‘NBCUniversal says there will be a 40% reduction in the standard ad time for an NFL game which should result in at least 12 additional minutes of game-related content.’
BillsBeat - December 22, 2023
Buffalo Bills injury report Week 16 at Chargers
‘McDermott said S Micah Hyde (neck stinger) is doubtful to play against the Chargers. He also announced that defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (wrist) was placed on injured reserve.’
BillsBeat - December 21, 2023
Inside the Bills: It has been a no-fly zone for opposing No. 1 receivers
‘According to figures compiled by The Buffalo News, the Bills have limited their opponents’ No. 1 target – whether that be a wide receiver or tight end – to 69 catches for 649 yards and five touchdowns this season. That works out to an average of 4.9 catches, 46.3 receiving yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game.’
Bills Notebook: James Cook named AFC Offensive Player of the Week
‘Cook ran for a career-high 179 yards, added another 42 as a receiver and finished with two total touchdowns in the Bills’ 31-10 victory at Highmark Stadium. It’s the first time in his career he’s won the conference’s weekly award, and he’s the first running back for the Bills to do so since Travis Henry in Week 6 of the 2002 season. Cook is the fifth Bills running back in team history to win the award.’
'Life coming full circle': Damar Hamlin hosts 4th annual toy drive in hometown
‘“It’s real fulfilling, and it’s real heartwarming. It’s a real moment of just life coming full circle,” Hamlin said Tuesday at the event. “I feel like ‘That’s So Raven’ a little bit, when she used to have her visions of seeing things. Man, I’ve seen this thing 100 times over, and I just couldn’t wait to get to this moment.”’
Jim Kubiak: Bills' well-designed variation in run game makes life easier for Josh Allen
‘Interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s game plan in the rain and wind was run-oriented, though, even he acknowledged he didn’t expect to run that often. His run-to-pass ratio was 75% rushing to 25% passing. I don’t remember a Bills football game in my lifetime in which the Bills team ran on three of every four plays. It takes belief, patience and raw power to execute the way the Bills did.’
Erik Brady: Dreaming of a Bills Christmas, for better or verse
‘“On Dion! On Connor!” Ol’ Saint Nick calls out. “On Mitch and O’Cyrus! “On Spencer, no doubt!”’
This massive Bills tackle uses size, power to blow defenders backwards in running game
‘In his third season, Brown had to prove that he is a player the Bills could rely on or else his spot in the lineup would be up for grabs. He has certainly done that.’
For the Bills to make the playoffs, fans should root for these teams in Week 16
‘Buffalo’s best chance to make the postseason would be to win its final three games because if that happens, according to the New York Times playoff machine there is approximately a 99% chance that they will qualify. And not only qualify, but do so as the AFC East champ which would mean at least one home playoff game in mid-January.’
Cook honored as AFC Offensive Player of the Week, becoming first Bills RB to win award since 2002
‘During his incredible effort against Dallas, Cook tallied a career-high 221 yards from scrimmage (179 rushing, 42 receiving), which was the most recorded by a Bills player since Fred Jackson finished a 2009 game against the Indianapolis Colts with 227 scrimmage yards. Cook also recorded both a touchdown rushing and touchdown receiving, becoming the first Bill since Thurman Thomas in 1991 to record 200-plus scrimmage yards, a touchdown rushing and a touchdown receiving in a single game. His 179 rushing yards were the second-most recorded by any NFL player in a single game this season.’
Spencer Brown's new routine paying dividends for Bills offensive line that has allowed NFL's fewest sacks
‘After giving up a sack and five quarterback pressures in Week 1, Brown has allowed just three sacks since, as the Bills have surrendered the fewest sacks in the NFL (19). It started by skunking Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro Maxx Crosby in Week 2 and hasn’t relented, aside from a five-pressure game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12.’
Shift in offensive strategy unlocks Ty Johnson after starting season on Bills practice squad
‘But when offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was fired and replaced by quarterbacks coach Joe Brady Nov. 14, Johnson became a greater part of the offense and has seen his snap count rise. Johnson has 29 touches for 156 yards and a touchdown over the last four games, including a nine-carry, 54-yard outing against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, playing a season-high 20 snaps.’
Thursday's Los Angeles Coverage
Austin Ekeler has a lot to prove in what could be final days with Chargers (Orange County Register)
Tom Krasovic: Chargers’ new GM must manage the Spanoses, then find a head coach (San Diego Union Tribune)
Derwin’s disco: Chargers star gets groovy at dance party for older adults (USA Today)
Chargers’ Kicker Cameron Dicker’s Comical Video Asking for Pro Bowl Votes Had NFL Fans Rolling (SI)
Why Chargers Players Are Excited For Interim Head Coach Giff Smith in His New Role (Chargers.com)
A Special Turnaround: How Chargers Rejuvenated Their Special Teams Unit (Chargers.com)
Week 16 Injury Report | Chargers vs. Bills: Kennan Allen Misses 2nd Straight Practice (Chargers.com)
Chargers Mailbag: A Bittersweet Week for the Bolts (Chargers.com)
James Cook misses Wednesday's practice due to illness
‘Cook was the only new addition to the team’s official injury report, which saw 15 total players listed. This included six players who were full participants and another six who were limited.’
James Cook named AFC Offensive Player of the Week
‘Cook put up an impressive stat line of 221 yards of total offense, 179 rushing yards, and 42 receiving yards. Along with that, he recorded a receiving touchdown and rushing touchdown. This play earned him the AFC Offensive Player Of The Week award for the first time in his career.’