Buffalo Rumblings - All our coverage: Josh Allen vs. Sam Darnold, Round 1 as Buffalo Bills host New York JetsBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2018-12-17T07:15:07-05:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/178927512018-12-17T07:15:07-05:002018-12-17T07:15:07-05:00Jets DL Henry Anderson fined for hit on Hauschka
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<img alt="NFL: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W7-O0Cj-pRGlpnBn7NSO3JpuqHA=/0x0:4927x3285/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62692622/usa_today_11818250.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>While the play wasn’t penalized, Anderson still lost some cash as a result of the cheap shot</p> <p id="P3s57H"><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> defensive lineman <span>Henry Anderson</span> was not penalized for a blindside block against <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> kicker <span>Stephen Hauschka</span> last week. However, the NFL acknowledged that the play was unnecessary by fining the 300-pound defensive lineman for the cheap shot.</p>
<p id="tgKYR8"><span>Anderson</span>’s hit on <span>Hauschka</span> drew a $10,026 fine, <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1074044505911951362">according to <em>NFL Network</em> reporter Ian Rapoport.</a> In the context of <span>Anderson</span>’s overall salary, that isn’t a tremendous amount, as the fourth-year player is slated to make $1,907,000 this year, <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-york-jets/henry-anderson-16819/">according to Spotrac.</a> The fine is less than 1% of <span>Anderson</span>’s overall salary for the season. All fines are determined by a schedule included in the collective bargaining agreement.</p>
<p id="qxp75w">The hit came on the final play of the first half. Buffalo led 17-13, and they had marched 60 yards in three minutes to set up a 49-yard field-goal attempt as time expired. Anderson blocked the field goal, but if the penalty were called on field, Buffalo would have had two choices: attempt a 34-yard field goal or try to score a touchdown on an untimed down from the 16-yard line.</p>
<p id="IVtWJ3">The decision wouldn’t be as simple as it appears. Since <span>Hauschka</span> was attended to by trainers on the play, and the Bills were out of timeouts, he would not be eligible to participate on the ensuing down. This means that punter <span>Matt Darr</span> likely would have been the field-goal kicker had the Bills been given the chance to try again. It’s no guarantee that Buffalo would have scored on the play, but a 20-13 halftime lead would have been huge, especially since the Bills forced a turnover and kicked a field goal on the first drive of the third quarter. </p>
<p id="gIAb1A">The illegal hit had a tremendous impact on both Hauschka and the outcome of the game, as Buffalo’s placekicker was clearly hampered for the rest of the afternoon. He could not kick the ball deep on kickoffs, and he badly missed a 54-yard field goal in the fourth quarter before knocking home a 36-yard kick that gave Buffalo a 23-20 lead with just over 2 minutes to play. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/17/18143126/new-york-jets-defensive-lineman-henry-anderson-fined-for-hit-on-buffalo-bills-stephen-hauschkaSean Murphy2018-12-14T14:43:20-05:002018-12-14T14:43:20-05:00Fan confidence: Bills fans settling in for the rest of 2018
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<img alt="New York Jets v Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MjYO_YhXAlvnlKcyQYIqlna2fF4=/0x0:6597x4398/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62683253/1070847022.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bills fans are sad.</p> <p id="9YC5HY"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> fans have been riding the wave of the 2018 season in their confidence levels, especially while rookie quarterback <span>Josh Allen</span> was hurt. But since his return, Bills fans have largely been looking toward the future. Still, many aren’t sure that’s going to pan out.</p>
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<p id="1kYVv9">After last week’s loss to the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>, Bills fans were still encouraged based on the way the game unfolded. Against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>, the game was pretty similar, so it’s worth noting that Bills’ fans confidence fell by 11% this week—down to 53%. It’s the first drop since <span>Allen</span> returned from injury.</p>
<p id="2Y4PKu">The rest of the AFC East is all over the place. <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Gang Green Nation</a> went up 10% to 12% after beating Buffalo, while <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">The Phinsider</a> jumped 23% after their last-second win. <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Pats Pulpit</a> saw a decline of 21% after not closing the deal. </p>
<p id="8McZk0">It’s an interesting time in the AFC East, that’s for sure.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/14/18141238/fan-confidence-buffalo-bills-fans-settling-in-for-the-rest-of-2018Matt Warren2018-12-13T07:15:50-05:002018-12-13T07:15:50-05:00Bills Links, 12/13: Keeping an eye on free agency for Buffalo
