We'll start with the props - hats off to y'all this week, especially some newcomers like buffalobill, sireric, krytime, Nick BensalemPA, etc. as well as some mainstays like Thronsen and Zumone - the conversation here, while heated, has been productive this week. It's good to see such chatter - heck, it's even good to see Pats guys like NotJohnHannah stop by! Keep it up - we've still got two more days til game day!
Interesting note on Marshawn Lynch: despite not practicing for the last three days, Dick Jauron still has not officially cleared Lynch as "out" for the Pats game (he's currently doubtful). Anyone get the feeling that Coach really, really, really wants the kid to play in this one? It's not likely to happen, but Jauron is obviously leaving the door open as long as he possibly can.
(By the way, Marshawn is Week 10's Rookie of the Week after his dominant fourth-quarter performance in Miami. It's his second such award this season, an honor he shares with Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe and 49ers LB Patrick Willis.)
Recall, if you're willing, Week 3: Patriots 38, Bills 7. Pats WR Randy Moss absolutely hoses cornerback Jabari Greer for two pretty touchdown grabs in the rout. Greer hasn't forgotten, but he's looking forward to the rematch:
You have to feel for the guy: he's played great, and he's rewarded by being forced to cover Moss for the majority of Sunday Night's nationally televised contest. Can anyone say "safety help"?
Interesting read about Perry Fewell's ascending coaching status. You have to believe that if Fewell continues to get good performance despite all the shuffling he's endured on his roster, he'll get a few calls from teams looking for new head coaches. For the record, he deserves it. Also for the record, this quote got me re-pumped up about Sunday's game:
Fewell's optimism is contagious. His players definitely have caught it and overachieved much of the season. "We believe in him," DiGiorgio says. "He puts us in position to succeed."
Oh, and one more quote that's got me pumped up for the Pats game. This one comes via Aaron Schobel (via this AP article):
I've not been a huge fan of Schobel - for the money he makes and the production he gives both on the field and in the locker room, he's not giving the Bills much bang for their buck. But he's always given the media a "shove off" attitude, and it's produced some good quotes. This one got my blood pumping.
I know some of you are year-round draftniks, so I wanted to share what I thought was an interesting pick I've seen recently in an incredibly early draft simulation. Draft Tek did the honors; their selection for Buffalo? Another Cal Bear: WR DeSean Jackson. Discuss.