‘“I could just tell in his face, I wouldn’t say he was aggravated, but it was getting to him a little bit. He knew they were just a few plays away from playing another week, from playing against the Chiefs.”’
Archives for January 20, 2021
Chiefs aim to tighten up in red zone vs. hot Bills’ offense
‘The Chiefs are allowing teams to score on 76.6% of trips inside the 20. Denver led the NFL at 47.5%. On the plus side, however, it’s not that easy to get into scoring territory vs. Kansas City. The Chiefs are tied for the sixth fewest trips by opponents into the red zone.’
Vic Carucci: Bills and their fans can thank Chargers, NFL rules for Brian Daboll likely staying put
‘The fans’ first thank-you should go to the Los Angeles Chargers. Their second should go to the impatience of most NFL team owners and league restrictions on the interviewing of head coach candidates from teams still in the postseason.’
Chiefs coach Andy Reid offers optimistic signals on Patrick Mahomes’ injury
‘“There was a chance back in the day that Patrick comes back in (game). I think Patrick will tell you; you saw him run up the tunnel,” Reid said of the way Mahomes left the field in the fourth quarter. “By the time he got to that point, he was feeling pretty good. There’s a certain protocol you have to follow.”’
Bills running back Zack Moss undergoes ankle surgery
‘He wrote, “Fresh out! I’ll never doubt God. I know he’s written greatness for me in my life! Road to recovery. Year 2 I’ll see you soon.”‘
Alan Pergament: Bills-Ravens rating beats last year’s Super Bowl in Buffalo
‘NBC Sports reports the game featuring the quarterback matchup between the Bills’ Josh Allen and the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson had a season-high 52.8 household rating on WGRZ-TV, the local NBC affiliate, which also exceeded the local rating for last year’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.’
As Bills continue playoff run, Buffalo becomes (Josh) Allentown
‘If you didn’t already know, it’s Josh Allen’s world. We’re all just living in it.’
Taron Johnson’s pick six is among the seven greatest plays in Bills playoff history
‘And you will notice one very weird thing: Not one of the plays I selected was made by a Bills’ offensive player. There are obviously great team and individual offensive performances through the years, but no one play that really stands out to me for a list like this.’
“He’s a world-class player,” said Reinhart of his veteran teammate. “It makes a huge difference for us.”
‘Patrick Mahomes cleared certain steps of the NFL’s concussion protocol on Monday just one day after suffering a hit from Cleveland Browns linebacker Mack Wilson that forced him out of the divisional round game. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mahomes passed “some big steps” of the protocol but it’s too early to say with any certainty if he’ll be available to play.’
Bills signing Jake Kumerow to practice squad, per sources
‘Buffalo originally signed Kumerow to their practice squad in early September. The fact that Kumerow was even available was a mild surprise as Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers implied that Kumerow was among his favorite targets heading into the season.’
Brett Favre: Bills’ Josh Allen entering first of many AFC Championship games
‘“I’m not surprised with Josh Allen’s success,” Favre said back in October. “Talking about Josh Allen, man, he looks awesome. He can sling it. He can move, for a big guy he can really move. We saw that with him the last few years but what we’re seeing now is he’s taking it to the next level. He’s winning games. He’s putting an exclamation point on the game itself week in and week out. For Buffalo fans and the organization, it is what you’ve been waiting to see and you’ve gotten it.”’
Time is now for Hughes as Bills get set for AFC Championship
‘“The guys in our locker room, it’s something that we talked about back in April,” said the Bills defensive end about him and his teammates’ offseason conversations on Zoom, phone and text. “So for us to continue to just keep pounding that rock and just worrying about the next game – not looking too far into the future. It just goes to show what you can do.”’
Mahomes’ status remains uncertain with Bills looming in AFC Title game
‘The tricky part about this whole situation is that there is no timetable for players who enter the concussion protocol and no real precedent regarding how long it takes for a player to return from a head injury. Per Seifert’s article, on average QBs exit the concussion protocol in seven days, but there is no telling on a case by case basis how long a player will take to recover.’
Power City celebrates Bills victories with special bagels
‘“We did it the first couple weeks of the playoffs, the first two games that they won, and each week, sales rose a little bit,” Hotchkiss said. “Once they made it to the AFC Championship, I started reaching out to news outlets and things like that. I wasn’t quite expecting what we’ve received but I did think people would like the idea.”’