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<p>The Bills will have plenty of cap space this off-season</p> <p id="vHZPPR">Since the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> have officially been eliminated from the playoff picture, some of our attention can start to shift towards free agency. The Bills are projected to be very active come the 2019 free agency period, with up to $90 million in cap space available. Today’s links feature some of the free agents that could be of interest courtesy of <em>Pro Football Focus</em>. </p>
<p id="NPWjd6">There are plenty of other updates available, including news on <span>Kyle Williams</span>, <span>Josh Allen</span>, <span>Robert Foster</span>, and much more.</p>
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<p id="NjjdAD"><a href="https://buffalonews.com/2018/12/12/buffalo-bills-free-agency-targets-2019/">Pro Football Focus: 7 potential free agent targets for Bills – The Buffalo News</a><br>With the Buffalo Bills being mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, the look ahead to 2019 can officially begin. (Subscription required.)</p>
<p id="fKO1BX"><a href="https://www.wkbw.com/sports/bills/joe-b-buffalo-bills-all-22-review-week-14-vs-new-york-jets">Joe B: Buffalo Bills All-22 Review - Week 14 vs. New York Jets</a><br>The Buffalo Bills suffered a second straight loss, but what did the film reveal?</p>
<p id="8hTjKS"><a href="https://www.buffalobills.com/video/kyle-williams-continue-to-prepare">Kyle Williams: "Continue to Prepare" - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Defensive Tackle <span>Kyle Williams</span> addressed the media inside the locker room. Topics include: linebacker <span>Tremaine Edmunds</span>’s leadership skills; quarterback <span>Josh Allen</span> setting into a leadership role on the offense; his message to the team for the final three weeks.</p>
<p id="IrNxuB"><a href="https://www.buffalobills.com/video/josh-allen-finding-ways-to-win">Josh Allen: "Finding Ways to Win" - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Quarterback <span>Josh Allen</span> addressed the media on Wednesday. Topics include: taking the rights steps to become a leader; his running ability; ending the season on the right note.</p>
<p id="iZKieA"><a href="https://www.buffalobills.com/video/sean-mcdermott-finding-consistent-success">Sean McDermott: "Finding Consistent Success" - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Head Coach Sean McDermott addressed the media Wednesday. Topics include: the offensive line; quarterback Josh Allen becoming a leader on the team; evaluating the team over the final three weeks.</p>
<p id="VfOjMg"><a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/expo/sports/erry-2018/12/294079ac6c3c4/should-the-buffalo-bills-bring.html">Should the Buffalo Bills bring back LeSean McCoy in 2019? | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br><span>McCoy</span> is averaging a career-worst 3.3 yards-per-carry this season.</p>
<p id="IZWM26"><a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2018/12/2019_nfl_mock_draft_todd_mcshay_gives_buffalo_bills_josh_allen_help_on_ol.html">2019 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay gives Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen help on OL | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>The Bills need to keep Josh Allen upright, so this would be a welcome move.</p>
<p id="xyvycJ"><a href="https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/news/mcdermott-allens-accuracy-he-s-not-finished-product">McDermott on Allen's accuracy: 'He’s not a finished product' | WGR 550 SportsRadio</a><br>The Bills head coach was asked about his rookie quarterback on Wednesday.</p>
<p id="7x5s5T"><a href="http://www.espn.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/32688/bills-robert-foster-finally-playing-up-to-vast-and-fast-potential">Bills' Robert Foster finally playing up to vast (and fast) potential - Buffalo Bills Blog- ESPN</a><br>A trip to the practice squad brought out the best in undrafted receiver <span>Robert Foster</span>, who didn't match potential with production at Alabama.</p>
<p id="H1irmb"><a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2018/12/sean_mcdermott_josh_allen_is_the_bills_leader_on_offense.html">Sean McDermott: Josh Allen is the Bills' leader on offense | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>McDermott knows it's unusual for a rookie to become a leader so quickly but said Allen has earned the respect of his teammates.</p>
<p id="wqRxD9"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641776&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F707940%2F2018%2F12%2F12%2Fall-22-with-joe-licata-15-plays-from-bills-jets-that-show-the-highs-and-lows-of-josh-allen%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buffalorumblings.com%2F2018%2F12%2F13%2F18138410%2Fbills-links-12-13-keeping-an-eye-on-free-agency-for-buffalo-josh-allen-kyle-williams" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">All-22 with Joe Licata: 15 plays from Bills-Jets that show the highs and lows of Josh Allen – The Athletic</a><br>"There's a reason <span>Brett Favre</span> led the league in touchdowns and interceptions multiple times. If that's the kind of game he wants to play, this is what's going to happen." (Subscription required.)</p>
