Tag: bills chiefs

Report: Trent Murphy, Harrison Phillips to be scratched vs. Chiefs

Buffalo Bills DE Trent Murphy, DT Harrison Phillips, expected to be scratched vs. Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6.

The Buffalo Bills haven’t had a very good start to the season in the trenches on defense in 2020 … and the coaching staff is doing something big about it.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, defensive end Trent Murphy and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips are expected to be healthy scratches against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday. Along the defensive line this year, the Bills haven’t gotten the production the team has been used to in recent memory. This offseason, the Bills let both Jordan Phillips and Shaq Lawson walk in free agency.

Against the Titans, Phillips had some strong play against the run, but both guys have struggled to generate much of any pass rush. Overall, Buffalo’s entire edge defending unit did a bad job against the Titans, both on pass and rushing plays, in Week 5.

Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was not sacked one time in Buffalo’s last game, and by comparison, the Chiefs offense, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, will be throwing the ball much, much more in Week 6.

So far this season, the Bills average two sacks per game and 12 teams are averaging less than that per week. However, sacks isn’t just the overall number to consider. In terms of QB pressures, the Bills have 37 in 2020, which is sixth-worst in the NFL heading into Week 6.

What could be expected without Murphy is more Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison? Typically during Sean McDermott’s tenure as head coach, he runs a big rotation along the defensive line to keep guys fresh. But the Bills might try to loosen up on that and leave starters out there longer in an effort to generate a more consistent effort. In the middle of the defensive line, that could mean more Quinton Jefferson and Vernon Butler without Phillips. Ed Oliver typically plays next to Phillips, not in his one-tech spot, so his snaps might stay close to the same.

At about 3:30 p.m. we’ll know what holds true with this report as well. That’s approximately the time when the inactive lists for both the Bills and Chiefs will be released.

Check back at Bills Wire around then for the latest updates.

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Bills vs. Chiefs: 3 keys to the game for both teams

Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs 3 keys to Week 6 game.

One of the most anticipated matchups on the 2020 schedule is happening a few days later than originally thought, but it is here. The Buffalo Bills getting a crack at the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Monday, instead of the first slated time for this meeting on Thursday.

Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, two of the strongest arms in football, are meeting for the first time in this game between two of the most talented young quarterbacks in the NFL today. Both sides are coming off of their first loss of the season as well, so it’s an important rebound game in an uncertain and deep AFC.

With that, let’s take a look at the keys to victory for both teams:

Kansas City Chiefs

1. Do what the Chiefs normally do on offense

Kansas City, since giving Patrick Mahomes the reigns of the offense in 2018, has become one of the most dynamic and aggressive units in the NFL. Mahomes’ ability to make plays happen, in ways that quarterbacks are taught not to, has remained a constant advantage that is quite difficult to game plan against.

If the Bills defense allowed as many points as they did to the Tennessee Titans, Kansas City should certainly have an easy time doing what they’re used to, Although they won’t have former Bill Sammy Watkins or newly acquired running back Le’veon Bell, there’s still plenty of supporting cast talent.

Playmakers Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Clyde Edwards-Helaire are some of the leagues finest at their respective positions, and the Chiefs has maintained great depth on their roster. Mahomes and this Chiefs offense should be able to move the ball effectively against this defense.

2. Control the clock and gas the defense

While we acknowledge that the Chiefs should have little trouble moving the ball against the Bills, it’s important not to get too excited. Great quarterbacks who play against other great quarterbacks have an added job. Keep the football away from the other guy.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid has shown poor clock management in his career, but against the Bills, who have moved the ball quickly and efficiently for the most part of the season, the game plan should be to take their time. This mediocre Bills defense is easily gassed, and there’s no need to hurry up and score beyond perhaps the first drive. Run the ball, throw short to mid range passes, and have fun along the way.

This helps the Chiefs defense, which is very well coached, and gives them plenty of time to rest against the normally high octane offense that the Bills bring.

3. Keep flustering Allen

Watching the Bills play the Titans last week, Allen has composure issues when he can’t do what he wants. When mistakes start to pile up, his emotions can effect his play. It was apparent that the game planning Titans coach Mike Vrabel put in place had flustered Allen, and the team looked different. Drives were much shorter, and chemistry between the Bills offense seemed off.

