‘Mentioning Allen, who had a passer rating of 139.1, in the same sentence as his Hall-of-Fame predecessor is happening with increasing frequency. That’s appropriate because he keeps giving the Bills (9-3) the best quarterbacking they’ve had since Kelly.’
Archives for December 8, 2020
Jason Wolf: Steelers’ loss deprives Bills’ chance for ‘euphoria’
‘It might have been a playoff preview. And it still may. But Pittsburgh’s sudden struggles and 23-17 loss to lowly Washington (5-7) alters the dynamic. Now, the national topic du jour becomes, “What’s wrong with the Steelers?” And it’ll remain so should Buffalo win, rather than a triumph over Pittsburgh being seen as a defining victory. Now, the game against the Bills offers the Steelers an opportunity to prove this hiccup against Washington was a fluke and to “get right” against a likely playoff team.’
Analysis: 49ers’ zone coverage was no match for Josh Allen
‘“Josh has been doing a great job picking defenses apart this year,” Bills receiver Isaiah McKenzie said. “When a defense plays a lot of zone coverage, we have to do our part as receivers to find holes in the zones. It’s kind of hard because you’re not going to get a lot of run after the catch. … But we came to play tonight, and Josh came to play.”’
10 observations: Cole Beasley feasts on a favorable matchup in big Bills’ win
‘Luckily, the receiver was able to return a short time later. That proved to be huge for the Buffalo offense. Beasley entered with a favorable matchup, as the 49ers were without cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and K’Waun Williams. That’s after San Francisco put cornerback Jamar Taylor on injured reserve, meaning the 49ers were down to at least their fourth option at the position.’
Quarter by quarter: Bills offense puts on a show vs. San Francisco
‘Both head coaches opted to go for it on fourth-and-goal situations from the one. Both failed. Good decisions. It’s good to be aggressive.’
Report Card: Coaching, passing offense produce perfect grades in Bills’ big win
‘It might be time to start thinking about life after Brian Daboll. The Bills’ offensive coordinator called a masterful game against 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who is looked at as a prime head-coaching candidate after this year. Daboll should be on that list, too.’
Josh Allen puts forth a sublime performance as Bills top 49ers 34-24 in Arizona
‘Allen was sublime as he executed a brilliantly concocted game plan by offensive coordinator and completed 32 of 40 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns, one each to Cole Beasley, Dawson Knox, Isaiah McKenzie and Gabriel Davis.’
Buffalo Bills report card: Josh Allen dominates 49ers, McDermott outcoaches Shanahan
‘Kyle Shanahan is a Super Bowl coach, and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh garners a lot of attention and will probably be a head coach somewhere next year, but they were no match for McDermott and Daboll in this game.’
It was perfect night for Bills’ playoff hopes
‘The win lifted the Bills to 9-3, two games behind the Steelers (11-1), whom they host Sunday night. And while Kansas City and Pittsburgh are tied for the American Football Conference’s best record and resurgent Cleveland is tied with Buffalo, it can clearly enhance its playoff position and the quality of its first-round postseason foe over the season’s final quarter.’
Bills’ Josh Allen scorching hot in Buffalo’s dominant win over 49ers (Instant observations)
‘Allen completed 32 of his 40 passes to become the first Bills quarterback to ever complete at least 80% of his throws and throw four touchdowns in a single game. Allen soared past his career high in yards in the first half. He’s now on pace for 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns. With his production as a runner he has to be considered when talking about the MVP candidates in the NFL. Allen spread the ball around and got everybody involved. Rookie receiver Gabriel Davis continues to shine, catching his fifth touchdown of the season, which leads all Bills receivers.’
Cole Beasley, Stefon Diggs, Bills receivers put NFL on notice on national stage
‘Isaiah McKenzie caught his third touchdown of the season after running what feels like his 100th jet sweep of the season. The 49ers defense forgot about him after it became apparent he wasn’t getting it behind the line of scrimmage. Instead he bolted toward the left sideline and found himself wide open after safety Tarvarius Moore got hung up for just an instant by Gabriel Davis as he ran his route. Bills quarterback Josh Allen lofted it up to the speedy McKenzie, who went untouched into the end zone.’
Bills’ Gabriel Davis, Stefon Diggs do little bit of everything in MNF win over 49ers (14 reasons to be encouraged, 2 reasons to be worried)
‘Dawson Knox has recorded touchdown receptions in back-to-back games. The tight end has not met expectations that some had for him entering the season, but he’s starting to flash and get more involved in the offense. That’s a promising sign.’
Bills’ Josh Allen, Cole Beasley and company carve up 49ers defense (Week 13 report card)
‘Josh Allen was nothing short of brilliant against the 49ers defense. Pretty much whatever he dialed up worked on Monday night. One underrated part of Allen’s performance was how great he was eluding pressure, keeping his eyes downfield and delivering accurate strikes to his receivers, backs and tight ends. At the end of the game, seven different players recorded a reception for Buffalo.’
Bills’ Josh Allen is an ‘unstoppable cyborg from another planet’ (National media reacts to MNF performance)
‘Allen has had some continuous support nationally since entering the league (we’re looking at you, Adam Schein) and some former naysayers have also changed their tune on the Bills quarterback. Some members of the national media, however, still entered the primetime contest unaware of just how good Allen has been this season. Throughout the game, many members of the national media commented on the performance of Allen. To say that they were impressed would be an understatement.’
Bills at 49ers Inactives: Tyler Kroft, Trent Murphy highlight Monday Night Football list
‘Kroft is currently the odd man out at tight end despite being the most consistent player at the position. Lee Smith brings blocking ability to the run game while Dawson Knox has the most athleticism at the position. Undrafted free agent Reggie Gilliam has been a special teams standout for the Bills as well.’