Offside Number 76

It is what it is. Despite the growth of Columbus and Huntsville, not many Americans think of those cities as large and successful. Cleveland and Cincinnati are both smaller than Columbus, but I'll bet if you asked most folks to name a city in Ohio, Columbus would not be the response much of the time. We do have other players on the Buffalo stage. JoAnn Falletta has landed the Philharmonic its first legitimate recording contract in a long time, and the University brings in a big name or two each year (look out for the Dalai Lama in 2006; that's large-scale). But are those "brand-makers?" No. Neither is an oversized retail store or a casino. (Is there a city left in America without a casino within suburb range?) NFL football, though, gives a city instant recognition. As far as the other city you mentioned--San Antonio--why else are they fighting so hard for the Saints? Are all those blue-and-silver-wearing Texans all of the sudden diehard Saints fans? Nope. It's about the recognition.

I remember that study. It correctly stated that the game-day impact on the region's economy isn't that high. Eight weekends year, we get travelling fans in our hotels and restaurants, and sixteen Sundays per year, our bars and pizza delivery joints are busier than on other Sundays. That is a nice contribution, but not huge. But what I remember the study lacked is any evaluation of the team's impact on city recognition. What else is putting Buffalo "on the map" right now? There is an economic impact that is more important--and less tangible--than what goes into local coffers on a few weekends. The perceived increase in quality-of-life is important, too. Here's my question to you: Why on Earth are you pouring any energy at all into this effort to get people not to watch? Wouldn't your time be better used elsewhere?

I've noticed that too, since the season started. It's unfortunate; when he was on WNSA he was great, and he still was at least good when he started with WGR. Now, it seems like Bulldog is calming Schopp down, instead of the other way 'round. Too bad. Schopp had some insight and talent.

He's a broadcaster. He's supposed to be pulling for the 17-point comeback on the road--on his network. If the Bills were down in Miami, coming back the same way, he'd be talking about what the Bills needed to do to win.

Against the run, I think Anderson was an upgrade.

And now it's five minutes of an 11pm "SportsCenter" cast with the rest of the time devoted to entertainment news and product promotion.

There's a place called Lincoln Station that's always filled with Bills fans on Sundays.

Half of the NFL has tried him; even his college coach (Spurrier) eventually said "no" in DC. It is a "rebuilding year," to borrow from every Sabres coach in history, and we've gotta deal. Go to, or watch, the games or not, but the only move is to develop the kid. He will not turn into Manning or Brady. Maybe he turns into Carson Palmer; maybe he turns into Ryan Leaf. But there's only one way to find out, and that way does not involve Holcomb or Matthews in the gameplan.