Buffalo Rumblings - All our coverage: Buffalo Bills travel to Arizona to face San Francisco 49ers on MNFBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2020-12-13T10:16:00-05:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/219139992020-12-13T10:16:00-05:002020-12-13T10:16:00-05:00Buffalo Bills fan confidence continues climbing after Monday Night Football win
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<figcaption>Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Bills fans are more confident each week.</p> <p id="jwviFt">Fans of the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> are continuing to inch toward 100 percent confidence as the season rolls on. Following their win on <em>Monday Night Football</em> against the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>, it’s not quite there but it’s as close as it’s been since before the team’s first loss of the season.</p>
<p id="WjaE1R">Heading into Week 5, Bills fans were 100 perecent confident in their team. Losses to the Tennessee Titans and <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a> shook that confidence but the Bills have kept winning and building back faith. Over the last few weeks since their bye, fans of the Bills have climbed from 90 percent confident, to 94 percent confident, to 97 percent confident. If they beat the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> on <em>Sunday Night Football</em> this week, it’ll be a huge upset if it’s not 100 percent when we check in next week.</p>
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<p id="p23x1Y">Only one team in the NFL is higher than Buffalo’s 97 percent. Fans of the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> are 100 percent confident in their team. At the other end, the Chicago Bear (3 percent), <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> (6 percent), <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> (6 percent), and <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> (5 percent) are in the single digits.</p>
<p id="oyyBHh">Fans of the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> are ecstatic at 95 percent while <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> fans were at 74 percent after their dominant win a week ago (but before their loss on Thursday). <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> fans should go home. They moved up from 18 to 23 percent after their most recent loss. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/13/22172424/buffalo-bills-fan-confidence-continues-climbing-after-monday-night-winMatt Warren2020-12-10T11:00:00-05:002020-12-10T11:00:00-05:00All-22 analysis: How the Bills offense outschemed the 49ers
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<img alt="NFL: Buffalo Bills at San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fGljtOtO7P8NkgFdpiXu3DcWZxg=/0x0:3838x2559/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68490743/usa_today_15288004.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>All four touchdowns were easy successes.</p> <p id="stA3Ox">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ offense surgically picked apart the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> in a 34-24 win on <em>Monday Night Football</em>. Josh Allen earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors with a four-touchdown, 375-yard passing performance. To add insult to injury, the Bills had multiple “walk-in” touchdowns against the 49ers, with a wide-open receiver waltzing untouched to the end zone. Why were those touchdowns so easy? Let’s turn to the tape and see why.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="2RMTrN">
<h2 id="64hgjP">Touchdown 1</h2>
<p id="Dyotwt"><strong>1st-and-Goal at SF 5 - J. Allen pass short right to C. Beasley</strong></p>
<p id="wspYZt">The Bills have 11 personnel on the field following a defensive holding penalty that gives them a first down five yards from the end zone. Devin Singletary and Lee Smith are the back and tight end, respectively, and the core trio of Diggs-Beasley-Davis are the receivers.</p>
<p id="lNb2O0">Before the snap, the Bills line up in a 2x3 empty formation. As the team is lining up, Allen makes an alert call, with the new play bringing Singletary into the backfield before the snap. 49ers nickel Dontae Johnson, seeing the way the new formation is closer to a 1x3 look with the linebackers leveraged over Singletary, crosses the formation to the side with Smith, Beasley, and Davis, and has the safety and linebackers bump over one gap.</p>
<p id="simNZP">At the snap, the Buffalo routes on the offensive right side create a natural conflict between 49ers defenders. The safety seems like he’s in man coverage on Smith, while Johnson and Richard Sherman look like they’re in some sort of pattern-matching combo coverage. What happens is that Smith’s route to the sideline and Davis’s route up the seam create two obstacles between Sherman and Beasley’s quick hitch. Beasley lines up at the target, Allen is looking at him the whole time, and fires the ball into place before Sherman can close.</p>
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<img alt="Josh Allen’s touchdown pass to Cole Beasley" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-5Qkt0LN0VDmYt7Q7ZE7nHWNS1U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159112/allen_tds.gif">
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<p id="V4Zdqo">In the Erhardt-Perkins terminology of the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> playbook (the system offensive coordinator Brian Daboll came from), this three-man route combination is called Diner:</p>
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<img alt="The Diner route concept from the Patriots playbook" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZMmPMiPH6-jg547cyIS2knduEDQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22158876/diner_route.jpg">
<figcaption>One of several three-man route combinations focusing on the hitch route</figcaption>
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<p id="5i6dBN">These crossing routes, as mentioned, create a natural pick play when executed from a bunch formation against man coverage. They also form a three-pronged triangle of options—effective when attacking a zone defense!</p>
<h2 id="kVdmUe">Touchdown 2</h2>
<p id="1kGv5y"><strong>1st-and-Goal at SF 4 - J. Allen pass short right to D. Knox</strong></p>
<p id="5KGGzX">This play was set up by head coach Sean McDermott’s faith in his offense—and analytics. After Buffalo’s first drive sputtered on a failed 4th-and-goal attempt, the Bills faced a 4th-and-1 at the five-yard line. They could’ve kicked a field goal, but chose to try and convert the down once again. Devin Singletary’s outside run was well contained, but it still moved the chains.</p>
<p id="l8VFBf">This time, the Bills are in 12 personnel. Dawson Knox and Lee Smith line up off the left tackle, Singletary is in the backfield, and Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis are split out to the right.</p>
<p id="RYaOfK">Right before the snap, Knox starts motioning toward the right—almost a similar way to Isaiah McKenzie’s jet sweep plays. At the snap, Josh Allen holds the ball out for a play fake to Singletary. After pulling the ball, he turns and throws immediately to Knox. Both receivers are laying blocks, so this throw was clearly designed for Knox. From there, it’s all down to the individual efforts of Diggs and Davis blocking and Knox outrunning the flat-footed linebacker and defensive end.</p>
