‘Nobody is defending the deep secondary quite like Hyde and the Bills. Buffalo ranks No. 1 in the NFL in pass defense, giving up only 187 yards a game. The Bills have allowed the fewest passes of 40-plus yards in the league (one). They’ve allowed the fewest passes of 20 or more yards in the league (27).’
BillsBeat - December 7, 2018
How we see it: Bills-Jets predictions for Week 14
‘Darnold will have some rust in his first game back, and will likely struggle against a solid defense. Bills, 30-17.’
View from Vegas: Penalties make Bills hard to trust as favorite
‘Rookie QB Sam Darnold is expected back to match passes with Allen. The key, though, will be the Bills’ discipline as they are the league’s second-most penalized team with 108. Their 13 penalties for 120 yards in the loss to the Dolphins last week proved costly. With that, we can’t trust them laying points here today.’
Voice of the fan: Josh Allen makes the game fun to watch
‘Sure, games are nerve-wracking and the team has holes. But good things can happen at any time, you feel ’em coming, you almost expect them. It’s a completely different feeling watching, attending or debating the game before, during and after it. Josh Allen has just done that for the Bills.’
Editorial: Smart start on stadiums, though more public involvement would help
‘We’ve said in this space before that a new stadium, while no small undertaking, is a price worth paying to keep the Bills here. When founding owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. was dissatisfied with War Memorial Stadium in the late 1960s, he listened to overtures from Seattle, Memphis and Tampa about moving the team. After Wilson died in 2014, there were fears about a new owner taking the franchise elsewhere.’
After rough rookie season, Zay Jones grows into role as Buffalo Bills' top receiver
‘Yeah, it was quite a 16-month period between being picked 37th overall in the NFL Draft, to having a rough first season on the field, to two off-season surgeries, to getting arrested, to missing all of the Bills’ off-season program as he tried to get his body and mind right.’
Is Bills OC Brian Daboll a candidate for Green Bay Packers head coaching job?
‘Buffalo’s offense is currently 31st in points (14.8), passing yards (164.6) and total yards (285.7). This doesn’t all fall on Daboll when you consider that Buffalo has played multiple quarterbacks this season and the unit lacks talent across the board. Perhaps other teams will take this into consideration when they’re looking for a new head coach.’
What Bills' Josh Allen and Jets' Sam Darnold said about first showdown
‘”You could say (we talked about playing each other), especially after draft night,” Allen said. “We met up and got to hang out after everything kind of settled down. Obviously, being in the same division, you’re going to see each other twice a year. We’re excited for it and we hope this is a matchup for a long time, at least I do. I want to be here for as long as I can be and as long as I can play football. This is where I want to be.”‘
Kansas City Chiefs sign former Buffalo Bills receiver Kelvin Benjamin
‘Benjamin joins the NFL’s third-ranked offense and gets to play with touchdown machine Patrick Mahomes, whose 41 passing scores lead the league.’
