(Perhaps) Unpopular Take: I have no expectations for the Bills going forward, and I’m ok with it.

[eball]

There’s another thread that lists out what the community of Buffalo and the Bills have dealt with over the past year…it’s almost unbelievable the amount of tragedy, turmoil, and just plain bad luck that has befallen WNY and our favorite team — and none of it self-inflicted.

 

The Bills have to feel mentally exhausted.  They’ve had to overcome so much, and now this.

 

I’m happy with their 3rd consecutive AFC East title and big wins in big moments.  Josh is “the guy” and will be for years to come, but the defense has been decimated by key injuries all season and when combined with the mental fatigue and trauma, I think it is just too much to overcome going forward.

 

I am proud of the team, the coaches, the fans, the community…proud to call myself a Buffalonian.

 

Go Bills.

 

[TheBrownBear]

I'll be honest that I don't have much desire to watch football for quite awhile.  Not sure I want to watch them play this weekend.  But if the team rallies and calls on us fans for support so they can do something special in honor of Damar, I'll be right there screaming my lungs out on the weekend.

[B-Man]

I am okay with what comes. 

 

But there is always hope. 
 

 

For Damar and his recovery 

 

 

and the Bills and their season. 
 

 

[galept]

This moment could serve as a rallying cry come playoffs. Emphasis on could.

 

Once more unto the breach, dear friends?

[Johnnycage46]

2 minutes ago, eball said:

There’s another thread that lists out what the community of Buffalo and the Bills have dealt with over the past year…it’s almost unbelievable the amount of tragedy, turmoil, and just plain bad luck that has befallen WNY and our favorite team — and none of it self-inflicted.

 

The Bills have to feel mentally exhausted.  They’ve had to overcome so much, and now this.

 

I’m happy with their 3rd consecutive AFC East title and big wins in big moments.  Josh is “the guy” and will be for years to come, but the defense has been decimated by key injuries all season and when combined with the mental fatigue and trauma, I think it is just too much to overcome going forward.

 

I am proud of the team, the coaches, the fans, the community…proud to call myself a Buffalonian.

 

Go Bills.

 

 

That's kind of where I am at.  Had the injury not occurred last night and the Bills lost, I would be really bummed and worried about the playoffs, seeding, etc.  But now it wouldn't surprise me if the Bills season were for all intents and purposes over at this point.  It's been that kind of season with crazy amounts of injuries, weather disruptions, and now Hamlin's terrible injury.

 

I think things can go one of two ways...one, the team bands together and puts their best foot forward and who knows what will happen.  Or, they just don't have it mentally and it's pretty much over at this point.

 

Don't blame them at all if the 2nd scenario plays out.

[Riverboat Ritchie]

Not that it matters in the least as everything is so uncertain and focus is rightfully so on #3 but it might depend on prognosis of Damar. With that being said if we lose next week and out after one game in playoffs, I wouldn’t be upset or disappointed.  These dudes are freak athletes but at the end of the day still humans. They have certainly been through the wringer this year. Go Bills. Go Damar. 

[GoBills808]

yep this

 

personally if Hamlin makes a full recovery that's a Super Bowl right there

[VaMilBill]

I honestly don’t know how they are gonna play this game against the patriots. I wouldnt expect to hear an update about Damar until this Thursday at the earliest. I mean, I hope this doesn’t happen, but the bills could be going to a funeral on Saturday, Lord willing. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that, but there has to be so much going through their minds. 
 

It’s just a game. However, they need to compartmentalize to the best of their abilities if they want to keep the train on the tracks, which I’m sure they do. Some people think differently and grieve differently than others and can quickly put things behind them. Based on the game last night, Stefon looks like one of those people. 
 

there is no right choice. But at the same time, the world goes on. The Bills need to figure out, quickly, if they are ready to move on with it 

Edited January 3, 2023 by VaMilBill

[Billsfan1972]

I was thinking similar.  So invested in the Bills all year and yes it was Superbowl or bust and you could see that in my Threads and comments.  

 

But now if they don't get there, it will just be and I will have been emotionally spent.  

 

Seems fate has conspired against the Bills.

Edited January 4, 2023 by Billsfan1972

[LABILLBACKER]

There's an element in the air that just doesn't want Buffalo to succeed this season. With this game likely being a "no contest" we'll lose the #1 seed to KC.  Hope they don't reschedule the Cincy game and as some have suggested let's just rest starters v NE.  We still have a ton of players injured. With all the crap and bad luck this team has endured, they have to be physically and emotionally exhausted. 

[wppete]

This team, players, coaches must be mentally exhausted. I don’t see how everyone can

move on from this trauma and continue with this season. Wish the best for everyone and especially above all Damar. Get well soon 🙏 

[Pokebball]

I want the players to do what they believe is best for them. I'll support whatever that is.