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<img alt="Josh Allen’s touchdown pass to Dawson Knox" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Tw5h2kFhNuUTQSAIXXygOhJ8Viw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159115/allen_tds__1_.gif">
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<p id="ffqkeP">The reason this play works so well is because it looks shockingly like a split-zone run (also called split flow). See, the entire offensive line is blocking outside zone to the left side of the field (where Singletary runs to after the play fake). In coming across the formation toward the defensive end, Knox could be executing a trap block on him, which would open up a big running lane for Allen on the backside of the run blocking.</p>
<p id="1wlKSQ">With the play fake, and good eye discipline from Allen, the play also can look like a zone read—the defensive end is supposed to stay home, ride the mesh, and funnel the QB up the middle if he keeps the ball—which he does!</p>
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<img alt="This passing play looks like a split-zone run" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/thKtJe96UicNgM1sxXdksnZ1KR8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159116/allen_tds__2_.gif">
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<p id="ov3efM">So the defensive end and the linebacker are both seeing keys that tell them “RUNNING PLAY”. By the time Knox clears the backfield, both players are tripping over themselves, and Knox has a head of steam.</p>
<h2 id="sNf8Z8">Touchdown 3</h2>
<p id="dxrvYH"><strong>2nd-and-9 at SF 23 - J. Allen pass deep left to I. McKenzie</strong></p>
<p id="buqvN4">This play is set up with the Bills leading 17-10 in the third quarter. Facing a 2nd-and-9 at the 23-yard line, the Bills are confidently in field goal range—and a ten-point lead would be nice. But they want to take a shot at the end zone, and the 14 point lead that comes with it, and they come in with this design. Three receivers (including Isaiah McKenzie in place of Cole Beasley), Dawson Knox, and Devin Singletary are on the field.</p>
<p id="H2my3m">If you’ve been a Bills fan in the last three years, you know McKenzie’s role on the team—jet sweep guy. I’d actually take it another step further and say that he’s the closest thing the Bills have to a Canadian Football League slotback on their roster. Shoutout to my favorite player Weston Dressler, and to the CFL fans in the comments—hope I’m not too off track with the following explanation.</p>
<p id="cXHYqm">See, one key difference between the CFL and the NFL is that NFL players going in motion cannot be moving forward (i.e. toward the end zone) at the snap, while CFL players can. In the CFL, you’re going to see a ton of players taking big running starts before the play starts, with the idea being they can run routes at full speed right away. The jet-sweep role McKenzie plays is the closest you can get to that in American Football.</p>
<p id="LUZCdB">On this play, the Bills are essentially using McKenzie as a slotback—putting him in motion toward a wheel route, but having him run it full speed by showing that jet motion first. By the time he crosses the line of scrimmage, he’s hit top gear.</p>
<p id="N7uyjk">The other reason this play works is Gabriel Davis, running a pretty aggressive pick on the play. He’s technically running a post route, but puts just a bit of shoulder into the safety on his stem. Davis’s tight alignment also leaves lots of running room for McKenzie to accelerate toward the sideline. Lastly, the safety also takes a bad step downhill at the snap—maybe he was planning to run blitz? Either way, he’s totally out of position on one of the easiest throws of Josh Allen’s career.</p>
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<img alt="Josh Allen’s touchdown pass to Isaiah McKenzie" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a_Fb-FQ-q23vOAO5WTAw7GDSqbw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159119/allen_tds__3_.gif">
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<p id="KXJF88">This play features two two-man route combinations: Peel (a post-wheel) and Illinois (an in-under combo).</p>
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<img alt="Diagram of the Peel concept" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OokUyBEKTVKZToEfsO4o9aRbA3g=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159103/peel.jpg">
<figcaption>The post-wheel or “Peel” concept</figcaption>
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<img alt="Diagram of the Illinois concept" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ooK7mXDMf3pqWTQOM8HXCimG0-k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159104/illinois.jpg">
<figcaption>The in-under or “Illinois” concept</figcaption>
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<p id="aSIlJG">Post-wheel is a very popular Cover-3 beater, because the player running the post will pull away the deep-third defender, and the wheel route enters the vacated space. The other defender in that area usually focuses on short hook/curl assignments, which makes him a bad matchup against a deeper pattern like a wheel route. Illinois, a two-man levels concept, gives Allen easy high-low reads on the backside of the play. Dawson Knox’s under route even enters the vacated space from McKenzie’s wheel route, giving Allen a safe checkdown option if it weren’t open.</p>
<h2 id="0eQvAW">Touchdown 4</h2>
<p id="x0q3uL"><strong>2nd-and-10 at SF 28 - J. Allen pass deep right to G. Davis</strong></p>
<p id="vuCxrk">I mentioned before how a certain area of the field is “shot” territory for the Bills to aim at the end zone just for kicks. Once again the Bills are in field goal territory, now leading by ten. Upping that to a 13-point lead wouldn’t really help the game situation much, so the Bills would like points here. Hence, they’ll try aiming directly at the end zone.</p>
<p id="aX8jL3">This play is a blown coverage by the 49ers. After the game, Richard Sherman explained that “we were in Palms coverage. Two into the flat. I adjusted, but we had a few busts on the play. It’s unfortunate. The motion put us in a look we hadn’t seen before.” <a href="https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/12/08/49ers-bills-gabriel-davis-richard-sherman/">Doug Farrar has an excellent breakdown of this play, and I recommend you read his article</a>. I’ll attempt to give a shorthand version of that explanation here.</p>
<p id="1cy0Hz">What is Palms coverage? It’s a type of Cover-2 defense, so where you have two deep safeties. You have a cornerback positioned on the outside, matched up against a receiver. What’s happening is the defenders are reading the slot receiver on that side of the field. If his route is short, the outside cornerback will jump it, and the safety takes care of the outside receiver in the deep part of the field. If the slot receiver’s route goes deep, the safety is responsible for him, and the cornerback keeps the outside receiver in man coverage. It’s also called “2 trap”, because you’re setting a trap for the QB. Your coverage looks one way, then shifts based on the route being run.</p>
<p id="5fxLy5">So how does it play out here? The Bills start in a 3x1 look with a running back in the backfield, but motion Cole Beasley across the formation into the slot, showing a 2x2 formation. Gabriel Davis runs a Go route, while Beasley runs a hitch with a little razzle-dazzle.</p>
