Success

How are the Celts & Bruins doing, anyway?

Not a fan of this. NE will probably get Jimmy G. from San Fran for a 7th rounder or something like that (teams just seem to do that w/ NE). Jimmy has had bad injury luck and a spotty career so far, but he is a huge upgrade over Cam, imo. I was hoping the Pats were all in on drafting a QB, who would take a few years to develop and be a crapshoot anyway. Jimmy, with their other acquisitions, would immediately make them a contender in the division.

A very quiet but also very effective offseason for the Bills so far. They retained almost the entire AFCCG team, and then made smart adds that filled holes and improved position groups. There really aren't any glaring "needs" they need to address in the draft. I expect it to be more heavy on defense, but they can really go BPA, or whatever direction they want now. Beane knows football.

Thanks - I feel pretty lucky. I actually felt amazing after it ended. It's kind of strange, but I've had more energy than I've felt in years. One kind of bogus development - I've had tinnitus in one ear, which I guess has happened w/ some people. It's probably temporary, but I'm already used to it. If that's the worst thing, I'll take it. I've heard stories about some of the "long haulers" and I'm glad that nothing else seems to be lingering. From everything I've read (and my doc), I should definitely still get the vaccine, after a few months go by.

Great post & observation. It's almost hard to adjust to. For years, it was all about overpaying, if we wanted to land any meaningful FA. And sometimes we'd offer more money, and feel like a deal was close, and they would STILL take less money to stay w/ their team or go to another. I remember an O-lineman from ATL (I think) who that was pretty blatant w/, and it was so discouraging. It was like, what do we have to do? It always seemed like the rich just got richer, while the Bills played their own version of moneyball, and mainly hoped to improve through the draft. Watching guys take pay cuts to stay here & seeing players like Milano talk about the culture the way they have is just a fantastic change. And all last summer, other fanbases were talking about the Diggs trade like he'd be complaining within a month because of Allen's "inaccuracy" and be the worst thing for this team. I don't think Diggs would choose to be anywhere else now. He clearly loves it here, and playing w/ Allen. We're that team now. Gotta appreciate these days.

I generally say "top 3," which I think is accurate. I wouldn't say the best. Still, pretty amazing when you think about it. After Price/Moulds, most of the drought was JAG city. Evans and Stevie were some of the rare exceptions, and I guess you could say TO, even though he was past his prime. Hard to think of anyone else.

That Pats made some decent moves - but really, if you look at it, they only significantly improved at the TE position. And they had a BAD team last year; not even average. I saw some graphic that showed the last 7 or 8 teams that "won" the offseason by having the biggest spending spree. Most missed the playoffs, and the remaining 2 lost in the WC round. It's actually kind of funny that for the 1st time in 2 decades, the Pats HAD to be one of those teams. I'm more worried about the Phins, but they're not really ready to challenge for the division. They'd need some breaks.

Thank; so, let's say they draft a DE in an early round (which I'd almost expect) - do you think they'd keep 5 on the roster, and just inactivate Hughes or Addison on gameday?

How many DE's do teams usually carry? With Epenesa, Hughes, Obada and Addison, would we still be able to add? (or do I have someone out of position there?)

I assumed Beane might go this route - instead of getting one major difference maker, just build depth & the rotation with solid players. The plus with Obada is that he's still fairly young and possibly hasn't hit his ceiling yet (unlike an Addison, where you know what you're getting). The Panther thing is....concerning. But I have 100% faith in Beane.

I can't really remember a season where we retained so many players. Except for Brown, they really kept all of the pieces together. Glad we kept McKenzie, too - he's pretty versatile, and speedy. I like how Daboll utilizes his skills (and, of course, he's an excellent returner).

The zone is often effective when 'Cuse gets in the tourney & plays a team that hasn't seen it. But I've rarely seen it as effective as it was last night. I almost felt bad for San Diego St. - they could not figure it out. That 10 minute stretch where they didn't score was crazy.

A few days in, I think we might feel better if the OP title was "Bills sign TE Jacob Hollister!!!!!!" Food for thought for next time.

Honestly, after watching the SB, it wouldn't bother me if we just stood pat now. Our offense, as is, is one of the top 3 O's in the league. And we likely add a RB at some point. It's should be all about the defense now. I'll trust whatever Beane does, but I'd be surprised if we make any more big moves on offense.

Darnold to Kroft will be the new Trent Edwards to Royal.

I was SO close - but ended up getting COVID toward the very end here. Isn't that always the way? I wish I could testify for the nation. I know some get it mild & some don't even feel it, but mine was 3+ weeks of pure misery. I thought I'd never be happy or feel good again. Get that vaccine, people.

I'm already in rationalizing mode - but A) We have more weapons on offense than just about anyone in the league, B) Ertz was hurt and didn't look great last year, and C) Defense, defense, defense. On that last point, the offense is really set, except for the RB draft pick. The Bucs showed yet again that you need a good to great D to win a Super Bowl, and I'd be fine if every remaining move & draft pick (except for said RB) was for the D.

Our 2 strongest positions heading into FA were QB and WR. So, of course, that's where our 2 biggest acquisitions are. Why not? I like that Trubisky has a similar style to Allen, so the offense shouldn't have to change if he has to come in for any reason. I am well past questioning Beane. Great move.

On that 1st line, it depends who it is. If they find a way to get Watson, they'll have to cart me away for sure. I'll probably be all wild-eyed and singing showtunes, or something like that. But I agree. Cam's contract looks very much like that of a back-up. It feels like BB has something in mind (and they could trade a ton of picks to move up in the draft now without missing out on too much, with all of the holes they have filled).

I just want to see Belichick throw his phone again. I don't think I'm asking for much. That almost made the previous 2 decades of misery worth it...

It feels like some team always gifts them something, while I shake my fists at the sky screaming, "WHY?!!!" The Texans better stay cool here. Just stay cool, Houston.

Anyone else fairly underwhelmed by all of the fuss about what the Pats are doing? Seems like a lot of "look at me!" arm-waving stuff, but when you break it down, Tight End is the only position that looks significantly improved. Pats fans are of course crowing that they're taking the division back now after a one-year hiatus, but I'm not seeing it. They got better; but they were bad.

Kind of a head-scratcher given needs - but why complain. I'll love him after his 1st 50 yarder for the go-ahead score.

BB is channeling his inner Dan Snyder.

I'm sure I could have talked myself into it in about an hour, but I'm glad we didn't sign him. I can't think of a player I'd have a harder time rooting for. That play really made me sick.