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A very long, very unorthodox offseason and preseason schedule officially comes to an end for the Buffalo Bills and their fans today: in just 15 short minutes, the team will kick off its 2014 regular season schedule with a season-opening road game against the Chicago Bears.
It's a big moment for an organization that, amidst a forthcoming ownership change, is very clearly feeling the pressure to end its league-long, 14-season streak without a postseason appearance. All eyes will be on the embattled Doug Marrone and his (apparently) struggling second-year quarterback, EJ Manuel, as they begin their second season together and attempt to right the proverbial ship.
Chicago, meanwhile, is coming off of an 8-8 2013 campaign in which the team established itself as one of the most explosive offenses in the league, as well as one of the worst defenses. Considered by some to be sleeper Super Bowl candidates, the Bears will look to protect their home-field advantage against a Bills team that was 2-7 away from Ralph Wilson Stadium a year ago.
This is your open thread for the first half of today's game; we'll reset the situation with a new discussion thread at halftime. Let's go, Buffalo.