WGR

‘The Patriots ran 27 times for 149 yards. They only had one run of 20 yards or more, but still averaged 5.5 yards per carry, which is too much.’

‘”Bills Mafia” was decked out in full Bills regalia and waving flags and banners, and leading chants through bullhorns as they awaited the familiar giant Delta airliner that would slowly roll up to the fence and witness a raucous Bills welcome.’

‘Special teams coordinator Heath Farewell and defensive line coach Eric Washington are also on the Covid list. The Bills announced that assistants Heath Farwell and Jacques Cesaire will coach those units, respectively.’

‘We all know the Patriots won the last meeting by throwing only three passes. If Bill Belichick can do that again and have the same result I’m sure he’d do it. But the way the Bills can take that plan off the table is by not only stopping the run consistently but not giving up big runs. Things were made easier for New England last time by having too many 4-5 yard runs and creating third down and short situations. They had nine runs of at least ten yards, and busted off a 64-yarder for their only touchdown, but one that played a big role in the outcome of the game.’

‘Bills head coach Sean McDermott joined the “Extra Point Show” for his weekly appearance on Friday, and was the first to confirm the news before his team heads out to Foxboro on Saturday.’

‘The Patriots have also ruled out wide receiver Nelson Agholor with a concussion and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne remains on the Covid-19 list.’

‘Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei didn’t practice for personal reasons, and cornerback Cam Lewis was sick. Lewis’ illness was not listed as COVID-19 related.’

‘There is a lot of information on financial costs, what the stadium would look like, impact on traffic, tailgating, etc. in the detailed report from New York State. The main takeaway, though, is the preference to stay in Orchard Park and the artist renditions.’

‘The Bills had three players listed as limited participants in Wednesday’s session, including veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who missed this past Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers due to a knee injury.’

‘It will be Diggs’ second Pro Bowl after being selected last year, as well, while Dawkins was chosen for the first time in his five-year career.’

‘When Beasley missed a few snaps against the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday due to injury, it was Isaiah McKenzie that filled in for the Bills at slot receiver.’

‘Epenesa joins linebacker Tyrel Dodson and offensive linemen Dion Dawkins and Jon Feleiciano on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Love and Hart are on the practice squad and not on the 53-man active roster, which is why their designation reflects that.’

‘Each team struggled out of the gate, with both the Panthers and the Bills going three-and-out on their opening drives. When the Panthers got the ball back for the 2nd time, they were able to drive deep into Bills territory, but were stopped with a turnover on downs at the Buffalo 24-yard-line. The Panthers had to go for it as they were without their kicker, Zane Gonzalez, who suffered a quad injury in the pregame warmup.’

‘The Bills didn’t give up the big TD run as we’ve seen several times this season, but they still gave up four runs of at least 10 yards, two that went for at least 20 yards, 151 total yards on the ground and 5.2 yards per carry.’

‘The Bills had led the league in takeaways just a few weeks ago, but have only forced two takeaways on defense over their last four games (they also have one special teams takeaway). They now sit tied for third with 26 overall. The Panthers have turned the ball over 23 times, fourth most in the NFL, including 17 interceptions thrown, second most in the league. The Bills have to get back to taking the ball away and setting their offense up with short fields. Opportunities will be there.’