Success

I will say this: when I tune into a NE game these days and see BB on the sideline, it's almost like he's the bogeyman or something. He has taken on a kind of otherworldly quality... I don't feel like I can assume anything about the NFL while he's still coaching. 20 years has definitely done a # on me. I heard someone say that Brady ruined the league, and I kind of feel that way about both he & BB. Not permanently, but they both kind of cast a pall over my Sundays now. I know, I know - therapy is definitely an option.

I don't believe in the concept of "bulletin board material" - at least beyond college - but I hope McD keeps reminding the Bills of these comments. That's how the whole season has seemed to me...it's like the team is waiting to be crowned, or trying to figure out who they'll play in the 1st round or something. They have a ton of talent, and just need to play w/ the same hunger they've had in previous seasons. They can do it, and I think the coaching staff can instill that in them. If a loss like yesterday doesn't change your approach, nothing will.

Especially if we get there. I could see it, though. I could actually see a scenario where the Bills have to exorcise all of their demons by beating NE in the AFCCG, and the Bucs in the SB. That would be particularly nerve-wracking, and extra devastating to lose either game.

Is our inability to throw deep based on defenses now playing specifically against that (like we did w/ KC)? Or is it because Allen has no time? Or both? That aspect is frustrating. Our best playmakers aren't getting the ball, and we seem to be going short to Singletary & Moss as 1st options a bit too much.

I mean, yes & no. As long as BB is coach, I'll always go into that game thinking they can win. And of course they can win the division. But who have they beaten? I know the same can be said of us - but they almost had their Jax game against Houston, and yesterday, Darnold really handed the game over to them. Their offense could barely get moving. I disagree w/ whoever was talking to King. BB is the difference-maker in the match-up, but talent-wise, the Pats aren't really close to the Bills.

It's kind of a nightmare. I'd say it's 50/50. We might have to sweep the Pats...and is that something we even want as fans? If we swept them and faced them in the playoffs, how much faith do you have that we can beat Belichick 3 times in a row? Has any team ever done that? They're like this malevolent specter that keeps turning up. And no - I'm not being melodramatic.

I've tried to pull away before - not just from Bills fandom, but sports in general. Sports is very few moments of joy, and tons of anguish. But it's like a limb or something. You can't really get away from it. If I try not to watch a game, people still text me, I still end up checking in, it's all still there.

You're spot on there. We are nowhere near good enough to look at a schedule and think we'll just roll (few teams ever are). We have to grind it out. I'm still good, not that anyone is asking. I think we will mix things up, and figure it out. Too much talent not to, and I think McD and Daboll are still excellent coaches and will get this team back to winning regularly.

Belichick is going to to coach until he's 90....isn't he? He's just always there.

To me, the most alarming thing was him missing Sanders on that last play. Sanders was wide open for the 1st down, and Josh was rolling that way. It seemed like he looked right at him before forcing it in the other direction. He's doing what he can given the line, and I haven't lost faith in him - but that was a head scratcher.

It's a bit more than that. I know what you're saying - but they haven't played anywhere near expectations throughout the season. Last week was alarming. We got a little lucky in the 4th - against Miami. This week is another notch on the ladder of concern (that sounds weird, but I'm sticking w/ it). It's not a 4-alarmer yet, but this team is on the wrong track right now. They have to get right.

It was a Murphy's Law kind of game. But, and I hate to say it - good teams still find a way in those.

This team bought the hype. They have played the entire season like a team that's waiting for its coronation. It's the only explanation I have - on paper, this team is BETTER than the one that tore through the league in November, December & January, and almost made it to the show. But they're playing these games like fans do when they go through the schedule. Miami? Easy win. Jax? Let's check who we're playing next week. And beyond that, opposing teams are playing every game against us like we're the best team in the league. We're one of those teams now - we're getting every team's best. This team has to get back to the basics. The talent is there. They have to play every week like their season depends on it....not like they're waiting to see who they play in the AFCCG.

I appreciate it. It's a bold thread to start from a fan of a team that this board hates, right after one of the worst losses we've had in years. But, I do appreciate it.

Realistically, they probably have to sweep the Bills for the division. Their overall schedule is significantly more difficult. But, I wouldn't rule them sweeping the Bills out. The Bills really need to right this ship, and play like the contender they're supposed to be. Can they? I have no idea.

Man, I wish Allen had kept running on that 2nd down play. He gets the 1st & puts them in FG range. They deserved to lose, though. They have to figure this out - last week's game felt exactly like this one, except we got a few plays at the end. We can't play like this if we want to be one of the contenders.

It has caused me stress my entire life. But I still tune in every Sunday.

Probably would have seen this comment after the Hail Murray last year, too. We're in the exact same position this year. I know what you're saying, but it ALWAYS feels that way when you lose. They win next week, even against the Jets, and we'll feel fine again.

It's a swoon. This is still a very good team. How many times have pundits written off the eventual SB champion when they stumbled mid-season? Regroup, win the next one.

It was similar last week. I feel like we have one of the best WR units in the league - but every other play is a short pass to Singletary.

Same team we had last year - but they don't look the same. They look like a team that was getting ready for their coronation. Time to work.

I'll go for the cliche - teams that win Lombardis win games like this....

Best we could ask for w/ how bad we've been. I'm of the school of thought that if you can't score a single TD, you don't deserve to win. This next drive is huge. Time to be the Bills team we all expected this season.

LOL - so blatant on that false start.

TD here would be rough. Gotta hold 'em to a FG at minimum.