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The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Friday that hospitals have only two days' fuel left before they must restrict services, after the UN warned aid delivery to the war-devastated territory is being crippled. The alarm came a day after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant more than a year into the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas militants. The United Nations and others have repeatedly decried humanitarian conditions, particularly in northern Gaza where Israeli security services said Friday they had killed two commanders involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the war. Medics in the Palestinian territory said an overnight Israeli raid on Beit Lahia and nearby Jabalia resulted in dozens killed or missing. "We raise an urgent warning as all hospitals in Gaza Strip will stop working or reduce their services within 48 hours due to the occupation's (Israel's) obstruction of fuel entry," Marwan al-Hams, director of Gaza's field hospitals, said during a press conference. The World Health Organization had already expressed grave concern Tuesday for hospitals still partly operating in Gaza. "It's getting harder and harder to get the aid in," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said in Geneva. Late Thursday, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, Muhannad Hadi, said: "The delivery of critical aid across Gaza, including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, is grinding to a halt." In a statement, he said that for more than six weeks Israeli authorities "have been banning commercial imports" while "a surge in armed looting" has targeted aid convoys. - 'Absurd and false' - Vowing to stop Hamas from regrouping in northern Gaza, Israel on October 6 began its air and ground operation in Jabalia and then expanded it to Beit Lahia. Gaza's civil defence rescue agency could not immediately give an exact toll after the latest Israeli raid, but the health ministry says Israel's operation in the north has killed thousands. The UN says more than 100,000 have been displaced from the area, and an official told the Security Council last week that people "are effectively starving". Issuing the warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, the Hague-based ICC said there were "reasonable grounds" to believe they bore "criminal responsibility" for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, and crimes against humanity including over "the lack of food, water, electricity and fuel, and specific medical supplies". The unprecedented move drew a furious reaction from Netanyahu, who said in a statement: "Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions and accusations made against it." Netanyahu also said the judges were "driven by anti-Semitic hatred of Israel". On Friday he thanked his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban for his show of "moral clarity" for inviting him to visit in defiance of the ICC warrant which Orban branded "political". Hungary currently holds the European Union's rotating presidency. US President Joe Biden, whose country is Israel's top military supplier, called the warrants against Israeli leaders "outrageous", but other world leaders expressed support for the court. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said Friday Netanyahu would be arrested if he set foot in the country. - Warrant for Hamas chief - The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas's military chief Mohammed Deif, saying it had grounds to suspect him of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the attacks on Israel that sparked the war, and including "sexual and gender-based violence" against hostages. Israel said it killed Deif in July, but Hamas has not confirmed his death. On the day the warrants were issued, a UN representative said an Israeli raid on Syria this week was "likely the deadliest" by Israel on the country so far. On Friday a war monitor said the strikes on Palmyra killed 92 pro-Iran fighters. Israel again bombed Gaza on Friday. In Gaza City, just south of Jabalia, one man who said he took his cousins to hospital after a strike urged "the world... to put an end" to the war. "We've had enough," said Belal, who gave only his first name and said 10 members of his family had been killed. "I'm the only one left," he said. At least 44,056 people have been killed in Gaza during more than 13 months of war, most of them civilians, according to figures from Gaza's health ministry which the United Nations considers reliable. Hamas triggered the war with the deadliest attack in Israeli history, which resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. The war expanded to Lebanon in late September when Israel escalated air strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah and later sent in ground troops to southern Lebanon against the group, after nearly a year of tit-for-tat cross border clashes which Hezbollah said were in support of Hamas. Lebanon's health ministry says more than 3,580 people have been killed in Lebanon, most of them since late September. On Friday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Hezbollah was probably behind a rocket attack that hit their position and left four Italian peacekeepers lightly hurt. Israeli air strikes again hit Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold Friday, as well as south Lebanon, the official National News Agency said. By Pierre-henry DeshayesOLIVE Garden fans will be getting a belated gift after the holidays that is sure to be popular. The restaurant chain will be rolling out a delivery service that was previously only available to 1.5% of customers. Olive Garden 's parent company Darden Restaurants will be working with Uber Direct to offer the service at the majority of its restaurants . Executives confirmed last week that delivery will be rolled out after the holidays. After a positive performance in the second quarter which came to an end on November 24, Darden hopes to have completed rolling out the service by the end of the third quarter. The Orlando-based restaurant group posted financial results showing same-store sales gains for most of its brands in the previous quarter. read more on restaurants So far, delivery has only been available from Olive Garden restaurants partaking in the pilot of the service. Around 100 locations were selected for the Uber Direct pilot in September which has around 