UKBillFan

The bye really hurt the Bills for some reason; haven't really looked the same since. Defense has an excuse. Offense?

I wish I knew why.

No, wasn't activated.

Dolphins 3-0 up. I've got this game on on the side and the way the Jets offense is playing that may be enough.

I swear he was pre-bye? Post bye he seems to be looking beyond. A couple of early interceptions, after the bye, were on short plays, though, so maybe he doesn't trust his eyes on those plays?

Well done, offense! Hopefully the defense will improve.

That's happened recently - against the Bears?

He used up his quota against the Steelers?

That wasn't the first drive.

On the first drive - this is the second.

Yes, that's what we were told yesterday.

Is he going to change now?

Who needs an offense? (Do not take this seriously, Josh and co, we still do!)

After feeling calm for the most part, I've got my usual pre-game nerves again.

I guess there may have been the issue then of the Bengals and Bills saying it's unfair for them to have to play whilst the other play off teams get given a bye.

Thanks - that's the one part of the outcome I've struggled to get my head round!

Bailey’s filed a grievance against the Pats. https://www.patspulpit.com/2023/1/7/23543862/jake-bailey-grievance-patriots-suspension

Not sure if that’s going to do Damar’s heart any good!

At what minute today do we start saying that the officials are out to get the Bills to appease the Bengals? Anyone want to run a sweepstake?

Also bear in mind that, according to Burrow, some Bengals players on Wednesday were talking about not playing against the Ravens. Yet some Bengals fans think they would have continued in the same frame of mind if they played on on Monday? https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/zac-taylor-bengals-move-focus-ravens

The coaching staff were happy for Benford to take the field so not sure whether it’s a case of preferring experience to a rookie when it comes to Elam. I think more likely something happening in training or behind the scenes to make them doubt that he is ready.

Possibly only two if the Bills lose and the Bengals win, as I think the Jungle would host the Divisional game in that scenario, if both teams get that far.

With the fantastic news on Damar, I still have no expectations on the season. My feeling is the furthest the Bills get is the Championship game. The Divisional game may be one step too far for them. Even if Josh plays lights out, as he did last year in the play offs, I think the injuries in defense will catch up with the Bills. If Miller and Hyde were available, and Poyer and Milano were not carrying injuries, then there would be more than a chance. As it is… take it a game at a time and what happens happens.

I do feel uncomfortable about the coin toss so the perfect solution would be the Bengals to lose the game and win the toss - then they have very little to gripe about.

And I think there would have been a lot of push back if the NFL had given the Bills a forfeit too. Especially as, as you say, there are rules in place which, as far as the Bills situation goes, was followed. For the organisation’s sake, I hope the Bengals win today. For the fan’s sake, I hope they lose. Couple that with a Bills win and the latter would have taken the second seed anyway IIRC, even with defeat at the Jungle.