‘The opening line favored Buffalo over Baltimore by three points, but it’s now 2½ and will likely fall to two by game time as this matchup is fascinating, pitting two of the NFL’s hottest teams.’
Archives for January 12, 2021
Ravens’ defense back at full strength and on roll after win over Titans
‘“I just feel like it’s playing together,” Harbaugh told reporters on a video conference call. “Communication has been excellent. All of our coaches have done a great job of making sure we’re on the same page. Our players have done that, too. We’ve really worked at it in practice. Communication is everything, especially in our system.”‘
Five takeaways from Monday’s Bills press conferences
‘Another option for the Bills may be rookie undrafted free agent Antonio Williams. Called up from the practice squad in Week 17, Williams impressed in running for 63 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 12 carries.’
Bad field position? Bills win over Colts was one for the millennium
‘Add up all of the drives, and the Bills’ average start was 163 yards worse than that of the Colts. Despite that, the Bills won 27-24.’
Bills reportedly bring in kicker for tryout as insurance
‘It would be a smart addition should Covid-19 – or anything else – impact current kicker Tyler Bass. Bass has not missed a field goal since Week 9.’
Inside the Bills: Player personnel director Dan Morgan elected to College Football Hall of Fame
‘“When you think about the past, it really comes down to the hard work,” he said. “You can think of all the big games and all that type of stuff, but what I really think about it all the moments that I put in hard work when nobody was looking. When I ran, when I lifted, when I did pushups in my garage. I didn’t go out and party, just kind of stuck to my plan that I thought would get me to where I am today. That’s really what floods my thoughts.”’
Jim Kubiak: Innovative RPOs helps Bills QB Josh Allen take advantage of improvisation skills
‘Allen’s ability to run and improvise was the difference in the game as the Colts were able to compress the pocket and apply pressure mostly with their front four pass rushers. He was regularly forced out of the pocket and was able to inflict damage on the perimeter.’
Bills fans can attend Saturday’s playoff game under same rules
‘The same general rules will be in place along with the same cap on attendance, roughly 6,700 people, at the playoff game versus the Baltimore Ravens.’
Fans can attend Buffalo Bills playoff game against Baltimore Ravens, Cuomo says
‘Now, ticketholders — each of whom paid $63 for a COVID-19 test through BioReference Laboratories — will have to travel to Bills Stadium in Orchard Park in the days leading up to the game to submit to a COVID-19 test.’
NFL playoffs: 5 things Buffalo Bills fans should know about the Baltimore Ravens
‘Oh, and Jackson entered Sunday 0-6 as a starter when his team fell behind 10 points in a regular season or playoffs. After Tennessee led 10-0, Baltimore rattled off 17 straight points.’
Bills’ Leslie Frazier to interview for Texans’ head coaching job, per reports
‘The Texans’ job is obviously one of the most appealing because of quarterback Deshaun Watson. New general manager Nick Caserio has some work to do considering the cap situation in Houston, but Frazier would walk into the job already armed with a winning QB.’
Bills Mafia to attend playoff game vs. Ravens, Cuomo makes it official
‘“It was a great joy to see the Buffalo Bills win their first home playoff game in more than two decades in front of thousands of New York fans on Saturday, and we’re looking forward to extending that winning streak this week,” he said in a statement. “New York’s first-in-the-nation pilot plan to reopen Bills Stadium to fans went smoothly, and we’re pleased to be able to extend it to next week’s game. The success of our pilot plan depends on individual behavior as well as collective measures, and I urge Bills fans to stay safe and follow the rules as we look to another exciting game. Go Bills!”’
After Al Riveron almost cost Bills first playoff win in 25 years, WNY eye doctors offer free Lasik
‘“We are offering FREE LASIK to this NFL ref Alberto Riveron… in charge of video review at the Bills Game today … clearly he is not seeing so well,” Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare wrote.’
Bills vs. Ravens is set: 6 thoughts on AFC divisional round matchup
‘Since Jackson returned after a bout with the coronavirus, the Ravens haven’t lost and their defense has been a completely different unit. They were allowing 333 yards per game in their first 11 games but brought that down to 302 per game over the last five games and their win over the Titans on Sunday. Speaking of the Ravens big win, they clamped down on the Titans after Ryan Tannehill got Tennessee out to a quick 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Over the final 45 minutes the Ravens held the Titans to just 76 yards and three points. Jackson was sensation with his legs against the Titans. He’s been a different player during the six-game win streak. He had four multiple touchdown games in the team’s final five regular season wins.’
