‘The Bills, of course, never have been a big blitzing defense under coordinator Leslie Frazier. Last year, the Bills blitzed 23% of pass plays, according to Buffalo News charting. That ranked 19th most in the league, according to Football Outsiders.’
Archives for September 7, 2022
Bills yet to name starter between rookie cornerbacks
‘Elam, a first-round pick, and Benford, a sixth-round pick, have competed throughout the offseason. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said Monday that the plan is to “mix it up” between the two based on the flow of the game.’
Alan Pergament: Cris Collinsworth laughs off criticism, sees Bills-Rams as the ‘perfect’ opener
‘“You’ve got East Coast-West Coast, two of the top end quarterbacks. It really has everything you could want on an opening night broadcast. It’s always a good game regardless. But it’s a real challenge for both. I mean, it’s the perfect one. The Rams going to Buffalo I might have felt differently about it, but I really think Buffalo going to play the Rams has the perfect blend. It is almost a dead even matchup in my mind.”’
Erik Brady: AFL champion Bills are rooting for these Bills
‘Butch Byrd, 80, will be watching in person at SoFi Stadium. He was a cornerback on those title teams and still holds the franchise record for career interceptions, with 40. He lives in Westborough, Mass., but is going to Thursday’s game at the invitation of his son, who lives in Santa Monica.’
Kaiir Elam’s Bills teammates trust him. But how is rookie handling battle for starting job?
‘“He’s asking all the right questions,” said Bills All Pro safety Jordan Poyer. “He’s ready to play and he’s somebody that I can trust going into the football game.”’
Rams starting receiver reportedly ‘not ready to go’ vs. Bills
‘Jefferson, 26, is dealing with a knee injury that he suffered this summer. The receiver underwent surgery on the injury shortly thereafter with the team holding out hope that he would be ready for Week 1. It seems highly unlikely, however, that Jefferson will play based on reports from Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.’
Bills players ready for challenge against Rams in NFL season opener
‘“I’ve always said there’s a preseason speed, there’s a regular season speed, there’s that December, January speed, and then there’s playoff speed,” said Micah Hyde after Sunday’s practice. “It ramps up. You’ve just got to lock in.”’
Wednesday’s Los Angeles Coverage
A suspicious text message. Was it fake? How the Rams’ Bobby Wagner deal became real (Los Angeles Times)
Rams view Bills’ Von Miller as enemy for season opener (Orange County Register)
Rams’ Aaron Donald says the team misses Von Miller, but ‘he’s on the opposite side now … he’s the enemy’ (CBS Sports)
From the Podium: Sean McVay and Jalen Ramsey share final thoughts on Bills prep (TheRams.com)
Listen: McDermott: Thursday is just ‘Game 1 of 17’
‘The idea of keeping things in perspective is certainly something McDermott has learned to do over his five years as head coach of the Bills. Since he has taken the helm, his teams have gone 3-2 in Week 1 matchups, with all three wins coming against the New York Jets.’
Dawson Knox thankful for support from Buffalo community
‘“I wanted to thank everybody. I’ve really felt a lot of love and support the last few weeks with my brother,” said Knox on Monday. “My family’s been very thankful, and just everybody in Buffalo have been incredible. The amount of texts I’ve gotten, the messages, the posts, the moment of silence for the preseason game. It’s just been everything that I’ve expected out of Buffalo and more, because this city’s incredible. It’s meant the world to me, and I think they raised over $200,000 for the P.U.N.T. Foundation in my brother’s name. It’s really mind blowing the support that I’ve had, so it’s just an absolute blessing.’
Los Angeles Bills Backers prepared for flood of ‘Bills Mafia’ to Southern California
‘”We are looking forward to hosting all the Bills fans, especially from Buffalo, but all around the nation coming in for this game,” said Eric Holmberg, President of the Los Angeles Bills Backers. “It seems to be certainly one of, if not, the game of the season for away fans to come to, and we are very much looking forward to hosting everybody out in the likely hot sunshine of Southern California.”‘
Time to block party! Chippewa’s Buffalo Bills Block Parties are back for another season
‘”It’s super exciting. I think everybody in the city is pretty excited to see what the Bills can do this year. Last year, I think we all have the same kind of hopes and dreams, but I think we’re all banking on this year. To have it kickoff Thursday Night Football, on national TV, I think is a special way to open the season and we’re really excited to be a part of it having the big block party for the kickoff game this Thursday,” said Ring.’
Sidewalks, ECC and economic growth: Public comments on new Bills Stadium
‘As Orchard Park Town Supervisor, I and Legislator John Mills met with several residents around the current stadium who requested better sidewalks around the area. On gameday, I park on East Abbott Grove so I’m able to personally view the danger of fans walking on Abbott Road between Southwestern and Milestrip Roads. Please include new wide sidewalks in that are for the safety of our Bills fans.’
Bills bracing for challenge of Aaron Donald
‘“He’s got the quickness with the power. A lot of times if a guy has some quickness, maybe they’re not as strong,” said offensive guard Rodger Saffold, who was Donald’s teammate in Los Angeles for three seasons from 2016-18. “So you got to anchor a little bit better. But with him, he has the quickness and the power and his get-off is unmatched.”’
6 things to watch for in Bills vs. Rams | Thursday Night Football
‘Featured in the Kickoff Game the following year, defending Super Bowl champs have posted an 8-3 record in Week 1 since 2010.’