Hollywood Donahoe

In actuality, the Patriots looked much worse than I expected, and the Bills much better. Some things were just inexplicable - the Pats' OL was great in run blocking but terrible in pass protection, and the front 7 couldn't stop the run in the first half, and shut it down in the second. An odd game overall, but an exciting one to watch, and one in which fans of both teams can find positives. I know that Patriots fans are drooling over Maroney's potential, and Bills fans have to be happy that Losman looked like a more-than-capable starter.

I'd be inclined to agree with you if I hadn't heard that for the last 5 years.

New TV deal. First crack at highlights got shuffled around, and NBC got 'em.

It's only for the first week.

There was a block in the back on that play. It was coming back anyway. Still doesn't explain why they blew the whistle, but it didn't affect anything in the least.

I was just thinking how nice it was to see NFL highlights without Berman subjecting us to his amateur hour comedy routine.

Naturally. I've not the faintest why they blew the whistle (I can only imagine that they thought Whitner went out of bounds, since he was near the sideline), but the fact remains that it wouldn't have been a TD anyway.

#3: I attack the officials to rationalize losses.

That I do not know. There seemed to be no reason behind it. He clearly did not step out of bounds. But it was coming back anyway, so it's moot.

Or when there's a block in the back during the return.

Others have spelled the rule out for you in black and white.

Is this for real?

I think the 4th down call was a good one. A FG makes it 20-7, and the Pats can still take the lead with 2 TDs. A TD essentially put the game out of reach. Decisions don't become bad just because they don't work. Good call by Jauron.

The rookie O'Callaghan has looked good at RT thus far.

Looks that way. I heard it too.

Please explain the similarities between the Patriots' release of Jonathan Smith and same-sex relationships.

I understand perfectly. Says the guy who assigned character traits to me when he thought I lived in MA. Just correcting a stated falsehood. It's kind of a habit.

I just wanted to make it one word. Anyway, I don't know why I should be embarrassed that my team's coach has a knowledge of the player acquisition system and uses it to his advantage. Which words, now? I live in New York.

Why?

Or prepared.

That might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me. But I can't stop rooting for the Pats - they're the only football team I've ever cared for. I do, however, feel I've gained a greater understanding of the Bills, their fans, their history, and their team culture from reading this board. That certainly doesn't make me a Bills fan, but maybe it makes me a benign Pats fan or some such thing.

You're right, them too. Belichick's list of enemies is no doubt a substantial one.

I figure I've been here long enough to have made some friends (although most still hate me), so I think it's somewhat fitting that my name is now one that doesn't ridicule a member of the Bills organization, but rather pokes fun at a universally hated figure. Plus I don't want to lose my postcount.

You're skipping a game.