Ravens ‘really liked’ Bills QB Josh Allen before 2018 NFL draft, John Harbaugh says | Notes
‘“I watched him a lot, actually. He’s a guy that most of us here really really liked,” Harbaugh said on his weekly conference call. “Just the arm talent and the athleticism and the strength; he’s a big, strong guy. Then you heard about his story, I really liked his story, what he overcame to get to where he was at; kind of came up the hard road and underestimated road. We always kind of like those kinds of guys, for sure.”‘
Five things to know about the Ravens’ divisional-round opponent, the Buffalo Bills
‘The Bills have a solid defense, ranked 12th in efficiency by Football Outsiders’ DVOA rankings. But Buffalo has been susceptible to giving up chunks of yards on the ground. The run defense has allowed an average of 119.6 yards per game, which ranks 17th, and 4.6 yards per attempt, which ranks 25th. In their win over the Colts, the Bills allowed 163 rushing yards and 5.4 yards per carry.’
Before Baltimore Ravens drafted Lamar Jackson, they ‘really, really liked’ Josh Allen
‘“I watched him a lot, actually,” Harbaugh said Monday. “He’s a guy that most of us here really, really liked. Just the arm talent and the ability to — the athleticism and the strength. He’s just a big strong guy.”’
Tuesday’s Baltimore Coverage
Five Things We Learned from the Ravens’ 20-13 wild-card win over the Tennessee Titans (Baltimore Sun)
Mike Preston: A Ravens postseason run depends on the defense. Is it up to the task? (Baltimore Sun)
Five things to know about the Ravens’ divisional-round opponent, the Buffalo Bills (Baltimore Sun)
Ravens ‘really liked’ Bills QB Josh Allen before 2018 NFL draft, John Harbaugh says (Baltimore Sun)
The Ravens haven’t played a game in heavy snow since 2013. Will flakes fall in Buffalo this weekend? (Baltimore Sun)
Baltimore Ravens snap counts vs. Titans: A defense fit for a king, Patrick Ricard stays busy and more (Harrisburg Patriot News)
Baltimore Ravens truth or hyperbole: Assessing John Harbaugh’s post-game comments (Harrisburg Patriot News)
Before Baltimore Ravens drafted Lamar Jackson, they ‘really, really liked’ Josh Allen (Harrisburg Patriot News)
Ravens assistant David Culley to interview for Texans’ head-coaching job (Harrisburg Patriot News)
Jackson, Ravens Ready To Build On Noteworthy Playoff Victory (AP)
Report: Ravens assistant David Culley to interview for Texans coaching vacancy (NBC Sports Washington)
Bills beating the Ravens? Smith says it’s ‘an unequivocal no’ (NBC Sports Washington)
Rex Ryan: ‘The Ravens don’t get bullied’ and could go all the way (NBC Sports Washington)
These Alabama, Ohio State stars could fit nicely with the Ravens (NBC Sports Washington)
Ravens turn playoff page from Titans to Bills (WMAR-TV)
Roughly 6,700 Fans Will Be Able To Watch Saturday’s Ravens-Bills Game In Person (WJZ-TV)
News & Notes: John Harbaugh Sets Record for Playoff Road Wins (BaltimoreRavens.com)
David Culley Will Interview for Texans Head Coach Job (BaltimoreRavens.com)
Buffalo Bills need Josh Allen to make better decisions if they are to stay in the playoff mix
‘But, Saturday’s game was close, probably closer than it should have been and it also showed one Allen’s biggest problems.’
Bills’ Bend-But-Don’t-Break Defense To Be Tested By Ravens
‘If there’s another bright side for the Bills, their defensive deficiencies have been smoothed over by an offense that scored a single-season team-record 501 points, and extended another franchise record by scoring 24 or more points for a 10th straight outing.’
Buffalo Bills RB Zack Moss out for rest of postseason
‘Buffalo’s second-leading rusher behind Devin Singletary, Moss totaled 576 yards of offense and five touchdowns during his rookie season in 2020. He missed three games early in the season with a toe injury but had played in every game since. His highlight performance came during Buffalo’s Week 8 victory over the New England Patriots, during which he ran for a season-high 81 yards and two touchdowns.’
Buffalo Bills again to host limited fans for divisional-round game vs. Baltimore Ravens
‘Similar to last weekend’s game, when 6,772 fans were allowed to attend a game for the first time all season, fans will be required to pass a screening for the coronavirus before being allowed to enter the stadium, will have to remain socially distant in the stands and wear a mask at all times. Fans also will be assigned a specific entry gate and time to prevent clustering.’
Bills lose rookie running back Zack Moss for rest of playoffs due to an ankle injury, per report
‘Moss suffered the injury early in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s matchup after a player landed on him and forced him down awkwardly. Moss was then carted off the field and held out for the rest of the contest. The rookie finished the game with 21 yards on the ground and caught four passes for 26 yards through the air.’
