Buffalo Rumblings - All our coverage: Buffalo Bills clinch playoff spot with win over Pittsburgh SteelersBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2020-12-14T21:36:04-05:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/207765122020-12-14T21:36:04-05:002020-12-14T21:36:04-05:00One Stat Recap: Can you Dig(gs) it?
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<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The one where Stefon Diggs refused to be covered</p> <p id="2e1D9R">When general manager Brandon Beane and the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> sent a first-round pick and three mid-round picks to the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> in exchange for Stefon Diggs some were saying the Bills gave up too much. After Diggs’s performance on <em>Sunday Night Football</em> I think Beane and Company are just fine with what they paid.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CAN YOU DIG(GS) IT!?!? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BillsMafia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BillsMafia</a> <a href="https://t.co/QGED6azDX2">pic.twitter.com/QGED6azDX2</a></p>— Buffalo Rumblings (@BuffRumblings) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffRumblings/status/1338502970007281667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2020</a>
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<p id="aMYS17">After a rough first half for the Bills’ offense, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and Josh Allen decided to feed their best weapon. In the third quarter Stefon Diggs had six receptions on six targets for 83 yards and one touchdown. He finished the game with ten receptions on 14 targets for 130 yards and one touchdown.</p>
<p id="lebzAb">Those ten receptions brought Diggs to 100 receptions on the season, tying him with Eric Moulds for the Bills’ single season reception record—in just 13 games. It was Diggs’s fourth game this season with ten or more receptions, the most ever by a Bills player and tied for the fifth most in the <a href="https://stathead.com/football/pgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=season&order_by_asc=0&order_by=all_td&year_min=1950&game_type=R&ccomp[1]=gt&cval[1]=10&cstat[1]=rec&positions[]=qb&positions[]=rb&positions[]=wr&positions[]=te&positions[]=e&positions[]=t&positions[]=g&positions[]=c&positions[]=ol&positions[]=dt&positions[]=de&positions[]=dl&positions[]=ilb&positions[]=olb&positions[]=lb&positions[]=cb&positions[]=s&positions[]=db&positions[]=k&positions[]=p&age_min=0&age_max=99&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&week_num_min=0&week_num_max=99&season_start=1&season_end=-1">NFL since 1950</a>. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/14/22173902/one-stat-recap-buffalo-bills-pittsburgh-steelers-nfl-sunday-night-football-stefon-diggs-eric-mouldsJosh Rawdin2019-12-21T08:00:00-05:002019-12-21T08:00:00-05:00Clinching playoff spot has Bills’ fan confidence at all-time high
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<figcaption>Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bills fans are excited.</p> <p id="BDC6Hs">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> clinched a playoff spot last week and, as a result, fans of the team are pretty darn pumped. So confident are they in the direction of their team, that they voted “yes” on our FanPulse poll more than any week in the history of the question.</p>
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<p id="cvS0vn">A total of 97% of the Bills fans surveyed think the team is headed in the right direction. The previous high was 93% after beating the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> on Thanksgiving. If the Bills beat the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> in another nationally-televised game today, you’d have to expect this number to jump to 100%.</p>
<p id="C92ApF">At 100% now are the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> fans, leading the FanPulse voting. Buffalo is second at 97% followed by fans of the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> and <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>.</p>
<p id="uXPPiY">Around the AFC East, the New England Patriots are at 67%, <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> at 61%, and the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> at the bottom of the heap with just 44% fan confidence.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/21/21032704/clinching-playoff-spot-has-buffalo-bills-fan-confidence-at-all-time-highMatt Warren2019-12-18T10:00:00-05:002019-12-18T10:00:00-05:00All-22 analysis: Buffalo’s big interception day
