Tag: Cody Ford

Stock up, stock down following the Bills’ win over the Steelers

Stock report following Buffalo Bills’ 17-10 Week 15 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bills topped the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-10 in Week 15 to secure a spot in the postseason dance. Buffalo sits at the No. 5 seed, the AFC’s first Wild Card spot, with a 10-4 overall record.

To get there, the Bills beat the team right behind them at the No. 6 seed and in front of a national audience.

With that audience in mind, here’s Bills Wire’s weekly stock report following the Bills’ win over the Steelers on Sunday Night Football:

Stock up
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

QB Josh Allen

In no way did Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen have a great overall game. He rarely does. Allen finished the game 13-for-25 passing for only 139 yards in the air with a passing score and interception. His interception went off a receiver’s hands. On the ground, Allen added another 28 yards and a rushing score.

But when it mattered most, Allen was there to increase his stock. On Buffalo’s game-winning drive in the fourth quarter, Allen was 2-for-4 passing, which included a 40-yard strike to John Brown down the sideline and a 14-yard touchdown to tight end Tyler Kroft to put his team ahead. Allen is not a complete product, but he’s tied with Seattle’s Russell Wilson for the NFL lead in game-winning drives this year. They both have five. This is a good thing.

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Bills at Steelers: 5 matchups to watch

Five matchups to watch during the Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Week 15 meeting on Sunday Night Football.

The Bills and Steelers faceoff in a Sunday Night Football contest with massive AFC playoff implications.

With both teams at 9-4 and 8-5, respectively, both also hold the two Wild Card spots in the conference.

The games, within this game, will make a load of difference across the NFL.

With that, here are five matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills meeting with the Steelers:

Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

WR John Brown vs. CB Joe Haden

Over the course of the last three games, the Bills haven’t gotten good production from John Brown. In the absence of their No. 1 wideout, slot target Cole Beasley has continually stepped up. In Brown’s last three games combined, he has eight catches for 91 yards. That’s not very good for a guy who was once leading the AFC in receiving yards. The only thing that salvaged three games ago against the Broncos was a late touchdown.

On the outside, Brown will likely draw cornerback Joe Haden. The former Brown is Pro Football Focus’ 27th best corner in the NFL this season, via their grading system. The Steelers also have some impressive safeties over the top, namely Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has five interceptions, so getting Brown involved in this one might be difficult.

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Bills vs. Ravens: 5 matchups to watch

The red hot Bills face the Baltimore Ravens who are a powerhouse in the AFC at New Era Field on Sunday, these are the key matchups to watch.

The Buffalo Bills, who sit at 9-3, have one of the toughest challenges of their season on Sunday when the 10-2 Baltimore Ravens come to New Era Field.

Both teams are led by strong defenses and young, dynamic quarterbacks. Buffalo has a chance to clinch just their second playoff birth this decade with a win against Super Bowl hopefuls, Baltimore Ravens.

With plenty at stake, here are the key matchups to watch when the Bills square off against the Ravens:

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters. Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
John Brown vs. Marcus Peters 

Wide receiver John Brown is having one of his best seasons of his career with the Bills. So far this season he has 882 yards, averaging 14.5 yards per catch, and he has caught five touchdowns. All impressive stats for who was considered a ‘burner’ by many NFL pundits. Brown has been used as a deep threat by Buffalo’s this season, but his use in the intermediate and short routes has added an extra element in Buffalo’s offense. 

Defensive back Marcus Peters joined the Baltimore Ravens via trade from the Los Angeles Rams in October. Since his arrival in Baltimore he has helped transform the Ravens secondary into one of the best in the NFL. Peters this season has five interceptions, three of them coming in a Ravens uniform. Peters is also a threat when he has the ball in the hands after the interception. Peters has three touchdowns coming off interceptions this season. 

These two will be battling throughout the game, but if Brown can get the better of a re-energized Peters it can create havoc for the Ravens defense, and open up the game for Buffalo.  

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Bills snap counts: Depth chart breakdown vs. Broncos

Buffalo Bills depth chart breakdown via snap count for their Week 12 meeting against the Denver Broncos.

Offense, defense, special teams, don’t matter. The Bills whole clan showed up against the Denver Broncos in Week 12 en route to a 20-3 win at New Era Field.

The Bills (8-3) had an all-around effort against the Broncos, but who played the biggest part in that effort?

