Conlan58

This. Times 100. Between FA and draft... if Duke finds a role... this. Times 100.

I have yet to see a replay zoomed in and slowed down enough to show the ball actually being tipped. Yes the defender made an attempt to block the pass, but I don't see it clearly being tipped. Allen being contacted has nothing to do with whether or not you can call intentional grounding... numerous grounding calls are made every year with defenders draped all over the QB if it is warranted. I refuse to give Daboll or McDermott a pass by directing blame toward the officials in this one.

The return man tossed the ball to the ref... the ref literally had to dodge the ball to be able to make the call that the ball was still live and therefore was a touchdown. We would all be fuming if we were on the other side of that call, regardless of the outcome of the game. The right call was eventually made.

I appreciate you linking this. I thought the way it was explained last night was enough to justify a call in that situation (Ford facing his own end zone). By rule, I can see why it was called. As a Bills fan, I could clearly see Ford making a play to stop a defender in pursuit of Allen from making a play and think it was a play that the refs should have let the players play. I can argue both sides, but I feel the Bills had a prime opportunity to put this game well out of reach numerous times.

Can you really look at that play and tell me the return man didn't give himself up? By rule, all plays stop at the point where the ball carrier gives himself up.

I mean, I guess if you really want to argue semantics, we can. I saw the result of the play get "called" a touchdown rather than touchback, but I guess it could be argued that I had too many Labatts at that point and was seeing things...

I agree - this coaching staff has shown time and again that playing with a lead is a definite weakness.

My being sorry is in reference for your thinking the Refs had any kind of real effect on the outcome of the game. I don't need to be forgiven that you choose to ignore the obvious shortcomings in play calling and execution, but thanks champ.

Um, the referee "called" it a touchdown by putting both hands vertical signaling touchdown... but was quickly corrected. I never said it was a penalty. It was a call. I cannot believe anyone is even bringing officiating into the discussion on why the Bills lost.

That was on drive #1... where was that creative play calling on the rest of the drives? Also, the best coaches keep that kind of play up their sleeve for when it really matters, and don't need to rely on that in a wild card scenario. See: Philly Special.

Sorry, but the only call that was suspect at best was in the Bills favor when they were given the touchdown on the kickoff.

I actually think for the most part they did a good job of letting the players play. The call on Ford was rough, but according to the rule book, was a correct call. I think that was the only instance that they neglected to let the players play. Even that challenge for PI could have gone either way, but they let it slide even though Hopkins was wrapped up with the left hand as the right hand knocked the ball away. Being up 16-0, the Bills should have never allowed this game to get to the point where people are over analyzing every call or non call. This was 100% on the Bills, not the Zebras. Homerism at its finest here... #1 there wasn't an eligible receiver anywhere near the pass. #2 offensive linemen are not eligible receivers unless they report as such, and for one to be the first to touch a thrown pass, constitutes illegal touching. Take off the blinders or rose glasses and it is plain as day. Unreal.

Ah, yes, good. This hasn't been discussed in 17 other threads. But in a serious note, I pin 90% of this loss on Daboll, and 10% on McDermott for not demanding more of Daboll late in the game.

Allen could not have put up a better ball there. Hope that isnt the difference at the end!

Why bother? There wont be any bills playing...

Lee. Smith.

In the words of my smarter than yours 1-year old... Hey ay ay ay!!!

My mouth began to water earlier this week when reading this and all the Beef on Weck posts... I couldn't come up with the right rolls in time, so it's homemade wings and pizza fingers for me!! Also... IPAs and Blue Lights!!

I have lived in Maine for the past 20 years. I held seasons with a friend from utica for 2 years, and have made the trip down for at least 1 game every since since I turned 19 (32 now). It is a 10+ hour drive, and can get costly when you consider gas, tolls, tickets, parking, hotel, duffs or anchor bar, etc... But let me tell you this. My wife and I went to the Bills game a couple weeks ago in New England and it was completely lame compared to a game at the Ralph. Lame tailgating with no tents allowed, lame banter from obvious bandwagon fans, and a lame stadium experience... people were not even yelling for their team!! Well worth the trip and added expense to experience at least one home game every year, and I cannot wait until my boys are old enough to bring them! It is nice, however, not having to wait in line to get a beer or take a piss. It is also nice having a halftime quickie without worrying about being arrested, rather that the boys will wake up from their nap. If we lived in WNY again, seasons would be a must. No other team has the same experience and atmosphere IMO. Go Bills!! There is only 1 New York team, and if you happen to get lucky while channel surfing around 4:30 today, you can catch them in the playoffs on TV!

I was in section 112 for this game. While the general chatter around me lacked basic football knowledge, my wife and I never felt like people were being over the top. Sure, plenty of comments were made, harmless especially since some made me laugh at how uninformed some people were... curious to know which sections you guys were sitting in?

What uh.... the *****?

The man gets paid millions to climb the ladder and make that catch. It hit both hands - thats a damn drop.

Thats at least the 3rd 1st down drop this game, and that led to a turnover. Pathetic.

You're excited?! Feel these nipples!

I dont really recall two straight weeks of just about every other wild card contender losing, but ok. I dont really recall two straight weeks of just about every other wild card contender losing, but ok.