Archives for November 26, 2017

‘Taylor ranks 16th in the NFL in yards gained on passes thrown 20 or more yards downfield, according to Pro Football Focus statistics. The Bills are on pace to finish in the bottom 10 in both pass plays of 20-plus yards and 40-plus yards.’

‘He did not practice all week but coach Sean McDermott had termed him as day to day. He was listed as questionable for the game on Friday.’

‘Chiefs 30, Bills 21.’

‘The Bills have not faced many top tight ends this season. Now they get Kelce, arguably just as tough a matchup as the Pats’ Rob Gronkowski. At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, he’s not quite as powerful as Gronk, but he’s faster. Kelce led NFL tight ends last season with 1,125 yards on 85 catches. He’s on pace for 94 catches and 1,181 yards this season. The Chiefs will line him up all over the place, even in the backfield. Kelce also has improved his blocking, which was awful when he entered the league out of Cincinnati. He’s no Gronk as a blocker, but he’s decent.’

‘The Chiefs like to line him up alone on one side of the field with three receivers on the other side. This was a 32-yard post pattern Kelce caught against Washington in Week 4. The Chiefs knew Kelce (87) would be matched on a cornerback because they kept both backs in to block, with only three receivers in the pattern. It didn’t matter. Kelce beat cornerback Kendall Fuller (29) to the deep middle for a 32-yard gain. Kelce will be a tough matchup for Bills safety Micah Hyde on Sunday.’

‘This 15-yard touchdown against Philadelphia in Week 2 is a good example of how Kansas City coach Andy Reid deploys his two game-breaking offensive weapons, tight end Travis Kelce (87) and receiver Tyreek Hill (10).’

‘The Bills’ starting quarterback never shows much emotion to the media, but he still has to be seething about his benching in Week 11. The best way for Taylor to make a point would be to play a big game against the Chiefs. The Bills’ current coaching staff might have made its mind up about Taylor, but there are several other teams who will be in the market for a starter after this season. Taylor will be auditioning for them as much as he is playing for the Bills over the final six games.’

‘“When you talk about providing the resources for our players and our staff – when you do that, there is mind, body and spirit involved,” McDermott said. “There is an element of that that players need, both on and off the field. Len’s been a valuable addition to our staff. … We’re fortunate to have him.”’

‘Among the more prominent offensive linemen who have been injured are tackles Joe Thomas (Cleveland Browns), Jason Peters (Philadelphia Eagles), Taylor Decker (Detroit Lions), Zach Strief (New Orleans Saints), and Joe Staley (San Francisco 49ers); guards Marshal Yanda (Baltimore Ravens) and Mike Iupati (Arizona Cardinals), and center Ryan Kalil (Carolina Panthers).’