Here's the Bills news of note for Sept. 19th.
1 - Dennison's days in Denver to help Bills defense
Not that it needs much help, but Buffalo's defense will be provided some insight on Denver's offense from offensive coordinator Rick Dennison. The Bills OC joined Buffalo in 2017 after running the Broncos offense in 2015-2016; he won Super Bowl 50 with the team.
Buffalo's defensive coordinator, Leslie Frazier, plans to take advantage of Dennison's days in Denver.
"For sure with personnel. The scheme has probably changed a little bit from when he was there, but with their offensive personnel we'll definitely sit down and talk throughout the week about how he liked to use those guys when he had them versus what they're doing with them now. We'll pick his brain for sure on personnel," Frazier said.
The Bills were tasked with stopping Cam Newton and company in Week Two; defensively they got the job done. Newton was scrambling for his life much of the game, and was sacked six times.
The Broncos offense certainly has weapons, but the question mark has been with quarterback Trevor Siemian. Through two weeks, Siemian has delivered. He's led his team to a record of 2-0 and absolutely annihilated the Dallas Cowboys 42-17 this past Sunday.
Heading into the Week Three matchup Buffalo's defense ranks second in total defense. They'll have another tough test this Sunday with the red-hot Broncos.
**
2 - Rookie WR moving forward after final play**
The Bills second-round pick in the 2017 draft, Zay Jones, had the opportunity to make a highlight reel catch in the final seconds of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. The ball was thrown on the opposite shoulder he was expecting, but with Jones' track record of making catches, that's one he at least had a chance of catching.
The passing game was in neutral until the team's final drive. Missed opportunities and lack of execution resulted in the Bills being held without a touchdown in the game.
"He needs to understand and we all need to understand that it's more than one guy. There were plenty of opportunities to win that game before that play. He's going to make more of those than he doesn't," Sean McDermott said. "Next time he's in that situation he'll have been there before and done that. I'm looking forward to his next opportunity." Jones wasn't a factor in the game until the final two minutes. During that final drive, he reeled in two catches for 18-yards. The Bills won't shy away from calling Jones' number moving forward in the season.
"I believe everyone in that locker room believes in Zay Jones. That's where it starts, the mindset. We're going to get that opportunity again this year and I hope it's Zay, because I know he'll make that play," McDermott said.
Jones' passion after the game in the locker room was evident. He'll have a chance to get redemption in Week Three with the Denver Broncos coming to town.
3 - McCoy hits 3,000 receiving yards
On Sunday against the Carolina Panthers LeSean McCoy was the Bills leading receiver. With six receptions for 34-yards, McCoy reached 3,013 receiving yards for his career. He is the fourth active player to achieve over 3,000 yards, joining Darren Sproles, Matt Forte, and Frank Gore.
McCoy has been an incredible dual threat running back for his whole career, offering a unique elusiveness and good hands out of the back field. On Sunday against the Carolina Panthers only one phase of his game was on. While he was valuable receiving, he only contributed nine yards rushing on 12 attempts. The highly-decorated running back knows he's better than that.
"It was exactly what I expected, I am used to defenses stacking the box. I did not get going at all," McCoy said. "I just did not play good. No excuses, I am out there, and have to get the job done."
Having an extremely effective running game is one of the identities of the Bills. If that part of the game doesn't show up, and they rely on the passing game, they're usually in trouble. In Denver's rout over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday they held Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott to eight yards rushing.
McCoy has been a valuable receiver in Week One and Week Two of this season; they'll need a much more efficient game on the ground in Week Three against the Broncos.
SOCIAL MEDIA POST OF THE DAY
The Bills and Unyts are hosting a blood drive at New Era Field today. Come donate and get a chance to win a pair of tickets to this week's Bills-Broncos game at New Era Field.
