‘The Ravens lead the NFL in rushing five or more men at the quarterback, blitzing at 41% this season, according to ESPN. It’s the third year in a row the Ravens have led the NFL in blitz rate.’
Archives for January 13, 2021
Vic Carucci: After Josh Allen, who else steps up for the Bills?
‘In the regular season, Allen accounted for 78.5% of the Bills’ offense, which ranked fourth in the NFL. Of the top five players in that category, only two made it to the playoffs. The other was Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, who lost against the Los Angeles Rams in last weekend’s wild-card round.’
Bills sign running back Devonta Freeman to practice squad
‘The Giants released Freeman, 28, from injured reserve last week. He appeared in five games with the Giants after signing to help replace Saquon Barkley, who had a season-ending ACL injury, before being placed on IR. He initially was designated to return in mid-December but was not healthy enough to be activated.’
Bills’ injury report: Diggs, Beasley, Edmunds and Oliver limited at practice
‘Diggs (oblique) and Beasley (knee) were limited in the early part of last week but ended up playing in the wild-card win against Indianapolis.’
Bills host former Cowboys cornerback Chris Westry for visit
‘Westry suffered a knee injury in a Week 15 game against San Francisco on Dec. 19 and was placed on the reserve/injured practice squad list a week later. He had been with Dallas since signing as an undrafted free agent out of Kentucky following the 2019 draft. He spent his first season on injured reserve and spent most of this season on the practice squad.’
State asked to lift 10 p.m. dining curfew for Saturday night’s Bills game
‘”It’s going to be very difficult to get people out if they have to leave at halftime,” said David Schutte, owner of Britesmith Brewing in Williamsville.’
10 Bills fans ejected from Colts game for mask-wearing violations
‘”There were 10 ejections, and I believe almost every one of them was related to someone who wasn’t wearing a mask,” Poloncarz said at a Covid-19 briefing. “And then there was one arrest, and I’ve been told the arrest was someone who was ejected who tried to get back into the facility.”‘
Bills-Colts is highest-rated Buffalo game in two decades; Hamilton returns to WGR
‘The game had a 51.8 rating on WIVB-TV, the local CBS affiliate, which was more than two points higher than the previous season high of 49.52 for the Bills’ 56-26 victory over the Miami Dolphins six days earlier.’
Erik Brady: Congressional spokesman makes time for Bills fandom amid the unheaval
‘“When you’re a kid, you don’t realize that’s not how it’s going to be forever,” he says. “You take it for granted that the Bills are great and they’re always going to be great. I think Patriots fans are going to go through something like that now.”’
With Zack Moss out, it’s time for Devin ‘Motor’ Singletary to speed up
‘He took the remaining 16 offensive snaps in the fourth quarter as Buffalo finished off the 27-24 AFC wildcard victory over the Colts, and now, starting with Saturday night’s AFC divisional round showdown against Baltimore, Singletary will likely have to carry the sizable burden for as long as the Bills remain alive in the playoffs.’
Bills sign veteran RB Devonta Freeman to practice squad, status vs Ravens unknown
‘The 28-year-old finished the season on the injured reserve list and was released when the Giants’ season ended, thus making him available to be signed by a playoff team. He was out because of the virus, and he also had hamstring problems.’
Bills defense held Lamar Jackson in check last year. Here’s what has changed
‘“We did a lot of good things in that ball game,” said defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. “That was a different team and a different year; they’ve grown since then and they’ve added some wrinkles to their offense that we’re gonna have to adjust to. We realize we can’t just look at what we did last year and say that was good enough.”’
Bills signing veteran RB Devonta Freeman to practice squad after losing Zack Moss for season (report)
‘Freeman, 28, played in five games with the New York Giants this season before he was released off of injured reserve on Jan. 7 after an ankle injury forced him to miss time. He had 54 carries for 172 yards and one touchdown for the Giants this season.’
Could snowfall help Bills? Ravens’ Lamar Jackson has ‘zero experience’ playing in snow
‘The Ravens themselves haven’t played in a game with heavy snow since 2013, according to the Baltimore Sun. Heavy snow isn’t expected, but Baltimore is not a team that seems to have much experience playing in the elements. Even some snow falling on the field in-game could benefit Buffalo.’
Bills fans can watch matchup vs. Ravens at Transit Drive-In for free
‘If viewing outside is not your thing, you can watch the divisional round matchup on NBC using your cable or satellite provider or by streaming the game (fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV).’
