That Aud Smell

Had to look up what AEW is. Interesting. It makes a bit more sense to me for an owner to be hands on with something that's more purely in the realm of entertainment. But maybe it shouldn't (?).

Post script: I think the incident described above occurred following the 2/4/95 game on the road against Philadelphia (that was early on in a strike shortened season) where Fuhr had surrendered 4 goals on 21 shots. Days later, he was traded to LA.

Let perpetual light shine upon him. Great take, @inkman. He was just tough as nails. It's funny to reflect back on Muckler's time with the team's greatest player (IMO), Hasek. I had thought that Muckler was responsible for acquiring Hasek - not so, it turns out, as Meehan was the GM at the time (although Muckler was the coach at that time as well). Then Muckler acquires Grant Fuhr from the Leafs, and those two platoon for a while. Which brings me to the piece of historical video that I will search for until my last dying day (and I know I've brought it up here before): Stu Boyar catching up with Muckler at the airport/Prior Aviation and, after a poor showing by Fuhr on the road, asking him on a live feed why he didn't ride the hot hand (Hasek), to which a ruddy faced, presumably booze-fueled Muckler spat: "What - am I going to start him [Hasek] every game?! F*ck you, Stu!" Or words to like effect. Epic.

Based on my recollection, I'll disagree with the first sentence and agree with the second (as modified). A core part of Belichick's plan was to invite the Bills to run, and run a lot. One of the benefits, from what I recall reading, was that running the ball tended to slow down the pace of the K-Gun's no-huddle.

When Belichick planned for the Bills in Super Bowl XXV (as Giants DC), he said something like "the plan is to let Thurman get 100+ yards" because his larger plan was to make Jim Kelly beat them (and to install things that would make that difficult). I like a similar approach here. Let them rush for 150 yards. And then make Rivers' life miserable, and let Allen and the O do their thing. Final score: 31-17.

Agreed. I take some solace in the fact that their QB is a statue. I think that the Bills will come in with a good plan on D.

Also, I have grown to enjoy the Bills’ apparent approach on defence: Giving up chunk runs between the 20s and surrendering field goals are okay - because Allen & Co. will eventually force the other team out of that plan.

I like the confidence, but I agree with the sentiment that proficient run heavy teams have the potential to be bad matchups for the Bills. I heard the Ravens had the ball for 40 minutes in week 16 or 17 - that’s a (dull) recipe for success.

Chargers just separated Anthony Lynn. They also have a GM who attended the same high school as Daboll (St. Francis) and a young QB with big upside. The only reason Daboll's not a HC next season is because he doesn't want to be. That said, I would expect the Bills to strive for continuity with Daboll's system by promoting a positional coach (QB, WR, OL). What will be a huge loss, I think, is Daboll's planning and play calling.

My sense was (is) that McBeane did (do) not believe in Tyrod. So, no way they'd bring him back. I think they need to see the guy in live-action before writing him off as incapable of serving as a QB2.

"Shad Khan wants the next general manager of the Jaguars to know he’ll be working for a hands-on owner. Khan told reporters today that he has control of the team’s roster and will retain that control even after the team hires a general manager. That doesn’t mean Khan will be micromanaging every practice squad signing and waiver claim, but Khan sounds like he wants to have final say over who the Jaguars select with the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft." https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/01/04/shad-khan-will-be-a-hands-on-owner-in-using-the-first-pick-in-the-2021-nfl-draft/

I think there's something to be said for finding a backup who can do some of what Allen does (i.e., a big-bodied guy who can move and run). The team doesn't seem set on that, though. Barkley backs up Allen, and the plan seems to be (or to have been) for Fromm to serve as the eventual backup.

This one made me chuckle.

There are a bunch of better positional players who serve as backup QBs in the league, but there's no one at that position who can help (and has helped) Josh Allen be and get "right" more than Barkley. In that light, his value to the team is tremendous. Besides, if the Bills were to play without Allen (knock on wood), they aren't doing much anyway. I would be open to the Bills having someone at QB2 who has more to offer, but I think that doesn't happen until after next season.

Don’t look now, but PSE is into an edgy, smart, and inclusive venture. Griselda is a Buffalo hip hop crew that is figuratively descended from the Wu Tang Clan. Benny the Butcher is a real life gangster turned recording artist. Hard as hell. Colour me impressed.

I hope Fitz doesn’t get wacked with a bad case. And it’s maybe a bit curious that Tua isn’t being affected by virtue of close contact. I’d think the kid would be with the savvy veteran all the time. 🤔

Ha. Right. I am saying, though, that there are relevant (and legitimate) differences between Week 17 and the first round of the playoffs, both in terms of when those games are occurring (one's a week after the other (so, a little more planning time)) and how important the games are to the fans.

I don’t think it’s that simple. There’s some temporal convergence here of science, public policy, and political theatre.

This team is so damn good, and fun. Oh, and they’re something that the 90s Super Bowl teams were not (imo): Lovable.

Yikes. I'm pulling for you, Casey.

I have several friends and acquaintances who are NYC based - none of them is back at the office - seems like everyone is WFH until further notice. I think that sort of thing is playing a big role. Add to that mix: People of Manhattan (and maybe Brooklyn?) who have significant means have just ghosted out of the City. Many are out on Long Island, waiting this thing out.

I don't think that's supported by the facts I've heard and read reported. Florida's governor has meddled with science; New York's governor has, for the most part, followed science.

Holy shnikes - that's a mile of traffic