<p id="ucO1Gs"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641776&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F706798%2F2018%2F12%2F12%2Fwhat-the-jets-defenses-hard-hitting-game-plan-tells-us-about-josh-allens-future%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buffalorumblings.com%2F2018%2F12%2F13%2F18138410%2Fbills-links-12-13-keeping-an-eye-on-free-agency-for-buffalo-josh-allen-kyle-williams" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">What the Jets defense’s hard-hitting game plan tells us about Josh Allen’s future – The Athletic</a><br>Sunday's game should be a learning experience for Allen and his tendency to hold onto the ball too long, for which the Jets punished him. (Subscription required.)</p>
<h3 id="c43VIk"><strong>Featured on Buffalo Rumblings</strong></h3>
<p id="sxg23R"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18137624/q-a-mailbag-the-future-of-danny-crossman-offensive-changes-this-offseason-buffalo-bills-josh-allen">Buffalo Bills Q&A mailbag: the future of Danny Crossman, offensive changes this offseason - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Lots of off-season talk with the Bills having been eliminated from the playoffs.</p>
<p id="lnnURA"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18137950/lesean-mccoy-stephen-hauschka-miss-buffalo-bills-practice-wednesdayryan-lewis-derek-anderson">LeSean McCoy, Stephen Hauschka miss Buffalo Bills practice Wednesday after suffering injuries against New York Jets - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Both players were injured in Sunday’s loss.</p>
<p id="XCC301"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18137226/all-22-analysis-what-was-the-deal-with-the-buffalo-bills-kickoff-team-new-york-jets-andre-roberts">All-22 analysis: What was the deal with the Buffalo Bills’ kickoff team? - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>The Bills repeatedly allowed the Jets good to excellent field position with poor special teams performances on kickoffs. We take a look.</p>
<p id="IGf9zh"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18137946/week-15-power-rankings-buffalo-bills-move-up-move-down-and-stay-stagnant-this-week-nfl-new-york-jets">Week 15 NFL power rankings: Buffalo Bills up, down, and still this week - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Even after a loss, one site moved the Bills up two spots.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/13/18138410/bills-links-12-13-keeping-an-eye-on-free-agency-for-buffalo-josh-allen-kyle-williamsAnthony Marino2018-12-12T19:59:51-05:002018-12-12T19:59:51-05:00Q&A: the future of Danny Crossman, offensive changes this offseason
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<p>Lots of off-season talk with the Bills having been eliminated from the playoffs</p> <p id="2YCodR">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> have been eliminated from the 2018 playoff race with their loss to the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> and with the change, the questions in this week’s episode turn squarely to the 2019 off-season and the future—all except for one.</p>
<p id="v7YSaZ">This week on Buffalo Rumblings Q&A, we tackle questions on the long-term effects of Josh Allen’s scrambling and running, why the Bills didn’t trade <span>LeSean McCoy</span>, and how they’re going to address so many problem areas on the offensive line and receiving corps in the 2019 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>.</p>
<p id="7F2pV3">If you want your question on air, you can leave a voicemail at 716-508-0405 or record your question on your phone and email us at BuffaloRumblings@SBNation.com. You can also reach us on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/RumblingsQandA">@RumblingsQandA</a> or leave a comment below this article.</p>
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<h2 id="iBYwA5">Question I’m Getting A Lot</h2>
<p id="ffqeXu">“Why haven’t they fired Danny Crossman?”</p>
<p id="Jo8x2U">This week’s lead question has to do with special teams coach Danny Crossman and his future with the team. Crossman was originally hired in 2013 when Doug Marrone was hired. He remained on the staff when Rex Ryan took over as head coach and survived Rex to Sean McDermott’s tenure. I have no idea why he’s survived so many coaching changes. In fact, I have no idea why he was hired in the first place. In 2012, Crossman’s units were bad for the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> and he was fired. </p>
<p id="uPzRkh">I think they’ll fire Crossman at the end of the season and right now they just don’t want to upset the apple cart with a mid-season move while they are out of the playoff race. Last year, they didn’t replace Rick Dennison as offensive coordinator even though it was clear he was holding the team back. They didn’t waste much time after the season, though. They should follow the same model this year.</p>
