A View from Calico Jack’s – 9/28/2008

I write to you in a vodka-induced haze — as my NYCBBB colleague Kevin Smith knows and understands, I’ve committed to maintaining certain practices as long as the Bills are winning. Lord knows how I’ll feel showing up to Calico Jack’s in early October wearing my good luck shorts and a Bills polo.

For this week, however, I was far away from Calico Jack’s. In fact, believe it or not, I watched this week’s game from Weston, Florida, literally across the street from the former home of Trent Green, former Fish and now Rams’ quarterback. My brother in law, from whose house I watched the game, went to great lengths to assure me Green no longer lived across the street (as he did just months ago), lest I decide to egg the house at halftime.

Which I would have. Who among you didn’t think that Rams might have had the Bills’ number today?

Yet, once again, the superior Trent — Edwards — and the Bills responded, this time with 25 unanswered points on the road. Yes, the Rams generally stink. And, yes, the Bills seemingly forgot to show up for multiple quarters. But someway, somehow, this team adjusts at the half. And now, against all odds, our Buffalo Bills are 4-0.

The Bills have no cake walk the rest of the way. But in order to be a playoff contender, they had to take advantage of their early-season schedule, which they have. If they play .500 ball the rest of the way, they’ll go 10-6. We all want even better, of course. I’m concerned about Parrish’s absence, and now McGee’s, potentially. I’m also concerned that this team plays with fire — they were demonstrably outplayed for much of the game by an apparently crappy team, the seemingly comfortable margin of victory notwithstanding. It’s one thing to come back against the Raiders and Rams — the Pats and Chargers are another matter.

But, those are worries for another today. As of now, we’re enjoying the Bills’ eighth-ever 4-0 team, and the first since 1992. Up next…a chance to go 5-0 for the first time since 1991, and second time ever.

E-mail feedback and comments to Phil Mann at
pjmann at nyc.rr.com