2015 Season Wrap-up

Hello all 2,268 NYC Bills fans!

Wasn’t it great to watch the Bills knock the Jets out of the playoffs on Sunday? I can now enjoy an entire offseason where I don’t have to be totally ridiculed by Jets fans. My in-laws, all Jets fans, asked if I was smiling after the win. The truth is, no, I wasn’t. I’m actually less excited about next season as I’ve ever been since I became a fan. In some ways even depressed about the team. Why?

I knew this season we wouldn’t improve on our record, although I thought it’d be a result of poor quarterback play. Seeing our stout defense fall apart was surprising, but overall the team just didn’t have any new spark despite the hiring of Rex Ryan. Frankly, they looked like the same old Bills, the ones we’ve seen miss the playoffs for 16 straight years. The teams we’ve watched at McFadden’s and Calico Jack’s. Even with new ownership, nothing on the field changed. One thing did change is something nobody is talking about, and that’s the behavior of the front office.

When Doug Marrone decided to turn his back on the Bills, a strange thing happened with the organization that I never saw before as a Bills fan. Here in NYC, the NY Daily News published an article (http://goo.gl/Mcxl4n) that was essentially a hit piece on Marrone, a lead candidate for the Jets top coach position. Strong words like “dangerous” and “control freak” were used to describe him. The strange part is those words originated not from an agent as many assumed, but from “sources” within One Bills Drive. The words may be accurate, and to be clear I’m in no way defending Marrone who bailed on his players without so much as a heads up, but for the organization to provide that information and air its dirty laundry for revenge purposes was in my opinion – classless. I couldn’t see that happening with respected organizations like the Giants or Steelers, nor ever with Ralph Wilson still alive. It represented to me a major shift within the organization, and not for the better.

Over the last year since that incident, we’ve seen continuous leaks from within the organization. Infighting between Rex and Doug Whaley, the way Fred Jackson was released and Matt Cassel traded, the Bill Polian leaks. Even yesterday there were leaks about Rex/Whaley being given an ultimatum about being fired if they don’t achieve the playoffs next season only to be followed by a conflicting “source” saying Whaley would be extended.

All of the leaks appear to have an agenda targeting and undermining others within the organization. That, my fellow fans, shows an office in disarray and a clear lack of leadership within the organization, which we’ve seen has even filtered all the way down to the players who admitted there is no leadership within the team. My gut tells me the organization is a mess behind closed doors. Who leads the organization? The Pegulas may own the team and have final say, but the guy running the day to day at OBD is Managing Partner Russ Brandon.

Those that have read my emails for the last decade know I am not a fan of Mr. Brandon, who is a glorified salesman who should be restricted to the Sales and Marketing office, not head of the organization. The fact that he was our General Manager for a stint without any of the right qualifications (and continued to have a say in football decisions) still infuriates me to this day, and if you think he’s not involved in football decisions anymore you’re mistaken. In Monday’s press conference Whaley named Brandon as one of the key people who would have a final say in the Tyrod Taylor extension, he’s hired coaches and you’ve seen him in the draft room. The guy still has his hand in the cookie jar.

It’s baffling how somebody who has been tied to almost all 16 years of our playoff drought, who has been directly responsible for securing head coaches (including Marrone who turned his back on the team), players (he signed Terrell Owens and had him spout the “North America’s Team” BS at his presser) and front office staff in that time is not only still here, but keeps gaining more power! He’s essentially the Pegulas’ eyes and ears within the organization, their lead advisor. Let’s not even discuss his involvement with the Sabres. You have to wonder who is resisting a set of outside consulting eyes taking a fresh look at the team.

Sorry Bills fans, but as long as Brandon is still at the top of this organization, I’d be shocked if anything changes with our playoff drought any time soon. An organization takes on the personality of its leader, which is why for the last decade every Bills team fielded has been nothing but hype to sell tickets. It’s why they’re consistently underachievers. It’s easy to blame coaches, but after several coaches have failed, isn’t it time to look to the man who has hand a direct hand in hiring those men?