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<p>We look at how the Bills set up their defense for success through the lens of their interceptions</p> <p id="GeUeFf">We continue celebration week with the almighty All-22 analysis. A defensive slugfest went the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ way and what better way to show that to you than the lens known as a multiple interception game. WARNING: As there’s only four GIFs this week, I took the liberty of stopping them way more often and getting a bit “wordy.” </p>
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<h3 id="0UEJbp">Interception 1</h3>
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<p id="QbdBGh">If you haven’t already, take a look at my <span>Devlin Hodges</span> preview <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/13/21020017/opponent-preview-devlin-duck-hodges-pittsburgh-steelers-buffalo-bills-mason-rudolph">here</a>. Shameless self-promotion aside, I highlighted what Hodges was good at—which helps explain some of the choices made by the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>. As a quick summary, Devlin Hodges had been throwing a pretty nice deep ball and relying on short accurate passes around the line of scrimmage. From there, Mike Tomlin’s staff had been scheming plays a lot like the one we see here. With multiple receivers running deep and Hodges able to hit short and long throws it forces defenses to concede a lot of middle ground, which allows for a lot of YAC. </p>
<p id="nw8FO0">Well, it forced <em>other </em>defenses to concede the middle ground. One of the biggest things the Bills did to limit the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> we see here. They rushed four (but made it look like five), trusted their back end to limit the 50/50 deep shots and kept players in that big empty middle zone to crash down and limit YAC. If you’re curious as to how much differently the Bills made the Steelers play, <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/charts/player/season/devlin-hodges/HOD363523/2019/15/pass">check out this chart of throws</a> by Devlin Hodges on the NFL’s Next Gen Stats site vs. the Bills. Now compare it to <a href="https://nextgenstats.nfl.com/charts/player/devlin-hodges/HOD363523/season">the rest of his charts</a>, with a focus on Weeks 6, 13, and 14 (Hodges’s starts). </p>
<p id="uzo1L4">This 3rd-and-15 play design will only give up a first down on a missed tackle. Pre-snap motion is a great way to rattle a raw player, and the long developing routes give the pass rush time to start getting scary. One fairly floating pass later and the Bills had their first interception of the game by Tre’Davious White.</p>
<h3 id="pp5BCp">Interception 2</h3>
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<p id="X7fVlM">If you’re into really good analysis and haven’t read this either, check out Dan Lavoie’s guide to attack Cover-0 looks <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/11/21005183/analysis-how-the-buffalo-bills-can-attack-cover-0-blitzing-josh-allen-brian-daboll">here</a>. There’s a really great explanation on how a condensed formation like the Steelers use here makes it a lot easier for a defense to disguise their pass rush. The Bills aren’t in a Cover-0 look, but a lot of it still applies. </p>
<p id="XxmBML">The Bills rush five of six and the Steelers keep their running back in to block creating a 6-on-4 advantage for the Bills. The pocket shrinks rapidly to Hodges’s sides, which encourages him to get the ball out. At this point he’s been hit more than he’d like, which helps the decision as well. I ask you to look at the coverage for a second with a pause and even a quick glance shows that his passing lanes are incredibly narrow. Add all that up and have your defense reading a quarterback’s eyes who has yet to learn to look people off and that’s how you get interception number two. </p>
<h3 id="3FOFkq">Interception 3</h3>
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<p id="pnEDX4">This play has a lot of similarities to the last interception, but I’ve illustrated the way the Bills clogged throwing lanes in a more direct fashion. As noted, I have heard murmurings that there was a throw to be had, but it’s pretty easy to see that Poyer had that covered and that zone only became open after the ball was in the air. Finally, I hope you read that piece by Dan. The Bills only rush four but, because their pre-snap formation showed more possible rushers, the Steelers got a bit confused, which didn’t help matters. </p>
