at this point. The league is more than happy with the weirdness that comes out of Lynch's mouth. And, the idea that his talent is so pedestrian s just silly. His talent is what makes him a valuable commodity. Believe me, the league cares about that.

Get with the program! This was posted somewhere around page 73!!! IN

And, Marshawn Lynch doesn't have a lot to say. Why you have such a problem with this is just weird. But, there are plenty of fans-- Marshawn Lynch fans, btw-- who LOVE the fact that he has little to say, and plenty to show. Personally, this makes me a Marshawn Lynch fan. Why can't you accept this inconsequential difference in style?

OK. Well, now you're both bashing the mentally ill, and cut-and-pasting. Both classless activities, in my opinion. I am sorry to say, that this thread has caused me to lose more respect for you, than for Marshawn Lynch. And, while I'm sure you could not care less, I still will submit that your mission has not been accomplished.

Whether you like it or not, "I'm just here so I don't get fined," is an answer. Apparently, you just don't like the answer, which matters not one whit. Personally, I'll take his bland schtick of, "I'm all about the game, boss..." over thirty solid minutes of Tom Brady blatantly lying any day of the week. In fact, I find the answer, "I'm just here so I don't get fined," vastly preferable to such meaningless, hackneyed pablum like, "we're just looking forward to the next game... we need to be more effective controlling the ball... we still have a lot of work to do... blah, blah, blah..." And, I'll take his subdued touchdown performances to ANY of the pretentious, self-indulgent, childish touchdown dances that just won't go away.