‘One factor playing into New England’s benefit is the weather forecast. Currently it calls for rain with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 30s with the possibility of snow in the second half.’
Archives for October 2020
Bills-Patriots: here’s why it’s so important
‘Buffalo’s seven other remaining foes have a combined record of 27-17, a winning percentage of .614. New England’s opposition in its final eight games is 21-32 or .396.’
Take Five: Bills need to start quickly, and get running game going
‘Jon Feliciano’s return at guard should play a big role in giving the Bills’ O-line the extra physicality and aggressive-mindedness that should help provide more push.’
Ed Oliver and Cam Newton exchange last summer adds intrigue to Bills vs. Patriots
‘The irony of the exchange is that Newton never actually played against Oliver. He was held out of the preseason game and suffered a season-altering lis franc injury the next week in a preseason game against the New England Patriots. Oliver said at the time that the quip from Newton wasn’t a big deal and that it more caught him by surprise. His reaction on the video went viral among Bills fans.’
Bills vs. Patriots injury outlook: Updates on Stephon Gilmore, John Brown, Micah Hyde, N’Keal Harry & more
‘On Friday the Bills listed safety Micah Hyde as questionable while he continues to progress through the NFL’s concussion protocol. He didn’t practice at all this week and his status is certainly up in the air for Sunday’s game. If Hyde doesn’t play the expectation is that veteran safety Dean Marlowe fills in. He’s been in Sean McDermott’s defense for five years dating back to their time together in Carolina.’
Cam Newton: Bills should stack box, dare Patriots’ QB to throw (7 things to watch)
‘Three. That’s how many times Cam Newton has thrown the ball to his right in the past two games.’
What to know about the 5-2 Bills: Josh Allen has cooled off, the defense is banged up, and more
‘Plenty of praise was being heaped upon the shoulders of third-year quarterback Josh Allen, who tossed 12 touchdowns and just one interception in the first four weeks and was mentioned as an MVP candidate. But in the three weeks since, he has four touchdowns and three interceptions.’
Saturday’s New England Coverage
With Julian Edelman out, who will be the Patriots’ slot receiver Sunday? (Boston Globe)
Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore is questionable to play Sunday (Boston Globe)
What would be the Patriots’ record right now if Tom Brady had stayed? (Boston Globe)
What to know about the 5-2 Bills: Josh Allen has cooled off, the defense is banged up, and more (Boston Globe)
Who will Cam Newton throw to without Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry? (Boston Herald)
Patriots’ Stephon Gilmore, Damien Harris among 11 questionable for Bills game (Boston Herald)
Bill Belichick: I don’t think Julian Edelman’s surgery will be season-ending (Boston Herald)
New England Patriots have 11 questionable players for Buffalo Bills game, JC Jackson a new addition (Springfield Republican)
Stephon Gilmore, N’Keal Harry miss Friday practice, unlikely to play against Buffalo Bills (Springfield Republican)
Julian Edelman injury: Bill Belichick doesn’t think Patriots WR’s knee ailment is a ‘season-ending situation’ (Springfield Republican)
New England Patriots rookie TE Dalton Keene eager to build off of last week’s debut (Springfield Republican)
Bill Belichick: Julian Edelman’s knee injury doesn’t look season ending (Providence Journal)
Patriots notebook: Shorthanded at the wide receiver position (Brockton Enterprise)
Cam Newton sets his sights on improving (Brockton Enterprise)
It’s starting to look like the end for Patriots’ good fortune (Nashua Telegraph)
