flmike

That's probably it. I'll look at some pics again (while holding my nose). In the end, it sort of supports what I was saying, except that Brady is not such an anomaly and more in the mold of the classic QB. Still, there's something odd about him.

LOL He seems short when watching him play. Maybe he just has even taller linemen!

Really shows how much the NFL has surpassed the college game, doesn't it? These great, athletic college QBs are failing fairly regularly. RG3 is probably done or on his way to back-up land (c.f, Michael Vick). The verdict is still out on Newton. He will likely make it since he is tall enough and throws pretty hard (if not always well). EJ and Kaepernick are probably done. Wilson still hanging in. I was very suspicious of the love affair with the running QBs for the NFL level. The punishment and schemes force them to be be - gasp - quarterbacks. The formula for a franchise QB hasn't changed. He has to be really smart (fast smart, that is) to read defenses and know his teammates (both receivers and blockers) and to make quick decisions on the run. He has to be tall and solid, have an accurate and strong arm, and a real hatred of losing (yes, I just describe Kelly, Marino and Montana). Brady is a bit of an anomoly. He has most of those things, but is not tall or solidly built. He has benefitted from rules changes that were meant to protect him and he is so accurate and smart that he doesn't need to rely on the long ball a lot. He also has a coach who figured out how to be successful with him. In the draft, look for these physical and mental attributes, but nothing replaces that hatred of losing and the ability to carry a team to a championship. I think too many talent evaluators still think a QB can be taught to be winner at the most difficult level. That just seems stupid to me.

That was NOT the undefeated Patriots we faced, though. That was a very depleted team that tried to give us the game several times. We just didn't have the offense to take it. If we lose by that score against that team with most of their weapons and line intact, I take it as progress. The Jags could have beaten them that night.

And exactly when have we done that before? Without Kyle the injuries on the Pats line sort of even out. They always find a way to plug in no-names and make them look like the 70s Cowboys line. In the end, the Bills need to take what the Pats give them and make the most of it. Only way to beat them is to be as smart as they are. Eventually they will get a little frustrated and that's when you have to pounce.

Yeah, they DO need to run, but they can't rely on clock-killing drives, which 50% of the time will come up empty, when the Pats will score just about every possession.

If the Bills come out running, the Pats will make them go 3 and out and kill them. Our line is not good enough yet to control a game against a team like that. It's not a must-win, so come out and go for them.

It helps to have a little belief (on part of the players and coaches). All of us who have played in any sport understand this. The most important muscle for any athlete is one's brain (and yes, I know it's not really a muscle, but allow me the tortured metaphor). The point is that you have to believe that you are as good as they are and that your teammates will help you. Coaches should come up with a good game plan (passing more does sound right since you will have to outscore them) and have 2 options for the 2nd half based on what has transpired. You know the Pats will have all the info they need for the 2nd half, so you have thwart their intelligence operation.

Nope. I like his articles. Never understood the hate.

This. Getting to the playoffs is nice, but if we stand no chance to advance, my excitement level goes down quite a bit.

Didn't they do OK with Cassell for a while? I forget.

My Pats friend keeps on about how great their system is. If it was truly a great system, why haven't other teams emulated it? No NFL team has ever had a run this long, especially running on replacement parts all the time. It just smells bad. Mark my words, when Brady eventually retires, only the NE fans will shout his praises. Kind of like Barry Bonds. He will never be admired by all, like Unitas, Montana, Tark, Staubach, Broadway Joe, or Jim Kelly and Dan Marino. Those guys would beat you. You would hate them while they played, but they would have their day and you would admire what they did. Not so with Brady. The hate will continue.

It will take more than red jerseys to play like the Pats. I will be happy pour the lighter fluid on those hideous things.

Train Easley to be a DB and put him on Gronk. Seriously look for some tall fast LBs in the draft. We play these guys twice and the playoffs run through them. If they are going to get away with the WR picks, blow them up. You can only blitz Brady if you can press the TE's at the line. One won't work w/o the other.

Fish won the 3rd quarter

The Fish were even more poorly coached than us. They have talent and now we can see it action. Still not good enough to take on NE though.

They should certainly draft a QB, but a 1st-round pick is too valuable to draft solely for need. You draft the best football player, unless you are totally stacked at that position. You can trade down too.

Bill, a most hearty welcome back. Just got home from Mass and was so pleased to see your post. Best wishes to you! On the game.. the Jags are so bad, they let us back into the game. The D was very good today, except that last series. Jags made some good plays (and the refs helped big time). I had really hoped that EJ would find himself in the NFL but I've not seen an average college QB become great at the pro level. Brady went under the radar, but had all the tools all along. No one noticed, it seems. We so badly need safeties. I really think that's the biggest problem on defense at the moment. Also, either use the talent you have creatively or rebuild the defense as you want it. Can't have both. I hoped that a change of venue would bring out a competent Ryan, but it apparently hasn't. We are now last year's Jets. A fan does not have to be a masochist. I continue to root for the Bills but I have so many other things to do on a Sunday, that I won't carve out time for them for a while. I hate being mad and behind on things at the same time.

You guys in SD have El Niño coming. Get ready for lots of rain and mudslides. Still climate is probably changing to Saudi Arabia over long term.

Just a disappointment to see a team with this kind of talent being misused. I'm not panicked, because I don't have any real expectations now. Just going to watch football until there is a reason not to.

Hoping all will be well and offering a prayer to that effect!

Best wishes, Bill! Your post-game post is one of my favorites.

Garappollo will retire before Brady gives up his job.

I know we are all pumped after kicking Fish butt yesterday, but we've all seen this movie before. Let's be in a good mood, but realistically wait until about midseason before making a real judgment on this team. We've had teams come out looking great before, only to tank the second half. That's the part I want to see improved. Will defenses try to box TT and take away his mobility and site lines? I would. Happy today, but I want to wait until mid November before setting aside the playoff dates to watch the games.

Agreed. Too many penalties and our punt returner can't get positive yardage. Schmidt was on today, though. Fins ST looked pretty good.