Niagara Gazette

‘Through the first 17 minutes of the game, the Bills looked every bit a championship contender and 13.5-point favorites, as Josh Allen was sublime, going 10 of 12 for 155 yards and a touchdown. Then Playoff Josh looked like Midseason Josh, going 6 of 16 for 76 yards, two interceptions and a lost fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Zach Seiler to give Miami a 27-24 lead one minute into the third quarter.’

‘McDermott has guided the Bills through a racially motivated shooting, sky-high expectations, a mountain of injuries, a mid-season slump, two monumental snowstorms and a near-death incident that rattled the entire NFL.’

‘Local artist Glenn Goodberry and property owner Paul Kudela, with help from a firm in Buffalo called Zoom Buffalo, teamed up to produce a mural honoring “King Josh” on the side of a building owned by Kudela at the corner of 24th Street and, fittingly, Allen Avenue in the city.’

‘“I think I speak for all professional athletes — even though it may seem like we make a lot of money and have different perks, at the end of the day we’re all still humans,” Jamison said. “… When you make it to a level like this, you’re still dealing with adversity, challenges and stuff that can test your mental state. People are always going through things.”’

‘The Bills opened the veteran safety’s 21-day window to be activated off injured reserve, and although coach Sean McDermott said Hyde wouldn’t play against the Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card round on Sunday, the door is now ajar for a potential return should Buffalo advance.’

‘“We’re obviously grateful that he’s home with his parents and his brother,” Bills coach Sean McDermott told reporters Wednesday. “I’m sure it’s felt like a long time since he’s been able to be home. I’m sure it’s a great feeling.”’

‘The Bills received their moments of relief when Hamlin awoke and began to communicate, and then were galvanized by his pregame talk. An entire region hinging upon the health of one player many have never personally met — and likely will never meet — like a beloved family member is why a game so driven by greed and selfishness can sometimes still seem so pure.’

‘Before each game, a mandatory “60 minutes meeting” is held with team doctors, trainers, EMTs and head referees. Discussion includes medical responsibilities, procedures, equipment and ambulance location in the stadium.’

‘Sportsmanship. Humanity. On full display for millions to see.’

‘“When I got over there, the first thing (McDermott) said was, ‘I need to be at the hospital with Damar and I shouldn’t be coaching this game,’” Taylor told Cincinnati reporters Wednesday. “That, to me, provides all the clarity. … In that moment he really showed who he was that all his focus was on Damar and being there for him, being there for his family, being at the hospital. At that point, everything trended in the direction it needed to trend.”’

‘Hamlin’s family said, “On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words and donations from fans around the country.”’

‘It’s not that I’m callous or don’t think it’s tragic that someone’s lifestyle has been ripped away to begin an unimaginable recovery process. But I have paralysis and I know what life can be like. In those moments I know that quality of life isn’t a concern as much as if that person is willing to accept their new life. Quality doesn’t drop off if someone embraces the new normal, even though recovery is grueling and frustrating.’

‘The NFL, in conjunction with the NFL Players Association, made a decision to postpone the game. The Bills returned to Orchard Park early Tuesday morning and the NFL chose not to offer an update on when or if the game would resume during a conference call.’

‘It’s the force of nature against the precision passer, playing for two rust-belt franchises that endured unbearable heartache, unfathomable losses and often incompetence while awaiting their arrival as the savior.’

‘Buffalo only allowed 163 yards passing per game last season, but the number has bumped up to 213.3 this season. Dane Jackson was solid as the team’s No. 1 cornerback while Tre’Davious White worked his way back into the lineup. But since White’s return, Jackson’s play has dipped and he’s split time the last two weeks with rookie Kaiir Elam, who has also struggled at times this season.’