Two Bills Drive

‘“What he’s done this year has been amazing to watch,” Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones said.’

‘“I thought he was outstanding,” former NFL MVP Matt Ryan, now an analyst for the “NFL on CBS,” said during a phone interview. “The way the Buffalo offense got him going in the game by running the football and then getting Denver to commit (to stopping the run) and then the pass game coming in as the game progressed, I thought his patience was on display and he was what he’s been all year – efficient, explosive and making great decisions.’

‘The Ravens make use of their big guys. They frequently line up two tight ends (fifth-most in the NFL), and they’re no strangers to using a running back and fullback (third-most in the NFL). In fact, the Ravens are last in the league in their use of 11 personnel at just 27.8%, but don’t let that fool you. They’re fourth-best in the league in efficiency out of 11P. So, no matter how it lines up, Baltimore can be lethal. Bills coach Sean McDermott has a perfect formula, however, to stop the Ravens and running back Derrick Henry. “Well, if we had about five 300-pound linebackers, I think we’d be in pretty good shape, I think,” McDermott said slyly this week. Since that is not an option, the Bills’ defense will have to make do with the roster they have.’

‘62% – The percentage Baltimore has used either two backs with a tight end, one back and two tight ends or two backs and two tight ends together. How will the Bills try to defend the Ravens’ “big personnel” packages?’

‘The Bills have thrived on using slights − real or perceived − as motivation all season. Well, wouldn’t you know, but they’ve got plenty of those to choose from this week. Let’s start with being underdogs at home … despite being undefeated in Orchard Park this season. Or how about the result from Week 4? That alone should serve as motivation for a better showing. The Bills’ defense is getting Taron Johnson, Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard back for this game after they missed Week 4 against the Ravens. That shouldn’t be overlooked. Neither should the weather. Lamar Jackson has never played a game when it’s this cold. How he will handle it is a bit of an unknown. Give me Josh Allen putting the Bills on his back and carrying them to an AFC championship game appearance.’

“Best” is how you define it. Is it a player’s peak, or does longevity weigh more heavily in the discussion? Those four players all achieved All-Pro status (either first or second team) during their time in Buffalo. Johnson ultimately won the poll, which had more than 2,800 votes in 24 hours, with 48% of the votes. White was next with 25%, followed by Hyde (21%) and Poyer (6%).’

‘Byrd – who wore 42 with Buffalo in honor of a childhood meeting with Jackie Robinson – was one of 10 Bills on that All-Star team. He was only 23, a rookie cornerback often paired with the great Booker Edgerson on a Buffalo squad that had just won its first AFL championship by defeating Mix’s San Diego Chargers.’

‘Oliver believes that neither the Bills nor Ravens would be at a significant disadvantage because both know a little something about playing in the cold and elements. Both teams also are able to run the ball effectively, as exhibited over the weekend in each of their playoff wins.’