Hello all 2,200 NYC Bills Fans!

Finally, Squish the Fish time is finally upon us, it’s been just too long as we finally return to the location of the playoff drought’s end. As always this time of year, we know you need an excuse to head into the city to check out the holiday stuff, so lumping it in with a Bills game on 42nd and 2nd on Sundays is always a great excuse to do it.

The 2-wins-in-a-row Buffalo Bills take on the Phins this Sunday at 1pm. You know the place and specials, we’ll see you there.

As a side note, we became friends with former Buffalo Bills long snapper Garrison Sanborn and his wife Tara, who played for our teams for years. He’s now with the Bucs, and chose to honor my daughter Sally who passed away in September with his My Cause My Cleats. He and his wife Tara designed cleats for Sally that he will wear during this Sunday’s game against the Panthers, which I’ll have to figure out a way to switch back and forth to.

You can see and bid on the cleats here: https://nflauction.nfl.com/iSynApp/auctionDisplay.action?auctionId=2526699

And there’s a wonderful article about them in The Athletic if you have a subscription:
https://theathletic.com/685150/?redirected=1

GO Bills!

Matt “Talkin’ proud and excited my girl gets to play in an NFL game this Sunday” Kabel

Hello all 2,200 NYC Bills Fans,

My TV/Internet went down just before the game last week and wasn’t able to get to a bar, so was only able to follow along on Twitter. I guess it was a blessing in disguise. There was actually a good article in the BN that laid out the case that Peterman had a decent game despite everything and did what was asked of him. He certainly can’t win games on his own, so others need to step up and aren’t doing it. Hopefully Allen can return this weekend and provide a much-needed spark to the team.

You can catch the Bills/Jets game at McFadden’s & Calico’s as always starting at 1pm. For those going to the game, you can check out the tailgating info here, including change in location (https://www.nycbbb.com/notes/bills-jets-tailgate-info-2/). One thing I want to call out is for us Bills fans to be respectful. Please clean up after yourselves as you head into the stadium. Last year it was a disaster and also had some idiot jump through a table and crack open his head. We’ve been doing this tailgate for years, let’s not ruin it for future games in NJ. Also, both teams are rebuilding and neither team’s fans are in a place to talk down the other team. Unless you’re calling out that the Jets play in NJ. That’s OK.

Also, this Sunday is Kenny Johnson’s 400th straight game (both home & away)! Most will know him from the Pinto tailgate he does in Orchard Park, he’s an awesome guy who deserves to be celebrated. In fact, we’ll be celebrating him this Saturday night at McFadden’s. From 7-10pm there will be a bracelet special that gets you $5 drafts and well drinks. Kenny and many of the other Super Fans will be there to raise one (hundred) drinks to Kenny’s milestone, hopefully you can join them. I know there’s some things planned for Sunday at the tailgate as well.

Let’s Go Buffalo!

Congrats Kenny!

Matt “talkin’ proud and am so excited for Kenny’s 400th” Kabel

Hello all 2,200+ NYC Bills fans,

The Bills host the Pats tomorrow night in Buffalo. This has been a very up and down season, hopefully the defense can return to form in front of a home crowd, it’s a bummer that Josh Allen is still out. I watched a great documentary on Brett Favre the other night and his start reminds me of Allen’s, the Bills really need to know by season’s end if he’s going to be the man going forward so hopefully will be back in the lineup soon (here in NJ?). In the meantime if the Bills D can rebound we stand a good chance for an upset as the Pats are likely already looking ahead.

Being a rare Monday night game, we’re going to change things up a bit as, well, it’s a Monday night. There will be no wristbands sold, instead McFadden’s and Calico’s will offer $5 drafts and mixed drinks as well as 50 cent wings from the start to the end of the game. C’mon down to 42nd and 2nd and catch the game with all your fellow Bills fans.

Jets Tailgate
We will send some updates about the Jets game tailgate soon. 1) Ongoing construction is forcing us to move from our long-standing location. 2) Our group ticket pool as been sold out. Again, more info will come very soon…

Let’s go Buffalo!

Matt “Talkin’ proud and hoping for an upset” Kabel

Hello all 2,200+ NYC Bills fans!

As somebody from the Bills org mentioned to me after the game last week – “The defense is starting to look like what we thought it’d be this season, the offense is starting to come around as we hoped”. I’d say that’s a good summary of where we’re at. The defense is starting to gel and show promises of what their potential could be. I liked that they reigned in Josh Allen last week and fed the McCoy meter, give the rock to your best player and let Allen learn he doesn’t need to carry the team on every play like he did in college. Hopefully during the season a balance between those will be struck.

The Bills head down to Houston this weekend to take on the Texans. It’s finally turned to fall here in NYC, so those who have been spending their Sundays squeezing in those last sips of mimosas on 80 degree Sunday afternoons the last few weeks…it’s time to come home and join your NYC Bills Backers as we’re 2-3 and in the thick of things.

Join us at McFadden’s and Calico Jack’s this Sunday at 1pm, my son William and I are planning on being there.

