‘Either way, the priority is for everyone, including the backups, to emerge without injury. Though a Bills win assures them of a No. 2 playoff seed, it is not valuable enough to risk losing players for the games that truly matter. Besides, the Pittsburgh Steelers could hand the Bills the No. 2 spot by losing to the Cleveland Browns.’
Archives for January 2, 2021
The Editorial Board: Bills fans must beware living room spread of the coronavirus
‘The greater dangers are lurking inside our homes. If Bills fans let down their guard and host gatherings with friends and family, it will lead to more community spread of Covid-19. Count on it. It will happen.’
Fake Josh Allen jerseys, knock-off Sabres apparel nabbed by customs officers
‘The 17 jersey was among counterfeit items spotted by Customs officers at a mail-sorting hub in Rochester during the last few weeks. They also found a fake Tre’Davious White No. 27 jersey and Sabres’ apparel.’
Bills shouldn’t risk resting starters
‘The Dolphins (10-5) would own a playoff berth if the season ended today, but they’re one of five teams with the same record vying for four spots. Thus, with a loss, Miami must hope for a defeat by Indianapolis (home versus Jacksonville, 1-14), Cleveland (home against Pittsburgh, 12-3), Baltimore at Cincinnati (4-10-1) or Tennessee at Houston (4-11).’
John Brown activated off Covid list, Bills make number of Friday roster moves
‘The Bills have been busy in the past few days making some adjustments to their roster. After losing receiver Jake Kumerow to the New Orleans Saints – who claimed him off waivers after the team released him to make room for Brown – Buffalo has signed receivers Gary Jennings and J.J. Nelson to their practice squad.’
Bills’ A.J. Epenesa has earned prominent role in unusual rookie season
‘“He dropped that extra weight and he’s a totally different player in a lot of ways than he was at Iowa,” Frazier said this week after the Bills’ 38-9 victory over the New England Patriots. “And it’s because his body has changed. That quickness and explosion that some people were worried about – he has it. And we’re the beneficiaries of it. He shows flashes of it and the more he plays the more comfortable he gets.”’
Bills’ Josh Allen more talented than Trevor Lawrence, says Greg Cosell
‘“You know, when he throws that firm touch ball to Dawson Knox this past week (vs. New England) right over the underneath coverage, that’s not a throw he would have made–I’m sure you guys would agree–his rookie year or even the first 10 games last year,” said Cosell. “That throw against the Niners to Gabriel Davis where he threw it just over Fred Warner. He would have never made that throw a year ago. So now you’re dealing with a guy who is much better in the details and the nuances of the position instead of being a thrower he’s developing into a passer so you’re dealing with a really high level talent.”’
Dolphins must solve Josh Allen riddle to produce win needed for playoff berth
‘“The quarterback is playing outstanding,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Josh Boyer said, referring to Allen, who has a 106.4 passer rating, which ranks him fifth in the NFL, behind Aaron Rodgers, DeShaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes and Ryan Tannehill. “He’s extremely athletic. He can stand in the pocket and make all the throws. He can move and make all the throws. He’s been productive in both areas.”’
Saturday’s Miami Coverage
Miami Dolphins’ Brian Flores offers updates on COVID situation and team injuries (Miami Herald)
Dolphins must solve Josh Allen riddle to produce win needed for playoff berth (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins need offensive playmakers to step up to clinch playoff berth vs. Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Flores says Dolphins in good shape after Ryan Fitzpatrick’s positive COVID-19 test (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Habib: Nobody eludes heat as Brian Flores rolls with Tua Tagovailoa over Ryan Fitzpatrick (Palm Beach Post)
Winds aren’t blowing in Miami Dolphins’ favor should they need scoreboard help Sunday (Palm Beach Post)
Top News: Week 17 Beckons – Latest Injury Report, Matchups, Two Dolphins Listed on ESPN’s All-Pro Team (MiamiDolphins.com)
The Blitz: Tight End Production and Team Camaraderie (MiamiDolphins.com)
Ex-Texans WR Kenny Stills visiting, to join Bills
‘Stills will start undergoing COVID-19 testing with the AFC East champions and the team hopes he can start practicing as soon as next week, per a league source.’
A Buffalo Bills Miracle
‘For months Mr. Cuomo has needlessly shut down businesses despite precautions to operate safely. But we’re glad he may be seeing the light now, even if it took a football game.’
Buffalo Bills rule out Cole Beasley
‘Beasley, the team’s second-leading receiver, left Buffalo’s win over New England late in the fourth quarter and did not return. Coach Sean McDermott called Beasley “week-to-week.” The Bills are set to host their first playoff game in 25 years next weekend.’
Bills welcome back another offensive weapon ahead of Week 17 game vs. Dolphins
‘It remains unclear if the Bills will play their starters against Miami, with a postseason berth already secure. Either way, Brown’s official return is welcome news for a wide receiver corps that just lost Cole Beasley to a “week-to-week” leg injury. Buffalo hosted veteran free agent Kenny Stills for a visit this week, with intentions of reportedly adding the former Texans standout as emergency depth. But Brown is a proven commodity who already owns chemistry with Allen — a deep threat whose presence alone makes the Bills even more dangerous entering the playoffs.’
Kenny Stills to sign with Bills in time for playoffs, adding another playmaker for Josh Allen, per report
‘The Buffalo Bills are looking for added help at wide receiver in time for the playoffs, despite their offense putting up near record-setting numbers for the franchise. Buffalo is expected to sign free agent wide receiver Kenny Stills after a scheduled visit, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Stills, a deep-ball receiver by trade, struggled in his 10 games for the Houston Texans this season, catching only 11 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. He was released by Houston in November.’
Bills activate WR John Brown from Reserve/COVID-19 list, announce other roster moves
‘The team activated Josh Thomas and Christian Wade from the Reserve/COVID-19 list and placed them on the practice squad.’