Here’s a full depth chart breakdown via snap counts for the Bills against the Broncos in Week 12:

Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Cody Ford (AP Photo/John Munson)

Offense

Notes:

  • For the first time in his career, rookie OL Cody Ford played 100 percent of snaps in a game. OL Ty Nsekhe missed Week 12 due to an ankle injury. Those two have rotated in weeks prior.
  • Rookie RB Devin Singletary played in 71 percent of snaps to Frank Gore’s 29 percent. Those two rushed for 106 and 65 yards, respectively.
  • The Bills continued with plenty of 11 personnel again against the Broncos as WR Isaiah McKenzie played in 76 percent of snaps. McKenzie has played in at least 76 percent of snaps over the past two games.
  • Rookie TE Dawson Knox played in a career-high 78 percent of snaps, well ahead of Tyler Kroft’s 31 percent.
  • WR John Brown played in 99 percent of snaps for the second-straight week. Although, he does typically play in 90-plus percent of snaps anyway.
  • WR Robert Foster played in 10 total snaps but injured his hamstring against the Broncos. In Week 11, Foster was limited to only special teams duties and did not play against the Dolphins on offense.
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What we learned from Bills’ Week 12 win over Broncos

What We Learned, Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos, NFL Week 12

The Buffalo Bills find themselves in unfamiliar territory heading into Thanksgiving: comfortably in a playoff position with one of the best records the AFC.

The Bills improved to 8-3 for the first time since 1996, Jim Kelly’s final season with the team, with a workman-like 20-3 victory over the Denver Broncos. It took a while for the Bills’ offense to get going, but once they did they were able to pull away from a Denver team that never seriously threatened Buffalo in this game. The Bills racked up over 240 yards rushing and Josh Allen tossed a pair of touchdown passes, including a 34-yard rainbow to John Brown that should satisfy fans who have been calling for Allen to deliver on a deep ball.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo defense was dominant, holding Denver to just nine first downs and 134 total yards. Young Broncos’ signal caller Brandon Allen tallied just 82 passing yards on 25 attempts. The Bills also sacked him four times, and the yardage from those sacks brought Denver down to just 49 net passing yards for the day. The run defense also held Phillip Lindsay and company to just 85 yards on the ground.

There was little to criticize from a complete effort from this Bills’ team as they find themselves in strong position heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The schedule does get considerably tougher beginning on Thanksgiving Day Thursday in Dallas.

Here are four things we learned as the Bills won for the second week in a row to continue their playoff push:

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Stock up, stock down following the Bills’ win over the Broncos

With that, here’s our latest stock report on the Bills following their win over the Broncos: 

The Bills took an important 20-3 AFC win against the Denver Broncos in Week 12 which saw an all-around effort from both the offense, and certainly the defense.

With that, here’s our latest stock report on the Bills following their win over the Broncos:

Stock up
Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson. Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

CB Tre’Davious White

A week after a suspect outing for Tre’Davious White, which saw Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker muster up 100-plus yards against Buffalo’s defense, things were completely locked down. The secondary, as a whole, played well and was led by White. He had an interception and while following Courtland Sutton around at times, White shutdown the No. 1 wideout. On eight targets, Sutton had one catch for 27 yards on the Broncos’ opening drive. It looked like there was supposed to be some help over the top and the Broncos happened to find an opening in Buffalo’s zone defense. They didn’t find many more after.

DE Shaq Lawson

For the second time in his career, Shaq Lawson had a two-sack outing. His speed around the edge gave him an open look for his first takedown of Denver quarterback Brandon Allen, while his second came via a move to the middle of the Broncos’ offensive line. Lawson is now up to five sacks this season, a single-season career-high for him. He’ll look to continue adding to that as the season progresses, which will help him build his resume as free agency approaches for him.

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Broncos’ Von Miller praises Bills’ Dion Dawkins, Cody Ford

A big storyline heading into the Bills’ Week 12 meeting with the Denver Broncos was the potential for a big outing from All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller. 

A big storyline heading into the Bills’ Week 12 meeting with the Denver Broncos was the potential for a big outing from All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller.

Miller did make an impact on the game. He had a sack and two tackles for loss. But it didn’t feel that way and even he had to admit that to ESPN following the game. The Bills handled the Broncos 20-3 and after being a non-factor for most of the day, Miller tipped his cap to Dion Dawkins and Cody Ford.

“(Ford) played well. Wish I could have had a couple more chances, but he played well. (Dion) Dawkins played well too. I think in unison with Josh Allen they played a good game. They did well. Cody should feel good about the way he played today. Dawkins should too,” Miller said.

Sure, only passing the Bills only passing the ball 25 times helps, but the reason for this storyline was before of Ford’s relatively poor play during his rookie season. Veteran Ty Nsekhe appeared to start getting some footing on the Bills’ starting right tackle job in recent weeks because of this. Via Pro Football Focus, Ford entered the game with an overall grade of 53.7 this season, compared to Nsekhe’s 67.3.

The vet missed the day due to an ankle injury and could be out a few weeks. It’s too early to declare Ford “back” or “arrived,” but it’s a positive game for a young player still learning. Nothing wrong with that.

With the Dallas Cowboys en route, Ford’s going to likely be pressed into duty again on a short week ahead.