Thank You

I wanted to thank all of you who have reached out to me and my family about the loss of our 6 year old daughter Sally. She was an inspiration to us all. I wore a Bills shirt when she was born, and wore one as she passed away in our arms. She didn’t know what a baseball or hockey puck was, but she knew what a football was and loved to play catch with one. She loved the Buffalo Bills, she would always choose a Bills shirt over any other option we presented, and would yell “Go Buffalo” whenever she saw football on TV.

She was a beautiful child, both inside and out, and Daddy, Mommy, Thomas and William miss her so much. We also know she’s in a better place. William felt strongly we’d win last week because Sally would bring us luck, and sure enough, she did. Thank you Sally.

There will be an article on Sally in this Sunday’s Buffalo News, we gave an emotional interview at the game last week where we were guests of the team and the PUNT fund, so be on the lookout.

Love to you all, thank you for the support, Go Bills! #GoBills #BeLikeSally

Matt “Talkin Proud and Missing His Littlest Bills Fan” Kabel

Hello all 2,200 NYC Bills Fans!

As I mentioned last week, anybody who thought we were going to be a solid playoff caliber team is kidding themselves. The franchise had itself a badly needed enema a year ago, and I personally think the McBeane duo has a total of 4 seasons to get this right (including last season). It’s going to take time to build a perennial playoff caliber team through several drafts and some key free agents. It’s going to be a wild ride getting there, and us fans need to be a bit patient (and yes I know we’ve been patient for a long time). I don’t fault McDermott’s decision to start Peterman either, it took a bit of pressure off our new starting QB, Josh Allen (and gave him a touch of an ego check). Be patient Bills fans, Allen is going to have a lot of ups and downs this season, just enjoy the ride.

C’mon down to 42nd and 2nd tomorrow to catch the start of that ride along with your fellow NYC Bills Backers as they take on the San D….Los Angeles Chargers at 1pm. Lots of fans always head up to the motherland for the home opener, so you have a slightly better chance at getting a good spot in the bars. I’m sure everybody wants to watch Allen’s first game with some other Mafia.

See you tomorrow!

McFadden’s/Calico’s Feedback
We always welcome feedback on how things are watching the games at the bar, so please hit us up. Also, if you aren’t already doing so please follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Long Island Fans
We received an email from a fan out in Long Island that some Bills Mafia meet at MoMos in Bayport if you want to check out:
Momos Sports Bar & Grill
667 Montauk Hwy
Bayport, NY 11705

GO BILLS!

GO JOSH ALLEN!!!!

Matt “talkin’ proud and hope the kid is the answer” Kabel

Hello all 2,200+ NYC Bills fans!

And away we go, the 2018 Buffalo Bills season kicks off this Sunday as our Bills head to Baltimore for a 1pm showdown. Just like last season my expectations are tempered. We fell into the playoffs last year and this year is another season of building the long-term foundation. Next year we have a boatload of cap space and a ton of draft picks, so enjoy the ride and Trust the Process. Remember, Russ Brandon ran the franchise into the ground over the previous decade and that takes time to undo, but I have full confidence that McBeane is righting the ship in the right way.

That said, a couple announcements:

1. We’re excited to re-announce that Ruben Brown and Donald Jones will be returning to McFadden’s each week to record their Buffalo Soldiers podcast. They’ll be at the bar this Sunday, so please give them a warm welcome!
2. McFadden’s seating is first come first serve, and the line starts EARLY. Like 9am might not be early enough. Calico’s will continue their reservation policy.
3. Specials will remain the same as last year (https://www.nycbbb.com/features/drink-specials-times/), but with some additions including all new Beer Towers! Please note, everybody at your table must have a wristband in order to enjoy this Pete Metzelaars-sized goodness. We may adjust the policy this season as we determine the best way to facilitate.
4. PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO TIP YOUR WAIT STAFF
5. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook
6. Finally, remember that we’re all one Bills family and to respect each other, the bars and their staff. Let’s have fun this season.

Let’s do this thing. Here we go Buffalo!

Matt “talkin’ proud and fired up to have Ruben and Donald join the NYCBBB family” Kabel

Hello all 2,000+ NYC Bills/Sabres Fans!

Happy Dahlin Day! Tonight is the NHL Draft and the Sabres will officially select generational talent Rasmus Dahlin with the first overall pick. There’s also rumors the Sabres could trade up in the top of the draft, even as high as #3 overall.

Come join other Sabres at McFadden’s tonight to catch the action. Here’s the info again:
https://www.nycbbb.com/2018-emails/buffalo-sabres-1-pick-draft-party-mcfaddens/

Let’s go Buffalo!

Matt “Talkin’ proud and we need a goalie too” Kabel

Hello all 2,000+ NYC Bills (and Sabres) fans!