Get in Allen’s face, rough him up a bit. Blitz packages with a touch of a tighter zone coverage. It gives the secondary time to read what Allen is doing, while the pass rush is chasing him out of the pocket.

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‘Experts’ finally jump off Bills bandwagon

NFL “experts” picking the Kansas City Chiefs over the Buffalo Bills in Week 6.

Maybe it was the Buffalo Bills proving them wrong last week? Maybe it’s just because the Kansas City Chiefs, in their own right, are good?

Regardless, the Bills are not the one the so-called “experts” are picking heading into their Week 6 contest.

Of the NFL analysts, writers and talking heads on television that were polled by NFL Pick Watch, a big 89 percent of them think the Chiefs will leave Buffalo with a win on Monday. But that doesn’t really mean a thing, considering 87 percent of the same grouping of those polled thought the Bills would beat the Tennessee Titans in Week 5, too.

Heading into the Bills-Chiefs game, both teams are coming off losses as well… both enter the game at 4-1 overall.

But as usual, if you’re in a “tagging” mood on social media after the game and want to give a shoutout to some of those folks doubting the Bills against the Chiefs and Buffalo happens to win… here’s a couple of folks who picked Kansas City to win: Mike Clay (ESPN), Jason La Canfora (CBS Sports), Nick Shook (NFL.com), Will Brinson (CBS Sports), Greg Rosenthal (NFL.com), and Mike Florio (PFT).

… and in the spirit of Bill-eving, here’s some of the few who think the Bills will pull off the upset and win: Colleen Wolfe (NFL.com), Rich Eisen (NFL), Andrew Brandt (MMQB), Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) and Albert Breer (MMQB).

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Bills vs. Chiefs: Final injury reports

Bills, Chiefs final injury reports for Week 6.

Here are the final full injury reports for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills ahead of their Week 6 at Bills Stadium from Saturday:

Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)

Out

  • WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring)
  • OL Kelechi Osemele (knees)

Questionable

  • OL Mitchell Schwartz (back)

Will play

  • CB Rashad Fenton (shoulder)
  • OL Eric Fisher (shoulder)
  • LB Anthony Hitchens (illness)
  • WR Mecole Hardman (ankle)
  • WR Tyreek Hill (heel)
  • DT Chris Jones (groin)
  • TE Nick Keizer (shoulder)
  • DT Derrick Nnadi (ankle)
  • C Austin Reiter (knee)
  • CB Charvarius Ward (hand)

Notes:

Watkins’ injury is not believed to be as serious as once thought, but he’s still not going to play vs. Bills. … Osemele is likely to land on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list. … Hitchens does not have COVID-19, per Chiefs Wire.

Buffalo Bills (4-1)

Out

  • TE Dawson Knox (calf)
  • QB Jake Fromm (quarantine)

Questionable

  • LB Tremaine Edmunds (shoulder)
  • OL Quinton Spain (foot)
  • LB Matt Milano (pec)
  • WR John Brown (knee)

Will play

  • RB Zack Moss (toe)
  • QB Josh Allen (shoulder)

Notes:

Spain was a late scratch for the Bills in Week 5. … Moss and Brown both missed Tuesday’s game vs. the Titans. … As did Milano and White, in full, but they only had limited practices on Thursday. … Allen is still listed because he is still receiving some sort of treatment on his left shoulder during the week which he injured vs. the Raiders in Week 4. … Knox was injured vs. the Titans. … Edmunds was a new addition on Friday.

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Bills vs. Chiefs: Friday injury reports

Injury reports for both the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs from Friday ahead of Week 6.

Here are the second full injury reports for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills ahead of their Week 6 at Bills Stadium from Friday:

Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)

Did not practice

  • WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring)
  • OL Kelechi Osemele (knees)

Limited practice

  • N/A

Full practice

  • CB Rashad Fenton (shoulder)
  • OL Eric Fisher (shoulder)
  • LB Anthony Hitchens (illness)
  • WR Mecole Hardman (ankle)
  • WR Tyreek Hill (heel)
  • DT Chris Jones (groin)
  • TE Nick Keizer (shoulder)
  • DT Derrick Nnadi (ankle)
  • C Austin Reiter (knee)
  • CB Charvarius Ward (hand)

Notes:

Watkins’ injury is not believed to be as serious as once thought, but he’s still unlike to play vs. Bills. … Osemele is likely to land on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list this week. … Hitchens does not have COVID-19, per Chiefs Wire.