<p id="8zhyD1">Since there’s fewer GIFs this week, I’ll add a “guest” speaker who probably has no idea he’s making an appearance. In this short but informative clip, a different Dan (Orlovsky) shows some of the strategy Sean McDermott used to set his team up for success. For the record, I’m a big fan of defensive timeouts. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I think Sean McDermott is doing a heck of a job in <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BuffaloBills</a> and it’s because he’s ready for moments-he doesn’t have to wait till Monday to see what adjustment is needed. THIS is really really good coaching. <a href="https://twitter.com/OneBillsLive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OneBillsLive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheBillsMafia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheBillsMafia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffRumblings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BuffRumblings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLGamepass?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLGamepass</a> <a href="https://t.co/IC9LtsaLlG">pic.twitter.com/IC9LtsaLlG</a></p>— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) <a href="https://twitter.com/danorlovsky7/status/1207025256415858690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="VJ2sdq">Interception 4</h3>
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<p id="clRBI9">There are 15 seconds left and a lot of field to cover. Pittsburgh is out of timeouts, which gives them very limited options. They can toss to the end zone, or try a quick sideline pass to set up a toss to the end zone. Buffalo is well aware of this and keeps seven back deep to protect the score. </p>
<p id="Fs5Xkc">None of that is necessarily beyond common sense or anything special by the Bills. Leading up to this moment, though, the Bills have done plenty of things that contribute to their success here. After four sacks, seven hits, and seven tackles for a loss it’s very clear to Pittsburgh that the Bills are getting penetration. Even with a four-man rush. </p>
<p id="r8sFms">This prompts the Steelers to keep a running back in the game to block even though we all know this is truly going to be another four-man rush. In an already skewed numbers game, the scales tip further toward Buffalo. When the four-man rush is once again successful, Hodges is flushed to one side effectively eliminating one more target. Now the scales come crashing down in favor of Buffalo. </p>
<p id="NptFdK">Game over. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/18/21027304/all-22-analysis-buffalo-bills-big-interception-day-pittsburgh-steelers-duck-devlin-hodges-tre-whiteSkarekrow2019-12-18T09:00:00-05:002019-12-18T09:00:00-05:00Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Rookie review
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<figcaption>Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Singletary was the offense against the Steelers</p> <p id="uaIGEo">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> went into Heinz Field last week, listened to Styx’s “Renegade”, and smacked the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> to secure their second postseason bid in three seasons under Sean McDermott. Not only that, the team—particularly the defense—was able to ball out on another nationally televised game during <em>Sunday Night Football</em>. Which of Buffalo’s rookies managed to impress the entire nation? Read on as we review how each of them performed against the Steelers.</p>
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<h3 id="KefYh2">DT <span>Ed Oliver</span>
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<p id="gDucnG">Outside of a few tackles, Oliver didn’t appear much on the stat sheet. As has been the case all season, however, his impact was more than just statistics. When lined up one-on-one, the rookie was able to get some decent push. The problem is that Pittsburgh rarely gave him that chance. Oliver’s hustle also meant that he was able to track down <span>James Conner</span> and the other Steelers running backs more than once—if they made it past the line of scrimmage. That hustle prevented six- or seven-yard gains from becoming ten- or 15-yard gains.</p>
<h3 id="TMuQAJ">OT <span>Cody Ford</span>
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<p id="QVLLEy">Ford followed up a poor game against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> with a more-than-serviceable performance against the Steelers. Although Pittsburgh stuffed him more often than not in the run game, Ford held up against Pittsburgh’s relentless pass rush better than initially expected. Bills coaches didn’t exactly leave Ford on an island against <span>T.J. Watt</span> or <span>Bud Dupree</span> often, but when asked to hold down the fort on his own he often stonewalled his opponent. A great bounce-back game for the rookie tackle, who is looking to finish the season on a high note.</p>
<h3 id="x3qxCf">RB <span>Devin Singletary</span>
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<p id="dbXKVh">While the passing offense got bogged down, particularly in the second half, Singletary ensured that the run offense was a productive chain-mover that allowed the team to keep drives alive. His 87 rushing yards against a stout defensive line was even more impressive because that 4.1 average yards per rush wasn’t boosted by “big” runs. Instead, Singletary continues to prove Brian Daboll right—that he can be the team’s lead bell-cow tailback. One thing the rookie needs to work on, though, is his ball security. He had two fumbles during the game, one of which was lost.</p>
