Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘Those three, all selected in the first two rounds, have played significant roles in a somewhat surprising 2017 season for the Bills, and they are being counted on to produce just like any veteran as the Bills continue their quest for a playoff berth. And later-round picks Matt Milano, Tanner Vallejo and Nathan Peterman have made varying contributions to a season that has already exceeded the expectations of some observers who thought the Bills would be out of playoff contention by Halloween and angling for a top 10 draft pick.’

‘The fact that they still have a road game at New England makes that scenario a bit unlikely, but the other three games are certainly winnable, and the first of those comes up Sunday at New Era Field when the Indianapolis Colts take up residence on the other sideline.’

‘McCoy is responsible for 57 of the Bills’ 203 first downs.’

‘Orchard Park, location of the Bill’s New Era Stadium, is among a number of locations placed under a winter storm watch by the National Weather Service. Forecasters say six to 10 inches of lake-effect snow could fall in persistent squall area Sunday and Sunday night.’

‘He’s the same guy who can’t execute a functional passing game when he’s healthy let alone with a bad knee that will reduce his mobility, so I’d rather watch Peterman get another shot, especially in a game where the odds won’t be completely stacked against him.’

‘“Big accomplishment, something I’m very proud of,” Reilly said. “They say better late than never, and I’m glad it came this season. I’m looking forward to seeing what my role is and seeing what I can do. There’s not many NFL receivers in the world, whether it’s practice squad or active. I got strong feelings for it. Don’t take any day for granted because you never know when it will be your last.”’

‘“There’s no timetable. I’m not going to get into the timetable on if he practices, if he doesn’t practice, what that means,” coach Sean McDermott said regarding Taylor, who hurt his knee on the first play against the Patriots, played into the fourth quarter, then took himself out. “Obviously today he’s not going to practice; Nate will get the reps. Joe (Webb) will also work. We’ll see, we’ll take it one day at a time.”’

‘ Yes, if it’s December, it can only mean one thing: scoreboard watching, because the Bills aren’t in control of their playoff destiny.’

‘Meaning, if Taylor can practice this week, he will start against the Colts, not Nathan Peterman. “We’ll see,” McDermott said. “We’ll take it one day at a time; everything is a little fluid right now, it’s Monday, we’re in the early stages of the medical evaluation.”’

‘The good teams in this league pass, and they pass well. Their running game complements their passing game, unlike in Buffalo where the only chance the Bills have to move the ball and score points is hope LeSean McCoy has a good day. Since 2003, the Bills have ranked higher in the league stats in rushing than passing 14 out of 15 years, and what has that gotten them? The exception was the Kyle Orton season of 2014.’

‘After the game, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was caught on camera by a Rochester cameraman from WROC-TV apologizing to Bills coach Sean McDermott and saying the action by Gronkowski was “bull—-.”’

‘”Good. … Good for him.”‘

‘Sunday afternoon at New Era Field, it was death by a thousand cuts for the offensively-inept Bills as the Patriots slowly and methodically picked away until yet another victory over Buffalo was complete.’

‘The final was 23-3 at the tomb known as New Era Field, and it felt worse than that. When it was over, the one takeaway I had, the same one I always have whenever these two teams play, was one of hopelessness.’

‘Barring an unlikely run to the postseason, there’s about the same chance the Bills pick up Taylor’s option next year as there was for Buffalo to beat New England on Sunday: Zero.’