Friday's New York Coverage
Why Jets QB Sam Darnold will start vs. Josh Allen, Bills (New York Daily News)
Mehta: Inside look at Jets GM Mike Maccagnan and Todd Bowles’ eroding relationship (New York Daily News)
Jets can finally stop with that ridiculous playoff talk (New York Post)
Sam Darnold can add check to development bucket list vs. Bills (New York Post)
Isaiah Crowell’s status vs. Bills in doubt (New York Post)
Jets coach Todd Bowles only focused on Bills, not his future (Newsday)
Jets offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates turns the page (Newsday)
Might Jets’ Sam Darnold’s timing be disrupted when he returns from 3-game absence at Bills? (Newark Star Ledger)
With Jets’ Sam Darnold set to return at Bills, here are 10 things he must do to finish 2018 strong (Newark Star Ledger)
Jets’ Jamal Adams: ‘It’s personal’ against Bills after blowout loss in last meeting (Newark Star Ledger)
Jets-Bills Week 14 injury report, including Sam Darnold, Robby Anderson, Isaiah Crowell (Newark Star Ledger)
Jets’ Jamal Adams on rematch with Bills: ‘It’s personal … we don’t like them’ (Bergen Record)
Why the NY Jets offense has been historically bad this season (Bergen Record)
Jets’ struggling offense sputtering to finish under Bates (AP)
Jets officially eliminated from playoffs after Titans’ Thursday night win (SportsNet New York)
Jets QB Sam Darnold expected to start vs. Bills (SportsNet New York)
Jamal Adams, Jets look to avenge embarrassing loss to Bills (SportsNet New York)
Here are 7 coaches the Jets could target if they fire Todd Bowles (SportsNet New York)
Jets TE Chris Herndon Looking Forward to ‘Finishing Strong’ (NewYorkJets.com)
What Has Been the Key to Jordan Jenkins’ Improved Pass Rush? (NewYorkJets.com)
Where to Watch, Listen & Follow: Jets at Bills (NewYorkJets.com)
Kelvin Beachum Nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (NewYorkJets.com)
Bills, Jets futures on display with rookie QBs set to start
‘The focus on the two quarterbacks represents one of the few reasons for intrigue in a meeting of teams — Buffalo is 4-8 and the Jets 3-9 — with little on the line entering the final month.’
Jets-Bills Preview Capsule
‘Allen has 391 yards passing, three TDs and two interceptions, and 234 yards rushing and TD in past two games since missing four with sprained right throwing elbow.’
Bills will give you money and free NFL ticket if you’re willing to do one small thing for them
‘Now, no one wants to stand outside all day and shovel snow for free, which is why the Bills are offering several incentives for anyone who decides to show up. For one, you get free food: The team says that both lunch and dinner will be provided.’
With Benjamin and Holmes gone, McCloud says he's ready to take advantage of his chance
‘“Any coach I ever played for, they know, I feed off mistakes,” McCloud told me this week. “I’ve had some of my best games off mistakes. On the first play of the game, before halftime. Some of those were the best games ever of my life. I was upset about it, like ‘dang, it’s time to show up now.’ I never got an opportunity later in the game to show that, but everybody learns from it. I made that second mistake before, and it was behind me 10 minutes later and it was time to move on and grow up and that’s just part of the game.”’
Clayton: It was a curious thing to cut two receivers in one day
‘”This doesn’t help the quarterback. When you’re kind of going down and lessening the talent at the receiver position, to try and do that and a line that’s pretty shaky. Is that going to be best in the development of Josh Allen? You kind of wonder about that… You want to surround him with as much talent as possible, not minimize the talent. So, it was a curious thing to cut two receivers in one day.”‘
Bills nominate Lorenzo Alexander for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award
‘This is the second year Alexander’s teammates, family and members of the community nominated him for the prestigious award.’
Want free Bills tickets? Bring your snow shovel to New Era Field
‘The team is asking for shovelers to dress appropriately for the conditions, and to bring their own shovels, (shovels will be provided as well).
Bills nominate Lorenzo Alexander for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
‘The Buffalo Bills have chosen Lorenzo Alexander as their Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee.’
Buffalo Bills looking for shovelers for New Era Field ahead of Sunday's Bills vs. Jets game
‘Lunch and dinner breaks will be provided in a warming area.’
New video shows aftermath of controversial arrest at Bills game
‘Belsito suffered a broken nose and a concussion, his attorney said. While being checked by medical crews at the stadium, the deputy told EMTs that Belsito was being arrested for disorderly conduct.’
Brian Daboll comes full circle to Buffalo
‘Without question, but I think the thing you learn in this business is you got to take one week at a time and one game at a time and do the very best you can do and things have to fall in line for you.’
Bills looking for snow shovelers ahead of Sunday's game
‘Shovelers who can work the day and possibly into the night Friday will be paid $12 per hour. Workers that put in four hours or more will get a free game ticket.’
