‘Under Brady, the Cook-enhanced attack has become more diversified. Bills blockers appear rejuvenated, as does receiver Stefon Diggs.’
BillsBeat - December 19, 2023
The Bills look like playoff contenders again. Now they have to prove it over their final 3 games
‘For all the criticism heaped on McDermott, perhaps the seventh-year coach deserves a little praise for keeping the ship afloat.’
Analysis: Josh Allen and the Bills show how quickly things can turn around in the NFL
‘Now, nobody is talking about firing McDermott. Buffalo still has a shot to win the AFC East. The Bills need to gain one game on the Dolphins (10-4) to make their showdown in Miami in Week 18 for first place. The Cowboys (10-4) visit the Dolphins next week while the Bills visit the Chargers (5-9).’
Jordan Phillips week-to-week after undergoing wrist surgery
‘Running back Ty Johnson, who suffered a shoulder injury during the game but returned to action, will continue to be evaluated, according to McDermott.’
Opinion: A statement victory for Bills
‘The 24-year-old has emerged as a top weapon in this offense. All of his attributes were on display like his patience, vision, ability to make defenders miss, cut-back runs, and speed to the edge. Cook also doesn’t get enough credit as a physical runner, a guy who can break tackles and get yards after initial contact.’
'They are a better offense with him out there': The vital role Bills running back James Cook made in Week 15
‘”You look at exactly what he was able to do in this game, it is the tip of the iceberg for what they probably should have been doing for the past several weeks now,” said Joe Buscaglia in this week’s Leading the Charge. “Just keep him out on the field for as long as you can because he is the guy moving forward.”‘
Bills DT Jordan Phillips has surgery on wrist
‘Having underwent surgery on his rotator cuff during the offseason, the 31-year-old Phillips came off the physically unable to perform list during training camp and has played in all 14 games for the Bills, compiling 15 tackles, 5 quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks. He has started the past nine games in place of DaQuan Jones, who remains on injured reserve following surgery on his pectoral muscle, but has “a chance” to return before season’s end, McDermott said last week.’
Bills’ Micah Hyde gives back to local students at Kicks for Kids event
‘Hyde helped pass out coats, shoes, shirts and $25 gift certificates to local grocer Market in the Square. There were also plenty of activities, including a meet-and-greet with the All-Pro safety.’
Bills Injury Update: Jordan Phillips undergoes wrist surgery
‘McDermott confirmed that defensive tackle Jordan Phillips had surgery on his wrist Sunday night following the Bills win. Phillips is currently week to week at this time and the team will know more about his status at a later date.’
Bills coaching staff earns praise for impressive game plan in win over Cowboys
‘In the four games that Brady has been calling plays, the Bills have run 63 more plays than their opponents (301 vs. 238), an average of nearly 16 more offensive snaps on a per game basis. They’ve possessed the ball for an average of 37 minutes per game during that stretch.’
BillsBeat - December 18, 2023
Observations: James Cook dices up Dallas Cowboys in Buffalo Bills' dominant win
‘Cook finished with 179 rushing yards on 25 carries – a whopping 7.2 yards per carry, which included a 24-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. His rushing total was the most by a Bills running back since Fred Jackson had 212 yards on the ground in a 30-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 3, 2010.’
Ryan O'Halloran: Memo to the AFC – don't let the Bills qualify for playoffs ... or else
‘“You’re right!” a Bills veteran told me in the locker room after a 31-10 rout of the Cowboys. “We’re showing our potential of what we can really do. A team better not let us get hot.”’
'I believe that we them dogs': Bills defense smothers high-scoring Cowboys
‘“Yeah, I thought that they had done their job. The defense hadn’t done their job,” McDermott said, then winking.’
Three questions: Odds say Bills still probably need to win out
‘If the Bills win the next two but lose to Miami? The odds they make the playoffs are only 51%. Obviously, the odds fluctuate up or down in that scenario – a loss in Miami — depending on what happens in other games involving the AFC contenders.’
How It Happened: Top plays, standout players in Bills' win over Cowboys
‘The Bills were able to pull quarterback Josh Allen, receiver Stefon Diggs, running back James Cook and three offensive line starters (left tackle Dion Dawkins, center Mitch Morse and left guard Connor McGovern) with 10:37 remaining. Several defensive starters exited with seven minutes remaining.’