Bills/ Bengals [cancelled - process in OP]

[cmh6476]

In case anyone needs it spelled out, we would play at a neutral site if the AFCCG ends up being Chiefs vs. Bills. All other scenarios abide by the usual rules (so any other game the Chiefs play will be at home).

Old posts:

Spoiler!

The NFL will consider a neutral site for the AFC Championship Game. Full details: pic.twitter.com/oi3fItUWIj

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 6, 2023

Breaking News: Of course the game is secondary to #DamarHamlin’s health, but #Bills insider @viccarucci just reported on @wgrz Daybreak that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will make the call on rescheduling the Bills/Bengals game and it would have to be played within 2 days.

— Melissa Holmes (@2MelissaHolmes) January 3, 2023

There is another option according to @viccarucci - the league can add a 19th week so the Bills/Bengals can get in all their games. @wgrz https://t.co/1X1hCHVN8c

— Melissa Holmes (@2MelissaHolmes) January 3, 2023

I assume we'll hear something soon

After speaking with both teams and NFLPA leadership, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed the clubs today that the Bills-Bengals game will not be resumed this week.

The NFL has made no decision regarding the possible resumption of the game at a later date.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 3, 2023

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by smithandrew051

If the game (understandably) can’t be played today or tomorrow, then the only option that makes sense to me is to cancel it and not award a victory to either. Win percentage determines seeding, followed by head to head.

It isn’t fair to the Bengals and Bills, but I don’t see an option that would be fair to them and the rest of the league.

I know it sounds callous, but it’s probably best to keep the unfair things limited to as few of teams as possible.

Exactly.

The problem is that it will appear to be rather cruel to the Bills. They fall out of first place, lose a player, and still have to play a tough divisional game next week.

The Bengals lock up the division under this scenario correct, so maybe the Ravens are butt hurt, but hey there team is a mess anyway.

[smithandrew051]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

The 2 teams involved are the only 2 teams it should affect. It is what it is.

Yeah I agree.

It sounds cold and all, but that’s the only way.

[Abba-Dabba]

However the schedule plays out, neither the Bills nor the Bengals should be expected to play again until the appropriate medical professionals believe that the men who were directly affected by last night’s events are able to do so.

Wonder how many employers would allow their employees to take an indefinite amount of time off if one of the coworkers goes down with a heart attack? Try it next time Chuck from IT or Larry from Grounds goes down. See how many days you get.

Not to be insensitive or anything. But aren't these guys football players? Don't they portray themselves as gladiators and warriors? Know what a gladiator and warrior does when the guy next to them goes down? Keeps going.

This isn't even the first time this has happened on the field of play. Some how Hank Gathers dying on the court and what happened after is somehow forgotten. There is no time to reschedule. Extending the whole league a week is a nonstarter. Bills should either accept they need get back on the field by tomorrow or accept the forfeit.

[RaidersOftheCellar]

Apparently the Bills already flew back to Buffalo. I'm guessing it won't be resumed tonight.

They need to figure out a way to complete this game soon. What happened is really unfortunate, but if the exact same thing had happened to him a few days before the game, would anyone be talking about cancelling the game permanently? I highly doubt it.

[Red Dawg]

America is so weak.

[luv]

Originally Posted by dirk digler

National championship game is Monday night though.

Tough decision but I think they need to play it tomorrow or the Bills take the L.

I'm sure the games could be aired on networks not airing the National Championship.

[smithandrew051]

Originally Posted by Hoover

Exactly.

The problem is that it will appear to be rather cruel to the Bills. They fall out of first place, lose a player, and still have to play a tough divisional game next week.

The Bengals lock up the division under this scenario correct, so maybe the Ravens are butt hurt, but hey there team is a mess anyway.

It sucks. The whole situation is shit. No way around it.

But this game just isn’t fair sometimes. Seasons get wrecked in week 1 when franchise QBs go down with season ending injuries. Careers get ruined due to freak accidents. It’s not ****ing fair, but every team faces the same or similar risk every week.