<p id="d4Zm2v">Crossman’s cycled through three punters during the regular season and had a fourth in training camp and the preseason. None have been very effective and in the last few weeks, may have been the clandestine reason behind errant field goal and extra point attempts. But that’s not the biggest concern.</p>
<p id="8Gl8Qk">Against the New York Jets, the kickoff unit allowed two long returns into Bills territory after Buffalo scored. The Jets were able to capitalize with scores of their own. Instead of knocking out a team that gave up the last time these two squads faced off, the special teams allowed New York to hang around early. Couple that with a blocked field goal attempt and missed opportunities in the kicking game, and they were a main reason for the loss to New York.</p>
<p id="0FspdB">The week before, Bills special teams directly led to a <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> touchdown on a muffed punt and missed an extra point and field goal. Was it the holder on those attempts that caused them to miss, or one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history?</p>
<p id="lccozZ">Penalties abound on special teams and even though Buffalo kept a relatively high number of special teams-only players on the roster, the situation hasn’t improved. It’s time to replace Crossman and start from scratch this off-season.</p>
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<p id="N3pSEF">The rest of the episode features questions on <span>Josh Allen</span>’s development through the lens of his running ability, whether Brandon Beane will trade down from the top of the 2019 NFL Draft to nab more picks, why they didn’t trade <span>LeSean McCoy</span>, and how they’re going to overhaul the offensive line. We also answer the question: “Do you think this is the start of another playoff drought?”</p>
<p id="K7L6Ih">You’ll have to listen to the podcast for answers to those questions, but here are the articles I cited in the podcast:</p>
<ul>
<li id="MSeOiF"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18136447/buffalo-bills-josh-allen-breaks-michael-vicks-qb-rushing-mark-super-bowl-era">Josh Allen breaks Michael Vick’s quarterback rushing mark</a></li>
<li id="9Tk4qL"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/6/18126838/is-josh-allen-too-quick-to-abandon-pocket-zay-jones-buffalo-bills-dolphins-kiko-alonso-charles-clay">Is Josh Allen too quick to abandon the pocket?</a></li>
<li id="Nn21yZ"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/5/18127102/buffalo-bills-wide-receiver-encouragement-miami-dolphins-josh-allen-kelvin-benjamin-2019-nfl-draft">Wide receiver prospects on Days 2 & 3 of the 2019 NFL Draft</a></li>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18137624/q-a-mailbag-the-future-of-danny-crossman-offensive-changes-this-offseason-buffalo-bills-josh-allenMatt Warren2018-12-12T15:15:05-05:002018-12-12T15:15:05-05:00All-22 analysis: What was the deal with the Bills’ kickoff team?
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<figcaption>Photo by NFL via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Bills repeatedly allowed the Jets good to excellent field position with poor special teams performances on kickoffs. We take a look</p> <p id="SCsJWC">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> had 120 more yards than the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> and more than seven minutes longer time of possession. Unfortunately, the Jets were routinely handed short fields to work from thanks to poor performances via the kickoff team. Let’s take a look and see what went wrong. </p>
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<h3 id="zUJZc9">Play 1</h3>
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<p id="p6pnOq">The NFL made numerous tweaks to kickoffs this year in the interest of player safety. Looking at the above, pre-snap formations for kickoffs are incredibly rigidly defined compared to prior years. The result is a diminished ability to be creative about coverage units. The start of most kickoffs looks remarkably similar. Once everyone starts running though, which direction players head and what speed they attempt to get where they’re going can become pretty strategic. </p>
<h3 id="lTqfCd">Play 2</h3>
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<p id="qqqjuF">This is the rest of the play started in the brief primer above. It’s fair to question if <span>Stephen Hauschka</span> had something bothering him prior to the game. This kick is fielded at the 15, which is a very short kick. <span>Andre Roberts</span> also benefits from a poor hang time, getting the ball in his hands quickly. The entire Bills squad funnels into the middle of the field while also allowing a good many Jets to roam free. The result is a wave of green and white hitting the edge and springing Roberts for a 26-yard gain. Luckily for the Bills, an unnecessary roughness flag brought the play back to the 14. </p>
<h3 id="87tlwu">Play 3</h3>
