The alarm clock goes off – followed by grunts of protest and frantic hand-slamming to shut it off. It’s 7:00 am, time to start preparation.

For the second year in a row, I had the privilege of travelling to Buffalo to take in a Bills game. Last year, five brave souls took the trek to see the Bills take on the Oakland Raiders. This season, eight of us crossed the border to witness the “Squish the Fish” game between the Bills and their AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins.

First and foremost, none of us are Bills fans. But when we arrived at Ralph Wilson Stadium at around 8:30, that all changed. Cars were slowly trickling into the parking lot, and we took an open spot where our two cars could be side by side. Being relative tailgating rookies, our supplies were limited. A small grill and two coolers were all we had – one for food, one for ‘adult beverages’. So for the next four hours we stood around in a parking lot, meeting random fans and witnessing the American past-time of tailgaiting.

Game time neared, and three of us decided to head into the stadium. We entered our gate, and immediately heard the buzz generated by the field. We knew our seats were pretty good, but we had no idea just how amazing they were. We kept on walking down, getting closer and closer to the field. And then we were there. Four rows back, right in the middle of the endzone. The Bills were warming up in our end, looking completely relaxed as they ran through their pregame drills. Fans around us, clearly season ticket holders, shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. We received a warm welcome from several Bills fans, and even some brave Dolphins fans who sat in front of us.

As kickoff neared, the stadium reached a fever pitch. Over 72,000 fans yelling at the top of their lungs, bashing the bleacher in front of them with all their strength – truly a testiment to the overwhelming power of sport. The first half flew by. It felt like each team had piled up over 40 points, yet the teams were deadlocked at seven apiece.

Miami held the lead going into the fourth quarter, but that’s when the “Twelfth Man” came into effect. Most people familiar with the NFL consider Seattle’s Qwest Field the loudest stadium in the league. But on November 29th, it was Ralph Wilson Stadium. The entire crowd stood and cheered in unison, and were rewarded by a Fred Jackson touchdown run early in the fourth. Rian Lindell gave the Bills the lead with a 56 yard field goal, and with Miami back in possession, Chad Henne threw the game away. Drayton Florence picked off an errant throw intended for Brian Hartline, and the crowd errupted. Everyone was yelling at the top of their lungs, and the stadium rang with the sound of aluminum bleachers being hammered.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, who already electrified the crowd with a 31 yard touchdown run in the second quarter, proceeded to reward every Bills fan for their loyalty on the next play, tossing a 51 yard bomb to Terrell Owens. Even though it was in the opposite end, we all knew he was going all the way when he caught the ball. I’d never heard anything louder in my life. Everyone was standing on the bleachers, screaming as loud as possible. My hands were numb from clapping and high fiving – my voice was hoarse, but there was no way I was going to stop cheering.

The Bills went on to win 31-14, behind 24 points in the fourth quarter. Back in the parking lot after the game, everyone was continuing the celebration. Bills fans wouldn’t be stopped by the sun going down – fires were sprinkled around the entire lot. We got into our cars at around 5:30 to begin the trek home, already talking about going back next year.

Sure, the 22 kilometer trip back home took seven and a half hours. Yes, my hands are still sore as I type this and my throat still hurts more than 24 hours after the game. But would I do it again? In a heartbeat – and I will next year. Bills Bash has become an annual tradition. And for anyone who’s even a remote fan of the NFL, I highly suggest a trip south of the border to take in a game. There’s nothing like it.

TWO POINT CONVERSION

- Bills in Toronto update! You can still get a pair of seats in the 500 level… for $310 dollars

- alright Canadian NFL fans, time to show the leauge what you’ve got. I’ll be there watching

College of Sports Media Game of the Night:

It’s turkey day across the border and that means one thing: a full plate of NFL football. Three games on the docket today. The Green Bay Packers (6-4) take their show on the road as their in the Motor City to take on the Detroit Lions (2-8). Both teams are coming off big week 10 wins, but both got are dealing with some serious injuries. The Pack dumped the 49ers 30-24 and in the process lost both defensive end Aaron Kampman and corner back Al Harris for the season. Kampman leads the team in sacks and Harris is a great cover corner. The Lions beat the Browns 38-37 i n the final seconds of their game. Quarterback Matt Stafford dislocated his shoulder at the end of the game, but he’s toughing it out and will be behind centre today. Who knows how effective he will be.