[LABILLBACKER]

6 minutes ago, Johnnycage46 said:

 

That's kind of where I am at.  Had the injury not occurred last night and the Bills lost, I would be really bummed and worried about the playoffs, seeding, etc.  But now it wouldn't surprise me if the Bills season were for all intents and purposes over at this point.  It's been that kind of season with crazy amounts of injuries, weather disruptions, and now Hamlin's terrible injury.

 

I think things can go one of two ways...one, the team bands together and puts their best foot forward and who knows what will happen.  Or, they just don't have it mentally and it's pretty much over at this point.

 

Don't blame them at all if the 2nd scenario plays out.

I will say if they get some good or encouraging news regarding Damar's condition, you'll see a fire from these guys. Rally around #3.  I just don't know how much they have left in the tank with all the insanity that's happened this season.

[BullBuchanan]

This season was already in rough shape and injuries to key players like Hyde and Miller, the Miami game heat fiasco, the blizzard, combined with Josh's own injuries and struggles have had me feeling uneasy most of the season. I went into the year hyped for a SB run and then it just started to seem less and less likely as the season went on, despite us winning so many games. I don't want to count them out, but I'd honestly be floored if they have what it takes to go the distance at this point.

I really hope they can find a way, because these opportunities don't just come around every year, but I'm not betting on it.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Seems like too much to overcome in one year. Honestly it felt that way even before Hamlin tragedy. Now I'm not sure how the team and the community recovers. Its cliché put sometimes adversity brings people even closer. Hope so.

The problem is the SuperBowl window can slam shut pretty quickly. In a few years we might be looking back at a start of a run of a few Lombardis or we could be looking back at 13 seconds when it all unraveled and spiraled downward. 

[SoCal Deek]

Just throwing it out there but I’ve read so many say how the Bills should rest their starters next week …but what does this say about the non-starters? Are they somehow less impacted, or more apt to play with the fire everyone knows is required to truly compete in the NFL? I understand the strategic implications but it’s a tough call for everyone involved. 

[Shaw66]

eball - I couldn't agree more. 

 

Moreover, I'm exhausted.  Am I prepared for the continuing emotional drain of a game against the Patriots, and then the playoffs.   I want to stand with my team, but to be honest, the way I feel right now, I'd welcome the Bills shutting down the season and regrouping for 2023.  

[Johnnycage46]

8 minutes ago, LABILLBACKER said:

I will say if they get some good or encouraging news regarding Damar's condition, you'll see a fire from these guys. Rally around #3.  I just don't know how much they have left in the tank with all the insanity that's happened this season.

 

Yeah, I think that would probably be the only way they get their competitive juices flowing again.  But as you said, who know how much they have left in the tank emotionally at this point.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

I would be curious more about how the players and coaches feel. This is their family, but also their job. I have no idea what they must be thinking or feeling, especially with how focused they have been all year on the ultimate goal.  

[Process]

Honestly I'm looking forward to the season being over. I hope it ends with a Superbowl, but if not there's always next year.

[Mark92]

This season has been a gauntlet for the Bills.  Now you add this to the equation.  I am absolutely at peace with whatever happens with the Bills from here forward.  They could literally come out and not except the playoff spot and I would be fine with it.  Praying for DeMar man.  

[Dablitzkrieg]

Well said.  I just hope Damar 🙏🏼 is OK and fully recovers, that the players can find peace with the trauma they endured, as well as the fans.  I hope you are all OK too.  It can trigger a lot for some.  People handle it differently.   I have never been more proud of our fan base and also the Bengals.  Class acts all around!

Edited January 4, 2023 by Dablitzkrieg

[NewEra]

I’m pretty much is the same boat less than 24 hours after the unfortunate event.  
 

i would be ok if the bills threw in the towel this year and didn’t play another game while getting their mental state right dedicating their time and effort to Demars foundation and the community. 
 

This was always supposed to be the year of the Bills. It can still be the year of the Bills….. without a playoff win. 
 

My feelings will likely change if our fighter can overcome and power through, but as of now, he and his family take precedent.  That’s what makes this franchise what it is. Once a Bill, always a Bill.

[BullBuchanan]

5 minutes ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

Seems like too much to overcome in one year. Honestly it felt that way even before Hamlin tragedy. Now I'm not sure how the team and the community recovers. Its cliché put sometimes adversity brings people even closer. Hope so.

The problem is the SuperBowl window can slam shut pretty quickly. In a few years we might be looking back at a start of a run of a few Lombardis or we could be looking back at 13 seconds when it all unraveled and spiraled downward. 

Yup. I bet the Chargers thought they had time too in 2007 when they had Rivers, Tomlinson, Gates, Turner, Vincent Jackson, merriman, Phillips, Cromartie, Florence, castillo, etc. They lost in the AFC championship game and that was the last time they were a serious contender for anything.

[Heitz]

Well said eball - this one is really hard to process for me as a fan, I can't imagine what it's like as a player.  Just, difficult.