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<p id="ln3vMf">The GIF shows most of what you need to know. The Bills have one player on the right side cross over, leaving only four. The Jets elect to block to that side and create a nice lane for Roberts. A couple missed tackles allow Roberts a few extra yards. It’s also notable that there’s not a lot of variation in depth on this play. Apart from <span>Hauschka</span>, the Bills are all at about the 30-yard line when the lane opens up. Roberts bursts through and <span>Hauschka</span>’s missed tackle still may have saved the touchdown by slowing Roberts down enough for other players to catch up. Even still, the Jets didn’t need much to get into field goal range. </p>
<h3 id="JynRIV">Play 4</h3>
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<p id="Epx9m0">The Bills are adjusting some. While they compress a good deal, the variation of depth is better. <span>Andre Roberts</span> shows some moves, though, and you have to give credit where it’s due. The Bills still haven’t been able to create a touchback, and Roberts gets the ball at about the six-yard line. This furthered speculation that Hauschka might have been injured before the game (my speculation at least). The attempt at a slide tackle is a blemish for Hauschka and might have contributed to some ill-will later. Not that two wrongs make a right. </p>
<h3 id="HNWbO3">Play 5</h3>
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<p id="p3Frue">Right before the half, Hauschka was nailed by a blindside shot you must have seen by now. From this point forward, the kicks were even shorter than the first half. The Jets weren’t expecting the kick and the Bills take advantage. The gunners get the best running lanes they’ve seen all day and <span>Andre Roberts</span> has trouble fielding the ball. Those factors combined to force a fumble which the Bills recovered. Incredible trick or something else going on?</p>
<h3 id="aOuZiW">Play 6</h3>
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<p id="qM9GwD">Unless Danny Crossman is foolish beyond belief, it’s doubtful he attempted the same trick twice expecting to catch the Jets off guard again. The Bills kick this one to <span>Chris Herndon</span> hoping he’s not ready for it. Herndon fields the ball cleanly at the 25, meaning there’s zero to be gained compared to a touchback unless the Jets cough the ball up again. A good kickoff can easily go over four seconds hang time, giving the coverage time to get down the field. At about 2.5 seconds travel time, the Buffalo squad has no chance of getting to Herndon early. Better discipline on the edges leads to a tackle after only a ten-yard return. </p>
<h3 id="p4clkY">Play 7</h3>
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<p id="ysbYub">Another short kick that gets to the returner quickly all but confirms that this isn’t part of some experiment from the coaching staff. This plays out similarly to above, with the coverage team showing improvement from the first half. Unfortunately for them, Andre Roberts gets the ball and chews up 22 yards before he’s brought down. </p>
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<h3 id="KATSXw">Summary</h3>
<p id="qrvQAw">Several factors seem to have created a perfect storm to put the Bills behind on kickoffs. Hauschka didn’t look right from the first kick and only seemed more hurt in the second half. Less-than-stellar coverage at times only made things worse, and Andre Robert capped it off with some dynamic plays. Add it all up and it was the difference between a win and a loss. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18137226/all-22-analysis-what-was-the-deal-with-the-buffalo-bills-kickoff-team-new-york-jets-andre-robertsSkarekrow2018-12-12T15:00:07-05:002018-12-12T15:00:07-05:00Week 15 power rankings: Bills up, down, and still this week
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<img alt="NFL: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DvhCJyLTu4SQ07n5djGP9zd-sA8=/0x0:4065x2710/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62670996/usa_today_11818155.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Even after a loss, one site moved the Bills up two spots</p> <p id="5rbugF">After an ugly loss to the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>, the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> are all over the place for the week on the national media power rankings. </p>
<p id="O8SwqN"><a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25500790/week-15-2018-nfl-power-rankings-wish-lists-all-32-teams">ESPN</a> kept the Bills and the Jets in their same spots from last week. The Bills hold firm at 28th and the Jets at 29th. This week’s edition for ESPN was every team’s wish list. They highlight the cap space they have going into the off-season and high draft pick. What the Bills do with it is up for debate, but ESPN sees bringing in weapons for <span>Josh Allen</span> as the best use of their capital. </p>
<p id="2uNlNw"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000998738/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-15-bears-rise-steelers-out-of-top-10">NFL.com</a> moved the Bills back two spots from 23rd to 25th after the loss while the Jets move up one spot to 31st. NFL.com is frankly surprised that the Jets won the game. They go over <span>Allen</span>’s rushing numbers versus his passing numbers and the let down by the defense late in the game. </p>