Belichick doesn’t think Edelman’s surgery is season ending (AP)
Patriots’ Cam Newton acknowledges need to elevate play: ‘Losing is not acceptable in this locker room’ (CBS Sports)
Stephon Gilmore tweaks knee in practice, MRI reveals minor injury to Patriots star corner, per report (CBS Sports)
Patriots Injury Report: Two Wideouts Out Vs. Bills; Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson Both Questionable (NESN)
Patriots Notes: Damien Harris Not Concerned About Ankle Injury, Buffalo Weather (NESN)
Patriots’ Stephon Gilmore Misses Final Bills Week Practice With Knee Injury (NESN)
These Young Patriots Receivers Could See Opportunities Vs. Bills (NESN)
Bill Belichick On Hot Seat? Bart Scott Says Patriots Should Fire Him — As GM (NESN)
NFL Rumors: Here’s The Latest On Stephon Gilmore’s Knee Injury (NESN)
Should Patriots Be Buyers, Sellers Or Neither At NFL Trade Deadline? (NESN)
Bill Belichick Opens Up About Julian Edelman Injury, Hopes Receiver Can Return (NESN)
What Is Patriots’ Salary Cap Situation Ahead Of NFL Trade Deadline? (NESN)
Brandon Copeland Drops Comment On Patriots Instagram After Going On IR (NESN)
Patrick Chung Emphatically Supports Cam Newton With NSFW Instagram Comment (NESN)
Patriots Mailbag: Is Trading For Wide Receiver At Deadline Now Inevitable? (NESN)
Why 2-4 Patriots Still Have Fighting Chance In Competitive AFC East Race (NESN)
Perry: Will Sunday’s result in Buffalo alter Belichick’s trade deadline strategy? (NBC Sports Boston)
Perry’s Mailbag: Ranking the Pats’ most valuable trade assets (NBC Sports Boston)
Patriots vs. Bills Preview: Keys to a New England victory in Week 8 (NBC Sports Boston)
NFL Week 8 picks: Latest spread, expert predictions for Patriots-Bills (NBC Sports Boston)
Andersen: Would Bill Belichick, Tom Brady help each other one last time? (WEEI-FM)
Cam Newton knows the Patriots season could end Sunday in Buffalo (WEEI-FM)
Stephon Gilmore reportedly had MRI on injured knee, status for Sunday not yet clear (WEEI-FM)
Patriots rule 3 out, list 11, including Stephon Gilmore, as questionable for game vs. Bills (WEEI-FM)
Bart Scott thinks Patriots should fire Bill Belichick … as GM (WEEI-FM)
Bill Belichick updates Julian Edelman’s health status, potential to return (WEEI-FM)
Bill Belichick passes on getting involved in talk radio discussions regarding trade deadline (WEEI-FM)
Cam Newton: More than ever I have ticked-off dog mentality (WEEI-FM)
Cam Newton opens up on struggles with ‘learning curve’ of Patriots offense (WBZ-FM)
Rapoport gives update on Gilmore’s knee injury (WBZ-FM)
Three Patriots out, 11 questionable for Sunday (WBZ-FM)
Patriots Week 8 Mailbag: What needs to change? (WBZ-FM)
Patriots Injury Report: Stephon Gilmore Questionable, N’Keal Harry Ruled Out Vs. Bills (WBZ-TV)
Cam Newton On Julian Edelman: ‘He Is Everything The Patriots Represent’ (WBZ-TV)
Patriots-Bills Week 8 News, Notes & Fun Facts (WBZ-TV)
Would Loss To Bills Turn Patriots Into Deadline Sellers? Belichick Declines To Answer ‘Talk Radio Question’ (WBZ-TV)
Patriots-Bills Week 8 News, Notes & Fun Facts (WBZ-TV)
Patriots-Bills Week 8 Predictions: Will Pats Snap Skid With Win In Buffalo? (WBZ-TV)
Unfiltered Notebook 10/30: Damien Harris ready to run (Patriots.com)
Week 8: Patriots – Bills Injury Report (Patriots.com)
Transcript: Bill Belichick Press Conference 10/30 (Patriots.com)
Keys to the Game presented by Carmax: Season on the line as Pats head to Buffalo (Patriots.com)
Expert Predictions: Week 8 picks for Patriots at Bills (Patriots.com)
Broadcast Information: Patriots at Bills (Patriots.com)
Ford, Norman ruled out for Bills; Edelman, Harry out for Patriots
‘As for the Patriots, they have ruled out wide receivers Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry, as well as defensive tackle Carl Davis.’
