‘It was an amazing performance by the Bills. Top-to-bottom. Stars to role guys. Coaches to players. And it happened after a week where the Bills went through a myriad of Covid changes. Buffalo’s offense played down five key players and yet did not need to punt once against one of the NFL’s top two or three defenses.’
Archives for December 2021
McKenzie rises to occasion with career performances against Patriots
‘It wasn’t just the numbers that impressed it, was the important spots that McKenzie made some of his best plays. It was the kind of redemptive performance that made many in this organization feel a little bit warm and fuzzy.’
Bills take control of AFC East, beat Patriots 33-21
‘Isaiah McKenzie, getting a chance to start in place of Cole Beasley (Covid) put together a spectacular game. Josh Allen put on his own show of throwing and running and the Bills survived a Patriots comeback in the 4th quarter to win. The Bills and Patriots are tied in the standings, but Buffalo has an edge in the tiebreaker because of their AFC East record.’
How the ‘next man up’ mentality helped the Bills defeat the Patriots
‘”That just shows the professionalism he’s brought, especially I think this year to the game,” Morse said. “Kudos to him and the rest of the guys for playing great football. We didn’t miss a beat. I think we take this time to really feel for our guy, Ike [Boettger]. That’s a guy who is kind of silent but deadly. He’s been a glue for this offensive line behind the scenes that no one has really seen. That was a shock for us, but Dion did a great job stepping in, and performing at a Pro Bowl level.”‘
Top 3 things we learned from Bills at Pats | Week 16
‘In the most important game of the season with control of the AFC East on the line, Allen provided a dominant performance with his sixth 300-yard passing day of the season. He coupled it with three passing touchdowns, the fifth game this season in which he’s thrown for three touchdowns or more.’
Where the Bills stand in the AFC playoff picture after Week 16
‘Buffalo’s odds to make the playoffs for the third straight year and fourth time in five seasons increase to 97 percent, according to The New York Times playoff machine. Their odds also benefitted from the Los Angeles Chargers’ loss at Houston. Buffalo can clinch a playoff spot next week with a win and a Baltimore loss to the Los Angeles Rams.’
Where game against Patriots ranks among 10 biggest in regular season under Sean McDermott
‘This is it. This is the biggest game of the McDermott era, given the opponent and what’s at stake.’
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.’