Success

We all know how this staff tends to ease rookies in slowly - but I really think they have to put Bishop out there now. He'll likely have some growing pains, but he's a 2nd rounder, he clearly has some talent and they should get him fully acclimated by the playoffs. He could be a difference-maker, imo.

This team has already answered most of the questions I had. It's hard to overstate how crucial it is that Von looks disruptive again.

Man, I really hope Tua considers retiring. Absolutely zilch to do w/ sports or the rivalry.

This is how you play when you're up 21 on the road, going into the 4th quarter w/ possession.

This was a statement game. We've got us a good team this year.

O-line is blocking great in both the pass & run game.

This team looks just as good as any team we've had.

It's good to see Bass kicking w/ some confidence. One less worry if he can keep it up.

Or, maybe just this week. Let's not make the sky fall.

I enjoyed that start. Very much.

I'll always be grateful to Diggs. He and Allen changed the culture of this team - he was such a big part of that. That moxie he had. I don't know if I'll miss him, though. I'll miss some of the talent he brought to the field - but already it feels liberating to not have such a distraction w/ his attitude & antics.

I think the difference in this game is the pressure we'll be able to get on Tua. Hill & Waddle can be scary, but if you can get to Tua, their impact is much less.

That TD run was spectacular. I didn't watch ESPN's "top 10" that night, but I hope it was in there. Good call, OP.

Gosh - that's so unlike the Bills....

Does anyone else watch Nick Wright's show? I've seen so many TV analysts over the years. He's really the 1st guy that I'll literally dive for the remote for because I can't change the channel fast enough.

I look forward to the start of the season all year, and then when it starts I'm like, "why do I like football season again?" Anxiety for days before the game even starts, and then the game itself is an exercise in nail-biting, covering my eyes, pacing around the room & generally acting like a lunatic. Apparently, I think that's "fun."

I'd always just have a sinking feeling when it was Patriots week. It was almost like I knew I had to go to the dentist for a longer-than-usual procedure, and knew I just had to muscle through it. Those were tough years. Some of those games - I remember when we were up like 21, and he still brought them back and they ended up winning by 3 scores.

Reading the comments of Phins fans on their board, it almost reminds me of how we felt about the Pats and Brady during their dynasty. They are kind of terrified of Allen. It's a little odd that our record has been so lopsided against them, since the talent differential isn't that extreme. But I'll take it, and hope it continues tomorrow.

I've got Kincaid. We know he's good, and I don't see him having 2 quiet games in a row.

KC fans think the debate is "over," but they forget that football is a team game. No way I would trade Allen for Mahomes.

I get that I'm a homer - but I was really encouraged by our 1st game. I think we can be as much of a contender as we've always been. We made so many mistakes, but the talent looked to be there. Take away a few things like the kickoff return and roughing on Murray, and that game is close to a blowout in our favor. Coleman looks like a guy who could have a really big season for us. The running game is very solid. The D was bad for a half - but when they made adjustments, they shut it down in the 2nd. Groot has taken that next step and could dominate. I'm concerned about the safety play, but hopefully Bishop can come in and get acclimated enough so that it's a tighter unit the 2nd part of the season. And I don't see any other teams that are too scary, outside of KC and SF. I thought SF looked incredible. KC looked really good - but I think we can compete w/ them again.

That didn't sound too much like Brady.

I can't tell if the Jets are way overrated - or if the Niners are just that good. Either way, I'm not as nervous as I was about the division. And yes, I'm unabashed about offering hot takes.

Purdy is kind of good.

The thread title is spot on.