‘“Yeah, I mean it’s our operations staff. They do a really good job of keeping up in front of things and helping me with that,” said McDermott about the plan for Saturday. “Our sports science department feeds into that as well in terms of what they bring to the table and we try and make sure we do things right, not just on the field but obviously with the schedule for the players.”’
Archives for December 21, 2019
Can Bills finally flip the script vs. New England?
‘Still, the Bills are virtually locked into the AFC’s fifth seed (top wild-card spot) and figure to play at either Houston (most likely) or Tennessee when the playoffs open. Meanwhile, the Pats have extra inspiration as a loss in either of their last two games could knock them from one of the conference’s two first-round playoff byes.’
Bills can clinch still clinch division, first-round bye
‘If Buffalo loses at New England on Saturday, the Bills’ Week 17 game against the New York Jets would be, for all intents, meaningless.’
Why Week 4 loss to Patriots was a turning point in Josh Allen’s season
‘“He didn’t know what we were doing,” Van Noy said after the Patriots left New Era Field with a 16-10 win. “He looked shook back there.”’
Eliminating big blunders could be enough for Bills to beat Patriots this time
‘Take away the gaffes, and the Bills likely come away with a victory. As much as the Patriots might not look like their daunting selves offensively, they still have a defense capable of keeping every game close and competitive and they still know how to avoid costly screwups.’
Devin Singletary’s presence will throw a new wrinkle at Patriots
‘Patriots 20, Bills 17.’
Bills Mailbag: How should Bills approach final two games?
‘They try to win the game Saturday. If successful, they try to win the game in Week 17. As long as the AFC East title is still in play, the Bills should – and will – do everything in their power to win it. Keep in mind that a win over New England also keeps open the possibility of a first-round bye. That would require the Bills winning in Week 17, the Patriots losing and the Chiefs dropping one of their final two games. That’s a big incentive. Now, if Buffalo loses to the Patriots, they should absolutely rest their key starters in Week 17. That’s a no-brainer with nothing to play for.’
A refocused Josh Allen vows not to let Patriots knock him out twice
‘“Some ugly mistakes that I made early on, a couple throws that obviously I wish I had back but again I wouldn’t take it back for anything, because I learned some valuable lessons in that one,’’ Allen said. “It’s kind of helped me throughout the season just being smarter with the football and taking care of the football and helping this football team win games.’’’
Isn’t it about time the Bills finally win a meaningful game against the Patriots?
‘Patriots 19, Bills 13.’
Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots 2019: Preview, odds, prediction for Week 16
‘Bills win, 21-17.’
Pats will need to expect the unexpected with Bills’ defense
‘“You just don’t know what you’re going to get schematically and they do a very good job of disguising what they do so they look the same, but they’re not the same,” Pats head coach Bill Belichick explained. “They combine that with some defensive line movement and obviously some very good players. That’s why they’re good — well coached, good players. They’re sound; they don’t give up big plays. It’s hard to string a lot of big plays together against that defense. You might move the ball a little bit, but if you have to put together a 10- to 12-play drive, usually they can make plays along the way before you can finish the drive and they’re out of it.”’
Patriots defense will have hands full with Bills’ backs
‘On Saturday, the Bills will be even harder to stop than the first time these two teams played. The reason is Singletary. The rookie wasn’t active in Week 4 because of a hamstring injury. He’s played four fewer games than Gore, who has amassed 573 rushing yards, but still leads the Bills in rushing with 729 yards.’
No bogus Bills this time around for Patriots
‘“They’ve virtually had no injuries,” Belichick said. “I mean, it’s the exact same, it’s really the same players. I mean (defensive tackle Ed) Oliver’s obviously has gained experience and he’s a good player. But it’s really pretty much the same group. They’ve been very healthy, have missed very little time. Their rotations are pretty solid and consistent because they’ve had all those guys available.”’
Saturday’s New England Coverage
Julian Edelman questionable, but expected to play vs. Buffalo (Boston Globe)
Bill Belichick’s best moments and stories from the NFL 100 All-Time Team reveal (Boston Globe)
Little brother Bills are growing up, but the big brother Patriots still know how to take them down (Boston Globe)
Patriots Julian Edelman, Stephon Gilmore relish head-to-head matchups in practice (Boston Herald)
Patriots have ‘hat and t-shirt’ game with Bills, and so much more (Boston Herald)
Patriots vs. Bills: Five things to watch (Boston Herald)
Julian Edelman injury: Patriots receiver expected to play Saturday vs. Buffalo Bills (Springfield Republican)
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills preview: Predictions, point spread, game plans, matchups and more (Springfield Republican)
Patriots-Bills live stream, TV channel, start time (Week 16 Saturday game) (Springfield Republican)
Aaron Hernandez documentary coming to Netflix on Jan. 15: Watch the initial teaser trailer (Springfield Republican)
Pats will need to expect the unexpected with Bills’ defense (Providence Journal)
Patriots defense will have hands full with Bills’ backs (Providence Journal)
No bogus Bills this time around for Patriots (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)
Patriots notebook: Defense, special teams finding the end zone is big statistical difference (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)
Tom Brady gives Joe Mixon signed jersey after RB tweeted he was ‘too scared’ to ask for it after game (CBS Sports)
Patriots Vs. Bills Preview: What To Watch For In AFC East Rematch (NESN)
Max Kellerman Offers Rather Conflicted Take On Patriots’ Game Vs. Bills (NESN)
Netlfix Releases Scary Trailer For Aaron Hernandez Documentary Series (NESN)
Why Nick Wright Believes Picking Patriots Over Bills Is ‘Foolish’ Move (NESN)
NFL Rumors: Is There Optimism For Patriots Regarding Julian Edelman’s Injury? (NESN)
Patriots Mailbag: What’s The Biggest Cause For Tom Brady’s Struggles? (NESN)
Patriots’ Joejuan Williams Prepared To Step Up Vs. Bills With Cornerbacks Ailing (NESN)
Jarrett Stidham impressing Patriots teammates with ‘damn…’ throws in practice (NBC Sports Boston)
Point/Counterpoint: Which Bills offensive player would make the biggest difference on the Patriots? (NBC Sports Boston)
Randy Moss and Bill Belichick reminisce about legendary WR’s Patriots tenure (NBC Sports Boston)
Joe Mixon shows off Tom Brady jersey, gushes over ‘best Christmas gift ever’ (NBC Sports Boston)
Julian Edelman reportedly less banged up than last week, expected to play vs. Bills (WEEI-FM)
Patriots 6-pack Preview: Bills bring late-season playoff feel (WEEI-FM)
Julian Edelman Reportedly ‘Less Banged Up’ Than Last Week, Expected To Play Vs. Bills (WBZ-TV)
Patriots-Bills Week 16 News, Notes & Fun Facts (WBZ-TV)
What To Watch For When Patriots Host Bills In Week 16 (WBZ-TV)
Patriots-Bills Week 16 Predictions (WBZ-TV)
Tom Brady Keeps His Promise, Sends Signed Jersey To Joe Mixon (WBZ-TV)
Rapoport has an encouraging update on Julian Edelman’s injury status (WBZ-FM)
Week 16: Patriots – Bills Injury Report (Patriots.com)
Game Predictions: Expert picks for Patriots vs. Bills (Patriots.com)
Patriots vs. Bills broadcast: How to watch & listen (Patriots.com)
Buffalo’s Duke Williams keeps ‘positive attitude’ despite lack of playing time
‘”I’m not trying to bring any negative energy into the room because I’m not playing, so I always keep a positive attitude about things. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but I know it’s the right thing to do, so I just continue to grind, and whenever they need me, that’s when I need to step up.”‘