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<img alt="Josh Allen’s touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7TIunLpzKrAae0L5hBzE3ZasJX4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159170/allen_tds__4_.gif">
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<p id="vkrSai">At this point, Beasley already had well over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown, and so the 49ers are all keenly aware of him. Meanwhile, Sherman watches Beasley run a short route and stays in the flat, as per his palms coverage assignment. But the safety doesn’t pick up Davis. Like, at all.</p>
<p id="PdtU2h">The play-side route combo is, I think, what we’d call “Gotti”—a go/option combo. With Beasley, I can never be certain how much he’s freestyling on a play, so I think this fits.</p>
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<img alt="Diagram of the Gotti route concept" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jaFvHgfXjLf1E2kH389gb5avJrc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159163/gotti.jpg">
<figcaption>The “Gotti” (Go/option) route concept</figcaption>
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<p id="JZ0LhU">On the backside, Stefon Diggs is definitely running a go route, and Devin Singletary is running into the flats. I can’t tell exactly what Dawson Knox is doing, though—it kinda looks like a deep out, but then he turns it upfield at the end.</p>
<p id="fsU1rh">Given how this play fits the theme of the rest of these touchdowns, I’m going to say this was another tendency the Bills identified and attacked in their game plan. They were reading one step ahead from start to finish, and the 49ers never had an answer for their attack. That’s pretty much the theme of this game: Josh Allen and Brian Daboll, and their strong supporting cast, setting the tone all evening and forcing San Francisco to react. The outcome was never in question.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/10/22166642/all-22-analysis-how-the-buffalo-bills-offense-outschemed-the-san-francisco-49ers-josh-allenDan Lavoie2020-12-10T10:00:00-05:002020-12-10T10:00:00-05:00Examining Josh Allen’s marvel of a statistical year
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<img alt="Buffalo Bills v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_m2yknupiK6IFMm4KOh7cDa3Nws=/0x0:3735x2490/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68490306/1289987546.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Josh Allen has had himself a season in 2020.</p> <p id="JtbvkK">You’ve likely heard <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFtb3EtjEic">Andy Williams</a> croon as you meander down grocery store aisles or towards the sign in the back of most any store during the holiday season: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And indeed it is; a time for giving thanks, for spreading and being of good cheer. It’s only apt for me to spend the next few hundred words spreading tidings of comfort and joy in the form of a good old-fashioned Josh Allen stat dump. Sometimes Christmas comes early, I guess. </p>
<p id="3CcCSc">For Buffalo <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> fans and NFL viewers alike, gone seem to be the days of doubting. Gone, too, may be the days of including Josh Allen in conversations surrounding the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award...for now anyway. But here—now and ideally, for his fans, always—are the days of marveling at Allen’s accomplishments, which feels like a particularly fitting thing to do after his victories this week (one over San Francisco, the other over the competition in the race for <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/9/22165289/josh-allen-named-afc-offensive-player-of-the-week-after-latest-buffalo-bills-win-news-notes">AFC Offensive Player of the Week this week</a>). </p>
<p id="GguS9q">Let’s unpack everything worth doing so.</p>
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<h3 id="Smp33z">One of two</h3>
<p id="my4oVY">Per <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLResearch/status/1336164412416090112?s=20">NFL Research</a>, Monday night’s performance was Allen’s third game this season with 375-plus passing yard, three or more pass touchdowns, and a 130-plus passer rating. In doing so, he joined Drew Brees (who accomplished the same feat in 2013) as the only players since at least 1950 with three such games in a season. Allen didn’t throw for more than 375 yards a single time <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/3918298/type/nfl/year/2019">all of last season</a>.</p>
<p id="TIumMv">Evidently, the Buffalo offense now runs directly through Allen, whose offensive leap is quickly becoming reflective of a larger trend, though an anomaly by his standards. While the Bills’ running tandem of Devin Singletary and Zack Moss is serviceable, it still ranks 22nd in the league; worth considering is the fact that Allen leads the team in rushing touchdowns, and takes a bulk of the carries on his own, no matter if the play was designed. </p>
<p id="XaL8wA">Passing wise, though, the Bills have evolved from serviceable to elite, <a href="https://www.nfl.com/stats/team-stats/offense/passing/2020/reg/all">ranking fifth</a> in the league in passing and <a href="https://www.nfl.com/stats/team-stats/offense/passing/2020/reg/all">ranking 14th</a> in attempts behind teams like the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, and <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> (teams notorious for relying on their passing game, often for obvious reasons). But the Bills, more for better than for worse, are joining that company; Allen, in his own way, has joined elite company, and done so quickly.</p>
<h3 id="BgCcKF">One of one</h3>
<p id="EpLcsm">Here, Allen’s 2020 passing feats—thus far, mind you—stand alone. On <em>Monday Night Football</em>, he surpassed Jim Kelly (in 1991) and Ryan Fitzpatrick (in 2010) as the Bills QB with the most 300-yard, four-touchdown games in a single season (Allen has three; Fitzpatrick and Kelly both had two). He also now has four games this season with 300 yards and three touchdowns, which launches him ahead of Drew Bledsoe in 2002 and Kelly in 1991 for the most in a season in Bills history.</p>
<p id="AYsC5e">Not to get ahead of ourselves, but I feel like after the last two decades of torturous existence for this franchise, it’s warranted (read: mandated) to do so and to acknowledge that the quarterback of the future in Buffalo has arrived. Quarterbacks aren’t strangers to slumps following boom years—in fact, they’re probably the position most likely to experience setback following a breakout season. But all signs indicate that Allen is moving in the right direction.</p>
<p id="1gqayw">Of course, there’s naturally still plausible reason for refraining from jumping the gun on Allen’s future. He’s mobile, but doesn’t protect his body (or head) like other quarterbacks. In an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQSMHD1mLsE">October interview with Dan Patrick</a>, he noted that there were some plays in the Bills’ October 18 game against the Jets where he probably could have slid, but “there’s something about putting [his] body on the line for [his] teammates.” Patrick immediately yelled “No, no! Josh, Josh, no!” which perfectly imitated the Sunday sounds that emanate from living rooms in Western New York. </p>