Next up the Oakland Raiders(3-7) are in Dallas to take on the Cowboys (7-3). At first glance this one looks like it’ll be one-sided. Oakland is coming off a monster win over the AFC North leading Cincinnati Bengals last week and the Cowboys have struggled mightally on offence. The Raiders finally benched JaMarcus Russell and gave Bruce Gradkowski the starters job. He responded with two touchdown passes, including a last second score leading to the upset win. Over the last two weeks the Cowboys offence has been less then effective. Over the last two weeks the ‘Boys have scored two touchdowns. If they don’t get things together they may end up being the turkey in a Raider’s feast.

The last game is probably the best as the New York Giants (6-4) battle the Denver Broncos (6-4). Both teams limp into this one. Denver has lost four straight and they got pummeled 32-3 last week by the San Diego Chargers. New York has dropped four of five and needed overtime to beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-31. The Giants come into this one banged-up, on three days rest and have to play in the mile-high air. If Denver can take advantage they just might end their skid.

College of Sports Media Game of the Night:

Depending on whether you’re a fan of football or hockey, there are two games tonight featuring teams that have something to prove.

In the Monday Night-er the Philadelphia Eagles swoop into the US Capital to battle with the Washington Redskins. The Eagles were involved in arguably the biggest upset of the young NFL season last week when they couldn’t muster a touchdown in a 13-9 lose to the Oakland Raiders. Quarterback Donovan McNabb was sacked six times and only completed 22 of 46 passes. The Redskins have been absolutely dreadful so far this season. So bad, that owner Dan Snyder coaxed Sherman Lewis out of bingo-calling retirement to replace head coach Jim Zorn as Washington’s offensive play-caller. Redskin’s QB, Jason Campbell must fell like he’s playing with a bulls eye on his back. Over the off season Washington pursued former Bronco and current Bear Jay Cutler. Snyder also wined-and-dined Mark Sanchez days before the draft. Campbell’s play has been off and last week he was benched mid game. He’s in his last year of his contract and every game is an audition, not only for Washington, but the other 31 teams in the league.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have played eight games so far this season. All eight have ended in loses (one in overtime) and every time the opposition is the first to score. Tonight the Leafs play the Anaheim Ducks for the one and only time this season. Things haven’t been that great for Ducks either. Anaheim has lost three straight at home by a combined 15-6 margin. In their last game, the Ducks gave up six goals over the second and third periods in a 6-4 lose to the Columbus Blue Jackets. For Toronto this is the second game of a five game road trip. Toronto hit the road with four goaltenders in tow. The Leafs hope Jonas Gustavsson will be healthy enough to return to action as he’s battling back from a groin injury. The Monster could be activated tonight. Vesa Toskala is also expected to make his return from injury on the road.

Each week of the NFL season, I will preview matchups, give my point-spread predictions, and offer fantasy advice for the day ahead.

Week 2 is always tough – It’s easy to draw conclusions from opening week performances, but those can be misleading. Don’t forget, the Giants were 0-2 in 2007, and heading for a third straight defeat against Washington. Suddenly, they’re Super Bowl champs. Similarly, players can significantly impact expectations in Week 1. Yes, Mark Sanchez dominated the Texans, while Andre Johnson struggled. I’m seeing some changes in the immediate future.

With that said, here are the 1 p.m. game previews. Picks are in bold:

Oakland at Kansas City (-3)

Despite the Raiders heartbreaking loss to San Diego, I was impressed. Richard Seymour made an immediate impact on the defensive side of the ball and Oakland’s running game looked good. Michael Bush and Darren McFadden should combine for nice totals in their platoon against a Kansas City defence that struggled to stop Baltimore’s rushing attack in Week 1. Considering this will be Matt Cassel’s first game back from a sprained MCL, it’s hard to recommend any Chiefs player aside from Larry Johnson. Dwayne Bowe caught a touchdown against Baltimore and should have a nice season, but it might take a game before Cassel is back in rhythm. JaMarcus Russell has a strong arm but the majority of his passes will be short tosses to Bush and McFadden, while tight end Zach Miller caught six balls against the Chargers.

Houston at Tennessee (-7)

It’s a tough spread to pick, because it’s hard to believe Houston will replicate Week 1’s bad offensive performance against the Jets. Still, the Titans had plenty of chances to beat the Steelers in Week 1 and will be fired up for their home opener. Tennessee should cover, but barely, since they love to pound the ball on the ground. It’s an especially good idea against a weak Texans defence as Chris Johnson and LenDale White should do plenty of damage. Justin Gage has been a favourite of Kerry Collins and should continue to provide solid numbers. Kevin Walter returns for Houston and will help free up Andre Johnson, who was quiet in Week 1. And while Tennessee smothered the Steelers’ running game, Steve Slaton was surprisingly effective against the Titans last season. I would play Slaton in most formats, but especially if your league counts points-per-reception.

