When the Bills were scoring multiple touchdowns yesterday in the Meadowlands, they were messing up my ballot count. I have more than 1,000 ballots in my possession for today's election in Ward 18 and yesterday I had to count them and initial the top of of half of them before I take them to Wallace Emerson Community Centre on Dufferin Street, just south of Dupont this morning, where I will be working as a Managing Deputy Returning Officer, responsible for 10 staff and serving up to 2,000 voters today. The never-ending mayoralty campaign has now ended and, this evening, we will have elected a new mayor. I will hold off on any predictions in order to maintain my impartiality as I sit here at my desk early on election day morning.
I watched the Thursday night game between the Jets and the Patriots 11 days ago and, since the Jets played well enough to win the game and lost it by 2 points after a blocked potentially game winning field goal, I was worried about playing a dangerous looking 1-6 team the following week. Then the Jets traded for malcontent speedster wide wide receiver Percy Harvin during the week and I really thought that it could be a long day for the Bills. But the Jets and their starting quarterback Geno Smith were about as bad as they could have possibly been yesterday before switching to Michael Vick who was at least able to generate some semblance of an offense. Riding no less than 6 Jets turnovers, the Bills racked up more points yesterday than they have in 4 years on their way to pre-bye week win to bring them to 5-3 at the mid-point of the season.
I have been very impressed with Bills rookie receiver Sammy Watkins who had another strong game yesterday. Since the Bills scored a touchdown on the drive and won the game easily, the mental error Watkins made on a long first half pass can easily be forgotten but I don't he will soon forget it. Thinking that he was cruising easily into the endzone on a long pass from Kyle Orton, Watkins eased up and raised his arms in touchdown celebration mode just before Jets defender Saalim Hakim caught up and tackled him at about the 4 yard line. He was lucky not to have dropped the ball on the play as others in that position have done while being chopped from behind. Bills coach Doug Marrone said afterward that "we don't have time for that". Watkins scored a touchdown in the second half but he will likely have a more lasting memory of the one he didn't score yesterday.
I'm rather stunned by the Jian Ghomeshi developments over the weekend and I'm really not sure what to think about it. He will apparently file a $50 million lawsuit against the CBC today (after he votes, I presume) and seek reinstatement of his position as host of the very popular weekday morning program "Q" under the collective bargaining agreement. The CBC fired him after learning of certain details relating to his sex life. He claims that a jilted lover, with whom he engaged in consensual "rough sex", is now trying to advance a claim that aspects of the sex were not consensual and generally expose his private sexual preferences. The CBC says that they deliberated thoroughly before deciding to end its relationship with him. There is likely more to this story than what the CBC has said in a brief press release and what Ghomeshi posted on Facebook yesterday but, at this point, I'm not sure than I really want to know anything more about it.
Monday, 27 October 2014
Monday, 20 October 2014
Bills 17, Vikings 16
With the clock winding down in the fourth quarter and his team trailing 16-10, the Bills quarterback was calm and focused in the huddle as the game's final drive was about to begin. He encouraged his teammates to bear down, execute their assignments and move the ball down the field to win the game. And that's exactly what happened. After a rather sloppy effort against a pesky underdog, the game winning touchdown came in the dying seconds and Bills fans celebrated a key victory, went home happy and probably felt a little more confident in their starting quarterback. After all, he was signed to be a back-up - an insurance policy really - in case the anointed starter was injured or floundered. The date was October 18, 1998 and the quarterback's name was Doug Flutie.
I had seats in the upper deck to watch Flutie's first start as a Buffalo Bill on that October day 16 years ago. On a 4th down play from inside the Jacksonville Jaguars five yard line, Flutie, alone in the backfield, took the snap in shotgun formation and moved to his right, along with the entire offensive line all of his receivers. As intended, all 11 Jaguar defenders also moved to that side of the field. Then, he quickly spun around, turned the other way and carried the naked bootleg into the wide open left side of the endzone to tie the game. Steve Christie's convert would give them the one point lead with only a few seconds left. A thrilling 17-16 win for Flutie and the Bills. Flutie Flakes went into production the next week and the diminutive Boston College graduate and CFL star went on to lead his team to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth.
