Happy

One game for using his metal bar enforced arm protection as a weapon and striking a downed, defenseless player on the back of the head, putting him into concussion protocol. Pathetic, man. Right, because Gronk is such a speed demon out there.

Bring the Hammer!

Yes, that it does. The NFL should make Gronk remove the arm brace since he proved he will use it as a weapon.

I think the metal bar protects the arm that was broken twice.

What news about Gaines? Haven't heard anything.

I think Bevell made the call, rather than running Marshawn Lynch. Funny how talk of Bevell being a HC candidate dried up after that SB loss.

He actually did said this on the Sunday Night Football In America pregame show.

So drunks can still enter the stadium and watch the game? Sweet...right on.

Gronk was a big factor in the game; the Steelers didn't have an answer for him. What if Gronk was still suspended...do the Pats still win this game? I personally doubt it.

The crux of the matter is: what is a catch? Does anyone really know? I'm sure the NFL has defined it, but the definition appears to be hazy, or fluid at least. This needs to be made more clear, and possibly simplified.

And that's the point. This team could easily be much worse than 8-6 right now (maybe 4-10 worse). I think McDermott has done a tremendous job of building a cohesive unit out of a group of largely no-name jags; all while shedding guys who don't share (or fit in) with his vision of a team going forward.

Ha, Ha. Yeah, something like that.

Tyrod was good in the first half, not so much in the second half. Rico has no intention of modifying his offense to suit Tyrod's athletic strengths either because he doesn't want to or doesn't know how, or a bit of both. Dennison will never get the most out of Tyrod like Anthony Lynn did last year. And no, Tyrod will not get us to the SB, if that is what you're thinking.

I'd say the Rams are more talented than the Bills in both the trenches, LB, and offensive skill positions (except RB). Plus they've acquired talent, we largely bled talent that did not suit McDermott's vision of a team. So McDermott has done more with less.

I think Tyrod is gone after this year. Tyrod is a great athlete, but McDermott and Dennison want a better passer who primarily works out of the pocket, anticipates route timing, throws with anticipation, and reads opposing defenses, which is not Tyrod's strength.

No worries, worth while discussion. I suspect the NFL rules committee will look at this in the offseason and change the rule. Maybe to something closer to what is expected of a RB to score a TD...possession and cross the plane where a ground cannot cause a fumble. We'll see.

I think three full and part of the pointer on the right hand. Thumb is not under the ball, otherwise he'd be out with a dislocated thumb. That's enough to prevent the ball from touching the ground. I see the left wrist securing the point of the ball nearest the receiver. I don't think the ball touches the ground here.

That's a terrible picture. You can see James' right wrist, but that is about it. That picture proves nothing; the animated gif is on the previous page or two. I copied it for you, since it shows a lot more.

I'm going by the replay gif that appears in this thread a couple of times. I have not seen any close up photos, if they exist. It appears that James transfers the ball from being controlled by his left hand to resting on top of his right hand; the ball slightly rotating would point to this. You don't need any freakish fingers or thumb for this to occur. If the ball hit the ground, I suspect you would see the receiver lose control of it, rather than a rotation and continued possession. That said, I don't think there is enough evidence to change the initial call.

What I'm arguing is that James' right hand was under the ball. I don't see any conclusive evidence that the ball touched the ground. I don't think the review judges made the correct call by reversing the on-field call, which was a touchdown. It's uncanny that these type decisions always seem to break the Pat's way.

They'll never admit to getting the on-field call reversal wrong. Otherwise it will create a mess the NFL will never be able to clean up.

I'm optimistic that our offense will actually carry its weight and the defense will show up like it usually does. We're also reasonably healthy; just hoping EJ Gaines is ok but we'll see in a few days McDermott and staff has had a chance to see what the Pats do and will make additional adjustments to the game plan. I think the staff and the team are going to want this one and play to win. Plus, the Gronk cheap shot is still fresh on their minds.

We've had a lot of really bad teams during Brady's reign of pouting. This year looks to be a lot different. Assuming the defense plays like it did the other week, but this time Tyrod and the offense decides to show up, I like our chances. McDermott and the team knows this is big. Time to bring a cannon to a gun fight.

Given the up and downs of this season and actually playing meaningful games in mid-late December...I'll go with the process. This off season will be anything but boring, I can't wait to see what FA and the draft brings.

I like the optimism! Go BILLS!!!