Tag: trent murphy

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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Stock up, stock down following Bills’ win over Dolphins

Stock report for Buffalo Bills Week 11 win over the Miami Dolphins.

The Bills had their way with the Miami Dolphins for most of their Week 11 meeting as Buffalo secured a 37-20 victory.

All three phases of the game for the Bills made an impact in this one – mostly for better, but at times for worse.

With that, here’s Bills Wire’s Week 11 stock report following Buffalo’s win:

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Stock up

QB Josh Allen

Still no 300-yard outings for the Bills quarterback. Allen finished with 256 yards passing against the Dolphins, but he undoubtedly had a heck of a day. Overall, Allen was 21-for-33 passing with three TD passes, plus another rushing score. He also had 56 yards rushing.

Somehow, the Bills should convince Allen he’s playing the Dolphins every week. In his brief career, he’s brought some of his best stuff against them. And while opening this with a 300-yard joke, Allen would surely hit that mark, perhaps even consistently, if he treated every team like the Dolphins. Aside from a quick series that saw him toss three straight incompletions, there was a lot of good from the QB in Week 11. Allen continues to not turn the ball over as well, as he hasn’t tossed a pick in 163 straight passes.

WR John Brown

Allen’s successes wouldn’t have been there if it wasn’t for Brown, though. In his best game with the Bills, Brown caught nine passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns against the Dolphins. Brown had 14 targets as well, so Allen was certainly looking for him a lot.

Brown’s 82.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus gave him the team’s highest grade on the day and he’s in line to be one of the team’s most consistent playmakers in about two decades. No one expected that when he signed on the dotted line, but no one is mad about it, either.

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Shaq Lawson on possibly starting: ‘I’ve been ready’

Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson could play a more prominent role this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson could play a more prominent role this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. With a lingering injury hindering starter Jerry Hughes, Lawson would be the next man up to fill the void.

“I’ve been ready for the opportunity,” Lawson said to NYUP. Hughes, who is currently dealing with a groin injury, is questionable for Sunday’s contest. Hughes did not practice on Friday.

Lawson is looking forward to the possibility of getting the start this weekend.

“I prepare every week like a starter. I was a starter here before and started a lot of games here last year. I hope he can go but if he can’t go, I just be ready, Lawson said.

Lawson has been lauded for his production against the run. However, he’s been disruptive against the pass, leading the Bills with 11 quarterback pressures. He has registered 16 total tackles and two sacks on the season as well.

No matter what role he participates, the fourth-year-pro recognizes that he needs to play well for the Bills.

“It don’t change nothing at all,” he said. “Just an opportunity to show some more of me. Getting an extra few plays. I just have to go out there and do my job, do my 1/11th, affect the run and affect the run game.”

Lawson entered this season understanding that it would be significant in his career, calling the season a “do or die” year for him when interviewed in June. After all, Buffalo declined to pick up the 2016 first-round pick’s fifth-year option, leaving his future in a bit of uncertainty.

Lawson is stuck behind Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy on the defensive end depth chart. Hughes has played 42.5-percent of snaps thus far for the Bills.

Lawson could make a major statement and in turn, push Hughes and Murphy for snaps moving forward.

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