<p id="j2IT4K">There’s also the occasional butterfingers, the questionable decision making that often comes on a whim (and a wing, and a prayer), and his relative refusal to throw the ball away when he has no one (and nowhere) to go. But ironing that out certainly isn’t an impossibility, nor is it dire. If it persists, well… then we’ll have to chat.</p>
<h3 id="H8WZod">Speaking of Bledsoe</h3>
<p id="RTZRaV">Following Monday’s game, <a href="https://twitter.com/NickVeronica/status/1336175247708598273?s=20">Nick Veronica tweeted</a> that Josh Allen has thrown for 300-plus yards in six of the Bills’ 12 games this season; the franchise record for 300-yard games in a season belongs to Bledsoe with seven. He did that in 2002; by all estimations, he’ll be surpassed by Allen doing <em>this</em> in 2020.</p>
<p id="THWftu">Another record of Bledsoe’s he could break: the <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/single-season-passing.htm#passing::13">franchise’s single-season passing record</a>, which Bledsoe set in 2002 with 4,359. Allen—sitting at 3,403 right now—needs 957 passing yards to break that. On top of that, he could break <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/single-season-passing.htm#passing::13">Jim Kelly’s passing touchdown record of 33 in 1991</a> with eight more end zone tosses this year. And if he gets two more touchdowns of any kind, which he will, he’ll take over the franchise record for total touchdowns in a single season. And he already has the highest single-season passer rating in franchise history with 105.9 this season; it’s merely a matter of maintaining that.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="r73Uzc">
<p id="Z2mvQ1">That was a lot to throw at you. But it’s all worth considering, not only for those already compiling research for their quarterback tier columns for the coming offseason, but for those charting the paths for contenders in the more immediate future. Allen has been inconsistent thus far in his tenure as the starter, sure, but this year has undoubtedly been his best and most consistent. It’s not illogical nor far off to consider this Bills team—now being carried by Allen’s offensive heroics as opposed to being bailed out by its defense—a real contender. </p>
<p id="XyQ6F5">And offensively, considering his bevy of options, Allen’s ascendance is nothing to scoff at. He’s yet to re-grace the playoff stage where he appeared like a deer in headlights one year ago. But when he does, he’ll have grown into the game manager you see now, the one who has divvied up the red zone touchdowns to 12 different players this season (four tight ends, two running backs, five receivers, and himself). Not many quarterbacks are willing to do that. Not many quarterbacks have the <em>capability</em>, either.</p>
<p id="IYlxwT">Then again, other quarterbacks don’t express affection for putting their skulls on the line for their teammates. I know you have a helmet, Josh, but that doesn’t mean you have to use it for the purpose of collision. Perhaps that’s just another way in which Allen has been, as the kids say, built different this year more than others. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/10/22163441/examining-josh-allens-marvel-of-a-statistical-year-buffalo-bills-qbWill Bjarnar2020-12-10T09:30:00-05:002020-12-10T09:30:00-05:00Penalty recap: Flags not an issue as Bills take down 49ers
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<img alt="Buffalo Bills v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KSw1iOmVEYvtunTZLh8F5aRJQpw=/0x0:3305x2203/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68490089/1290163054.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The lack of flags was kinda surprising</p> <p id="KXYXnR">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> took down the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> on <em>Monday Night Football</em> and looked really good doing it. Not just as a result of their one-punt game and lots of points either. With only four penalties called, the Bills tied their lowest flag output of the season. That doesn’t mean there wasn’t some intrigue though. Let’s dive in. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="x9DLZh">
<h2 id="baehf6">Standard and Advanced Metrics</h2>
<h3 id="42JUd8">Penalty Counts</h3>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7qlLMVn0RsDM0iiMy_wZT3PG8iw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159031/Bills_at_49ers_2020_penalty_counts.jpg">
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<p id="a44QP4">This isn’t what we’re used to seeing. Not only are the bars for the opponent higher than the Bills, Buffalo is under the league average. Only one flag was declined and it was on the 49ers. </p>
<h3 id="xy05BL">Penalty Yards</h3>
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<p id="IaP2zI">Despite the disparity in penalty counts, the two teams fared similarly. The relative amounts are reversed as well, with Buffalo outpacing San Francisco. The right-hand columns are reversed as well with the Bills being the team that negated yardage due to penalty. San Francisco escaped unscathed in this measure. </p>
<h2 id="7ivgl2">Penalty Harm</h2>
<h3 id="LHa6RW">Buffalo Bills</h3>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2daS_UIYh-KX4YgwsuwOyAgtpw8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159083/Bills_at_49ers_2020_penalty_harm___Bills.jpg">
</figure>
<p id="FbFtjj">With only four we can take a bit more time with each one. Usually we’d ignore a false start but in this case we’ll cover that too. Heck, here’s a GIF. It’s not every game you get the wacky flag on...just about everyone. </p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SdvaEahsdVfo19YNCED5t8Cke-A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159090/Bills_at_49ers_2020_False_start_whole_line.gif">
</figure>
<p id="GZPR00">That false start came on the play directly after the offensive holding by Devin Singletary. The two penalties took the Bills from 3rd-and-goal at the two, to the 17. It’s possible this took away a touchdown, but it’s also possible it added a field goal. Had Singletary’s flag not been called it would have resulted in 4th-and-goal at the one. A complete pass to Cole Beasley was just short of the TD. That also explains the Harm Rating. In addition to the ten assessed yards, Singletary’s flag wiped out one Beasley little yard. </p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xeHg6wsSvYyOZ0sIwlUMmU8gbD0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159093/Bills_at_49ers_2020_Singletary_holding.gif">
</figure>
<p id="CnjDXU">Speaking of Cole Beasley and holding calls, his flag was also blatant and wiped out four yards from, you guessed it, Devin Singletary. This was a spot-of-the-foul call and Singletary got to keep two yards at least. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F3YBCMSOikfA7pis21PU8vHFabs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159149/Bills_at_49ers_2020_Beasley_holding.gif">
</figure>
<p id="4ZyZOn">Levi Wallace’s defensive pass interference call was assessed at 25 yards and gave up two downs for 4.5 Harm. It was also the most controversial flag of the game (for Bills fans). Let’s take a look. </p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AzQIWi_odxMWcH-CCGrdp9q1W0E=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159152/Bills_at_49ers_2020_Wallace_DPI.gif">
