Two Bills Drive

‘Jauron could never figure out the Bills’ offensive issues – they finished 23rd, 30th, 23rd and 28th in points per game.’

‘In Reid’s first eight seasons, he coached 128 games and went 80-48 (.625 winning percentage). The Eagles made the playoffs in six seasons, with an 8-6 record that included one trip to the Super Bowl (a loss to the Patriots), another loss in the NFC championship game and four losses in the divisional round.’

‘“Fortunately, we have a guy that when things do break down or when the pocket is dirty, he finds a way to ‘be Josh Allen,’ ” Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady said at the end of the regular season. “A lot of times down on the football field, there’s a lot of gray. It’s not very black and white, and the best football players play the gray. And fortunately, we have one that when the first play is over, he’s able to keep it alive and make a play on the second one.”’

‘New Era has hung about 1,000 posters across 500 street corners in several Buffalo neighborhoods, including Allentown, Hertel Avenue, Downtown Buffalo and Elmwood Village.’

‘Sirianni’s high-motor, unrelenting level of ambitiousness came from both nature and nurture, rooted in the southeast corner of Chautauqua County. A 1999 Southwestern High graduate, he had a close circle of childhood friends from the Jamestown area, friends with whom he still remains close, including Langworthy.’

‘Sirianni had pulled two major levers in the offseason, hiring Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio as offensive and defensive coordinator, respectively. But not much was working during a 2-2 start that was capped by another lopsided loss to the Buccaneers (33-16).’

‘The biggest game of the year could very well be a tight one. And if so, watch out for what Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes can do late in the game. Kansas City has won its last 17 one-possession games, the latest of those wins coming against the Buffalo Bills. With Mahomes’ ability to sustain drives, it is hard to ever count out Kansas City. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense allowed opponents just 17.8 points per game – second best in the league. If the Eagles can keep scoring low, maybe they can stave off Kansas City long enough.’

‘Bills fans understandably are still crushed their team isn’t in this game. This might not make them feel much better, but it would have been a tough matchup for Buffalo, just as it should be for Kansas City. Saquon Barkley just won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, and Philadelphia has a young, fast defense that can give any team problems. One key for the Eagles is to keep Patrick Mahomes contained in the pocket. The Chiefs’ quarterback is so good at extending plays on third down. Defensively, I’d expect Kansas City to pressure Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has struggled at times with sack avoidance. Philadelphia ran off 10 straight wins in the regular season and dominated the NFC championship game. Beyond just being sick of watching Kansas City, Bills fans can root for the local connection with Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni being from Jamestown. Eagles 30-24.’

‘NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Mallory is among 500 nationwide “unsung heroes” who received Super Bowl admission from the NFL. Mallory picked Karen Garigen, a Bills-loving friend from St. Luke’s, to go with her.’