McDermott: We have to put in the preparation and work to be ready for New England
‘”We want to be balanced in our approach, and play a good football game on our side and control what we can control. There’s a lot we can improve on from last week, as we all are aware, and that’s where our focus lies right now.”‘
Cody Ford & Josh Norman ruled out for Sunday, several defensive starters questionable
‘Butler’s groin injury appears to have regressed; he didn’t practice on Thursday or on Friday. Jefferson and Hughes, however were both full participants Friday.’
Bills activate TE Lee Smith from Reserve/COVID-19 list
‘The Bills now have three tight ends on the active roster with Smith back plus Tyler Kroft and Reggie Gilliam.’
Bills activate TE Lee Smith from Reserve/COVID-19 list
‘Smith was among the players that were in close contact with tight end Dawson Knox after Knox tested positive for COVID-19.’
Josh Norman, Cody Ford ruled out against the Patriots
‘Micah Hyde, Quinton Jefferson, Matt Milano, Jerry Hughes, Cam Lewis, Vernon Butler, and Brian Winters are all designated as questionable this weekend. Butler and Hyde did not practice on Friday.’
The hit, and Bills loss, that changed Josh Allen’s career
‘Allen is 13-6 since that game and has increased his touchdowns and completion percentage while decreasing the turnovers.’
Injury Report | Cody Ford, Josh Norman ruled out for Patriots game | Week 8
‘Defensive tackle Vernon Butler (groin), defensive end Jerry Hughes (foot), defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (knee), cornerback Cam Lewis (wrist), linebacker Matt Milano (pec), guard Brian Winters (knee) and safety Micah Hyde (concussion) are all questionable for Sunday’s game.’
6 things to watch for in Bills vs. Patriots | Week 8
‘At the center of those offensive struggles has been their new quarterback Cam Newton. The former NFL MVP got off to a solid start in New England, but his level of play has been in decline with each passing week and most noticeably since his return from his COVID-19 diagnosis.’
Jon Feliciano has plenty to smile about after making long-awaited return
‘“I think it’s a credit to the coaches and training staff that didn’t really rush me back,” Feliciano said. “You know me, I was trying to get activated weeks before they did activate me. Thankfully, they didn’t listen to me and they kept me safe. Two weeks ago, I wasn’t ready. I think the coaches and the training staff did a good job of helping me realize that and then having a plan of how to get my strength back fast and conditioning up.”’
Xs and Os: Bills gear up for meat-and-potatoes Patriots offense
‘“For the most part, it’s New England Patriots football,” said Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes. “A lot of downhill runs, smash-mouth football. They’re going to challenge you in the first quarter, they’re going to challenge you in the fourth quarter. We understand this is just going to be a game up front where we’ve got to stop the run. You’ve got to be physical and you’ve got to bring your lunch pail. Because the same runs that we’re going to get in the first half will certainly show up in the fourth.”’
Inside the Bills: 10 potential targets ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline
‘So, moves can be made. The question now is, does Beane want to make them? As of Thursday night, the Bills had $5.168 million in room under the salary cap, according to NFL Players Association records. That does not give Beane a lot of wiggle room to add – unless a player is going in the other direction as part of the deal.’
How the Bills will fare against the New England Patriots in Week 8
‘The Bills’ defense should be able to build on its second-half revival against the Jets last week and make Newton, whom McDermott knows well from their days together in Carolina, more miserable than has been the case for his last three games. Josh Allen and the rest of the offense need to be more efficient, and that should be good enough for a close win. Bills, 24-20.’
View from Vegas: Patriots are dangerous when coming off rare double-digit defeat
‘And speaking of Belichick, he is 7-2 straight up coming off three consecutive straight up/against the spread losses, including 2-0 straight up/against the spread in division contests. We saved the best for last with The Clincher: New England is 15-6 straight up and 18-3 against the spread as a dog off a loss under Belichick, including 10-0 against the spread off a double-digit defeat.’
Bills’ Tre’Davious White gets flagged – with a lawsuit – over purchase of home
‘White agreed last month to buy a five-bedroom house in Orchard Park, but the purchase is being challenged by rival bidders Marco and Kari Anne Cercone of West Seneca, who claim they already had the 5,444-square-foot house under contract when White came along with an “11th-hour” offer.’
