Josh Allen, Bills Hyped as Super Bowl Favorites After Dominant MNF Win vs. Jaguars
Sep 24, 2024
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after a first down during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Highmark Stadium on September 23, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills are rolling three weeks into the season.
The Bills remained undefeated on Monday as they walloped the Jacksonville Jaguars 47-10 in a game that was over before halftime.
Star quarterback Josh Allen continued his strong start to the season, throwing for 263 passing yards and four touchdowns while picking up 44 yards on the ground. Many questioned whether the Bills' passing game would take a step back without Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, but Allen found 10 different receiving options on Monday with Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Ty Johnson and tight end Dalton Kincaid being on the receiving end of touchdown passes.
While it's still early in the season, fans hyped Allen and the Bills as Super Bowl favorites after the dominant win.
I really like watching Josh Allen play football! 🏈
The Bills looked a bit shaky in Week 1 in a win against the Arizona Cardinals but proceeded to dominate the Miami Dolphins 31-10 in Week 2. Now Buffalo has another solid win over the Jaguars and is one of just five undefeated teams remaining.
Obviously there are some things still standing in the way of the Bills winning the Super Bowl, the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs for one, but Buffalo has given fans every reason to believe this could finally be the year Allen becomes a champion through three games.
Lakers' LeBron James Reacts to Josh Allen's 4-TD 1st Half for Bills vs. Jaguars
Sep 24, 2024
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills warms up prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Highmark Stadium on September 23, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills star quarterback Josh Allen put on a show in the first half of Monday night's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he gained a fan in Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
Amid Allen's four-touchdown performance that helped give the Bills a 34-3 halftime lead, James took to social media to express his admiration for the star signal-caller:
I really like watching Josh Allen play football! 🏈
James is a known Cleveland Browns fan and also once supported the Dallas Cowboys, but neither team gave him much to cheer about this weekend with their losses to the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens, respectively. Watching Allen in Monday night's game gave him a good look at MVP-caliber football.
Allen racked up 247 yards on 22-of-28 passing and led the Bills with 22 rushing yards in the first half. His four touchdown passes went to four different receivers.
Buffalo appears to be well on his way to improving to 3-0 this season, and Allen will garner more adulation if he continues his stellar play.
Bills' Damar Hamlin Celebrated by NFL Fans After 1st Career INT vs. Lawrence, Jaguars
Sep 24, 2024
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) celebrates a defensive stop during the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin added to his inspirational career during Monday night's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
During the second quarter with the Bills leading 20-3, Hamlin came up with his first career interception when Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence sailed a pass over his intended receiver's head:
After suffering a cardiac arrest on the field during a Monday Night Football game in the 2022 season, Hamlin spent the 2023 campaign working his way back into form. He earned the starting free safety job for the 2024 season, and things came full circle for him during Monday's game against Jacksonville.
Following Hamlin's interception, star quarterback Josh Allen and Khalil Shakir connected for a 27-3 lead to give the Bills a 27-3 lead.
Fans on social media were excited to celebrate Hamlin after his interception:
Damar Hamlin’s return to play may be the best football story this decade. He was dead on the field. Now he is the starting safety for the @BuffaloBills and just caught his first career 1 interception. YOU LOVE TO SEE IT. @HamlinIslandpic.twitter.com/I0rMAeGcad
Damar Hamlin 1st interception as a pro. Such an incredible comeback story still being written.
“I don't want to be just known as the player who lived,” Damar told me. “I have some many more goals. And I feel unbreakable.”pic.twitter.com/VHAEaWIRVM
wow crazy that Damar Hamlin just got an interception after everything that he went through. stoked for the guy as i was watching the game when he went down. never give up on your dreams.
Hamlin's inspiring moment was a welcome addition to a long list of highlights for Buffalo in Monday's game against Jacksonville.
Allen threw three touchdowns in the first half, continuing to establish himself as the early favorite for NFL MVP. After starting the season with back-to-back wins, the Bills appear to be well on their way to remaining undefeated.
Bills Fans Donate $16K+ to Tua Tagovailoa's Charity After Dolphins QB's Concussion
Sep 13, 2024
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks on prior to playing a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Bills Mafia stepped up to support Tua Tagovailoa after the Miami Dolphins quarterback suffered a concussion on Thursday Night Football.
Following the Buffalo Bills' 31-10 win, fans came together to donate to the AFC East rival's charity. The Tua Foundation revealed that it has received over $16,000 in donations since Thursday night (via Good Morning Football).
Tagovailoa sustained the injury in the third quarter of Miami's matchup with Buffalo after scrambling for a first down and colliding with Bills safety Damar Hamlin. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, entering the Dolphins' locker room.
The 26-year-old appeared in all 17 games in 2023, although he missed time during his 2022 campaign after suffering two separate diagnosed concussions.
Bills fans have developed a positive reputation for supporting players and opponents financially, previously donating to Tagovailoa's charity following his second concussion in Dec. 2022.
