MattM

For those saying that “since the cops didn’t show up at the end of the flight, nothing could have really happened” I’m reminded of perhaps the oddest flight of my life 3 years ago coming back from a family vacation in Japan. My 13 year old daughter was across the aisle from 3 young Asian men covered head to toe in tats. Two small guys and one guy who was 6’3 or so and went about 300 pounds. They came in bombed and started taking pills by the handful while periodically speaking to each other in grunting Japanese. Pretty soon the two little guys are out while the big guy is zonked out of his mind and tried to stand up almost literally every two minutes while the seatbelt sign was on. Often reaching into his overhead luggage and spilling it all over everyone around him. The male flight attendants couldn’t restrain him—he ended up in the bathroom trying to smoke, repeatedly. Not listening to the stewards at all. He just stumbled around the cabin, sh&t-faced, eyes closed and mumbling. Meanwhile his compatriots periodically woke up and grunted at him before taking more pills with beer chasers. No help at all in calming him down the entire 14 hour flight. Needless to say, dad soon replaced daughter in the seat across from The Hulk and his pals. No one (other than the mini-ya-chan (a cutesy Japanese term for Yakuza, which these guys almost certainly were)) slept the entire flight. When the time came to get off, I was sure there’d be cops waiting—nope. Not a one. I talked to one of the stewards and they said “hey, we tried to get the cops, but they aren’t coming.” We last saw Larry, Curly and Moe, who had roused by flight’s end at the baggage claim groggily heading off with their bags. I told my wife that if I were a movie director I’d love to follow them into NY—either comedy gold or hard-boiled noir for sure.....

I did mine today. Not much available towards the middle of the field (I’m in 132), but I moved back one row and over 7-8 seats towards mid-field (and nearer the end of the row. I was curious how the economic ***** storm was going to impact season ticket sales, but I guess the team’s upswing is more than making up for that.....

Love the early part of this list—so many memories come rushing back looking at it, but my favorite there has to be Reuben Gant, who my father dubbed “Stone Fingers” or “Stony” for short. Just last week my Giants fan cousin was ribbing me about him (until I reminded him of their former number 1 pick Rocky Thompson).....

Cheapest seats now down to $5750. When we make it I’d add a $1500-2500 premium to this year based on the rabidity of our fan base and hunger for the game. Overcoming WNY not being as economically strong as other areas (certainly including SF). And it will be worth every penny when we win it.....

Serious question—did you watch him play not just last night, but the 2d half of this year? He was middling at best. I think he was something like the 20th or 21st ranked QB this year. Absent some kind of “miracle rejuvenation” from his buddy Alex Guerrero’s TB12 program (just like Julian [PED]elman went through), he’s only going to get worse 9 months from now. Father Time is undefeated—just ask Brett Favre. Personally, I hope he comes back and plays for the Pats*.....

And it’s also worth pointing out that between Clemson and the NFL Watson has been playing against high quality opponents and with high quality teammates 5-6 years longer than Josh Allen has. Give the kid a chance—I like his trajectory so far, considering how raw he was coming out of college.

They’ve also only got about $40/50m in cap space without TB, and a bunch of other guys to re-sign. Extra comp picks, but no 2nd rounder (and I’ve seen some say no 4 or 5 either), and that also means not likely to get too much immediate help from the draft. i could honestly see them going 8-8 or worse next year, whether he stays or goes.

What gives me great hope about Josh is the realization that he’s really only played 2 years of football against high competition, and one of those years he was (a) not the starter going into the year and thus shared training camp reps with 2 others and (b) was hurt for a part of that year. Take Watson for a counter example. He played at Clemson against the ACC and teams like Alabama in huge games for several years before the NFL. i think Josh made big strides his year, and if he makes similar strides next year, watch out.....

***** the Pats.....

Yeah, I audibly laughed at that, too. The League really needs to clean up the BS Animal Farm “all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others officiating”....

Very disappointing way to end the season, but I always figured next year was our year. Young team, tons of cap space,only a few guys to resign, extra draft picks. Knocking wood, but the future looks bright, notwithstanding today’s disappointment.

How was that not holding on that last pass play?

Yup—to me that was the blown play of the game. And to guys had the chance to make the block.

That’s what I told my wife—“Teddi Bruschi, the man, the myth, the legend. Half man, half centaur....” f

And wasn’t DiMarco out there and missed, too, on that play?

My 1987 “faux” Jim Kelly number 12 jersey that my best friend in college got me at great personal expense back when we were kids with no cash. I’ve been wearing it all season after the McCoy trade left me jersey-less on active players. Go Bills!

Wow

We’re leaving Monday—been here a week. We come about once a year. Love LSR—one of my favorite meals anywhere. Love the chorizo and cheese (number 7 or 14?), plus several number 1 tacos. Many thanks for the advice on the bars. I’ve been to one on State Street years back, but it was just a general sports bar.

Many thanks. My in-laws live in Hope Ranch. I’ m here literally LMAO at your comments on La Super Rica and Los Agaves—we love both (and I may try to grab lunch at one tomorrow, but not sure they’re open on Sundays). Unfortunately, we’re leaving Monday (been here a week). I love SB—been coming here for 25 years (married for 20, and get married here). I laughingly tell my wife that I won this trade—I get to visit SB and my wife gets to visit Rochester, LOL.... Many thanks, CGF—and good luckj tomorrow!

Here visiting my in-laws and my Sunday Ticket/DTV app isn’t working. Anyone know if there’s a Bills Backers bar in Santa Barbara?

Yes, he admitted that after the game- he was faking the injury to try to get out of the penalty.

This. It was plain as day that the ref gave them at least an extra yard on that third down play.

That sucked

Because New England

They gave them a full yard