After a blazing hot start, Bills offense has cooled considerably in last three games
‘Buffalo lost to the Titans and Chiefs, and despite penetrating the Jets 35-yard-line on nine possessions, five of those moving into the red zone, the Bills were fortunate to win as they were unable to score a touchdown against a winless New York team whose defense had been pillaged for 22 TDs through six games.’
Jon Feliciano’s season debut will toughen up Buffalo Bills’ offensive line
‘“They definitely were my guys that kept me going and kept me on the right path,” he said. “When I’m here, those guys always came up to me and always made me still like part of the team because when you’re hurting on IR, and you’re on IR for an extended amount of time, things go on. They still gotta win games, people still got a job to do. So I appreciate those guys making sure that I didn’t get left behind.”’
Bills’ Jerry Hughes perfecting leadership style, filling vital role for Buffalo defense
‘Hughes is still leading by example while he dips his toes into his new-found vocal leadership role. He was flipped to the left side for a big chunk of the game against the Jets and he accepted that role without issue. Over the course of the long virtual offseason, Hughes took time out to study what makes a great leader. He watched Alexander and Williams all those years – this is his 11th season in Buffalo – and is now applying those observations and lessons learned with his teammates.’
Darron Lee: Bills adding former first-round pick (report)
‘This time Buffalo plans on keeping Lee around. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said the Bills plan to add Lee to their 53-man roster or practice squad after he passes a physical and COVID-19 protocols.’
Bills vs. Patriots: Julian Edelman to miss game after knee procedure Thursday (report)
‘Edelman’s absence is noteworthy especially because of the struggles Bills slot cornerback Taron Johnson has had against the veteran receiver in previous matchups. Last season in Week 16, with the division on the line, Edelman caught 5 passes for 72 yards in what ended up being a close 24-17 Patriots win to clinch the division.’
Bills-Patriots dynamic has suddenly shifted; AFC East crown now Buffalo’s to lose
‘“We’ve just got to focus on doing a good job with the things that we need to do for this week,” said Daboll, who seemed to be aware of the weight of this weekend’s game against New England. “I just know how important football, in general, is to (the Buffalo) community, and we have to do a good job of trying to go out there (on Sunday) and play well.”’
Patriots say they’ll miss playing in front of rowdy Bills fans
‘“No doubt about it. Even though it’s against you, it’s an awesome football environment,” McCourty said. “I think no matter what people say about ‘Bills Mafia’ and the crazy stuff they do, I think it has to be awesome as a player there to know your stadium is going to pack and they’re going to root for you die-hard the whole game, and they’re just going to be all in, from 9 a.m. all the way throughout the game.”‘
What They’re Saying: Buffalo Bills
‘”It’s still Belichick. You know they got Cam. He was the MVP a few years back. It’s still respect even though they haven’t been playing as well as they want to be. We know they are going to bring their ‘A’ game for us.”‘
Friday’s New England Coverage
Cam Newton knows losing around here is unacceptable (Boston Globe)
Cam Newton on ‘gritty’ Julian Edelman, his favorite Halloween candy, and why he won’t stop dressing up (Boston Globe)
Patriots’ Julian Edelman to miss Sunday’s game vs. Bills after undergoing knee procedure (Boston Globe)
Patriots running back James White says his mother is ‘doing better’ in recovery from car crash that killed his father (Boston Globe)
Patriots WR Julian Edelman expected to miss Bills game after knee surgery (Boston Herald)
Cam Newton: I need to pick my expletive up (Boston Herald)
Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore added to injury report Thursday (Boston Herald)
Assessing the Patriots and their schedule the rest of the way (Boston Herald)
Julian Edelman’s chronic knee trouble could be end of the road (Boston Herald)
Unheralded New England Patriots WR Jakobi Meyers eager to make an impact once again (Springfield Republican)
Everything Cam Newton said ahead of Buffalo Bills game: ‘This is a must win for us’ (Springfield Republican)
Cam Newton says injured Julian Edelman is hard to replace ‘He is everything the Patriots represent, hard, tough, resilient, gritty’ (Springfield Republican)
Cam Newton says he’s been ‘trash,’ calls benching against 49ers ‘a humbling experience’ (Springfield Republican)
Stephon Gilmore added to New England Patriots injury report ahead of Buffalo Bills game (Springfield Republican)
Julian Edelman injury: Here’s who New England Patriots WRs could be in Buffalo this weekend (Springfield Republican)
Julian Edelman injury: New England Patriots WR’s knee expected to cause him to ‘miss game time’ (report) (Springfield Republican)
Patriots’ QB Newton takes ownership of ‘terrible’ performances (Providence Journal)
Patriots Stephon Gilmore limited with knee injury (Providence Journal)
Julian Edelman reportedly won’t play in Buffalo after knee procedure (Providence Journal)
Patriots offensive line still dealing with multiple player injuries (Providence Journal)
Patriots say they’ll miss playing in front of rowdy Bills fans (Providence Journal)
Patriots looking to find ways out of slump (Brockton Enterprise)
Patriots Embracing Role Of Chaser After 3 Straight Losses (AP)
Cam Newton: Buffalo game a ‘must win’ with New England Patriots in 3-game skid (ESPN)
Source: New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman has precautionary knee procedure, expected to miss Sunday (ESPN)
Patriots’ Julian Edelman expected to miss time after undergoing knee procedure, per reports (CBS Sports)
NFL trade deadline 2020: Patriots reportedly tell teams they’d be willing to trade almost anyone (CBS Sports)
Patriots’ James White says mother is ‘doing better’ one month after car accident that killed his father (CBS Sports)
Report: Julian Edelman Undergoes Knee Procedure, Out vs. Bills (SI)
Key For Cam Newton, Patriots’ Offense Might Be To Find A Middle Ground (NESN)
Cam Newton Explains What Patriots Will Miss During Julian Edelman’s Absence (NESN)
Damien Woody Rips ‘Disgusting’ Patriots Amid Woes: ‘They Flat-Out Stink’ (NESN)
Patriots Notes: Cam Newton Once Coached This Pats Teammate In High School (NESN)
Which Patriots Are Potential Trade Candidates? NFL Writer Notes ‘Almost Anyone’ (NESN)
Why Jakobi Meyers Is Ideal Fill-In After Patriots Wide Receiver Injuries (NESN)
Cam Newton’s Lesson From Patriots’ Losing Streak? ‘Pick Your Expletive Up’ (NESN)
Patriots Injury Report: Stephon Gilmore (Knee) Among Nine Limited In Practice (NESN)
Nine Thoughts On How Julian Edelman’s Injury Impacts Patriots Offense (NESN)
Patriots Practice Notes: Who’s Left At Receiver With Julian Edelman Out? (NESN)
Source: Patriots’ Julian Edelman To Miss Time With Knee Injury (NESN)
Patriots’ Offensive Line Merry-Go-Round Is Constant Reminder Of Injury Issues (NESN)
Ranking Patriots’ Biggest Needs Before 2020 NFL Trade Deadline (NESN)
Who Has Patriots’ Most Versatile Player Been So Far This Season? (NESN)
Newton explains what Patriots will miss with Edelman out (NBC Sports Boston)
Report: Patriots listening on trade offers for ‘almost anyone’ (NBC Sports Boston)
Curran: Will Gilmore be traded? It’s not if, but when (NBC Sports Boston)
Damien Harris, Patriots running game will be extremely important Sunday vs. Bills (WEEI-FM)
Cam Newton delivered one of the best quotes from a Patriots player in quite some time (WEEI-FM)
Julian Edelman missing at Patriots practice Thursday, reportedly out ‘some period of time’ after surgery (WEEI-FM)
Report: Patriots telling teams they would listen to trade deals on ‘almost anyone’ (WEEI-FM)
