‘“I did look forward to it — an opportunity to get more reps,” Murphy said. “I knew there would be an opportunity. I always love being able to piece series together and get some reps. I love Shaq. He’s a great tool for us and a hell of a player, but I knew they’d rest some guys and knew I would have a chance to set some moves up and do some different things. That’s kind of what I did in college, so I always enjoy that opportunity.”’
Archives for December 31, 2019
Shift in atmosphere noticeable as Bills start playoff preparations
‘Sean McDermott sounded like he would have rather read off his four-digit ATM password than the Buffalo Bills’ injury report Monday.’
Duke Williams, T.J. Yeldon show juice, but face roster logjam for playoffs
‘So how could the Bills find a game-day spot for either Williams or Yeldon? The three most little-used, active offensive players are Patrick DiMarco, Senorise Perry and Lee Smith. Perry and DiMarco both are core special teams players. It’s hard to see the Bills sacrificing on punt protection or kick coverage. Smith has played 30% of the offensive snaps. That’s the most likely spot to trim, which would require going with just two active tight ends instead of three on game day.’
Josh Allen among NFL’s most improved talents with Year 2 jump
‘He has had 20 weeks of game plans and the valuable experience that goes with playing against different opponents that have tried different ways to stop him. His growth has been impressive. He has improved his completion percentage from 52.8% to 58.8% and trimmed down on his interceptions from 12 to 9 in 102 more attempts. Allen has thrown 20 touchdowns compared to his 10 from last season. He has become the team leader making better decisions with the football, and is comfortable utilizing his powerful running ability on quarterback sweeps and game-changing quarterback sneaks.’
‘MNF’s’ Tessitore, McFarland to call Bills-Texans game on ESPN and WKBW
‘McFarland was the solo analyst this season after Jason Witten, who also was heavily criticized, left the “MNF” booth to come back and play for the Dallas Cowboys.’
CBS’ Feely has many opinions, but some undoubtedly had Bills fans scratching their heads
‘Feely also seemed to feel the Bills’ confidence might have been shaken because they lost three of their last four games. He didn’t mention two losses were against two of the AFC’s top teams, Baltimore and New England, and the third came Sunday when winning was secondary to staying healthy.’
Dion Dawkins on playoff-bound Bills: ‘We’re not anybody’s little brother’
‘“I’d say the biggest thing is that when you get to the playoffs is not trying to be something you’re not,’’ Morse said of the advice he can give. “You change things, you tighten up, and forget what got you there. You want to be on your P’s and Q’s, but if you change your identity completely, that’s when you get in trouble. The best teams I’ve been on stick to the script, they know what works.’’’
Bills’ Sean McDermott on changing signage in team facility from ‘Playoff Caliber’ to this
‘“To give yourself a chance (to win the Super Bowl), that’s where playoff caliber comes in and that’s a day to day standard,” McDermott said. “A day to day barometer of the standard, and now that we’re in, as of a week or so ago, we changed it to championship caliber. And we know that we respect the challenge that’s in front of us too and that’s what we’re trying to go through as an organization. It’s going to take all of us and we’re going to have a really good week, a focused week here as we move forward.”’
NFL Playoffs: Buffalo Bills CB Levi Wallace day-to-day with ankle sprain (report)
‘Wallace, 24, intercepted Sam Darnold early in the contest, but immediately fell to the ground without making contact with any opposing players. He was helped off the field and eventually carted to the locker room. After Buffalo’s 13-6 loss, Wallace was spotted in the Bills locker room wearing a walking boot. It appeared that Wallace’s injury would keep him from seeing any playing time for Buffalo in the playoffs.’
Buffalo Bills coaches on how to stop Deshaun Watson, 7-sack game in 2018
‘“He’s a playmaker. He generates a lot of plays,” McDermott said. “He’s extremely accurate with the football. He’s a big part of their offense. They’ve got a lot of weapons, him being one of them. I think (Texans coach) Bill (O’Brien) has done a really good job using those weapons and spreading the ball around and using Deshaun. He’s tough to stop. Their offense is tough to stop.”’
NFL coaching rumors: Buffalo Bills OC Brian Daboll to interview for Cleveland Browns HC vacancy
‘Daboll, 44, has some previous history with the Browns. He served as Cleveland’s offensive coordinator from 2009-2010.’
Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans: 5 keys to victory for Bills in AFC Wild Card game
‘Pressure Deshaun Watson. Watson was sacked a league-high 62 times a season ago and, in 2019, he was brought down 44 times. The Bills’ pass rushers need to get to him. He’s an athletic quarterback who can make plays with his arm and legs, so they need to bring him down when possible. In five of the six Texans losses Watson played in, he was sacked at least three times. In three of those games, he was sacked six times. The more sacks, the better.’
Buffalo Bills 2019 Awards: MVP, biggest surprise and more
‘There are a few strong candidates for this award. Jordan Phillips led the Bills with 9.5 sacks. Tremaine Edmunds was the team’s leading tackler. But the one player who spearheaded this top-notch defensive attack was Tre’Davious White. White will finish the regular season tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions. He has 17 passes defensed, a sack, 4.5 tackles for a loss and 58 total tackles (48 solo). He has established himself as one of the elite corners in the NFL. He didn’t give up a touchdown this season.’
Houston can’t escape ‘The Choke’ when it comes to Buffalo
‘If you’re haunted by the memories of the Oilers’ 35-3, third-quarter lead and 41-38 overtime loss and don’t want to relive the details, then stop reading. It may be too painful.’
Solomon: Why Texans fans should have reason to believe this week
‘But the Bills’ offense is pedestrian, at best. They don’t even average 20 points a game. Despite their weak schedule, the Bills scored 30 points only twice this season. Both against the Dolphins, who allowed a league-worst 31 points a game. The Texans’ defense can be had, but it shouldn’t be by this team.’