</figure>
<p id="vMZyQR">Ah ****. That’s honestly a pretty good call. More than likely Aiyuk has no chance of catching this even with both hands free. Wallace had perfect position but there’s no denying he pinned that arm down. </p>
<p id="qwizsn">The Buffalo Bills had 7.5 Harm for the day, which is a solid outing. Despite matching the game against the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a> for their lowest penalty count of the year, it’s only the fourth lowest in harm. Games against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> (6.4), Kansas City (4.9) and the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (4.1) were all lower. </p>
<h3 id="quFmw2">San Francisco 49ers</h3>
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<p id="kudmcA">San Francisco had a few more and several “meh” ones so let’s rip through those quickly. With one exception, false starts are cut and dry. Javon Kinlaw’s offside was yardage only on an incomplete pass. Jordan Willis’s was the declined as the catch by Cole Beasley gained six and the first down the penalty would also have given. Arik Armstead’s holding call was a completed catch to Lee Smith. With similar yardage at stake, the Bills accepted the penalty to keep the down. </p>
<p id="Uga6eT">The false start on Nick Mullens is significant for two reasons. There’s only been four on quarterbacks this year, including this one. Fun fact, two of the three others are on Tom Brady. The other reason is that I didn’t make a typo. It was officially assessed as a four-yard flag. I used to say these rounding errors were rare but it feels like I’ve already discussed this a few times this season. Let’s look at a GIF then I’ll cover it again. </p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-QDkIfRO2QkXCxtMma7JxjytAtA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159207/Bills_at_49ers_2020_Mullens_false_start.gif">
</figure>
<p id="rqorgc">As you can see, the refs actually spotted it at five yards. For the purposes of the ledger though the initial spot is considered the one-yard line as they don’t like to use “the five-inch line.” Similarly the ball moves to the “five”-yard line even though it’s actually at the “five-and-five-inch” line. Rest assured the in-game consequence was correct—it’s just incorrect in the accounting. </p>
<p id="n3km6z">Similarly, on the play Richard Sherman was called for illegal contact, the ball began at the 42.5 yard line which is rounded to the 43 on the play-by-play. The ball was advanced to just beyond the 47 for roughly the five yards it should have been, but was rounded down for yet another rounding error. Let’s take a look to get a giggle out of the highest rated flag of the day. </p>
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</figure>
<p id="ibrb2G">It’s not the worst penalty of all time by any means but there’s definitely contact. This penalty bailed Josh Allen out of his worst throw of the game. A low ball that was tipped and intercepted. As such that adds four harm right off the bat as it “negates” the four downs of opportunity he lost his team. It also gave the Bills one since the play occurred on second down. Add up the five downs and the four yards and we have a 5.4 Harm. </p>
<p id="XWizWQ">Finally, the roughing call on Kentavius Street turned what would have been a 3rd-and-18 on an incomplete pass into a first down. Street arguably doesn’t deserve the flag, but Josh Allen deserves an Oscar. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wBAmlY9SUgGy64tZDihV5wFecJ8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22159249/Bills_at_49ers_2020_Street_roughing.gif">
</figure>
<p id="3Ssfme">The 49ers ended the game with 10.3 Harm, which is a tiny shade on the wrong side of things. Penalties were a bit of a factor but certainly not a deciding one. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/10/22166783/penalty-recap-flags-not-an-issue-as-buffalo-bills-take-down-san-francisco-49ersSkarekrow2020-12-10T09:20:17-05:002020-12-10T09:20:17-05:00Revisiting five Bills to watch at San Francisco
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<img alt="Buffalo Bills v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2fzfw-Boyqhndu4IvfyoMQfbJ24=/0x0:2330x1553/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68490059/1290009901.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Buffalo’s key players came ready to roll on Monday night</p> <p id="jLG1GH">The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> came ready for primetime on Monday night, downing the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> 34-24. Only ten points separated the two teams, and Buffalo outgained San Francisco by a mere 47 yards on the night. However, the Bills held the ball for 34:58 and led 34-17 with less than ten minutes left in the game. It was a much more dominant effort than the stats would suggest.</p>
<p id="C8dzNZ">In order to complete such a game, a team’s top players must have played well. This was absolutely the case for the Bills, as their stars shined brightly in Glendale, AZ. Here’s how our five players to watch fared on <em>Monday Night Football</em>.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="rPqrEw">
<h2 id="8dTrIe">QB Josh Allen</h2>
<p id="vhY0kt">Buffalo’s signal caller continued his MVP-caliber season, throwing for four more touchdowns while completing 80 percent of his passes (32-of-40) for 375 yards. Entering the game, the 49ers were the No. 6 defense in the league in terms of yards allowed, and the No. 9 unit in terms of passing yardage allowed. Allen shredded the San Francisco secondary, beating them regardless of what they threw at him. Blitz? No problem, as Allen rolled out and launched gorgeous downfield bombs to Cole Beasley. Zone? Allen found Beasley underneath. Man to man? Allen hit Stefon Diggs whenever he wanted. It was an absolute clinic from a rising star player.</p>
<h2 id="CFpn3q">WR Gabriel Davis</h2>
<p id="a4OfYB">The rookie caught his fifth touchdown pass of the season, breaking his tie with Stefon Diggs to put Davis in sole possession of the team lead in receiving touchdowns this year. He made two great catches in the first half, the first of which involved an amazing throw from Allen. The second was a beautiful crossing pattern that immediately preceded Tyler Bass’s field goal at the end of the first half. Davis caught his touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, and while the ball was underthrown, he was so wide open that it didn’t matter. Davis wasn’t the team’s leading receiver, as Cole Beasley set a career-high with nine catches, 135 yards and a touchdown on his 11 targets, but Davis continued to show that he belongs in an NFL offense. He’s looking like a steal of a fourth-round draft pick.</p>
<h2 id="EUojLo">TE Lee Smith</h2>
<p id="pyoeDT">The big-bodied blocker appeared on a season-high 25 offensive snaps, continuing a trend the team began last week. Smith was unable to secure a touchdown catch on 4th-and-goal of Buffalo’s first possession, but when your options are Smith, Dawson Knox, and Ryan Bates with a quarterback who excels at fighting for rushing touchdowns, I’m not mad at the tight end whose main job is to block (and yes, I’m nit-picking the <em>one</em> play call that I didn’t like in what was an otherwise amazing game from offensive coordinator Brian Daboll). Smith only saw that one target, but his impact is rarely seen in his own personal stats. The Bills protected Allen well, and Smith helped clear the way for Devin Singletary (18 carries, 61 yards) to make an impact.</p>
