Olean Times Herald

‘However, the rushing stats are more troubling. Of Allen’s 12 rushes, only two were scrambles when protection broke down, the other 10 were designed runs. Buffalo’s two running backs — Devin Singletary and Matt Breida — by contrast, had seven carries combined.’

‘Had Buffalo lost 38-10, the season, in effect, would be over. But that second half proved what this team can be and, despite the loss, Buffalo, is still hanging onto that seventh and last AFC wild card spot.’

‘Tom Brady’s game-winning touchdown pass, a 58-yarder to Breshad Perriman, was the 700th of his illustrious career. It was also his 33rd victory over the Bills (32 of them with the Patriots), an NFL record against one team. He had already broken Drew Brees’ record for both career completions and passing yards.’

‘As for what it takes for Buffalo’s offense to get back on track, Allen maintained, “It’s 11 guys going out and executing … it’s not the plays, it’s how we execute those plays … decision-making on my part … being smart about when to and not take a sack … when to throw the ball away and ultimately give our guys a chance to make a play.”’

‘Among Buffalo’s seven victories, the only one over a winning team was a 38-20 decision at defending AFC champ Kansas City (8-4), back in early October. It was the last of a four-game streak that had Bills nation convinced its team was Super Bowl-bound.’

‘The sad fact is, the Bills aren’t a tough team, McDermott’s contention to the contrary. They have a talented roster at the skill positions, but the lines, not so much. They rely on finesse and are, sadly, way too soft.’

‘And as safety Jordan Poyer noted after the game … “we knew they were going to run.” Left unsaid was … the Bills still couldn’t stop them. It’s been a season-long problem and couldn’t have come at a worse time.’

‘Of course, if the weather forecast is right, the passing game might not be much of a factor tonight.’

‘“Number 1, it’s going to be decided by the players more than anything,” he said, “(but) Bill has x-amount of years experience as a head coach, many more than I do. So, at the end of the day, there’s a lot of experience and wisdom (that Belichick has) and I’m just hoping to grow and learn and see where it takes me.”‘

‘With Buffalo having already lost to the Titans and trailing them by two games including the punitive head-to-head loss, you can bet the Bills coaches and players will be rooting hard for the Patriots.’

‘The reality is, the one-sided win came against a flawed team, albeit on the road in a short week.’

‘Following a 4-1 start, including an impressive 38-20 win on the Chiefs’ home turf, Buffalo is 2-3 with two of those losses unexpected. The 9-6 defeat at Jacksonville, 2-8 and tied for last in the AFC, could be a season-killing loss, and last Sunday’s 41-15 pasting by the Colts at Highmark Stadium was surprising in its one sidedness.’

‘Tennessee, New England and Kansas City (both 7-4) and Baltimore (7-3) would claim the four division titles with the three 6-4 teams — Chargers, Bengals and Bills — as wild cards. But that could change before midnight Thursday.’

‘This unit, which led the NFL in fewest points (15) and yards (274) given up per game, surrendered five touchdowns — all by Indy running back Jonathan Taylor — and a staggering 264 rushing yards.’

‘But of considerably more concern to the Bills faithful was the woeful performance of Allen. He finished 21-of-35 through the air for 209 yards with two picks, a sack and a 72.2 passer rating. But those numbers are deceptive. He was 5-for-7 for 64 yards and a touchdown during fourth-quarter garbage time.’