For that reason, I’m not excited about this offseason. We’re going to hear the “consistency” line over and over again. Brandon is going to have to whip out his hype playbook yet again as this is his first offseason where Bills fans won’t purchase fear-driven tickets knowing the team’s place in Buffalo is now safe, and no anticipated big personnel changes. We’ll see how good he really is at filling seats, and not with fans who are so bored with this organization that they’d rather dive through flaming tables.

Maybe the team will surprise us, but after watching the phenomenal 30 For 30 on the 1990s Bills, you sense that this organization doesn’t have the same drive that those teams had. At this point in my life the Bills have taken a back seat to more important things, like raising a family. My 6 year old son William is totally into them, luckily the Jets/Giants haven’t been blowing things up so he isn’t tempted to be pulled to the dark side by his Brooklyn classmates. But it is a struggle to explain to him why he should root for such a losing team.

On a brighter note I was finally able to bring my daughter Sally, who finished treatment for infant leukemia at the start of the season, to her first game at McFadden’s. When you hit a milestone like that, you remember that at the end of the day, football is just a game. And then I smile again. See you at the Draft Party!

Matt “Talkin’ proud and really hope to watch a playoff game at McFadden’s one day” Kabel

www.nycbbb.com

Bills to Spoil Jets Playoff Chances?

Hello all,

First off, happy new year! We wish you a happy, healthy, and exciting 2016.

I’ve finally come to terms with the disappointing result of this season. Man, I predicted 12-4. If there is anything still worth rooting for, it’s to spoil the Jets playoff chances. I’ll be watching. I don’t want the Jets to get in, especially at our expense. Plus I want to see what the players are made of heading into ANOTHER offseason full of areas in need of improvement.

To 2016!

– Matt Soreco

Philly Info and 30 for 30 – Four Falls of Buffalo

It’ll be the usual happening at McFadden’s and Calicos this week. You all know the drill. I look forward to a more motivated Shady getting revenge on his former team.

For anyone attending the game, I got this info from the Philly Backers:
SUNDAY : 12/13/15
Bills Tailgating in the Wells Fargo Lot pole C5. Be there at 8:30am. No later than 9:00am. Or risk being locked out of the lot. You need a parking pass for this lot and they are available for pre-purchase on line. Team Buffalo has secured a DJ … so be prepared to RELEASE THE HOUNDS

For more info, visit: https://www.facebook.com/Downtown-Philadelphia-Buffalo-Bills-Backers-130449452834/

ESPN 30 for 30 Four Falls of Buffalo
Michelle Girardi Zumwalt (our very own NYCBBB Staff Emeritus!!!) produced ESPN’s 30 for 30 feature film “Four Falls of Buffalo”. It relives the Bills’ run to four straight Super Bowls. It will debut Saturday on ESPN at 9:30 pm. Set your calendar, dvrs, alarms, etc.
The film has already been getting rave reviews. Don’t miss it.

Read Michelle’s first-person account here:
http://www.buffalobills.com/news/

This Week from NYCBBB:
I’m a week late posting this. Here is Phil Mann’s latest column. I like his optimism looking at the rest of the schedule this season.
https://www.nycbbb.com/columns/week-nycbbb-11302015/

GO BILLS!

– Matt Soreco

Monday Night Football & Buffalo Mystery Film, The American Side

Hello all,

Just a quick note that the bars will have Monday night’s game on and the usual specials.

Buffalo Mystery Film, The American Side
Buffalo native, actor and movie writer Greg Stuhr reached out to us to help promote his film, The American Side. They just launched a Kickstarter campaign – NOT to make a film – but for marketing money for a film that’s already made. The movie was shot entirely in Buffalo. There are lots of recognizable names and faces in it from Matthew Broderick to Camilla Belle, Robert Forster to Robert Vaughn.

