Archives for January 19, 2024

‘Let’s point out that there are plenty of people who owe Oliver an apology (guilty as charged). At the time he signed his contract extension in June, which is for four years and worth up to $68 million, some suggested he had failed to reach the desired level of consistency in his career to earn such a contract (again, guilty as charged). Instead, Oliver has gone the other way, proving to be a bargain. Interior pass rushers who can impact the game the way Oliver has are always going to be in high demand.’

‘McDuffie has rushed the passer from his slot-corner position 60 times, second most among all NFL cornerbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. By comparison, the Bills blitzed Johnson off the slot 30 times, ninth most of any cornerback.’

‘“It was a little scary, but hopefully it wasn’t as bad as what it could have been,” Bernard told The Buffalo News on Thursday. “(The athletic training staff) showed me the video and they said my ankle was loose (from the original injury) and when it hit the ground, it shifted out. It didn’t look crazy.”’

‘The Bills wouldn’t have just missed out on the No. 2 seed had that flag not been thrown. They wouldn’t have made the playoffs at all. Buffalo’s win over Kansas City started a five-game winning streak to end the regular season, and a loss in any of them would have meant the Bills missed out on the postseason field.’

‘I think the Chiefs’ defense, ranked second in yards, points and sacks, is better than the Bills’ banged-up defense. I think Kelce, Rice and cornerback Trent McDuffie produce enough plays to make the difference. Chiefs, 25-23.’

‘Prediction: Kansas City by 3.’

‘The game had a 56.7 rating and 85 share on WIVB-TV (Channel 4), the local CBS affiliate. That was higher than the local rating for all the Super Bowls played since 2000, except for one.’

‘As it happens, the stadium is less than four miles from the fairgrounds, where you sang “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” long before you sang it on your Eras tour.’