<h2 id="PI6Kh0">DT Ed Oliver</h2>
<p id="mYvlxZ">Speaking of players whose impact isn’t always seen in the stats, Oliver logged one tackle and one quarterback hit on the evening. He didn’t make a big hit (that honor went to Vernon Butler, who straight-up destroyed a 49ers running back in a goal line situation) or make a huge, touchdown-saving tackle (Tremaine Edmunds did in the first quarter, though, right behind Oliver), but Oliver continued to play an unselfish role in keeping Buffalo’s linebackers clean. San Francisco ran 21 times for 86 yards on the day. Of those carries and yards, 44 of those yards and ten of those carries came on the first drive of the game. Buffalo certainly clamped down after that, and Oliver was a big part of the reason why.</p>
<h2 id="Lj7WpS">LB A.J. Klein</h2>
<p id="ExWDs8">So it wasn’t a “sexy” way to follow up his other-worldly performance against the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>, but with a reduction in snaps thanks to the return of Matt Milano, Klein still managed to positively impact the game. He made four tackles and had an interception right in his grasp that instead went as a pass breakup. Klein’s 42 defensive snaps was still second to Edmunds among linebackers, but it’s his lowest output since Week 7 against the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>. As Milano regains his football shape, Klein may see a further reduction in his time. His improved play has been a luxury for a Buffalo defense that is hitting its stride at the right time. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/10/22163631/revisiting-five-buffalo-bills-to-watch-at-san-francisco-49ers-josh-allen-gabriel-davis-ed-oliverSean Murphy2020-12-10T09:20:09-05:002020-12-10T09:20:09-05:00Revisiting five 49ers to watch against Buffalo
<figure>
<img alt="Buffalo Bills v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hmoOr8fVxuUSg8OXpxDeeiI8zYQ=/0x0:3782x2521/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68490057/1290020515.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Buffalo was able to shut down San Francisco’s two most explosive players</p> <p id="ZnoWA8">The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>, coming off a big divisional win against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>, were confident that they could beat the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> by running the football. On their first drive, they tried to do just that, as they ran ten times for 41 yards on a 97-yard drive. That drive stalled at the one-yard line on 4th-and-goal, which really set the tone for how much of the night would look.</p>
<p id="45CCuq">The Bills were able to dictate the flow of the game for much of the evening, as Buffalo attacked the 49ers through the air. While they have been able to pressure quarterbacks and play solid zone behind their defensive front to a good deal of success this year, that plan didn’t work against Buffalo. Quarterback Josh Allen shredded San Francisco’s secondary to the tune of 375 yards, four touchdowns, and an 80 percent completion rate.</p>
<p id="UlRVIQ">The Bills won 34-24, limiting the 49ers’ top players all throughout the evening. Here’s how our five 49ers to watch fared on Monday night.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="g9Ujne">
<h2 id="TlB0k5">QB Nick Mullens</h2>
<p id="re8SM1">If you look at Mullens’s numbers on the night—26-of-39, 316 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions—it looks as if the former undrafted free agent had a great night against the Bills’ defense. A closer look, though, shows that the Bills were able to limit Mullens and the 49ers’ offense when the game was still close, letting up only after the result was in little doubt. Through three quarters, Mullens had 171 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Once the Bills went up 34-17, Mullens threw for 145 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the fourth quarter. Buffalo’s soft prevent allowed Mullens to rack up some garbage-time stats, but the numbers didn’t do much for anyone other than people crazy enough to start Nick Mullens in a <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/fantasy-football">fantasy football</a> game. While they didn’t sack Mullens, they were able to bring enough pressure and do enough things in the secondary to force him into some poor throws. </p>
<h2 id="XIXv5y">RB Raheem Mostert</h2>
<p id="I3BAl2">The big, explosive runner was held in check on Monday. Part of that was due to a negative game script, as the Bills continued to apply plenty of pressure by scoring almost at will all evening. In that regard, the game was reminiscent of those Jim Kelly-era Bills, as the team put its defense in the position it wanted to be in—expecting the pass and playing the pass thanks to a big lead—thereby eliminating their opponent’s strength, which is a strong running game. Mostert carried the ball nine times, gaining 42 yards. He caught his only target and gained one yard.</p>
<h2 id="ogXJvM">WR Deebo Samuel</h2>
<p id="YSEa0H">Buffalo did a tremendous job nullifying Samuel for the majority of the game, as Tre’Davious White locked him down for much of the evening. In the first half, Samuel was targeted once, and he didn’t catch it. Samuel caught his first pass with under three minutes remaining in the third quarter, and by then, the Bills were in pretty firm control of the game. Even a touchdown at the end of quarter three couldn’t stop Buffalo’s momentum. Samuel finished the night with six catches for 73 yards, but like Mullens, most of his stats were accumulated after the game had essentially been put away by the Bills.</p>
<h2 id="bno7BJ">DL Kerry Hyder</h2>
<p id="aPGqtI">Josh Allen was sacked once, but it wasn’t Hyder who did it. Dion Jordan was the one who leveled Allen and forced him to fumble in the third quarter. Hyder had three tackles, including one for a loss, on the night, but he wasn’t able to tie or break his career-high in sacks. He came into the game with 7.5, and that’s exactly where he stayed after the game. Buffalo protected Allen well, but the 49ers held the Bills to just an average of three yards per rush on the night.</p>
<h2 id="FyqKgL">CB Richard Sherman</h2>
<p id="JmdAmu">Sherman was the focus on two big plays for the Bills. First, he was called for holding Stefon Diggs when Allen threw an interception to linebacker Fred Warner. Sherman’s penalty nullified what would have been a huge play for the 49ers’ defense. Then, Sherman and his safety seemed to miscommunicate on Gabriel Davis’s 28-yard touchdown. Sherman expected help over the top, and it appeared that the safety thought the veteran would stay with Davis. My guess is that it was the safety and not Sherman who messed up, but I can’t be sure. Sherman finished the night with three tackles.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/10/22164151/revisiting-five-san-francisco-49ers-to-watch-against-buffalo-bills-raheem-mostert-deebo-samuelSean Murphy2020-12-10T09:05:00-05:002020-12-10T09:05:00-05:00The Bruce Exclusive: Mighty Ultra Zeo Ninja Josh Allen
<figure>
<img alt="The Bruce Exclusive podcast Cover Art" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MREwZHQonwpTYtwh9i_j-nGzb0E=/0x27:4300x2894/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68490063/Bruce_Exclusive-blog-logo.0.0.png" />
