Success

I remember when Pats games used to feel like a dentist's appointment. Something you couldn't avoid & just had to get through. I have none of that for Sunday. They're pretenders, we're the real thing. Unless we give the game away - which I acknowledge is always a small possibility - this won't be that close. They're not a primetime team yet.

I do agree w/ this. I think we get a small benefit from losing, in terms of sorry New England, but you ain't beating us in January TOO. But I - and I'm sure all - want both. Sunday, and January. And send the message that you're not as good as you think, and Maye ain't Allen.

I can't with this. I just can't.

How cool is it to once again have the marquee game for Sunday? If nothing else, we're one of the most entertaining teams for the country to watch - consistently. Even last week - while not "marquee" - ended up being the game of the weekend. Gives us a slight leg up this weekend, too. This Bills team has played in so many of these high-profile games.

They called everything except for an obvious PI on Shakir at the end, where the defender tackled him before the ball got there. Would have given us a 1st down in the redzone instead of having to settle for a FG & only tying the game.

"Questionable" is sort of promising.

Yeah - the Pats might be without 2 starting LB's, Williams and Campbell. No excuses for us, even if Benford can't play.

I wish we had just a little more info. Did he just stub his toe, and maybe it's a little sore today? What's the difference between a stubbed toe & turf toe?

If Bosa can play, it offsets losing Benford a bit (if Benford can't play). It's kind of a pleasant surprise that he's practicing in full today. Still hoping they're just being cautious w/ Benford and he can still go, but we do have decent enough depth at the CB position. If it's Tre, Hairston & Johnson, with Lewis subbing in, that really isn't too bad.

Right now, Drake Maye is a guy who has had some spectacular throws and seems to have a good long ball. That lumps him in with dozens of QB's from the past decade or 2. He has not yet led even one 4th quarter comeback, and has led only one game-winning drive. So many QB's have the skills. The guys w/ the mental toughness really shorten the list. He hasn't proven anything yet in that area.

Aren't Spillane and Landry their starting LB's? Could be a good day for Cook if they don't play, along w/ Williams already being out. Hard to complain about our injuries looking at their report.

This idea has been crossing my mind. I mean, of COURSE I want to win this game. I want to win it badly. But if we do lose - what are the chances that this fairly overrated Pats team can beat us a 3rd time this season? Pretty low. If we lose this one, I'd have enormous confidence we beat them them in January.

Benford is probably our most impactful player on D. That would obviously be tough if he can't play, or isn't close to 100%. But it's not like we're lacking depth there. Lewis has been playing a lot, and Tre has given us some solid play. Hoping for the best, and that this is just a stubbed toe & all very precautionary. What a weird year in terms of injuries. Maybe it balances out & we're healthy in the playoffs.

I've had some bad bosses. But my current boss is absolutely amazing. Just a great guy, who recognizes good effort and isn't looking to scapegoat anyone. Genuinely supportive & encouraging. It makes a big difference to have a boss like that. He's a Pats fan, but he's even cool about that.

He ain't wrong. But there is still a winning formula for teams like ours. We don't have JAGs - just average talent and no real "playmakers" outside of Allen, Cook and maybe Kincaid if we're being generous. But it's just about playing sound, complementary football. Our offense still in the league's top 3. The team is basically the same talent-wise that came within a dropped pass or proper 4th & 1 spot of making it to the Super Bowl last year.

This might be a good game for Groot to finally start earning that contract. He's been so quiet this year. I know he's been decent against the run & setting the edge - but we need that guy to get to the QB.

I saw that take that they're better, but we're somehow "the same." Maybe I'm just as much of a homer for the Bills, but I see the opposite, particularly with Williams and Campbell out. We've just been playing better on both sides of the ball - and we have a consistent history with Allen of playing our best ball in December. They got most of the breaks in the last game - 3 turnovers, some terrible officiating (including an egregious no-call on that pass to Shakir at the end), better health. They squeaked out a 3 point win, and now most are saying that they're by far the better team & expect a comfy win on Sunday. Not to mention the general oft-repeated sentiment that they have their new dynasty for the next 15 years. It's a crazy sense of entitlement. I guess 6 titles will do that to a fanbase.

I always appreciate your positivity and optimism. And you're really correct here. No Mahomes or Burrow, and maybe no Jackson? It's kind of hard to believe. I still lament that we didn't get a true WR1 in the offseason or trade deadline - that would almost guarantee a SB appearance this year. But we're still the best & most experienced team on the AFC side. Just one. I know I'll want more when we do win it all, but just having one will change my outlook on the game considerably, and take the oversized chip off my shoulder.

LOL I still see Pats fans complain about "all of the holding" on the helmet catch play. In 2025. When there was no holding on that play.

He played last season too...right? Had quite a few then. Doesn't seem like he's so hot under pressure. And you didn't answer my question. How do you know he "actually wants to win championships?"

You're really trolling now. How do you know "Drake wants to actually win championships?" Drake Maye hasn't played a single postseason game yet. In fact, when Maye has had even minor pressure, he has turned the ball over. How many game-ending INT's an fumbles has he had in the 4th quarter at this point of his career, anyway?

Vrabes had great OC's in TN. LeFleur & Smith. You're mythologizing.

Bills - 38 Patriots - 17 We're in December.

The Maye hype is absolutely ridiculous. Pats fans should be excited about him. He has shown a lot so far. Also so far, I don't believe he has led a singe 4th quarter comeback. We have no idea what kind of playoff performer he'll be. His success so far has been mainly against bad teams, and mainly w/ the long ball - one of the least sustainable models for great QB play. I've seen MANY Pats fans say at this point that he has already surpassed Josh Allen. That's a level of delusion that I can't really comprehend.

It really isn't THAT bad. Still pretty below league average in terms of targets, but Cooks is obviously an elite talent, and Kincaid is getting there. We probably have one of the best trio of TE's in the league. It's still pretty glaring as far as WR1 & the lack thereof goes, but Josh is good enough to make it work w/ this crew. Bottom line is that we haven't had too many issues scoring points this season, with a few notable exceptions. EDIT: I was referring to James as far as "elite" w/ the comment above, and since he's been catching more passes. Not Brandin, though I like what he brings to the table.