Archives for January 5, 2021

‘“I hit him right before that little toe drag swag on the sideline for him,” Allen said, “just to get his confidence going as we’re going into the playoffs. We’re trying to be the best version of ourselves going into next week, if we can, and just getting him back out there and getting some of those reps with him was awesome.”’

‘Offensive line (5.0): The Bills allowed just one sack and one other hit on the quarterback against a Miami defense intent on bringing pressure. The interior of the line was especially good in coordinating pickups on stunts and twists. Miami likes to use a “sugar rush,” before the snap, with all defenders milling around in a two-point stance. Credit center Mitch Morse with good traffic direction. Morse had another good game run blocking, too. He showed his mobility by putting a cut block on linebacker Calvin Munson on the 18-yard TD run by Antonio Williams. He also held off quality nose tackle Raekwon Davis up the middle on the deep TD to Gabriel Davis.’

‘“Obviously, it’s a special place for Linda and I and our family,” Reich said, referring to his wife. “Two of our girls were born there. But this is a business trip. Fortunately, I’ve been back to Buffalo a few times since as a player and as a coach. I feel like I’ve gotten all that out of my system. It’s unique, because it’s the playoffs.”‘

‘Stills has excelled in the vertical passing game in his career, averaging 15.6 yards per catch with the Saints, Dolphins and Texans. Of his 37 career touchdowns, 18 have come from 40-plus yards, which is tied for fifth in the NFL since he entered the league in 2013.’

‘“It made me believe,” she said. “I have a strong feeling the Bills are going to the Super Bowl.”’

‘The first play of the fourth quarter was a quintessential example of the type of receivers the Bills believed they needed. They chose quickness over size. They went for selfless team players. They wanted the ability to get off the jam with speed. Most importantly, they found players with offensive intelligence. Looking at the weapons today as opposed to two seasons ago, the most notable attribute is route running ability. These new Bills receivers understand leverage, how to get open and where Allen wants them to go. They all have the type of resiliency that Isaiah McKenzie showed on this simple slant route versus difficult man-to-man press coverage.’

‘“There he goes, he breaks a tackle, he’s off to the races, the punter to beat, he is zigging and zagging, oh what a play,” enthused Harlan.’