Buffalo Bills (4-1)

Did not practice

  • TE Dawson Knox (calf)

Limited practice

  • QB Jake Fromm (quarantine)
  • LB Tremaine Edmunds (shoulder)
  • OL Quinton Spain (foot)

Full practice

  • QB Josh Allen (shoulder)
  • CB Tre’Davious White (back)
  • LB Matt Milano (pec)
  • WR John Brown (knee)
  • RB Zack Moss (toe)

Notes:

Spain was a late scratch for the Bills in Week 5. … Moss and Brown both missed Tuesday’s game vs. the Titans. … As did Milano and White, in full, but they only had limited practices on Thursday. … Allen is still listed because he is still receiving some sort of treatment on his left shoulder during the week which he injured vs. the Raiders in Week 4. … Knox was injured vs. the Titans. … Edmunds was a new addition on Friday.

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Bills Wire podcast: Who to blame for blowout loss, Chiefs bounce back?

Buffalo Bills podcast, who to blame for blowout loss to Titans?

Bills Wire managing editor Nick Wojton joins podcast network host  Ryan O’Leary (@RyanOLearySMG on Twitter) to discuss the Bills’ surprising performance against the Titans in Week 5.

After that dismantling, who’s to blame? Where do the Bills go from here? Well the Chiefs will have something to say about that this week.

Listen to this week’s episode of the show here, and be sure to follow it on Apple Podcasts or on your podcast service of choice (rate us 5 stars!).

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Sean McDermott: Titans loss will ‘make Bills stronger’

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, Leslie Frazier on Tennessee Titans loss in Week 5.

The Buffalo Bills are regrouping following their first loss of the season on Tuesday to the Tennessee Titans. A lopsided evening to forget and, hopefully, one to build on.

The Bills looked uncharacteristic and out of rhythm in a matchup that was uncertain to take place following roller-coaster weeks of positive COVID tests from Titans players and personnel. Buffalo ended up being blown out, 42-16. 

But ever the optimist and football guy, Bills head coach Sean McDermott said his team will still find positives out of the loss. Buffalo will use what happened in Tennessee as a learning experience. 

“As we go through through the week and certainly the next game, and on through the season, and these are the moments that make you stronger,” McDermott said on Monday via video conference. “You learn from adverse times in your life, and I’ve said to the players before- I’d rather have a player that’s been through things, been through stuff in their lives, than a player who hasn’t because I know they’ve had to deal with some stuff in their life. And I think that builds that resiliency, and that mental fortitude if you will, that mental toughness that we all need to accomplish what we’re trying to accomplish here.”

Overall, the Bills defense this season has yet to reach the level of performance and consistency the team has been known for on that side of the ball in recent memory. Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier detailed on Monday exactly where the Bills defense has come up short. 

“We’ve struggled to play good man coverage at times & even in our zone coverage,” said Frazier said. “We haven’t been able to put together a consistent rush with good coverage, so we’ll have to continue to work on it to get there.”

Moving forward, the Bills will have to put the Titans in the rearview mirror almost immediately. A big test awaits ahead and the Bills and Frazier know it. The defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs will visit Buffalo next in Week 6. But again, there’s another silver lining to be found: A strong performance against the Chiefs will make any shortcomings earlier this year by Buffalo’s defense a distant memory. 

“Limit the explosives and try to take the football away. Those are the priorities when playing an Andy Reid offense so you can limit their time on the field,” Frazier said. “Those guys are pretty good, that’s for sure. The good thing is we get to line up again and play another game.”

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Who the Bills protected on their practice squad for Week 6

Buffalo Bills practice squad protection for Week 6 ahead of facing Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bills announced their Week 5 players the team has placed on the protected portion of their practice squad via the NFL’s transaction wire on Wednesday, ahead of their game with the Kansas City Chiefs.  It’s the same set of players the team protected the past three games.

