Patriots Pregame Thread Pre Game Thread - Pats @ Bills

[Triumph]

If cancellation weren't on the table, I think they would have already rescheduled the game by now or at least announced that it would get rescheduled to a later date.

A few hours ago you wanted the game played tonight.

 

[Dingleberry]

Imo, this is the correct decision. Play Wk 18 games as scheduled and see what happens. More reason to root for Stiddy vs Mahomes, as unlikely as a LVR win is. Then, Bills keep #1 w/ a win, KC stays at #2 and Bengals #3 w/ a win.

Don't the Bengals still have a shot at #1 seed if Chiefs lose? Or did they need the Bills to lose to the Pats too?

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Just play the NFC playoffs on schedule and Bills vs Bengals.

That's an interesting option, but this screws the AFC winner.

 

[venecol]

Don't the Bengals still have a shot at #1 seed if Chiefs lose? Or did they need the Bills to lose to the Pats too?

You're correct, they do have a shot if they beat the Bills. I'm not saying the game won't be played next week sometime, just the let's see what happens after Week 18 results is the correct approach. I think they still have to play the game, just not force it this week is all.

 

[Steve102]

Ya, it's a blatant lie. Of course the logistics of the game are one of their primary considerations. I am pretty sure the medical professionals have Hamlin's well-being handled and will not be set back by the NFL considering other matters.

Just tell the f'ing truth, and screw those who complain about being insensitive.

I look at Roger Goodell like some Bond super villain. He's sitting there with his nose down the end of his glasses, reading his account ledgers on a computer screen, dismissing all that care, saying that the games must continue to keep the cash flowing. Meanwhile, his henchmen are trying to balance how much to "care" while doing the Boss' bidding. In reality, you're on the money. The machine keeps rolling. They are no doubt trying to figure it out in some hidden lair, to stay with the super villain theme.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

A few hours ago you wanted the game played tonight.

A few hours ago I didn't know the Bills players left town.

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

Don't the Bengals still have a shot at #1 seed if Chiefs lose? Or did they need the Bills to lose to the Pats too?

The Bengals are 11-4, Chiefs 13-3

Bengals win week 18 & Chiefs lost, then 12-4 vs. 13-4. Bengals need the W vs. the Bills to get #1, by conference record tiebreak

 

[XLIX]

I look at Roger Goodell like some Bond super villain. He's sitting there with his nose down the end of his glasses, reading his account ledgers on a computer screen, dismissing all that care, saying that the games must continue to keep the cash flowing. Meanwhile, his henchmen are trying to balance how much to "care" while doing the Boss' bidding. In reality, you're on the money. The machine keeps rolling.

The machine keeps rolling....

... and we all keep watching.

So who is really at fault? Are you planning to boycott Buff/NE this weekend?

 

[Ross12]

My understanding is if all four teams end w/ 8-9 records, the Jags get #7 based on best conference record.

@Ross12 ?

Seems like you guys are talking about two different things. If Jags lose this week and finish 8-9 then they would beat out the Patriots and all other 8-9 teams if that is the best record for the 7 seed. If Jags win then Pats can get in at 8-9 pending a Dolphins and Steelers loss as well.

 

[Dingleberry]

The machine keeps rolling....

... and we all keep watching.

So who is really at fault? Are you planning to boycott Buff/NE this weekend?

Speaking for myself, my love of football is more powerful than my hate of the league. For now.

It's like loving your house and property but hating your wife.

We are in an unhealthy marriage with football, aren't we?

 

[yukon cornelius]

one thing to think about: this isn't just about money for the league & the networks.......there's an awful lot of vendors and parking lot attendants and all sorts of peripheral businesses who would take a hit if monday night's game weren't played......as much as we like to hate on Goodell, and as much as it is warranted, there's a lot more to think about here than just the game itself.....it's a no win situation on a lot of fronts

 

[Steve102]

The machine keeps rolling....

... and we all keep watching.

So who is really at fault? Are you planning to boycott Buff/NE this weekend?

Not even a little bit. I did think about it for a second last night.

I am not sure I can walk away. I love football. I hate the league, but love the sport. Played all thru high school, been coaching for nearly 20 years. I don't think I could give it up yet. But I can see that day could come. I don't want to watch these young guys die on my TV.

EDIT: @Dingleberry unhealthy relationship is a great parallel.

 

[Mcp1982]

Seems like you guys are talking about two different things. If Jags lose this week and finish 8-9 then they would beat out the Patriots and all other 8-9 teams if that is the best record for the 7 seed. If Jags win then Pats can get in at 8-9 pending a Dolphins and Steelers loss as well.

Yes, that is exactly right, NE only gets in at 8-9 over Phins and Steelers, not jags, but Pats are win and in

 

[crawhammer]

If you're purely looking at the integrity of the 2022 season (from a competitive standpoint), then every game that would effect seeding has to be completed. Otherwise there's going to be an asterisk. Which, under the circumstances, may be acceptable to some.

Also, I highly doubt Buffalo is inclined to forfeit an opportunity for the #1 seed, which will make a huge difference (playing @BUF as opposed to @KAN or @CIN). A 14-3 record guarantees them the #1 seed. Also, I commented on this in another thread but I'm sure Buffalo doesn't want to honor their teammate by taking an L for the night. The team will resume playing football, and whenever that is, they will be playing for Hamlin. No better way to honor him from a football standpoint than winning out and presenting a hopefully recovering Hamlin with a Super Bowl ring.