<p id="QldlMq"><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/12/11/nfl-power-rankings-2018"><em>Sports Illustrated</em>’s Monday Morning Quarterback</a> had six of their writers vote on the power ranking poll this week. The Bills stay steady at 27th but are now tied there with the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>. As for the Jets, they moved up three spots to 26th overall, leapfrogging the Bills. </p>
<p id="j6zQD0"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/powerrankings/">CBS Sports</a> loves to stress the fact that the Bills show up and play hard every week and, despite the loss, their effort is justification for them to move up two spots to 25th. </p>
<blockquote><p id="gCAajK">“They should have beaten the Jets, but they blew it at the end. Even so, they play hard and <span>Josh Allen</span> is their guy for the long run.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="5c16DG">The Jets move out of last place to 31st overall. </p>
<p id="6YbhIf"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/12/11/18135837/nfl-power-rankings-week-15-chiefs-rams-patriots-saints">SB Nation</a> moved the Bills back one spot to 30th after a loss and the Jets back one spot to 29th after a win. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18137946/week-15-power-rankings-buffalo-bills-move-up-move-down-and-stay-stagnant-this-week-nfl-new-york-jetsDylan Zadonowicz2018-12-12T13:18:10-05:002018-12-12T13:18:10-05:00McCoy, Hauschka held out of practice Wednesday
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<img alt="NFL: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4JQfneNGOKXCmkKs9_wbVAX-w04=/0x0:2146x1431/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62670158/usa_today_11818365.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Both players were injured in Sunday’s loss</p> <p id="Psbm8v">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> held a pair of starters out of practice on Wednesday, casting some doubt on their availability for this week’s game against the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>.</p>
<p id="VWwh7i">According to Bills reporter <span>Chris Brown</span>, running back <span>LeSean McCoy</span>, who injured his hamstring after just two carries and one yard in Sunday’s loss against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>, did not practice Wednesday. Kicker <span>Stephen Hauschka</span>, who was injured via a cheap shot from Jets’ defensive lineman <span>Henry Anderson</span>, also <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBrownBills/status/1072891975953735680">did not practice.</a> The team categorized <span>Hauschka</span>’s injury as a hip.</p>
<p id="uI0ZaJ">Cornerback <span>Ryan Lewis</span>, who suffered a concussion during the game against New York, remains in the protocol, and did not practice today. Quarterback <span>Derek Anderson</span> also remains in concussion protocol. He was limited, as he has been for a few weeks now. <span>Anderson</span> suffered the initial concussion late in the fourth quarter of Buffalo’s loss to the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> on <em>Monday Night Football</em> all the way back on October 29th.</p>
<p id="nFDQHq">Rookie running back <span>Keith Ford</span> was <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18137653/buffalo-bills-sign-rb-keith-ford-s-dean-marlowe-from-practice-squad-lesean-mccoy-chris-ivory">promoted from the practice squad today</a>, and with <span>McCoy</span> missing practice, it’s possible he’ll see action on Sunday. Safety <span>Dean Marlowe</span> was also promoted from the practice squad, and while he doesn’t play corner, the Bills do have four healthy corners on the roster in <span>Tre’Davious White</span>, <span>Levi Wallace</span>, <span>Lafayette Pitts</span>, and <span>Denzel Rice</span>. They also have safeties who can play inside corner—really all of them except for Marlowe—so it’s possible that the defensive secondary is already set for Sunday. If they feel that they need an extra corner, they do have one on the practice squad in <span>Xavier Coleman</span>.</p>
<p id="qyHKTF">If Hauschka is unable to practice by the end of the week, the Bills will need to find a kicker, as well. The team had former Penn State kicker <span>Tyler Davis</span> on the roster during training camp, but he was cut in the preseason after missing his lone field goal attempt, a 45-yard boot, against the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>. However, head coach Sean McDermott did <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBrownBills/status/1072892274005172224">express confidence</a> in Hauschka being ready to play on Sunday.</p>
<p id="wzy5oB">In some good news, <span>Chris Ivory</span> was a full participant despite a hurt shoulder and <span>Ford</span>’s promotion to the roster. <span>Jason Croom</span> was also a full participant after missing last week’s game against the Jets with a groin injury. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18137950/lesean-mccoy-stephen-hauschka-miss-buffalo-bills-practice-wednesday-ryan-lewis-derek-andersonSean Murphy2018-12-12T13:00:11-05:002018-12-12T13:00:11-05:00AFC East Roundup: Highlights All Around