 

You hit the nail on the head with "I am proud of the team, the coaches, the fans, the community…proud to call myself a Buffalonian."  Never more so!  The strength everyone has shown over the past few years is unreal - we're all going to need a big hug after the season...

 

I trust the team will do what's right for them moving forward, but no matter what, this will be an all-time Bills team, for me. 

[Captain Hindsight]

Obviously I would love to continue the quest for a Super Bowl. I love football and I love the Bills, but most important to me is seeing Damar Hamlin recover. Anything else is a bonus as far as I’m concerned 

[Einstein]

The season has felt “off” to me as soon as Hyde went down.

[Royale with Cheese]

I hope we win it all and ESPN creates the greatest documentary of all time.

 

Hamlin may never play again and I say get him a ring.

[Einstein]

5 minutes ago, Captain Hindsight said:

Obviously I would love to continue the quest for a Super Bowl. I love football and I love the Bills, but most important to me is seeing Damar Hamlin recover. Anything else is a bonus as far as I’m concerned 

 

I guess I don’t understand why it can’t be both?

 

Why can’t we root for Damar’s health and improvement, while also going out and winning a Super Bowl for him?

 

Why must it be either/or? 

[NewEra]

7 minutes ago, BullBuchanan said:

Yup. I bet the Chargers thought they had time too in 2007 when they had Rivers, Tomlinson, Gates, Turner, Vincent Jackson, merriman, Phillips, Cromartie, Florence, castillo, etc. They lost in the AFC championship game and that was the last time they were a serious contender for anything.

They didn’t have Josh Allen.  

[Royale with Cheese]

2 minutes ago, Einstein said:

The season has felt “off” to me as soon as Hyde went down.

Hyde went out in the second quarter of the second game.  This season has been off 99% of the year with being tied for the best record in the league?

[GoBills808]

Just now, Einstein said:

 

I guess I don’t understand why it can’t be both?

 

Why can’t we root for Damar’s health and improvement, while also going out and winning a Super Bowl for him?

 

Why must it be either/or? 

It definitely can be both man

 

just some may feel one is more important than the other

 

not judging

[Kiva]

11 minutes ago, BullBuchanan said:

Yup. I bet the Chargers thought they had time too in 2007 when they had Rivers, Tomlinson, Gates, Turner, Vincent Jackson, merriman, Phillips, Cromartie, Florence, castillo, etc. They lost in the AFC championship game and that was the last time they were a serious contender for anything.

This is a good point.

[The Wiz]

I wouldn't care if they forfeited the rest of the season and post season.

 

It's so much more than a game.

 

[gonzo1105]

This honestly strikes me as one of those NFL fantasy seasons. Patriots winning after 9/11. Saints winning after Katrina. Bills winning it after this. 

[Royale with Cheese]

5 minutes ago, Einstein said:

 

I guess I don’t understand why it can’t be both?

 

Why can’t we root for Damar’s health and improvement, while also going out and winning a Super Bowl for him?

 

Why must it be either/or? 

I’m feeling optimistic about Hamlin.  Its just pure gut but I’m feeling he pulls through.  

 

This tragic event I feel will bring the Bills closer and man, they’ll play their hearts out for Hamlin.

[Einstein]

6 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

Hyde went out in the second quarter of the second game.  This season has been off 99% of the year with being tied for the best record in the league?

 

“Off” doesn’t mean the team has been bad.

 

”Off” is a personal feeling. 

 

Things just haven’t felt “right” to me ever since that happened.

3 minutes ago, The Wiz said:

I wouldn't care if they forfeited the rest of the season and post season.

 

It's so much more than a game.

 

 

But why?

 

What would that accomplish?

 

Youre right that it’s more than a game but none of the players are doctors or nurses. Playing doesn’t take away care from Hamlin. It doesn’t even take away attention from him, as each game can be dedicated to him.

[Goin Breakdown]

In a way I feel like the season ended yesterday for the piled up reasons we all know. 

[The Wiz]

3 minutes ago, Einstein said:

But why?

 

What would that accomplish?

 

Youre right that it’s more than a game but none of the players are doctors or nurses. Playing doesn’t take away care from Hamlin. It doesn’t even take away attention from him, as each game can be dedicated to him.

Because who knows how long players are going to take to mentally recover from this.  It's not like a broken ankle or something like that.  That would be my biggest worry about the players currently and not trying to force them out on the field when they probably going to be thinking about this for a long time regardless of their job/schedule.

[Einstein]

1 minute ago, The Wiz said:

Because who knows how long players are going to take to mentally recover from this.  It's not like a broken ankle or something like that.  That would be my biggest worry about the players currently and not trying to force them out on the field when they probably going to be thinking about this for a long time regardless of their job/schedule.

 

I do understand how you feel though. It feels as if the season is over. But I don’t think it has to be.