New York Jets at New England (-3.5)

New England was lucky to escape with a win against Buffalo and will be fired up against a division rival and rookie quarterback. Sanchez looks headed for plenty of future success, but I would stay away against the experienced Patriots. The running game should be plenty effective, though, as Thomas Jones and Leon Washington provide the Jets with a formidable tandem. While their stats looked similar last week, Washington was easily the better back throughout the game, but Jones is the better play in touchdown-centric leagues that ignore points-per-reception. Tom Brady will throw a ton on Sunday, making Randy Moss and Wes Welker must-starts, while Bejamin Watson and Kevin Faulk could make an impact. Faulk is a great play in points-per-reception leagues.

Cincinnati at Green Bay (-9)

The Bengals offence was stagnant in a rough Week 1, as Laveranues Coles failed to produce as the No. 2 receiver. I got burned playing Chris Henry but I’m sticking with him against the Packers. After Chad Ocho Cinco, Henry should be Carson Palmer’s second favourite target. Cedric Benson had a decent game against Denver but will struggle against the Packers’ defence. Green Bay has a habit of making things interesting, but Aaron Rodgers and the offence should provide plenty of fireworks. Expect big things from Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Ryan Grant.

Minnesota (-10) at Detroit

The Lions will win a game this year, but it won’t be this week. Look for Adrian Peterson to manhandle Detroit, while Chester Taylor will make a nice flex play and most likely see the endzone. With a big lead, don’t expect to see Brett Favre air it out, but pay plenty of attention to rookie Percy Harvin. I was glad I used Harvin in Week 1 and he will continue to line up all over the field against the Lions. With Favre sticking to short passes and screens, look for Harvin to break at least one huge play. He also has a history of relying on tight ends, meaning Visanthe Shiancoe could be useful. I wouldn’t hesitate to play Bernard Berrian either – yes, there are plenty of options when you are facing the Lions. Calvin Johnson is still an obvious play for Detroit, while Kevin Smith will have the ball in his hands all game and will produce especially well in points-per-reception leagues.

New Orleans (-1.5) at Philadelphia

Philly plays at home and dominated the Panthers in Week 1, but I like the Saints to keep rolling against the Kevin Kolb-led Eagles. Barring a surprise start from the injured Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia should lean even heavier than usual on Brian Westbrook, while DeSean Jackson and the rest of the receivers won’t have as much value against an improved Saints’ defence. Drew Brees isn’t facing the Lions anymore but should still be successful against Philadelphia. Jeremy Shockey already has two more touchdowns than last season and will be targeted plenty, while Marques Colston is the best of New Orleans’ deep receiver corp. I wouldn’t touch any of the Saints’ running backs, considering Philly has success defending the run, while a three-way platoon is tough to read. If I had to choose, Mike Bell is the short-term favourite to get redzone carries, but every TD came through the air in Week 1.

Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars (-3)

The Cardinals played nothing like the 2008 model in Week 1, as Kurt Warner and the vaunted offence struggled in a loss to the 49ers. I expect Arizona to rebound against a Jaguars squad that allowed Peyton Manning to complete over 70% of his passes last week. Larry Fitzgerald is a stud, but he and Warner will be impacted by the health of Anquan Boldin, who is questionable with a hamstring injury – keep an eye on his status. Running back Tim Hightower caught a boatload of passes against San Francisco, but that was probably an aberration. I would expect Jacksonville to try and run the ball with Maurice Jones-Drew, who is an absolute monster in points-per-reception leagues, while producing very well in other formats. Still, I expect the Cardinals to stack the box and force the Jags to throw – something I think results in Arizon’s first win.

St. Louis at Washington (-9.5)

The Rams really stink and I think Washington dominates this game. Jason Campbell struggled to find his rhythm against the Giants but should have more time to throw against a defence that will have trouble stopping Clinton Portis. I wouldn’t normally recommend Campbell, but this would be a good time to use him if your other quarterback has a bad matchup. I love Chris Cooley against the Rams, while Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El should have plenty of opportunities to make plays. In touchdown-centric leagues, Ladell Betts would be a solid flex option and has a good chance to see the endzone. There’s not much to like about St. Louis aside from Steven Jackson – He was solid in Week 1 and continues to be one of the most productive players in any format, especially point-per-reception leagues. Tough luck for those who invested in Donnie Avery… it appears that Laurent Robinson is Marc Bulger’s favourite target and is a threat to make a big play on Sunday.

