‘Clearly, the NFL didn’t want to stand in the way of teams from fan-permissive states recouping some of their Covid-19 losses … but it did so at the expense of competitive balance.’
Archives for August 27, 2020
Bills estimated to be valued at $2.15 billion, according to new study
‘Sportico, a new media outlet launched in June, estimates the Bills’ total revenue at $412 million. That includes $296 million in national revenue that is the same for every team and $116 million in locally generated revenue. Forbes estimated the Bills’ local revenue at about $115.2 million a year ago. Local revenue includes a portion of ticket sales and premium seating, along with advertising, corporate sponsorships, naming rights, merchandising and a portion of road-game revenue.’
Bills kicker Scott Norwood’s ‘Wide Right’ jersey from Super Bowl XXV up for auction
‘“It’s kind of one of these strange pieces in that it’s not only historic, and I don’t know if controversial is the right word, but it’s a dark piece of memorabilia for a lot of Bills fans, obviously,” said Chris Nerat, a consignment director at Heritage Auctions. “And for non-Bills fans it’s a historic piece that anyone that’s ever seen highlights or seen the actual game will never forget it. It’s got to rank up there in the top two or three moments in Super Bowl history.”’
Erie County issues stark warning to Bills fans, travelers, gym owners
‘”Until such time as our numbers go down, I doubt we’re going to see fans in the stadium, so we might have fans in the stadium in October, but we’ve got to get our numbers down,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said Wednesday.’
With no preseason games, Bills aim to replicate game day vibe in dress rehearsal practice
‘Meaning, the Bills will be in full uniform, and the practice will contain not only live periods of real football – the kind where players actually hit each other – but the coaching staff will build in several scenarios that one would expect if the Colts were actually standing on the other sideline.’
How Bills pro scouts are using Twitter to look for potential additions to Buffalo’s roster
‘“One of the things that we’re doing is each pro scout is assigned certain teams and one of his jobs is to follow all the Twitter media and all the articles and just try to get as much intel of who is doing well and who’s not,” said Beane. “Who is having good days, who’s not and also any players that they have not seen live–whether it’s an undrafted rookie or someone that has never played in an NFL game–they’re also going to check with our college scout who was covering that area. If it’s a young man from LSU or the Texas Longhorns, whoever. Just getting some intel on this guy. Maybe our pro guy likes what he has seen, but maybe he calls the college scout and the guy says, ‘Hey, he’s got some character issues. He’s not a worker. He wouldn’t be a fit for our culture.’ So we’re trying to do as much as we can.”’
Without a preseason, Bills to host intrasquad scrimmage Thursday
‘“We are going to replicate as much of a gameday schedule as we can, we are going to replicate as much of a game as we can – albeit amongst ourselves,” added McDermott. “From what (the players) see, to what they hear, to halftime – clocking out halftime, clocking out what it would be in pregame warm-ups so our players know what to expect.”’
Bills built to win now with majority of starters returning
‘Team built to win now, and claiming first AFC East title since 1995 is realistic goal, especially with Tom Brady no longer standing in Bills’ way in New England. Buffalo has drastically rebuilt depth at most every position in making playoffs two of past three seasons under McDermott and GM Brandon Beane. Much falls on Allen’s shoulders to prove he can continue upward trend in developing into bona fide starter at position that’s been unsettled since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired following 1996 season.’
Without preseason games, Bills OL Mitch Morse says team is working out kinks
‘“I think Tuesday was a defining day for our team in regards to that it felt like a regular training camp day. You put three padded days together, you got to dig a little deep. You’ve got to find it, because it’s easy to come out and try to get through the day,” Mitch Morse said to reporters on Zoom on Wednesday. “I think the offensive line, and for that matter the whole team, came out with a mentality that let’s just get some work done because we’re really very close to this first game.”’
Bills rookies Davis, Hodgins add depth to wide receiver position
‘“Me and Isaiah did a lot of notecards when it came to studying this whole playbook,” Davis said. “We also got together with the quarterbacks and did walk-throughs on the field, ran some routes with them to get it in our heads, and to get the muscle memory there.”‘
Diggs taking practice competitiveness to new level
‘Diggs has been obviously vocal in practice the last couple days. He’s appeared to be a teacher, chatting up Allen and fellow receivers before reps. He’s also been emotional and fired up after reps.’
Thursday is Game Day in Buffalo…sort of
‘”We can work on our angles, work on our tackles, our physicality,” he said.’
Mitch Morse talks how players will need to adapt without fans
‘”For me, communication is going to be extremely important,” Morse continued, “I can’t be afraid to speak up even if there are no fans, not be afraid that the other guys [opposing defenses] can hear me.”‘
Poyer: Diggs brings competitiveness to Bills camp
‘”Diggs brings a huge competitive aspect to practice,” said Poyer. “When he catches the ball he’s not just going to go back to the huddle, he’s going to let you know what’s good.”‘
5 players to follow for Thursday’s Bills training camp scrimmage
‘Day after day Davis puts his athleticism, strength and hands on display. It doesn’t matter if he’s going up against Tre’Davious White, Davis will find a way to get his hands on the ball. As a rookie, it will be important for Davis to go through a dress rehearsal of game day to feel everything out. If Davis continues to show his talent and knowledge of the playbook, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll will certainly find a way to use him in the offense.’