The Buffalo Bills are AFC East champions! Say that five times fast because that’s how many times in the last five seasons they have taken the division! This is the second longest streak in the history of the AFC East, second only to the New England Patriots of 11 straight titles.
The Bills dismantled the San Francisco 49ers 35-10 in the snow to move to 10-2 on the season. The game was never really close especially after the snow began falling early in the first quarter. The game may have had a closer outcome had it not been snowing and if Christian McCaffrey did not suffer a right PCL sprain. Regardless of the variables, one team took advantage and the other simply could not.
Read below for injuries coming out of Sunday’s win and other observations.
In-Game Injuries
QB Josh Allen (Left Hand/Elbow)
Allen came up holding his hand in obvious pain after a third down run late in the first quarter. In the video below, you can see him grabbing at his hand at the very end. The play doesn’t show much as to what happened, but Allen stated after the game that he hit his funny bone during the tackle.
Below is the anatomy of the elbow and where it innervates in the two pictures below.
This is a more hurt than injured issue but the cold didn’t help things during the game. This is not something I expect him to be on the injury report for this week and the hit did not affect his ability to hand off or celebrate with teammates.
Other Observations
OT Ryan Van Demark (Right Shoulder)
RVD had his right shoulder taped up during garbage time play early in the fourth quarter.
He was not on the injury report this week nor did he appear to injure the shoulder during the Kansas City Chiefs game. This is merely an observation and something to note if he shows up on the report later.
LB Matt Milano (Left Biceps/Right Leg)
Matt Milano made his triumphant return after missing 420 days of football dating back to Week 5 last season. He was able to return from his biceps tear in 15 weeks and 5 days which is way faster than anything I had seen in the literature. He also played in 77 percent of the snaps which was unexpected given his extended break from football.
The snow provided poor footing which prevented a true assessment of how he was moving following his tibial plateau fracture. However, he was able to get his nose in there and tackle when he was in position to do so. He returned with a hinged brace on his left elbow and a shoulder harness to prevent excessive shoulder movement which could overstretch the bicep.
His progress will be something to continue to monitor but an awesome sight to see.
Final Thoughts
This was an enjoyable game to watch knowing how dominant the Bills are even after they were supposed to be in the midst of a rebuild. It’s going to take a superhuman effort to knock the Bills off this season with the way they are playing. There are still several excellent teams in Philadelphia, Detroit, and Kansas City, but Buffalo can keep pace with anyone in the league right now.
Another win and another week closer to the playoffs. The Bills will warm up and prepare to fly out west to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14. Enjoy this one, Bills Mafia, Go Bills!
Top Photo Credit: Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat And Chronicle
