By about 4:30 on Sunday afternoon we will know if Chan's plan has any chance of succeeding in Buffalo. This is the game that will determine if there is anything to play for in the month of December. A win does by no means put this team in a playoff spot, but a loss all but eliminates any chance. Go ahead and tell me about math and possibilities, but a 7th loss would mean a team that has rarely won 2 in a row over the past few years will now need to run the table to end the season. That won't happen. But a victory over the Colts, with some very winnable games at the Ralph on the horizon gives Bills fans some definite hope.
When you watch this game at Lucas Oil Stadium you will do doubt be envious of the Colts. First of all they play in a domed palace that would look great on the Buffalo waterfront. But more importantly they will run out a franchise quarterback that has the look of a star for the next decade. The luck for this franchise to get Luck is staggering. A decade plus of Peyton Manning and you fall apart just in time to get the next "It" guy at qb? How lucky is that? It would be like Lyle Lovett marrying Jennifer Aniston after Julia Roberts dumped him. The Bills? After Jim Kelly they have been the lonely guy at the bar waiting for the last 15 years for Miss Right (or in this case, Mr. Right)
But what
Andrew Luck will mean to the Colts franchise for the next decade doesn't mean a whole lot this Sunday. While he is uber talented, he is still a rookie. There are times he plays like a kid seeing NFL defenses for the first time.
Ryan Fitzpatrick does not have Luck's size or arm, but he does have a ton of experience in the league. For this brief period of time in the crossroads of their careers, Fitz has a chance to play Luck to a standstill Sunday. If that happens it comes down to roster's that are pretty similar and that gives the Bills a shot.
Prediction:I want to pick the Bills in this one. They need it so badly to make the rest of the season relevant. Buffalo is coming off a win and a few extra days rest. The Bills defense has played better over the past month and that should give some encouragement. My problem has been that I have not seen this team (and this franchise in general) go on the road and win when they HAVE to win. I want to see it. I hope to see it. I just haven't seen it
Bills 20Colts 24Mike's season record 7-3
Mike Catalana
MCatalana@13wham.com
