1 - Mike McCarthy calls Allen 'a stud'
Mike McCarthy knows a good quarterback when he sees one.
Throughout his 25-year professional coaching career, the Green Bay Packers head coach has worked with some of the best passers in NFL history. McCarthy coached Brett Favre to a 4,000-yard season as Green Bay's quarterbacks coach in 1999. He worked with Alex Smith in his rookie season, serving as San Francisco's offensive coordinator in 2005. Under McCarthy's tutelage, Aaron Rodgers has developed into one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game of football.
McCarthy has a tremendous track record with quarterbacks. When he has praise for a young passer, it should most definitely be noted.
And McCarthy had plenty for Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen.
The Super Bowl-winning coach likes what he has seen from the rookie thus far. McCarthy feels as though Allen's game features a dynamic blend of arm strength and athleticism, two things he'll try to contain when the Packers take on the Bills in Week 4.
"I think he's done some really nice things," McCarthy said. "I think you have to be excited about when your rookie quarterback wins games. He's done a good job managing the scheme, looks like he's doing what they're asking him. His ability to throw the ball down the field, really haven't seen the big shots yet, so we have to be prepared for that. Getting through his progressions, checking it down, and he's a stud of an athlete, you can see that in his ability to run."
2 - Leslie Frazier humble after receiving game ball
Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier has constructed a long and accomplished coaching career, with his resumé dating back 30 years and featuring stints with seven different NFL teams. Though Frazier has served as a coordinator and position coach throughout the majority of his career, he has received one shot at glory. He was the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings for 2011-13
After a disappointing 5-10-1 2013 season, the Vikings parted ways with Frazier. Following short stints in Tampa Bay and Baltimore, Frazier joined new head Sean McDermott's staff in Buffalo as defensive coordinator. He's currently in his second season with the team.
Frazier and the Bills went up against Minnesota in Week 3 of the 2018 season. Frazier coached well against his former team, limiting the Vikings to just six points in a shocking victory. After the win, McDermott gave Frazier the game ball.
"If you look at his past, Leslie has been the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings," McDermott said. "I knew that game meant a lot to Leslie. He'll probably say otherwise, but I think it's human nature to want to go out and put your best foot forward against your old team. I'm extremely proud of Leslie and happy for him at the same time."
While Frazier was humbled by the gesture, he feels as though Buffalo's defensive players led the team to victory.
"Well, you know, I'm always concerned about our players," Frazier said. "What's most important is that we give them the best chance to win; that's all that really matters. Matt, Jerry, those guys on our defense, those guys on our offense, they deserve that game ball far more than I do. They went out and played and they played well. They deserved the win."
3 - Lorenzo Alexander among PFF's top edge defenders
Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander is currently going through a career renaissance.
The 35-year-old has been playing at an "unreal" level in the 2018 season, according to head coach Sean McDermott. Through three games, Alexander has been one of Buffalo's best defensive players. He has recorded 14 tackles, one sack, and three pass deflections. He's been efficient in nearly every aspect of his game: he's been solid in coverage, he's been effective against the run, and he's been a nightmare for opposing linemen, quarterbacks and running backs.
Alexander's stellar start to the 2018 campaign has been noticed by Pro Football Focus. After Week 3, Alexander has an overall grade of 90.8, fourth amongst all edge defenders.
Alexander credits his early success to his fellow pass rushers.
"I think for me and Trent [Murphy], and really me and Kyle [Williams], and I'm just speaking kind of for myself, I have a great synergy with those guys," Alexander said. "Work well, understanding what's going on. We can communicate very late in the down, you know, as the quarterback is snapping, and still be able to execute some games or some stunts. . . As we continue to progress in that fashion, I think guys just play off of each other a lot better."
