JSn
Experienced Starter w/First Big Contract
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2008
- Messages
- 7,428
- Reaction score
- 1
Hey guys! I wanted to post a quick recap of my experience at the Buffalo Bills game. another family get-together today, so I'll be quick-ish and will add anything I remember later on.
We (my buddy Mike and I) left early and despite a minor turn-around (had to kill the iPhone's in the US to avoid CRAZY roaming rates, hence minor lostness), we made very good time. Popped into a McDonald's for some breakfast and the only dude sitting there was an old fella in a Bills jacket. Asked if we were going to the game (we were not sporting any fan gear yet) and was kind enough to offer a wide variety of directions.
Then we were off like a Bride's pajamas. Arrived in Hammer's lot (good call) about 11:00. The lots were all kinda dead at that time. Went in at 11:30 am after very brief time in line. Chatted some nice Bills fans outside the stadium while waiting. Good-humoured and friendly.
The bathrooms were disgusting and I think it says something about Bills fans where the word "DO NOT Urinate in the Sink" are stenciled on the wall above the wash-up area.
We were in section 112, row 31. GREAT seats and I'm inclined to think the Ralph doesn't really HAVE bad seats. Saw Brian Lowe walking around looking frozen. Bills fans half-heartedly booed the various Patriots that came out, but overall the crowd didn't have much ammo.
The screen came alive before the game with various Bills singing the 12 days of Christmas. It was AWFUL. Not even entertaining, except in a sick way. I suggested these guys not quit their day jobs. But after the game I was torn!
I thought we might be in trouble on the first drive, but I was wrong.
During half-time A couple of older gentlemen behind me were talking and one of them showed some great wisdom. He lamented that he might never see a winning season in his life-time if Brady was playing for 10 more years. He went on to say it wasn't all bad. As a Bills fan he'd been lucky enough to some of the game's greatest QB's take the field. Brady, Marino, Kelly, Manning (back in the day). He also said that no matter what anyone tried to say, Brady was the greatest he's ever seen and he'd been coming to games for a LOOOONG time. Was very nice chatting with him.
Benny and Danny (sounds like a couple of 60's folk singers) were awesome on this day. Gronk and Crump are awesome (and huge). Those four players seem able to keep things under control if the game gets dicey.
Wendell did a nice job when I was watching him. Next man-up is a philosophy most places, for NE it's a reliable plan, somehow.
Butler had a HECK of a game. What happened with this guy? We MAY not need to draft a high-pick corner next year with this stable of guys.
Fred Taylor looks done to me. Sad to see him fizzle out like he has. Maybe he'll find some spark in the play-offs.
Funny things I heard during the game from fans:
Ok, I know most of you saw the game and I don't need to recap the on-field action much, but a few interesting stories from the sidelines that may not have been on TV.
Buffalo Jills in Ms. Santa costumes? Yes indeedy, that was... entertaining.
After Dane Fletcher (I'm pretty sure it was him) was penalized and then redeemed himself by grabbing an interception, he came off the field. I saw someone in trainers gear hand him a football. He looked at it for a moment and then went and handed it to Bill. They hugged. Was very cool. Not sure what was said, but I expect it was something like "thanks for the opportunity". Very cool moment.
After the Patriots went for it (and failed) on 4th and long in the Bills end in the 3rd (?) quarter, the heckling picked up. Someone one section over from us whipped a snowball at Brady. It him in the back and fell apart (just snow) and he ignored.
However, Mr. Branch happened to see it happen and saw who did it. He looked at the person and pointed. I couldn't hear any exchange, but he then took his helmet off and started looking for a way up into the stands. He got into a "climb the barrier" mode, but someone stopped him and pulled him back. He was NOT happy. Very cool moment. What a treat it would have been for a Bills fan to take a broken nose home courtesy of Deion Branch!
No police came along, so I assume no one reported the guy, but the throwing kind of ended there.
When Gronk made his one-handed grab, even the Bills fans around us were in awe of the play. I heard numerous Bills-types say "that was a great catch".
The offense looked kind of out-of-it for the second half-and I think that's why they kept trying to score. The defense got better and better, though.
Being able to see the whole field is SO much different than watching on TV. That defense is FAST. Like, it's sick. The Bills D is pretty quick, but there's a whole other level under the flying Elvis.
Which brings me to my last point. Watching the Defense live confirmed my suspicions from TV and NFL.com coverage. I have decided to call them "The Jedi Defense". They play mind-tricks on opposing offenses. They looks soft for a bit and then "BOOM!" they have the ball. Seven turnovers and they never miss a chance at a loose ball. It was incredible and I can't even begin to imagine where the ceiling for this crew is. Six picks in rounds 1-3 next year... are you KIDDING me?
It was cold and there was lots of "Narnia Snow" (the light floaty, fluffy, non-annoying kind). We were dressed for it, EXCEPT in the footwear department. I wore work-boots with extra socks, and my toes were still cold. Steel-toes made my boots into mini-fridges.
It was tough to get out of there, so we ended up hitting up a Red Robin's (went to one in Michigan once, so I knew it was good). Waited in there for an hour watching the Packers whip the Giants and munching some grindage. When we left, the traffic was great and we were sailing, home in two hours, including passing through the border.
Thanks to everyone who gave me pointers. I will DEFINITELY do it again next year, though I'd really like to attend a game in Foxboro.
