The Dean

Warrow is a terrific reporter---a REAL reporter, who could probably write about most anything. I haven't read many Bills stories from him, this year. But he gets my vote, anyway.

I'm thinking we fans root for one win at a time, and hope for both. Of course it's not LIKELY the Bills will beat the Cheaters, but it ain't impossible! Unbelievable how some are just putting this in the L column.

I understand that. But how is it better for the Bills to lose against the Pats*? I think some here have confused things. The Bills DO NOT control their own destiny, at least not yet. My feeling is, if they win out, they will likely make the playoffs---but it isn't certain, by a longshot. Yes, if the Bills are going to win only one of the next two, it is probably better to beat the Fins (given the way the tiebreakers might play out). But it is much better for the Bill to win BOTH games. I just can't figure out why some are rooting against the Bills, this coming weekend. Any explanation for that?

I'm on the move so can't check the playoff machine. But are some of you under the impression it is better for the Bills to lose to NE* and beat Miami than for them to win both games? That can't possibly be right, can it? I understand if the Bills split these next two games, beating Miami is more advantageous. But it can't be as advantageous as winning both---can it? So if I'm correct here, there is no "reasonable reason" to root for the Bills to lose this weekend

This is great stuff, like Cam or not (I do). It was smooth as hell.

Well, I believe it was because the place probably didn't even serve a margherita pizza---or enough of them for the waitress (in a pizzeria restaurant) to be befuddled by the order.

I agree a margherita might be the best way to judge a pizzeria, on the first order. Not always what I order, the first time. But I get the reasoning. I have some basic dishes I tend to order when going to restaurants (Italian, Thai, Indian, Chinese, etc) for the first time. Funny story I heard at the bar yesterday. My buddy goes into a pizzeria where he has never been. He asks the waitress for a margherita pizza. She apologetically tells him they do not have that because "we do not serve alcohol". Classic!

I doubt if Marrone gives more than a passing thought to the Bills. Just because many here hate him, I never got the impression he was pissed at the Bills. While I think the Bills will get in, if they win out, it is NOT guaranteed. Hasn't that been established enough?

I believe you are incorrect on this. There is still a scenario where Buffalo wins out, and the Titans and Ravens get in. I suppose I could be wrong on this (and will gladly admit it, if that's the case) but that isn't what I'm seeing. The Titans can still, theoretically, win the division.

How is it, in 2017, there are two posters using the Tuel handle?

By now I take it you understand you are wrong on this, yet again. If the Bills and the Ravens win out, the Ravens will get the tiebreaker. There are, of course, other scenarios. But that's all you should need to understand the Bills DO NOT control their own destiny.

Yes, interestingly, even though currently ahead of the Ravens, if all win out the Bills miss the playoffs. So, another mistake in the OP. They do not control their own destiny.

I admit, I would have passed the test, too. I might even have finished the Bud Light--but I wouldn't have been too happy about it.

Tournament? I know this is a tough truth for many Bills fans, but "Flutieball" was responsible for ZERO playoff victories in the NFL. While I agree the Bills best chance probably involves Tyrod rolling out and running a bit more, it also needs him to throw down the field more often.

Not sure I'm buying it on this one. McDermott made (or at least drove) a lot of decisions during the draft. You have to move forward with the people you have in place, when it comes to decisions. Actually, trading away the pick gave MORE responsibility to the scouts and Whaley. McDermott likely had almost all the control for the first pick. The further you get away from the top picks, the more input scouts typically have.

While I think may be some truth to this, do you really think "the scouts" drive an early 1st round draft pick to any real extent? I can see relying mostly on the scouts input for picks later down the line. But these high round guys are vetted by the HC, GM, hell probably even the owner. They come in and talk to and meet the coaches, much of the time.

That's the big question, whenever evaluating QBs. How would they do with this Bills team? Given their history, I have to agree Watson may not have had the same incredible start he had with the Texans. But also keep in mind Houston has been a disaster for QBs too. Watsons incredible athleticism (and pure will) would have translated with the Bills--is my guess. He may not have been breaking records, but I bet he'd make the WRs look a heck of a lot better. And perhaps he wouldn't have torn his ACLs had he played for Buffalo (but he might have broken his neck or something else). They didn't take Watson, so let's move on. I really like what they did in last year's draft. And we'll see what they do with the #1 with KC, next year.

Gotcha. I guess we just disagree a bit on that. But Rosen won't be there when the Bills draft. So do you think he is worth trading up for? That's a huge price to pay if you end up being wrong.

Better prospect than who? He may be the best prospect this year, but I don't put him in the same category as Watson, as a prospect.

The problem with that thinking (as I see it) is now you are roped into picking a QB you may not like at all, given the position in the draft. I'm not sure ANY of the QBs coming out this year are worth a high 1st round pick. I mean they might be, but they all have their share of issues, IMO. What I don't understand is passing on a "close to a sure thing" QB, when you need one. Do you think there is anyone like that, this year? Picking the wrong QB in the 1st round is definately worse than finding a great talent in another area of need, IMO.

I'm not too big on these "what if" scenarios. But based on what we know now, I'd do exactly what I think they should have done last year: Draft Watson. While I understand Yolo's point about letting the new regime pick the QB, Watson was just too good to pass up. I have nowhere near the confidence of any potential 2018 1st Rd QB that I had with Watson, last year. While think there are a number of QBs who, potentially, will be in the next draft, I don't see a "can't miss" prospect like Watson. But if not Watson, then I think last years' strategy was sound, and I have little problem with what they did.

I prefer this, actually:

I was never a big Casa di Pizza fan. But I have to admit, if it were in St Augustine, it would be in the top 5 of pizzerias.

My deepest sympathy, Cindy.

Now THAT'S how you put together one badass gang. Ruthless mofos, hiding behind the facade of do-gooders. Brilliant!