We Still Bill-ieve

 

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.

When I was looking at this season's schedule, I knew the Tampa Bay game would be an exciting one. I was anticipating a battle of the MVP frontrunners. However, with our inconsistent offensive performance so far this season, I was worried I was going to be disappointed. Luckily, I was not! It was an exciting shoot-out that left me on the edge of my couch most of the game and ultimately ended in a Buffalo victory! 

So here are a few of my thoughts about week 11's shoot-out victory against Tampa Bay:

1. For the first time, I am going to start with the offense. Before the game even started, I was happy to hear that Coleman was inactive. It really seems like he has some growing up to do. After the first drive ended in an interception, I was stressed. However, our offense found a way to recover and get back in a rhythm. Josh Allen ended up having another record setting game. He now has the most touchdowns before age 30 and is the first player in NFL history to have 3+ passing and 3+ rushing touchdowns in multiple games. Overall, Allen had 357 total yards, 6 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He was able to connect with multiple receivers, including Shavers with an exciting 43-yard touchdown pass. I loved seeing Gabe Davis back on the field! While we were not able to get the run game going, I was happy with the second half adjustments. The decision to get the running backs more involved in the passing game led to touchdowns caught by both Cook and Johnson. In total, 10 different players were targeted. Just like I say in every victory post, Cook had over 100 yards total (I think I am just being superstitious at this point). Now, there are areas we have to tighten up. Allen having two interceptions isn't ideal, however I would argue his 6 total touchdowns make up for that. The fumble by Hardman on the punt return was more bothersome to me. He did leave the game early with a calf injury. Overall, a good showing by our offense and everyone was playing their part (Shavers leveling a defensive player for the Johnson TD).  Now they just need to stay consistent!
   
   
2. Our defense continues to rank in the bottom of the league for rushing yards allowed per game. To be exact, 31st. They allowed Tampa Bay to have 202 rushing yards. What makes it even more frustrating is that we are ranked 2nd for passing defense. So, if our defense could learn to consistently stop the run game, we would be one of the best defenses in the league. I am probably not going to be popular for saying this, but a team who ranks almost last in a defensive area is not a Super Bowl winning team. McDermott needs to figure this out. I wish we pressured Mayfield more. The only time he got sacked (by Jones), he fumbled the ball, and it was recovered by Williams. Honestly, I don't have much more to say. However, to end on a positive note, Cole Bishop appreciation time... Bishop had 6 total tackles and an interception on Sunday. He is still leading Buffalo in both most tackles and interceptions. After his interception Sunday, he is now tied for the 5th most in the NFL. He also is the only NFL player with 50+ tackles, 3+ interceptions, and 2+ sacks. Anyone else loving the season Bishop is having? 
   
   
3. We have a quick turn around this week and will be playing the Texans in Houston this Thursday night. This is going to be a tough match up for our offense. The Texans currently are 1st in total yards and points allowed per game, 2nd in rushing yards allowed, and 4th in passing yards allowed. For comparison, Tampa Bay is 14th in total points, 11th in rushing yards, and 24th in passing yards allowed per game. However, the Texans offense is not ranked nearly as high their defense. So that is good news for us, especially considering their rushing offense currently ranks 22nd in the league. CJ Stroud has also been out the last 2 weeks on concussion protocol. I would anticipate him coming back Thursday, but something to keep an eye on. Their backup QB is Mills. He has led the Texans to wins these past two weeks. Although, one could argue the defense won these games with a total of 2 fumbles (one run back for a TD), 1 interception, and 8 sacks in the last 2 games. This does make me nervous, and I hope Joe Brady is up for the challenge. I think it will be a good measure of where our offense stands for the remainder of the season.

Since it is only Monday, we don't have a lot of injury updates. I don't know that Kincaid will be ready to play by Thursday; but at least we have Palmer and Gabe Davis as other targets for Allen. I will be at the game Thursday, so I'm hoping for a win!

Ladies, I know the holiday season is approaching and us women are horrible about taking care of ourselves. So, please make some time for yourself and go get that facial or buy the dress or add on that workout class. Whatever it is that brings joy, try and find time for it! Sometimes that means finding time to speak with your doctor about bothersome symptoms. Last week I talked about the FDA removing the black box warning about HRT. This week I will briefly talk about non-hormonal options for menopause symptoms. For hot flashes, both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs) are good alternatives to HRT. Specifically, Paroxetine has FDA approval for treatment of hot flashes. Other non-hormone medical options include Clonidine and Gabapentin, though not FDA approved. For vaginal dryness, lubricants and moisturizers are non-hormonal options. While the data is limited, vaginal moisturizers have been shown to improve dryness, pH balance, itching, irritation, and dyspareunia. The point is, there are effective non-hormone options for women who are not candidates or want to avoid HRT. I know how miserable hot flashes are, I experienced horrible ones while undergoing an egg retrieval and I was miserable. If you have bothersome symptoms, discuss with your medical provider because you don't have to suffer! 

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

Rachel H. MD