Cincinnati too, still has a shot at the #1 seed with a 13-4 record, or the #2 seed (if KC finishes 14-3). If Buffalo forfeits the game then they can still finish 14-3. If the game is instead discounted by the NFL then they are almost guaranteed the #3 seed. If Cincinnati gets a forfeit win, or a discounted game, then it denies Baltimore an opportunity for the division title.

I know it seems cold, looking at the various decisions, and consequences, but the reality is these are all considerations and a decision has to be made. Whatever it is, it'll probably to be met with disapproval from some corner(s), because there's no perfect solution.

 

[notex]

Not even a little bit. I did think about it for a second last night.

I am not sure I can walk away. I love football. I hate the league, but love the sport. Played all thru high school, been coaching for nearly 20 years. I don't think I could give it up yet. But I can see that day could come. I don't want to watch these young guys die on my TV.

EDIT: @Dingleberry unhealthy relationship is a great parallel.

To be fair, what could NFL have done to prevent this particular incident?

Tua/Dolphins situation is completely different animal and an absolute disaster. Maybe you are just talking about player safety in general.

 

[gitgronked82]

Been really sad last night and today waiting for more news, but it’s possible we won’t hear anything for a while.

Man, I really wish I didn’t have to root against the bills this week. This is going to be weird and ****ty, assuming the game happens.

 

[mike_usagisan]

If you're purely looking at the integrity of the 2022 season (from a competitive standpoint), then every game that would effect seeding has to be completed. Otherwise there's going to be an asterisk. Which, under the circumstances, may be acceptable to some.

Also, I highly doubt Buffalo is inclined to forfeit an opportunity for the #1 seed, which will make a huge difference (playing @BUF as opposed to @KAN or @CIN). A 14-3 record guarantees them the #1 seed. Also, I commented on this in another thread but I'm sure Buffalo doesn't want to honor their teammate by taking an L for the night. The team will resume playing football, and whenever that is, they will be playing for Hamlin. No better way to honor him from a football standpoint than winning out and presenting a hopefully recovering Hamlin with a Super Bowl ring.

Cincinnati too, still has a shot at the #1 seed with a 13-4 record, or the #2 seed (if KC finishes 14-3). If Buffalo forfeits the game then they can still finish 14-3. If the game is instead discounted by the NFL then they are almost guaranteed the #3 seed. If Cincinnati gets a forfeit win, or a discounted game, then it denies Baltimore an opportunity for the division title.

I know it seems cold, looking at the various decisions, and consequences, but the reality is these are all considerations and a decision has to be made. Whatever it is, it'll probably to be met with disapproval from some corner(s), because there's no perfect solution.

Remember that Roger comes from PR. So he's going to deal with this like a PR issue. I think because of that, Roger is going to do the thing that has the best optics. The number one thing is he can't be seen punishing the Bills (so I think them forfeiting the Bengals game is off the table). I think everything else is on the table. He can declare it cancelled and doesn't count. He can declare it a tie. He can hold it later. He can declare them both winners. And because he comes from PR, he knows that ultimately precedent doesn't matter, because he'll decide the next situation that's even remotely similar in the way that has the best optics then.

 

[Steve102]

To be fair, what could NFL have done to prevent this particular incident?

Tua/Dolphins situation is completely different animal and an absolute disaster. Maybe you are just talking about player safety in general.

I don't think they could have done anything different, based on how the game is played today. It's 100% how I feel about it as a fan, a coach and a father. I don't want to watch these young guys die. I never thought I could walk away, but I can see me maybe being able to do it. Maybe. Some day.

 

[UGAPatsfan]

I don't think they could have done anything different, based on how the game is played today. It's 100% how I feel about it as a fan, a coach and a father. I don't want to watch these young guys die. I never thought I could walk away, but I can see me maybe being able to do it. Maybe. Some day.

I’m feeling similarly. My own 11YO son decided not to play next season, and while I was already honoring that, I had hoped maybe he’d change his mind…not anymore to be honest.

 

[crawhammer]

Remember that Roger comes from PR. So he's going to deal with this like a PR issue. I think because of that, Roger is going to do the thing that has the best optics. The number one thing is he can't be seen punishing the Bills (so I think them forfeiting the Bengals game is off the table). I think everything else is on the table. He can declare it cancelled and doesn't count. He can declare it a tie. He can hold it later. He can declare them both winners. And because he comes from PR, he knows that ultimately precedent doesn't matter, because he'll decide the next situation that's even remotely similar in the way that has the best optics then.

Regarding the forfeit(s), it sounds like people are suggesting Buffalo would be making that decision. Which as I said, seems extremely remote. But no, Goodell isn't imposing an L on Buffalo, or he may as well resign simultaneously and then go into hiding.

The only solution that will satisfy all football fans is completing all of the games in some order. Let's say Goodell announces that he's declaring the game a tie (even with the joint agreement of Buffalo and Cincinnati). How do you think Baltimore (Ravens and their fans) are going to take that? Effectively that decision eliminates their chance at the division and potentially makes their playoff road much tougher.

The NFL should just proceed with week 18 as currently scheduled. See where things are at that point, likely schedule a Thursday or weekend game (1/14 or 1/15) to conclude the Bills-Bengals week 17 matchup, and adjust the playoff schedule accordingly (there's maneuverability because of the two weeks before the SB).