1.5% of sales as there has been a lack of promoting the service. "They are not promoting it yet in order to focus on the technology integration and operational execution," Dardens CEO Rick Cardenas said during an analyst call, per Nation's Restaurant News . "The pilot has gone very well...Olive Garden is on track to begin rolling it out to the rest of the system after the holidays, with potential completion by the end of the third quarter," the president added. Most read in Money During the pilot, customers would have to place an Uber Direct order through the restaurant's website but new elements will soon be introduced, the CEO vowed as the collaboration with Uber brings with it marketing funds. "The Olive Garden marketing team is working on plans to deploy those dollars and some more with marketing this delivery," Cardenas said. He added that so far the service and technology have "worked flawlessly." But, guests will not be able to order their Olive Garden favorites through Uber Eats . Orders must be completed through specifically Olive Garden's website or mobile app , and then Uber Direct completes them. Uber Direct allows certain merchants (Olive Garden, in this case) to use its delivery drivers, tech , and network. Despite the excitement from Dardens, some customers have previously expressed concerns about the negative impacts of the delivery service. Some diners fear that they will be hit by higher prices as a result of the Uber service. "Means prices going up," one wrote in a post on Facebook about the update. "Partnering doesn't always mean a better deal or experience for customers," another echoed. Read More on The US Sun Their fears come after Olive Garden hiked menu prices earlier this year due to inflation. Meanwhile, Walmart has made some last-minute changes to its delivery service which will impact Christmas shoppers.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss says he's being treated for cancer in his bile duct Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss says he is being treated for cancer in his bile duct between his pancreas and liver. Moss made the announcement Friday in an appearance on Instagram Live. He introduced himself as a cancer survivor and thanked his “prayer warriors” for their support. Moss had a procedure to put a stent in his liver on Thanksgiving after experiencing urine discoloration. Moss says he was hospitalized for six days before being released on Friday. He says he’s being treated with radiation and chemotherapy. De'Vondre Campbell won't be part of the 49ers after his refusal to enter a game, Kyle Shanahan says SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said linebacker De’Vondre Campbell won’t be part of the 49ers moving forward after he refused to enter a game after losing his starting job. Shanahan said the team is still working through the options of how to deal with Campbell after he walked to the locker room in the middle of a 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Shanahan says the team is weighing its options, which could include a suspension or release, but that Campbell won't be part of the team for the final three weeks of the season. Trae Young, Hawks hoping to win big in Vegas at the NBA Cup semifinals LAS VEGAS (AP) — Trae Young might be the NBA’s biggest enigma. Young’s fans can point to numbers and say he’s an elite player. His detractors can point to numbers and say he’s overrated. Both arguments have validity. To some, his cocky ways are endearing. To others, they’re infuriating. This can’t be argued: He’s helping Atlanta author one of the season’s surprise stories. The Hawks are in the NBA Cup semifinals, set to play Milwaukee on Saturday before the other semifinal between Oklahoma City and Houston. The title game is Tuesday night. Analysis: Only LeBron James knows what's happening right now, and what's in his future LAS VEGAS (AP) — LeBron James was starring in Las Vegas at this time last year, the headline attraction while he and the Los Angeles Lakers were about to win the inaugural version of the event now known as the NBA Cup. That's not the case this year. “Personal reasons ... he’s taking some time” is what Lakers coach JJ Redick said this week when detailing why James was missing from practice. “Left foot soreness” is the reason why the Lakers have ruled him out of Friday’s game in Minnesota. There’s been trade speculation in recent days. It's all very different than a year ago at Cup time. Yankees get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees have acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin. The Yankees also will send $2 million to the Brewers as part of the trade. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams and his signature “Airbender” changeup are eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28. Williams was 14 for 15 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 38 and walking 11 in 21 2/3 innings. Cubs acquire All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with the Astros CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros, paying a big price for one of baseball’s best hitters. The Cubs sent third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith, one of their top infield prospects, to the Astros for Tucker, who is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. Tucker was limited to 78 games this year because of a fractured right shin, but he hit .289 with 23 homers and 49 RBIs for the AL West champions. New West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez says leaving for Michigan 17 years ago was a 'mistake' MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Rich Rodriguez says he regrets leaving West Virginia 17 years ago. Rodriguez was introduced as the coach at his alma mater on Friday. Based on the welcome he got from the thousands of West Virginia fans in attendance, much seems to be forgiven. Rodriguez told the crowd that he never should have left his home state. The 61-year-old coach says he's grown both as a person and a coach throughout his long career, and that his departure at the end of the 2007 season for a head coaching job at Michigan was a mistake. Rodriguez went 60-26 at West Virginia from 2001 to 2007. Lindsey Vonn to enter World Cup ski races next weekend in Switzerland in her comeback at age 40 BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn will return to World Cup ski racing next weekend for a pair of super-G events in St. Moritz, Switzerland, as she continues her