Two Bills Drive

Buffalo Bills News and Discussion

Archives for December 27, 2021

Observations: Josh Allen loudly states his MVP case in leading Bills over Patriots

‘Allen was simply sublime from start to finish in throwing for 314 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover or getting sacked as the Bills moved back into first place in the AFC East. The rest of the season is simple – win out and the Bills repeat as division champions and host at least one playoff game at Highmark Stadium.’

‘He was unbelievable’: Bills WR Isaiah McKenzie stars when turn comes

‘And it was redemptive. McKenzie has had a tumultuous recent stretch. After fumbling a punt return against the Colts despite being untouched, McKenzie was benched for two games. Between the two games, Thanksgiving night against the Saints and Monday night against the Patriots, McKenzie posted a picture of himself on Instagram smiling and giving a thumbs up to the camera with the caption “This hurts.”’

Q&A: Bills QB Josh Allen channeled his inner Tom Brady (only better)

‘I’d call it Allen’s second or third finest performance, considering the quality of the opposition, the fact that his offensive line was in a state of flux and that he was missing two top receivers. That’s behind the Superman impersonation in the playoff victory against Indianapolis in January and maybe behind a 415-yard, four-TD, 44-point game against Seattle last season. But that was a mediocre Seahawks defense. Let’s call it No. 2 in the Josh Allen Experience catalog.’

Plays that shaped the game: Brian Daboll’s trust in Josh Allen pays off

‘Naked No. 17. Allen had run a quarterback sneak on third and 1 from the 27 for no gain. On fourth down, the Patriots made it their first priority to again stop the QB sneak by covering up the Bills’ center and guards with their three beefiest bodies, Carl Davis, Davon Godchaux and Lawrence Guy, leaving no gap open up the middle.’

Maiorana: Bills unwrap Isaiah McKenzie for the game of his life to sink Patriots

‘“A learning experience,” McKenzie said of that humbling two-game stretch. “That was my first time sitting down in awhile and I just had to take it even, think to myself, ‘What can I do better?’ And I’d just show up to practice every day and get my teammates better, and do whatever I’ve got to do to make myself better for my teammates.”’

Allen, in fourth season, joins elite TD passers

‘Allen’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs just before halftime was the 100th of his Bills career. He became only the ninth NFL quarterback to throw at least 100 TD passes in his first four NFL seasons.’

Watch Bills WR Stefon Diggs’ hilarious TD celebration directed at Patriots fans

‘Josh Allen launched a laser to Diggs on a bang-bang play in the red zone for his second passing touchdown of the season. As soon as Diggs caught the pass he turned his attention to the first row of Patriots fans, walked over to them, and pointed. You can hear him on the video below say, “You, you, you, you, you – Shut the f*** up!”’

Haack sighting: Why Bills P wanted picture with Josh Allen

‘Because Haack did not attempt a single punt in the pivotal AFC East matchup. According to Haack, this was the first time he never attempted a punt in a NFL game. Long snapper Reid Ferguson shared the photo of the special teams unit with Allen. The players are making a zero with their hands to show Haack’s punt attempts.’

Five takeaways: Bills earn much-needed win over rival Patriots; Buffalo in first place with playoffs fast approaching

‘After being relegated to the bench in past weeks, McKenzie was much-needed against the Pats with two of Buffalo’s top receivers – Gabriel Davis and Cole Beasley – out for the game due to COVID-19 protocol. In a big spot, McKenzie came through and recorded a career day consisting of 11 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown, including several catches for first downs at critical moments in the game.’

Sullivan: Josh Allen, franchise QB, lifts Bills to brink of division title

‘Two weeks ago, the Bills were two games back of the Pats and stuck in the conference’s cluttered wild-card race. Everything was in question — their physical toughness, their coaching, their offensive line, the very construction of their roster. But in the end, it gets back to the guy throwing the football.’

