Success

You implied that Jones has been deemed "good," and we're just not acknowledging that because we're rival fans. I think the hype on him to this point is what isn't valid, or realistic. I think my take is unbiased, and it's actually the take that is most consistent w/ the scouting on Jones coming in. Time's gonna tell on this one. I know that after initially being concerned about Jones, I no longer have any worry about him at all. I think at best that he'll be a marginal starter. He's exactly what scouts said he was going to be.

And what does the bolded have to do w/ Jones?

Lame cheap shot.

The bolded is hilarious, and typical of what I've seen from Pats fans online. So many are convinced he'll be as good as Brady or close to it, based on the fact that his stats are better than some of Brady's 1st year stats. Jones is such an average prospect right now. He gets more time than just about any QB in the NFL, and he's hyped through the roof for completing game-manager kinds of passes under almost no duress. When he is pressured somewhat, we see what we saw on Saturday - less accuracy, crucial picks, and a QB who looked lost halfway through the game. Personally, I'm happy about the hype. He'll never play well enough to match it. Could he still pan out & be a solid starter? Of course. But he could just as easily end up as a career backup. He'd be floundering in NY or Jax, or almost anywhere else.

Jones is bad under pressure, as well. He can't really move in the pocket, so it's fairly easy to sack him if you can get back there - which is the biggest challenge against that line. The line is one of the best in the league, imo.

I thought it was more 50/50. There were times that Allen was running for his life, as usual - but I thought there were significant portions of the game where it actually looked normal, and he had plenty of time to throw. I was actually kind of encouraged after watching the game. They also looked better run blocking, imo.

I think a bit of that is tied to the pandemic, too. It's definitely something I'm feeling this year - and really in a full blown way for the 1st time. As an adult, Christmas definitely has some exhausting elements to it. It's awesome, but trying to juggle family visits if you're married, get gifts for the same people you've shopped for over the course of years, plan schedules/entertaining/cooking etc. - it can be draining. Add to that the complications of COVID, which can change shopping & traveling plans among other considerations, and it can be a bit overwhelming. I think I'll be more relieved this year when it's over. Kind of like beating the Patriots if it happens.

On one of the sports shows, they said that the Bills don't have a chance in the next one because of McD's comments about Belichick after the wind game. You know - because Belichick will now be "mad." These are paid professionals who said this. They said that a HOF coach who is preparing for the most important late-season game in the AFCE in decades will try harder because he's "mad."

Had they missed that 2-point conversion, and we took a 7-6 lead on that TD - the entire game would have been different, imo. Jones would have been seen as MUCH more of a liability in any kind of comeback situation in those conditions. Even a single point.

It's really the only way the season continues. The #'s of players that would test positive over the next few weeks will only grow significantly (in all likelihood). Has anyone talked about fans at stadiums yet? I would think that's going to change...

Has anyone gotten him a new phone yet?

You should really put together a summary of when wins really count & when they don't, and when fans should feel good about them & when they're meaningless. It's all quite hard to keep up with. I know that personally, I felt good about beating the Chiefs, who are the #1 seed in the AFC right now. But apparently, that was a gimme.

I think the "Super Bowl" comment is always only reserved for teams playing the Patriots. It's always every team's "Super Bowl" to Pats fans. Even though they celebrate like crazy when they beat the Bills now, or just about any team. Gotta love that jaded Pats fan disposition. "Ho hum....we know this game is your Super Bowl, but for us, the season doesn't really start until January." Or, "How cute - you're actually excited about just making the playoffs." They're all like trust fund kids now.

Confession: I used to kind of pull for the Pats in the Grogan days, and I wanted them to win the SB against the Rams. Weird to think about that now. My wish now is that they lose every game until the end of eternity. Mac Jones is who we thought he was. He was never going to play up to the hype he was getting anyway - but he is so limited. The only thing keeping him from being the worst of that class is that O-line, which basically gives him all day to survey the field when he drops back. And he still threw 2 crucial picks w/ that kind of time.

It's joyful watching a Brady team get shut out. I have to chase that feeling.

Sure, Evans - get a hammy THIS week....

He's literally the most overrated player I have seen in decades. He has more time in the pocket that basically any QB in the NFL. Even w/ that, he gave the game away with 2 crucial picks early yesterday. Yay for him - he made a big throw to Harry late. Too late. He had already given the game away. There is as much chance that he becomes a career backup as there is that he's playing for NE in 5 years.

Well, you're juggling the goalposts all over the place here. My only point was that the wind hurts the rook much more. Because he has a weak arm. So, NE basically HAS to establish their run game, and get a lead. If the Bills take a lead, and Mac has to throw? Much more limiting for that team. Allen can throw all game, regardless of conditions. Mac threw a ton of yards in garbage time, yes. Good point.

I won't let them lose.

So, it doesn't matter what New England does on offense? I don't think you're thinking this through.

I'd hate this MUCH more if I was a Pats fan. Our QB has arguably one of the strongest arms in the history of the NFL. The New England QB might end up having a pasta named after his arm.

I mean, let's just beat the Pats. If we get swept by the Patriots, not only do we not really deserve to make the playoffs - but we're simply not a SB caliber team. We have ONE tough game remaining. Gotta take it.

Who knows - I have no idea how much psychology really plays into a given game, but the idea that they're "out" of the playoffs could give the Bills a little extra fire next week.

Harbaugh goes for 2 twice instead of OT - and comes up short both times. Gutsy - but I'd be upset if I was a Ravens fan.

Cincy still has some tough games ahead.