They donated to the charity of Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb following his season-ending knee injury in 2023. Bills supporters also raised more than $415,000 for the foundation of Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton after he sent Buffalo to the playoffs as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017.
As Tagovailoa recovers from his concussion, Bills fans showcased their generosity once again.
Bills' James Cook Thrills Fantasy Football Fans with 3 TDs in 1st Half vs. Dolphins
Sep 13, 2024
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
James Cook was dominant throughout the first half of the Buffalo Bills' clash with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football.
Cook entered halftime with three total touchdowns, with two scores on the ground and one coming as a receiver. He also racked up 77 all-purpose yards on just six touches, helping the Bills jump out to a 24-10 lead.
The former second-round pick continued his strong start to the 2024 season after he previously recorded 71 rush yards and 32 receiving yards during Buffalo's 34-28 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1.
Cook became the third Bills player in the past 30 years to score three first-half touchdowns.
From @ESPNStatsInfo: James Cook is the 3rd Bills player in the last 30 years to score 3 touchdowns in a 1st half; all of them did it against the Dolphins (Lee Evans in Week 13 2005, Isaiah McKenzie in Week 17 2020).
Fantasy football fans were especially amazed by Cook's ability to repeatedly find the end zone in the first half against Miami after he amassed just two total rushing touchdowns throughout the entire 2023 season.
After entering the game at No. 15 on the NFL's rushing leaderboard in Week 1, Cook appears poised to rise up the rankings following a superb Week 2 performance.
Bills' Damar Hamlin: 'I Don't Want to Be Just Known as the Player Who Lived'
Sep 12, 2024
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills reacts prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Damar Hamlin earned a starting safety position on the Buffalo Bills this season and said he hopes he can create a playing legacy that will eventually serve as the central narrative from his playing career.
"I don't want to be just known as the player who lived," he told Cameron Wolfe of NFL.com on Thursday. "My story is my story. It's still being written. But I want to be known for my abilities as well. I've always had big goals on and off the field. I have so much more that I want to accomplish."
During a Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, Hamlin went into cardiac arrest after tackling wide receiver Tee Higgins. He briefly didn't have a pulse before he was defibrillated and resuscitated.
"I died on national TV in front of the whole world," he said simply of the incident.
What followed was a lengthy rehabilitation process before he was cleared to resume football activities in April 2023. Last season, he made Buffalo's roster as a special teams contributor, appearing in five games. This year, after an impressive training camp, he won a starting position at safety alongside Taylor Rapp.
"What else can't this young man do? What an accomplishment," head coach Sean McDermott said of Hamlin after he was named a starter. "We're just extremely proud and full of gratitude to watch him go through what he's gone through and where he is now."
Hamlin said that returning to the football field has at times been a triggering experience, however.
"People move on with their life and they think about it when they see me," he told Wolfe. "I can't move on. It's a part of me. I do still have flashbacks sometimes. And within my day-to-day, I definitely think about it. I've learned to appreciate those moments in my life. But when I play a game now, those three hours, I'm only thinking about football."
"He had every reason to walk away from the game," Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane added. "Nobody would have questioned his toughness. I'm not sure what his odds were to make the team last year, but he absolutely wasn't gifted a roster spot."
But Hamlin persisted, and now he'll play a crucial role for the Bills this season. His hope is that his play on the field defines him in the minds of NFL fans.
"I was raised to be like this," he told Wolfe. "This is what I do best. I'm a football player at heart. It's in me to want to compete. Football keeps me closest to God."
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Spencer Brown #79 of the Buffalo Bills takes the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bills are riding high after their 34-28 comeback win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, and they didn't waste time in rewarding one of their key players.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Bills reached an agreement with right tackle Spencer Brown on a four-year, $72 million contract extension that includes $45 million guaranteed.
The Bills selected Brown with a third-round pick in the 2021 draft. After dealing with injuries over his first two years in the NFL, he started all 17 games during the 2023 season and was one of Buffalo's most consistent players. The team's 24 sacks allowed were the fewest in the league last year.
"It's one thing to get drafted; it's another thing to get to a second contract," Brown said after receiving his extension. "There's a lot of steppingstones and learning, you have to go through that, especially in younger years, and then just doing the same thing, day in, day out, and hopefully it pays off, and you're doing the right things."
Brown continued: "And then [Brandon] Beane in the front office, showing belief in me that I was doing the right things. And I told Beane, 'I went from proving everybody wrong, and now I gotta start proving everybody right.' So I look forward to that."
The Bills overcame a 17-3 deficit to defeat the Cardinals in Week 1. Star quarterback Josh Allen threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for 39 yards and two more scores to spearhead the victory.
Buffalo will have a quick turnaround, as it will face the Miami Dolphins in a marquee AFC East matchup on Thursday Night Football this week.
Bills' Josh Allen Cleared to Practice Amid Hand Injury; Will Play vs. Dolphins
Sep 9, 2024
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Highmark Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Josh Allen's hand injury will not keep him out of Thursday's matchup.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced on Monday that the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback had been cleared to practice and would play in the team's Thursday night matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Allen suffered the injury on his second touchdown run of the Bill's Week 1 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He taped the hand up and did not leave the game but said that he would receive X-Rays on Monday.