Good luck.

-DL

From our friends at the Argos:

Less than one month until CFL training camps open and the Toronto Argonauts have bolstered their offence by signing QB Stephen Reaves and former Pro Bowl WR/KR Jerome Mathis.

Reaves, 24, played two seasons with the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles after transferring from Michigan State. In his senior year in 2007, Reaves completed 95 passes, three for touchdowns. While at Michigan State in 2004, he completed 23-of-58 passes for 331 yards and two touchdowns. A coaching majoring in college, he was hired as an offensive coaching intern with the Oakland Raiders in 2008.

Mathis has NFL experience with both the Washington Redskins and the Houston Texans. His best season came in 2005 when he was one of the best kick returners in the NFL and was one of just three rookies selected to the Pro Bowl team. During that season, Mathis set a franchise record by scoring a 99-yard return touchdown, the longest in team history. He also holds the NCAA record for career kick return average with 26.6 yards per run while at Hampton.

Stephen Reaves

Quarterback

6’1”, 208 lbs.

Southern Mississippi

Born: December 5, 1984

Tampa Bay, Florida

1st Year Argos / 1st Year CFL

Import

Acquired: Signed as a free agent on May 11, 2009.

2008: Hired by the Oakland Raiders (NFL) as a coaching intern.

College: Played 2004 & 2005 at Michigan State before transferring to Southern Mississippi… 2007 Played in 8 games for the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, recording 151 passing attempts and 95 completions with 3 TDs…2006 First season with Southern Mississippi after transferring from Michigan State… Played in eight games off the bench, seeing action on 177 snaps…Threw for 488 yards on 37-of-72 passes with a pair of touchdowns and one interception… 2005 Injured his knee in the first game of the season…Ran the scout team for the season…2004 Played in five games at Michigan State…Completed 23-of-58 passes for 331 yards and two touchdowns, against five interceptions.

Personal: Stephen’s parents are John and Patti. His father was an All-American quarterback at Florida and played 9 years (1972-81, 87) in the NFL with Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Houston and Tampa Bay after being the 14th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft. Stephen grew up in Tampa, Florida where attended Plant High School as a highly-touted college quarterback prospect. He majored in coaching and sport administration while at Southern Mississippi. During the off-season, Stephen enjoys salt-water fishing in his hometown of Tampa Bay.

Jerome Mathis

Receiver/Kick Returner

5’11”, 184 lbs.

Hampton

Born: July 28, 1983

Petersburg, Virginia

1st Year Argos / 1st Year CFL

Import

Acquired: Signed as a free agent on May 11, 2009.

2008: Signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins (NFL) on April 4 and waived on May 15.

2007: Played in 3 games with Houston before being placed on IR…Had 11 kickoff returns for a 29.1-yard average and one TD…Caught one pass for 15 yards.

2006: Slowed most of the season with an injured foot suffered during the Pro Bowl…Started season on the physically unable to perform list…Missed training camp and the first 11 games of the season…Activated at Oakland on December 3 and returned three kickoffs for 111 yards, LG 87…Finished season on IR.

2005: Drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round, 114th overall, of the NFL Draft…Named to AFC Pro Bowl roster as kick return specialist…Became first Texan to be named to Associated Press All-Pro Team…Became first Texan to be named to the All –NFL team as a kick-return specialist by Pro Football Weekly/Professional Football Writers of America…Set single-game team record of seven kickoffs for 266 yards (fifth most in NFL history) at Indianapolis (23/10/05)… Scored first kickoff return TD in team history (89-yards) and averaged single-game club record 38.0 yards per return…Caught first career TD pass (34 yards) on the opening drive against Cleveland 30/10/05)…Tied a personal and team record with 266 yards on seven returns at Kansas City (23/11/05)…Scored a 99-yard return for a touchdown making it the longest return in team history.

