Nihilist25

Imagine he would have responded today that he didn't know because he isn't responsible for the Colts balls. I imagine that, when cornered, the Patriots response will be that the additional loss of pressure is due to the proprietary ball rubbing they do that's different than the ball rubbing that the Colts do.

So the issue is distracting Pats fans? I hope it's distracting the players too. There's a downside to "riding the line."

Thanks for providing King's article as I hadn't seen it. I agree that King inexplicably does not state that the footballs were checked with a gauge prior to the game like he does for checks at halftime and after the game. Its a weakness in the argument. However, since King seems to be putting his own reputation on the line making such certain conclusions and he has exceptional access, I'm inclined to go with him for now.

If so, why didn't the refs allege that they checked the Patriots footballs before the game and they were properly inflated and then they checked the Patriots footballs later/halftime and discovered that they were not properly inflated? Seems that they would have. Did I miss that somewhere?

If true the NFL is in a hard place.

Did the refs actually check this time? If not, why not? I suspect these are questions for the investigation. If the refs didn't check, I suspect the refs excuse will be that referees league-wide don't check. Some statements indicate that teams know this and see the oversight/failure as an opportunity for gamesmanship. Also, if the refs didn't check, I suspect the Patriots are largely off the hook - again.

I doubt this has anything to do with it: http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/175596-pegulas-jet-is-on-the-move-again/?fromsearch=1.

I believe that Fred Jackson doesn't play for money and only has the success of the team at heart. Not that he shouldn't get paid. the Bills should also find a spot for him permanently.

It's been a while so he might have changed, but I remember being outraged by this hit: http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/13290-darius-is-only-half-the-loser-that/

Yeah, I forgot he also reportedly bad mouthed the Bills to Polian after negotiations didn't go his way and it looked like Polian might be coming in. Assuming that's true, I take back my "no grudge" assessment. On that alone we have a serious axe to grind and he's a POS. The decision to leave was likely sound though.

Agreed. Now can we get the EJ video removed from the two bills drive page? I'm tired of looking at it every day. Watkins was a bigger splash and has more potential.

He gets paid $4M for this year regardless of whether he works, right? In the unlikely event he sits on his couch this year and next year his opportunity cost is $4M.

Ha ha! I didn't mean he was doing it only for the Bills. It was a calculated decision. It's business. And he did do the Bills a favor by getting out of the way.

Thanks. I've been a member since 2005 and I notice you've been a member since 2010. Any logic or facts to support your opinion?

IMO Marrone did the Bills a favor. He likely got the Bills as far as he could get them. Also, his decision to play Orton over Manuel in the Pats game might have been the difference getting the Bills to 9-7 which holds some arbitrary significance over a record of 8-8. I wonder what quality of HC the Bills could find with a record of 8-8. I expect free agency will be easier as well. Marrone's contract under Wilson contained a release provision and from a business perspective Marrone was smart taking his money and looking for another position where he could build a team like he did with Syracuse and the Bills. Even if Marrone doesn't find a job this season he breaks even. Therefore, I hold no grudge against Marrone. I look forward to see what Ryan can do under the Pegulas - although I would have liked to see Schwartz stay.

Does it matter whether coaches, front office, and players are too open with the media? Won't reporters publish things regardless of impact on winning? I noticed that this year, the first winning season since 2004, the Bills did a much better job of controlling information (i.e., who was injured and who was playing) than previously. Not saying this was the only reason for the winning season, just that maybe this added to it. Also, consider Billichek.