comeback at 40 years old. Vonn teased her return in an Instagram post through her sponsor, Red Bull, on Friday morning. She said “I hear St. Moritz is pretty nice this time of year.” The U.S. Ski Team then confirmed she will race in St. Moritz. She’s won five of her 82 World Cup races on the venue at St. Moritz. Picabo Street, a two-time Olympic medalist and Vonn’s former teammate, says “it’s the coolest thing ever.” Woman who falsely accused Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006 publicly admits she lied RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The woman who in 2006 falsely accused three Duke University lacrosse players of raping her has admitted publicly for the first time that she made up the story. The accusations made national headlines at the time, stirring tensions about race, class and the privilege of college athletes. Crystal Mangum, who is Black, said in an interview with the “Let’s Talk with Kat” podcast that she “made up a story that wasn’t true” about the white players who attended a party where she was hired to perform as a stripper “because I wanted validation from people and not from God.” The former Duke players were declared innocent in 2007 after Mangum’s story fell apart under legal scrutiny. Belichick's bid to reshape football at UNC another sign of rising pro influence on college level CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's hiring of NFL coaching great Bill Belichick marks another sign of the growing influence of the NFL on college football. The challenges of managing the transfer portal and looming revenue sharing for athletes has led teams to take on more NFL-like structures to their programs. Belichick is set to structure North Carolina's program like an NFL front office. That includes hiring former NFL executive Michael Lombardi as general manager. At Florida, coach Billy Napier is interviewing general managers while saying the program is going to “a business model” to deal with a “major math puzzle.”
Why Do People (Including Netflix) Keep Missing The Point Of Squid Game?
AP News Summary at 6:33 p.m. EST( MENAFN - Investor Brand Network) Quantum Computing (NASDAQ: QUBT) (“QCi”) , an innovative, integrated photonics and quantum optics technology company, recently announced its entry into securities purchase agreements with institutional investors for the purchase and sale of 1,540,000 shares of common stock, each at a price of $5.00, pursuant to a registered direct offering. In a concurrent private placement, the company entered into securities purchase agreements for the purchase and sale of an additional 8,460,000 shares of its common stock at the same price. Quantum Computing expects aggregate gross proceeds of $50 million, of which it intends to use the net for working capital and general corporate purposes. With the anticipated net proceeds, combined with existing cash reserves, the company expects to have sufficient resources to continue advancing the development of its quantum technologies, including not only the initial buildout but also the potential expansion of its U.S.-based thin film lithium niobate (“TFLN”) Photonic Chip Foundry in Tempe, Arizona, which remains on track for completion in Q1 2025. Titan Partners Group, a division of American Capital Partners, is acting as the sole placement agent for the offerings. To view the full press release, visit About Quantum Computing Inc. Quantum Computing is an innovative, integrated photonics and quantum optics technology company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. QCi products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The company's portfolio of core technology and products offers distinctive capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, as well as remote sensing applications. About TechMediaWire TechMediaWire (“TMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on pioneering public and private companies driving the future of technology. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers : (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries ; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets ; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact ; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers ; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions . With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, TMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists, and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, TMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. TMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge. To receive SMS alerts from TechMediaWire, text“TECH” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only) For more information, please visit Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the TechMediaWire website applicable to all content provided by TMW, wherever published or re-published: /Disclaimer TechMediaWire Los Angeles, CA 310.299.1717 Office [email protected] TechMediaWire is powered by IBN MENAFN13122024000224011066ID1108992072 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
None21st Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
PLEASANTON, Calif. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 10x Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TXG), a leader in single cell and spatial biology, announced today it had secured a permanent injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against the GeoMx products sold by Bruker Corporation (Nasdaq: BRKR), which acquired the product line from NanoString Technologies. To minimize the risk of disruption to ongoing research, 10x Genomics requested a carve-out for GeoMx users who installed an instrument prior to the trial in November 2023 . The injunction, which the Court said it will enter in January 2025 , is expected to prohibit Bruker from making, using, selling or offering to sell in the United States its GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler and associated instruments, reagents and services for RNA and protein detection. At the request of 10x Genomics, the injunction will not block ongoing research by researchers who installed a GeoMx instrument prior to November 18, 2023 . Such customers can continue to purchase GeoMx reagents for use with existing GeoMx instruments for purposes of continuing their ongoing research. The Court found that making such an exception for ongoing research strikes a "workable balance between protecting the patentee's rights