Monday’s New England Coverage

‘Give them credit.’ Bill Belichick praised the Bills’ performance after win against the Patriots (Boston Globe)
Patriots’ vaunted defense did not show up in biggest game of season, and it’s the reason they lost to Bills (Boston Globe)
Turns out, Patriots as Super Bowl contenders was just a mirage (Boston Globe)
‘It’s our own fault.’ Here’s what Patriots players were saying after Sunday’s loss to Buffalo (Boston Globe)
With AFC East supremacy on the line, Josh Allen put together a statement victory against the Patriots (Boston Globe)
Damien Harris scored three TDs and had another 100-yard rushing game, a bright spot for the Patriots (Boston Globe)
Patriots’ best outplayed by Bills’ best, and then there was Isaiah McKenzie (Boston Globe)
Why couldn’t the Patriots push the Bills around like they did in their first matchup? (Boston Globe)
Why officials picked up the penalty flag after Bills’ Jerry Hughes hit Patriots’ Mac Jones (Boston Globe)
Bills knock out Patriots, regain division control with 33-21 win (Boston Herald)
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones struggles with accuracy in Bills loss (Boston Herald)
Patriots RB Damien Harris shines in return from injury, but career-high three touchdowns not enough in loss to Bills (Boston Herald)
Guregian: Josh Allen vs. Mac Jones isn’t a fair fight, and that’s a problem for the Patriots (Boston Herald)
Bill Belichick on the plight of the Patriots: ‘Hopefully we can play our best football in January’ (Boston Herald)
Patriots S Devin McCourty laments lack of adjustments against Bills’ Josh Allen (Boston Herald)
Why did the Patriots-Bills referees pick up the flag for a late hit on Mac Jones? (Boston Herald)
Buffalo Bills take control of AFC East with 33-21 win over New England Patriots (Springfield Republican)
Mac Jones can’t take over a game yet, but Josh Allen can: 10 things we learned from Patriots’ loss to Bills (Springfield Republican)
Patriots need Mac Jones to take his next step now if New England is going to reverse its recent slide | Matt Vautour (Springfield Republican)
Patriots are the team we expected: A Wild Card with a puncher’s chance | Chris Mason (Springfield Republican)
Sideline hit on Patriots’ Mac Jones ‘was incidental contact that didn’t rise to a level of a personal foul’ says referee (Springfield Republican)
Patriots’ Mac Jones says ‘I can lead a lot better’ after disappointing loss to the Bills (Springfield Republican)
David Andrews explains what happened on taunting penalty vs. Bills: ‘That hurt the football team’ (Springfield Republican)
Sean McDermott: Bill Belichick makes me a better coach, Patriots HC is ‘the standard’ (report) (Springfield Republican)
Josh Allen and Bills dice Patriots defense to grab AFC East lead (3 up, 7 down) (Springfield Republican)
Patriots vs. Bills report cards: Defense just can’t get Josh Allen off the field (Springfield Republican)
Patriots Playoff picture: New England still in strong Wild Card position as division title almost out of reach (Springfield Republican)
Here’s how Buffalo staked its claim to the AFC east, after beating the Patriots at Gillette (Providence Journal)
Mark Daniels: Another Super Bowl? Forget it. The Patriots have been exposed. (Providence Journal)
Lost grip in AFC East: 5 thoughts on Buffalo Bills taking down New England Patriots (Brockton Enterprise)
New England Patriots looking to quickly turn the page following back-to-back losses (Brockton Enterprise)
Regression from Mac Jones comes at critical juncture for New England Patriots (Brockton Enterprise)
Nothing but coal in Pats’ stockings in home defeat (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)
Patriots notebook: Team refuses to make excuses for ineffective play (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)
Not (yet) ready for prime time: New Pats among no-shows in biggest game of year (Lawrence Eagle Tribune)
Pats Five Takes: Patriots made it easy for Allen, Bills offense (Lawrence Eagle Tribune)
Patriots, still a step behind, get beaten by another good player (Nashua Telegraph)
Patriots Notebook: Pats can’t take advantage of Harris’ feat (Nashua Telegraph)
Bill Belichick dismisses awkward New Year’s resolution question after Patriots’ loss (New York Post)
Patriots’ Path To Division Title Shrinks After Loss To Bills (AP)
Patriots’ margin for error now razor thin after losing control of the AFC East to Bills (CBS Sports)
Report: Patriots QB Mac Jones Gifts Entire OL Bitcoin for Holidays (SI)
Reporter Goes For It With Non-Football Question to Bill Belichick (SI)
Bill Belichick asked about his New Year’s resolution immediately after Patriots loss to Bills (The Sporting News)
Patriots Takeaways: Six Things We Learned From Week 16 Loss To Bills (NESN)
Eight Thoughts On Mac Jones’ Performance In Patriots’ Loss To Bills (NESN)
Patriots Decisively Lost This Key Matchup Vs. Bills In Week 16 Defeat (NESN)
N’Keal Harry Infuriates Patriots Fans After Rough Two-Play Sequence Vs. Bills (NESN)
This Wild Stat Sums Up N’Keal Harry’s Rough Patriots Tenure (NESN)
How Shorthanded Bills Offensive Line Fended Off Patriots Defense (NESN)
Bills Did Something That Never Had Been Done Against Bill Belichick-Coached Team (NESN)
Josh Allen Joins Exclusive Company With Stellar Game Against Patriots (NESN)
Bills Guard Ike Boettger Suffered Ruptured Achilles Vs. Patriots (NESN)
Why Patriots-Bills Referees Reversed Late Hit Penalty Against Mac Jones (NESN)
Three Studs, Three Duds From Patriots’ Disappointing Week 16 Loss To Bills (NESN)
Patriots Snap Count Analysis: N’Keal Harry Squanders Chance Vs. Bills (NESN)
These Two Stats Underscore Harsh Reality Of Post-Tom Brady Patriots (NESN)
