Success

Hot take city. I love the potential Groot showed, and Brown is already there. That's 2 very good starters at worse. Basham contributed, and I think Stevenson could work his way in w/ that speed. As some have said, it's easier for worse teams to bring rookies in as starters. The Pats were #1, and their draft probably was the best they've had in awhile. But I'm still not convinced that Jones will be their starter in 5 years. Barmore was a bit win though.

I'd be kind of bummed if I was a Texans fan. Smith seems like a nice guy, but he hasn't fared well as HC. Honestly, Flores is a much better candidate. It's weird to me that no one seriously tried to hire him (just as weird as Miami firing him - I still don't know what they were thinking).

I don't think the Bills are a better overall team than the Bengals. I think the Bengals are more balanced, and have a better D. Allen carried the Bills too much this season. If we want to truly compete for a Super Bowl, we need a team that can win some games w/ D, special teams, running, etc. I think we'll look back on the 13 seconds and see it as a vital catalyst in making the moves that we needed for finally getting the Lombardi & going on a multi-year run.

Our #1 D was most definitely a mirage. They were solid, but that #1 ranking was built against bad teams & mediocre QB's. Personally, I like Schwartz; his style was aggressive and his defenses always played well. Can't see him coming back here, though.

I hope they keep Star. When he plays, he's a force, imo. We improved when he was in there. Replacing him, Addison and Hughes would be a tall task.

I mean, the last game came down to a coin flip - at THEIR place. It's not like we're miles away from beating them.

Be good.

I agree w/ that - but I think the Rams would be favored because of overall balance, and just having a better record.

I don't see how we would have been favored over the Rams.

The issue w/ Mac is that Pats nation got WAY ahead of themselves around mid-season. There were already conclusions that he was the best pick from the draft and would go #1 in a re-draft. Many fans there were comparing his development to 2001, and saying the Pats were ready to embark on another dynasty. He's exactly the QB that scouts thought he was. Which isn't bad, but it's no "steal."

Fans of dozens of teams have said that throughout playoff history. We're not the 1st team to lose on something flukey, or on the last play of the game. In that weekend alone, we were the 4th team to lose on the last play. I've settled into a "we weren't quite there yet" outlook, which has been healthier for me.

It's awesome he's in the pro bowl, because they'll have to pay him more....

We don't have a pass rush, really. I'd call that a lack of defense. We really need that, imo. I don't think many teams win the SB without that. The Rams have it this year much more than the Bengals, and I think it will dictate that game.

That $100K thing needs a real vetting. It would be kind of crazy for an owner to do that & think it would never get out, and also to expect a coach who is ALWAYS trying out for the next job to comply. All allegations have to be treated w/ respect & given the benefit of the doubt, but I'm very interested to see what comes out of this.

So, all you've gotta do is coach an NFL team? Thanks for letting us know NOW. Cripes.

They always say to let emotions subside before you communicate anything or take any kind of dramatic action. This seems a lot like a ticked off reaction to BB's mistake on the text. I think there IS a case to be made that the NFL is still lagging in their hiring practices - but a lot of this doesn't seem well thought out.

I listen to Simmons a lot, which is weird, because his Boston homerism is very annoying. Part of that is taking digs at the Bills here & there, unexpectedly. He's definitely not pleased that another team has finally assumed control of the division. He gives Allen a lot of props though (not that noteworthy, since any pundit who still refuses to do so looks silly).

The Bengals cut in line. They really had no business making the SB - credit to them for doing it, but they needed a bunch of breaks along the way (which shows how hard it is to get there), including KC basically melting down from the end of the 1st half through the remainder of the game. I don't think it will serve Cincy too well, though they'll have a SB appearance where we don't. But I think the chances are good that the Rams win pretty decisively next week.

I think the Rams are going to beat the Bengals in the SB, possibly by quite a bit. Both the Bengals and Chiefs could have a bit of a hangover next season. I don't think we're missing much - but the lack of consistent pass rush is glaring to me. Focus on that & further adding to the O-line. Next year is the Bills year. I know we thought this year was, but I don't think this year's Rams were a good match-up for us.

I assume we'll have a pass rush in '22. That alone makes us twice as versatile.

I'm genuinely worried about Patriots fans. They're just beside themselves online - how could TB have forgotten us? And that follow up message he sent only added fuel to the fire. Those poor things. Thoughts & prayers.

New one! I love it when he didn't mention anything about New England in his retirement post, causing Patriots fans to lose their minds all day....

They should figure out a way to put just that picture on the Wall of Fame....

It's more of an extended moment - but the 4-pick game that Fitz won stands out.

Pats fans are crying online. "He didn't mention us!" The NFL is so much more enjoyable today than, say, for the 1st 20 years of the millenium.