Two Bills Drive

‘Through six games, Miller has used custom-designed T-shirts to recognize Pro Football Hall of Fame members Bruce Smith, Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas, three parts of the core of four AFC championship teams in the 1990s. The other tees: quarterback Josh Allen, general manager Brandon Beane and late Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher Derrick Thomas.’

‘“I think a lot of people are hiring these young, offensive gurus and that’s all well and good,” Bills coach Sean McDermott told The Buffalo News before practice Thursday. “But at the end of the day, it’s a leadership job as opposed to a play-calling job and Leslie is very mature and not only understands the defensive side, but has a great feel for what he wants offensively.’

‘Prediction: Bills 30, Packers 17.’

‘“It’s definitely going to be weird,” Watkins told The Athletic. “I just can’t wait to get there, get those old feelings back when I was just a young Sammy and try to go out there and fight for a win. … I had some of my best times there. If people don’t know, that was my childhood team and still is my team. To play for an organization I loved growing up was definitely a blessing. I had some of the best memories. My first child was (born) there. It’s going to be a lot of great memories when I get there.”’

‘On offense, quarterbacks coach Joe Brady has experience as an NFL offensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers. The Bills followed that career path with Dorsey, who went from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator after Brian Daboll left. The same blueprint could make sense if Dorsey becomes a head coach. Brady has the reputation of being a bright, young offensive coach. On defense, defensive line coach Eric Washington also has experience as a defensive coordinator with … you guessed it … the Panthers. Linebackers coach Bobby Babich and defensive backs coach John Butler have both also been with the Bills for a long time under Sean McDermott, so they both would be logical candidates, as well.’

‘“Highmark is generally wide and open,” Mallie told The News this past week, shortly after the Bills released an exterior and interior depiction of the new stadium. “The distinction between the two stadiums will be astounding.”’

‘What is more, in those other cities, the team typically owns the building. Here, the state will own the stadium. With that, the Bills will make lease payments to Albany, which will also benefit from income taxes paid by the players. That income, alone, will repay the state’s portion of construction costs over 20 years, Hochul has said. In addition, the state and county will reap revenues from sales taxes paid by fans who trek to the stadium – and anywhere else they gather to watch a game – for at least 30 years.’

‘In August, the Bills and Mano’s announced that these commemorative Bills‐themed wine bottles would be available for purchase. Shortly after, they were in stores such as Colonial Wine & Spirits in Orchard Park – one of the first in the area to start selling them.’