A View from Calico Jack’s...
Last column
by Phil Mann
I’m cheating a bit and writing my last column of the season prior to
the last game…a game that would appear to be for little more than
pride and ending the season on a high note.
I haven’t written for a while because, I’ll admit, I let my
superstitions get in the way (I never did write that column on our
group’s superstitions, by the way, because apparently I remain the
only superstitious Bills fan). The Bills’ fortunes improved
immediately after I failed to write a column. As their fortunes continued
to improve, I remained a non-writer. A fact I never disclosed until this
moment.
It was hard. I had completely mapped out a numerology column in which I
discussed the fact that, one week after Losman threw for only 83 yards, he
threw two 83-yard TD passes to Lee Evans (number 83). I was ecstatic after
the last-minute wins over Houston and Jax, and the shutdown/shutout of the
Fish. I was even excited by the near-wins over the elite teams in Indy and
San Diego. But, again, I refrained.
That last paragraph, though, is actually quite telling about what an
exciting, eventful second-half of the season it was. Unlike the
second-half of Bledsoe’s near-playoff season which was foiled by
Pittsburgh, we didn’t beat up on patsies. And while Bledsoe was like
that fading light bulb from which you hope to get one last gleam of light
before it goes pffft, Losman is just now powering up.
All of which means that, for the first time in quite a while, I am going
to enter next season expecting the Bills to make the playoffs, and barring
horrible injuries, won’t be satisfied with anything less. The time
for morale victories has passed with this team. Seven years is more than
enough for us to wait.
And wait we did. I was really impressed with the numbers that continued
to turn out at Calico Jack’s and McFadden’s, despite a
horrible mid-season record and games that collided with holidays. We have
a core group that shows up almost without fail, which is fantastic.
Looking back at last week for just a moment…that last play (well,
next-to-last play, actually) was a wretched way to end a really enjoyable
game. I’m not as convinced as many that the Bills should have gone
for the FG in those circumstances given the distance and wind.
But…something a bit more organized and logical might have been
nice, right? I mean, a seven-yard gain would have made a HUGE difference.
The whole thing looked haphazard, and brought me back to some questionable
calls from early in the year (fake punt, anyone?)
But, next year, our rookies will be seasoned, and our cap room will be
large. This team is going somewhere…finally. Can’t wait to be
there for the ride.
Finally, a quick comment on Nick Flick’s fine season-awards column.
I agreed with him on almost everything, including the team MVPs. I would
have pulled the trigger and made Takeo the most disappointing player, but
that’s quibbling.
But, there is one MVP Nick failed to consider: Most Valuable Coach. I
know the obvious choice is special teams coach Bobby April, or even our
new head coach, but I think there’s an unsung Bills coaching hero
who might have been equally or more valuable this season.
So, hats off to you, Mike Mularkey, and thanks for the two games you
gift-wrapped for us! It’s like you weren’t even paying
attention when you were here….
E-mail feedback and comments to Phil Mann at
pjmann at nyc.rr.com
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