Peterman out of concussion protocolBills QB Nate Peterman was very close to being medically cleared for full football activity late last week, but the independent neurologist kept the rookie in concussion protocol. This week however, Peterman is expected to be fully cleared by doctors.
"He's out of the concussion protocol and cleared for practice this week," said head coach Sean McDermott.
Peterman was replaced as the backup quarterback this past Sunday by Joe Webb as he was ruled out for the game against Miami.
Barring a setback this week he should re-assume that role behind starting QB Tyrod Taylor for Sunday's game at New England.
Benjamin better offWR Kelvin Benjamin was on the field for almost 60 percent of the offensive snaps this past Sunday, getting 37 snaps. Questionable coming into the game, Benjamin was laboring through some plays at times, but did finish the game.
Coach McDermott is encouraged that going forward, Benjamin should get a lot more practice time in this week.
"The good part is a week ago he had a setback in the game with going down in the game," said McDermott in reference to the Week 14 game against the Colts. "This week we didn't have that come up. So we feel like we're building off of what happened in the (Miami) game rather than trying to come back from a little bit of a setback like he had in the Colts game when he banged his knee. We'll get a better feel as the week moves forward."
Benjamin had two receptions for 20 yards in the win over the Dolphins on Sunday.
Red zone improvementRecently the Bills have been slightly above average when it's come to red zone touchdown efficiency on offense and defense. On Sunday against the Dolphins however, the offense came out firing once they got inside Miami's 20-yard line.
Buffalo went three-for-three on their first three possessions in the red zone scoring three touchdowns in the first half, staking themselves to a 15-point halftime lead. Part of the reason for that advantage was the defense was equally efficient getting a pair of red zone stops before giving up a late touchdown in the eight-point win.
"I think the red zone defense early on was big for us," McDermott said. "Our offensive performance in the red zone was also big."
Buffalo's defense improved from 14th in the league to 12th in red zone defense. The Bills offense made an even bigger jump vaulting from 12th to seventh in the NFL as they have now cashed in almost 60 percent of the time this season with touchdowns once inside the 20.