Bill Belichick Reveals ‘Biggest Problem’ For Patriots In Loss To Bills (NESN)
What Bill Belichick Told Patriots Players After Frustrating Loss To Bills (NESN)
Bill Belichick Temp Check: Patriots Coach Short, Quiet After Losing to Bills (NESN)
Bill Belichick Asked Bold Question After Patriots’ Tough Week 16 Loss To Bills (NESN)
How Mac Jones Explained Career-Worst Outing In Patriots’ Loss To Bills (NESN)
Devin McCourty Offers Blunt Assessment After Patriots’ Loss Vs. Bills (NESN)
How David Andrews, Referee Explained Patriots Center’s Taunting Penalty (NESN)
Julian Edelman Reacts To NFL Officials Flagging David Andrews For Taunting (NESN)
This Rob Ninkovich Take Aged Quite Poorly After Patriots’ Loss Vs. Bills (NESN)
Kyle Van Noy Knows J.C. Jackson Should Have Caught This Interception (NESN)
What Sean McDermott Said About Bill Belichick After Patriots’ Loss To Bills (NESN)
What Josh Allen, Other Bills Reportedly Yelled About Patriots After Big Win (NESN)
Josh Allen Explains Mindset After Patriots Scored Fourth-Quarter Touchdown (NESN)
How Isaiah McKenzie Felt After Week 16 Matchup With Patriots Cornerback (NESN)
Bills Wideout Makes Admission After Breakout Game Against Patriots (NESN)
Nick Wright Shreds Mac Jones After ‘Total Disaster’ Against Bills (NESN)
What Mike Florio Fears About Patriots After Second Consecutive Loss (NESN)
Twitter Has Some Thoughts After Questionable No-Call In Patriots-Bills (NESN)
Patriots Playoff Picture: Where Things Stand After Rough Loss To Bills (NESN)
Patriots-Bills, Round 3? ESPN Model Predicts Playoff Rubber Match (NESN)
Key takeaways from Patriots’ lackluster 33-21 loss to Bills (NBC Sports Boston)
Curran: Josh Allen’s Bills expose a hard truth in stomping of Pats (NBC Sports Boston)
Bills become first team ever to achieve this feat vs. Belichick-coached team (NBC Sports Boston)
Ref explains controversial non-call after late hit on Mac Jones (NBC Sports Boston)
Patriots ensure wrong kind of history at Gillette Stadium vs. Bills (NBC Sports Boston)
Perry’s Report Card: Team-wide failures lead to crushing loss to Bills (NBC Sports Boston)
NFL playoff picture: Here’s where Patriots stand after loss to Bills (NBC Sports Boston)
Belichick reveals Patriots’ ‘biggest problem’ in loss to Bills (NBC Sports Boston)
Belichick skips awkward New Year’s question after loss to Bills (NBC Sports Boston)
Credit where it’s due? Bills coach clarifies remark about Belichick (NBC Sports Boston)
10 quick thoughts from Patriots’ loss to Bills in de facto AFC East title game (WEEI-FM)
Bills gave Patriots taste of their own medicine on Sunday (WEEI-FM)
Can Mac Jones, Patriots crash through this post-bye wall? (WEEI-FM)
Bills accomplish feat no team has ever done before against Bill Belichick (WEEI-FM)
Patriots vs. Bills thumbs up, thumbs down: Mac Jones not good enough (WEEI-FM)
Listen: Bill Belichick identifies biggest issue in game for Patriots vs. Bills (WEEI-FM)
Watch: Bill Belichick is asked what his New Year’s resolution is (WEEI-FM)
What Mac Jones said following disappointing loss to Bills (WEEI-FM)
Referee gives explanation as to why flag was picked up for late hit on Mac Jones (WEEI-FM)
Sean McDermott: ‘Bill Belichick makes me a better coach’ (WEEI-FM)
Stefon Diggs had colorful message to Patriots fans after TD: ‘Shut the f–k up’ (WEEI-FM)
Despite loss to Bills, Patriots still in good position when it comes to playoffs (WEEI-FM)
CBS analyst Charles Davis was wrong about pretty much everything during Patriots-Bills (WEEI-FM)
Patriots come up short in pivotal game against Buffalo (WBZ-FM)
Patriots no longer control their division destiny after loss to Bills (WBZ-FM)
Highlights: Patriots lose to Bills 33-21, fall out of first place (WBZ-FM)
Patriots-Bills Ups & Downs: Mostly “down” to go around after another sloppy loss (WBZ-FM)
Referees explain controversial calls from Patriots loss to Bills (WBZ-FM)
Notable Quotables: Patriots reactions to big game (WBZ-FM)
Patriots Can’t Stop Bills’ Offense, Relinquish Control Of AFC East In 33-21 Home Loss (WBZ-TV)
Embarrassing Day For Patriots’ Defense Gives Control Of AFC East Back To Bills (WBZ-TV)
Four Ups, Four Downs From Patriots’ Loss To Bills (WBZ-TV)
Referee Explains Non-Call For Late Hit On Mac Jones, Taunting Penalty On David Andrews (WBZ-TV)
After Dropping Two Straight, Bill Belichick Hopes To See Patriots Play Best Football In January (WBZ-TV)
Bill Belichick Faces Borderline Unbelievable Question After Patriots Lose To Bills (WBZ-TV)
Sean McDermott Says Bill Belichick Makes Him A Better Coach: ‘He’s The Standard’ (WBZ-TV)
Report: Cole Beasley Fined Roughly $100,000 For Multiple COVID Protocol Violations (WBZ-TV)
Here’s Patriots’ Playoff Picture After Losing To Bills, Falling Out Of First Place In AFC East (WBZ-TV)
Patriots Still In A Really Good Spot When It Comes To Clinching A Playoff Berth (WBZ-TV)
Pats fall out of first as Bills take top spot (Patriots.com)
Game Observations: Post-Christmas, Bills come due (Patriots.com)
5 Keys from Patriots 33-21 loss to Bills (Patriots.com)
Game Notes: Harris goes over 100 yards for the fifth time in 2021 (Patriots.com)
Breaking down Patriots critical-down struggles vs. Bills (Patriots.com)
New England Patriots Postgame Quotes 12/26 (Patriots.com)
Buffalo Bills Postgame Quotes 12/26 (Patriots.com)
Pool Report: Mike Reiss Interview with Referee Shawn Smith (Patriots.com)
Photo gallery 1 (Patriots.com)
Photo gallery 2 (Patriots.com)
Photo gallery 1 (BuffaloBills.com)
Photo gallery 2 (BuffaloBills.com)
Photo gallery 3 (BuffaloBills.com)
Photo gallery 4 (BuffaloBills.com)
Photo gallery (Buffalo News)
Photo gallery (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

