‘“They do so many great things, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” Allen said of Belichick’s specialty. “They’ve got a lot of smart, savvy veteran players. They play to their strengths and they’re extremely well-coached. When you have that type of defense, they’re relying on the offense to make mistakes because they’re so sound fundamentally.”’
Archives for January 15, 2022
What’s fueled Stefon Diggs’ record-setting start to his Bills career
‘“I don’t know if it’s out of character for a receiver. Leaders are leaders and captains are captains. He’s a leader. They come from all positions. … When it’s time to go and we need a boost offensively or defensively, he’s usually the one who does it. That’s a credit to him. You need those vocal leaders. It’s not an easy thing to do. Sometimes people don’t want to do it, but you’ve got to do it. Our team needs it. He’s been a blessing for us.”’
Patriots starting left tackle Isaiah Wynn downgraded to out vs. Bills
‘The Patriots will now be without Wynn, a 2018 first-round pick, as they prep for the third meeting between the two rivals in seven weeks. New England fully relied on the run game in the last weather-afflicted game in Buffalo. Quarterback Mac Jones had just three attempts in windy Week 13, completing two. The Patriots had 222 rushing yards, with the offensive line helping the team march downfield.’
Scouting Report: Bills’ resurgent run game gives Patriots something else to think about
‘Prediction: Bills 27, Patriots 19.’
Bills Mailbag: Should Cole Beasley or Isaiah McKenzie play more against Patriots?
‘Playing time for McKenzie and Beasley could depend on what coverage the Patriots elect to play. If they use a man-coverage scheme, it would make sense for the Bills to play McKenzie more given the big game he had in Week 16. If the Patriots elect to go to a zone, Beasley has traditionally been excellent against that kind of coverage.’
Sean Kirst: The Blue Lights of Auburn – a sign of the times at Bills stadium
‘That banner turned into a stadium constant. It was on the wall when Jerry Butler, Joe Cribbs and Joe Ferguson led the Bills in 1980 to a big win over the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers, and during the 1988 season that was such a breakout year, and for the 1993 comeback that remains one of the most electrifying days in football history. It stayed there, Giangreco said, until the band finally broke up and sign policies changed.’
The lighter side of The News: The Bills, the chills and little blue pills
‘Planning to wear plastic bags under your socks? OK. A little weird, but if you think it works, no one’s going to stop you.’
Alan Pergament: Bills regular season ratings up 13% locally; national telecasts have mixed results
‘The Buffalo Bills’ 17 games in a season that began with Super Bowl expectations averaged a 47.4 rating, up 13% from the 42.1 average for 16 regular season games last season.’
The Editorial Board: While players work for ultimate prize, Bills fans should savor the playoff journey
‘For fans, it should be a joyful journey and the next stop comes tonight as the Bills host the New England Patriots in the AFC wild-card playoff game. It’s going to be frigid one, with temperatures likely in the single digits. But think how warming it will be when they win …’
Keys to the game and Sal’s prediction for Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots
‘Sal’s prediction: Buffalo Bills 20, New England Patriots 13.’
Bills, Patriots put out final injury reports: Big updates on Christian Barmore, Kyle Dugger
‘If Wynn can’t play there’s been rumblings in New England that Trent Brown could move from the right tackle spot over to left tackle. Even if Wynn does suit up he’ll likely be at less than 100%. Barmore playing six days after his injury would likely mean he’s not fully healthy either.’
Bills’ Jordan Poyer named to AP All Pro first team; Micah Hyde named to second team
‘Poyer was named to the first team and Hyde to the second team. Neither player was selected to the Pro Bowl. The AP uses a panel of 50 national media members to vote on who makes the All Pro teams.’
Can Patriots’ Mac Jones succeed in cold vs. Bills? We’re about to find out (Things to watch)
‘Part of Singletary’s success has been the play of the offensive line. The unit seems to have found their best starting five entering the playoffs. In addition to helping Singletary, Josh Allen and Zack Moss on the ground, this unit has been outstanding in pass protection. Allen has not been sacked in the past three games.’
Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots Wild Card playoff preview with odds, predictions
‘Unless the Bills self-destruct, Jones will have to throw on Saturday night and I see Buffalo coming up with a few turnovers as a result. Buffalo’s offense has moved the ball up and down the field with ease against the Patriots this season. In the first matchup, the Bills simply failed to execute in the red zone. That wasn’t an issue in the second matchup. Look for Josh Allen and company to move the ball again in this matchup and do their fair share of scoring. Buffalo’s Wild Card weekend matchup ends up in a convincing win.’
How to watch Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots Wild Card game: TV channel, time, streaming info
‘The game starts at 8:15 p.m. Saturday and will be aired on CBS.’