Wednesday’s Kansas City Coverage
Chiefs won’t say Patrick Mahomes has a concussion. Here’s why he’s still in protocol (Kansas City Star)
Mellinger Minutes: Best time to Chiefs, Andy Reid (guts!), and why is Mahomes running? (Kansas City Star)
Forecast shows weather could be a factor in AFC Championship Game (Kansas City Star)
Chiefs’ Chad Henne Goes From Backup QB To Playoff Stage (AP)
#HenneThingIsPossible As Chiefs Look Toward AFC Title Game (AP)
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes clears steps, still in protocol, sources say (ESPN)
Patrick Mahomes remains in concussion protocol, but is reportedly expected to practice Wednesday (CBS Sports)
Patrick Mahomes in concussion protocol: Here’s what needs to happen for QB to return for AFC Championship (CBS Sports)
Brett Favre issues warning to Patrick Mahomes after landing in concussion protocol ahead of AFC championship (CBS Sports)
Patrick Mahomes would be first QB in NFL history to accomplish this feat if he starts AFC Championship Game (CBS Sports)
Five reasons to root for Chiefs to win Super Bowl: Patrick Mahomes can match Tom Brady in rare historic feat (CBS Sports)
Andy Reid hopes Eric Bieniemy lands head coaching position in NFC, where there’s only one job available (CBS Sports)
Chiefs backup QB Chad Henne selling ‘Hennething is possible’ merchandise on LinkedIn (CBS Sports)
Patrick Mahomes injury update: Chiefs QB clears ‘big steps’ in concussion protocol, playoff status uncertain (The Sporting News)
How long is Patrick Mahomes out? Explaining the NFL’s concussion protocol, Chiefs QB’s status vs. Bills (The Sporting News)
Patrick Mahomes’ mom was not pleased with hit that injured QB: ‘Trash football’ (The Sporting News)
Bills vs. Chiefs picks, predictions against spread: Why Kansas City will advance to Super Bowl 55 (The Sporting News)
Report: Mahomes cleared ‘some big steps’ Monday, remains in concussion protocol (KSHB-TV)
AFC teams with more Championship Game experience typically win (KSHB-TV)
Former MMA fighter think Patrick Mahomes had his ‘bell rung’ (KSHB-TV)
Kansas City mayor: Potential Chiefs Super Bowl parade ‘won’t happen’ during pandemic (KSHB-TV)
Buffalo radio station calls for Kansas City barbecue sauce ban ahead of AFC Championship (KSHB-TV)
Mahomes has cleared ‘some big steps,’ but still in concussion protocol, new report says (WDAF-TV)
Travis Kelce thanks Chiefs Kingdom for virtual support in Man of the Year fan challenge (WDAF-TV)
With NFL hiring cycle nearing an end, Chiefs’ Bieniemy still waiting for head coach opportunity (WDAF-TV)
Andy Reid look-alike using Tik Tok to connect with Chiefs Kingdom (WDAF-TV)
KC mayor warns against typical Chiefs game gatherings as playoffs ramp up, pandemic rages on (WDAF-TV)
Mayor Lucas says traditional Chiefs parade ‘won’t happen’ if they win Super Bowl (WDAF-TV)
Travis Kelce and Tyrann Mathieu Earn PFWA All-NFL Team Honors (Chiefs.com)
How Bills reached 2021 AFC Championship game: Key acquisitions, turning point, key win, results, prediction
‘And in the 2020 season, Allen and Buffalo’s offensive erupted after a certain pass-catching individual was acquired via trade in March. Another important element to the Bills’ ascension — offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s doing what the analytics have suggested for years now — throwing more than running, especially on first down. The Bills finished the regular season with the highest first-down pass rate in all situations at 61% and the highest first-down pass rate in neutral situations — point margin between -8 and +8 at 64%.’
Opinion: I want Brady.
‘A whole generation of Bills fans were not able to talk about division races, and started every season 0-2, until they reached their 20s, in large part because of one guy.’
Report: Mahomes cleared ‘some big steps’ Monday, remains in concussion protocol
‘Mahomes, who is also dealing with a foot injury, has “what is considered a concussion”, according to Schefter, and no determination has been made regarding his availability against the Bills.’
‘Playoffs on Patios’ to return to Chippewa for Buffalo Bills AFC Championship game
‘”Playoffs on Patios” is a plan that was developed by Chippewa businesses in partnership with the City of Buffalo for the Bills playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts on January 9.’
Pizzeria closed on game day so staff can watch the Bills
‘“And if they win Sunday, we’re going to be closed for the Super Bowl. I know it’s crazy. I got friends in this business who are like, you’re nuts. I’m like, that’s what we’re doing. We want to enjoy it. We want the staff to enjoy it and hopefully it goes a long way,” said Phillips.’
A doctor’s advice for Bills fans traveling to Kansas City
‘For fans who decide to drive, Crane suggests bringing food to minimize the need to stop at restaurants along the way to Missouri. As far as flyers go, he stresses the importance of mask-wearing.’
Chippewa will host “Playoffs on the Patios” for AFC Championship Game
‘Chippewa Street will be closed to traffic from 1 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. from Franklin Street to the Buffalo Tap House as crews set up additional dining tables, chairs, and two large LED televisions.’
Getting to watch AFC Championship in person has special meaning for one Bills fan
‘The Vietnam vet was stationed in Kansas before heading overseas and became a Kansas City fan despite growing up in Western New York. But Kristen became a die-hard Bills fan, so the two butted heads a lot watching football over the years.’