Yesterday at Orchard Park, Purdue graduate and 10 year NFL journeyman Kyle Orton, signed just before the season began as insurance in the event that EJ Manuel could not progress enough in his second season as the Bills franchise quarterback, repeated a very similar feat. Trailing 16-10, the final drive began with just over 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter. After completing a 4th down and 20 to tight end Scott Chandler (who had uncharacteristically dropped a pass earlier in the drive), he found Chris Hogan who made an acrobatic catch at the Vikings 2 yard line. The offence rushed to the line of scrimmage and Orton spiked the ball with 5 seconds remaining on the game clock. The Vikings called a time-out and the Bills drew up a play to Sammy Watkins which both he and Orton executed perfectly to the front left corner of the endzone. Sammy got both feet down for the touchdown and Dan Carpenter sealed the win with the convert. Bills fans went home happy - just as they had exactly 16 years earlier.
My friend Greg had a long day yesterday, He awoke at 4.30am in Ottawa, boarded a 6am flight to Pearson where I picked him up and then took him to see my friend at the Lewiston US Border entry point. I was disappointed not to be able to introduce the two. Either he was recently arrested or perhaps it was his day off but his replacement was quite pleasant and we were parked in Drive 5 at the stadium just before 10am. My pals Paul and Rodger and their respective young sons found us there and the boys got some nice woolen Bills hats at the new Bills gear store at the front of the stadium as they prepared for their first live NFL game. I hope they remember it for what it was - a thrilling finish and much needed win for the home team.
On to the Meadowlands next week to face the 1-6 Jets who will have had 10 days to prepare after a strong game against the Patriots which they lost by only two points. With both Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller out, it's time for Boobie Dixon to step and establish himself before the Bills have their bye week.
I had seats in the upper deck to watch Flutie's first start as a Buffalo Bill on that October day 16 years ago. On a 4th down play from inside the Jacksonville Jaguars five yard line, Flutie, alone in the backfield, took the snap in shotgun formation and moved to his right, along with the entire offensive line all of his receivers. As intended, all 11 Jaguar defenders also moved to that side of the field. Then, he quickly spun around, turned the other way and carried the naked bootleg into the wide open left side of the endzone to tie the game. Steve Christie's convert would give them the one point lead with only a few seconds left. A thrilling 17-16 win for Flutie and the Bills. Flutie Flakes went into production the next week and the diminutive Boston College graduate and CFL star went on to lead his team to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth.
Yesterday at Orchard Park, Purdue graduate and 10 year NFL journeyman Kyle Orton, signed just before the season began as insurance in the event that EJ Manuel could not progress enough in his second season as the Bills franchise quarterback, repeated a very similar feat. Trailing 16-10, the final drive began with just over 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter. After completing a 4th down and 20 to tight end Scott Chandler (who had uncharacteristically dropped a pass earlier in the drive), he found Chris Hogan who made an acrobatic catch at the Vikings 2 yard line. The offence rushed to the line of scrimmage and Orton spiked the ball with 5 seconds remaining on the game clock. The Vikings called a time-out and the Bills drew up a play to Sammy Watkins which both he and Orton executed perfectly to the front left corner of the endzone. Sammy got both feet down for the touchdown and Dan Carpenter sealed the win with the convert. Bills fans went home happy - just as they had exactly 16 years earlier.
My friend Greg had a long day yesterday, He awoke at 4.30am in Ottawa, boarded a 6am flight to Pearson where I picked him up and then took him to see my friend at the Lewiston US Border entry point. I was disappointed not to be able to introduce the two. Either he was recently arrested or perhaps it was his day off but his replacement was quite pleasant and we were parked in Drive 5 at the stadium just before 10am. My pals Paul and Rodger and their respective young sons found us there and the boys got some nice woolen Bills hats at the new Bills gear store at the front of the stadium as they prepared for their first live NFL game. I hope they remember it for what it was - a thrilling finish and much needed win for the home team.
On to the Meadowlands next week to face the 1-6 Jets who will have had 10 days to prepare after a strong game against the Patriots which they lost by only two points. With both Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller out, it's time for Boobie Dixon to step and establish himself before the Bills have their bye week.
Monday, 13 October 2014
Patriots 37, Bills 22
It's clouding over here in Muskoka on this Thanksgiving Monday. I don't mind because today is the day when many cottagers leave, not to return until May. The shoulder season officially starts today so I can look forward to peace and quiet, perhaps more wildlife to see and a cold lake which provides generally perfect sauna conditions for the next few weeks and beyond.
I spent the first quarter of yesterday's game preparing the Thanksgiving turkey. I tried a new brine solution with a bit of soy included and it was particularly good. I stuffed the turkey, catching a play after each handful and also between bodkin stitches on the two turkey cavities. The game looked to be a defensive struggle through the early going which I thought boded well for the Bills with their ball control offence and I thought their pass rush might keep Tom Brady off balance enough to generate a turnover or two at some point as the Bills were likely to need at least one to post a win in the first game of the Pegula era.