We (my buddy Mike and I) left early and despite a minor turn-around (had to kill the iPhone's in the US to avoid CRAZY roaming rates, hence minor lostness), we made very good time. Popped into a McDonald's for some breakfast and the only dude sitting there was an old fella in a Bills jacket. Asked if we were going to the game (we were not sporting any fan gear yet) and was kind enough to offer a wide variety of directions.
Then we were off like a Bride's pajamas. Arrived in Hammer's lot (good call) about 11:00. The lots were all kinda dead at that time. Went in at 11:30 am after very brief time in line. Chatted some nice Bills fans outside the stadium while waiting. Good-humoured and friendly.
The bathrooms were disgusting and I think it says something about Bills fans where the word "DO NOT Urinate in the Sink" are stenciled on the wall above the wash-up area.
We were in section 112, row 31. GREAT seats and I'm inclined to think the Ralph doesn't really HAVE bad seats. Saw Brian Lowe walking around looking frozen. Bills fans half-heartedly booed the various Patriots that came out, but overall the crowd didn't have much ammo.
The screen came alive before the game with various Bills singing the 12 days of Christmas. It was AWFUL. Not even entertaining, except in a sick way. I suggested these guys not quit their day jobs. But after the game I was torn!
I thought we might be in trouble on the first drive, but I was wrong.
During half-time A couple of older gentlemen behind me were talking and one of them showed some great wisdom. He lamented that he might never see a winning season in his life-time if Brady was playing for 10 more years. He went on to say it wasn't all bad. As a Bills fan he'd been lucky enough to some of the game's greatest QB's take the field. Brady, Marino, Kelly, Manning (back in the day). He also said that no matter what anyone tried to say, Brady was the greatest he's ever seen and he'd been coming to games for a LOOOONG time. Was very nice chatting with him.
Benny and Danny (sounds like a couple of 60's folk singers) were awesome on this day. Gronk and Crump are awesome (and huge). Those four players seem able to keep things under control if the game gets dicey.
Wendell did a nice job when I was watching him. Next man-up is a philosophy most places, for NE it's a reliable plan, somehow.
Butler had a HECK of a game. What happened with this guy? We MAY not need to draft a high-pick corner next year with this stable of guys.
Fred Taylor looks done to me. Sad to see him fizzle out like he has. Maybe he'll find some spark in the play-offs.
Funny things I heard during the game from fans:
See THAT spiller? See what he did there? He CAUGHT the punt. Try THAT out!
- after a holding call backed the Bills up in their own end.Now we've got them RIGHT where we want them!
HEY REF! You're missing a good game here!
Ok, I know most of you saw the game and I don't need to recap the on-field action much, but a few interesting stories from the sidelines that may not have been on TV.
Buffalo Jills in Ms. Santa costumes? Yes indeedy, that was... entertaining.
After Dane Fletcher (I'm pretty sure it was him) was penalized and then redeemed himself by grabbing an interception, he came off the field. I saw someone in trainers gear hand him a football. He looked at it for a moment and then went and handed it to Bill. They hugged. Was very cool. Not sure what was said, but I expect it was something like "thanks for the opportunity". Very cool moment.
After the Patriots went for it (and failed) on 4th and long in the Bills end in the 3rd (?) quarter, the heckling picked up. Someone one section over from us whipped a snowball at Brady. It him in the back and fell apart (just snow) and he ignored.
However, Mr. Branch happened to see it happen and saw who did it. He looked at the person and pointed. I couldn't hear any exchange, but he then took his helmet off and started looking for a way up into the stands. He got into a "climb the barrier" mode, but someone stopped him and pulled him back. He was NOT happy. Very cool moment. What a treat it would have been for a Bills fan to take a broken nose home courtesy of Deion Branch!
No police came along, so I assume no one reported the guy, but the throwing kind of ended there.
When Gronk made his one-handed grab, even the Bills fans around us were in awe of the play. I heard numerous Bills-types say "that was a great catch".
The offense looked kind of out-of-it for the second half-and I think that's why they kept trying to score. The defense got better and better, though.
Being able to see the whole field is SO much different than watching on TV. That defense is FAST. Like, it's sick. The Bills D is pretty quick, but there's a whole other level under the flying Elvis.
Which brings me to my last point. Watching the Defense live confirmed my suspicions from TV and NFL.com coverage. I have decided to call them "The Jedi Defense". They play mind-tricks on opposing offenses. They looks soft for a bit and then "BOOM!" they have the ball. Seven turnovers and they never miss a chance at a loose ball. It was incredible and I can't even begin to imagine where the ceiling for this crew is. Six picks in rounds 1-3 next year... are you KIDDING me?
It was cold and there was lots of "Narnia Snow" (the light floaty, fluffy, non-annoying kind). We were dressed for it, EXCEPT in the footwear department. I wore work-boots with extra socks, and my toes were still cold. Steel-toes made my boots into mini-fridges.
It was tough to get out of there, so we ended up hitting up a Red Robin's (went to one in Michigan once, so I knew it was good). Waited in there for an hour watching the Packers whip the Giants and munching some grindage. When we left, the traffic was great and we were sailing, home in two hours, including passing through the border.
Thanks to everyone who gave me pointers. I will DEFINITELY do it again next year, though I'd really like to attend a game in Foxboro.
Last edited: