‘Recent history is why I had no faith in that unit. Four times this season, the defense could not hold on to a fourth quarter lead, with three of those contests inside the final two minutes of regulation. All four games resulted in losses to the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles.’
Archives for December 2023
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott provides injury updates after team’s win against the Chiefs
‘Later in the game safety Micah Hyde was ruled as questionable to return with a stinger. McDermott said he will also be week-to-week and that it’s a reoccurring injury in the same area.’
Bills injuries: S Micah Hyde (neck), DE AJ Epenessa (rib) week to week
‘McDermott did provide an encouraging update on defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, saying “there is a chance” the lineman could return from his pectoral injury before the end of the season.’
Another Bills-Chiefs instant classic is being overshadowed by Patrick Mahomes’ outburst over late call
‘Here’s the thing, though. Mahomes isn’t just being a sore loser — he’s just flat-out wrong.’
James Cook’s receiving uptick, defensive line’s pressure on Mahomes key in Bills’ nail-biting win over Chiefs
‘Cook’s 1,180 yards from scrimmage in 2023 ranks seventh in the NFL this season and third-most among running backs, trailing only Christian McCaffrey and Travis Etienne.’
Observations: Bills shake off tough week, rally around coach with victory against Kansas City
‘This time, the Buffalo Bills’ defense got it done.’
Ryan O’Halloran: Why can Bills remain interesting this year? Josh Allen, of course
‘The Bills remain a far-from-finely-tuned machine – they leaked oil throughout the second half in squandering a 17-7 lead – and all they did was make sure next week’s game against Dallas has importance. But it beats the alternative, right?’
‘A silent little killer’: James Cook makes impact in Bills’ win in Kansas City
‘Cook finished the game with 141 all-purpose yards. He had a team-leading 58 rushing yards on 10 carries, along with a team-leading 83 receiving yards, and a touchdown, on five catches. He caught every ball thrown his way.’
Three questions: Bills playoff odds creep up but there’s no stress relief for Bills Mafia
‘The Bills must go 3-1 in their last four games to have any chance. If they go 4-0, they’re 99% assured of being in. If they lose next week at home to Dallas and win their last three, their odds are 75% to make it. If they win the next three but lose to Miami, it’s 59%. If they beat Dallas and Miami but lose to either the Chargers or Patriots, it’s 62%.’
How It Happened: Top plays, standout players from Bills’ win over Kansas City
‘DE A.J. Epenesa: Kansas City cruised into Bills territory on its first drive, but Epenesa read screen on a second-and-5 play from the 30 and caught his own deflection for his second interception of the season.’
Plays that shaped the game: Bills front four closed deal after Chiefs’ epic lateral play
‘The Buffalo Bills’ defense lives and dies with its front four. The front four made big plays at the end to preserve Sunday’s 20-17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.’
Report Card: It wasn’t perfect, but Bills pass a big test against Chiefs
‘Let’s start with the good: The play design from interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady on Cook’s touchdown pass was sweet. This was not a great overall showing by Brady, though, against a tough defense. The Bills seemingly could have run the ball more, and the constant quick screens to wide receivers became increasingly easy for the Chiefs to defend. Clock management was an issue at the end of the first half and again in the fourth quarter, when the Bills left too much time on the clock, but were bailed out by the defense – and a timely penalty against Kansas City. Give Sean McDermott credit: His defense held Mahomes and Co. to 17 points at home. That’s a job well done. Moving Rousseau inside worked for a sack in the first half. The Bills had to burn a timeout in the second quarter after Allen was sacked. That timeout could have come in handy at the end of the half.’
Bills rally around Sean McDermott after tumultuous week: 6 reasons they resurrected season
‘“Our guys – the staff, the players – steadfast in their focus,” McDermott said. “I couldn’t be more proud of a group, I really couldn’t at this point in the regular season. To a person, they didn’t flinch. They were focused, they supported one another and they supported me and I don’t take that for granted at all. I’m just super proud of those guys and just a super resilient group.”’
Bills report card: Buffalo wins thanks to Chiefs penalty gaffe to stay in wild AFC playoff race
‘The offensive line had a bad night in pass protection. Allen took three sacks and pulled off Houdini escapes to avoid probably five or six others. Chiefs superstar DT Chris Jones and the rest of the Chiefs’ front seven – and I say seven because Chiefs DC Steve Sapgnuolo dialed up blitzes all night – were a constant nuisance for Allen.’
Bills survive against Chiefs, save their season with defensive stop on final drive (Instant Observations)
‘The Bills managed just six points – two Tyler Bass field goals – on five second-half possessions against a Chiefs defense that overmatched Buffalo’s offensive line. Allen looked out of sorts at times and the lack of time and reliability from his receivers made it a close game to the final whistle.’