<figcaption>The Bruce Exclusive podcast Cover Art | Josh Rawdin</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Levi Wallace and Ike Boettger as well</p> <p id="iq4re5">On this episode of “The Bruce Exclusive” Bruce contends that although the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> game from earlier this year was still Josh Allen’s BEST game, the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> game from <em>Monday Night Football </em>was the most ENCOURAGING game. The film reveals the good from Ike Boettger and the not so good from Levi Wallace.</p>
<p id="GUnS4w">#<a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> #goBills #BillsMafia</p>
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<p id="sFv3yj">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 <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>, Buffalo Rumblings Q&A, Breaking Buffalo Rumblings, Code of Conduct with J. Spence, The Bruce Exclusive, The Buff Hub, Jamie D. and Big Newt, The Mafia Mavens, and Circling the Wagons:</p>
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<p id="0pnYFd"><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/2020/12/10/22166670/the-bruce-exclusive-mighty-ultra-zeo-ninja-josh-allenBruce Nolan2020-12-10T07:00:00-05:002020-12-10T07:00:00-05:00Buffalo Bills Links, 12/10: Josh Allen, Bills facing high expectations
<figure>
<img alt="Buffalo Bills v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oTC3kAugYYywAY86PDg8QSxz1xY=/0x0:3596x2397/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68491152/1290177514.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Plus, why future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger thinks Allen is playing like an MVP.</p> <p id="f85rqz">In today’s edition of the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> daily links, we look ahead to Buffalo’s (9-3) Week 14 clash with the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (11-1) on <em>Sunday Night Football.</em></p>
<p id="YdAWT0">We discuss why quarterback Josh Allen will bear the burden of higher expectations heading into this primetime clash, hear why future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger thinks Allen is playing at an MVP-caliber level, analyze why cornerback Levi Wallace needs to improve his play facing a potent Pittsburgh passing attack, break down all of Buffalo’s playoff-clinching scenarios, explore how head coach Sean McDermott has been more aggressive (and more successful) when going for it on fourth down this year, and much more!</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="r4Zj5x">
<h3 id="sACGvV">Previewing the Steelers</h3>
<p id="LFZIB2"><a href="https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/vic-carucci-josh-allen-carries-higher-expectations-into-another-bills-sunday-night-showdown-vs-steelers/article_084e2be4-3a59-11eb-9fb2-6b3b4993aeec.html">Vic Carucci: Josh Allen carries higher expectations into another Bills Sunday night showdown vs. Steelers | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com</a><br>That giddiness cloud on which Bills fans were floating after the team’s previous Sunday night game against Pittsburgh bore no resemblance to the one that has been carrying them since Monday night.</p>
<p id="HCwDX0"><a href="https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/big-ben-lauds-bills-josh-allen-as-mvp-caliber-quarterback/article_4f5cdb5a-3a51-11eb-b919-eb42f124aa0d.html">Big Ben lauds Bills’ Josh Allen as ‘MVP caliber quarterback’ | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com</a><br>Count Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger among those impressed with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.</p>
<p id="s1HHCh"><a href="https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2020/12/10/levi-wallace-struggled-buffalo-bills-win-over-san-francisco-49-ers/3878378001/">Bills CB Levi Wallace must bounce back from rough game - Democrat & Chronicle</a><br>With Steelers’ potent passing game on tap, Bills CB Levi Wallace is on the spot.</p>
<h3 id="4sbAI9">Accolades for Josh Allen</h3>
<p id="0rl6lq"><a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2020/12/put-bills-josh-allen-in-your-mvp-conversation-or-stay-out-of-it.html">Put Bills’ Josh Allen in your MVP conversation, or stay out of it - newyorkupstate.com</a><br>Allen named AFC Player of the Week for third time in 2020 after four TDs vs. <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>.</p>
<p id="d6FzEZ"><a href="https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/bills-josh-allen-wins-afc-offensive-player-of-the-week-for-third-time-this-season/article_0d459e0a-3a29-11eb-b0e1-9b0bb211b820.html">Bills’ Josh Allen wins AFC offensive player of the week for third time this season | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com</a><br>Allen has 33 total touchdowns on the season, one shy of the franchise record set by Jim Kelly in 1991.</p>
<p id="1J631b"><a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2020/12/josh-allen-bills-definitely-ready-for-prime-time-week-14-power-rankings.html">Josh Allen, Bills ‘definitely ready for prime time’ (Week 14 power rankings) - newyorkupstate.com</a><br>A look at where national media outlets have the Bills following their win over the San Francisco 49ers.</p>
<p id="Zdwfli"><a href="https://www.radio.com/wgr550/sports/bills/josh-allen-responds-to-rainn-wilson-with-the-office-joke">Josh Allen responds to Rainn Wilson with ‘The Office’ joke - WGR 550</a><br>Bills quarterback Josh Allen appeared to catch the attention and affection of Rainn Wilson, who played Dwight Schrute on ‘The Office,’ setting up Allen for the perfect response.</p>
<h3 id="aSEf45">Playoff Clinching Scenarios and Playoff Potential</h3>
<p id="2A1Mcw"><a href="https://www.radio.com/wgr550/sports/bills/bills-can-clinch-playoff-berth-in-week-14">Bills can clinch playoff berth in Week 14 - WGR 550</a><br>The Buffalo Bills have the chance to clinch a playoff berth in Week 14 with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, but they will need some help from elsewhere around the NFL.</p>
<p id="wcm6dj"><a href="https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/how-bills-can-clinch-an-afc-playoff-berth-in-week-14/article_19d8d06e-3a61-11eb-92af-ff8b52c5201a.html">How Bills can clinch an AFC playoff berth in Week 14 | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com</a><br>The Bills can clinch an AFC playoff berth in Week 14.</p>
<p id="PPPmln"><a href="https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2020/12/bills-can-clinch-playoff-berth-with-win-over-steelers-and-a-little-help.html">Bills can clinch playoff berth with win vs. Steelers (and a little help) - newyorkupstate.com</a><br>Buffalo could clinch a playoff berth for the second consecutive season with a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. They will need some help ahead of their <em>Sunday Night Football</em> matchup, however.</p>
<p id="yGaCsi"><a href="https://www.radio.com/wgr550/sports/bills/simms-bills-are-now-super-bowl-contenders-in-2020">Simms: Bills are now Super Bowl contenders in 2020 - WGR 550</a><br>Chris Simms from NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk joined the Howard and Jeremy Show on Wednesday with his thoughts on the Buffalo Bills and if they are true contenders to play in Super Bowl LV this February.</p>
