1 - Colts HC Frank Reich still roots for the Bills
On Jan. 3, 1993, Frank Reich became one of the most beloved athletes in Western New York. The former Bills quarterback is still feeling the love to this day, and the admiration is reciprocated.
On that winter day in 1993, Reich and the Bills orchestrated a historic come-from-behind victory over the Houston Oilers. Trailing the Oilers by 32 points at halftime, Buffalo battled back, ultimately winning the AFC Wild Card matchup by a score of 41-38.
Reich's status as a legendary figure in Buffalo was cemented as soon as Steve Christie's game-winning field goal sailed through the uprights from 32-yards out. That game is just one of many special memories that Reich has of his time with the Bills.
"I have the best of memories about the Bills organization and my time there, my coaches and my teammates there, and the fans," Reich said. "It was just a special part of our lives for 10 years. It was as good as it could be. I have nothing but the best of memories. I still root for the Bills. I still like to see the Bills do well. Still keep in touch with everybody there, still come back to the Buffalo community. "
The 56-year-old's career is set to come full circle this weekend. Now the sideline boss of the Indianapolis Colts, Reich will go up against his former team for the first time as a head coach this Sunday. Though it will undoubtedly be a surreal experience for Reich, he's not letting his emotions impact his game plan.
"To coach against them, you don't get too sentimental in this business when it comes to that kind of stuff," Reich said. "So it's just the next opponent, and you've just got to get ready to play and try to go win a football game."
2 - PFF: Lorenzo Alexander is NFL's best edge defender
In a league in which young players receive a lot of praise and attention, it's always nice to see a wily veteran make an impact.
Through the first six weeks of the 2018 season, Buffalo linebacker Lorenzo Alexander has been one of the most impactful players in the NFL. The 35-year-old has put his impressive athleticism and nose for the ball on display on a number of occasions this season, totaling 28 tackles and five pass deflections after Week 6. The defender has also recorded 2.5 sacks and one interception.
Alexander has stood out as a playmaker on a Buffalo defense that, as a whole, has been incredibly stout. The former Cal Bear's stellar play has been recognized by Pro Football Focus, as according to the outlet, Alexander has been the NFL's best edge defender through six games.
The linebacker currently boasts an overall PFF grade of 90.9. Immediately trailing Alexander are J.J. Watt, Brandon Graham, Khalil Mack, and Cameron Jordan. That's pretty solid company.
What makes Alexander's PFF grade even more impressive is the sample size in which he is making his impact in. According to Football Outsiders, Alexander has played just 203 defensive snaps this season, or 51.7 percent of Buffalo's defensive plays. Alexander is the only player on PFF's list who has played less than 250 snaps.
3 - Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation invests $100 million in Buffalo parks and trails
On what would have been the former Bills' owner's 100th birthday, the Ralph. C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced a $100 million investment in Buffalo parks and trails.
Ralph Wilson, who founded the Bills in 1959 and owned the team until his death in 2014, was an avid supporter of local parks. Of the $100 million invested, $50 million has been committed to LaSalle Park, the city of Buffalo's largest waterfront park. Pending a vote from the Buffalo City Council, the park will be renamed Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park.
Of the $50 million committed LaSalle Park, $40 million will be used to make transformations to the site while $10 million will be saved for long term upkeep.
"Ralph Wilson was one of our city's greatest champions," Buffalo mayor Byron Brown said of the investment. "His vision illuminated our landscape and his humanity enriched our community. Today Mr. Wilson's commitment to the City of Buffalo lives on through the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. We are extremely grateful for this generous donation that will enhance the quality of life for generations of Buffalo residents as they enjoy expanded, inclusive access to our city's waterfront and everything that Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park has to offer."
The foundation also announced a $100 million investment into the parks and trails of Detroit, MI, the city in which Wilson grew up.
