‘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.’
BillsBeat - December 21, 2023
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.’
Opinion: Bills grades: Week 15 vs. Cowboys
‘What can you say about an aspect of the game that wasn’t really used? Dalton Kincaid had some tough drops. Gabe Davis didn’t locate the ball on a fly route and fight back to it. Stefon Diggs had a sick one-handed grab. Josh Allen threw a dot to James Cook for a touchdown.’
Buffalo Bills RB James Cook named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for performance against the Cowboys
‘According to Bills PR, Cook became the first Bill since Thurman Thomas in 1991 to record 200+ scrimmage yards and a rushing and receiving touchdown in a single game. His 221 scrimmage yards were the most by a Bill since Fred Jackson in 2009 and he recorded the second-most single-game rushing yards in the NFL this season.’
James Cook becomes first Bills RB in 21 years to win AFC Offensive Player of the Week
‘Before Cook, the last Bills running back to win player of the week honors was Travis Henry, whose 159 yards and two touchdowns led Buffalo to a 31-24 Week 6 victory over Houston in 2002.’
Bills' Cook named AFC Offensive Player of the Week
‘In that game, Cook rushed for 179 yards while adding 42 yards on two receptions, as well as two touchdowns.’
The Bills' NFL postseason odds entering Week 16
‘After a dominant home win against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15, combined with some losses elsewhere in the AFC, the New York Times gives the Bills a 68 percent chance to make the NFL playoffs. Last week, it was 49 percent.’
Records of the surging Bills, sputtering Sabres are impacting tickets, merchandise sales
‘So start with the tickets and start with the surging Bills. They have one final home game on New Year’s Eve with the downtrodden New England Patriots. Nick Giammusso of VIP Tix told 2 On Your side that “tickets have gone up probably 100 percent since the win against Dallas, so ticket prices (for the Bills) are probably $300 and up for that game.”‘
Routine and accountability has fueled Spencer Brown’s Year 3 leap
‘“He’s like I know you know your portion of what we’re supposed to do,” said Brown. “But you need to know just about everything going on. So I’ve been trying to be like second eyes for Mitch. Helping him out and listening to him. Kind of like formulating the response in my head before Mitch gets up there. Maybe I can just point it out myself and help Cybo [O’Cyrus Torrence]. It’s just good to have everyone on the same page.”’
Bills blocking out the noise amid playoff push
‘”If you’re not on your ‘A’ game, it shows up rather quickly,” McDermott said. “And then you head to the buses with sour faces.”‘