‘“Playing in the league for so long, being the old guy in locker rooms, outside of wanting to play, my focus was giving those guys as many tools and dropping as many gems (as possible),” Carter said during a Zoom with reporters on Friday. “Whatever I can see to help them become better in the moment, better athletes (and) better men – that’s what I’m excited about the most.”’
BillsBeat - December 21, 2024
Voice of the Fan: Bills Mafia, show love for 3-headed monster of James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson
‘As the primary back, Cook has exceptional acceleration, balance, vision and explosiveness, along with surprising power. He has cruised to 1,000-plus yards from scrimmage already (828 rushing, 232 receiving).’
Bills injury report update: 4 defensive starters questionable for Patriots game
‘The not so great news is that seven players – including a whopping six on defense, four of whom are starters – will be listed as questionable for the game, and there’s a chance that several of them might not be able to play. All have been limited at practice.’
What can we learn from Bills’ 3-week finish?
‘The Bills would need to win out and have the Chiefs lose two of their last three (Texans, at Steelers and at Broncos … a stretch that’s not exactly easy even with a healthy QB) in this scenario.’
Bills defensive end Dawuane Smoot happy to be healthy as he returns for playoff push
‘“It’s definitely one of those weird years for me,” Smoot told GNN Sports. “Two years ago, getting back from my (Achilles) injury, last year was a weird year. And then coming in this year, I’m thinking it’s going to be the year I’m coming back and I’ve had some freak injuries. So it’s been tough. My faith has been the thing I’ve been leaning on throughout the whole time.”’
Saturday's New England Coverage
Jerod Mayo ‘not concerned’ about having to clarify some of his comments to the media this season (Boston Globe)
Bitter cold Buffalo weather awaits teams, fans for Sunday’s Patriots-Bills game (Boston Globe)
Here are some players Patriots fans should watch in Saturday’s College Football Playoff games (Boston Globe)
Patriots aren’t discussing Christian Barmore’s future after recurring symptoms (Boston Herald)
Patriots provide update on roles of two promising offensive linemen (Boston Herald)
Patriots extra points: OL coach explains why Vederian Lowe, Ben Brown struggled last week (Boston Herald)
Patriots-Bills injury report: Keion White among 5 questionable for Sunday’s kickoff (Boston Herald)
Patriots’ return game could be in trouble after latest injury report (Springfield Republican)
Patriots coach has positive update on 1st-rounder’s new position (Springfield Republican)
Patriots coach: Drake Maye is ‘smartest person in this building’ (Springfield Republican)
Patriots coach reveals amusing reason for bad snaps vs. Cardinals (Springfield Republican)
‘Jeopardy!’ NFL clue stumps contestants, trolls Patriots rival in the process (Springfield Republican)
Chris Young: Pats limping to the finish, but they shot themselves in the foot long ago (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)
Mayo’s late buckling under pressure not helping his cause (Lawrence Eagle Tribune)
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo says defensive tackle Christian Barmore’s return to health is top priority (AP)
Patriots veteran RB is the latest to back Jerod Mayo amid struggles (The Sporting News)
Patriots HC Jerod Mayo addresses Christian Barmore’s illness (The Sporting News)
Patriots expected to sign rookie RB to two-year deal (The Sporting News)
Patriots rule out two, list five as questionable ahead of Week 16 battle with Bills (The Sporting News)
Patriots Insider Drops Interesting Nugget About Jonathan Kraft’s Note-Taking (NESN)
Patriots Reportedly Lock In Intriguing Prospect Through Next Season (NESN)
Patriots Injury Report: Dynamic Playmaker Ruled Out Vs. Bills (NESN)
One Extremely Bold Prediction For Lopsided Patriots-Bills Matchup (NESN)
Patriots Could Answer Major Offensive Line Questions Down Stretch (NESN)
Patriots Draft Preview: Tight End Class Worthy Of Being Prioritized (NESN)
Robert Kraft Must Make Jerod Mayo Decision Sooner Rather Than Later (NESN)
Patriots Ownership Leaving Door Open To Potentially Fire Jerod Mayo (NESN)
Eight Patriots Targets To Watch In First-Round CFP Games (NESN)
