Dan Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 (edited) Week 14: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 4:05pm TV Network: CBS (TV Map) Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon DirecTV: 715 Bills Radio: On the call: John Murphy (play by play), Mark Kelso (analyst), Sal Capaccio (sideline) Flagship: Buffalo – WGR550 (550AM); Toronto - 590 The Fan; Rochester - WCMF (96.5) and WROC (950AM); Syracuse - WKRL (100.9/WKLL 94.9) Sirius/XM: 113 (Internet 803) ================================================================= Game Preview: The Denver Broncos' newfound offensive diversity might have arrived just in time to deal with the Buffalo Bills' stout pass defense. Then again, the success of that defense seems based almost entirely on the offense it faces, so Peyton Manning and the Broncos' receivers could still do some major damage Sunday in Denver. Buffalo (7-5), in the thick of the wild-card race, started the season with an intimidating rush defense that limited teams to an average of 67.5 yards and 2.79 per carry in six games. In six since, the Bills are allowing 125.2 and 4.85. Read more at ESPN game preview... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Denver Broncos Week 14 Preview: Buffalo Bills NFL.com Preview: Bills at Broncos NFL.com Game Center Team Stats: Bills Broncos Total Yds/Game.... 319.9 413.9 Total Rush............. 98.2 109.5 Total Pass............. 221.8 304.4 Points/Game.......... 22.0 30.1 Time of Poss.......... 29.5 31.0 ---------------------------------------------- Yds/Gm Allowed... 312.4 302.3 Rush Yards........... 96.3 72.7 Pass Yards........... 216.1 229.7 Points Allowed........ 18.1 23.0 Source: NFL.com Overall Offense: Bills - 24th; Broncos - 5th Overall Defense: Bills - 5th; Broncos - 3rd MatchUp Comparison via SportingCharts.com Injury Report: Buffalo Bills NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Carpenter, Dan K Right Groin LP LP LP Probable Dareus, Marcell DT Hip LP LP LP Probable Glenn, Cordy T Illness DNP - - - Gragg, Chris TE Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Hogan, Chris WR Hamstring LP LP LP Probable Rambo, Bacarri S Hamstring LP LP LP Probable Watkins, Sammy WR Hip LP LP LP Probable Williams, Mike WR Calf - LP DNP Out Williams, Kyle DT Illness DNP - - - Woods, Robert WR Ankle LP LP LP Probable Wynn, Jarius DE Knee DNP DNP DNP Out Source: BuffaloBills.com Cleveland Browns NAME POSITION INJURY WED. THU. FRI. GAME STATUS Anderson, C.J. RB Ankle FP FP FP Probable Ball, Montee RB Groin DNP DNP DNP Out Carter, Quinton S Knee DNP DNP LP Questionable Cornick, Paul T Shoulder FP FP FP Probable Hillman, Ronnie RB Foot DNP DNP DNP Out Knighton, Terrance DT Elbow - LP LP Questionable Latimer, Cody WR Concussion - LP DNP Out McCray, Lerentee LB Illness DNP LP LP Probable Montgomery, Will C Knee LP FP FP Probable Smith, Quanterus DE Ribs - - LP Questionable Talib, Aqib CB Hamstring FP FP FP Probable Tamme, Jacob TE Ribs DNP LP LP Questionable Thomas, Demaryius WR Ankle LP DNP LP Probable Thomas, Julius TE Ankle LP LP LP Questionable Thompson, Juwan RB Knee FP FP FP Probable Webster, Kayvon CB Shoulder DNP DNP DNP Out Welker, Wes WR Non-injury DNP FP FP Probable Source: DenverBroncos.com Practice Status Game Status DNP = Did Not Participate in Practice Out = Player will not play LP = Limited Participation - Less than 100% of normal reps Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play FP = Full Participation - 100% of a player's normal repetitions Questionable = 50% chance a player will play Out = Player will not play Probable = 75% chance a player will play (-) = Not Listed = No practice status available (-) = Not Listed - No game status available The Odds: Line: Broncos -10 Over/Under: 48.5 Source: The LineMakers Up to date lines... if you're in Vegas. My Thoughts on the Game: And so here we are... in December, at 7-5, no room to spare, and facing perhaps our toughest team of the year. Where else would you rather be than right here, right now? So, let's go. This game is in no way going to be easy. All week, I keep reading about how we can stop Peyton and the Denver offense. However, I think that's missing the point. Sure, we have to slow Manning down, but we're going to have to score points. During last week's Broncos game, they flashed a stat... in Manning's career, teams that have scored less than 21 points have only beaten him 8 times (or close to that). Against teams scoring more than 21, Manning is closer to a 60% win percentage. So, what does that mean? We have to score! And that's going to be tough with our offense, on the road, facing a solid defense. The Broncos can get after the QB and they're tough to run up the middle on. So, we're going to have figure something out. So what will I be looking for? 1. Our run game. We can't try running up the middle all game. Pot Roast is too big and too strong in the middle. I really think edge rushes are the order of the day. It would be nice to see some creativity to get our backs in space, but I think we all know that won't happen. 2. Miller and Ward. We have to contain them, chip them, do something. The two of them could kill Orton if they don't find a way to slow these guys down. 3. Our secondary. I have no doubt our line will get after Manning. But, he's going to get the ball out fast. Can Gilmore and company handle it? If so, we should be able to cause Manning fits. 4. Denver's Oline. The last 2 weeks they've put 6 linemen in to get the run game going. If they try that again, we have to adjust and shut the run game down. Hopefully, 2 games is enough tape to give Schwartz what he needs to stop their running attack. 5. The field and the crowd. I don't get to go to many games, in fact a very small few. But, I scored tickets and get to see the Bills in person for the first time in years. It's gonna be fun regardless of the outcome; I can't wait to see that kick off! Go Bills!!! Edited December 7, 2014 by Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big C Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 I am so nervous and excited. A win would be huge for us - momentum to get us to the playoffs. Gah! Go Bills! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim in Anchorage Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Bills have a Monday game? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted December 7, 2014 Author Share Posted December 7, 2014 Bills have a Monday game? woops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Dan, awesome you are going, have a great time! Looks like an awesome place to see a game! Can't wait for the start of the game, as they say all the analysis has been done....let's play ! I know the Bills getting 10 points....points....well, I don't need no stinkin points. $50 on the money line + 450! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Any given Sunday! Let's go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjatcreek07 Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 It's been 10 or 15 years since I was this excited for a Bills game in December. Get to Peyton and make him uncomfortable and we have a chance. Let's go Buffalo!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobobonators Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 (edited) Good luck today gentlemen! Put Peyton on his ars. GO BILLS! :beer: Edited December 7, 2014 by bobobonators Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Dan, awesome you are going, have a great time! Looks like an awesome place to see a game! Can't wait for the start of the game, as they say all the analysis has been done....let's play ! I know the Bills getting 10 points....points....well, I don't need no stinkin points. $50 on the money line + 450! Hilarious...I put 50 on the money line yesterday as well. Great minds... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie's Dead Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 The call just went out Niitaka-yama nobore. The Bills will launch a sneak attack on the Broncos, and the call Tora Tora Tora! will go out at 1605 EST. Beels 31, Horsies 27, as the Red White and Blue fittingly remember those brave men who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941. Go Bills, and Go USA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fadingpain Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Does anyone know when WGR-550 will start their pre-game local programming? It's ESPN now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BringBackFergy Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Nice analysis Dan. The run game today is HUGE. Good work. Go Bills!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie's Dead Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 (edited) Does anyone know when WGR-550 will start their pre-game local programming? It's ESPN now. Go to On Air, Weekly Schedule, and Sunday shows 11am. Edited December 7, 2014 by Fred Jackson Jockstrap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobobonators Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 I can't stand how the Bills are never on CBS in the NYC market unless we play a local team. I feel like i've watched countless Denver games against the likes of freaking Tennessee and Baltimore on CBS or especially against the Pats, but today when the Broncos actually play a NY team, the game isn't on CBS. Unreal. I don't think NYC has a 4pm game on CBS today at all. Instead we get championship snocross after the Jets game. F M L. Guess i'm driving to brother's house again to watch it on sunday ticket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fadingpain Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Go to On Air, Weekly Schedule, and Sunday shows 11am. Thanks very much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26TrapDraw Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 You know what all week all I heard was the Broncos this and Peyton that.... I know it will be a big challenge but..... LET'S GO!!!!!!!!! That is all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Most meaningful game in the last decade -since we lost to Pittsburgh's 2nd string with the Playoffs on the line. We have our best Defense since we lost to Tennessee's Music City Debacle -with the Super Bowl on the line. It's been a rare week of excitement and extended hope in anticipation of what 'could' happen. Unfortunately, it will quite likely all come crashing down by 7:00 pm today. Our Offense simply isn't up to this task. Denver, Green Bay & New England* are undefeated at Home this season and will all most likely earn a Playoff Bye. They're good enough NOT to stumble terribly against the likes of Houston and Kansas City -unlike us. If we focus any blame, it has to on these 2 'Laid Eggs' and that no team fears playing in the RALPH, despite our other-worldly adoration and support. Even if the highly improbable happens and we escape with a W today, we're still on the outside looking in due to the above and there's no way GB or NE* would overlook our game. So, the question is, does 8-8/9-7 mean we've 'turned the corner' heading into our 16th playoff-less year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattM Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 I can't stand how the Bills are never on CBS in the NYC market unless we play a local team. I feel like i've watched countless Denver games against the likes of freaking Tennessee and Baltimore on CBS or especially against the Pats, but today when the Broncos actually play a NY team, the game isn't on CBS. Unreal. I don't think NYC has a 4pm game on CBS today at all. Instead we get championship snocross after the Jets game. F M L. Guess i'm driving to brother's house again to watch it on sunday ticket. I think that's because the Jets are on at 1 and it's Fox's turn for the doubleheader in the NY area (Seahawks-Eagles, which ain't a bad game either).... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bananathumb Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Enjoy the game, Dan. Keep a close eye on Watkins; he's been disappointing lately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 (edited) Hogan tweet-->> @ChrisHogs: Gameday. could barely sleep last night, all I could think about was playing in this game and what it will mean to this team. #OneTeam Edited December 7, 2014 by YoloinOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob's House Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 I'm really looking forward to this. I love being huge underdogs because if you lose it's no big deal but if you win it's amazing. For some reason I feel like Flo Rida today - I have a good feeling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 @WGR550 It's Gameday and it begins now on WGR. @JeremyWGR is on the air, getting you ready for Bills-Broncos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Frankish Reich Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 (edited) So what will I be looking for? 1. Our run game. We can't try running up the middle all game. Pot Roast is too big and too strong in the middle. I really think edge rushes are the order of the day. It would be nice to see some creativity to get our backs in space, but I think we all know that won't happen. 2. Miller and Ward. We have to contain them, chip them, do something. The two of them could kill Orton if they don't find a way to slow these guys down. 3. Our secondary. I have no doubt our line will get after Manning. But, he's going to get the ball out fast. Can Gilmore and company handle it? If so, we should be able to cause Manning fits. 4. Denver's Oline. The last 2 weeks they've put 6 linemen in to get the run game going. If they try that again, we have to adjust and shut the run game down. Hopefully, 2 games is enough tape to give Schwartz what he needs to stop their running attack. 5. The field and the crowd. I don't get to go to many games, in fact a very small few. But, I scored tickets and get to see the Bills in person for the first time in years. It's gonna be fun regardless of the outcome; I can't wait to see that kick off! Go Bills!!! 1. Our running game. I agree. Unlikely to find any success up the middle, so it'll have to be misdirection, short passes/screens, etc. Problem is with Miller and Ware (who's come on really nicely the last few weeks) this Broncos defense can get to the outside really well too. I'm afraid it will be a struggle on offense all day. The way have a chance to win is to get what you can and to absolutely avoid turnovers. 4. I rewatched parts of the last couple Broncos games. Conclusion: CJ Anderson is really good. A real find as a nondrafted free agent. The stats bear that out -- lots of yards after initial contact. But the Broncos newfound run success is still something of a fraud. Anyone who plays 7 offensive linemen (Virgil Greene at TE is a one-dimensional blocker, and Cornick is an eligible Tackle) against a standard 4-3 with 2 deep set is going to have success. I do think Schwartz this week is the guy to figure this out, so the running game doesn't scare me too much. But when the Broncos go back to what they're built to do -- Julius Thomas as a Jimmy Graham semi-wideout TE + Sanders + D. Thomas + Welker -- it all depends on that pass rush and jamming up the receivers at the line. The Seahawks model that destroyed the Broncos. Is our DL the equal of the Seahawks 2013? Yeah. I think it's better. Is our secondary their equal? Umm, not so much. So that's my fear unless the pressure really is relentless. Hey, it's December, and we're playing a meaningful game! Edited December 7, 2014 by The Frankish Reich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigK14094 Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Actually, I don't think this is the toughest game of the year, that happens next week IMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 @RapSheet: #Broncos TE Julius Thomas is playing today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papazoid Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 GO BILLS !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEOhio Bills Fan Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Go bills Feed off of the reason that we're wrote off as losing this game before it's played! Shock the world Gutsy call by Ravens in dolphins game 4th and 1 in own territory and made it We'll need a spark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 @MileHighReport Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills: Julius Thomas is active #Broncos #Bills http://sbnation.com/e/7112938 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SF Bills Fan Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Anyone know if Julius Thomas is playing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Anyone know if Julius Thomas is playing? he is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SF Bills Fan Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 he is Too bad- that would have been a nice break for us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norton20 Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Anybody know which member of the Manning family.... er official...is refereeing today's contest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deranged Rhino Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Anyone know if Julius Thomas is playing? he is I think he'll be on a strict pitch count though, and probably play less than 20 snaps. All in the redzone I'm sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 I hope they have Nigel on JT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ganesh Posted December 7, 2014 Share Posted December 7, 2014 Out of Town scoreboards are not good. Steelers beating up the sorry Bungles. Cleveland is leading Indy Baltimore leading over Miami with 4 min to go Houston crushing JAX. The Bills, chargers and Chiefs have their work cut out at 4 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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