Bills fans almost proudly see themselves as a singular example of NFL misery.
After all, their team has missed the playoffs for 17 straight seasons, easily the longest live streak in the National Football League.
But pain takes different forms and the Bengals bear consideration.
Coach Marvin Lewis is in his 15th season as head coach in Cincinnati and,in his first 14 years, he’s steered his team into the playoffs half the time. Unfortunately for Bengals fans, in those games he’s 0-7. That’s right, Lewis is 0-for-the-post-season. Those losses have been by an average of 12 points and only two of those defeats were by fewer than 10 points with four of those seven coming at home.
But it’s likely Bills fans aren’t lamenting Lewis’ struggles.
Urban legend has it that when Tom Donahoe took over as Bills president/general manager in 2001, his choice for head coach was none other than Lewis, then defensive coordinator for the Ravens.
The story goes that he was actually offered the Buffalo job, but declined because he was concerned about the quality of the city’s schools for his two children.
That version has not been fully verified, but it also has never gone away.
Meanwhile, come Sunday, the Lewis-coached Bengals will face Buffalo for the 10th time, the Bills holding a 6-3 edge, including 4-1 at Cincinnati.
And when they meet at Paul Brown Stadium, Buffalo, at 3-1, is one of the surprises at the NFL’s quarter pole. The Bengals, 1-3, lost their first two games, both at home (to Baltimore and Houston) before being edged, 27-24 in overtime at Green Bay, then dominating the Browns last Sunday in Cleveland.
Now the Bills are coming to town and Lewis offered them more than the usual coaches respect.
“The Bills are playing really good football,” he said. “Offensively, they’ve been impressive. They’ve really done a great job of not turning the football over. They’ve been very productive on third downs, which is key … converting 40 percent of them. That’s what stands out.
“Obviously (quarterback) Tyrod Taylor is doing a fine job. (Running back) LeSean McCoy is such a great runner. They have really good, sound people.
“Defensively, they’re very explosive up front. (Rookie cornerback Tre’Davious White) is playing very well in the secondary (which) is doing a great job of getting the ball in their hands. They’re converting interceptions off of tipped balls, overthrows, etc. – but they’re making the plays. They’re very close in coverage, and they do a great job with the guys up front providing pressure on the quarterback. They’re just doing a nice job of being sound. They’re very well-coached, and it shows on tape.”
Buffalo’s third-down success really caught Lewis’ attention.
“They’re converting (41 percent), and (Taylor) has probably run for half of their first downs,” he said. “(Taylor) delivers the ball on time when he’s in the pocket. And, when he’s out of the pocket, he’s been able to pick up the first down and keep them moving down the field.”
“We know the quarterback, but I think everyone else – besides McCoy and (tight end) Charles Clay, who was there a year ago – is somewhat different. It’s a different scheme than they were doing a year ago (when Buffalo won 16-12 in Cincinnati).”
Of Clay, Lewis noted, “He can run. He’s a strong, physical man, and his ability to block is a bit underrated from what I’ve seen on tape. He does a fine job. He was a good player in Miami, and now he’s come (to Buffalo) and done a great job. He’s an excellent receiver.”
He added of the Bills defense, “They’re doing a pretty good job (though) people have made runs (against them). They’re big and physical up front. If we could run 70 times a game, I’d be happy.
(Defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus) are both really good athletes, which makes for (being) a good defensive player. They’re guys who can stay on their feet – they’re big, strong and physical. (Defensive end) Jerry Hughes is playing excellent football. (Linebacker Lorenzo) Alexander last year had a fine season, and he’s picked right up where he left off. They’re well-manned.”
We’ll see how that translates come Sunday.
(Chuck Pollock, a Times Herald sports columnist, can be reached at cpollock@oleantimesherald.com)