<h3 id="fQ33MV">TE <span>Dawson Knox</span>
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<p id="zlETIz">Knox was quiet for most of the night, outside of an 11-yard reception early in the first quarter. He was asked to assist Cody Ford in pass protection a few times and also help run-block for Devin Singletary as well, although his performance there was a bit lacking.</p>
<h3 id="s3QrVT">LB <span>Vosean Joseph</span>
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<p id="mprril">The former fifth-round linebacker remains on injured reserve following shoulder surgery.</p>
<h3 id="djLnWa">S <span>Jaquan Johnson</span>
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<p id="Z8diC5">Johnson was active against Pittsburgh, but only for his role on special teams.</p>
<h3 id="5kLlWO">TE <span>Tommy Sweeney</span>
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<p id="IRHazv">With the return of <span>Tyler Kroft</span>, Sweeney was again a healthy scratch this week at the Steelers.</p>
<h3 id="vFzpi8">DE <span>Darryl Johnson Jr.</span>
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<p id="ualILJ">Although he was on the field for only two defensive snaps, Johnson actually earned a pressure and almost had a sack of Hodges. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/18/21027345/buffalo-bills-vs-pittsburgh-steelers-rookie-reviewgrif2019-12-18T08:15:00-05:002019-12-18T08:15:00-05:00Billieve: Bills clinch playoff berth, Pro Bowl snubs
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<p>There’s a ton to recap on this week’s Billieve Podcast!</p> <p id="M7idT7">On the latest episode of the <a href="http://traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5574006080.mp3">Billieve </a><a href="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5281877567.mp3">Podcast</a>, host <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/authors/john-boccacino">John Boccacino</a> and co-host Jamie D’Amico revel in the glory that was the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ (10-4) pivotal, playoff-clinching win over the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (8-6) in Week 15. </p>
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<p id="tUQPe6">The Bills made their first appearance on <em>Sunday Night Football</em> in 12 years, and Buffalo showed the rest of the nation just how good its defense can be (and how great fourth-quarter <span>Josh Allen</span> is) during a 17-10 win. </p>
<p id="cVM8xG">Among the topics discussed: </p>
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<li id="s88Q49">Thanks to a dominant defensive performance (led by <span>Tre’Davious White</span>’s two interceptions) and more fourth-quarter heroics from <span>Allen</span>, the Bills secured their second playoff berth in the last three years. </li>
<li id="i1xhN7">White, <span>Tremaine Edmunds</span>, <span>Jordan Phillips</span> and the Bills’ defense fueled this win as Buffalo clinched its earliest playoff appearance (Week 15) since the 1991 squad clinched in Week 14.</li>
<li id="P9j8Un">WR <span>John Brown</span> surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the second time in his career as he continues to be the team’s best free-agent signing</li>
<li id="WlHILj">The defense completely clamped down and neutralized the Steelers’ offense, as Devlin “Duck” Hodges looked clueless on national TV. </li>
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<p id="Mw13VG">Boccacino and D’Amico celebrate what this win means for Bills Mafia. They also address the lack of Pro Bowlers from Buffalo—which at 10-4 landed the same number of honorees (Tre White) as the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>, <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>, <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, and the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>—teams that have gone a combined 19-50-1. </p>
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<p id="T630OR">Check out the <a href="https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VMP5281877567.mp3">latest episode of Billieve</a> to find out our podcasters’ thoughts on these topics, then leave your thoughts in the comments section.</p>
<p id="yqTNyv">Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-podcast-news-notes-analysis-radio-itunes-google-play-stitcher">Buffalo Rumblings podcast channel</a> featuring Billieve, Blitzed Bills, Buffalo Rumblings Q&A, Breaking Buffalo Rumblings, Circling the Wagons, the Mafia Mavens, and the Nick and Nolan Show:</p>
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<p id="SsmBNd"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this article on Apple News, the embedded audio will be removed. Click through to the site in your browser or listen on iTunes.</em></p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/18/21027428/billieve-buffalo-bills-clinch-playoff-berth-pro-bowl-snubs-tre-white-jordan-phillips-john-brownJohn Boccacino2019-12-17T15:30:00-05:002019-12-17T15:30:00-05:00Opinion: Welcome to the new normal, Bills fans
