Buffalo Blues

Disclaimer: I am a full time OBGYN and am in no way, shape, or form, a sport analyst or journalist. These are simply my reactions and thoughts.

After the loss to Miami, I am disheartened and struggling to find any positives to write about. We had a record-breaking win against Kansas City, following it with a record-breaking loss is just unacceptable. Did we go into the game underprepared? Were we overly confident? Did we just want the win less? Or is Buffalo suffering from imposter syndrome? You would think after a big win against Kansas City, Buffalo would have no doubts about their ability to win as a team. But trust me, as a doctor I am very familiar with imposter syndrome. Sometimes after a big win (both football and medically), that is exactly when the thoughts start to creep in. Maybe we were lucky, maybe the other team was just having an off day, etc. What is the cure? Putting all of the doubts aside, being prepared, confident, and most importantly believing in yourself. So, what does Buffalo need to do now? Regroup, prepare for Tampa, and have a win that gives them confidence while also proving all the naysayers wrong.

So here are a few of my thoughts following week 10's loss against Miami:

1. I understand we have a lot of defensive injuries and suffered more during the game. However, allowing Achane 225 yards is just unacceptable. We allowed Miami to have 370 yards total. Miami was 2-7 going into this game, they are not a strong team. Even our backup defensive players should not have allowed that many yards. We only had 2 QB hits, no sacks, and 6 tackles for a loss. So many missed tackles Sunday! I honestly don't even know what else to say other than the defense has to do better than this, injuries or not. Otherwise, we will not make it far in the playoffs. I know I am being critical, so I will highlight a couple of our defensive players who could actually tackle. Poyer (S) lead the team in total tackles with 8. Bishop (S) had an impressive 6 solo tackles out of his 7 total, and an interception. I wish our offense could have capitalized on his interception. I was critical of Bishop last season, but I really do see him improving this season. Lewis (CB) also did well and had 7 total tackles. Hairston (CB) also had an interception late in the game, but I will say I was a little disappointed in his overall performance defending Waddle. I do realize it was his first career NFL start, and Waddle is not an easy matchup. So hopefully he will grow from this experience. There really is nothing else to say. We have to be better.
   
   
2. Where to even begin talking about our offense. We are all used to our defense struggling against the run game unfortunately; but we are not used to our offense looking lifeless. Allen was 28/40, sacked 3 times, and hit 7 times. Overall, only 87 total yards rushing for the offense. Again, another loss when Cook gets less than 100 yards (53 total). Last week, I highlighted our offensive line and their ability to block and create holes for Cook and gave Allen time to extend plays. This week I felt like I watched the opposite. Cook couldn't find any holes. Allen tried to extend plays but was either hit or couldn't find an open receiver. When they both tried to make big plays, they fumbled the ball. Another disappointing performance by Coleman, and I stand by my statement in my first post. Please bench him! It just doesn't seem like he even tries sometimes. Kincaid suffering a groin injury didn't help our lackluster performance either. He is currently considered week to week. The defense was ready for almost every play and read our offense so well. Again, play calling was frustrating. Some of the calls on 3rd and 4th downs...I am literally rolling my eyes. Is Joe Brady just too focused on his future career and a possible head coaching position? Maybe, especially now that LSU has an opening. 
   
   
3. I know last week was the trade deadline and everyone has different thoughts on Brandon Beane's decision to not make a trade. I do agree that it takes two teams to be able to make a deal. After the win against Kansas City, he likely didn't want to overpay for a player we potentially wouldn't need. At that time, I trusted in his decision to not go through with a trade. However, of course now I am second guessing it. Could Waddle have been the answer to our WR issues this past week? Should we have gotten a new defensive player now that we have more injuries? I wish I knew the answer, but I do not have a crystal ball. We did sign several new players to the practice squad, including WR Mecole Hardman. He was a former Chief and was a second-round pick in 2019. I did watch some of his former highlights and he has speed. He is only 27 and does know what it takes to win a Super Bowl (or 3). I am hoping he will do well on the practice squad. Then maybe he will be elevated to the roster this season and can wake up this offense. However, is he just a Band-Aid for a gaping wound? Potentially, considering we have not been able to utilize Samuel, Shavers, or Moore. At the very least, hopefully he can draw some attention from the defense in order for other receivers to get open and potentially will allow Coleman to be benched. 

Not going to lie, this week's blog was difficult to write, and I definitely procrastinated. However, it was therapeutic putting my thoughts on paper. While I have been critical this week, I do truly believe in this team. I just hope they can wake up from this loss and realize their potential too. Luckily, we are back at home against Tampa Bay, who is also dealing with injuries including Irving, Godwin, and Reddick. Right now, the weather is predicting rain, but I am hoping the temperature will drop more and there will be snow. Let's freeze Tampa out! 

This week, the FDA removed the black box warning regarding increased risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease from hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The original warning was based on early 2000s data from the Women’s Health Initiative, which reported a slight increase in breast cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke, and venous thromboembolism. Newer studies support the use of HRT and typically the benefits outweigh the risks that were overstated in earlier studies. Specifically, a reanalysis of the Women's Health Initiative showed possible cardioprotective effects of HRT in women who were younger than 60 years old and within 10 years of menopause. While HRT should not be prescribed solely for cardiovascular benefit, it remains a safe and effective treatment for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness in appropriately selected patients. HRT comes in many forms: pills, patches, shots, and more. So, care should be individualized, using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Essentially all of this to say that if menopause symptoms are bothersome, HRT can be a safe, effective choice. Of course, there are hormone free options that can be trialed as well! Want more information? Talk with your OBGYN and check out ACOG's FAQ page: Hormone Therapy for Menopause | ACOG

As always, and in the words of our MVP, be good, do good, God bless, and go Bills!

Rachel H. MD