Bills-Raiders

In the opener, Seattle was without its top two wide receivers. Last week in Jacksonville, the Jaguars were without three offensive lineman and a top receiver. Today at Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Raiders will be without running back Justin Fargas and left tackle Kwame Harris. Oakland is also in the midst of a major internal crisis, with head coach Lane Kiffin on the outs with owner Al Davis and likely to be fired soon.

So after a year when adversity came to visit at every turn, it looks as if the fate have flipped in Buffalo's favor this season. Much of an NFL team's success depends on circumstance -- particularly the health of the opposition and when you catch them on the schedule. The law of averages might be paying the Bills back for their trying season a year ago, beginning with the Kevin Everett injury.

Bills fans tend to be fatalistic. They've had plenty of experience. But do you think good fortune is smiling on this year's team? Do you think they'll be the rare Buffalo sports team that has breaks go in its favor  -- especially when it has to play really big games late in the year, and maybe in the playoffs?

Comments

[Rachael]

Thanks for the information...I bookmarked your site, and I appreciate your time and effort to make your blog a success!

[Don H]

As the coaches like to tell us: "It's a long season and a lot of things can happen."

[Phil]

Well, Donte made that playoffs guarantee and then, during camp, told some fans he was also predicting a division title. Looks to me like the football gods are aiming to help make that prediction some true.

[Jason]

It looks to me like the Bills are finally turning that corner. Like others have said, we would lose this game, and probably the Jacksonville game too, last season. The special teams, even though they had an off day today, are top-notch, the offense shows signs of potency and the defense has the potential to dominate if it can turn out a 60-minute performance that looks like the 4th quarter today did(minus the long completion to Higgins). I think a lot of people are looking at this game as exposing a lot of weaknesses, but good teams get tested by weak teams often enough in the NFL that what is most important is the "3" in the win column. Besides, I believe that it is better for a team's character to win games like this than to win in a blowout (although it is admittedly easier on my arteries). The Bills have a real shot at winning the AFC East and getting a home playoff game!

Go Buffalo!!!

[Mac]

As no one seems inclined to answer Sully's questions, I'll give it a shot...

"Do you think good fortune is smiling on this year's team?"

After what I've witnessed these past two weeks against Jacksonville and Oakland, I have to say yes. Last year, the Bills would have lost those two games (something like the heartbreakers to Denver and Dallas). But this year's Bills team is different. These guys are special. They're young, talented and growing up together -- like a real team. More importantly, they're learning how to win, including "winning ugly" (like they did today).

"Do you think they'll be the rare Buffalo sports team that has breaks go in its favor -- especially when it has to play really big games late in the year, and maybe in the playoffs?"

It's too soon to tell how far the Bills will go this season, but judging by these early games, yes, I really think the tide has turned. Good fortune and well-timed breaks are actually critical components in winning teams. The Bills seem to be getting those now. Last year things broke the other way. I am seeing very positive signs here, especially in Trent Edwards' development into a money quarterback. The offense kicks into high gear at critical times, especially late in the 4th quarter with the game on the line. The defense seems to bear down and come through when we need it most. The special teams are excellent, as usual.

Again, it's too early to get carried away with visions of the playoffs, but I am very definitely encouraged by what I am seeing from this young club. Go Bills!

[je]

surprise, surprise that jerry and bucky have nothing positive to say. How about pulling out 2 late 4th quarter td's. Buckey needs to go back to plagerizing jim kelley (the writer) articles.

[Tricky Dick]

This team has no chance to do anything, and that's because of one name -- Dick Jauron.