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<figcaption>Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The reality of being a Bills fan is changing right before our eyes.</p> <p id="liuzoE">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> are going back to the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. The laundry list of “it’s been XX years since” the Bills have done this or that they’ve accomplished in 2019 is long. Bills fans are relishing those refreshing signs of new times, as well they should. </p>
<p id="dT9FAa">Enjoy the novelty of this transition, because all signs point to the reality of being a Bills fan changing right before our eyes.</p>
<h2 id="zQfUQG">It really is a New Era</h2>
<p id="RQiefn">It seems fitting for the Bills’ home field having been renamed New Era Field in 2016; two years after Terry & Kim Pegula bought the team and one year before the hiring of head coach Sean McDermott with general manager Brandon Beane soon to follow. At the time, fans may have allowed their imagination to wonder if Bills Mafia could be so blessed as to experience a true changing of fortunes along with a partnership with New Era Cap. Such serendipitous circumstances are typically saved for feel-good movies, but fans could dream, right?</p>
<p id="Jo6HKD">Just over a short three calendar years it looks like that name change is more and more apt each week. The Bills, starting with owners who deserve equal measure thankfulness <strong>and credit</strong> from fans for the organization’s change, have found themselves back in the postseason with house money to burn two weeks before the playoffs begin.</p>
<h2 id="LdnJLs">A perception problem</h2>
<p id="nqibwu">Even early in the drought, the Buffalo Bills were an easy punching bag to many. For some, the Bills were known as the four consecutive Super Bowl losers or the targets of the phrase “wide right.” Then came a highlight clip that will never die in the Music City Miracle.</p>
<p id="pqnj2S">Doug Marrone and Rex Ryan both leaned into the reputation of the Bills and acknowledged there wasn’t just a problem of the on-the-field product, but there was a problem of public perception. No doubt the two were connected, but fixing them proved elusive for all who tried since the first incarnation of Flutie Flakes.</p>
<p id="KYmFSD">Bills fans were rightfully skeptical when Sean McDermott came to the Bills and the fan base was being sold concepts like “culture” and “process.” Buffalo faithful had seen their share of charlatans claiming to have the secret ingredients it would take to turn around an organization as wayward as the Bills. However, it will soon be safe to say, if it isn't already, that Sean McDermott is the real deal.</p>
<h2 id="YQy4BP">Stability for the future</h2>
<p id="lEEWKs">So much of what fans have to be excited about is the future. Of course it feels wonderful to be going back to the playoffs in 2019; it takes some of the fear of the positives being a mirage away from those who have been hesitant to emotionally commit to the team’s success. The real substance of what is different organizationally for the current Buffalo Bills is a top-down cohesive plan that is about getting better today and getting better tomorrow (as Brandon Beane loves to say).</p>
<p id="QLaW26">Sean McDermott handles so much of the get-better-today responsibilities by driving his players and coaches to be the best versions of themselves both as individuals and as a unit. His consistency, focus, and dedication appear nearly inhuman. His football sense for putting players in a position to succeed has a rather exciting track record. And this season we’ve seen significant personal growth from him as an in-game decision maker. He gives the players and fans stability from their on-field CEO.</p>
<p id="E2xQFH">Brandon Beane has assembled a roster and cap situation that not only boasts incredible youth but incredible flexibility to secure those players for the foreseeable future and also make the necessary additions to continue moving the team forward. It may not be hyperbole to talk about Brandon Beane being one of the best GMs in football after even his short stint in Buffalo. He has given the Bills stability in their resources and confidence in their personnel decisions.</p>
<h2 id="inS3Md">Get used to it</h2>
<p id="fhNFu4">It is for these reasons (among others) that this franchise is more likely to ascend than descend.</p>
<p id="Om0MdP">Good salary-cap decisions will need to be made. Smart coaching hires need to be made. Thrifty personnel decisions will need to be made. Talented players will need to be drafted and signed. The good news for Bills fans is that dozens of decisions like these over the past three years have not just been good, but so good as to turn around a franchise in the circumstances the 2017 Buffalo Bills found themselves in. That’s a hell of a feat that who-knows-how-many combinations of decision makers failed at for nearly two decades.</p>