[RaidersOftheCellar]

Originally Posted by RubberSponge

Wonder how many employers would allow their employees to take an indefinite amount of time off if one of the coworkers goes down with a heart attack? Try it next time Chuck from IT or Larry from Grounds goes down. See how many days you get.

Not to be insensitive or anything. But aren't these guys football players? Don't they portray themselves as gladiators and warriors? Know what a gladiator and warrior does when the guy next to them goes down? Keeps going.

This isn't even the first time this has happened on the field of play. Some how Hank Gathers dying on the court and what happened after is somehow forgotten. There is no time to reschedule. Extending the whole league a week is a nonstarter. Bills should either accept they need get back on the field by tomorrow or accept the forfeit.

Yep. I'd say leave it up to the Bills. If they're not up for it within the next few days, they need to forfeit.

[Shiver Me Timbers]

Originally Posted by Dartgod

I can have compassion and empathy for the guy in the hospital and still be pissed if they push the entire NFL schedule back one week. I have plane and game tickets in Vegas this weekend and will not be happy if that game is rescheduled.

Right with you Dart. I have already changed my schedule once, due to not realizing the game would be on Saturday. Bought tickets that said Sunday Game. Tickets then came TBA. Meeting friends who fly to Europe the following week.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by smithandrew051

It sucks. The whole situation is shit. No way around it.

But this game just isn’t fair sometimes.

This is going to go down with the Music City Miracle and Wide Right in Bills lore.

[boilertiger]

They could just play week 18 out as normal and only resume the Bengals Bills game if needed the following week (pushing back the playoffs). If this happens, its highly likely the game is a dead rubber for Bengals and they will just sit all their starters.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by RubberSponge

Wonder how many employers would allow their employees to take an indefinite amount of time off if one of the coworkers goes down with a heart attack? Try it next time Chuck from IT or Larry from Grounds goes down. See how many days you get.

Not to be insensitive or anything. But aren't these guys football players? Don't they portray themselves as gladiators and warriors? Know what a gladiator and warrior does when the guy next to them goes down? Keeps going.

This isn't even the first time this has happened on the field of play. Some how Hank Gathers dying on the court and what happened after is somehow forgotten. There is no time to reschedule. Extending the whole league a week is a nonstarter. Bills should either accept they need get back on the field by tomorrow or accept the forfeit.

I don't want to here these guys compare themselves to soldiers, warriors, or sports being similar to going to war ever again.

I get last night was traumatic, hell I wasn't in the mood to watch football let alone play it afterwards but its time to man up and stop playing victim. This is life, it was an unfortunate accident and the guy is still alive.

[Ming the Merciless]

Originally Posted by CupidStunt

To me playing tomorrow, and their next games next Monday, seems quite logical.

I 1000000% support not playing yesterday, but what is the argument against tomorrow? Obviously we all hope for Hamlin's recovery, but none of the players or coaches can change that. He'll have his family and a ton of other support there. I'm just not sure what good it does the team sitting at home. And it seems like after the initial shock wears off, of course it's still a tragedy, but life has to go on... especially if we get the best news possible that he's recovering.

1000% this. if they cant / dont want to play it, then they should just concede the L and move on.

[CupidStunt]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

The 2 teams involved are the only 2 teams it should affect. It is what it is.

Cancelling it effects more teams than just them. If they use win percentage, the Ravens could beat Cincy next week and still not get the division. They need Cincy to play this game and lose.

I understand your point, but that's the whole thing. There's no solution that doesn't effect more than just these 2 teams. That's why I'm quite certain they'll play it. The logistics aren't even that hard. It's just handling the PR and making it a fair and reasonable situation for the players to have to play.

[Abba-Dabba]

Originally Posted by RaidersOftheCellar

Yep. I'd say leave it up to the Bills. If they're not up for it within the next few days, they need to forfeit.

Absolutely. The show must go on. Just the way it is.