Bills fan gives up AFC Championship tickets to raise money for Josh Norman’s Buffalo Business Blitz
‘“We’ve donated to Oishei, we’ve donated to Andy Dalton, we’ve donated to Lamar Jackson’s favorite foundation and it’s like us and New York State we are probably the worst state kinda dealing with this pandemic and we are bending over backward for things that mean so much more.”’
Rochester man misses Bills playoff game due to wife going into labor
‘His wife Chelsea added, “what were the odds we were able to get tickets, we were able to be able to go to the playoff game, and then lo and behold it would be 12 hours beforehand.”’
Local doctors talk Patrick Mahomes injury, concussions
‘”Typically, it’s five days once symptoms start to improve and resolve then you ramp up cardiovascular add in some strength and higher intensity, then you get back to sport-related activity,” said Dr. Daniel Day, Rochester Regional Health sports medicine specialist.’
‘Playoffs on the Patios’ returning Sunday for Bills AFC Championship game
‘Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and you must be 21-years-old or older to attend.’
KC won the first battle, but Bills-Chiefs Part II will be different
‘The story of the game was the Bills defense or, more appropriately, the lack thereof against the Chiefs run game. Kansas City rushed for 245 yards, including 161 by rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Buffalo played their linebackers a yard or two further from the line of scrimmage then usual much of the game. Often, the first step was backwards to cover the pass. It allowed oodles of space behind the Bills defensive line.’
Lamar Jackson’s choice charity elated after donations: ‘Bills Mafia is what everybody needed in 2021’
‘“(Sunday) when we hit 9,000 donors, we’ve had some fiscal years where we did not have 9,000 online donors in the entire fiscal year,” she said. “It’s a good problem to have. It’s what we needed. It’s what everybody needed. I feel like the Bills Mafia is what everybody needed in 2021.”’
Restaurants prepare for a busy kitchen ahead of the Bills AFC Championship Game
‘“We do fill up at 50 percent, we are going to try to do that until we go higher, 100 or 75 percent, until we can open all the way.”’
“Business as usual” as Bills prep for AFC Championship
‘”We gotta do what’s got us here. Our preparations, our routines, our schedules,” said the Bills head coach. “We gotta do the best we can to try and limit the distractions and outside noise.”‘
Practice pays off for the Bills with Taron Johnson’s interception
‘”In this case an interception, but setting up a wall along the numbers and making sure guys don’t block below the waist or block behind the ball carrier, but run interference for the guys who have gotten that takeaway,” Leslie Frazier said. “And the way Tre’Davious handled it was beautiful, it’s everything we talk about and teach and this is clinical, this is what you want to be able to show to the players, this is what we talk about, this is what we practice.”‘
Bills developing a plan to deal with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce
‘”Nobody really shuts down Travis as you mentioned, they do so many things to uncover him, we just have to work as hard as we can to contain him and not wreck the game with some of his plays underneath in zones and overtop our defense as well,” Frazier said.’
Daboll describes the traits that make Diggs a leader
‘”His competitive nature, his desire to be great, his desire to want the ball,” Daboll said. “The way he communicates with his teammates, the support he shows, he’s been an awesome addition for us, a very valuable piece to our offense and our whole team. He’s just a great dude, he’s all day tough, all day competitive, wants the ball in crunch time and produces when his number’s called.”‘
Daboll looks to be staying with the Bills after Chargers hire head coach
‘”At the end of the day we’re happy to have Brian with us for as long as he’s been with us and hopefully moving forward as well,” McDermott said. “He’s a valuable member of our staff and I think Brian’s very qualified to become a head coach.”‘
‘We learned a lot’ | Bills coaches look ahead to rematch with Chiefs in AFC Championship
‘”They certainly outcoached and outplayed us,” Sean McDermott said Monday. “They gave us fits on both sides of the ball and special teams and that’s where this week comes in. We’ve got a big week of preparation for ourselves to get ourselves ready to go against the defending world champ.”‘
What they’re saying | National experts offer these previews for Bills at Chiefs in the AFC Championship game
‘The Bills survived a playoff game against the Colts where their defense gave up 472 yards, then one against the Ravens where their boffo offense managed only 220 yards and 10 points. The Bills will likely need both sides of the ball to play well to beat the Chiefs, but I consider the ability to win games in different ways to be the mark of a strong team. That’s been the story of the Chiefs winning close games all season, and it was the story of the Patriots’ two-decade reign in the AFC. (The Chiefs remember well losing 37-31 to Brady in Arrowhead in the 2018 playoffs before watching the Patriots scrape out a 13-3 win in Super Bowl LIII.) Consider it a good sign that the Bills are in the AFC title match without having played a complete playoff game yet.’
Bills Today | Can any defensive plan limit Patrick Mahomes?
‘”You have to do a good job in the run game to try and make them one dimensional. As much as people talk about how good he is throwing the ball, you really don’t want them to be a balanced offense. Try to make them one dimensional. If you can, then your defensive line and your secondary has to step up and make some plays, and that’s what we’re counting on.”‘