The A.F.C. East Is Still Josh Allen’s Division

‘The final score at Gillette Stadium — Buffalo 33, New England 21 — offered a quantifiable affirmation. Never trailing, the Bills stomped New England, avenging their defeat in Western New York three weeks ago amid tornadic squalls, for many reasons — a cohesive offensive line, an inspired day by the backup receiver Isaiah McKenzie, two interceptions by Micah Hyde — but none as prominent as this: The best player on the field Sunday was Allen, and he was all theirs.’

The Patriots have no answers this time for Josh Allen and the Bills

‘The Buffalo defense kept the New England running game somewhat in check this time. And Bills Coach Sean McDermott was aggressive all day, dialing up fourth-down attempts that weren’t uniformly successful but set a fearless, unwavering tone. The Patriots did not have the answers.’

Bills’ Cole Beasley fined almost $100,000 for several COVID protocol violations

‘The unvaccinated Beasley, who made headlines during training camp for criticizing the league’s COVID policies, is missing Sunday’s Bills-Patriots game in protocol, though Buffalo hasn’t said whether he’s tested positive. Under league rules, he’ll still be paid for the game, though Mortensen also reports that some executives feel that rule needs to be revisited.’

Patriots vs. Bills score: Josh Allen shines as Buffalo takes control of AFC East race with win in New England

‘Buffalo had control of this game for basically all four quarters. They came out of the gate with a touchdown drive and were largely able to move the ball up and down the field with ease, averaging 5.7 yards per play. They didn’t punt once and entered the red zone on seven of their nine offensive possessions on the afternoon. The only other two in which they didn’t get into the red area came at the end of the first half and regular when they were killing clock.’

MMQB: How the Patriots Have Pushed the Bills to Get Better

‘Which is where this one really did feel significant. For the last half decade, since McDermott and GM Brandon Beane got to Buffalo, they’ve been chasing the Patriots. After sweeping New England last year, this year, for the first time, they were no longer the hunter—and that made the challenge on that Monday, and especially this Sunday, different.’

Sean McDermott Is Not Bill Belichick, but He’s Proven to Be a Worthy Adversary

‘But on Sunday, in a 33–21 win over the Patriots in Foxboro that hoisted Buffalo back to the No. 4 seed and knocked New England down to sixth in the AFC, they managed to do something beautiful and somewhat unfathomable just a short time ago: deliver a counterpunch that, to Belichick and the Patriots, was equally as demoralizing and harmful to their perception of who they were. It was the kind of win that lingers like an errant popcorn kernel superglued to a back tooth.’

Bills re-gain division lead after downing Patriots

‘The Bills as a whole came out of the gates fast. The defense forced Jones and the Patriots into a three-and-out on the game’s first drive. It ended with Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver getting a sack.’