Matt in KC

I'm not sure I get it. Are you saying ~2 psi variability on a 12.5 psi reading might be normal variation (that only happened to manifest on the NE balls)? I doubt it. I don't think it is 100% impossible, and neither did the Wells report. Fortunately there was a much lower threshold of proof being considered.

While the gauges were not callibrated, and therefore might have given invalid readings, they did seem to have very reliable (repeatable) results. The measurements showed that whatever gauge was used at first, the pressure dropped too much, and too inconsistently -- just in the NE balls -- to be explained by temperature or other considered factors.

While Brady can use the team facility, I don't think he can practice with the team during his suspension. Brady was slow to warm up last year. Hopefully the suspension messes with team chemistry and extends that warm-up period. If the suspension really is 4 games, that is long enough it may really affect the offense, and WRs especially, after his return. One or two games would be much less impact. Personally, I think Tom is likely to do some kind of practicing with the team/teammates beyond what the league dictates. I very much want someone get a movie of that. What would the punishment be for not following the prescribed punishment? Does anyone know if Tom can attend team meetings during his suspension or be on the sidelines during those games?

Exactly what I was thinking: a quiet release at 5 pm that takes awhile to get picked up, and no one is paying attention. That's the best way to avoid "fireworks".

If this did go to court, wouldn't it be Brady arguing Goodell doesn't have standing to suspend him? Would it revisit the details of this particular case i.e. Wells report, or would it just judge x if Goodell indeed has authority from the CBA and carried out the terms outlined therein? I don't see a court caring if he cheated or not, just if the process was followed and binding.

I trust the stats-geeks at 538 to show how smart they are by poking holes in any methodological or analytical problems. http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/fivethirtyeight-dissects-the-deflategate-report/ Their take:

#7 on Page 158 of the report: The highlighting above is mine.

So if any other team/players said they don't think the Pats are being treated fairly they could get a fine like criticizing game officiating?

Assuming Brady is still suspended after the appeal, I strongly believe he will decide to "drop it". I'm curious if he uses the "for the good of the league" explanation like Kraft did. I also wonder if the NE fans will turn on him like they did Kraft. Stupid question: Why does the league quickly fine players that criticize officials, but let NE so openly criticize this process and decisions? Is there specific language of what the teams are bound to? Is it limited to games?

Here's a graph of the day that makes this as clear as I've seen. There is clearly something going on making the Pats balls A) so far below the initial measured value and B) so variable compared to each other. Note: the gauges are very likely reversed in the 3rd Colt's measurement as gauge A consistently measured as lower PSI.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6WfcffTXI1qTAyOyG8m3Nc_dHnMATI7tR8Hng8dNAg_WoBlSvhg How do I post a picture? (It says "You are not allowed to use that image extension on this community.")

I have never had an issue with DTV that they haven't set straight, and given me more than I felt I deserved. I am a 17 year DTV/Sunday Ticket subscriber and love their customer service. I was told they could shave $5 off of my monthly fees by bundling the billing with AT&T. I refused because they told me all my billing questions/concerns would be channeled through AT&T. Having a friendly person who can quickly "make it right" and give me freebies is worth $5/month easily, especially since free Sunday Ticket is usually one of the perks.

That cat would start a thread saying: I TOLD you EJ Would Get Cut! IMO

My original prediction was 4 games, reduced to 2. I'm going to edit that to being reduced to 3. I still think in general they will cut a suspension in half if you can make a decent argument. In this case I think the 2 games for not cooperating stand, and the 2 for the actual deflation is reduced because the league wants to put it to bed, in some ways, this might make the league look better. This reads as the NFL not being as full of cheating as was recently in the press. The reduction says that the NFL has a zealous, and maybe overly-so, enforcement of the rules.

But it was in the league's best interest to find that the balls were NOT tampered with. They would have LOVED to have been able to cite science supporting that position. The deflation was a major black eye for the league.

And we fired those guys who were involved, because we won't tolerate whatever it was that might have happened, but we're pretty sure didn't. . . .

Hells yeah!

I think he may well make it, but is there really room for all of our talented back up D-linemen, especially Charles, Bryant, Carrington and Wynn?

So best guess: 6 teams have asked what he wants. Rosenhaus is trying to push the 1 team that might actually be interested (in that ballpark) to make the best offer they can, pretending there is significant competition.

Yeah, I could see any of these guys making the team (plus the others you listed): * John Conner * Dez Lewis * Meeks * Buchanon * Thigpen At the expense of: * Randell Johnson * Brooks - they need the support; I just haven't seen enough good CB play from him yet * Gay * Hogan * Goodwin Also, I could see them dropping Carrington, though I'm hopeful he has continued to improve and makes the team.

Now that looks a lot more like what I expect. Who were your hardest cuts? I'm still not convinced Hogan makes the team, though he did better than expected last year.... I know most teams don't carry a FB these days. Do teams ever carry two? (John Conner)

I'll vouch for Steve that he paid up when I beat him on a close bet here years ago. If I remember right he bet the Bills would give up more than 40 sacks, and they ended up giving up exactly 40.

I predict Robert Woods will have the most receptions on the team this year. I predict the Bills will have at least 6 TDs that are 30+ yards. There, that's one bold player prediction, and one regular-text team prediction.

Holy crud. I'm multitasking and clicked the link and found the section that says "Bills release G Chris Williams; Sign Evan Mathis" and my heart skipped a beat. Potential moves, potential. . . . Okay, I'm back.

Steve, the year sabbatical is a bad idea, especially if you'll only take the bet of a long-time poster. I will bet you public recognition. Let the one who loses come back to this thread and recognize the other for the wisdom of their prediction. I agree with NoSaint that 11-5 requires some luck and too many other things to be >50% chance this year. With so many new players, coaches, and a new offense and defensive, I just don't see it, not this year. I am expecting 8-10 wins this year, but would be less surprised by 11 than 7.