It's been a wild ride for Bills fans. Since rumors of a guy who looked like Josh Allen in a 7/11 in Cheektowaga, to the cold open of Szn 3 the Diggs Life, to the soothing sounds of Cole Beasley, to the Michael Jackson Tip toe show that was Gabriel Davis versus the Colts, the Bills have yet to disappoint! It truly can't be stated enough how amazing of a year it's been, and no matter what the outcome of today's contest, this for the writer goes down as the best season of my lifetime. Born Nov 28, 1989.
The first Bills game I ever remember attending in person was actually... versus the expansion Ravens.
By this time I had come to understand, and have an obsession for the game. I was the younger brother of a high school player. I remember very little of the game, but remember being excited for a new team with new uniforms. I also remember seeking to understand why the Browns wouldn't want their team. This Ravens team featured Vinny Testaverde, and this means, if looking back at the schedules, this game would have had to have been a preseason game, perhaps even maybe a kids day type thing, IDK.
It's been a wild ride ever since.
Few quick notes on that Ravens operation, the logo was cooler as it was originally, and also Vinny threw for 4000 yards in 1996. Also though he only played 2 years with the Ravens, Vinny started 6 games for the Panthers at age 44. If Bills fans had Josh Allen until 44, it will be the year 2041. Also by comparison Vinny would endure 8 losing seasons with a losing Bucs franchise before a winning one with the Browns. He would only have 4 winning seasons in 20, a part of 6 different franchises trying to win.
So for any fan, or any player, it must be noted, this season has been truly historic for the Buffalo Bills, and a reminder that this is just the beginning of the Josh Allen story.
Let's get into the preview of Bills Ravens in this Weeks #pregamedump
Mad Hatter
Josh Allen has changed his tune this season, for the most part. He has perfected the ball spin of the DUKE pro ball, he has amassed a savant-level understanding of the game, and he has established a soothing confidence that could only come from the Frank Sinatra and other calming music he's listening to before the game.
All jokes aside, Allen has pretty much ditched the "sugar high" act that GMFB and Kyle Brandt coined. But he did take a sack and fumble, near the end of the game. It was evident Allen wasn't happy with himself. It is difficult to play mad, and play well.
It's also difficult to play well, without being mad. Allen has mastered that balance all year, but could something like that cause Dr. Jekyll rear his ugly head? OR will the kid keep his cool hand and continue firing from the hip with brash fearlessness?
Stay tuned..
Get Up 8 Times
Lamar Jackson has a robotic nature about him. He unlike many larger or beefier football runners somehow manages to never show pain, or even get up slowly. Some players know how to slide, some players know how to truck stick, or squeak out of bounds.
Lamar Jackson doesn't only run with speed, he is relentless. He never shows weakness. He slips and slides off of the beefier, larger defenders at a millisecond level. He manages to protect himself and slip off unlike any player ever seen in history. This not only helps him evade and break tackles, but also helps protect him when he IS tackled.
The playoffs are a dirty game. It's cut throat. Fighters fight and last week when challenged with a fight the Ravens, and more specifically Lamar Jackson, were ready for it. He will not stop fighting, he will not show weakness.
Hit Hit BOOM.
Prepare to see some physical assault tonight folks. These teams are both young, and both hungry. The Ravens are obviously known for their bloodthirsty defense, and this year they've cranked it up down the stretch. 99 Matthew Judon is an absolute monster on the edge, and he will wreak havoc every chance he gets. Right next to him is Calais Campbell, another dominant force nobody can stop. Wolfe usually can scrape up a few 1on1's because of the focus of these 2.
The Bills will need to account in pass protection.
Key Zach Moss loss. Can the Bills RBs including Antonio Williams and TJ Yeldon help out and understand pass protections in the heat of the moment? We will find out.
On the back end of the defense are two true ball HAWKS. Marlon Humphrey and Jason Peters are swarming, blanketing corners who aren't afraid to hit. Between Judon, Campbell, Peters and Humphrey, Josh Allen will need to play a very good game to win.
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Everyone has a role, but no matter how big or small that role is, it becomes more and more important the deeper you go into the playoffs. Every small role helps the victory equation balance itself out at the final whistle. As much as the big names will carry the game, the role guys will be just as important.
Special teams will be crucial in a game where both defenses will be aggressive and fly around to force 3 and outs and tipped balls. Kickers and punters could win or lose this game. Field position and FG accuracy will be the difference.
My prediction.
I like the Bills to get out to a hot start. Possibly even an early miscue by the Ravens dealing with jitters and cold balls. Exchange or tip. But I like the Bills jumping out to a 10-0 lead, with the Ravens following up with a good counter drive, bring it to 10-7. Possible 3/out.. 10-10 early in 2nd.
Lamar & Ravens score heading into half, and then score coming out of half, making the game 24-10. Place is going nuts, but it's not over. The game has just begun.
The Defense begins to step up, and in shutting down the Ravens run game, the pass game becomes anemic and we possibly get a defensive score. 24-17 heading into the 4th.
The 4th quarter is an absolute slobberknocker. Throughout the 4th many plays are made, but Allen continues to put us in position to score. The Ravens D is good enough to hold to FGs, and we take them. 24-20. 24-23.
I have the Bills coming back from the dead and proving they are the tougher and more skilled team. Though Harbaugh's experience and preparation will have Ravens in position of comfort early in 2nd half, Bills fight back and show who's boss. Home cookin' helps in Buffalo night game.
Bills 26-24. Book it.
Stay tuned win or lose for my postgame wrapup! As always I'll be live tweeting during just about any sports game worth watching that involves football or basketball, so follow me @jer7rej on twitter! Go Bills!
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