Page 43 of Scored

“Okay, gentlemen,” Tilson went on, “as I was saying, the Bills run a dynamic pro-style spread offense and an attacking 3-4 defense. Today, we’re going to break down last night’s game between the Bills and Jags. For the next five days and up until kickoff, I want you to live the Buffalo Bills, sleep the Bills, and eat the Bills. On Saturday with the whole world watching, I want you to spit out the Buffalo Bills.”

“Yes, Coach,” came from everyone listening.

“Let’s get started.”

While most of the wild-card games were nail biters, Bills vs Jaguars was not. The Bills didn’t just win; they defeated the Jags handily. The Bills knew every weakness in the Jags’ offense and defense and capitalized on each one.

Pratt showcased their offense. They often line up with six offensive linemen and use pre-snap motion, causing their opponents to jump early. They call high-efficiency checkdowns, designed screens, and underneath routes.

Brown showcased their defense. While they primarily play zone-heavy defense, two-deep safety shell, they will mix in man-to-man concepts, depending on the down, distance, and specific matchups.

By the time we were released for lunch, my head was swimming. Hell, I’d been pulling up video of the Chiefs since Saturday night. The Bills weren’t on my radar until I woke up this morning and heard the final score of the Sunday night game.

Balancing my tray, I cursed the damn sling.

“Need help?” Marcel Pickett asked.

“Probably, but I’m too stubborn.”

“It’s good to know your faults.”

I scoffed. “Not a fault, a virtue.”

“If you say so.”

I set my tray down at a table with Dennison, Jackson, Lewis, and Spencer who were already seated.

“How’s your knee?” I asked Kylon Lewis.

“Wearing a brace. They say tomorrow I’ll be limited at practice.”

“Hell,” I said, “I’d take limited. I’m seeing way too much of the elliptical bike and treadmill these days. However, I’m a fan of hydrotherapy.”

“Just like a spa,” Matt Spencer teased. “Just think how many muscles you’re building in your legs.”

“And they’re letting you lift with the right arm,” Troy Dennison said. He lifted an eyebrow. “Or were you going against doctor’s orders last time we did weights.”

I speared a large piece of salmon from my high-protein salad. “Right arm is good. That’s why I want to practice and play.”

“We can beat the Bills,” Troy said. “We just all need to do exactly what Coach said. They’re going to find the Bills’ weaknesses and we’re going to take advantage of them.”

Jamir Bennett sat in the last chair at our table. “You all see the roast beef up there? Damn, it’s tender.”

The conversation went around the table, talking about the protein choices. The topic soon turned to the forbidden foods, ones that we will be able to indulge in a little after the season. While there were foods I sometimes craved, I found it was easier to maintain a diet than to change it.

I looked across the table at Matt, our center, and thought of Patrick last weekend. “I saw my old center from Green Bay over the weekend. I bet he’s dropped eighty pounds.”

Matt looked up from his plate. “It takes work to maintain this weight, especially with burning so many calories every day.”

“We appreciate you,” Troy said.

I agreed.

“I saw Miss Maeve this morning,” Troy said.

He had my attention. I also saw her this morning as nude as the day she was born, within a steamy shower. “She has early meetings each Monday with Coach Tilson.”

“Really?” Jamir asked. “Valid. At my old team, there wasn’t as much cooperation between the owners and coaching staff.”