Scouting Report - Week 14 - Bills vs. Jets
‘Get McCoy rolling early Much like the first meeting between the Bills and Jets, Buffalo has to get LeSean McCoy going early in the game. McCoy scored on his first carry in a blowout win at New York and had his only 100-yard rushing effort of the season. If the Bills can duplicate that success, it will provide valuable balance to Buffalo’s attack.’
Josh Allen and Sam Darnold: Evaluating the present and predicting the future
‘For me it’s as advertised. I think the thing we’ve seen recently with him, that’s helped the team out and given the kid a little bit of a platform is he’s kind of taken charge with his run game. Obviously, you always want the ability to extend plays and to make plays with your legs. The last couple of weeks what he has done running the football has been historic. He’s got to learn to win inside the pocket. That’s his biggest challenge. Then he can take advantage of his athletic ability outside the pocket when warranted.’
7 reasons why Lorenzo Alexander was named the Bills 2018 Walter Payton Man of the Year
‘In many ways, Lorenzo Alexander has defied the odds. Since entering the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2006, Alexander has exceeded expectations and gone above and beyond to help his team.’
Bills Today: Bowles: Josh Allen is a triple threat
‘“He’s shown all three phases, as far as being great throwing in the pocket, being great throwing on the run, and then running the football instead,” Bowles said. “He has kind of a triple threat deal going on right now, I think he’s run for over 200 yards the past two weeks. And he can throw the deep ball, he can throw the out cuts, he can make all the throws and he can throw well on the run. You’re seeing a lot of things he did in college.”’
BillsBeat - December 6, 2018
Bills look ahead after parting ways with Kelvin Benjamin, Andre Holmes
‘“The important thing for us is that we continue to take swings, and that’s what we did; we stepped up to the plate and you take a swing,” McDermott said. “Some of those are going to work and some of those aren’t. The only way you can get a hit is if you take a swing. … Just as important for us, I believe, is when things are no longer right for us as a football team and where we are and the vision we’re trying to chase, that we move forward. That’s what we did. We wish Kelvin and Andre both the best and their families. We’re going to continue to make every decision that we feel is right in the best interest of this football team.”’
Vic Carucci: Josh Allen’s running not always a bad thing for him or Bills
‘Although there are times Allen’s 22-year-old eyes don’t serve him as well as those of a veteran passer, his runs also are a highly effective component of his game. And they should continue. Those 13 carries he had against the Jaguars for 99 yards? Keep it going. Those nine rushes he had against the Dolphins for 135 yards? All good.’
Bills Notebook: Jerry Hughes accused of history of 'abusive language' toward refs
‘”We fully expect the NFL’s review to clear Roy Ellison,” Scott Green wrote in a statement. “Video from last week’s game shows he was verbally threatened by a player who has a well-documented history of abusive language and inappropriate actions towards our officials. While we are disappointed that the NFL has yet to address that aspect of the incident, we look forward to working with the League during its review and will ensure that Roy’s rights are protected during this process.”‘
Hospital visit gives LeSean McCoy perspective on Bills' struggles
‘“I think as people, especially as athletes, we get so wrapped up in our day-to-day lives as far as, ‘I fumbled the ball … I could have caught a pass … I lost the game,’ ” the Buffalo Bills’ running back said. “But this is real life. The battles that we fight on the field — don’t get me wrong, they’re very important — but I think the real battles are some of these kids right here fighting for their lives.”’
Bills' Taron Johnson undergoes shoulder surgery, out for season
‘If the Bills had a viable chance to make the playoffs, they may not have sent Johnson for the surgery. Last week in Miami he got dinged once again and had to be attended to, but he still played 30 of Buffalo’s 55 defensive snaps.’
Sean McDermott on Kelvin Benjamin: 'It obviously didn't work'
‘“Let me start by saying (that) I appreciate, just like I do every player, what they did,” McDermott said, also referencing wide receiver Andre Holmes who joined Benjamin on the waiver wire. “Those are hard decisions to make because those are human decisions. The important thing for us is that we continue to take swings, and that’s what we did; we stepped up to the plate and you take a swing. Some of those are going to work and some of those aren’t. The only way you can get a hit is if you take a swing.”’