On the edges, the Cowboys sport Robert Quinn and Demarcus Lawrence, who have 9.5 and 4.5 sacks this season, respectively. PFF also grades Lawrence, who’s likely to lineup opposite of Ford more frequently on Thursday, the 10th best edge defender in the NFL with an overall grade of 87.0.

While now having some experience, Ford’s being tossed right into a big time fire with Nsekhe out, but he’s holding his own so far.

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Report card: Bills top Broncos 20-3

The Buffalo Bills moved to 8-3 on Sunday, after beating the Denver Broncos 20-3.

The Buffalo Bills have now moved to 8-3 after beating the Denver Broncos, 20-3 on Sunday. It was a defensive battle throughout most of the game but, Buffalo generated offense in key moments late in the game. At 8-3 this is the best start Buffalo has had since 1996. The team is currently holding onto a wild card spot in AFC postseason.

With that being said, here are the positional grades after Buffalo’s win vs. the Broncos: 

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback: C+

We will start with the ugly, Josh Allen threw a bad interception in the second quarter, as the pass sailed over the hands of John Brown and into the arms of Justin Simmons. Allen also had some ugly passes in the third quarter that should have been intercepted, but the Broncos secondary couldn’t handle Allen’s passes. 

Outside of some ugly throws, Allen converted 15 out of his 25 throws, a completion percentage of 60 percent. On his 15 throws he had 185 yards, an average of 12.3 yards per completion. Allen also flashed his escape ability and mobility, he had multiple scrambles that resulted in first downs. This was shown by his 56 yards on the ground. 

Allen also threw for two touchdowns on the day. In the second quarter he found Cole Beasley from 18 yards out, who created separation with his quick burst speed off the line of scrimmage. In the fourth quarter Allen hit the deep ball to John Brown which gave Buffalo their 17 point lead. Allen ended the game with 241 yards, a very productive game for the quarterback. 

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Von Miller compares Josh Allen to… Bo Jackson?

Broncos linebacker Von Miller thinks Bills quarterback Josh Allen and legendary running back Bo Jackson have something in common. 

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Broncos linebacker Von Miller thinks Bills quarterback Josh Allen and legendary running back Bo Jackson have something in common.

And we assure you, there is no typo in the sentence above.

The face of the Denver defense spoke to members of the Western New York media on Thursday. While doing so, he said exactly that.

The dual-threat quarterback reminds Miller of Jackson when he’s running and using his arms to shed defenders.

“He can escape the pocket, and it’s a challenge to get him down in the open field. He’s 6-7. He’s got a mean stiff-arm like Bo Jackson,” Miller said. “He does, though — he’s got a stiff arm like Bo Jackson.”

Miller never got a chance to try and tackle Jackson. Maybe Allen will be the closest thing for him. The Bills will want to prevent that on Sunday when Miller and the Broncos visit New Era Field.

While discussing Allen’s athleticism, Miller had some more serious-sounding praise of the QB. The oft-criticism with Allen is that he runs too much, or doesn’t throw enough. There’s nothing wrong with that, says Miller. Being able to do both is the key.

“He’s the future of great quarterbacks for this league,” Miller said.

But Allen might have to face the reality of meeting Miller up close and personal. Miller will match up with rookie Cody Ford at right tackle. Ty Nsekhe’s ankle injury will keep him out of the game since Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott labeled him “week to week.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Ford has had a tough start to his career.

Ford’s overall grade from PFF is a 53.7 this season, landing in the outlet’s “below average” category. On the flip side, Nsekhe has steadily improved via PFF’s grades this year and ranks as an “above average” lineman with a mark of 67.3.

Despite that, Allen’s confident in his fellow youthful teammate in the Bills offense.

“We trust him. I trust him,” Allen said.

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5 storylines to watch for during Bills vs. Broncos

Storylines for Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos in Week 12.

The Bills will look to keep their winning-ways moving forward in Week 12 as Buffalo hosts the Denver Broncos at New Era Field.

While entering the game at a better 7-3 record, the 3-7 Broncos will present plenty of challenges to the Bills.

With that, here are five storylines to watch unfold during the Bills’ meeting with the Broncos:

Bills defensive tackle Corey Liuget. Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Is the run defense actually back?

The Bills run defense has been more than suspect this season. Allowing 106.3 yards per game on the ground, Buffalo’s run defense is the 18th best group of run defenders in the NFL. Last week against the Dolphins, the Bills actually got the job done, though.

Starting running back Kalen Ballage had a score, but he only mustered up nine yards on nine carries. But you can’t bring that money to the bank. Buffalo’s offense got the job done and forced the Dolphins offense to abandon the rushing attack early. Plus, it’s the Dolphins. Despite entering Week 11 on a two-game winning streak, that’s not a good team. Shutting down the Broncos’ attack with Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman is going to be a much more difficult task.

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