<h2 id="iJwsgd">The caveat</h2>
<p id="pDCmeW">There is one caveat that can hold this team back from the necessary steps ahead. <span>Josh Allen</span> taking a step back or ceasing to take another step forward could undo all that’s good about the Buffalo Bills. </p>
<p id="gg2jre">This podcaster has explored at length with his partner how <span>Josh Allen</span> has shown the ability to get better at things most thought were going to be incredibly difficult for him to get better at. Not only that, but he’s gotten better at them exponentially faster than most thought it would take. So while the jury is out, the arrow is moving in the right direction.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="mnAcu4">
<p id="X7N8RP"><em>You can follow me on Twitter </em><a href="http://twitter.com/nickbat"><em><strong>@NickBat</strong></em></a><em> and look for episodes of “The Nick & Nolan Show” podcast on the Buffalo Rumblings podcast network.</em></p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/17/21025583/opinion-welcome-to-the-new-normal-buffalo-bills-fansnickbat2019-12-17T15:20:00-05:002019-12-17T15:20:00-05:00Power rankings: Bills stand pat after clinching playoffs
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<img alt="NFL: DEC 15 Bills at Steelers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QHGMTEYEp_KkGwjpLdc7_ueMKDA=/0x0:3513x2342/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65925365/1188987986.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Bills remained pretty stagnant in most power rankings this week</p> <p id="u8jhXM">After defeating the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> on <em>Sunday Night Football</em> this week, the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> clinched a playoff spot. In the eyes of many, they also legitimized their record, as most analysts who have only watched the team from afar have noted that it is built on the destruction of poor teams. </p>
<p id="HOWfcB">With a second big road win in three weeks, this one against an AFC North foe, I expected that the Bills would move up a good bit in most power rankings. Based on a quick scan of our usual sources, it appears that I thought wrong.</p>
<p id="zrMuAe">Doug Farrar at <em>Touchdown Wire</em> <a href="https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/12/16/nfl-week-16-power-rankings-nfc-east-is-center-of-attention/4/">held Buffalo at No. 7 this week,</a> one spot ahead of the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. He heaped praise on the team in his write-up, noting that the “small-market” Bills are now receiving the attention they’ve deserved all year. Farrar writes, “Head coach Sean McDermott should be Coach of the Year, general manager Brandon Beane should be Executive of the Year, and <span>Josh Allen</span> is the most underrated quarterback in the league.” He also thinks that the Bills can “do some damage” once the playoffs begin.</p>
<p id="bj4boZ">Matt Maiocco of <em>NBC Sports </em><a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/nfl-power-rankings-2019-where-49ers-raiders-stand-entering-week-16#slide-32">has Buffalo at No. 8,</a> up one spot from last week’s ranking. He didn’t have anything to say about the actual team, instead choosing to shout out the fans that met the team at the airport after Sunday’s 17-10 victory. “Hundreds of Bills fans prioritized turning up at the airport over sleep,” Maiocco wrote, adding, “That’s Buffalo, people.” You’re damn right it is.</p>
<p id="JPo3hv"><span>Nate Davis</span> at <em>USA Today</em> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641776&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Fcolumnist%2Fnate-davis%2F2019%2F12%2F17%2Fweek-15-nfl-power-rankings-seahawks-ravens%2F2671799001%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buffalorumblings.com%2F2019%2F12%2F17%2F21026008%2Fnfl-power-rankings-week-16-buffalo-bills-stand-pat-clinching-playoffs-espn-marcel-louis-jacques" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">has the Bills ranked No. 10,</a> up one spot from last week’s ranking. His blurb gives some love to four of Buffalo’s “emerging players”—quarterback <span>Josh Allen</span>, cornerback <span>Tre’Davious White</span>, wide receiver Smokey Brown (<span>John Brown</span>’s foray into forest fire prevention, I assume?), and running back Devin Singletary. In the words of the late, great Caroll Spinney, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueZ6tvqhk8U">one of these things is not like the others,</a>” as John Brown had absolutely emerged prior to this year. While the Bills may be using him differently and to greater success than his previous teams, the 29-year old Brown is already an established threat in the league. </p>