Those four players are:

  • OL Jordan Devey
  • CB Dane Jackson
  • DT Justin Zimmer
  • OL Jonotthan Harrison

.Prior to Week 3, here’s who the Bills have protected over the course of their first two games, respectively:

Week 2

  • OL Jordan Devey
  • CB Dane Jackson
  • LB Andre Swift
  • DT Justin Zimmer

Week 1

  • OL Evan Boehm
  • DT Justin Zimmer
  • CB Dane Jackson
  • CB Cam Lewis

Boehm has since been released from Buffalo’s practice squad.

On occasion, the practice squad protection could help indicate potential injury designations to come this week. Considering there haven’t been any changes to this group, we’re not getting much of that here.

For reference, check out our previous explanation on the “protected” practice squad situation, a new addition to the NFL this season, from our Week 1 coverage:

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the United States, the NFL’s owners and players came to an offseason agreement that we’ve seen the first installment of on Tuesday evening. Each team in the league can “protect” four players on their practice squad each week.

The idea is to provide some extra depth for teams in case of a COVID-19 outbreak in a locker room late in the week prior to a Sunday or Monday game. Those four can be called up to the active roster up until Sunday morning prior to kickoff every week.

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The Morning After: Time for ‘new’ Bills to react

The Buffalo Bills must react following their loss to the Tennessee Titans.

The Buffalo Bills lost. It’s not something the team or their fans have become accustomed to.

It’s a new and odd twist… as is everything in 2020, right?

Following the Bills’ 42-16 destruction at the hands of the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday, Buffalo now finds themselves in another weird positioning this week. One they aren’t exactly used to.

As the 2020 NFL season completed its first quarter, the Bills were viewed among the league’s best. In some power rankings polls, Buffalo shot all the up into the top three. Quarterback Josh Allen started to see the ‘E’ word connected to his name, too… Elite.

After one loss, that’s not going to change. Top three? Maybe not. The NFL is always a “what have you done for me lately” type of league. But the Bills will still be among the best squads.

All eyes to Sean McDermott & Co. now.

Since 2017 when McDermott arrived, the Bills have cracked the postseason twice. In doing so, they pulled it off as an underdog. That was a trigger word for the Bills. Buffalo against the world, yes?

Well, that’s not going to be the case this week. The Bills are not an underdog. They’re facing the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, next. In years past, we’re used to seeing the defending champion Patriots or someone else head into Orchard Park with a double-digit advantage. But now the Chiefs open as only a few point favorite in this one… maybe by three in some sportsbooks… because this is still a battle of the heavyweights next week.

So no, Bills & McDermott. We cannot tout all week that everyone is sleeping on Buffalo after their loss to the Titans. Buffalo just lost to a team that made their way to the AFC Championship game just a year ago and it was frankly just a weird few days leading up to the game due to the Titans’ battles with COVID-19.

So now the message changes from, “we’re an underdog” to “we’re a damn good team still, let’s bounce-back and show it.”

The world’s not ending. Heck, Buffalo’s Super Bowl teams a few decades back were never undefeated.

But rallying the troops in these different manners is easier said than done. Even losing to the Chiefs it won’t be the end of the world, but a much better showing needs to be on the horizon for the Bills to display these “new Bills” are different.

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PODCAST: Titans blowout Bills, Can Buffalo rebound against Chiefs?

Buffalo Bills podcast following Week 5 loss vs. Titans, look ahead to Chiefs.

It was a rude awakening for the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday as the Titans had their way with the AFC East front-runners. The Titans were never behind on the scoreboard, as they picked off Josh Allen twice and moved the ball effectively against Buffalo’s regressed defense.

However, it’s not time to panic. It was a strange week and many were uncertain that these two teams would even play. With the Titans COVID situation Buffalo was forced to game plan for two top teams in the AFC. Though there are flaws, it is only one game.

The Titans had their way with the Bills defense, who was surprisingly missing several key pieces, including Tre White. There were several highlight reel plays against the Bills waning defense, especially the stiff arm of Josh Norman at the hand of Derrick Henry. The regression may have some folks calling for the removal of Leslie Frazier, if this season doesn’t end the way that many believe it can; a Super Bowl appearance.

The Bills looked out of sync offensively as well, missing John Brown and Zach Moss. Despite Brown being out, who is unquestionably the number two wide receiver, second to Diggs, Cole Beasley received minimal looks, including no targets in the first half. It was a terrible performance on both sides of the ball.

Listen in as Bills Wire podcast hosts Matt and David take you through the night’s action right here:

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