How Patriots can move up in 2025 first-round draft order in Week 16 (NBC Sports Boston)
Ten potential Patriots to watch this weekend in the College Football Playoff (NBC Sports Boston)
Ladd McConkey is making Patriots’ 2024 draft trade look worse by the day (NBC Sports Boston)
Jerod Mayo not concerned with messaging approach, hasn’t given thought to lessons learned from media gaffes (WEEI-FM)
The Patriots must consider the option of Mike Vrabel (WEEI-FM)
Patriots rule two players out for Sunday against Buffalo (WBZ-FM)
Alex Van Pelt shows Jerod Mayo how to have his guy’s back (WBZ-FM)
5 Things: Which Patriots players start making their case for 2025? (WBZ-FM)
Patriots rule out Marcus Jones for Week 16 vs. Bills (WBZ-TV)
Week 16 Injury Report: Patriots at Bills (Patriots.com)
Injury Report Analysis: Patriots Rule Out Two Players, List Five as Questionable for Sunday’s Game vs. the Bills (Patriots.com)
Transcript: Head Coach Jerod Mayo Press Conference 12/20 (Patriots.com)
Carter, McGrady and Altidore’s new stake in Buffalo Bills brings diversity to NFL owners’ table
‘“This is a barometer for us to do our jobs and be a stand-in for the next phase of ownership, whether it’s minority, whether it’s majority, whether it’s an individual,” he added. “It’s up to us to really carry this the right way and setting an example for the next people coming along.”’
Buffalo Bills Add Toronto Sports Stars as Owners to Court Canada
‘For McGrady, whom the Raptors drafted in 1997, team ownership has been a goal since he became a pro athlete. And now that he’s an owner, it’s surreal, especially as a basketball player, he said.’
Bills' defense doesn't want to be the spoiler for Buffalo
‘”We just don’t want to make the same mistake twice,” defensive end Von Miller said. “We are able to let [the Lions] come back by 21 points. … And we want to give Josh as many opportunities that he can to go out there, so he can go out there and be special, so he can go out there and make plays and the more shots that he has on goal, the odds are he’s going to do something crazy. He’s going to do something dope.”‘
Vince Carter lauds diversity of new minority Bills ownership
‘”Many years ago, [the Williams’ sisters] started this and it kind of was a thing and it kind of got pushed aside,” Carter said during a Zoom press conference on Friday. “But they kind of broke that barrier for tennis athletes. And I think now full circle, we’re getting that opportunity as male black athletes that are from a different sport. So, I just think it’s just a cool opportunity. Diversity and inclusion is a thing and something that organizations and businesses are trying to accomplish. And we were kind of in the forefront of that on this side.”‘
Rasul Douglas issues stern warning to rest of his Buffalo Bills teammates
‘”If you come in there and you play around, you’re going to lose,” Douglas said.’
Bills QB Josh Allen credits Hailee Steinfeld for MVP season
‘”She’s been a huge part,” Allen told The Associated Press. “The morale, the support. When I get home, she’s my biggest fan, my biggest supporter. She’s just the best.”‘
Buffalo Bills Wild Card opponent just got a lot clearer in Week 16
‘Unless the Kansas City Chiefs collapse down the stretch, Buffalo is very likely hosting Denver in the Wild Card Round. Now while this game would likely go in their favor, it’s important to note that the Broncos did go into Buffalo back in 2023 and win on a walk-off field goal.’
McDermott feels 'strongly' about Allen as NFL MVP this season
‘”In order to play great as a team, you’ve got to have individuals that play great in a game. So you do want to acknowledge those awards and the effort that was put into it and those performances,” said Bills head coach Sean McDermott of his quarterback during an appearance on the “Extra Point Show on Friday. “Josh has been phenomenal all season, pretty much, and especially the last number of games. In my estimation, and I’m his head coach, I think he’s MVP of the league. I just feel strongly about that, the way he’s led our team this year and performed on the field.”‘
Opinion: Patriots' offense floundering
‘The third overall pick in last April’s NFL Draft has started each of New England’s last nine games after taking over for Jacoby Brissett. Maye has a 2-7 record, but that is much more about the team around him than Maye’s potential.’