WGR

‘Phillips and Poyer were each signed to the practice squad just before the start of the regular season as veteran depth personalities in the locker room. However, due to a number of injuries the Bills currently face, they have been called upon to serve as key depth pieces on the field.’

‘Oliver had missed four games this season with an ankle injury before returning to the lineup in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons. Through three games played, he had registered three sacks, a forced fumble, and 12 total tackles.’

‘The Bills bested the Carolina Panthers in a return-to-form showing for the team as they scored 40-points and held the Panthers to single digits. They are now 5-2 on the season as they chase the Patriots to reclaim the AFC East.’

‘”200 plus yards, there was an attitude that came with that. He breaks through into the second level of the defense. You’ve got wide receivers, tight ends that are blocking, and he’s of this mindset that he’s gone, he’s going. And that’s a collective mindset.”‘

‘Bills quarterback, Josh Allen, had a very efficient day on Sunday’s matinee beatdown over the Panthers, completing 12 passes on 19 attempts for 163 yards and 1 touchdown. The run game and explosive plays on defense really told the story in this game and complimented Allen’s efficiency overall.’

‘Once again the Bills were flagged for far too many penalties, totaling 7 for 60 yards.’

‘Cook, who has taken his game to a higher level this season, was unstoppable. The offensive line opened up holes, the wide receivers and tight ends helped out with their blocking on toss plays but Cook was the difference maker. He either exploded through the holes or used cutback moves to get to those openings. Other times he used his speed to beat Carolina defenders to the edge.’

‘The Bills have had trouble stopping the tun this season. They’re allowing the most yards per play on the ground (5.75) and over 156 yards per game, third-most in the NFL. Carolina has an excellent run game, averaging over 140 yards per contest, which is third-best in the NFL, and an 8th most 4.72 yards per run. Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has the third-most rushing yards (551) and third-best average per carry (5.62) in the entire NFL. The Bills absolutely have to slow down the Panthers rushing attack and force them into long-yardage situations and to throw the ball.’

‘Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young did not participate in practice Thursday for a second-straight day due to an ankle injury, making it increasingly likely he will not play against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday.’

‘The six-game review of the offense looks like this: Josh Allen is still one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but after throwing just six interceptions last season, Allen has been picked off four times in the first six games. Allen has also been sacked 12 times, which is just two off his total from last season.’

‘Young’s play had improved slightly during the win streak, but the Panthers’ passing game was still very limited. It remains to be seen if Dalton can change that.’

‘Rookie first round draft pick Maxwell Hairston, who has been out since July after spraining his knee and being placed on Injured Reserve, had his 21-day practice window opened this week. That means Hairston will remain on I.R., but be able to practice with the club, who now has three weeks to put the cornerback on the 53-man active roster.’

‘McDermott said other injured players, including tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique), linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle), wide receiver Curtis Samuel (neck/ribs), and linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral) are all day-to-day with their injuries.’

‘As the Falcons’ offense were firing on all cylinders the first half, the Bills offense were unable to put up points of their own in the second quarter as the teams headed to the locker room at half as the Falcons held their 21-7 lead.’

‘”I did think that they battled down to the end right there, which I appreciate,” McDermott said.’