BillnutinHouston

In previous years after signing up for ST, I would tune to a promo channel before the 1st game (the channel is labelled something like "Get Sunday Ticket for only $499!") and when I did I'd see a message at the bottom of the screen saying "You are authorized for this program" and I'd always know I'm good to go for the season. This year, I did the one-time pay back in June (I double checked my June bill to make sure I paid) and I'm getting no message at all on the promo channel, just a plain black screen. Are any of you getting the "authorized" message? Or not? Thanks. Just want to avoid having a last-minute scramble on Sunday morning.

Agree with this logic.

I know this isn't about HOME OPENER rituals, but for the last 3 years my son and I fly in on Saturday, hit the usual spots (Mighty Taco, pizza and wings, maybe Anderson's etc.), hit the Bills store, then on gameday get our Tim Horton's and head down Southwestern. On the way to the airport it's Ted's, has to be Ted's! Funny how so much is about the food! This year will be our 4th opener in a row. Can't wait to keep the tradition going!

OMG, where to even start. He's beat the hell out of banks and demonized anyone trying to make money. More free trade how? Telling Russia (when he didn't know the mic was on) he'll "have more flexibilty" after the election? Created a health care bill by insisting the mandate wasn't a tax, then after the Supreme Court supported it on the basis that it WAS a tax, still won't call it what it is. Obama: "You didn't build that." Reagan: "Government is the problem, not the solution." See any difference there? Obama never raised taxes? I challenge you to Google "fiscal cliff", "Obamacare Supreme Court decision" and "Joe the Plumber". Obama didn't close Gitmo because, despite demonizing Bush for it during the campaign, once he had to govern he realized there was NO alternative. Would Reagan have tried to have Khalid Sheikh Mohammed tried in Manhattan as Obama did? Would Reagan have told our enemies when we'll pull out the troops? Did Reagan apologize to other countries for America the way Obama did after he was elected? The majesty of the greek columns Obama had at his coronation in Denver is pretty sad in retrospect considering how he's brought this country to it's knees. He's a legend in his own mind.

I bought tickets for my son and I through StubHub and the tix came with a pass to the "Purple" parking lot. I'm not familiar with the setup there (how it compares to the Crowne Plaza for tailgating) but you're welcome to come by or maybe we'll stop over and see you guys. Not sure if I can make it to Christians on Saturday but I know it's a great spot, very close to my office and good bar food.

In my view, the Super Bowl is the purest test of coaching ability since in most years there are two weeks to prepare for the game. Marv was 0-4. In his stint as GM, Marv took on a role he didn't want as a favor to Ralph. This speaks favorably to his character, but not so much for his judgement.

I expect Spiller to get a lot of touches this year, including receptions out of the backfield. If defenses put 8 men in the box to stop the run or out of a lack of respect for our deep passing game, a bubble screen can be very effective and Spiller should be effective doing this.

Consider that Asper might have stuck on the roster this year had Nix not previously claimed Urbik and RInehart off waivers in previous years. As your base talent level improves, it becomes harder for rookies to make the squad. So as years go by and fewer draft picks make the team, does that mean the GM stinks? Edit: I think I'm making the same point Ye Ole does, above.

Personally, I give the guy major props. To beat the odds and climb uphill to make this roster, is pretty impressive.

Every time I focus on Cordy, especially on pass plays, I'm pleased. I have not seen him get beat in pass pro yet. Even when his man gets a step on him, Cordy's able to use his long arms to lock onto the guy and push him to the outside of the pocket. I think that Gilmore, Glenn and Graham could end up being the best 1,2,3 pick combination we've drafted in an eternity.

I was with you totally on your analysis until you said Are you concerned because of what you saw last year, or what you saw in preseason? Hopefully your concern is based on what you saw last year, because I thought the point of your post was that they were not trying to win in preseason, just work on very specific things regardless of the circumstances. If this is your overall point (which I agree with BTW), then it likely explains why the first team O hasn't run much in preseason. Personally, I'm not concerned about any playcalling tendencies shown in preseason. I think it's pointless to try to identify trends in preseason play calling and then think those trends will carry over into the regular season.

Thanks! If anyone knows what time Abbott is blocked off, that would be helpful. I come via Southwestern so I guess depending on what time I arrive I may have to drive around and approach Abbott from the south to get into Hammer's.

Hammer, I requested a general spot for the opener. Is there a map that shows which portions of Abbott Road are closed to traffic?

I think if Fitz flames out this year, Buddy will offer draft picks as necessary to trade up and get the guy they want.

The starting DL, LBs and Cordy all impress. http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/08/26/first-impressions-steelers-bills/

I'm sure you didn't mean that the way it sounded. When you read the article above, it makes it sound like we won the game. When you consider that our first string D held the Steelers to 1.8 yards per carry, maybe it wasn't as bad as we think it was.

Wow some of you are unbelieveable. Panic brings out the worst in people.

Not sure what you are basing this on, but did you know that according to NFL.com, the Bills finished 2011 as the 14th ranked offense out of 32 teams?

Thanks Kelly. Do they have graphics showing down and distance before each play?

I can't blame Buddy for 2010.

^^ Didn't realize I wasn't signed in. Still requesting 1 general space. Thanks!

When Murph was interviewing Jairus Byrd on his show yesterday, it was mentioned that at practice yesterday they took the speaker out of the MLB's helmet and put it in Byrd's. This was explained as just making sure other guys can make calls when needed, but I couldn't help but think it reflects on Shep. I hope I'm wrong.

"I'll have to watch the film (or tape)."

A very interesting premise to this thread. If correct, I think this could point to the brain trust thinking they are pretty good OR they don't want to put too much on tape.

I like to think I follow and support the team. Season tickets for the games I can get to, Sunday Ticket for the games I can't, and this year taking Billnut Jr. to the Houston game cause it's in my backyard. The Bills app is great for listening to WGR, and twobillsdrive is of course a staple.