Comparing Josh Allen-led Bills offense to the Jim Kelly attacks from Buffalo’s golden era of football
‘But notice the run-pass splits. Buffalo finished this regular season with nearly 10% fewer rushing yards than the NFL average, but had a whopping 20% more passing yards than league average. While not pictured in the table, this year’s Bills had 17.7% more passing first downs than league average, the 1990 iteration was exactly at the NFL average with 161 passing first downs. There’s your difference in offensive philosophies over 30 years of NFL football.’
Texans request interview with Leslie Frazier
‘Frazier has been a head coach in the NFL before, going 24-32-1 with a Minnesota Vikings from 2010-2013. The Bills defense has ranked in the top-three in the NFL in yards allowed in two of his four seasons as defensive coordinator (2018 and 2019), and second in points allowed in 2019. This season, the Bills defense ranked 16th overall in points allowed and 14th in yards against.’
Fans to officially attend Saturday’s Divisional Round game in Orchard Park
‘”We felt the energy from our fans last Saturday at the stadium and we know our coaches and players appreciated the support on the field. We have worked with the Governor, his team and BioReference to ensure we will host fans again on Saturday night. They have all been great partners in this process.’
Opinion: The Big Picture: Bills continue to ‘Find A Way’
‘McDermott uses these slogans and themes to send messages to his own organization, and especially the players. Of course we know “Trust the Process”, or what’s now become more known as “Respect the Process”. That’s been true since the day he got here, and will always be.’
Report: Zack Moss out for the playoffs with ankle injury
‘When asked about the severity of Moss’ injury in his weekly Zoom conference call on Monday, Bills head coach Sean McDermott never gave any clarity on how long the 23-year-old will be out of the lineup. However, he did say with Moss out of the lineup, he has the belief in the other running backs in the group to step up in his place.’
Bills running back Zack Moss out for rest of postseason with ankle injury
‘In 14 games played this season, Moss had 112 carries for 481 yards and four touchdowns.’
State to allow Bills fans in stadium for game against Ravens under same rules as Wild Card Weekend
‘A partnership between the Bills, New York State and BioReference Laboratories led to the return of fans to the stadium for this first time this season Saturday when the Bills took on the Indianapolis Colts in the team’s first home playoff game since 1996.’
Fans react after state approves ticket sales for Saturday’s Bills vs. Ravens game
‘“Just to have this experience, and to have this opportunity for the first time in forever, it’s just incredible,” said 25-year-old Josh Ungaro of Grand Island.’
Questions surround bars & restaurants in Erie County’s Orange Zone ahead of Saturday’s Bills game
‘A 10 p.m. closure for bars and restaurants would mean patrons would only be able to watch a portion of the game.’
Bills coordinators reflect on Colts win and look ahead to Ravens squad
‘”Every team’s good and we have a lot of respect for the [Baltimore] Ravens,” coach Sean McDermott said. “I think the key is having a good week of preparation and putting the time in to play our best football.”‘
Bills say WR Cole Beasley was ‘tough as nails’ playing through injury against Colts
‘“I could go on and on about Cole Beasley and what I feel about him. What he’s done for our football team, I’m not surprised. He’s a tough, smart, competitive player for us. A leader and willing to do whatever he can do to help his football team,” Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said.’
An elite QB field in the divisional round
‘But this year might be the most celebrated collection of quarterbacks ever assembled in the divisional round. Five of the eight have won either a league MVP, a Super Bowl MVP, or in the case of Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers, both of those awards.’
Donations to Oishei’s Patricia Allen Fund surpass $1,090,000 as Bills keep moving through postseason
‘The fund was created in honor of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s grandmother shortly after she passed away during the regular season.’
Bills fans allowed back inside stadium for second playoff game as area restaurants look for curfew extension to celebrate game day
‘With tickets selling out by 1 p.m. Monday, many are now looking for a place to watch the game. Those hoping to head out to restaurants now face another issue: with Saturday night’s game starting at 8:15 p.m., New York State’s 10 p.m. curfew will hit right around halftime.’
New York State allowing Bills fans to attend divisional playoff game at Bills Stadium
‘The governor’s office says that under this continued pilot plan, approximately 6,700 fans can attend the game. Much like last time, fans must be tested for COVID-19 prior to attending the game. Testing will once again be conducted by BioReference Laboratories.’
Bills’ Frazier: The Texans inquired about head coaching vacancy
‘Frazier was hired by the Bills in early 2017 to serve as defensive coordinator and was promoted to assistant head coach last March. He previously served as a head coach for the Minnesota Vikings and played in the NFL with the 1985 Chicago Bears.’
Ravens present Bills a fascinating opponent
‘The number one priority for the Bills Sunday is stopping the Ravens run game. Former Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman is in charge of a Baltimore offense that’s number one in total rushing yards and number one in yards per carry. No doubt, Jackson is a huge part of that and pushes both numbers up with improvised scramble plays that can hit home runs from any spot on the field.’