On the same weekend where our Buffalo Bills secured what is hopefully our QB of the future (and a stud linebacker for years to come, and Kyle Williams replacement), the Sabres won the #1 OVERALL PICK in the NHL Draft Lottery! They are expected to use the pick to select phenom Rasmus Dahlin, an insanely great defenseman from Sweden. (and if they don’t, I fear Buffalo will burn to the ground)

It’s said he’s a generational talent with elite potential. Here’s nice little writeup/video on him:

https://www.umgasmagazine.com/

With the excitement around this pick, we’ve been asked by Sabres fans in the area to throw a draft party similar to what we do with the NFL so folks can get together and celebrate it.

You’re damn right we will, so here we go….

On Friday, June 22nd the NHL Draft kicks off at 7pm. From 2PM-5PM for those with Summer Fridays or who just want to get an early start, McFadden’s will be offering $5 drafts, ½ priced specialty cocktails, and $5 glasses of Rose. (I’d pay to see some dude in a Rob Ray jersey drinking Rose)

From 5PM to 9PM, the Dahlin Special kicks in with $4 Labatt Blue drafts, $15 Blue pitchers, and 50 cent wings (orders of 10/20).

Come on down to McFadden’s and watch us select the best defenseman seen in years, all are welcome!  

Swede, Swede, Swede!!!

Did you hear Anchor Bar opened in Manhattan:

https://nyc.anchorbar.com/store/anchor-bar-new-york

Oh…and RUSS BRANDON GOT FIRED, what a great offseason indeed!!!!!

Matt “talkin’ proud and fired up about the direction our teams are heading in!” Kabel

Hello all 2,200 NYC Bills Fans!

It’s finally here, in just hours we’ll find out if Buffalo has their quarterback of the future! If you’re on Twitter you can see the explosion of opinions about what Buffalo should do, who they should take.

Me? For the first time over 15 years I have faith in the Buffalo Bills GM/HC duo that they’re going to do what’s best for the team to win. Not reach (JP Losman), not make a marketable pick (EJ Manuel), not make an arrogant pick (Roscoe Parrish) or an unneeded pick (Willis MaGahee).

If they draft a QB, it’ll be one they view as the franchise guy. If they don’t, they didn’t feel comfortable with what was left or couldn’t pull off the trade needed. If they use picks 12/22 to enhance the team without a QB, I’ll take that as a win as they know they need a QB, but aren’t going to reach to do it. Whoever they pick, I’ll be behind 100%.

That said, there’s no better place to see what the Bills do than McFadden’s tonight! Seriously, I mean:

1) We’ve got drink specials kicking off at 8pm: at nycbbb.com

2) We’ve got Bills great Ruben Brown and Donald Jones recording a live podcast at the bar with special guest, Ted Washington! You can read more about that here: at BuffaloNews.com

3) Oh, and our club was featured in the Buffalo News today too!
at BuffaloNews.com

Sounds like Ruben, Donald and Ted will be starting their podcast around 7pm, so we recommend getting there early as we’re sure it’s gonna be a heck of a crowd to see what McBeane does.

We’ll see ya tonight!

Matt “Talkin’ proud and fired up to head to McFadden’s tonight!” Kabel

Hello all 2,200+ NYC Bills fans!

The annual NYCBBB Draft Party is just a few weeks away, and as always, it’s also a celebration of the founding of our NYC Bills Backers when Matt & I first gathered with a small contingent at a small bar called Bar Coastal for our inaugural event. We drafted Mike Williams that year, let’s hope this year is more successful.

That said, McBeane has been slowly acquiring picks and moving up the draft board. It was reported yesterday that Beane is “trying like hell” to trade up to #2 with the Giants but will likely require another trade up closer before that can happen. Stay tuned. All I can say is the Jets overpaying to trade up to #3 really screwed us. So, let’s screw ‘em back.

That is IF (key word, IF) McBeane feels “their guy” is up there. With the moves they’ve been making, it feels like he is. It makes me think back to the 2004 draft where Tom Donahoe failed to make a trade to move up and select Ben Roethlisberger (“their guy”) and instead overpaid to move up for a player they settled with (JP Losman). This is the year, they have the capital, they have the need and are in striking distance. They may not get this chance again for awhile. Make it happen. Don’t settle.

We also have some exciting news to share – Bills great Ruben Brown has agreed to host all his podcasts this season at McFadden’s! Starting with the NFL Draft, Reuben and Donald Jones will host Ted Washington at McFadden’s for a LIVE podcast on the 26th recording in the back room. They will record their weekly podcasts in the bar on Mondays following games. More details to come!

We’ll see you on April 26th at McFadden’s for the draft, our first time as a playoff team!

NFL Draft Specials at McFadden’s

On Thursday (26 th ) and Friday (27 th ) the following will be offered from 8-11pm:
– $5 beers, cocktails
– 50 cent wings with orders of 10/20 wings
– For the spirited Bills Mafia – $30 all you can drink (with the same 50 cent wing special)
– Table reservations begin at 8pm

On Saturday the $5 beers/cocktails and 50 cent wings specials will be available during the draft.

LET’S GO BUFFALO!!!

Matt “Talkin’ proud and hoping McBeane pulls the trigger!” Kabel