Olean Times Herald

‘And while letting some air out of the Seahawks’ balloon, Buffalo’s path over the final seven games brightened considerably.’

‘IF SOMEBODY had told you the Bills would end up in a shootout against the NFL’s highest-scoring team and that Buffalo would have only 19 carries for a mere 34 yards, what would be the conclusion? Guaranteed loss.’

‘The Bills’ 44 points scored are the most since they totaled 45 in a win over San Francisco in October of 2016. It’s also the most points ever given up in the 11 years Seattle has been coached by Pete Carroll.’

‘But Seattle is an enigma on the other side of the ball, sitting last in the NFL in both yards surrendered per game (461) and passing yards given up (359).’

‘Pegula Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Bills, has vast media and community relations departments and presumably ties to high-profile legal firms. Did nobody among them suggest that attaching the franchise to the phrase “Bills Mafia” via a trademark was a bad idea no matter how many shirts and hats were sold?’

‘It’s what happens in the final six games that will decide their fate. That stretch will be preceded by a bye week, and before the final two games against the Pats and Dolphins, Buffalo will host the Chargers (2-5), go to San Francisco (4-4), come home against Pittsburgh (7-0) then travel to Denver (3-4).’

‘The big issue, as it’s been all season, was Buffalo’s inability to stop the run.’

‘This is the 12th time in franchise history that the Bills got off to a 6-2 start, and they have made the playoffs the first 11 times. They did it in 1964 and ’65 en route to the American Football League championship, in 1974 and ’80, from 1988-’93 and finally, last season.’

‘One factor playing into New England’s benefit is the weather forecast. Currently it calls for rain with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 30s with the possibility of snow in the second half.’

‘Buffalo’s seven other remaining foes have a combined record of 27-17, a winning percentage of .614. New England’s opposition in its final eight games is 21-32 or .396.’

‘Projecting Tua to immediately step in and play at Fitzpatrick’s level or above is a stretch, meaning the decision likely severely dampens Miami’s postseason hopes.’

‘In fairness, Buffalo regrouped after an ugly first 22 ½ minutes when they trailed 10-0 and, in the opening period, were out-possessed 12 ½ minutes to 2 ½. But, for the rest of the game, the Bills had a 32 to 13-minute edge in time of possession. And, after being outgained 103 yards to 48 in the opening period, the Bills had a 374-87 edge the rest of the way to finish with a 422-190 advantage including holding New York to only four second-half net yards, the fewest given up by Buffalo after intermission in 20 years.’

‘Thus, against the Jets, Buffalo had two tight ends, Kroft, and rookie free agent Reggie Gilliam, a converted fullback who played collegiately at Toledo. In addition, wide receiver Duke Williams (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) was activated from the practice squad to be a desperation tight end if needed.’

‘As McDermott concluded, “We’ve got to earn the right to win this week.” Even though it’s a “can’t lose” game.’

‘To the rescue come the 0-6 Jets, the league’s last remaining winless club and easily pro football’s worst team.’