Archives for September 8, 2023

‘“It’s just a privilege, man. Even though it’s harder to get going, I’m just trying to be as professional as possible and be accountable to my guys and understanding that these are golden years. Having the opportunity to do this, to compete, with this team with where I am in my career, I’ve been so blessed, and no more blessed than I am right now.”’

‘“I feel great,” Hyde said Thursday. “Did a little bit more today. Just taking it day by day, but it felt great today to go out there and do a little more than I did yesterday. Still got a few days to Monday night, so I’m good.”’

‘But for how long? As the seventh season of the regime of General Manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott and Allen’s fifth season begins Monday night against the New York Jets, questions about the Bills’ championship window – with this group, not for the balance of Allen’s career – are legitimate. Legitimate because the Bills have stubbed their toes in the playoffs the last two years. Legitimate because … The roster is getting older: Nine players on their 53-man roster last week are at least 30 years old.’

‘So, where has all that love for the Bills gone? It has migrated to Miami, which gets back starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after his 2022 season was cut short because of concussions. Or it is headed east to New Jersey, where the New York Jets acquired future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the last, biggest piece to what they hope is a championship puzzle.’

‘Outlook The bar is high. The measure of success for this team this year is nothing less than a Super Bowl appearance. It should be a fun ride. Look for 12 wins, another playoff berth and then anxiety, excitement and … who knows?’

‘Defensively, keeping Von Miller on the physically unable to perform list to start the year makes plenty of sense. Again, it’s about peaking for games in January, not September, for this team. Middle linebacker is definitely a concern – it will be up to new play caller Sean McDermott to hide that position as much as possible. Otherwise, the defense looks deep and experienced everywhere else. The key for the defense will be to rise to the occasion in the big moments. If it does, the offense should do enough to put this team atop the AFC East for the fourth consecutive year.’

‘Here is how The Buffalo News’ Bills reporters see the Bills stat leaders for this season…’.

‘According to sources, the Bills games can generate around $150,000 in revenue for the local stations. However, they have to pay a rights fee to simulcast games on cable networks and streaming services.’

‘Bills fans’ fantasies: The Bills put together a potent and proficient albeit imperfect season and finally get over the hump and onto the Super Bowl setting the city and its worldwide legion of Bills Mafia into a February frenzy of football fun.’