Terry and Kim Pegula were introduced to the crowd at the Ralph before the game and, based on the short clip I saw, were well received. The letter they penned to the fans after the Governors approval on Wednesday and the closing of the sale on Friday sent a positive message and Pegula's comment about never wanting to finish second in anything - except for being the second Bills owner after Ralph Wilson - was a good message too. When he joined the Fox broadcasters in the booth during the game, it was clear to me that Pegula is a man who thinks before he speaks and doesn't say too much. Apparently, he and his wife choose to lead quite private lives and do not circulate much in high level social scenes. I presume that they usually stay home and count their money so I guess they can look forward to having a bit more free time after dropping $1.4 billion on a football team. It has been reported that Kim Pegula will be the CEO under the new ownership structure so if I were Russ Brandon, I'd make sure I was in early every day, at least for this week. The Bills ownership situation has clearly resolved itself in what looks to be just about the best possible way. I was worried that a Toronto ownership group would outbid Pegula and create a lingering sense of uncertainty which could potentially sour the fan base and cause permanent resentment no matter what they did or didn't say about the Bills staying in Buffalo. So, on with the Pegula era which may or may not include more fracking. Either way, I'm happy about it.
I did watch the second half of the game closely. I think that the Patriots are simply very well coached and their game planning against the Bills, year in and year out, is well conceived and well executed. We just can't stop them when we need to and it feels like that has been the case for so long that I can't remember when it wasn't. Although I'm a Bills fan, I do find the Patriots impressive and I usually root for them in the post season too. I don't hate them. I don't think I hate anybody really when it comes to sports teams and rivalries. I just wish we could beat them a little more often.
So, at 3-3, The Bills get ready to play the Minnesota Vikings in Orchard Park - something they do only every 8 years. The Bills need to win and I think they will. I'm looking forward to seeing my buddy at the US Border station in Lewiston. I've managed to avoid arrest since I saw him and I can't wait to share the good news with him. Happy Thanksgiving and to my American friends, Happy Columbus Day.
I spent the first quarter of yesterday's game preparing the Thanksgiving turkey. I tried a new brine solution with a bit of soy included and it was particularly good. I stuffed the turkey, catching a play after each handful and also between bodkin stitches on the two turkey cavities. The game looked to be a defensive struggle through the early going which I thought boded well for the Bills with their ball control offence and I thought their pass rush might keep Tom Brady off balance enough to generate a turnover or two at some point as the Bills were likely to need at least one to post a win in the first game of the Pegula era.
Terry and Kim Pegula were introduced to the crowd at the Ralph before the game and, based on the short clip I saw, were well received. The letter they penned to the fans after the Governors approval on Wednesday and the closing of the sale on Friday sent a positive message and Pegula's comment about never wanting to finish second in anything - except for being the second Bills owner after Ralph Wilson - was a good message too. When he joined the Fox broadcasters in the booth during the game, it was clear to me that Pegula is a man who thinks before he speaks and doesn't say too much. Apparently, he and his wife choose to lead quite private lives and do not circulate much in high level social scenes. I presume that they usually stay home and count their money so I guess they can look forward to having a bit more free time after dropping $1.4 billion on a football team. It has been reported that Kim Pegula will be the CEO under the new ownership structure so if I were Russ Brandon, I'd make sure I was in early every day, at least for this week. The Bills ownership situation has clearly resolved itself in what looks to be just about the best possible way. I was worried that a Toronto ownership group would outbid Pegula and create a lingering sense of uncertainty which could potentially sour the fan base and cause permanent resentment no matter what they did or didn't say about the Bills staying in Buffalo. So, on with the Pegula era which may or may not include more fracking. Either way, I'm happy about it.
I did watch the second half of the game closely. I think that the Patriots are simply very well coached and their game planning against the Bills, year in and year out, is well conceived and well executed. We just can't stop them when we need to and it feels like that has been the case for so long that I can't remember when it wasn't. Although I'm a Bills fan, I do find the Patriots impressive and I usually root for them in the post season too. I don't hate them. I don't think I hate anybody really when it comes to sports teams and rivalries. I just wish we could beat them a little more often.
So, at 3-3, The Bills get ready to play the Minnesota Vikings in Orchard Park - something they do only every 8 years. The Bills need to win and I think they will. I'm looking forward to seeing my buddy at the US Border station in Lewiston. I've managed to avoid arrest since I saw him and I can't wait to share the good news with him. Happy Thanksgiving and to my American friends, Happy Columbus Day.
