1. Buffalo must do this to beat New England according to Alexander
It's time to measure up. The Bills and the Patriots is one of the NFL's key top games as it is the only game this week featuring two 3-0 teams.
As Buffalo continues to improve every week, the Bills want to remain focused on the task at hand of beating the Patriots but Sunday's game provides a little perspective on where they are at this point of the season. After all, the Patriots are the defending champions.
Still one thing Buffalo can't do is get ahead of themselves.
"I think a lot of people beat themselves before they even step on the field with the Patriots," Lorenzo Alexander said. "Because of how good they have been and the players and coaches they have, you can be overwhelmed especially as a young guy."
The Bills can't be enamored that Tom Brady is on the other sideline, says Alexander.
"It's all about focusing on your job, focusing on your matchup and really executing. Go out there and play football and not worry about who's standing across the line. Execute the job and do it at a high level."
2. Josh Allen compared to former No. 1 overall pick by NE assistant coach
Patriots assistant coach Jerod Mayo went a different path on his Josh Allen comparisons. No, he did not use the traditional trope of Cam Newton nor did he compare him to quarterback model of Russell Wilson that general manager Brandon Beane used.
Instead, he compared Allen to someone who many consider a cheat code at the quarterback position, especially for fans of Madden 2004.
Mayo compared Allen to former NFL star Michael Vick in an article from NFL.com reporter Mike Giardi.
Patriots assistant coach and former All-Pro linebacker Jerod Mayo compared him to former NFL star Michael Vick, minus the 4.3-second 40 speed.The 23-year-old is growing, as he should be, with just 14 professional starts under his belt. His rookie season was a roller coaster, but his late-season performance was one that had Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll optimistic when I spoke with him about Allen at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. You can see why Daboll was (and still is) excited. Allen has a unique blend of athleticism, fearlessness and an arm that just about every other quarterback in the league would trade their own for.
3. What else is happening at New Era Field during today's game
The Buffalo Bills have some special events planned for today's game against the New England Patriots.
This week's game will feature a halftime wedding ceremony. The winners of Bills "Halftime Wedding Experience of a Lifetime" contest, will take to the 50-yard line to say, "I do!" The ceremony will include a star-studded cast of Bills Legends in the bridal party and will even be officiated by Bills longtime defensive tackle Kyle Williams.
The organization is welcoming back the largest assembled group of alumni in team history as well. At 12:40 p.m., 100 legends will gather pregame on the field to celebrate the long and storied history of the franchise.
The 50/50 raffle will have a guaranteed jackpot of $160,000. The guaranteed total honors the NFL's 100thseason combined with the Bills 60thseason. The winner will take home $80,000 or half the jackpot (whichever is higher). The other half will benefit the Buffalo Bills foundation.
In addition to all that, during the third quarter break the Bills will recognize four Bills alumni who are military veterans – Al Bemiller, Dick Cunningham, Charley Ferguson and Wilmur Fowler.
