Rubes

The thinking for the last couple of weeks has been the Bills...but I wonder how many are now saying it's the Browns? Browns have most all the ingredients you might want: Super strong defense Excellent offensive line Savvy veteran QB experiencing a resurgence One of the top WRs in Cooper Very good running game They haven't faced a murderer's row of opponents lately, but they're thrashing people and really starting to peak at the right time. Of all the teams in the AFC right now, even compared with the Dolphins and Ravens, I think they are going to do some serious damage in the playoffs. Assuming they get their kicking game straightened out...

I had to do this myself for the first time this year. It was the final 4th down play by the Chiefs at the end of the game. Couldn't bear to watch, I buried my head and listened to it, waiting for the words, "no flags!" It was enough to make my head nearly explode.

I think some of it will depend on whether Hunter Henry plays. He's the kind of target that would really frustrate our zone defense, I think, especially over the middle. I also would look for a lot of dump offs to the backs either in the flat or over the middle—need Bernard and Dodson to be on their game.

Yeah, exactly. It seems like that's what he's trying to do, but I just can't see it working.

I agree, I hate seeing that quick WR screen. Then again, I think Brady is using it for two reasons: one, as a substitute for a run play to try and get 4-8 yards (not necessarily to break one every time); and two, to keep the DBs from playing too far off the line in man coverage, setting up a deep ball attempt. Can't really say it's working so far, by my unprofessional eyes, but I think there is some method to this madness, I just can't quite see it.

Pretty sure the Bills-Chargers game was replayed last night...

The universe is jonesing for a Bills-Fins showdown week 18. Take care of the Pats**** this weekend and make it happen.

Thank you for looking that up. I was thinking of doing it myself after this game, since it seemed to me as well that other teams just don’t seem to miss (unless we have 12 men on the field).

FIFY

I like these threads for the thought experiment, but for me it really comes down to this simple truth: The playoffs have already started. We need to win out all the way through February or basically we're done. If we lose to the Chargers, Pats****, or Fins, we don't deserve to be in the playoffs, and even if we somehow lose one of those and sneak in, we aren't going far if we can't beat those three teams with everything on the line.

Don’t be so sure…

Well I, for one, appreciated that analysis. Thanks OP.

I don't think they activate DaQuon. I think they take it slow with him for now. He has a 21-day window, so there is no need to hurry it. I think they activate him next week and he gets a few live reps against the Pats****. I think they roll this week with Poona. As for Ty, I wouldn't be surprised to see them rest the shoulder this week, get him back to full health if possible. No need to push it, they still have Murray. Get Fournette in there to get a few reps, maybe, like you say. I'm going to guess Phillips's roster spot will be taken by Elam, but it needs to be someone who can play special teams. Curious they listed him as Questionable after being a full participant...

That blows. I was really looking forward to being back to the DT rotation that included Oliver, Jones, Phillips, and Settle. If we can get to the second round of the playoffs, though...

My uncle used to order his wings extra crispy, but in my experience people outside of Buffalo don’t know what that means. I’ve never ordered them that way. What does it mean to you? Best wings I’ve ever had were at a pizza place here in SLC that served them in an Asian style that I can only describe as some combination of teriyaki and plum sauce with ginger. Orgasmic.

When we had a crappy O-line?

I thought I heard he needed to be out one more game for IR…

On the Charger's injury front, don't forget that Bosa is out again this week, and their starting Center as well. No excuses.

Still remember him making one of the best plays I've ever seen in a game by a big guy. Blocked a punt against Cincinnati, ran after it and recovered it in the end zone for a TD. Couldn't believe a guy that large could move fast enough to do all of that.

Coming back…?

If we can’t beat the Chargers in their current state, or the 3-win Pats**** at home, not only do we not deserve to be in the playoffs, but we wouldn’t have gone far even if we did happen to make it in.

That’s what I was thinking. Why not there? They need an edge rusher, I think.

The Dallas game was a complete and utter beatdown on both sides of the ball. It was a physical battering that left Dallas shell shocked and emotionally defeated. An embarrassment from start to finish for them. The Fins competed in that earlier game for a bit before the Bills pulled away, but even then it always felt like they could strike at any moment. Dallas was never in this one.

The pile drive at the end…