Forbes

‘The move came as somewhat of a surprise considering that there were reports only a day or so ago suggesting that the 6-foot, 223-pound linebacker was going elsewhere for the 2021 NFL season. Pro Football Focus had linked Milano as a good fit to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.’

‘Brown had one year remaining on a three-year, $27 million contract he signed in free agency, and this was perhaps too rich for a 30-year-old who was the No. 3 option at receiver this past season.’

‘First of all, they will need some luck. They will need Mahomes, if he is healthy, to be off his game. And then they need QB Josh Allen to be the Josh Allen that Buffalo fans have seen over the last few games.’

‘Freeman was a depth piece for New York, playing in just five games and gaining 172 total yards and a touchdown. He also caught seven passes for 58 yards.’

‘But they’ve got to prove to themselves that they’ve learned from last season’s wild-card loss to the Houston Texans. And that is to bury your opponent when you have them down. Who can forget what happened last January? The Bills were up 16-0 and still lost 22-19.’

‘In turning over the fortunes of the franchise, Beane has turned over almost the whole roster. Only defensive end Jerry Hughes and long-snapper Reid Ferguson remain from the previous management team.’

‘Some teams crash on such a big stage. The elite teams are at their best when they have the most eyes on them.’

‘Earlier this season, backup tight end Dawson Knox tested positive for Covid-19, which resulted in Knox and three other tight ends being forced to miss Buffalo’s victory over the New York Jets. With Kroft sidelined Sunday, Knox, the team’s third-round pick last year, will be asked to step in and step up. Veteran TE Lee Smith will also likely be activated.’

‘In fact, Allen and Murray are each averaging 265+ passing yards per game and 25+ rushing yards per game. The only players in league history to finish a season with those statistics are Steve Young and John Elway, as per Buffalo PR.’

‘This was the most complete game the Bills have played all season and perhaps turned more doubters into believers after such a convincing win against a Seahawks team that was atop the NFC West at 6-1 entering the game.’

‘The Bills are a passing team. Plain and simple. And Josh Allen is not a game-management quarterback. Ultimately, they have to play to their strengths, if that means throwing the ball 40 times a game.’

‘Even though the Bills have slayed the dragon in these Patriots, they have to stay humble and hungry. Many see this as the passing of the torch, but McDermott gave his team the right messages.’

‘Allen is projected to finish with 5,304 yards, which would shatter Bledsoe’s record. That 2002 season, Bledsoe was blessed to have a couple of great targets on the receiving end. Eric Moulds compiled 1,292 yards through the air and Peerless Price rolled up 1,252 yards.’

‘That means Buffalo will face another schedule change. Their game against the Kansas City Chiefs will be bumped from Thursday to next weekend (date to be announced), and that’s if the Titans game actually takes place on Tuesday. More testing in the Titans camp will be needed before the game on Tuesday is confirmed. The disadvantage is the Bills will have two days’ less rest than the Chiefs when they meet for what should be perhaps the biggest game of the season.’

‘But the Titans roster will be depleted. The outbreak on the team reached 20 cases on Sunday, involving both players and staff.’