Archives for November 27, 2017

‘They held the Chiefs to 236 yards, including 57 on the ground. They didn’t allow them to get the first of their 14 first downs until three minutes remained in the second quarter. Although they only sacked Smith twice and were credited with hitting him only four times, they frequently had him running for his life (he had five carries for 35 yards).’

‘“One week at a time,” Taylor said following his team’s 16-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. “It was a big game for us. We haven’t played particularly well in away games this year, but for us to come in and weather the storm and overcome adversity throughout the year and even throughout this game … I just think in all phases we did enough today to get the job done. There is definitely some stuff that we can clean up, but I’m proud of the guys and the way they competed.”’

‘We’ll never know how things would have turned out in LA if Taylor had started. The fact that they lost by 30 doesn’t mean it couldn’t have unfolded a lot differently. But Sunday’s stunner at Arrowhead reinforces the notion that Taylor gives them their best chance to win, regardless of his well-chronicled shortcomings as a passer.’

‘The Bills rose from the dead Sunday in a 16-10 win over the Chiefs, a victory that should be celebrated after three straight blowout losses. Buffalo fans would be wise to temper their excitement, however, because the win came against a Kansas City team that has been reeling for weeks.’

‘Gaines grew up 9 miles away in Independence, Mo. About 30 family members and friends — even his high school’s security guard — watched him clamp Hill over the final minutes.’

‘Zay Jones is developing into a good receiver. Seriously. The rookie was targeted nine times in the first half, making three catches for 32 yards, including a great 11-yard touchdown grab. After the brutal start to Jones’ professional career, he continues to take steps in the right direction.’

‘“Tyrod tells me daily that he trusts me and has all the confidence in the world in me,” Jones said. “As a young receiver, when a quarterback tells you that, that should get you going. Just knowing that I have someone in my corner. He says good or bad he’s going to keep throwing to me. That just shows the type of player he is.”’

‘Taylor gave the Bills precisely what they needed Sunday — an efficient performance that complemented a dominant defensive showing.’

‘Yet the Bills stopped Kansas City three and out on 6 of 13 drives – including the first five to start the game.’

‘Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt managed just 17 yards on 11 carries, a 1.5-yard average. Overall, the Chiefs gained 55 yards rushing. The Kansas City offensive struggles begin up front. The Chiefs have managed just 22 points in their last nine quarters. Their run game averaged 156 yards a game the first five weeks of the season. The past six games it is gaining just 76 a game.’

‘Let’s give an A to Leslie Frazier and a D to Rick Dennison. For a week, the Bills fixed whatever was wrong on defense. Frazier dialed up pressure at the right time and had the Bills prepared for whatever the Chiefs called. Dennison, however, called an absolutely uninspired game. Can you really not trust Richie Incognito and Eric Wood to pave the way for 1 yard twice in the second half? Clock management at the end of the first half, coupled with conservative play calling, also left a lot to be desired.’

‘Their drive to run out the clock? Run for no gain, run for minus-1, run for minus-1, punt. The Chiefs got the ball back with 2:28 left. It was a maddening series for an offense that gained only 69 yards in the second half.’

‘The Chiefs looked like the offense they were in September on the opening drive of the quarter. Then they reverted back to the first half. The Bills forced punts on both of the Chiefs next two drives, which lasted only four plays each. They gained 97 total yards in the quarter.’

‘Chiefs fans booed the team off the field at halftime. After starting the year 5-0, they haven’t scored a touchdown since Nov. 5 – a span that was extended to 22 consecutive possessions when they kneeled out the clock at halftime.’