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<img alt="NFL: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LavufFM_PbKekH2SBPQHY1jijaM=/0x165:1854x1401/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62669516/usa_today_11817659.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Each team this week had at least one good highlight.</p> <p id="wfwot5">We had a pair of divisional match-ups in the AFC East this week as the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> battled the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> and the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> took on the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>. Both games came down to late scoring plays in the fourth quarter, making for some exciting action on the day. This week on the AFC East roundup, we’ll be looking at the best highlight for each of the teams on the weekend.</p>
<h3 id="fvAjIj">New England Patriots: <span>Tom Brady</span>
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<p id="I8wx5H">Yes, the Patriots lost in heartbreaking fashion but there was a record broken during the game. In the second quarter of the game, Brady threw a touchdown pass to <span>Julian Edelman</span>, breaking the record for most touchdown passes in the history of the league. As much as we all dislike Brady, you have to respect the performances he has every single year. He’s one of the greatest players the game has ever seen and at the end of the day you just need to tip your cap to him. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Tom Brady touchdown that got him the record, 580 career TDs. Most All-Time to the GOAT.<a href="https://t.co/4pkDQUkKce">pic.twitter.com/4pkDQUkKce</a></p>— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1071838064299921408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="hLWyEo">Buffalo Bills: <span>Josh Allen</span> to <span>Robert Foster</span>
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<p id="UBn0Wi">Although the Bills did not pull out the victory against the Jets, there was a highlight at the time that many believed would lead to the game-winning points. Late in the fourth quarter. <span>Allen</span> ripped a ball to <span>Foster</span> for 38 yards that led to the go-ahead field goal in the game. It was a good play by both, especially by Foster to get yards after the catch as he was on his way to 100 yards receiving on the day.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Allen to Robert Foster for 38 yards <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bills?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bills</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jets</a> <a href="https://t.co/v14I0UrpX1">pic.twitter.com/v14I0UrpX1</a></p>— Bills QB Watch (@BillsQBwatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillsQBwatch/status/1071909696603336704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="p5SP00">New York Jets: Fourth-and-Goal Touchdown</h3>
<p id="JGyv8y">Now we get to the game-winning highlights. As Sam Darnold led the Jets down the field for the game-winning drive, a situation came up. It was fourth and goal from the one and they were not going to kick a field goal to tie the game. Instead, they handed it off to <span>Elijah McGuire</span> who fought his way into the end zone for what would become the winning score. It was all but a given that the team was going to go for it, and it ended up paying off as they were able to intercept Allen to pick up the victory on the ensuing drive.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">4th-and-goal from the 1.<br><br>Gotta give it to <a href="https://twitter.com/Mr_Adversityy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mr_Adversityy</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYJvsBUF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYJvsBUF</a> <a href="https://t.co/x3M6aGqg1F">pic.twitter.com/x3M6aGqg1F</a></p>— New York Jets (@nyjets) <a href="https://twitter.com/nyjets/status/1071875587117969408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="mEcpr1">Miami Dolphins: Miami Miracle</h3>
<p id="guGytd">We all saw it and if you didn’t—you live under a rock. The Miami Miracle is one of the better plays in recent memories that gave the team the victory over the supposed victor. This is the kind of play that fuels a playoff run. If the Dolphins can go on a win streak, this will be the play they look back on. It’s another example of why a team should never give up on the final play. Kudos to the Dolphins!</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The 8-bit Tecmo version of the "Miami Miracle" <a href="https://t.co/RnzvKOu6dO">pic.twitter.com/RnzvKOu6dO</a></p>— Benstonium (@Benstonium) <a href="https://twitter.com/Benstonium/status/1072143903262953472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2018</a>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/12/12/18135876/afc-east-roundup-highlights-buffalo-bills-new-york-jets-miami-dolphins-new-england-patriotsCorey Giacovelli