<p id="67y0sY">Pete Prisco has been all over the Bills this year, but even he left them in the same spot for the <em>CBS Sports</em> power rankings this week. Prisco <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-16-power-rankings-cowboys-on-the-rise-after-impressive-win-over-rams-49ers-drop-four-spots/">has Buffalo at No. 9,</a> sandwiched between the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> and the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>. Prisco notes that the team is in the playoffs, “which not many saw coming” (I guess Pete didn’t read our <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/9/8/20855279/2019-buffalo-rumblings-staff-predictions-show-an-optimistic-bunch-josh-allen-devin-singletary">staff predictions</a> from this year!). He also shouts out Buffalo’s impressive defense, then finishes by asking the question on everyone’s mind—can the Bills defeat the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> this week? We’ll know the answer to that question around 7:30 p.m. EST Saturday evening.</p>
<p id="FgHXCu"><em>ESPN</em> gave Buffalo a small boost, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28308242/week-16-nfl-power-rankings-1-32-poll-plus-two-words-describe-team-offseason">moving up one spot to No. 9 this week.</a> Marcel Louis-Jacques said that the two words that should define Buffalo’s offseason are “more playmakers.” He writes that Buffalo has reached the ten-win plateau on “the strength of an elite defense that often carried a sputtering offense.” Adding to Josh Allen’s cadre of weapons should be the offseason priority, and with at least $90 million in salary-cap space, Louis-Jacques thinks that Buffalo can do it while also paying young studs like <span>Matt Milano</span>, <span>Dion Dawkins</span>, and Tre’Davious White, along with veteran safety <span>Jordan Poyer</span>.</p>
<p id="va61Xv">Mark Maske at the <em>Washington Post</em> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/12/17/nfl-power-rankings-week-shocking-loss-by-ers-rearranges-top-five/">ranks Buffalo No. 9 this week,</a> and he also uses one of my least favorite lines to describe the team qualifying for the playoffs. He notes that the Bills have qualified for the playoffs “for the second time this century,” which is true, of course. It is also unnecessarily over-dramatic, as the Bills have qualified for the playoffs twice in three years. He writes that Buffalo’s “rugged” defense will give <span>Tom Brady</span> and the New England Patriots a problem this Saturday.</p>
<p id="brJhKw">Vinnie Iyer of <em>The Sporting News</em> has<a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-packers-chiefs-seahawks-49ers-steelers-bears-week-16/17s5egrp3t34h1b5hlkij2dbj6"> Buffalo ranked No. 8 this week</a>, up one spot from their previous ranking. He called Buffalo’s win over Pittsburgh “the most impressive victory of their breakout season” thanks to the dominant defensive effort. He thinks that the team has what it takes to win in the playoffs. I agree.</p>
<p id="wbsDXX">Zach Buckley at <em>Bleacher Report</em> doesn’t give any sort of write-up about the Bills, but he <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2867198-nfl-power-rankings-week-16-2019-20-conference-standings-and-super-bowl-odds">has them ranked No. 9 this week</a>. Included within the article is every team’s <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl odds</a>, and the Bills are currently at +3500 at Caesar’s <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/featured">Sportsbook</a> (the article lists them at +3000, but the <a href="https://www.caesarscasino.com/sports/sports/competition/54/nfl/outrights">odds have shifted</a> since then). A $100 bet could net Bills fans $3,500...not bad at all!</p>
<p id="vPtIfP">Finally, Brad Biggs at the <em>Chicago Tribune</em> <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-nfl-power-rankings-week-16-20191217-r5ghe4otxzb3jjjeklcqfxbe3e-story.html">has Buffalo ranked No. 9 overall</a>, up two spots from their place last week. He starts with a backhanded compliment, noting that the Bills have taken “full advantage of a weak schedule,” but moves on to note how impressive their victory at Pittsburgh was. He writes that the Bills have relied upon “a very good defense” and “an offense that generally manages to avoid critical mistakes.” </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/17/21026008/nfl-power-rankings-week-16-buffalo-bills-stand-pat-clinching-playoffs-espn-marcel-louis-jacquesSean Murphy2019-12-17T15:15:00-05:002019-12-17T15:15:00-05:00Win probability notes: Bills vs. Steelers had some wild swings
