Olean Times Herald

‘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.’

‘When asked about Murphy and Phillips being deactivated, he maintained, “Those two are good players, I just wanted to take a look at some other guys from the practice squad seeing if we could change things up a little bit. Those guys (Murphy and Phillips) will be coming right back again next week.”’

‘To put Buffalo’s vulnerability to the run into perspective: Kansas City rushed 46 times for 245 yards. It was the most carries and yards an Andy Reid-coached team (Eagles or Chiefs) had ever totaled in a game.’

‘Part of the Bills’ defensive problem has been an inability to generate a consistent pass rush with only 10 sacks, which ranks in the bottom half of the league. But even more compelling is the lack of persistent pressure, which is why coordinator Leslie Frazier’s unit is 24th in the NFL in passing yards given up per game (263).’

‘Worst of all, the Bills, who were admittedly in practice limbo not knowing whether their next opponent would be the Titans or Chiefs, didn’t appear to be ready to play Tuesday night.’

‘Titans coach Mike Vrabel, despite being without starting wide receivers Corey Davis and Adam Humphries (Covid-19 victims) and with No. 3 wideout A.J. Brown (knee) playing hurt, still opted to attack Buffalo through the air. His reasoning was that Buffalo’s starting cornerbacks were out — All-Pro Tre’Davious White (back) and Levi Wallace (injured reserve, ankle) — as was its best coverage linebacker (Milano).’

‘Only four unbeaten teams remain in the NFL, Seattle (5-0) with Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Tennessee all 4-0.’

‘Buffalo left Nissan Stadium with a 14-7 victory that didn’t exactly have the Pro Football Hall of Fame clamoring for a game tape.’

‘While Tennessee paid the price for its cavalier approach to Covid-19 protocols, that didn’t stop its players from having unauthorized workouts away from the team facilities in direct violation of league regulations.’

‘But, pro sports fines are a joke with the teams often picking up tab for the violations by coaches or players. The National Football League realizes as much and is now talking suspensions, lost draft choices and forfeiture of games for violating coronavirus protocols. That gets teams’ attention.’