Success

I'm ready.

True. I can't imagine how it would be if Allen had turned out more like a Trubisky or something. But he didn't. Leading up to this past AFCCG, there was a legit discussion as to whether Allen was just as good as Mahomes, or even better. In hot-take nation, that notion is of course scrapped now, because Mahomes "beat" Allen (even though they're not on the field at the same time), and looked better doing so. But Mahomes' team was better than Allen's team in this one. And while Allen was running from pressure all night and struggling to find even one open receiver, Mahomes had it pretty easy in the pocket and had open guys all over the place. Let's see how things look in 5 years or 10. It's a good bet they'll have more match-ups like the one last Sunday.

I made this argument when we traded for Sammy. I was in a bit of homer mode, of course. I downplayed them too much. But I think many fans overplay the value too much. They really are hit & miss. Of course, you'd rather have a higher pick - but so many turn out to be average or even busts. That's just how the draft goes. I really like Oliver & Edmunds, but right now, we could probably find guys in the mid-rounds that could replace either (note the "right now"). Don't even get me started on some of the Maybins and Dareus' of yesteryear.

You don't think Allen has self confidence? Gotta disagree on that one. Allen plays w/ almost 100% confidence, imo. I never see him really hesitate.

I swear, I've gone back & forth every day on who I'd prefer in this game. It's a tough one. Just different levels of loathing. Brady obviously has the years, but he's just one guy on that team. On the other side, it's the whole team & fanbase. It's a conundrum.

I still say Allen has a higher ceiling. So there.

I've seen a lot of posts on twitter from rationalizing Pats fans who say they're glad because he never won, and isn't a "Patriots-caliber type of player" as a result. Man, are they in for some interesting times ahead.

If he could stay healthy, MAYBE. But he hasn't shown that he can. Could be bad luck, or it could be his style of play, but it's too risky to break the bank. Would love to keep him, but it seems unlikely.

This is the quality that Allen has that could lead him to greatness. Not the crazy good arm or superior athleticism. He's just relentless about improving his game. The QB who he most reminds me of in that respect is Peyton Manning.

By the way, I'd HIGHLY recommend going to any of the Pats boards, and looking at their threads regarding the QB position. It's pretty joyful. They sound like we did all through the drought - though w/ a much more irrational optimism. There are sentiments like, "All we have to do is draft a great QB this year, and we're right back in the mix."

I'm trying to appreciate the little things. I just watched Brady give his completely insincere "he's a great young player and has a great future in this league" spiel about Mahomes, and I'm glad we don't have to listen to 2 weeks of that, with the added "the Bills were always so tough, and their fans are so amazing." Like I said - I'm trying.

I'd be okay w/ that. I just don't see it as a big position of need - but I get that the jury is still out on Knox.

This was the ONE team, apparently. People can say it's Patricia, and that might be right - but this isn't a good look for those lovable Patriots. The "no fun" thing was okay when they were winning, and you could count on at least a chance for a ring every other year when you went there. That's out. And you've got guys like Brady & Gronk putting out subtle messaging about how liberated they feel & how they're having more fun. Why would any good QB want to go to a no-fun place, that has one of the worst WR corps in the league, and in a division with 2 teams that are likely to be much more competitive for years into the future? Gotta love it. If we weren't sure the dynasty was over - now we are.

Biggest losers: the New England Patriots. Not only do they NOT get Stafford - they're unlikely to get Watson or anyone else. The price for QB's just went through the roof.

Strongly disagree w/ that. Our DB's played it perfectly - but there is no defense for a perfect throw & catch. Think Daniel's kick at the end of "Karate Kid." Hopkins looks bad saying this, imo. It's the classic "he won his Super Bowl." The Bills are concerned about winning championships.

I went into that game w/ a very healthy respect for the Chiefs, and even liked them to an extent, especially Reid & Mahomes. I was pulling for them the past couple of years. That's out. They're right up there w/ the Patriots for me now.

I always find those kinds of games to be pretty sad. So, no.

Ultimately, you can't do a Diggs type of deal every offseason. This offseason just feels like it needs to be methodical & focused. Have a solid draft, and work FA to fill holes and continue to build depth instead of getting a big splash at just one position. Frankly, I feel like we can stand pat at a variety of positions: WR, TE, CB and even LB. The MAIN focus should be building the D line, followed by getting one good RB - either in FA or the draft. But whatever Beane decides, I'm all in. He has earned a great deal of trust.

If he catches that pass and rips off 20 yards, leading to a Bills TD, we're probably talking about how much it would be to re-sign him.

I remember after the offseason trades were done - I was happy we got Diggs, but kind of lamented that we didn't go for & get Hopkins. I felt he was a better player and teammate. So happy to be as wrong as I could be, on both counts.

I think Oliver gets unwarranted criticism. The common complaints are that he's an average player who doesn't play anywhere near the expectation that should come with his draft position. That's not what I've seen, at all. When I watch him play, he's aggressive and disruptive. He finds his way into the backfield more often than not. And opposing DC's recognize how good he is, because he gets more double teams than anyone else on the Bills line. Put better players around him, and he'll really start to shine. He was a great pick, imo.

Mahomes should really have 2 rings at this point, and Brady should have 5. That Offside in the AFCCG will always bug me. Didn't effect the play, was in the last couple of minutes - that doesn't get called 95% of the time in that situation. Total bail-out for Brady and the Pats, and we all had to suffer for it.

I have a hunch we'll be playing him twice a year now.

Similar to the Gregg Williams situation. It's a tough business. That one play probably DID decide that game, but still seems extreme.

It's funny - we'll definitely be a frequent prime time team next year, as we were at the end of this past season. During the drought, I always looked at the schedule and lamented that we didn't get any of those - all 1:00 except for the Thursday Night slot, most seasons. Now, I already miss the 1:00 Sunday games when we don't have them. I guess it's fun playing at night, but I feel like it motivates worse teams more, and messes up the week (as well as my Sunday routine).