‘Ryan Succop connected on a 24-yard field goal to cap an 84-yard drive that took 5:51 off the clock and gave the Buccaneers at 27-10 lead with 11:10 left in the fourth quarter. The drive followed Sean McDermott’s decision to punt on fourth-and-3 at the Buffalo 45 with 2:18 left in the third quarter. The Bills also turned it over on downs on a fake punt earlier in the second half.’
Archives for December 2021
Carucci Take2: Dear Josh: Saving what’s left of Bills’ season is on you
‘Those lofty expectations I once shared with numerous others can no longer be written or spoken with a straight face. For that matter, even calling the Bills a wild-card contender – your 7-5 record notwithstanding – is a borderline reach.’
Thad’s Three Things: Bills at Buccaneers
‘Tampa’s offensive line is one of the best at protecting the quarterback. Their 15 sacks are the least in the NFL. The Bills front four has been virtually non-existent since the win in Kansas City. Everything points to Tom Brady having all day to throw. The Bucs also have three receivers in Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski who can win one on one against anyone. A problem that is exacerbated for Buffalo without Tre’Davious White. At this point, we are all well aware of Buffalo’s issues stopping the run especially without Star Lotulelei.’
Bills activate Jon Feliciano from injured reserve; 3 players elevated for Sunday’s game
‘The Bills waived Jamil Douglas.’
6 things to watch for in Bills at Buccaneers | Week 14
‘The Bills’ passing game remains their offensive strength and they have been very productive when facing man coverage over the past year plus. Tampa Bay’s defensive scheme under Todd Bowles is rooted in some man coverage principles and an effective front four pass rush though they have played more zone this season.’
NFL analysts | Bills at Buccaneers game predictions | Week 14
‘The Bills’ league-leading pass defense will give Brady some troubles, limiting him to two or fewer passing touchdowns and forcing at least two interceptions. With Buffalo’s recent run defense woes, going through the air is not the best way to beat this team, even though Brady has had historic success against Buffalo and leads the NFL’s top passing offense. The Bills have allowed eight passing touchdowns this season and a 57.7% completion percentage to opposing passers, the lowest in the league. This unit has also forced 16 interceptions (third most). Cornerback Dane Jackson, filling in for the injured Tre’Davious White, will have his first big test in Tampa Bay, and being able to limit the Buccaneers’ passing offense could be the deciding factor in this game.’
Bills at Buccaneers | How to watch, stream, and listen | Week 14
‘Play-by-Play: Jim Nantz. Analysis: Tony Romo. Sideline: Tracy Wolfson.’
What Bills fans need to know about the 2021 AFC playoff race | Week 14
‘What to root for: While a Raiders win could help the Bills if they manage to factor back into the conversation for the No. 1 seed, the more likely path to the playoffs is now the wild card. A win for the Chiefs would put some padding between the Bills and the Raiders, who sit one game back.’
Can Bills rediscover their offense vs. Bucs?
‘As for what it takes for Buffalo’s offense to get back on track, Allen maintained, “It’s 11 guys going out and executing … it’s not the plays, it’s how we execute those plays … decision-making on my part … being smart about when to and not take a sack … when to throw the ball away and ultimately give our guys a chance to make a play.”’
Suddenly, Bills’ season facing a crossroads
‘Among Buffalo’s seven victories, the only one over a winning team was a 38-20 decision at defending AFC champ Kansas City (8-4), back in early October. It was the last of a four-game streak that had Bills nation convinced its team was Super Bowl-bound.’
Bills RT Spencer Brown navigates roller coaster of rookie season
‘“For a game that had that environment, I thought he really handled himself well, mentally,” McDermott said. “And physically, there were some really strong plays. And then there were some plays in the run game or the pass game that he could have done a better job. I’m sure he feels the same way. There’s going to be a growth process and a learning curve.”’
Bills’ injury update: Star Lotulelei, Tommy Sweeney won’t play vs. Buccaneers
‘”There’s a sense of veteran leadership when he’s around our team, and there’s also the beef and the ability to clog things up inside, and then also push the pocket and the pass game,” McDermott said.’
Bills’ Josh Allen says running a luxury: ‘But I want to throw the ball’
‘“I think it’s a luxury to have I guess when things break down or I might miss a read or anything like that and I’m able to extend plays,” Allen said on Thursday. “And now you’re forcing (defensive backs) to cover for a longer period of time. But again, I want to throw the ball, I want to get it out to the guys that are a lot faster and a lot quicker than I am.”’
Bills DT Star Lotulelei ruled OUT vs. Buccaneers, Tom Brady
‘Lotulelei played against the New England Patriots on Monday night after returning to the lineup following a bout with Covid 19 that cost him the three previous games. He suffered a toe injury in the game and then was limited in practice Wednesday before not practicing at all on Thursday.’
Saturday’s Tampa Bay Coverage
For beleaguered Bucs secondary, cross-training is now customary (Tampa Bay Times)
Bucs center Ryan Jensen returns to practice, will play vs. Bills (Tampa Bay Times)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers activate Richard Sherman off injured reserve (ESPN)
Inside the Tom Brady-Rob Gronkowski Connection & How Brady is Working to Get It with Others | Carmen Catches Up (Buccaneers.com)
Bills-Buccaneers Injury Report Dec. 10: Jordan Whitehead Ruled Out (Buccaneers.com)
Bucs Activate Richard Sherman from I.R. (Buccaneers.com)
LS Zach Triner Activated from COVID List (Buccaneers.com)