Laird: Welcome to the start of the next great Patriots team (WEEI-FM)
Stephon Gilmore added to Patriots injury report, among 9 limited (WEEI-FM)
What does Patriots’ wide receiver depth chart look like for game vs. Bills? (WEEI-FM)
Peter King on D&K: Patriots did not do enough for Cam Newton this offseason (WEEI-FM)
Are Patriots still team to beat in AFC East? Devin McCourty doesn’t think so (WEEI-FM)
Asante Samuel doesn’t like how Patriots treat players, but he still probably likes those Super Bowl rings (WEEI-FM)
Twitter data shows Patriots still one of nation’s most ‘hated’ NFL teams in 2020 (WEEI-FM)
Report: Julian Edelman has knee procedure, will miss time (WBZ-FM)
Julian Edelman, two others miss Patriots practice Thursday (WBZ-FM)
Chase Winovich reacts to his penalty and Jimmy Garoppolo’s flop on Zolak & Bertrand (WBZ-FM)
Patriots leaders agree: Attitude and effort level isn’t good enough (WBZ-FM)
Cam Newton knows he needs to pick his [expletive] up (WBZ-FM)
Stephon Gilmore (knee), two others added to Patriots injury report (WBZ-FM)
Cam Newton Is Still The Press Conference King (WBZ-TV)
Cam Newton On Julian Edelman: ‘He Is Everything The Patriots Represent’ (WBZ-TV)
Stephon Gilmore Added To Lengthy Patriots Injury Report (WBZ-TV)
What Do Patriots Have At Wide Receiver For Week 8 Vs. Bills? (WBZ-TV)
Report: Julian Edelman Undergoes Knee Surgery, Will Miss Time For Patriots (WBZ-TV)
James White Says His Mother Is Doing Better One Month After Tragic Car Accident (WBZ-TV)
Unfiltered Notebook 10/29: Opportunity arrives for Jakobi Meyers (Patriots.com)
Week 8: Patriots – Bills Injury Report (Patriots.com)
What They’re Saying: Buffalo Bills (Patriots.com)
Bills Don’t Miss Brady In Preparing To Face Newton-Led Pats
‘Teams haven’t shied away at throwing the ball in the direction of Patriots cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. After making a career-best six interceptions and 20 pass breakups in 2019, the 30-year-old Gilmore has just two pass breakups and one interception so far this season.’
AFC East-Leading Bills Seek To Crack Pats’ Run Of Dominance
‘The Patriots have won seven straight and are 35-5 against the Bills since Bill Belichick took over in Foxborough in 2000.’
Bills missing two defensive tackles at practice
‘As the Buffalo Bills prepare to play a game that may come down to which team runs the ball better, they were without two key defensive linemen at practice on Thursday, as Vernon Butler (groin) and Quinton Jefferson (knee) both deal with injuries.’
Real Estate lawsuit looks to push Bills star out of home purchase
‘White’s bid to purchase a 5,444-square-foot Orchard Park home is being challenged with a lawsuit by a couple who claim they already had the home under contract. Marco Cercone, the original bidder and also an attorney, says Keller Williams Buffalo Realty Northtowns continued to solicit higher bids even after entering in to an agreement. The seller disagrees.’
Feliciano excited to be back, expected to make season debut this weekend
‘”It’s been the worst injury pain-wise,” Feliciano said. “A few weeks go by and you’re working hard and you’re feeling good. Then people tell you you’re gonna start doing more things and if and when it starts hurting, you’ve gotta keep your emotions right.”‘
Feliciano ready to get started
‘“I gotta apologize to the training room and my wife because the last 7 weeks haven’t been my best,” he said on Thursday. “I owe those guys (training staff) some donuts… because they dealt with a lot.”’
Feliciano opens up about his injuries and recovery
‘The Bills guard says that he wanted to be activated off the injured reserve list weeks ago but the coaches and training staff wouldn’t allow it.’
Beasley and Bills ‘prepare for anything’ Belichick can throw at them
‘”Film study is important against a team like this,” said Cole Beasley. “Then in-game, you have to do a good job of making adjustments. It’s all a process and it doesn’t end.”‘