‘This was a game that I thought they would lose and you know that if you follow me on twitter or saw my preview article. I didn’t think they matched up well. It looked like I was right after the first series but this isn’t the same old Bills. They hunkered down and took control of the game. This team isn’t the most talented team in the league that is for sure but they are a complete team and they have bought in to the process. That is saying a lot as they are now 5-2 for the first time since 2011 and it is their first 4-0 start in Buffalo for the first time since 1995.’
Archives for October 2017
Week 8: Four Takeaways Powers Defense To Victory
‘Tyrod Taylor had good presence most of the game. Used his feet to find time to hit Andre Holmes for a 2nd quarter touchdown. He overthrew Nick O’Leary in the end zone in the third quarter. Designed run plays weren’t working as the Raiders were sniffing them out well. Used his feet to buy time to find Brandon Tate for a big gainer on the big third quarter drive. He went over the top for a big fourth down touchdown. Grade A: Showing solid pocket presence and becoming a winner.
Bills use takeaways to up end Raiders
‘Buffalo’s defense and special teams posted four takeaways on the day. Matt Milanoreturned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown at the end of the first half. Come the second half Buffalo got a fumble recovery from Mike Tolbert on a Raiders punt return and an interception by Micah Hyde on the next Raiders possession helped the Bills post a pair of field goals to boost their lead to 20-7.’
Top 3 things we learned from Bills-Raiders
‘“It just goes back to the way we practice,” said Milano of the turnover string. “Coach (Leslie) Frazier and all of our coaches do a great job of really putting us in positions and emphasizing that throughout the week.”’
What they’re saying: Bills share credit in fourth consecutive home win
‘I can say that. I’ve been around some super talented group of guys, so I won’t say that as far as one of the most talented teams. But as one of the most strong-hearted, fight until the end, I think so.’
Poyer out for Bills; Elston expected to start at safety
‘Set to fill Poyer’s role is first-year player Trae Elston. Today will be the first start of his NFL career. Known as a hard-hitting safety, Elston will undoubtedly be tested by Raiders TE Jared Cook, who runs well and is the team’s third-leading receiver behind Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.’
Bills Today: Cookie Gilchrist joining the Bills Wall of Fame
‘“When Cookie walked on the field, that place lit up,” Maguire said. “This guy was six-foot, three and a half [inches], 235-pounds and can run like hell and wasn’t afraid of anything.”’
Commentary: Bills get some cap relief trading troubled Dareus
‘The surprise isn’t that he’s gone … but rather that a trading partner emerged saving the Bills millions of dollars and ridding themselves of a player who doesn’t know or care about a team concept.’
How did Bills miss on Khalil Mack?
‘Buffalo took Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins. Oakland drafted Mack fifth.’
Jerry Sullivan: Bills’ purge of top picks continues
‘Throw in the 2015 first-rounder that Doug Whaley gifted the Browns to overdraft Watkins and Buffalo has nothing to show for its first-round pick in five consecutive drafts. Add Ronald Darby (second round in ’15), and they no longer have the first man they drafted from 2011 to 2015.’
Jay Skurski’s Bills-Raiders Scouting Report: Oakland’s high-powered passing attack woke up last week
‘Raiders 30, Bills 23.’
Mark Gaughan’s Matchup Watch: Raiders at Bills
‘It will not just be the Bills’ right tackle against the Raiders’ superstar edge rusher. The Bills often will have a running back or a tight end on Mack’s side of the field. Mack rushes off right tackle 75 percent of the time and off left tackle 25 percent. One of the few times Mack was one-on-one with Mills in last season’s game, Mack hit Tyrod Taylor and forced an interception. He also had a sack and forced fumble on Taylor after beating a double-team of Mills and Mike Gillislee. Mack has 4.5 sacks, six QB hits and 20 hurries this season, according to Pro Football Focus.’
Mark Gaughan’s Play to Watch: Double-teaming Khalil Mack
‘In a game against Carolina last November, the Panthers used slot receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) to shove Mack, then had the tackle and running back double-team him. Raiders edge rusher Bruce Irvin (51) gets a lot of one-on-one matchups, as a result. On this play, Mack didn’t get to Cam Newton (1). But Irvin sacked him for a 6-yard loss.’
Mark Gaughan’s Big-Play Breakdown: Amari Cooper go-route
‘San Diego had to stay in its base defense because of the extra tackle and a fullback on the field. Pre-snap motion signaled to QB Derek Carr (4) it was man coverage, with a single safety high. That’s a green light to go to Cooper.’
Why Bills have NFL’s fewest points in first quarter
‘”We looked at some things in the bye week,” McDermott said. “One of the parts that I loved in the game was when we got our hands on the ball in the first quarter we came away with points, a field goal this past weekend. Then after half we were able to score out of the locker room the first series of the second half. I thought that was a positive step.”‘