‘Isaiah McKenzie, Buffalo’s offensive Swiss Army Knife, caught a game-high seven passes for 72 yards and returned three punts for 51, including a 35-yarder, but he fumbled on one and the Bills were fortunate to recover. And, lest he become complacent as a returner, rookie sixth-round draft choice Marquez Stevenson went 79 yards for a TD bringing back a punt, meaning McKenzie might not be a lock for the kick returning job.’
Archives for August 23, 2021
Reggie Gilliam’s versatility on display in Bills’ win over Bears
‘“I couldn’t be happier for him having two touchdowns in a game like that, that was so cool,” quarterback Mitchell Trubisky said. “He’s just one of those guys, he works his tail off, so to see him get in the end zone twice today was really awesome.”’
Training camp observations: Harrison Phillips dinged up, Stefon Diggs improving
‘Phillips went down with a knee injury in the first quarter after getting off to a strong start against the Bears’ starting offense.’
Stefon Diggs ranks No. 11 on NFL Network’s top 100 players of 2021
‘It is the highest Diggs has ranked on the listing, which is voted on by NFL players. Diggs was No. 54 last year. He led the NFL in both receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,535) in the 2020 season. The NFL Network released the names of players Nos. 40 to 11 on Sunday. Diggs ranked just ahead of Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson (No. 12) and Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (No. 13).’
Jim Kubiak: How Bills’ use of option concept could help boost offense
‘In this instance, Fromm had an opportunity to take his first read, which was the option route to his left, but elected to go outside. Had he stayed in progression, he would have had an easy 6- or 8-yard completion and perhaps a third-and-3, rather than a third-and-10. Fromm was sacked on the next play. It never ceases to amaze me how razor thin the margins are for backup quarterbacks. Not taking the option route cost Fromm the ability to continue this drive.’
Diggs back at practice and trending in right direction, Phillips to miss “a little bit of time”
‘Stevenson injured his foot following a punt return for a touchdown, and his x-rays came back negative. Phillips left the game in the 1st Q after injuring the same knee he tore his ACL on back in 2019 and according to McDermott, will miss “a little bit of time”. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network added Phillips’ injury isn’t serious, pending further tests.’
Ike Boettger working his way back following COVID battle, calls improvements “encouraging”
‘”I felt very weak, especially that first week, and then it has slowly come back to me,” Boettger told reporters Sunday aftenoon. “My conditioning is not where it was before I got it, but from my first practice back to now, it’s 100 times better. I’ve seen improvement and it’s very encouraging, but it’s taken a little longer than I expected.”‘
Stefon Diggs checks in at 11th on NFL Network’s top 100
‘Within his position group, Diggs finished ahead of Buccaneers WR Mike Evans, Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf, and Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill. He joins fellow Bills Cole Beasley (#96) and Tre’Davious White (#95) in this year’s countdown.’
LeSean McCoy: Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll deserves shot as head coach
‘McCoy’s final season with the Bills was Daboll’s first.’
Bills’ win over Bears ignites more confidence in Brian Daboll’s offense
‘Of course, Josh Allen is still Buffalo’s most valuable player, but Saturday’s game and performance from Daboll’s offense as a whole should give fans confidence that if Allen does miss any time, or the Bills simply run up the score on an opponent, the offense is in good hands with Mitch Trubisky.’
Mr. Team Player: Matt Brieda embraces his role with Bills
‘”You gotta embrace your role,” says the 26-year-old. “Whatever it is. You can’t be one of those guys that wants thirty carries a game.”‘
3 things to know from training camp practice No. 17
‘Several players came out of Saturday’s game against the Bears due to injury. McDermott did not have an update on many players and said there will be a group who misses a couple of days and one or two players who miss a week or two.’
Stefon Diggs comes in at No. 11 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 list
‘Diggs led the league in receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,535) in his first season with the Bills. Both categories were career highs for the wideout in his sixth NFL season. The WR also scored eight touchdowns and averaged 12.1 yards per catch.’