From Greg: “Very cool having them all up there enjoying the architecture and food and the usual WNY hospitality. We would love to spread the word about this campaign. It will help make sure the film gets into theaters in multiple markets, showing off Buffalo in a great light. But you can check it out for yourself on our campaign page below. Thanks so much – Greg”

Here are some links:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/917336709/the-american-side-theatrical-release-of-neo-noir-m
http://www.theamericansidemovie.com/

GO BILLS!

– Matt Soreco

Lots of Info, Jets Tailgate, More, and Even More

Hello all,

How about that explosive offense? After a few duds, Sunday’s game was nice to watch. I thought the defense was going to carry the offense this year, not the other way around. Sammy can belittle my menial low paying 9-5 all he wants if he shows up like that every Sunday!

There is a ton in info in this e-mail. Tailgate, after party, victory party, Red in NYC, Sabres question, UB Sabres Event

Everything you need to know about our tailgate at MetLife is here:
https://www.nycbbb.com/notes/bills-jets-tailgate-info-2/

Let me know if you have any other questions. The Jets tell me we sold about 600 tickets. Not our most, but not too shabby!

If anyone needs, Pete from McFadden’s has a friend with 2 tickets for sale in Coaches Club seating. $250 each. If interested, let me know and I’ll make the connection.

McFadden’s and Calicos
Yes, the bars are showing the game as usual:
“For Thursday, we’ll be offering the regular specials starting at 8pm (wings by the order), and additionally, a half price band good for domestic draft, well mixed drinks and wine for no charge. Also, we’ll take reservations starting tomorrow at noon (Tuesday).  The reservation can be made for as early as 7:30pm Thursday. “ 
Call 212-986-1515.

After Party Thursday Night
If anyone is interested, I got this invitation for after the game, which I’ll share with you all:
“I’m hosting an After Party after the Bills-Jets Game for a Group from Buffalo that I am hosting for the game.

I frequented McFadden’s for quite a few years starting back in 2008 (Rochester Guy) and know how special the camaraderie is that the experience brings about.

I thought I would extend an invitation to the Bills Backers Community as well.

There are shuttles to Redd’s (free and officially sponsored by them) from the parking lot at MetLife directly to the venue.

http://www.reddsrestaurant.com

The deals are:
$20 for Unlimited Beer and Wine
$30 for Unlimited Beer, Wine and Liquor”

Victory Party at McFadden’s Friday Night
A huge group of out of town fans asked, and McFadden’s delivered. There will be a party at McFadden’s Friday night. The special is open bar from 10pm-1am for $30 and includes well mixed drinks, domestic draft beer (labatt included), and wine.

Red in NYC
In anticipation of Thursday’s red color rush unis, The Buffalo Bills want us to share our pictures with them all this week of you in something red taken at popular NYC landmarks. Lets not let them down! Send pictures with the subject line “Red in NYC” to Anna at Anna.Stolzenburg@bills.nfl.net

Sabres Fans
Where are you watching games nowadays? I’d like to share that info with others who might be interested as well.

UB / Sabres Event
Speaking of Sabres, UB is putting together another event:
Sabres/Islanders game on 1/1. Tickets are $45 and include a pre-game event at Buffalo Wild Wings.
http://www.ub-connect.com/s/1703/alumni/index.aspx?sid=1703&gid=2&pgid=675&content_id=413

Phew, I’m out of breath from all this typing and copying and pasting.

GO BILLS!

  • Matt Soreco

Bills vs. Jaguars 9:30 AM

Hello all,

Yes, McFadden’s and Calico Jacks will be showing the Jaguars game. They’ve had the AV stuff worked out well in advance in preparation for this Sunday’s game (which will be available via streaming through Yahoo). Game time is 9:30 am.

McFadden’s will be taking reservations starting at 8am. Yes 8am! Call 212-986-1515. _**Table must arrive by 8:30AM (entire party must be present).**_

They are also going to do kegs and eggs (with bacon) for first half of the game. Wings after until the end of of game.

For reservations for Calico’s, call 212-557-4300. Same times as above.

