Success

There were times in that game when it looked bad, particularly early. But there were significant stretches where the line played great - they were opening holes for the RB's, and pass protection was excellent.

There was some discussion yesterday on one of the shows about how all of the leagues will eventually have to make it a mandate. It's hard to imagine that. The way some players seem to feel, they'd retire before they'd agree to that.

Patriots fans certainly cover all of the bases. When Mac was getting hyped, he was the best QB from that class, and already a top 10 QB in the league. When he doesn't play well - hey, he's just a rookie.

It's a good point. In general, my personal philosophy is more to err on the side of caution, which is what they're doing. But there is another side to it that I don't think quite as many people consider. The more we let COVID rule our lives, the more it hurts many - economically & with regard to mental health. It's a really complicated issue. I don't envy those who have to make these calls.

Someone else made this point - it's not that it's a bad point, but losing Bourne is HUGE for the Pats passing game. Clearly, they do not rely on the pass as much. But if they have to, it hurts them tremendously. Especially w/ Aghelor & Harry both nursing injuries. It's not just plug & play there. Losing Bourne is big for them if they wanted to try a more pass-oriented strategy this time (or, if they have to because they get behind).

I get that, but it's time to start looking at the risk. Can he spread it? Of course. So can someone who is vaccinated. And what are they spreading now? Something which appears to be quite a bit more mild. They have to confirm that. But COVID is just always going to be around. The way we're responding to it today is not the way we'll respond to it next year, or in 5 years.

Do we have any intel on Sanders? He was listed as doubtful last week. Obviously, "out" would have been worse. What are the chances he can play?

Honestly, I'd support that. If a guy feels healthy, why can't he play?

I think when all of the Beasley anti-vax stuff was happening in the offseason, everyone thought as I did: "it'll be the Pats game."

"It's a Wonderful Life" still rocks, and rocks hard.

This could just be round 2 this season. Pretty decent chance we see them again in the playoffs.

Well, when you put it THAT way. Seriously, though - would you trade places w/ them right now? They say it themselves - they only get excited about AFCCG's and SB's. No matter what Jones does, he'll only ever be a fraction of what Brady was. Their best days are behind them.

I see Patriots fans as a cautionary tale. It's cool when your team wins. But your team can win TOO much. They are absurdly detached from reality at this point. I think they envy Bills fans. They see us & remember what it was like to just be a normal fun-loving fan.

Bourne for Beasley is pretty even. Nothing yet to indicate it will tip any scales one way or the other.

If we have Diggs, Knox & Davis, we're fine. There will be a drop-off, but we have capable receivers who can fill in for Beasley. This is not the end of the world. I'm more concerned about headlines that we might see in the next few days. The attrition needs to stay relatively even.

The Pats may be without a few receivers also. This is hardly insurmountable. I wouldn't mind seeing Hodgins brought up - but they can still be potent w/ what they have, and it would be cool to see Stevenson in on some plays to stretch the field.

Re: the bolded. Absolutely. Why wouldn't we have a "chance?" We're actually built to beat that team, and we beat them handily there last time. Our 4 top receivers had significant injuries in the AFCCG. No one holds that game as any kind of standard.

Isn't the guideline now to only test when there are symptoms? I didn't think it was tied to vaccinated or not. Gotta bad feeling though. My season goal now is to beat NE and win the division. If we get playoff football, it's a bonus.

After all of the hype - he's playing exactly like scouts figured he would. We're seeing his ceiling.

The Pats blueprint against the Bills only works if the Bills don't succeed in the blueprint against the Pats. Get an early lead, force the Patriots to come from behind & pass the ball. Win.

I mean, life goes on if we don't win this game. I think we WILL win, but the ball can get bouncy, and nothing is guaranteed. The way some are talking, we go back to watching NE win one division title after another if we lose this one. Their HOF coach will be 70. We'll have the best QB by a few miles, for at least a decade & probably more. If we drop the division this year, it's a blip. An extremely unpleasant blip, but we should be faves to win the division again next year. And really, as long as we have Allen.

15 mph might be a lot for a completely overhyped, weak-armed, game manager-type QB. Not saying that there is one of those playing Sunday. But I'm not not saying that.

I think they think we envy them. But they're cartoon characters. I can't really envy cartoon characters.

If there is a "most pleasant surprise of '21" award, it goes to Harrison Phillips. He's been a joy to watch, and at a time when we need good play in that unit. Great summary!

I have to appreciate not going into a game against the Patriots thinking we will need luck or certain breaks to go our way to have a chance. It's kind of the opposite. I feel like the Pats need those things to beat the Bills. If it's just talent against talent & everything else is equal, the Bills win. And we have the better QB - finally.