Josh Allen, Zay Jones and 5 Bills on Kelvin Benjamin's release
‘”You never know when it can be your time. It’s the NFL and it’s for the best of the best. It’s a performance-based league, I guess, and I’m looking forward to the guys that we got right now and we’re going to be working extremely hard to build on these last four weeks.”‘
Jerry Hughes known for 'abusive language' towards officials, says NFLRA
‘Hughes has been fined twice by the league during his time with the Bills for abusive language towards an official. In total, Hughes was fined over $55,000 for the incidents.’
Thursday's New York Coverage
Mark Sanchez ripped by ex-Jets teammate as two have history of beef (New York Daily News)
Mehta: Jets need more players like Bills-hater Jamal Adams: ‘It’s personal’ (New York Daily News)
Looks like Jets-Bills will be Sam Darnold vs. Josh Allen, Round 1 (New York Post)
Why matchup vs. the Bills is ‘personal’ for the Jets (New York Post)
Todd Bowles puts focus on preventing Jets penalties (New York Post)
Plaxico Burress trolls former Jets teammate Mark Sanchez (New York Post)
All signs point to return of Sam Darnold on Sunday vs. Bills (Newsday)
Jamal Adams wants payback against Bills (Newsday)
Sam Darnold participates fully in practice, on track to play at Bills | What it means for rest of Jets’ season (Newark Star Ledger)
Jets’ Josh Martin designate to return from IR | What it means for defense, pass rush (Newark Star Ledger)
Jamal Adams: Firing Todd Bowles won’t solve all of Jets’ many problems (and he’s right) (Newark Star Ledger)
Ex-Giants WR Plaxico Burress trashes Mark Sanchez, former Jets teammate now starting for Redskins (Newark Star Ledger)
Jets QB Sam Darnold (foot) trending toward playing vs. Bills (Bergen Record)
NFL free agency 2019: Which key pending free agents should NY Jets keep? (Bergen Record)
Jets’ Darnold fully practices, on track to start vs. Bills (AP)
Jets S Marcus Maye underwent shoulder surgery on Tuesday (SportsNet New York)
Plaxico Burress is watching Mark Sanchez for the laughs (SportsNet New York)
Darnold Eyes Possible Return as Jets’ Starting QB at Buffalo (NewYorkJets.com)
Jets OLB Frankie Luvu Wants to ‘Keep Hunting’ to Close Season (NewYorkJets.com)
Jets-Bills: 5 Storylines (NewYorkJets.com)
Bills to lean on youth entering final month of season
‘”Those guys know the table is wide open, so choose wisely and go hard because they could be that guy for us if they choose to,” Dawkins said.’
NFL refs back official accused of calling player vulgar name
‘In a statement released Wednesday, NFLRA executive director Scott Green says the association expects the NFL’s investigation to clear Ellison while turning the focus on Hughes.’
Allen, Darnold could square off when Bills host Jets
‘”He’s a competitive player,” said Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. “Tough, strong obviously, has made a lot of plays with his legs over the last two weeks. Can make them with his arm, too. I’m sure there’s a few plays that Josh would like to have back, just like all of us when we don’t come out on top.’
NFLRA expects Roy Ellison to be cleared for run-in with Bills' Jerry Hughes
‘”Video from last week’s game shows [Ellison] was verbally threatened by a player who has a well-documented history of abusive language and inappropriate actions towards our officials,” NFLRA executive director Scott Green said in a statement. “While we are disappointed that the NFL has yet to address that aspect of the incident, we look forward to working with the League during its review and will ensure that Roy’s rights are protected during this process.”‘
McDermott: Bills 'took a swing' on Benjamin, but 'it obviously didn't work'
‘“But just as important for us is, I believe, is when things are no longer right for us as our football team and where we are and the vision we are trying to chase that we move forward, and that’s what we did. We’re going to continue to make every decision we feel is right, in the best interest of this football team.”’