<p id="mYCOKh"><a href="https://www.buffalobills.com/video/dan-hanzus-bills-have-potential-to-beat-anyone-in-playoffs">Dan Hanzus: Bills have potential to beat anyone in playoffs - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>NFL Network’s Dan Hanzus shares why the Buffalo Bills are No. 5 in Week 14 Power Rankings.</p>
<h3 id="tNLJdR">Odds and Ends</h3>
<p id="30pqDY"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641776&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2249248%2F2020%2F12%2F09%2Fbills-49ers-offense-playoffs%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buffalorumblings.com%2F2020%2F12%2F10%2F22167612%2Fbuffalo-bills-links-12-10-bills-face-high-expectations-josh-allen-levi-wallace-tyler-matakevich" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bills’ newfound aggressiveness on offense is paying off – The Athletic</a><br>Head coach Sean McDermott has an offense worthy of aggressive calls, especially on fourth downs, and he’s evolving with it. (Subscription required).</p>
<p id="hi5tMz"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641776&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2250861%2F2020%2F12%2F10%2Ftyler-matakevich-bills-special-teams%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buffalorumblings.com%2F2020%2F12%2F10%2F22167612%2Fbuffalo-bills-links-12-10-bills-face-high-expectations-josh-allen-levi-wallace-tyler-matakevich" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Special teams ace Tyler Matakevich’s journey to the Bills – The Athletic</a><br>When the Bills prioritized improving their special teams this offseason, Matakevich was at the top of the coaches’ wish list. (Subscription required).</p>
<p id="XMNgeQ"><a href="https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-today-two-bills-land-on-this-general-manager-names-to-watch-list">Bills Today | Two Bills land on this general manager names to watch list - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Here are three things to know about the Bills for Thursday, Dec. 10.</p>
<p id="Gci4b5"><a href="https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/quinton-jefferson-out-andre-roberts-limited-on-bills-estimated-practice-report/article_f68b86cc-3a62-11eb-9c91-df9c526148f9.html">Quinton Jefferson out, Andre Roberts limited on Bills’ estimated practice report | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com</a><br>The Buffalo Bills held a walk-through session Wednesday, but are required to release an injury report as if they had a full practice.</p>
<p id="qqulSV"><a href="https://www.wivb.com/sports/buffalo-bills/bills-color-rush-uniforms-for-game-against-steelers-revealed/">Bills’ “Color Rush” uniforms for game against Steelers revealed | News 4 Buffalo</a><br>The Color Rush uniforms were revealed in a short video on Twitter Wednesday morning.</p>
<p id="JyCItU"><a href="https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/shoulder-surgery-sidelines-bills-wide-receiver-isaiah-hodgins-for-season/article_f0c504ea-3a3d-11eb-9ca9-23611a374367.html">Shoulder surgery sidelines Bills wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins for season | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com</a><br>Hodgins, a sixth-round pick, posted a photo on social media and said, “God’s timing is always perfect! Surgery went well. Time to bounce back.”</p>
<p id="ByB2bP"><a href="https://www.radio.com/wgr550/sports/bills/harrison-phillips-named-bills-walter-payton-man-of-the-year-nominee">Phillips named Bills’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee - WGR 550</a><br>Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips has been named the team’s nominee for the 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which recognizes a player for outstanding community service activities off the field and excellence on the field.</p>
<p id="ATxWLB"><a href="https://www.buffalobills.com/news/harrison-phillips-selected-as-buffalo-s-walter-payton-man-of-the-year-nominee">Harrison Phillips selected as Buffalo’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>The defensive tackle’s contributions include donating meals to healthcare workers and helping provide internet to BPS students.</p>
<h3 id="sCXxMP">Featured on Buffalo Rumblings</h3>
<p id="5QZaUx"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/10/22163631/revisiting-five-buffalo-bills-to-watch-at-san-francisco-49ers-josh-allen-gabriel-davis-ed-oliver">Revisiting five Buffalo Bills to watch at the San Francisco 49ers (in Arizona) - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Buffalo’s key players came ready to roll on Monday night.</p>
<p id="IJhRCB"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/10/22164151/revisiting-five-san-francisco-49ers-to-watch-against-buffalo-bills-raheem-mostert-deebo-samuel">Revisiting five San Francisco 49ers to watch against the Buffalo Bills - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Buffalo was able to shut down San Francisco’s two most explosive players.</p>
<p id="i5nFoQ"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/9/22164672/buffalo-bills-vs-san-francisco-49ers-rookie-review">Buffalo Bills vs. San Francisco 49ers: Rookie review - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Moss learns a valuable lesson, Davis stays consistent.</p>
<p id="BGYRMk"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/9/22164617/all-22-analysis-wide-receiver-appreciation-day">All-22 analysis: Wide receiver appreciation day - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Let’s take a look at the wide receiver room, a key component in the Buffalo Bills’ victory over the 49ers.</p>
<p id="Xqr5IM"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/9/22165380/playoff-picture-when-can-the-buffalo-bills-clinch-the-afc-east">Playoff Picture: When can the Buffalo Bills clinch the AFC East? - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>The earliest the Bills can clinch the division is Saturday, December 19.</p>
<p id="CWozYS"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/9/22162949/week-14-nfl-power-rankings-buffalo-bills-a-top-five-squad-dawson-knox-josh-allen-brian-daboll">Week 14 NFL power rankings: Buffalo Bills a top-five squad - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>The Bills are up a tad after last night’s impressive victory over the 49ers.</p>
<p id="HYCtjn"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/9/22164521/jamie-d-big-newt-admit-it-the-buffalo-bills-are-good">Jamie D & Big Newt: Admit It, the Buffalo Bills Are Good - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>The Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen Prove Critics Wrong on MNF.</p>
<p id="FGHZua"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/9/22163332/one-stat-recap-josh-allen-adds-to-his-list-of-accomplishments-san-francisco-49ers-drew-brees-nfl">One Stat Recap: Josh Allen adds to his list of accomplishments - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>Josh Allen has been transcendent in 2020.</p>
<p id="UYPJy4"><a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/9/22165378/q-a-josh-allen-tremaine-edmunds-and-a-great-mnf-win-buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills mailbag Q&A: Josh Allen, Tremaine Edmunds, and a great MNF win - Buffalo Rumblings</a><br>This Bills team can beat anyone.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2020/12/10/22167612/buffalo-bills-links-12-10-bills-face-high-expectations-josh-allen-levi-wallace-tyler-matakevichJohn Boccacino