‘However, Zappe has a tendency to hold on to the ball too long when in trouble and has been sacked 13 times over those four games. The Patriots’ 13 sacks given up over the last four weeks are tied for seventh most in the NFL. Sean McDermott and the Bills defense needs to confuse Zappe, to force him to look around longer, then have a greater chance to get him down.’
Archives for December 2023
Opinion: Sneaky Joe: Later Bill
‘Bill Belichick went 32-3 against the Bills with Tom Brady at quarterback. Without Brady? Belichick’s record against the Bills is 5-9 without Brady, including the most embarrassing playoff loss we’ve ever seen.’
Bills activate DaQuan Jones off injured reserve
‘Jones is listed on the Bills injury report as questionable for Sunday’s game, but the 32-year-old has been a full participant in practice this week and head coach Sean McDermott indicated Jones will suit up against the Patriots barring any sort of setback.’
Carucci Take2: It shouldn’t be close, but will Bills let Patriots hang around?
‘In the Bills’ previous meeting with New England, they played so far down, they couldn’t stand tall when the defense had a chance to close out the game. The result was an inexcusable loss that has contributed to their current desperation.’
Thad’s Three Things: Bills vs. Patriots
‘Jones immediately becomes the team’s best run defender (as long as Matt Milano is sidelined). He almost always shuts the door on his rush lane and he’ll take pressure off Ed Oliver up front. Jones will help open playmaking lanes for the smaller, lighter linebackers behind him that desperately need it. He will also add to the pass rush and, considering the current state of Von Miller, likely becomes the team’s third best pass rusher.’
Bills activate DT DaQuan Jones off injured reserve list
‘The Bills are also signing OL Germain Ifedi back to the practice squad and releasing S Tre Norwood from the practice squad. Jones is now on the 53-man roster is expected to be active for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.’
Top 5 storylines for Bills vs. Patriots | Week 17
‘It’s wild how quickly things can change over the course of just a few weeks. Heading into Week 15, not too long ago, the Bills were No. 11 in the AFC standings. Right now, they’re No. 6 and hold a wild card spot. That doesn’t mean that spot is guaranteed because a lot can happen over the next two weeks.’
5 things to watch for in Bills vs. Patriots | Week 17
‘If Buffalo can post a victory over the Patriots on Sunday, their probability of reaching the postseason increases to 97 percent, which is the highest among the teams in AFC playoff contention. A loss, however, would see their playoff probability sink to 46 percent, a drop of 51 percent.’
Game Predictions | Bills vs. Patriots | Week 17
‘FPI prediction: BUF, 87% (by an average of 14.9 points).’
Bills vs. Patriots | How to watch, stream & listen | Week 17
‘Play-by-Play: Kevin Harlan. Analysis: Trent Green. Sideline: Melanie Collins.’
Who to root for | Where the Bills stand in the AFC Playoff Picture for Week 17
‘Here’s who Bills fans should be rooting for using the New York Times Playoff Machine to help Buffalo’s playoff chances…’.
Bills receiver Khalil Shakir doesn’t want to call himself comfortable as he pushes himself in Year 2
‘Through 15 games, Shakir had 29 catches for 467 yards – both nearly triple his numbers last year as a rookie. His 29 receptions also come on 35 targets, whereas last year he had 10 catches on 20 targets.’
Bills notebook: DaQuan Jones to play Sunday; Bills face top run defense
‘McDermott said he anticipates that safety Micah Hyde (stinger) will play Hyde does not have an injury designation. McDermott said defensive end A.J. Epenesa (rib) is “getting close.” Hyde and running back Ty Johnson (shoulder) were out of their red noncontact jerseys during the open portion of practice Friday for the first time this week. Safety Damar Hamlin (shoulder) was still in a red non-contact jersey.’
Ryan O’Halloran: It’s time for Bills lineman David Edwards to catch a pass
‘Edwards attends the Bills’ tight-end meeting each Friday to review run plays and pass protection and he has played at least 10 snaps in four of the five games called by Brady.’
Sean McDermott: Bills’ DT DaQuan Jones expected to play vs. Patriots
‘Jones was a force for the Bills in the team’s first four games of the season. He registered 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and five quarterback hits during that span of time. In Buffalo’s fifth game, a home matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Jones suffered a torn pectoral.’