Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘One of the popular theories was that Josh Allen’s propensity for turning the ball over was going to continue because he simply can’t – or won’t – pull back the reins on some of his reckless decision making. In turn, that would lead to the Bills’ narrow Super Bowl window closing even further.’

‘Benford’s all-out hustle saved the Bills four points because the defense stiffened and forced a field goal which tied the game at 3-3. It didn’t end up mattering in the final result, a 22-16 overtime loss, but plays like that can often determine the outcome of games.’

‘Gabe Davis played 94% of the snaps and was targeted just four times, catching two for 32 yards. This was not the start Davis was looking for as he begins the final season of his rookie contract looking to either earn a possible contract extension with the Bills, or get paid as a free agent in the offseason.’

‘However, after Week 1 – unlike the Bills who inexplicably lost Monday to the Aaron Rodgers-less Jets – the Raiders will arrive at Highmark Stadium Sunday afternoon 1-0 and all alone in first place in their division.’

‘The Bills have a Super Bowl-caliber squad, but it’s predicated on the offense being much better than what we saw at MetLife.’

‘About a month later, in September 2020, another NFL Media reporter described a conversation he had with Pegula about social activism by NFL players and support for Black Lives Matter. According to Trotter’s complaint, this reporter shared his account in a Zoom meeting with other NFL Media employees and alleged that Pegula said, “If the Black players don’t like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is.”’

‘Folks, we’ve all lived through some gruesome losses with the Bills, and there’s another to add to the ignominious list.’

‘As I said, Allen was awful. He was under duress, yes, because the offensive line struggled mightily with the Jets’ tremendous front line. They registered five sacks, nine QB hits and forced a killer fumble. But even when he had time, Allen just made too many bad decisions and it killed his team.’

‘Sal’s prediction: Bills 24, Jets 20.’

‘The Jets have done a lot of talking throughout the summer and now they have to start backing it up by taking on the Bills in the Monday Night Football season opener.’

‘The locker rooms were tiny with sometimes-functioning showers. The neighborhood was rough. Parts of the field froze. Girders used in the construction made it difficult to see the action on the field.’

‘It would be unlikely to be wandering through the parking lot and come upon a lovey-dovey couple, one in a Bills shirt, the other in a Patriots shirt. Indeed, I can’t believe that would happen without years of counseling.’

‘Beyond them, it’s also proving time for A.J. Epenesa who heads into the final season of his rookie contract needing to at least match the 6.5 sacks he had last season. And the pass rush can’t all come from the edge – the Bills need more from their tackles, not necessarily sacks but pushing the pocket with the intent of funneling the opposing QB into the arms of the edge rushers or blitzing defensive backs.’

‘The Bills invested heavily in what has been a troubling position for them. They signed left guard Connor McGovern to a three-year, $22 million contract and they used their second-round draft pick on right guard O’Cyrus Torrence. Both will start Monday against the Jets.’

‘That said, there are excellent players at all three levels with monstrous tackle Quinnen Williams up front, C.J. Mosley making plays all over the field from his middle linebacker spot, and defensive backs like Reed and Sauce Gardner locking up receivers.’