Buffalo Bills: Things We Know This Week

 “Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.” -John Madden

Vontae Davis retired from the Buffalo Bills at halftime of an NFL game in the fall of 2018 because he was not happy. Some blamed the organization for being so bad for so long. Most with common sense agreed he quit on his teammates. It’s true that he could have made the decision at a much more ideal time so the team could have been prepared. He was compensated very well. He was not giddy?

“Crazy I know, places I go. Make me feel so tired. I can see how people look down. I’m on the outside. Here’s where the story ends. Ooh, here’s where the story ends.” –The Sundays

Giddy-Up. Buffalo Sabres fans watched goalie Al Smith put on more of a flamboyant exit in 1977. The starting goalie, Gerry Desjardins, was injured and the Sabres coach covenanted Smith that he would be the “MAN”. Then, Smith was informed by the general manager prior to the memorable game that they called up rookie goalie, Don Edwards, from the farm team who would start. Following the National Anthems, Smith gave up his seat on the bench and had the trainer (Frank Christie) open the door to the ice. Smith proceeded to skate around the ice acrimoniously waiving goodbye to the Sabres’ owner, general manager, coach, and fans. He then exited the ice and went to the dressing room, removed his equipment, and disclosed his retirement.

“Take this job and shove it. I ain’t workin’ here no more. My woman done left and took all the reasons I was working for. Ya better not try to stand in my way. As I’m walkin’ out the door. Take this job and shove it. I ain’t workin’ here no more.” –Johnny Paycheck

Legendary goalie Patrick Roy was finally pulled in a game that he gave up 9 goals by the second period. He was not mirthful to have been left in there abashed on an off night. Not to mention, why risk your all-star goalie suffering an injury in a blowout. When he finally left the ice, he stormed past the coach (who he did not get along with) and the team president, stating he would never play again for Montreal. Four days later he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche.

Jeff Tarango did it in tennis, as did Mike Tyson in Boxing. Niki Lauda quit for safety concerns at the Japanese Grand Prix. Mike Wallace of the Miami Dolphins walked off the field with a couple minutes left in the second quarter, proclaiming he quit because he did not get the ball.

“I feel really good right now. It will really be a tough decision. It’s so hard to give up what you love doing. Hanging up the boots will not be an easy thing to do.” –Hulk Hogan

Surprise career exits have transpired in baseball, golf, NASCAR, soccer, and other professional sporting events. Notice I did not even need to reference the W.W.E. to make the point.

“Self praise is for losers, be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class and be humble” -John Madden

None maybe had the drama of Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown this past weekend in New Jersey. Some fan acquired a new jersey though, as Brown stripped his apparel off and threw them in the seats as he exited the field.

“The difference between winning and losing is, most often, not quitting.” –Walt Disney

This has nothing to do with his suspension for attempting to use a fake vaccination card. Nope. He did not recently throw a ball at a teammate. Not this time. There was no frost bite on his feet that I am aware of and no reports of helmet grievances. No way. No nasty Instagram post asking for his release. Not again. A team trainer did not accuse him of sexual assault twice as of late. He has not been charged recently for felony burglary with battery and two misdemeanors for crimes with a moving truck company. Nah. He was not suspended eight games for multiple violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy this season. Not model citizen Antonio Brown.

“Unfortunately, even as Christians, we do things wrong. We’re all sinners.” –Dan Reeves

Wow. What a rap sheet. What a horrible teammate. Such a waste of talent. Thank GOD Buffalo did not acquire him when reports indicated as such.

“The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else.” – John Madden

Things we know about the Buffalo Bills this week:

RUNNING BACK

Devin Singletary rushed 23 times for 110 yards, finding the end zone twice. Not too shabby.

QUARTERBACK PRESSURE

Ed Oliver leads the Buffalo Bills with 11 quarterback hits this year. He has arrived.

Harrison Phillips received a game ball for his performance (three quarterback hits and fumble recovery). It’s safe to say his ACL injury is behind him.

JOSH ALLEN FACTOR

Josh Allen needs 12 pass completions for the team record. He need four Touchdown passes to achieve that Buffalo Bills milestone. The Jets can step up to make this happen.