‘However, none of that will quiet the notion that, after those back-to-back losses against the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills still have the look of the one-and-done playoff club they’ve been in two of the previous three seasons.’
Archives for October 26, 2020
Analysis: Cole Beasley makes a killing underneath to carry Bills’ attack
‘“With them taking the deep stuff away, that gives a lot of room for me to work inside and underneath,” Beasley said. “When we play teams like that, that’s got to be games where I have my best games, and I’ve got to be on point for him.”’
Column: Jerry Hughes, defense take control against Jets as team struggles to find identity
‘Hughes, 32, had his first two sacks of the season, a forced fumble and his first career interception, plucking the ball from midair after Quinton Jefferson deflected a Sam Darnold pass in the final minutes, to secure a stomach-churning, 18-10 comeback victory against the winless New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.’
Observations: Rookie kicker Tyler Bass’ up-and-down day ends on a high note for Bills
‘“Coach always talks about character,” Bass said. “It’s really not about how many you make. It’s about what you do after a miss, after something goes wrong. Anyone can handle stuff when things are easy. It’s just about when something goes wrong, how do you handle that? You don’t let it define you. You just trust everything you’ve done in practice that week.”’
Bills’ Tyler Kroft comes up big after daughter’s birth spared him from Covid-19 list
‘“I got about 40 minutes of sleep, went in for practice, so I missed all the morning meetings, and I guess that’s kind of when they were able to trace it and figure out what happened,” Kroft said. “Made it for the walkthrough and the practice outside, and you guys know how the rest shook out. But I was happy that I was able to be active and be good for today.”’
Quarter by quarter: Josh Allen continues to outshine Sam Darnold
‘Sack attack: The Bills’ defense sealed the win with three fourth-quarter sacks. Jerry Hughes became the second Bills player since 1982 to have two sacks and an interception in a game, joining Cornelius Bennett (at the Jets in 1989).’
Report Card: Second-half adjustments lead to solid defensive grades
‘Penalties were still a huge problem. The Bills were flagged a whopping 11 times for 106 yards. Time after time, the team failed in the red zone, going a mind-numbing 0 for 5.’
Bills avoid supreme embarrassment as Bass, defense key 18-10 victory over Jets
‘Still, it’s tough to feel too enthusiastic about the way this victory was achieved as all 18 points came courtesy of the right leg of kicker Tyler Bass. Ugly? Yeah, that’s one of many words you could use for this one, and a few curse words mixed into the description wouldn’t be out of place.’
Buffalo Bills report card: Kicker Tyler Bass wins fans and game after rocky start
‘Give credit to the defensive staff for really getting things turned around after a bad start. One of the keys was the Bills generating a pass rush and using blitzers to do it. They knew the Jets were playing without their most productive receiver and that they could cover man-to-man, so they went after Darnold and the result was a lame passing performance from him which included six sacks taken.’
What did we glean from Bills’ victory?
‘In fairness, Buffalo regrouped after an ugly first 22 ½ minutes when they trailed 10-0 and, in the opening period, were out-possessed 12 ½ minutes to 2 ½. But, for the rest of the game, the Bills had a 32 to 13-minute edge in time of possession. And, after being outgained 103 yards to 48 in the opening period, the Bills had a 374-87 edge the rest of the way to finish with a 422-190 advantage including holding New York to only four second-half net yards, the fewest given up by Buffalo after intermission in 20 years.’
Covid-19 test changed Buffalo’s actives
‘Thus, against the Jets, Buffalo had two tight ends, Kroft, and rookie free agent Reggie Gilliam, a converted fullback who played collegiately at Toledo. In addition, wide receiver Duke Williams (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) was activated from the practice squad to be a desperation tight end if needed.’
Bills win ugly vs. Jets, 18-10; Jerry Hughes sensational as defense steps up: Instant observations
‘Frank Gore looked like he did for the Bills at the start of last season in the first half. He was averaging close to 6 yards per rush in the opening half and helped the Jets take a 10-6 lead into the halftime break. The issues seem to be happening at the point of attack for the Bills as they still have trouble filling gaps properly. Luckily for them this week the defense got its act together in the second.’
Sean McDermott calls Bills’ victory over Jets ‘character win;’ praises rookie Dane Jackson, Josh Allen
‘“I don’t care what the standings are. Standings don’t matter. Every team is in its own situation and could bring their A game every week,” McDermott said “You have to find a way to win. I thought it was a character win. The guys showed their character through this game. We got down early and chipped away.”’
Just for kicks: Bills hold off Jets with FGs, dominant second-half defense (Week 7 report card)
‘The linebacker position was probably the weakest unit, but they fared well overall. Matt Milano seemed to be on a pitch count of sorts, but still made his presence felt with half of a sack. Tremaine Edmunds had what should have been an interception bounce off his hands.’
Bills’ Quinton Jefferson, Jerry Hughes make impact plays vs. Jets (9 reasons to be encouraged, 4 reasons to be worried)
‘Whatever was said in the locker room and whatever adjustments were made worked perfectly in the second half of Sunday’s win. After allowing 10 first half points to the Jets, the Bills’ defense kept the Jets off the board and almost off the field entirely in the second half.’