‘“We thought when he got traded from Denver that it was either going to be the 49ers or the Bills,” Sanders’ financial advisor and Buffalo native Derek Bock told The Buffalo News, “and I just told him, ‘You’ll love the community, the people here.’ Emmanuel’s really ‘family first.’ I know everybody says that, but the most important things are his wife, kids and his granny. So the community, the people here, I just knew he’d love it once he got a taste of it.”’
Archives for September 12, 2021
Scouting Report: Bills, Steelers have two of the league’s best four-receiver sets
‘Prediction: Bills 35, Steelers 20.’
Bills Mailbag: Why this year’s home opener promises to be unforgettable
‘Attendance for the two playoff games was about 6,700 for each. The players who went through an empty Highmark Stadium in their first year with the team last season are: Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, A.J. Epenesa, Tyler Bass, Dane Jackson, A.J. Klein, Andre Smith, Tyler Matakevich, Vernon Butler Jr., Mario Addison, Justin Zimmer, Jake Kumerow, Reggie Gilliam, Zack Moss and Daryl Williams. Sunday should be extra special for all of them.’
Why the NFL meetings – and the 2022 calendar – could impact Bills stadium talks
‘In a telephone interview late last week, Ganis suggested that all parties involved in lease negotiations need to take into account a “number of calendars.” That includes the election cycle, Ganis said, and also the NFL meeting schedule, plus the lifespan of the current stadium juxtaposed against the multiple years needed to design and build a new one.’
Sean Kirst: After MLB games and a Buffalo governor, could Super Bowl win be next historic event?
‘The other perspective – which I suspect I share with hundreds of thousands of others – is to view the Bills in the swirling, shake-your-fist-or-thank-the-heavens fashion that wraps in jinxes and good fortune and destiny and volcanic roars of living room emotion, the kind of play-by-play family necromancy that demands remembering exactly where you were standing in the house at key moments in team history, the magical belief system that can all too easily tempt you to think a Super Bowl win will always remain a twist of fate away, especially as we say farewell to elders who never got to see it.’
Voice of the Fan: Yes, you can dress up your dog in Bills’ gear and more fan tips
‘Tailgating is a must. Even if not making a pilgrimage to Orchard Park, you should be tailgating outside on your driveway, or in the parking lot of the apartment complex or sports bar where you watch the game – at least four hours before kickoff. Be ready to cook with real fire, overstock ice for beer and drinks, and post embarrassing social media selfies you think are cool or cute.’
Don’t sleep on Steelers, who could give Bills a very tough game in season opener
‘Bills 27, Steelers 23.’
They call him Dirty Red: How Bills’ fearless kick coverage man thrives in the chaos
‘On Sunday when the Bills host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opening game of the 2021 season, Matakevich gets another chance to face the team that drafted him. He has friends still on the team, former teammates and coaches – some of whom will be in his wedding someday.’
Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 2021: Preview, odds, predictions for Week 1
‘Look for the game to go back and forth early, but the Bills to pull ahead late. Buffalo’s defensive line has a favorable matchup on paper against the Steelers’ offensive line. That matchup leads to a few sacks and possibly turnovers via forced fumble or deflected pass. In the end, Buffalo’s offense is too much for the Steelers’ cornerbacks and Buffalo does enough to disrupt the Steelers on offense to put away the game.’
Bills vs. Steelers NFL Week 1: How to watch (TV channel, time, live stream information)
‘With two potentially explosive offenses hitting the field at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, the game could come down to which defense makes the most plays. That’s where Buffalo’s aforementioned defensive line comes in. The unit–minus Star Lotulelei who was ruled out with injury–will face a Steelers offensive line with no shortage of questions.’
Five takes: Allen, Bills’ offense must stick to its guns as Watt, Steelers come to town for Week 1 matchup
‘Buffalo is playing at home today, so the fans are unlikely to disrupt any of the Bills’ calls at the line of scrimmage. That said, playing in front of thousands of screaming maniacs brings added pressure that teams were not forced to endure last year.’
Sunday’s Pittsburgh Coverage
Devin Bush entering pivotal year in middle of Steelers’ defense (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Ron Cook: It’s hard to muster up optimism for Steelers’ season (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Week 1 key matchup: Steelers secondary vs. Bills wideout Stefon Diggs (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Ready or not, Steelers will unveil new-look offense in season opener against Bills (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)
Mark Madden’s Hot Take: Big contract means higher expectations for Steelers’ T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)
Steelers Four Downs: Rare collection of rookies to contribute in season opener (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)
Chris Mueller: Shaky offensive line and immobile Roethlisberger spell trouble for 2021 Steelers (Beaver County Times)
Roethlisberger sees growing pains but promise w O-line (KDKA-FM)
Alex Highsmith will play in Week 1 in Buffalo (KDKA-FM)
Making every play count (Steelers.com)
Steelers at Bills: How to watch/listen to the game (Steelers.com)
Opinion: Steelers at Bills: Sal’s keys notes and stats
‘The Bills made a major and concerted effort this offseason to add to their defensive line, and specifically to improve their pass rush. They drafted ends Gregory Rousseau and Boogie Basham with their first two picks, and also signed Efe Obada as a free agent from the Carolina Panthers, not to mention 2020 second round pick (first pick for the team that draft) A.J. Epenesa, who had what almost amounted to a redshirt year last season due to no minicamps or preseason. Right off the bat, this group will go against a Steelers’ offensive line that includes two rookies and a lot of question marks. Given all the resources the Bills have spent remaking their defensive front, the unit needs to make those investments pay off immediately.’
Steelers defensive coordinator on Allen running: ‘There’s usually a price to pay’
‘”I hope he does try to finish the run, and we’ll treat him … if he wants to be true like running back we’ll do that,” Butler said. “He’s a big, physical guy. He is, as I said, he reminds me of a young Ben Roethlisberger. You don’t see (Roethlisberger) being run as much as he used to be, that’s an important position.”‘
Bills-Steelers preview: Long day for Ben Roethlisberger ahead
‘The Bills high-octane offense appeared to have not suffered any setbacks when Josh Allen played nearly the entire first half in Buffalo’s third preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. But that was the preseason.’