‘This is it. This is the biggest game of the McDermott era, given the opponent and what’s at stake.’
Archives for December 26, 2021
Scouting Report: Patriots aren’t great at stopping the run, but do Bills want to emphasize it?
‘Prediction: Bills 27, Patriots 20.’
Bills Mailbag: Is Cole Beasley a distraction in the locker room?
‘If the Bills lose Sunday and go on to miss the playoffs, Beasley will be left to wonder if his availability would have made a difference in the game. I wouldn’t hold my breath that will change his thinking, though. If we’ve learned one thing about him through this entire ordeal, it’s that he’s going to do what he thinks is best for himself – and himself alone.’
‘A lot of devil in the details’: What the Bills’ deadline means for Orchard Park stadium talks
‘Those devilish details are dollars: They’re the big thing remaining that could plunge a pitchfork into a deal. The other major points have already been decided: A state-commissioned study released in November eliminated the possibility of renovating Highmark Stadium, which opened in 1973 and would need extensive repairs to last beyond the next half dozen years or so.’
Viewpoints: A new stadium is an investment in the community
‘The new stadium will be a community asset – not a playpen for billionaires, as some would suggest. This investment is not lining the pockets of the wealthy, but rather an investment in our community.’
Keys to the game and Sal’s prediction for Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, round 2
‘Sal’s prediction: Buffalo Bills 20, New England Patriots 17.’
Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots 2021 preview, odds, predictions for Week 16
‘Bills safety Micah Hyde said the key to success against the Patriots over the years has been affecting the quarterback. “If you can somehow get some pressure on him, or affect his arm, tip the ball in the air, stuff like that. We’ve been playing the Patriots around here for awhile and I feel like any time we were able to get pressure on the quarterback you had a pretty good game defensively,” Hyde said. “So that’s always the key to the game, and that’s always something we’re trying to do.”’
Bills appear to be getting Emmanuel Sanders back just in time for Patriots game (Things to watch)
‘Considering Buffalo’s struggles against the run in the first matchup against New England, the addition of Klein could be significant. Klein could be on the field whenever Buffalo wants to run a more traditional 4-3 defense.’
Five takes: Bills set for blockbuster matchup with rival Patriots
‘In the two teams’ previous matchup, Tremaine Edmunds struggled to make plays from his linebacker position, including on the long run from Harris. Edmunds will again play a significant role in whether or not the Bills can limit the Patriots’ big-play opportunities this week.’
Will Bills quarterback Josh Allen be able to solve Bill Belichick and the Patriots on Sunday?
‘This will be the seventh time Allen tangles with Belichick. Allen is 2-4 with 8 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and a QB rating of 77. He has completed 55.3 percent of his passes. He has logged three games against Belichick without throwing a pick, including two straight. In the teams’ first meeting this season, it was the howling wind and an unrelenting Patriots rushing attack as much as Belichick’s defensive designs that kept Allen at bay in a 14-10 Patriots triumph.’
Sunday’s New England Coverage
Patriots activate receiver Kendrick Bourne from reserve/COVID-19 list (Boston Globe)
Will Bills quarterback Josh Allen be able to solve Bill Belichick and the Patriots on Sunday? (Boston Globe)
Here’s how ‘Santa Mac’ Jones came through for the Patriots’ offensive line (Boston Globe)
Source: Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne expected to play against Bills after clearing COVID-19 protocols (Boston Herald)
NFL Notes: Bill Belichick’s fourth-down approach has completely flipped over time (Boston Herald)
Damien Harris injury: Patriots running back expected to play vs. Bills Sunday (report) (Springfield Republican)
Kendrick Bourne clears COVID-19 protocol, Patriots make series of roster moves ahead of Bills game (Springfield Republican)
New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills preview: Predictions, point spread, game plans, matchups and more (Springfield Republican)