Lets hope for a bounce back against the 1-5 Jags and for the walking wounded heal up quick.

Go Bills!

Bills vs. Titans

Hello all,

Lets hope the Bills bounce back this week. They take on the Titans in Tennessee this Sunday at 1pm. The Bills are banged up quite a bit. Hopefully they play disciplined and don’t beat themselves again.

Speaking of discipline and penalties, Phil Mann shares his thoughts in This Week from NYCBBB.

London
A lot have asked… But I haven’t gotten to much info about the London game other than a link to the UK Bills Mafia and what they have planned.

Unofficial Buffalo Theme Song
I had a few people send me this on twitter, email, etc. Check it out. McFadden’s / NYCBBB gets a shout out towards the end. Yeah!

Doritos Commercial
The Bills Superfans make an appearance in this user submitted Doritos commercial, which will have voting at some point. It looks like it’s the #1 viewed so far.

Go Bills!

-Matt Soreco

Bills vs. Giants, Jets Parking Passes

Hello all,

Testing 1,2,3. We’re sending this from a new e-mail system. It seems we’ve outgrown the one we’ve used from almost the very beginning.

The Bills play the Giants this Sunday at 1. We’re a little banged up on offense. Lets hope the defense is as relentless as they have been.

The Jets let me know that parking passes are now available for the game at MetLife. Use the same link and code as the tickets. All the info you need is here: https://www.nycbbb.com/notes/bills-jets-tailgate-info-2/
That’s it for now. Hope this hurricane stays away!

– Matt Soreco

PUNT Foundation Raffle

Hello all,

Remember, game time is 4:25 this week.

Our great friends at the PUNT Foundation will be on hand this Sunday with some signed jerseys to raffle off to benefit their charity.

A truly great organization, the mission of the PUNT Foundation is to provide children affected by cancer and their families with the opportunities and support to enjoy the life for which they fight so hard. The Foundation provides assistance, valuable family-centered programs and events designed to enrich their lives, provide them with support and create memorable experiences. 

Please say hi, enter the raffle, and support them any way you can.

http://www.puntfoundation.org/

In case you missed our last e-mail, there is another way to support the PUNT Foundation this week:

Guess for Good!
Longtime member Joel Peterson launched a new venture that brings fun to fundraising. As his site puts it “Experience the fun of playing a game, the hope of winning a prize, and the gratification of helping a good cause.” This week’s challenge will benefit our good friends at Brian Moorman’s PUNT Foundation. To learn more about the game, PUNT Foundation, and to PLAY the game, visit:
https://guessforgood.com/game/offensive-yards-for-punt/

  • Matt Soreco

Squish the Fish & Guess for Good

Hello all,

This week’s game is at 4:25. I’ve been meaning for YEARS to write up some of my favorite NYCBBB moments over the last 13 years. One funny one has to be some guy running into McFadden’s at 1, looking around with a panicked look on his face, and asking me anxiously if it was still a Bills bar. “YES! But the game’s at 4 today.” PHEW.

So I’m getting out an early week e-mail as McFadden’s let me know:
“For this sun 4:25 game, McFadden’s will be taking reservations for 3pm. Max per party 6 people. Entire table must be onsite by 3:25 or table goes to waiting list. Reservation can be made starting Tuesday 9/22 at 12 noon.” Call 212-986-1515.

Remember, as far as the specials go:

  • All specials are from one (1) hour before the game until the end of the game.

More about the specials:
https://www.nycbbb.com/features/drink-specials-times/

Guess for Good!
Longtime member Joel Peterson launched a new venture that brings fun to fundraising. As his site puts it “Experience the fun of playing a game, the hope of winning a prize, and the gratification of helping a good cause.” This week’s challenge will benefit our good friends at Brian Moorman’s PUNT Foundation. To learn more about the game, PUNT Foundation, and to PLAY the game, visit: https://guessforgood.com/game/offensive-yards-for-punt/

Time to squish the fish!

  • Matt Soreco