Niagara Gazette

‘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.’

‘“There’s only one way to play football, and if it’s in the back of your mind, then you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage,” Morse said. “When I signed my extension, my wife and I, we had some frank conversations. We understood that this was something that could pop up again, it did, and we kind of dealt with it.”’

‘The Bills are a reflection of their quarterback. Sometimes they win with beautiful skill, sometimes they win with brute force and sometimes they make mind-bogglingly poor plays.’

‘Sean McDermott has proven he prefers a clock-control offense whenever possible, so it would be hard to imagine the Bills banging their heads against the wall throwing into the wind again, although don’t expect Josh Allen to be limited to three attempts like Mac Jones a year ago.’

‘“I was just tired of being down on myself, tired of trying to be perfect,” Elam said. “I just give it my all and let the work take over. I’m not trying to be perfect anymore. Nothing’s going to be perfect. I just try to give it my all and make sure I’m locked in on what I need to get done.”’

‘Buffalo is 10-0 with Poyer in the lineup this season, making 53 tackles and a team-best four interceptions. Poyer is also a critical part of the Bills’ run defense and Chicago brings quarterback Justin Fields, who became the third quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.’

‘“We were giving them some problems with that, so we kept with it,” Bills running back Devin Singletary said. “That’s what we had to do to get a win.”’

‘But in the last two games, no Bills player has more targets (15), catches (10) and yards (139), while his two touchdowns match his total from the first 11 games, finding the role he was presumed to have entering the season.’

‘Allen’s performance may again elicit calls that Buffalo’s offense is too quarterback-centric, accounting for 381 of the team’s 446 yards, including his second 300-yard passing game in the last eight games. But it was necessary to win the game.’