Patriots can clinch AFC East and/or playoff spot this weekend: Here’s steps that have to happen (Springfield Republican)
Who has been Patriots’ MVP on offense, defense and special teams? (Weekly mailbag) (Springfield Republican)
Patriots’ Kyle Dugger fined $10,520 for altercation, Michael Pittman and T.Y. Hilton escape further discipline (report) (Springfield Republican)
Patriots notebook: AFC East title effectively up for grabs in massive showdown with Buffalo (CBS Sports)
Patriots Rumors: Damien Harris To Play In Divisional Clash Against Bills (NESN)
Did Patriots’ Kendrick Bourne Reveal Week 16 Status With Tweet? (NESN)
Patriots Rumors: New England Receives Good News On COVID-19 Front (NESN)
Patriots Place D-End On COVID List, Activate Wideout Amid Roster Moves (NESN)
Patriots-Bills Live Stream: Watch AFC East Showdown Online, On TV (NESN)
NFL Rumors: Josh McDaniels Receiving Head Coaching Interest (NESN)
New Details On Huge Gift Mac Jones Gave To Patriots Offensive Linemen (NESN)
Patriots Rumors: Kyle Dugger Fined For Scrap; No Fines For Colts Players (NESN)
Patriots Players Salute J.C. Jackson For First Pro Bowl Selection (NESN)
Patriots Post Fitting Tweet About Another Matthew Slater Pro Bowl Nod (NESN)
Julian Edelman Reacts To Bill Belichick’s Unexpected Apology To Media (NESN)
Report: Kendrick Bourne clears COVID-19 protocol, can play Sunday (NBC Sports Boston)
Patriots make series of roster moves prior to hosting Bills (NBC Sports Boston)
Perry: AFC East race comes to a head with clash of contrasting styles (NBC Sports Boston)
NFL picks Week 16: Expert predictions for Patriots vs. Bills showdown (NBC Sports Boston)
This Pats-Bills simulation predicts a wild Week 16 outcome (NBC Sports Boston)
How to watch Patriots vs. Bills in Week 16 (NBC Sports Boston)
Kyle Dugger the only player disciplined from Patriots-Colts scuffle (NBC Sports Boston)
Colts’ comments about Mac Jones reveal how teams view Pats rookie (NBC Sports Boston)
Sunday 7: Mac Jones doesn’t need to do any more than he has all season (WEEI-FM)
Patriots-Bills preview: 3 keys to the game, fun facts, prediction (WEEI-FM)
Kyle Dugger only player to get fined from last week’s Patriots-Colts game (WEEI-FM)
This time, without the wind: Patriots vs. Bills key matchups (WBZ-FM)
Kendrick Bourne Activated From Patriots COVID List, Calls It ‘The Best Christmas News Ever’ (WBZ-TV)
Patriots Running Back Damien Harris ‘Good To Go’ Against Bills (WBZ-TV)
Kyle Dugger Fined; Michael Pittman, T.Y. Hilton Not Fined For Physical Altercation In Patriots-Colts Game (WBZ-TV)
Patriots Activate LB Josh Uche from Injured Reserve; Elevate Three Players to the Active Roster (Patriots.com)
Game Day Roster Update: A busy Christmas for Patriots (Patriots.com)
Game Preview: Bills at Patriots (Patriots.com)
10 Players to Watch: Patriots vs. Bills (Patriots.com)
Expert Predictions: Week 16 picks for Patriots vs. Bills (Patriots.com)
How to Watch/Listen: Bills at Patriots (Patriots.com)
There’s so much on the line in massive Patriots-Bills clash
‘It’s a fascinating matchup. The Buffalo defense is ranked No. 3 in points allowed and No. 1 in fewest yards allowed. The Patriots are No. 1 in fewest points and No. 2 in fewest yards.’
Buffalo Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins activated off COVID-19 list ahead of showdown vs. New England Patriots
‘Dawkins missed last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers after being placed on the COVID-19 list. He previously had COVID-19 during the start of training camp and was hospitalized for four days, after just receiving his second vaccination shot.’
Patriots vs. Bills how to watch: TV, live streaming, odds, keys, pick with AFC East up for grabs
‘Pick: Patriots 27, Bills 23.’
What channel is Bills vs. Patriots on today? Time, TV schedule for NFL Week 16 game
‘For all of the talk about Allen and Jones, however, this game could be decided on the ground. The Patriots dominated the Bills in the trenches two weeks ago, and the Bills never figured out an answer. Devin Singletary had 86 yards for Buffalo in last week’s win over the Panthers, and the Bills may ask for a similar performance out of him this week. The Patriots are uncharacteristically middling against the run this season while being third against the passing game. The Bills may look to exploit that coming off of a strong week running the ball.’