Patriots 38, Bills 30

One of the criticisms of Trent Edwards before he was benched, once again, was that he is too conservative. He seems reluctant to take chances and throw the ball down the field, thereby earning the moniker "Captain Checkdown". Enter Ryan Fitzpatrick. He likes to open up the passing game and involve the skilled players (the Bills do have a few) by being aggressive and allowing them to make plays. He does, however, have a fatal flaw which it seems is the reason why he is not a franchise starting quaterback. He sometimes makes terrible throws - often at critical times. Yesterday at New England, the fatal flaw emerged again as he overthrew receivers quite badly, twice, in the second half. Both were interceptions. That was after a much improved offensive performance where the Bills gained over 370 total yards. But they lost again to move to 0-3 on the season and 0 for the last 14 against the Patriots.

I find the post game call-in show on WGR quite entertaining as I drive home from the cottage. Mike Schop and the Bulldog have learned that it's easier and funnier to just let the drunks make their stupid points, agree with them and then move on. Some callers seemed pleased with the improved offense and the much closer game than was expected. Schop reminded one caller that he sometimes feels that way after his nephew's little league game: it was exciting, interesting, there was lots of scoring and the fact that they lost is secondary. But this is pro football where the only measure of success is wins and the Bills have failed the last 14 times against this team. Some of the games have been close (last year's season opener. for example) and some have not but they need to beat the Patriots to claim any measure of success and we are still waiting. Their coach is better, their team is better and their quarterback is a lot better. New England comes to Orchard Park on Boxing Day looking for number 15.

Being a fan is about always having hope. The radio guys complimented one optimistic caller who pointed out that if they can beat the Jets next week at home, then Jacksonville comes in and we could be 2-3 at the bye week and ready to make a run for the playoffs. I'm a fan too and as the caller was saying these things, I was, for a split second, agreeing with the logic. I can still hope it happens and expect that it won't. It's called managing expectations. That's an important part of being a Bills fan in 2010.