‘West was previously the assistant defensive line coach after joining the Bills in 2022. His promotion comes after helping the lead Buffalo’s d-line to 54 sacks during the regular season, fourth best in the NFL. The defensive line coach position became open after Eric Washington departed to become Chicago’s defensive coordinator.’
Archives for February 2024
With excavation of ‘the pit’ complete, Bills stadium project gets first steel beam
‘The team said in early January that construction was shifting toward “the development of the steel superstructure that will shape the future of the stadium.” Hochul said Friday, Jan. 26 that the excavation work is complete and the first steel beam is ready to go up. She and construction workers in attendance signed their names on the first beam, which was put in place on Feb. 2.’
Bills name new coaches for linebackers, defensive line
‘Holcomb was a senior defensive assistant for the Bills this season. He has 15 years of NFL coaching experience. Holcomb came to Buffalo after a stint at Carolina, where he joined the Panthers’ staff as a defensive running game coordinator in 2020 and got promoted to interim defensive coordinator for the final 12 games of the 2022 season.’
Josh Allen on beating Tom Brady at Pebble Beach: “It feels pretty good”
‘“It felt pretty good,” said Allen to Golf Channel on Friday. “I didn’t beat him in Football, we played that match a couple years ago. I didn’t get him then so we got him today.”’
Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin raises awareness for American Heart Month
‘The Buffalo Bills player was on hand to raise awareness about protecting your heart. “I just want to give a big thank you to the American Heart Association for having me here,” Hamlin said.’
Bills name Al Holcomb as linebackers coach, Marcus West as defensive line coach
‘Holcomb was the Panthers linebackers coach from 2013-17 during the time when Sean McDermott was Carolina’s defensive coordinator. He also coached LBs Luke Kuechly (2013 DPOY) and Thomas Davis (first team All-Pro in 2015) during that time.’
Brandon Beane: Buffalo Bills still deciding who will call defense
‘“We’re still working through all those things,” Beane told The Buffalo News on Thursday in Mobile. “We’re still working on our staffing and things like that. Sean and Bobby, from the defensive side, are still sorting things out.”’
Bills’ special teams plummeted down the rankings last season
‘Under second-year coordinator Matthew Smiley, the Bills’ special teams went through a big decline. The group that finished No. 1 in DVOA in 2022 dropped to No. 15 in 2023, according to FTN Fantasy. DVOA stands for defense-adjusted value over average and is a system that breaks down every NFL play, then compares a team’s performance to a league baseline based on situation in order to determine value over average.’
Bills rookie class review: Dalton Kincaid sets records, Buffalo hit on early picks
‘In the end, only four of the players made the team, only three played, and two became starters. This was the fewest number of contributors the Bills have had from a rookie class since their six-man group of 2005 when only wide receiver Roscoe Parrish, offensive guard Duke Preston and defensive back Eric King got on the field as rookies.’
Josh Allen, Keith Mitchell go 2-over in first day at Pebble Beach
;Allen and Mitchell, who are playing in a foursome that includes former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, will tee it off for the second round at Pebble Beach Golf Links at 12:21 p.m. Friday.’
Damar Hamlin gifts BPS teacher Super Bowl tickets
‘“I am so very proud and delighted that Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, in partnership with the Buffalo Bills, is recognizing the heroic efforts of Mr. James Damon with an all-expense-paid trip to Super Bowl LVIII,” said Buffalo School Superintendent Dr. Tonja M. Williams. “Mr. Damon, who teaches at Emerson School of Hospitality, PS 302, quickly and selflessly acted to save a fellow Western New Yorker’s life and about the importance of knowing CPR. Everyone should learn CPR; you never know when you could save a life.’
Defense analysis: Rotten playoff ending overshadows Bills’ defensive season
‘The Chiefs averaged 7.7 yards per play, the most against a Bills defense in the 125-game, seven-year tenure of head coach Sean McDermott.’
Ryan O’Halloran: Things Bills can glean from conference title games
‘Baltimore was awful. Only 3 of 11 on third down. Four three-and-outs. A whopping 95 yards in penalties. Three turnovers. It would have been right there for the Bills to win on the road and reach the Super Bowl.’
Justin Shorter determined to be part of the Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver mix next season
‘“I would definitely say just learning to be patient and slow down,” Shorter said the day after the Bills were eliminated by the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs. “Just really being able to break down this offense, which is the biggest thing for me. Being able to watch guys like Stef (Diggs) and guys like Gabe (Davis) go out there every single day and be as consistent as they are on the field, that just gives me a great example for next year. I know how to come back and get that job done, basically.”’
Great O-line pool for NFL draft helps Bills despite team’s lack of need at position
‘There could be 10 or 11 offensive linemen taken in the first round, and it looks like there will be a run on offensive linemen in the back half of the round, from the 16th to 32nd picks.’