Buffalo, Destiny is Calling

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.

Luckily, I did not have to work this Sunday and was able to enjoy the game on a normal TV screen instead of my cellphone screen. So many emotions during yesterday's game: from cheering, to yelling at the TV, to pacing around the room after that 4th and 17 play. But I wouldn't expect anything else during a Buffalo/KC match-up. In fact, I was so hyped up after the game, I had trouble sleeping! But let me tell you, I am thrilled I get to write another victory Monday post! I feel like words don't do this game justice. Some of the moments were just priceless.

So here is my breakdown of week 9's win against Kansas City:

1. I have to start off this week again talking about the defense. Joey Bosa, Cole Bishop, and Maxwell Hairston (just to name a few) showed up and showed out! Joey Bosa had a sack and 2 tackles for loss. After having 4 tackles in Sunday's game, Cole Bishop now leads the team with total tackles. Which I didn't realize this until writing this post, he has 41 tackles so far this season. Maxwell Hairston got his first NFL interception during his first home game. I don't think the timing could have been any more perfect! As a reminder, this is only his second NFL game, and last week he played less than half of the snaps. I've been excited about him since the draft; and now I hope everyone is starting to see why. Maybe this is dramatic, but between Hairston's interception and Bishop's coverage on the Hail Mary pass, they sealed the win for us. Unfortunately, not everything was positive. Hoecht suffered an Achilles injury and will miss the rest of the season. It’s a tough loss, especially after just getting him back from suspension. With the recent contract restructure, the Bills now have $3.1 million in cap space, which makes me wonder if they’ll look to pick up another defensive player before the trade deadline. Luckily, TJ Sanders (DT) seems to be progressing well, and could return from IR after next week. So, this might impact how that cap space is used. An offensive player could be added instead. Also, allowing a 4th and 17 conversion just can't happen. Just like last week, I could go on and on about the defensive stats, but overall: 3 sacks, 5 tackles for a loss, and 15 QB hits. I think our improvement is also evident when looking at Kansas City's offensive stats. Mahomes was only 15/34, had no touchdowns, and 1 interception. This is the worst completion rate for Mahomes ever and I am hoping we finally figured out how to shut him down. He isn't as amazing under pressure as some people would like everyone to think. Am I still watching the play where Epenesa tackled Mahomes on replay? A thousand percent yes. Also, did we somehow make it an entire game without a flag for roughing the passer? Truly shocking.  
   
   
2. Did Josh Allen and Joe Brady read my blog post last week? Allen went from a 63.2% completion rate to a franchise record high of 88.5% (23/26), with 273 yards, 3 total touchdowns, and no turnovers. Allen now is the first QB in NFL history to have more than 6 rushing touchdowns in every season for his first 8 seasons. After Sunday, he has 78 career rushing touchdowns, which is now the most in NFL history for a QB. Joe Brady, thank you for letting Allen loose! I finally felt like I was watching the MVP Allen again who was extending plays and causing chaos for the defense. Is it possible we can have an MVP repeat? I think it is safe to say Kincaid is back! He was 6/6, with 101 yards, and that TD reception on the first drive was the perfect way to start the game. I don't think that oblique injury is bothering him anymore. Again, yet another victory when Cook gets 100+ yards. He had 114 yards, and while he did not have a touchdown this game, he was still instrumental in moving the offense downfield. Ty Johnson had his first touchdown of the season! The offense seemed to click better this week, and while play calling wasn't perfect (can it ever be?), I did feel like I was finally watching the offensive beginning to reach its potential again. Overall: 273 receiving yards with 10 different players targeted and 141 rushing yards between Cook, Allen, and Johnson. If this isn't the definition of "everybody eats" then I am not sure what is. I know there was some controversy about going for the final "doinked" field goal instead of punting. I think McDermott and Brady made the right call to try for the field goal. Prater has been performing well, and if he made it, the game would have been over. Plus, I think this shows the trust the coaches had in the defense's ability to make one final stop. They were able to do it, even if it caused me to gain a few new grey hairs.
   
   
3. My first 2 points have been a little long this week, so I am going to keep this last one short. We have to try and stay as healthy as possible as a team. In our playoff losses to KC, our offense does well, but our defense allows more points than during the regular season. I do think this has a lot to do with injuries. I am hoping we can continue to play well and get some early leads in upcoming games; so that we can rest some of our starters. Also, we need someone to end New England's 6 game winning streak. I am hopeful Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers can accomplish this. We need to beat New England when we have our rematch. I really want to win the East again this year!

Where are the fashion police? I'm not sure whose throwback uniforms were worse, Green Bay's this week or the Steelers' last week!

Did you know that 1 in 10 babies in the U.S. are born preterm (before 37 weeks)? November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a topic close to my heart as a Maternal Fetal Medicine fellow. Preterm birth can happen spontaneously or for medical reasons; and while we know some modifiable risk factors (such as: poorly controlled medical conditions, low and high BMI, tobacco or substance use, and short pregnancy intervals), many causes remain unknown. No one should ever blame themselves for a preterm delivery. Even with perfect care, it can still happen. I’m hopeful that ongoing research will help us reduce preterm births, and I’m deeply grateful for my NICU colleagues who care for these little ones every day. If you’re concerned about your risk, talk to a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist about screening and prevention options.

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

Rachel H. MD

{Information summarized from ACOG PB 234; for more information or to find a support group, visit Support in your area | March of Dimes}