Niagara Gazette

‘Injuries haven’t helped brighten the mood in Western New York since losing to the Ravens, but the Bills will need to have a solid performance to avoid another loss. And while one loss won’t hurt the Bills in the overall playoff race, conference losses — especially against playoff teams — plays a factor in seeding later in the season.’

‘“We’re not in college, it’s not like there’s a huge talent gap,” Smoot told the Gazette. “We’re in the NFL. Everybody gets paid and they get paid handsomely just like we do, too. At the end of the day, they got us. We just come back and regroup. It’s a long season.”’

‘But through four games, Samuel is sixth on the team in targets (9), catching eight passes for 48 yards. More problematic is that Samuel has played the fewest snaps of any receiver on the team, with his 68 plays being 23 behind No. 4 Marquez Valdes-Scantling.’

‘Defensive tackle Ed Oliver was listed as limited with a hamstring injury. Oliver was not on the injury report Wednesday.’

‘“It’s certainly an unfortunate situation and we respect the decision made by the league, and really it’s out of our control,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said. “And what we need to focus on is it’s an opportunity for someone on our football team to step up.”’

‘Officially listed as limited on the injury report Wednesday and wearing a harness on his left shoulder, Bernard’s status is still uncertain for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. Bernard says he still has more work to do in regaining strength before the trainers will clear him to play.’

‘Miller was not suspended by the Bills, who have consistently stated they believe the matter would be resolved. During training camp, Miller said he considered the case closed, but it has not been confirmed by the Dallas County Sheriffs.’

‘Allen went 8 of 17 for 50 yards — with one scramble for 3 yards — and a sack against man coverage, while having little time to throw. When he did have time, his receivers struggled to get open and Allen had to make difficult throws to fit the ball into tight windows.’

‘There isn’t much to knock when it comes to McDermott’s defensive scheme, but it’s proven susceptible against the run and it has bitten them enough times for pause. Buffalo allows 144.7 yards rushing per game in losses under McDermott, compared to 94.6 in wins and they are 2-9 when allowing at least 200 yards and 10-19 when giving up at least 150.’

‘Six days after a 37-point win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bills were handed a taste of their own medicine.’

‘The Bills can’t afford a slow start against a talented Ravens team, especially on the road. Buffalo is 34-29 away from Highmark Stadium under McDermott, compared to 42-12 at home.’

‘“I encountered and sympathized with the Bills so much just after Super Bowl XXV,” Nakagawa said.’

‘Over the last three seasons, Anderson has gone from the practice squad to making the 53-man roster last year — but didn’t play in a regular-season game — to now being the team’s most versatile backup. An offensive tackle at UCLA, Anderson is listed as Buffalo’s primary backup at left guard, right guard and center and even played five snaps at left tackle when reserve Tylan Grable injured his groin late in the game Monday.’

‘Bernard donned a helmet, shoulder pads and a red non-contact jersey Thursday, two weeks after leaving the Miami game with an injury. Wearing a harness on his left shoulder, Bernard performed individual drills during practice and was officially listed as limited on the injury report.’

‘Jackson, the last pick in the first round, was told by many he would never become a pocket passer and told by some more that he couldn’t even be a quarterback in the NFL. Now Jackson has two MVPs to his name and has redefined the position, the perceived risk of taking a running quarterback diminishing. The No. 7 pick in the draft was Allen and he had the prototypical size and arm strength to be a successful quarterback, but he played for Wyoming instead of a big-time college program and didn’t have the touch to ever become an accurate passer. Now he is perhaps the biggest overall force of nature in the league.’