Success

I remember when Pats games used to feel like a dentist's appointment. Something you couldn't avoid & just had to get through. I have none of that for Sunday. They're pretenders, we're the real thing. Unless we give the game away - which I acknowledge is always a small possibility - this won't be that close. They're not a primetime team yet.

I do agree w/ this. I think we get a small benefit from losing, in terms of sorry New England, but you ain't beating us in January TOO. But I - and I'm sure all - want both. Sunday, and January. And send the message that you're not as good as you think, and Maye ain't Allen.

I can't with this. I just can't.

How cool is it to once again have the marquee game for Sunday? If nothing else, we're one of the most entertaining teams for the country to watch - consistently. Even last week - while not "marquee" - ended up being the game of the weekend. Gives us a slight leg up this weekend, too. This Bills team has played in so many of these high-profile games.

They called everything except for an obvious PI on Shakir at the end, where the defender tackled him before the ball got there. Would have given us a 1st down in the redzone instead of having to settle for a FG & only tying the game.

"Questionable" is sort of promising.

Yeah - the Pats might be without 2 starting LB's, Williams and Campbell. No excuses for us, even if Benford can't play.

I wish we had just a little more info. Did he just stub his toe, and maybe it's a little sore today? What's the difference between a stubbed toe & turf toe?

If Bosa can play, it offsets losing Benford a bit (if Benford can't play). It's kind of a pleasant surprise that he's practicing in full today. Still hoping they're just being cautious w/ Benford and he can still go, but we do have decent enough depth at the CB position. If it's Tre, Hairston & Johnson, with Lewis subbing in, that really isn't too bad.

Right now, Drake Maye is a guy who has had some spectacular throws and seems to have a good long ball. That lumps him in with dozens of QB's from the past decade or 2. He has not yet led even one 4th quarter comeback, and has led only one game-winning drive. So many QB's have the skills. The guys w/ the mental toughness really shorten the list. He hasn't proven anything yet in that area.

Aren't Spillane and Landry their starting LB's? Could be a good day for Cook if they don't play, along w/ Williams already being out. Hard to complain about our injuries looking at their report.

This idea has been crossing my mind. I mean, of COURSE I want to win this game. I want to win it badly. But if we do lose - what are the chances that this fairly overrated Pats team can beat us a 3rd time this season? Pretty low. If we lose this one, I'd have enormous confidence we beat them them in January.

Benford is probably our most impactful player on D. That would obviously be tough if he can't play, or isn't close to 100%. But it's not like we're lacking depth there. Lewis has been playing a lot, and Tre has given us some solid play. Hoping for the best, and that this is just a stubbed toe & all very precautionary. What a weird year in terms of injuries. Maybe it balances out & we're healthy in the playoffs.

I've had some bad bosses. But my current boss is absolutely amazing. Just a great guy, who recognizes good effort and isn't looking to scapegoat anyone. Genuinely supportive & encouraging. It makes a big difference to have a boss like that. He's a Pats fan, but he's even cool about that.

He ain't wrong. But there is still a winning formula for teams like ours. We don't have JAGs - just average talent and no real "playmakers" outside of Allen, Cook and maybe Kincaid if we're being generous. But it's just about playing sound, complementary football. Our offense still in the league's top 3. The team is basically the same talent-wise that came within a dropped pass or proper 4th & 1 spot of making it to the Super Bowl last year.