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<img alt="Buffalo Bills v Pittsburgh Steelers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0TySMIXMSYy5s5IgRcxZsnRM4Is=/0x805:2813x2680/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65925329/1188987416.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="NzR9OV">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> won their tenth game of the season for the first time since 1999 on Sunday by defeating the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> 17-10. It was a tale of two defenses Sunday as both teams had major swing plays throughout the course of the game. As a result, what we have is a game that saw six lead changes in win probability, and one of the Bills’ most exciting victories of the season. Lets take a look at the slugfest that was Week 15. </p>
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<p id="yhMh4U">The Steelers came into the game with a 55.89% win probability despite having fewer wins and <span>Devlin Hodges</span> at quarterback. The Bills received the ball to start the game and ended up punting after a seven-play, 28-yard drive—leaving Buffalo at a 44.05% win probability after the first drive.</p>
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<p id="iCRF0x">The play that put Buffalo on its first significant probability incline came on <span>Tre’Davious White</span>’s first of two interceptions on the night. While it was only a 1.24% swing the interception halted what was a 58-yard drive for Pittsburgh. With the Bills on their own 25-yard line, the Steelers defense forced the Bills to punt, with <span>Corey Bojorquez</span> pinning Pittsburgh inside its own 20-yard line. </p>
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<p id="fmMu2U">The Bills managed to force Pittsburgh into a three-and-out and took their first probability lead of the night on the following drive. Buffalo drove 40 yards in nine plays and capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run by <span>Josh Allen</span>. The Bills climbed the probability chart by a total of 10.57% throughout that drive and ended it at a 60.55% chance of winning. </p>
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<p id="vStaPh">The next probability lead change came on an interception by <span>Josh Allen</span> late in the second quarter. The play gave the Steelers a huge swing at +13.80% and put the odds back in their favor. </p>
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<p id="q2r1wU">Forty-three seconds later the Bills regained the win probability in a big way after a <span>James Conner</span> fumble with two minutes left in the first half. The play brought Buffalo to a 62.65% chance of winning as the Bills maintained that lead going into halftime. </p>
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<p id="HersMJ">After a stagnant first half by both offenses, Pittsburgh came out swinging on the first drive of the second half, going on a nice seven-play, 69-yard touchdown drive. After an 11-yard touchdown pass from Devlin Hodges to James Conner, the Steelers took their second lead of the night in the win probability—bringing Buffalo down to a 40.03% win probability. </p>
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<p id="oyk0bO">Making matters worse, <span>Devin Singletary</span> fumbled on the ensuing drive. The fumble was a clear momentum shift not only in the probability, but visibly. T.J Watt continued his defensive player of the year campaign by forcing the fumble and backing Buffalo into a 33.87% probability hole. </p>
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<p id="FwJwKX">After a successful defensive stand by the Bills on the next drive and -3 yards drive on Buffalo’s ensuing offensive drive, Tre White made what was probably the play of the game and gave Buffalo its third lead in win probability of the night and swung the Bills a massive 27.16%. The interception led to a <span>Stephen Hauschka</span> field goal that tied the game at 10 heading into the fourth quarter.</p>
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<p id="QC060g">After forcing a three-and-out on the Steelers’ following drive and with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXhuso4OTG4">Styx’s “Renegade”</a> playing throughout the stadium, <span>Josh Allen</span> and <span>John Brown</span> rose to the occasion and put the Bills in the driver’s seat once and for all. <span>Allen</span> completed a 40-yard pass to Brown to bring Buffalo deep into Steelers territory. From that point on the Bills scored a TD and continued to climb the probability chart, picking off Devlin Hodges on two of the Steelers’ final three drives to secure the Bills a playoff spot. </p>
<p id="Oy6GxI">Buffalo heads to Foxborough next week in a rematch from Week 4 that’s sure to be a knock-down, drag-out fight between division rivals. I stated earlier in the year that my hope for the Bills was to see them playing meaningful football in December. With two weeks left Buffalo has punched its ticket to the playoffs and is looking for more. To quote Bruce Smith “How sweet it is.”</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/17/21025692/win-probability-notes-buffalo-bills-vs-pittsburgh-steelers-had-some-wild-swingsMax Liebel