Archives for January 2021

‘Polian, now with the University of Arizona, was Hamilton Tiger-Cat was an assistant to general manager Bob O’Billovich in 2008 and also helped coach the running backs. He grew up in the middle — and we do mean the middle — of the Bills’ greatest era. He essentially grew up in Buffalo while his father Bill Polian, 10 years in the front office, was the architect who put together the Bills’ four consecutive trips to the Super Bowl, although he was fired after the third one.’

‘That’s not a criticism of Allen, but a compliment. He can improvise like Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, but Jackson can turn a broken play into a big one with his legs while Allen uses his arm. Regardless, trying to defend both requires the same discipline as opposed to the standard drop back quarterback like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady.’

‘In interviews this week with friends and former coaches ahead of the NFL’s divisional-round playoffs, a pre-draft portrait of Diggs emerged: self-assured, athletically gifted, respectful, dedicated to his craft. The Diggs of 2015 they describe is in many ways the Diggs the NFL couldn’t stop in 2020, the record-breaking star whom Harbaugh jokingly called “Ravens enemy No. 1” inside Bills Stadium on Saturday night.’

‘“People always – just talking about Josh – say, ‘His big arm,’ but he’s doing it all out there,” Jackson said. “He’s getting out of the pocket, taking advantage of what the defense gives him, throwing the ball on a rope, and he’s slinging the ball, like a Patrick Mahomes. He’s just helping his team out a lot. He’s one of the key reasons they’re putting up so many points and winning games. Hats off to Josh, because he’s been doing it since his rookie season.”’

‘The voice of Bills John Murphy takes us through how the franchise evolved from the exit of Rex Ryan to now just two wins away from the Super Bowl.’

Mike Preston: Ravens need ways to keep Josh Allen in check (Baltimore Sun)
Bills star Stefon Diggs is ‘one that got away.’ What did the Ravens and the NFL miss? (Baltimore Sun)
Ravens vs. Bills scouting report for the AFC divisional round: Who has the edge? (Baltimore Sun)
Ravens vs. Bills staff picks: Who will win Saturday night’s divisional-round game at Bills Stadium? (Baltimore Sun)
Ravens elevate QB Tyler Huntley, CB Pierre Desir for divisional-round game vs. Bills (Baltimore Sun)
For Baltimore Ravens’ Patrick Queen, history of big-game success goes way back (Harrisburg Patriot News)
5 Baltimore Ravens boxes to check to beat Buffalo Bills in AFC divisional round (Harrisburg Patriot News)
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills in NFL playoffs: Betting lines, TV channel and more (Harrisburg Patriot News)
Ravens-Bills forecast: What the weather could look like during the playoff clash (Harrisburg Patriot News)
A 300-pound former defensive lineman has become an offensive playmaker for the Ravens (Washington Post)
Bills-Ravens weather forecast: Snow looking like a possibility for Saturday (Washington Post)
Why Lamar Jackson isn’t crazy about playing in the snow (The Sporting News)
Through 3 seasons, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are proving doubters wrong (NBC Sports Washington)
Lamar Jackson won’t talk trash, even if he hears plenty of it (NBC Sports Washington)
Lamar Jackson says he’s never ran full speed during a game before (NBC Sports Washington)
If there’s inclement weather in Buffalo, which team benefits more? (NBC Sports Washington)
The Baltimore Ravens take on the Buffalo Bills (WMAR-TV)
Stingy Ravens Secondary Tasked With Stopping Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs In AFC Divisional Round (WJZ-TV)
Ravens’ Mark Andrews: Despite Being Apart, Team Stayed Close Through Adversity Of COVID-19 Outbreak (WJZ-TV)
‘We Play Hard’ | Ravens Defensive Line Proving To Be An Anchor During Playoff Run (WJZ-TV)
‘Taking Advantage Of What The Defense Gives’ | Ravens Offense Hitting Stride At Just The Right Time (WJZ-TV)
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson Becoming More Vocal In Leading Team Through Playoff Run (WJZ-TV)
Ravens are no strangers reaching for Tampa on the road route (WNST-AM)
Buffalo has been waiting a long time for Josh Allen (WNST-AM)
Sizing up Saturday night: Ravens and Bills provide contrasts (WNST-AM)
Ravens-Bills: Five predictions for divisional-round Saturday (WNST-AM)
Lamar Jackson Keeps Winning As He Keeps Learning (BaltimoreRavens.com)
Pundit Picks: Ravens vs. Bills (Divisional Playoffs) (BaltimoreRavens.com)
Late for Work 1/15: Predictions for Ravens vs. Bills (BaltimoreRavens.com)
Everything You Need to Know: Ravens vs. Bills (BaltimoreRavens.com)

‘“Talking about Josh, people always say, ‘His big arm,’ ” Jackson said, “but he’s doing it all out there. He’s getting out of the pocket, taking advantage of what the defense gives him, throwing the ball on a rope. He’s slinging the ball like a Patrick Mahomes. He’s one of the key reasons they’re putting up so many points and winning games.”’

‘But even McDermott’s success — the Bills are 14-3 this season and in the playoffs for the third time in his four seasons — did not make it a slam dunk for Levy or Laycock to root for his team last week. Both former Tribe coaches have multiple connections with the Colts. “Frank Reich was one of my quarterbacks during my days in Buffalo,” Levy said of the Colts’ current head coach, famous for leading Levy’s ’92 Bills back from a 35-3 deficit to a playoff victory. “I had difficulty watching that (Indianapolis-Buffalo) game last weekend. “When a game like that is over, I feel great for someone and I feel remorse for someone.”’

‘“You can’t change the outcome,” Levy said. “I have fond memories of them. Sure, it hurt then and it hurts now. Heck, we sure would have liked to have won at least one of them. Or all of them. We didn’t. We can’t change that. But it’s time to move on. There’s other things in life.”’

‘Bills Mafia, the moniker for the club’s rabid fanbase, is alive and well in Ontario and Quebec with Bills Backers chapters located throughout the provinces. It’s estimated between 3,000 and 8,000 Canadians are season-ticket holders.’