College: Rated as the fastest player at the 2005 NFL Scouting Combine running a combine-best 4.28 second 40-yard dash…Broke the NCAA all-time record for career kickoff return average with a 26.6-yard average…Holds the NCAA record for career kickoff returns for a TD with six…2004 Started 12 games and led Division I-AA as a senior with an average of 29.5 yards per catch (29 rec. for 864 yards) and 9 touchdowns…Scored 2 touchdowns on 173 rushing yards…2003 Started 11 games and caught 40 passes for 977 yards and 9 TD… 2002 Started 12 games as a sophomore and amassed 1,220 all-purpose yards…Caught 24 passes for 615 yards and three touchdowns…Scored 1 rushing TD on 188 rushing yards…2001 Freshman.

Personal: Jerome Alvon Mathis resides in Houston, Texas in the off-season. He participated in track in college and won the 200 meter dash at the 2003 and 2004 NCAA East Regional.

Sorry for yesterday’s post…. I am back to being riled up.

“Yes, this Buffalo Bills game in Toronto today has not exactly worked out as planned but even so, the economics have to be daunting for the Canadian Football League. Today’s game will bring in more ticket revenue — about $8 million — than the Argonauts manage for an entire season. The Argos range from $6 million to $7 million a year in ticket sales”

“But the first National Football League game to be played in Canada ended up accomplishing what nobody really envisioned. It angered people in Buffalo. It angered people in Toronto. It cost Rogers Communications all kinds of money. And it entertained almost no one.”

Ahhhh yes, Mr. Simmons. To whom the glass is always entirely empty. Funny how only yesterday the CFL should be worried that one games revenue equaled more then an entire season and today everyone is “angry”.

Ok sports fans, I will bite… Raise your hand if you are angry about yesterday’s game at the Ted. Forget the outcome as well, anybody can be angry on any given Sunday. Seriously, I want to know the person who was “angered in Toronto”. Except those who couldn’t drive around near the Dome yesterday due to road closures, raise your hand if the game made you “angry”. That is what I thought. There is nothing to be angry about. His entire article is full of contradictions. I spoke to 25 people who went to the game yesterday. Each of them and their respective groups were thoroughly entertained. Every one of them said the same thing “We had a great time”. So, there you have it, I can’t believe my peeps were the only ones entertained…

The game brought in 8 million in ticket revenue alone. That doesn’t count all the other crap. Was it a HUGE success ? No, was it a COLOSSAL failure, no. Let’s recall all those stories about the amounts of money the Rogers Community has lost on the Blue Jays or other entities. Certain things corporations do for total profit (like charging 1.99 for directory assistance on a cell call) and others they do for profit, pr, marketing etc.

Yesterday, I had the good fortune of being outside for about 20 minutes at a local cemetery. Never a fun event, but I can tell you it was certainly in the top 5 coldest 20 minutes of my life. So, for the Bills fans who are so angry, get your pals and companies to buy more tickets so that your owner wouldn’t have to move a few games to where he can subsidize his take locally. That, or get in the car and drive. As much as people say they would have preferred to be outside yesterday, be the least be honest. Here in Toronto, which is Florida compared to Buffalo weather, it was unbearable outside yesterday. I can only imagine what it was like in Buffalo. Those Bills fans who went to the game (of which half of my 25 were) all were thrilled it was in doors.

“People paid mortgage payments for a pair of tickets to watch J.P. Losman play quarterback. That doesn’t seem fair to anybody. He is Buffalo’s Michael Bishop — and before Saskatchewan let him go, you could watch for him about 25 bucks.”

Now, remember that line folks, and compare it to:

“The good people at Rogers — bless them — announced attendance at 52,134. Some of them apparently paid. Those who attended the Metro Bowl high school championships last week were given freebies. Those who work for Rogers or the Blue Jays were informed they could have free tickets.

Outside, you could have had scalpers’ seats for less than $50. That makes this event dubious as a way of impressing the NFL.

So, you want it both ways? Metro Bowlers (couldn’t resist) and Roger Community Members were allowed in for free and scalping would land you a seat for $50. Raise your hand if your mortgage payment is $50. I know the argument, people shelled out good money early at face price for seats. I know a couple of people who had to fly home last minute from Florida last week. The bought their tickets on westjet.com the day before the flight, they paid under $200 for their tickets tax in. They sat with another friend who just happened to be on their flight but bought her ticket several weeks ago. She paid over $450 for her ticket. Life isn’t fair. What can I tell you.

“What also was evident was that the emotional draw that makes sport special — being here for your team, caring, being passionate — loses its appeal in what ostensibly seemed like a neutral-site game. When I asked a friend in the stands to rate the atmosphere, he called it a D-.”

