How important is the Patriots Home-Opener this season?

[WG]

Is this a must-win game, or simply an important one?

[LtBillsFan66]

I think it's a must win. It'll set the tone for the season. Let everyone know up front if we are a serious contender.

[WG]

What are the ramifications if we lose?

[Patrick76777]

I think that all division games are very important. In our division it'll probably take a 4-2 division record to win it. And seeing how it's at home and against the Pats, it's important. But you can't have a must win in week 1. I'd rather start slow and finish strong.

[Patrick76777]

Originally posted by Wys Guy
What are the ramifications if we lose?

it depends on how we lose. If we lose 45-0, it may be panic time.

If we lose 17-14 in OT. No problem. Let's go beat the Jags.

[Valerie]

I think it's a must win. The last time Drew faced the Pats at home it was a disaster. He needs to step up and show them that we mean business this year. I think all first home games of the season are important games, but this one for the Bills is even more important, IMHO.

[LtBillsFan66]

I agree with Pat. If we lose to them like we did last year, we are in trouble. If it comes down to a bad bounce or bad call - then we'll have to "stay tuned."

[Ebenezer]

Must Win.

[imbondz]

of course it's an important game, a MUST win might be stretching it. It's more important for Bledsoe's psyche. he wants to show his old team that he's still a champ and start the season off solid.

[LABillsFan]

I think you have to ask, how many division losses cost the Bills a playoff birth last year and base your answer on that. If they split between the Jets and NE, there in. Tie breakers make all division games must wins, since after head to head it's the division record that comes into play, then conference, common opponent etc.. If you're asking because of standings only, home division games are must wins, if your asking because of the whipping the Bills took from Bledsoes former team last year and the psyhological effect that it may or may not of had, my answer is still the same.

[Earthquake Enyart]

I'm afraid that Belichek has waaaaay too much time to get ready for us and that we'll be horribly out game planned and outcoached.

If we lose a close one, no sweat.

[Halbert]

The only issue is that it is already likely that the season finale (in NE) will have playoff implications. Losing our home opener could turn that from a playoff positioning game into a playoff making game.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Originally posted by Jaded 7
I think it's a must win. The last time Drew faced the Pats at home it was a disaster. He needs to step up and show them that we mean business this year. I think all first home games of the season are important games, but this one for the Bills is even more important, IMHO.

If our coaches plan this right, it won't be a Bledsoe Bowl III. We win run, run, run the ball enough that they will take their attention off Drew, and let him have some legitimate shots to throw them deep.

BB may know Bledsoe, but he doesn't know the rest of our players as well. And don't discount our defense essentially winning the game for us either.

[justasportsfan]

Originally posted by Halbert
The only issue is that it is already likely that the season finale (in NE) will have playoff implications. Losing our home opener could turn that from a playoff positioning game into a playoff making game.

I predict that by this time we would already have the Div. wrapped up w/ 1st rd. bye. Watch for our our reserves to play and AVP throw for for 4 td's and creating a QB controversy (playoffs )Gary to rush for 200 yards

[standingbuffalo43]

it is THE most important game of the year right now...
right now there are NO other games besides the opener...
when it is over the Jaxjags becomes THE most important game of the year...



and so on...


and so on...