‘The Bills lost the turnover battle for the eighth time Sunday, including the regular season. Somewhat amazingly, they’re 5-3 in those games. All three of Buffalo’s turnovers Sunday were committed by quarterback Josh Allen – two interceptions and a lost fumble. On the first interception, Allen attempted to get the ball deep down the field to John Brown. On the second, he was throwing for Cole Beasley. The lost fumble came early in the third quarter when the Bills didn’t pick up a blitz and was sacked from his blind side.’
Archives for January 17, 2023
Analysis: Josh Allen had just enough ‘boom,’ a few big ‘busts’ vs. Miami’s heavy blitzing
‘Miami blitzed Allen 20 times in 49 dropbacks (40.8%), the highest rate of blitzes the Bills’ QB has seen all season, according to Buffalo News charting.’
Ken Dorsey Watch: Buffalo Bills’ empty sets, big run personnel worked well vs. Dolphins
‘The Bills stuck to their personnel script in the wild-card playoff game, using 11 personnel 69% of the plays. Their season average was 70%. Empty backfield sets, which tend to simplify protection, worked. Josh Allen was 5 of 7 passing out of empty for 89 yards and a touchdown. He was 4 for 4 in the second half out of empty.’
Upon Further Review: Tre’Davious White continues to round into form as secondary plays active role in Buffalo Bills’ win
‘“He’s worked hard, he really has,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said of White. “Give credit to our training staff, as well. But his mindset appears to be in a totally different space right now. He’s confident making plays on the ball and I would say our secondary made some key plays on the ball. Taron Johnson is another one that comes to mind, Kaiir (Elam), and that’s important. You’ve got to be able to make plays on the ball, and we’re starting to do that.”’
Boogie Basham makes the most of increased playing time in Bills’ win over Dolphins
‘The team’s second-year defensive end finished with five tackles, one sack and two quarterback hits during his team’s 34-31 victory over the Miami Dolphins in an AFC wild-card playoff game at Highmark Stadium. Basham played 35 defensive snaps, which was 49% of the team’s defensive total. Basham had played more than 35 snaps in a game just three times during the regular season.’
Cincinnati Bengals up next for Buffalo Bills: Here’s what to know
‘WR Tee Higgins: He’s a big, (6-4, 215 pounds) physical player with speed who is a great No. 2 to Chase as he had 74 receptions for 1,029 yards and seven TDs. The Bills did great against the Miami duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but they had Skylar Thompson pitching, not Burrow.’
This wasn’t the easy victory Bills expected
‘The Bills are home courtesy of being the No. 2 seed to Cinci’s No. 3, a seeding that could have been reversed had the regular-season meeting not been wiped out and the Bengals, leading at the time, gone on to win. Given the seriousness of Hamlin’s health crisis, it’s a break Buffalo probably deserved.’
Did Bills rookie CB have coming-out-party vs. Dolphins? Inside Kaiir Elam’s big performance
‘Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are two of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL and now the Bills needed their first-round draft pick to grow up in front of everybody’s eyes inside Highmark Stadium. Elam was up to the challenge.’
Wife of Bills’ Mitch Morse had one question after his altercation with Dolphins DT
‘“I wonder if he would defend my honor the way he defends Josh?”’
Bills allow 31 points, but defense was not problem vs. Dolphins (Report card)
‘The interior of the line struggled against Zach Sieler and Christian Wilkins. The Dolphins defensive tackles combined to make three sacks while adding six quarterback hits. Sieler also had the score on Allen’s fumble. Buffalo will need to be a lot better in the middle of their line with the Bengals’ D.J. Reader coming to town this weekend.’
The Bills won ugly vs. the Dolphins. The Bengals might not be so forgiving.
‘The Bills’ mistakes, especially on offense, cost them. And before they could examine the film, McDermott urged his players to learn from the win.’
Turnovers A Concern For Bills, Allen As They Prep For Cincy
‘A similar sloppy outing might be too much for the three-time defending AFC East champion Bills to surmount in the divisional round on Sunday when they host Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, who are on a 9-0 roll.’
Analysis: Bills, Bengals Look Shaky In Wins, Set Up Rematch
‘The Bills (14-3) struggled against No. 7 seed Miami, a 13 1/2-point underdog. The Dolphins, who were down to rookie third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson, took a 24-20 lead in the third quarter when Josh Allen was strip-sacked and Zach Sieler scored on a 5-yard return.’
Damar Hamlin’s ‘miraculous recovery’ brings prayer back to the NFL
‘Many players across the NFL engaged in prayer circles, and teams honored Hamlin during their Week 18 matchups. Hamlin’s teammate and Buffalo Bills star quarterback Josh Allen said he experienced a “spiritual awakening” upon hearing of Hamlin’s improving status.’
Ups and downs of Josh Allen’s hyper-aggressive style, and where the Bills go from here
‘With an average blocking unit, Stefon Diggs, and a solid but inconsistent support cast beyond the elite receiver, this is what an offense is going to look like with Allen at quarterback. He’s doing what is most sensible in his mind to elevate this Bills team — sling rockets, often, all over the field, even if doing so is a little dangerous.’