With RB Moss out for season, Bills sign former Falcons, Giants RB Freeman
‘While being active for 14 of the Bills’ 17 games this season, Jones has been on the field for just four offensive snaps and spends the vast majority of his time on special teams. Yeldon has been inactive since Week 5 when he recorded seven carries for 52 yards and added a 22-yard touchdown reception in a loss to the Tennessee Titans. It will likely be him or Williams in the mix with Freeman to fill Moss’ role. After spending much of the season on Buffalo’s practice squad, Williams exploded onto the scene with 12 carries for 63 yards and two touchdowns in the Bills’ Week 17 win over the Miami Dolphins.’
Column: Bills survive while HS sports barely on life support
‘Now if the Bills intend to make a run for Tampa and Super Bowl LV, they will have to go through Baltimore and most likely Kansas City, that’s a tough road ahead.’
All in the Bills family
‘“All my life, my dad’s been telling me stories about Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills Super Bowl teams. I wasn’t born yet, so I never really knew what it felt like,” said Collin Nelson, the son of Lockport natives Scott and Mary Nelson of Amherst.’
Ravens film study: How far has Josh Allen come vs. the blitz? Just look at the Bills’ 2019 loss.
‘It was a performance that makes Allen’s record-breaking 2020 all the more remarkable — and Saturday’s AFC divisional-round rematch in Buffalo all the more intriguing. The Josh Allen the Ravens will face this weekend is not the one defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale stumped last season. This new-and-improved Josh Allen would welcome that 2019 game plan with open arms and a fruit basket.’
Harbaugh says Ravens ‘really liked’ Josh Allen in 2018 Draft
‘”I watched him a lot, actually,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a guy that most of us here really, really liked. Just the arm talent, the ability, the athleticism and the strength. He’s just a big, strong guy…So, yes – we did look at him, and we really liked him.”‘
Lamar Jackson on Josh Allen: ‘He’s slingin’ the ball, like a Patrick Mahomes’
‘“People always just talk about Josh and his big arm,” Jackson said Tuesday. “He’s doing it all out there. He’s getting out the pocket, taking advantage of what the defense gives him, throwing the ball on a rope. He’s slingin’ the ball, like a Patrick Mahomes and he’s just helping his team out a lot. He’s one of the key reasons they’re putting up so many points and winning games. Hats off to Josh.”’
Lamar Jackson And Josh Allen Have Big-Time Respect for Each Other
‘”People are always just talking about Josh and his big arm, but he’s doing it all out there,” Jackson said. “He’s getting out of the pocket, taking advantage of what the defense gives him, throwing the ball on a rope. He’s slinging the ball like a Patrick Mahomes. He’s helping his team out a lot. He’s one of the key reasons they’re putting up so many points and winning games. Hats off to Josh because he’s been doing it since his rookie season.”‘
News & Notes: Bills Gave the Ravens Offense It’s Toughest Challenge Last Year
‘”They played a really solid game against us last year,” Bozeman said. “They did the things they needed to do to execute. We have to figure out how to make adjustments. (Offensive Coordinator) Greg Roman and all the coaching staff has put a pretty good plan together. We’re ready to go out there and execute it, regardless of what plays they call, whatever the scheme might be.”‘
Wednesday’s Baltimore Coverage
Ravens film study: How far has Josh Allen come vs. the blitz? Just look at the Bills’ 2019 loss. (Baltimore Sun)
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has his first playoff win. Next up: his first snow game? (Baltimore Sun)
Ravens and Bills in good health as practice for divisional round begins (Baltimore Sun)
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills: Numbers that could tell the story of the divisional round matchup (Harrisburg Patriot News)
Baltimore Ravens add two experienced linemen to practice squad before divisional round of playoffs (Harrisburg Patriot News)
Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson wary of potential first snow game vs. Buffalo Bills (ESPN)
Harbaugh says Ravens ‘really liked’ Josh Allen in 2018 Draft (NBC Sports Washington)
Lamar Jackson on Josh Allen: ‘He’s slingin’ the ball, like a Patrick Mahomes’ (NBC Sports Washington)
Baltimore County restaurant calls on Governor to extend curfew for Ravens playoff game (WMAR-TV)
Saturday Could Be Ravens QB Lamar Jackson’s First Snowy Football Game. He’s Hoping That’s Not The Case (WJZ-TV)
Baltimore Ravens Fans Get Geared Up Ahead Of Playoff Game Against Bills (WJZ-TV)
Gov. Hogan rebuffs game day reprieve of COVID-19 rules for bars and restaurants (WBAL-TV)
Marty Mornhinweg: “It’s Going to Be a Chess Match Between the Ravens Defense and Bills Offense.” (WJZ-FM)
Ravens looking healthy ahead of divisional playoff clash at Buffalo (WNST-AM)
Lamar Jackson And Josh Allen Have Big-Time Respect for Each Other (BaltimoreRavens.com)
News & Notes: Bills Gave the Ravens Offense It’s Toughest Challenge Last Year (BaltimoreRavens.com)
Who’s Practicing, Who’s Not vs. Bills (BaltimoreRavens.com)
Ravens Sign Two Veteran Offensive Linemen to Practice Squad (BaltimoreRavens.com)
Eisenberg: Why the Ravens Are the Playoff Team Nobody Wants to See (BaltimoreRavens.com)
Late for Work 1/12: Ravens vs. Bills Is the Game ‘Everybody in the World Wants to See’ (BaltimoreRavens.com)
Bills sign recently-cut Giants RB Devonta Freeman after Zack Moss injury
‘Freeman, 28, was a free agent heading into 2020 after spending six seasons with the Falcons. The 2014 fourth-rounder from Florida State posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2015 and 2016. He has two Pro Bowl nods and earned a second-team All-Pro bid in 2015, but was cut amid salary cap constraints, injuries and poor performance.’