Monday, 6 October 2014
Bills 17, Lions 14
Meet Alex Henery. An honourable young man, by all accounts, Alex is from Omaha, NE and he attended the University of Nebraska where he earned a degree in Construction Management. He also earned a Community Service Award while in university for his work volunteering at local hospitals. As the Cornhuskers place-kicker, he ended his college career as the most accurate place-kicker in NCAA history. This was presumably one of the reasons why the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him 120th overall in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL draft. The Eagles obviously changed their mind about Alex as they released him on August 30th, near the end of this year's training camp. The Detroit Lions signed him on September 22nd, three full weeks into the regular season.
Alex Henery missed all three field goals which he attempted in yesterday's game against the Bills. He hit the goal post on one of them and hooked the other two badly to his left. The attempts were long by NFL standards (47, 50 and 50 yards) but in the indoor confines of Ford Field, the Lions home field where the game was played, an NFL kicker would be expected to make at least one of those. It must have been particularly painful for him to watch his counterpart, Bills kicker Dan Carpenter, win the game for Buffalo on a 58 yard kick in the game's final seconds, his third successful kick of four attempts yesterday. Carpenter himself, also from Omaha, NE, was released by the Miami Dolphins in 2013 after five seasons with them and was signed by the Bills just before the start of last season as an injury replacement for Dustin Hopkins. He has been one of the best kickers in the league over the course of last season and the first five games this year. As for Alex Henery, he may be about to pursue a career in construction management a little sooner than he expected.
The other compelling story from yesterday's game was the play of Bills quarterback Kyle Orton. Orton, a late pre-season signing, had never taken a snap for the Bills and his rustiness showed early on. His errant pass in the second quarter was intercepted and run back for a Detroit touchdown to give the Lions a 14-0 lead and, at that point, I wondered if we might see EJ Manuel in the second half. But Orton kept improving as the game went on and, when he hit Marquise Goodwin for a long gain to the Detroit two yard line to set up what was the tying touchdown, I thought at that moment that Bills coach Doug Marrone had made the right call in giving him the start yesterday.
Jim Schwartz must have enjoyed being carried off the field on the shoulders of his defensive players after yesterday's game. After serving as the Lions head coach for five years before being fired after the 2013 season, the Bills defense made his homecoming a sweet one by playing extremely well for him, holding the Lions to one offensive touchdown. And Sammy Watkins made a couple of acrobatic catches which made a huge difference.
A strange note from yesterday's game: The Bills have filed a complaint with the league about laser pointers being shined in some of their players eyes during the game. Up Next: The Patriots come to Orchard Park. I will put our Thanksgiving turkey in the oven at halftime.
Alex Henery missed all three field goals which he attempted in yesterday's game against the Bills. He hit the goal post on one of them and hooked the other two badly to his left. The attempts were long by NFL standards (47, 50 and 50 yards) but in the indoor confines of Ford Field, the Lions home field where the game was played, an NFL kicker would be expected to make at least one of those. It must have been particularly painful for him to watch his counterpart, Bills kicker Dan Carpenter, win the game for Buffalo on a 58 yard kick in the game's final seconds, his third successful kick of four attempts yesterday. Carpenter himself, also from Omaha, NE, was released by the Miami Dolphins in 2013 after five seasons with them and was signed by the Bills just before the start of last season as an injury replacement for Dustin Hopkins. He has been one of the best kickers in the league over the course of last season and the first five games this year. As for Alex Henery, he may be about to pursue a career in construction management a little sooner than he expected.
The other compelling story from yesterday's game was the play of Bills quarterback Kyle Orton. Orton, a late pre-season signing, had never taken a snap for the Bills and his rustiness showed early on. His errant pass in the second quarter was intercepted and run back for a Detroit touchdown to give the Lions a 14-0 lead and, at that point, I wondered if we might see EJ Manuel in the second half. But Orton kept improving as the game went on and, when he hit Marquise Goodwin for a long gain to the Detroit two yard line to set up what was the tying touchdown, I thought at that moment that Bills coach Doug Marrone had made the right call in giving him the start yesterday.
Jim Schwartz must have enjoyed being carried off the field on the shoulders of his defensive players after yesterday's game. After serving as the Lions head coach for five years before being fired after the 2013 season, the Bills defense made his homecoming a sweet one by playing extremely well for him, holding the Lions to one offensive touchdown. And Sammy Watkins made a couple of acrobatic catches which made a huge difference.
A strange note from yesterday's game: The Bills have filed a complaint with the league about laser pointers being shined in some of their players eyes during the game. Up Next: The Patriots come to Orchard Park. I will put our Thanksgiving turkey in the oven at halftime.
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