fergie's ire

"Glad to be joined by newest broadcast partner. Thanks for taking over for Kirk as my new color commentator, Peter." "Woof...woof woof woof. woof. woof woof." "Well put Peter, couldn't have summed this game up better myself."

The record is even more amazing when you realize the two loss were the heat game and the Charles Clay drop. Could easily be 14-0

I found it so annoying this past week that, after the Bills/Ravens game, the medias favorite talking point was that Rogers was back and the Jets are much improved. Coming into the season most thought the Jets suck. Rogers was sacked 4 times and needed a 60 year field goal to win. Might that mean that both teams suck?

The Steelers, with a pretty good defense, had the same problem in the playoffs last year.

Yeah, I think the narrative of a choke is a bit overblown, but also of it being a blowout up to that point. In a game where both teams are scoring on almost every drive, I think of it like tennis. Need to score a touchdown to hold serve. Bills were broken twice in the first half, but the field goal at the end to match the Ravens' earlier field goal really helped. That way, even when they scored right out of the half, the Bills were really down a break. Just needed one stop to tie. That's the reason the Bills 4th quarter punt was so deflating. They had NOT been able to break serve (much like the frustration Jessica Pegula felt in her semi-final) and it seemed they just weren't going to be able to. The punt was like another break. So, that was the first time the Bills were down more than one break...but then they broke the Ravens...and again...and again.

Are you young...or have you found some miracle cure for LSBFS? I must say, I still carry the infection. I was expecting something like a perfectly executed drive to set up a winning field goal...followed by a doink. Or a block...which almost happened.

**sigh** How many times are we going to have to go over this? It's a really simple and straight forward calculation: The NFL passer rating equation involves calculating four separate values (a, b, c, and d) based on completions, yards, touchdowns, and interceptions relative to attempts, and then applying the formula ((a + b + c + d) / 6) * 100, where each intermediate value is capped between 0 and 2.375. Step-by-step Calculation: Adjust values: If any of the calculated values (a, b, c, or d) is greater than 2.375, set it to 2.375. If any of the values is negative, set it to 0. Apply the final formula: Passer Rating = ((a + b + c + d) / 6) × 100 Calculate intermediate values: d = 2.375 - (Interceptions / Attempts) × 25 a = ((Completions / Attempts) - 0.3) × 5 b = ((Passing Yards / Attempts) - 3) × 0.25 c = (Touchdown Passes / Attempts) × 20 Apply the final formula: Passer Rating = ((a + b + c + d) / 6) × 100 Adjust values: If any of the calculated values (a, b, c, or d) is greater than 2.375, set it to 2.375. If any of the values is negative, set it to 0. (Thanks Google AI)

I would hope they play better...but would not expect a huge jump. I expect...and am not to worried about...some growing pains. The Bills did not get an entirely new coaching staff, so not an entire re-vamp. However, they did add several new coaches which suggests there is a change in philosophy. Despite the poor play, we saw some of that on Sunday. There was a play when Bills showed cover zero...but backed out. There was a Rousseau knocked down pass when he was standing at the line because it was a zone blitz. Their defense is more creative but they're still learning how to do it. They are doing so with a number of rookies playing and a second year safety. I think the Bishop blitz from 20 yards away was a sign of some of that confusion. He was bluffing playing 2 high but the Ravens snapped quickly and he was caught out of position. They are learning...but may take the entire regular season to learn and the offense will need to carry them. Think about how bad the Chiefs D was while they were learning Spags D in the regular season...and then was great in the playoffs. That's what I'm hoping. Also, I think what this style of D needs is a speed corner who can stick with a receiver in man and a swiss army knife edge rusher who they can move around. They drafted one (Max Hairston) and signed the other (Hoicht) but neither are playing.

I hope some of those who study the All 22 do some analysis of Daquan, too. It seems like a big factor in Ed's production is an effective Daquan (even though Daquan doesn't show up on the stat sheet). Might he be back to something close to pre-injury form? I didn't notice him...but that's typical.

It didn't help that the official who announced it seemed confused and tripping over his words trying to explain.

I'm also kind of glad Bills last 2 pt try failed. Tie game, Ravens with 2 minutes and 3 timeouts? Not loving that.

Although as some have pointed out, it should have been a legal catch. He didn't just step out, he was forced out and he re-established in bounds

Contrary to McD's reputation, I think he is going to be relying on rookies a lot in this game. They certainly are going to rely on the two DTs quite a bit, there are rumors that Strong might start at corner, and even if he doesn't start there's a good chance he'll be called on some. On Turf to Tape they were saying that it would make sense to use Hawes quite a bit. I'm excited for this youth infusion.

And THERE it is...and just like that, we're BACK baby! Okay, I know it's just one game and week 1 is a lie and all that...but this is an important one. I need everyone to be in mid-season form. Sure, the lucky jersey is a given, but check your notes. Do you have the right lucky socks on? Are the correct objects placed by the TV...everybody get your heads in the game. The Bills need us.

Sorry... jumping the gun... should be for tomorrow...but game weekend just SEEMS like time for game day discussion