The playoff-bound Buffalo Bills are far from satisfied.
It’s been four weeks since Buffalo punched its ticket to the postseason, but the Bills still have plenty of work to do as they prepare for a meeting with the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon in Orchard Park, N.Y.
Buffalo (12-3) believes it has room for improvement on both sides of the ball after being tested by the 3-12 Patriots last week. Most of the Bills’ struggles came on the defensive end, as New England jumped out to a 14-0 lead and converted 7 of 12 third downs for the game.
A string of 24 consecutive points allowed Buffalo to escape with a 24-21 victory, but Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich wants to make sure New York (4-11) has a hard time extending drives.
“Certainly we’re not where we need to be or where we want to be, and we’re constantly looking to get that corrected,” Babich said of Buffalo’s third-down defense. “It’s a combination of us putting our players, and me specifically, putting the players in position to be successful and understand how they’re going to get attacked.”
The Bills are also hoping to get wide receiver Amari Cooper going. Acquired from the Cleveland Browns in October, Cooper has 17 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown in seven games with Buffalo. He had just one catch for 10 yards against the Patriots.
“We’re better when Amari Cooper is out on the football field,” Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady said. “I got to do a better job of getting the ball in his hands, because he helps us.”
While Buffalo gears up for a playoff run, the Jets are trying to put a disappointing season to bed.
New York once had aspirations of winning the AFC East, dreams that the Bills shattered by running away with the division. A 19-9 setback against the Los Angeles Rams last weekend dropped the Jets to 1-5 over their past six games, but finishing strong is still important to linebacker Jamien Sherwood.
“There are only two weeks (remaining). There is no reason for anybody to be checked out,” Sherwood said. “You have two full weeks of football left and preparation and go out there and put your best tape on the line.
“In these final moments in seasons like this, it shows what type of person you are, what type of player you are.”
Any sense of optimism New York still holds took a bit of a hit earlier this week, though, as veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers noted that his future with the Jets is a big question mark.
While appearing on the “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday, Rodgers joked about team owner Woody Johnson’s teenage sons, Brick and Jack, cutting him at season’s end. The Athletic had reported that Johnson takes advice from his kin, and Rodgers might not be in their plans for 2025.
“You should ask Woody,” Rodgers said Tuesday when asked if he thought Johnson wants to stick with the 41-year-old next season.
Rodgers is dealing with a knee injury but would have practiced in full on Wednesday had the Jets gotten a session in. Wide receiver Davante Adams (hip), offensive linemen Morgan Moses (knee) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) and cornerbacks Michael Carter II (back) and Sauce Gardner (hamstring) were among those who would have sat out.
Buffalo also didn’t practice on Wednesday, turning in an estimated injury report. Five Bills were listed as limited, including safety Damar Hamlin (rib) and linebacker Matt Milano (biceps, groin).
–Field Level Media