Clearly your friends aren’t my friends.

“This had a corporate Super Bowl feel to it. A lot of people paid a lot of money to be here and then weren’t sure what to do.”

What were people expecting? This is not a surprise to anyone with a brain who knows the Toronto market. Look at the facts. The majority of people who grew up in this city loved one of several NFL teams, the cowboys (America’s team), the Dolphins (I am not sure why), the bills (proximity) and the (steelers- Bradshaw and the boys). No offense to anyone who lives and dies for another team. Growing up in Toronto, everyone I know roots for one of those teams in strong majorities. Toronto is not entirely a Bills town. This was a neutral site game. It is not different then games in Europe, Mexico or anywhere else. To complain that it had a corporate feel is stupid. Love it,or hate it, this is Toronto. If you don’t like it, unfortunately, you are wishing away your teams. People may bemoan the corporate feel to the ACC, but guess what Leaf Nation it is sold out every night. If you want the team to be able to spend to the cap, and you want it go get big name GM’s and coaches, that barn has to be full. Wait until you see what the Blue Jays look like this year if the rumored trimming takes place.

“All our lives we’ve been waiting for the National Football League. Today we have to take a moment and wonder why. After the most talked-about, most promoted, most hyped football game played in Toronto, all there was left at the end was a sense of ambivalence.”

Who hyped it? Who has been waiting for an NFL Bills Dolphins Game all their lives? If that is you, I am truly sorry for you. Give Toronto a game where it is the home team, the Toronto Whatevers against either the Bills or the Dolphins then we can talk. The hype? Media created. Yes Rogers held a press conference, the press covered it. How many times did the folks at the Fan590 have the bills guys on the air. Say what you want, and I know who owns the fan, but the hype here is on the press. The naysayers poo-pooed this from the get go. There is no surprise at the result. What did people expect?

Say whatever you want. The NFL should be the easiest sale of the year. Each HOME team only hosts 8 regular season games and 2 pre-season games. No matter what you charge for a season ticket, the multiplier is 10….10!!!!! Not 41, or 81, 10!. If you don’t sell the game out they Bill Wirtz you. That’s right the game doesn’t go on local tv. 5 times this year, a HOME team hasn’t been able to sell enough tickets to lift the blackout. Here we had a neutral game and they were able to lift it. 5 times, the folks in their respective home towns couldn’t care enough to go to a game. In those towns there is a HOME team. In those towns (Oakland and Detroit) the teams suck, but hey so do the Cubs and the Maple Leafs. We all know of cities that have lots teams. It happens too often and will happen again. (personally I don’t think it’s that unimaginable that the Jays aren’t here in 8-10 years, but that is a blog post for another day). Here in Toronto the game sold out. I don’t care the ‘nitty girtty’, the NFL wouldn’t lift the blackout if they weren’t satisfied that their standards in doing so weren’t met. This wasn’t a home game, this was an event. At 5 different home stadiums where weather wasn’t an issue (one is a dome, one is in CA) they couldn’t sell enough tickets to show the game on tv.

Anyone who is grumpy about the price of tickets or concessions needs to give their head a shake. If scalpers were selling tickets as cheaply as being reported then you could have gone for next to nothing. As for concessions, take your kids, or your significant other to a movie and buy a popcorn and a pop. Go to the Jays game and see what you pay. Newsflash, we live in an expensive city. Have you been to a local McDonald’s lately?? Seriously, I don’t take my kids because the food is lousy AND it’s not cheap… I could live with crappy burgers if they were cheap.

The game was exactly what it should have been. For those who said it didn’t feel like a normal NFL game, newsflash, it wasn’t. Every other NFL game has a home team. Those who went and said I don’t get the hype, then you weren’t paying attention to the nuances of the game and your expectations weren’t properly set. Go to Washington DC and take in a Redskins game. Go early, find your way to a tailgate party. Do the same in Chicago, San Diego, Miami….

Lastly, as for the game itself. Which, in all sporting EVENTS is usually secondary, was pretty much what was expected. The Dolphins who were 1-15 last year are a team on the incline. The Bills despite their start are clearly a team on the decline. The game pretty much matched that. If you read the Buffalo paper today and compare it with the Miami papers and look at the game analysis you will see just that. How many Super Bowls have been great games. Events as opposed to games are rarely worth watching.

Simmons’ column is the usual BS. Noise created by a badly dressed spinster.

I feel so much better now….