1. ESPN analyst names Brandon Beane executive of the year
ESPN's Bill Barnwell named Brandon Beane as his executive of the year for the work he's done since the 2019 offseason began on Feb. 4.
What the Bills have done over the past three years is almost unprecedented. After firing Rex Ryan, they lined up a 53-man roster on Jan. 1, 2017, for a 30-10 loss to the Jets. Less than three years later, just three players from that roster -- defenders Lorenzo Alexander, Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson -- remain part of the Bills organization.
Barnwell credits Beane and head coach Sean McDermott for tuning the Bills into one of the league's best defensive units and for hitting on each of his top four picks in the NFL draft this season.
What has been far more impressive, though, is how many veterans the Bills have added and successfully integrated into their offense. Signing John Brown and Cole Beasley to take over as the two primary wideouts for Allen raised major questions, but they've both elevated their games and played at a higher level. Brown has been a legitimate No. 1 receiver on a three-year, $27 million deal, which is nearly half of what Sammy Watkins got in free agency. Brown has been the better player.
The best thing any team can do for their young quarterback is surround him with talent, though, and Beane has built an offense overnight. He's a worthy Executive of the Year pick.
2. Sunday's game will be a showcase for Buffalo
The Bills have a chance to finish with 11 wins for the first time since 1999 and they're ready to finish off the season strong says Micah Hyde.
"This is an opportunity to go out there and showcase what we can do," Hyde said. This is what we get paid to do. It's the last game of the year here and we're going to go out there and compete with whoever is on the field. We have that mindset of going out there and playing well."
As the Bills balance the playing time of their veterans it will be an opportunity for younger players to see more action and take some snaps before the playoffs come.
"Anytime you get an opportunity to go out there and get some snaps is big. I was a young guy at one point," Hyde said. "Anytime you go out there and play in front of a crowd in an NFL game that always gets you going and increases the competition."
3. Sam Darnold: "Buffalo fans are crazy in the best way"
Bills fans should be out in full force against the Jets this Sunday. It's fan appreciation day at the stadium and the final home game of the 2019 season. The only other chance to see Buffalo play in person this year will be to travel to wherever the Bills are playing in the postseason.
Opposing players have taken notice of how rowdy New Era Field can get.
"It's tough," said Jets quarterback Sam Darnold when asked Thursday about what it's like to play inside New Era Field. "Buffalo fans are crazy in the best way. They get it rocking in there."
The Jets already lost in Week 1 to the Bills at their home stadium and Buffalo is looking for a sweep and an 11-win season.