Once-forlorn Buffalo has come to embrace the Josh Allen Experience
‘”We don’t mind it when Josh makes a mistake, because we know he’s going to follow it up by doing something great,” Harold Coller said. “We call it the ‘Josh Allen Experience.'”‘
Bills Sign RB Freeman To Practice Squad, Place Moss On IR
‘Freeman is eligible to begin practicing this week, though it’s unclear if he’ll be up to speed in time for Buffalo’s divisional-round game against the Baltimore Ravens (12-5) on Saturday.’
Bills signing veteran Devonta Freeman to practice squad following Zack Moss’ injury, per report
‘Freeman spent the bulk of the 2020 season with the New York Giants, signing a one-year, $3 million deal with the club back in late September. He played in just five games for New York as a depth piece and totaled 172 yards on the ground and a touchdown. He also caught seven balls for 58 yards. The 28-year-old was limited throughout the year due to an ankle injury and then finished the season on injured reserve before being waived by the club last week.’
Buffalo Bills Signing Former Giants Running Back Devonta Freeman
‘Freeman was a depth piece for New York, playing in just five games and gaining 172 total yards and a touchdown. He also caught seven passes for 58 yards.’
Bills sign running back Devonta Freeman to practice squad
‘Freeman spent most of the 2020 season with the New York Giants after signing as a free agent in September of 2020. The 28-year-old appeared in five games for the Giants, rushing for 172 yards on 54 carries and one touchdown. He also added seven receptions for 58 yards in his short tenure in New York.’
Zack Moss out for the playoffs with ankle injury
‘When originally 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 sign veteran RB Devonta Freeman to practice squad
‘Freeman, 28, played in five games this year with the New York Giants rushing for 172 yards and a touchdown. Freeman was placed on injured reserve in November with an ankle injury.’
Bills Foundation giving away two pairs of tickets to divisional round playoff game
‘The Buffalo Bills Foundation is holding a sweepstakes where two winners will each get a pair of tickets. All you have to do is make a donation to the foundation at this link.’
Cole Beasley better than last week after playing through his knee injury
‘“I knew once I got into the game, during the play my adrenaline would take over and I’d be fine,” said Beasley. “I just had to deal with the mental aspect of between plays and that’s really the hardest part. You’ve got to just do it.”’
Bills WR Cole Beasley on giving up social media: ‘The best thing I’ve ever done’
‘“That was the biggest mistake I ever made in my life,” said Beasley on Tuesday. “It’s easy to get caught up in a lot of ‘what he says, she says’ stuff. You start to care too much about what people think and it’s people that don’t even know what they’re talking about half of the time.”’
Josh Allen prepares for Ravens
‘Now let’s be real, a lot has changed for Allen and the Bills in the last year.’
Why Cole Beasley is one of the toughest slot receivers in NFL
‘Well, at least to the fans-his performance was no surprise to the people in the Bills locker room.’
Jordan Poyer on what he sees in Lamar Jackson
‘The Ravens have been unbelievable on the ground this season. Baltimore has rushed for 3,307 yards in total this year.’
Bills to face the Ravens in Divisional
‘”I’ve changed a lot since then, my mannerisms and temper is a little different than back in the day, I play a little differently now, but I don’t forget those days, they helped me get to where I am,” Allen said. “I’m just so focused on trying to do my job and being the best quarterback for the Buffalo Bills that I can be and really don’t let the outside noise and distractions distract me too much. I’m just focused on what I can do for this team.”‘
Bills add Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman to practice squad, Moss added to IR
‘Freeman saw some snaps with the New York Giants this season, scoring one touchdown across five games. Before going to NY, he spent five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, where he earned the two Pro Bowl nods, and helped take the team to a Super Bowl appearance. He had previously been placed on IR with an ankle injury in November and was waived by the Giants on Jan.7.’