This week’s edition of Four Downs takes a closer look at some hot topics for fans of the Buffalo Bills. Attendance at games, the kicking competition, the “State of the Bills”, and the curious situation of a remaining free agent are all part of this week’s edition of Four Downs.
Would you feel comfortable going to games at New Era Field this season?
As we slowly inch closer to the 2020 NFL season, I am curious to get the opinion of Bills fans. If the upcoming season were to go off as scheduled, and fans were allowed to attend games—would you? I realize there are more questions than answers at this time, but consider this a gut check on how our readers are feeling.
I have always been intrigued with NFL attendance patterns over the years, and the league hit a 15-year low last season. There have been a number of factors playing into this decline over the years including the rising cost of tickets, improved at-home viewing options (Sunday Ticket, NFL Redzone, etc.), and technological advances of high-definition television.
Fans may not even have the choice to attend games this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but for the sake of this conversation let’s assume that you can. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below as it relates to your level of comfort.
Pods of the Week
There were two podcasts that stuck out to me this week, courtesy of Pat Moran and the Talking Buffalo Podcast. This was a two-part “State of the Bills” series where Jay Skurski joined Pat in taking a look at the current roster. I truly enjoyed both episodes, and think it is worth the listen for all Bills fans.
Are Stephen Hauschka’s day numbered in Buffalo?
I do realize that we are in the quiet days of the offseason, where I have too much time to think about things like the Bills’ kicking competition. But the more I think of it, I am inclined to believe that it is rookie Tyler Bass’s job to lose in training camp. The fact that general manager Brandon Beane invested a sixth round pick in the rookie from Georgia Southern is an indication to me that the team is ready to make a change. Hauschka’s contract certainly does not help, as indicated in Matt Warren’s recent article. Of course Hauschka could have a great camp and keep the job this season, but right now I consider Bass the favorite.
The latest on Jadeveon Clowney
No, this is not related to the Buffalo Bills. But I continue to be curious about what will happen with Clowney this offseason, as the former top pick remains a free agent. It looks like the Dallas Cowboys are now one of his top choices, despite the team’s recent struggles to work out a contract for Dak Prescott.
I used to be all in on the Bills making a push to acquire Clowney, but those days are certainly long gone. Now I just look on as a fan of the NFL, curious to see where the perceived marquee free agent will land.