Allen hurt his non-throwing hand and McDermott said that he would practice on Monday without any restrictions. McDermott did acknowledge that it did impact Allen's ability to convert hand-offs under center on Sunday.
Following the game, Allen said he wasn't "quite sure" of the extent of the injury but that the way he landed on his left hand caused the injury.
"Again, we'll find out -- I'm not quite sure," Allen said, per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. "I'm not a doctor. But just kind of landed on it, I guess."
Allen went 18-of-23 for 232 yards and two touchdowns while also adding 39 yards and two touchdowns on nine rushes. His dual-threat ability makes him a dynamic player for the Bills and a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
While Allen is expected to play on Thursday, it's not yet known if the Bills will need to adjust the game plan to accommodate the injury. Miami is a top contender to dethrone the Bills as the team to beat in the AFC East and an early loss could be a tough one for Buffalo to overcome going forward.
Bills' Josh Allen Says Hand Is 'Fine,' Will Likely Get X-Rays on Injury After Win
Sep 8, 2024
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills rushes for a touchdown while being tackled by Krys Barnes #51 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
It looks like Josh Allen has escaped the worst fate with his hand injury.
The Buffalo Bills quarterback steered his team to a 34-28 victory over the Arizona Cardinals but did injure his left hand. Following the game, he had a positive outlook on the ailment.
Allen later told reporters that his hand was "fine" but that he would have an X-Ray done. He notably did his post-game interview with some tape on the hand.
Josh Allen says his hand is “fine.” He says he’ll “probably” get X-rays.
Josh Allen says that his hand is "fine". Says that he will probably have X-rays done at some point. Here's what his hand looks like after the game. #Bills#BillsMafiapic.twitter.com/1RTBT4UaAu
Allen went 18-of-23 for 232 yards and two touchdowns while also adding 39 yards and two touchdowns on nine rushes. Buffalo entered halftime down 17-10 but were able to rally from a strong second half in order to nab the victory.
He injured his hand on one of his touchdown runs after he leapt over the Cardinals defense. This came in the fourth quarter and gave the Bills a 31-20 lead.
He would remain in the game and was able to lead the team on another field goal drive. However, a long-term injury for Allen would be devastating to the Bills playoff hopes, so fans can breath a sigh of relief.
Allen has compiled a 63-30 record as a starter and led the Bills to four consecutive AFC East titles. His dual-threat ability makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents but that physical style could make him susceptible for injuries.
Buffalo will hope the initial optimism is true and that Allen will be fully healthy for Week 2 and beyond.
Damar Hamlin Named Starting Safety for Bills Ahead of Week 1 vs. Cardinals
Sep 4, 2024
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JUNE 12: Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills participates during the Buffalo Bills mandatory minicamp on June 12, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin will get his first start in two years during Sunday's season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Sean McDermott announced on Wednesday (h/t The Buffalo News'Jay Skurski).
Taylor Rapp was named the other starting safety, per Skurski.
Hamlin was competing for the starting position with sixth-year safety Mike Edwards and rookie Cole Bishop, both of whom were limited by injuries this offseason.
Hamlin is heading into his fourth NFL campaign after finishing as the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year runner-up. Last season he played in five regular-season games in his return from suffering on-field cardiac arrest in 2022.
Hamlin has not started since Jan. 2, 2023, when a blow to his chest caused his heart to stop, a condition called commotio cordis, which led to cardiac arrest.
After sitting as a healthy scratch for the first three games of the 2023 season, Hamlin received limited playing time, mostly on special teams, in his return to the Bills' reserves.
Rumblings that Hamlin could take on a larger role for the Bills in 2024 began when he played on the first-team defense alongside Rapp on the first day of training camp, moving Edwards to the second unit, per Bills reporter Sal Capaccio.
According to general manager Brandon Beane, Hamlin saw the opportunity to return to a starting role with Jordan Poyer having left for the Miami Dolphins and Micah Hyde's contract status uncertain.
"He came back hungry," Beane said about Hamlin in July, per Sal Maiorana of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. "One of the things he said to me, and I feel like he said it to others, is, 'I got through last year.'
"Right now (last year) we were still talking about how it's going to be different when he puts pads on, it's going to be different that first hit. And then he got to get in a game in a stadium where that incident happened. No one's talking about that anymore. His focus was like, 'No, I want to go win a job. I want to show I can prove that I can start and help and make plays.' And so that's been his focus. 'Micah and Jordan are gone, there's new faces around, and don't forget about me. I can still do it.'"
Hyde remains unsigned, and Beane has recently said the Bills have "not closed the door" on him returning. It is not clear how the veteran safety's potential return would impact Hamlin's position on the depth chart.
Edwards could also continue to compete for a starting position as he aims for a Week 1 return from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss training camp and preseason action.
For now, Hamlin will head into the final year of his four-year rookie contract ready to make his 14th career start for the Bills.
