Bills Boost Playoff Chances

 

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.

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful that I am writing another victory Monday post today! 

Here are some of my thoughts about week 13's bounce back win against the Steelers:

1. In typical Buffalo fashion, we had another rollercoaster of a week. We went from an embarrassing loss to the Texans, where our defense allowed over 250 yards, to a win against the Steelers. Not only did we win the game, but our banged-up defense stepped up. They only allowed 58 rushing yards and 117 passing yards. This is a huge improvement as compared to last week. Shaq Thompson (LB) led the team with 9 total tackles. He started this week due to Bernard being out with an elbow injury. I have seen some interesting stats that make me think Thompson should be the starter instead of Bernard. However, it is hard to have a fair comparison since Bernard has played a lot more snaps. In the second half, Joey Bosa (DE) had our only sack of the game, but he made sure it counted by stripping the ball! He now has 5 forced fumbles this season, which ties the franchise record. Christian Benford (CB) recovered the fumble and ran it back for a touchdown. As if this wasn't enough, on the very next drive, Benford intercepted the ball! This definitely gave the team life after only scoring 3 points in the first half. Overall, I am happy with the defensive adjustments. However, I feel like I keep saying this, and then for whatever reason, we can't maintain the improvements. 
   
   
2. Our offense started the game sluggish and sloppy with an interception and fumble. However, they made up for it in the second half by scoring 23 points. Overall, the offense had 123 passing yards and 249 rushing yards. This is the most rushing yards allowed by the Steelers at home since 1975. After Sunday's rushing touchdown, Josh Allen now holds the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. I know some people will be critical about not passing as much in this game. However, I was a fan of running the ball more for several reasons. First, the Steelers knew Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown were out and wanted to try to take advantage of that. So, Allen had to get the ball out quickly. The announcers even commented on it during the game. They mentioned he was averaging his second fastest time to pass the ball in his career. Secondly, when your running backs are having a hot game, you let them stay hot. Cook had 144 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. Davis had 66 yards and averaged 6.9 yards per carry. I loved seeing Davis getting involved more. I am a fan of alternating between a speedy back and a power back. Did anyone else get Gibbs and Montgomery vibes, or was it just me? I was also a fan of getting our running backs involved in the passing game more. I hope we continue to do this, especially with our WR injuries. Finally, it looked crazy windy at the game, so if running the ball is working, don't change it. Of course, this wouldn't have been possible without the O-line. I really felt like those guys stepped up and finally worked together as a team again. They were making holes, protecting Allen, and helping each other get first downs and touchdowns. 
   
   
3. After thinking more about the game, I am starting to wonder if we need to make changes in the starting line up both offensively and defensively. I am interested to see which players will be back from injuries and who will be starting. Next week, we play the Bengals, who have Joe Burrow back. Luckily, we are playing the Bengals in Buffalo. I am hoping, between home field advantage and their weak defense, we can capitalize and get another win. I am keeping this last point short and simple, because as much as I love football, I have to pass my board exam!

After Houston's win against the Colts, I am feeling a little less upset about losing to them. Their defense is seriously insane. With Stroud back, and the defense staying strong, maybe they can beat Kansas City next week and make a run for the playoffs. Of course, I don't want them getting a wild card spot instead of us. But, since they beat us, they might as well make it worth their while!

I know ovarian cancer awareness month is September, but I didn't start my blog until October. I still wanted to address this issue because I think it is so important. Ovarian cancer is the second most common type of female reproductive cancer. More women die from ovarian cancer than from cervical and uterine cancer combined. Currently, we do not have a good option for early detection of ovarian cancer that decreases mortality. This means that unfortunately, on average, ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage (3 or 4). The signs of ovarian cancer are vague and can be due to multiple other causes. Some symptoms to look out for include: increase in abdominal size or bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. It is even more worrisome if these symptoms are present for at least 12 days a month during the last year. Also, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of any strong family history of breast, ovarian, colon, or pancreatic cancer. These can be due to hereditary cancer genes (BRCA 1 and 2, Lynch Syndrome, etc) that would put you at higher risk. If you have any of these symptoms, with or without a strong family history, make sure your healthcare provider is including ovarian cancer in their evaluation. For more information about symptoms, risks factors, diagnosis, and treatment visit ACOG's FAQ page: Ovarian Cancer | ACOG

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 Committee Opinion 716}