and protecting the public from the injunction's adverse effects." In addition, the Court affirmed the $31 million damages awarded by the November 2023 jury verdict, as well as supplemental damages and interest that will be added to the total damages when final judgment is entered. "Today's decision helps to safeguard our decade-long investment in innovation and ensures we can continue to develop groundbreaking technologies that help our customers revolutionize science," said Eric Whitaker , Chief Legal Officer at 10x Genomics. "10x exists to fuel scientific progress – not stifle it – and that is why we've done our utmost to ensure this injunction was structured to protect both our intellectual property and existing GeoMx customers' ongoing research." The Court recognized the harm NanoString's infringing conduct caused 10x when it wrote in its ruling, "Having been careful not to license its technology, 10x suffers when it proclaims itself as an innovator in spatial genomics but a competitor is using the same innovative, patented technology." Today's Court decision follows a November 2023 jury verdict that found that NanoString's GeoMx products willfully infringed seven patents exclusively licensed to 10x Genomics by Prognosys. During the trial, the jury heard testimony from the sole inventor of the patents, Illumina co-founder Mark Chee , and NanoString CEO Brad Gray and NanoString CSO Joe Beechem. After hearing all of the evidence, the jury determined that all seven patents had been infringed by NanoString, that each patent was valid, that NanoString willfully infringed those patents and that monetary damages were owed to 10x for the infringement of all seven patents. In affirming the jury's finding that NanoString willfully infringed, the Court relied on the evidence showing that NanoString knew or was willfully blind that its acts would cause infringement of 10x's rights. The asserted patents in Case No. 21-cv-653-MFK include (a) U.S. Patent No. 10,472,669; (b) U.S. Patent No. 10,961,566; (c) U.S. Patent No. 10,983,113; (d) U.S. Patent No. 10,996,219; (e) U.S. Patent No. 11,001,878; (f) U.S. Patent No. 11,008,607 and (g) U.S. Patent No. 11,293,917. About 10x Genomics 10x Genomics is a life science technology company building products to accelerate the mastery of biology and advance human health. Our integrated solutions include instruments, consumables and software for single cell and spatial biology, which help academic and translational researchers and biopharmaceutical companies understand biological systems at a resolution and scale that matches the complexity of biology. Our products are behind breakthroughs in oncology, immunology, neuroscience and more, fueling powerful discoveries that are transforming the world's understanding of health and disease. To learn more, visit 10xgenomics.com or connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter) . Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. All statements included in this press release, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "see," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "would," "likely," "seek" or "continue" or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding litigation and remedies as well as possible outcomes of litigation. These forward-looking statements do not reflect that our success will depend on our ability to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property rights, intellectual property litigation could be expensive, time-consuming, unsuccessful and could interfere with our ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize our products or technologies, litigation outcomes are unpredictable or there may be changes in our litigation strategy. These statements are based on management's current expectations, forecasts, beliefs, assumptions and information currently available to management. Actual outcomes and results could differ materially from these statements due to a number of factors and such statements should not be relied upon as representing 10x Genomics, Inc.'s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. 10x Genomics, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements provided to reflect any change in 10x Genomics' expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. The material risks and uncertainties that could affect 10x Genomics, Inc.'s financial and operating results and cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release include those discussed under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the company's most recently-filed 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and elsewhere in the documents 10x Genomics, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Disclosure Information 10x Genomics uses filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, our website ( www.10xgenomics.com ), press releases, public conference calls, public webcasts and our social media accounts as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Contacts Investors: investors@10xgenomics.com Media: media@10xgenomics.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-district-court-awards-10x-genomics-permanent-injunction-in-patent-infringement-lawsuit-against-bruker-corporations-geomx-products-302338627.html SOURCE 10x Genomics, Inc.ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — In losing Sunday’s battle with the Buffalo Bills, perhaps the best team in football, Jerod Mayo won the war. Best I can tell, he’s staying put. For 2025, and maybe beyond. To his angry fan base and incredulous pockets of the New England Patriots’ media corps, remember Mayo’s future doesn’t hinge on winning this season. It’s not about what you want, or what I think. It’s about the Krafts, who hand-picked Mayo to succeed Bill Belichick four and a half years before he actually did, believing in him, and finding reasons to maintain that belief. In the eyes of someone who wants to believe, Sunday supplied enough reason. The Patriots led at halftime, then lost by three as 14-point underdogs. They became the first team since mid-October to hold the Bills under 30 points. Drake Maye outplayed the next MVP of the league for most of the game and took another step toward his destiny as a franchise quarterback, If that sounds like a low bar, that’s because it is. Such is life in Year 1 of a rebuild, a multi-year process ownership has committed to seeing through to the end with their organizational pillars now in place: Mayo, Maye and de facto GM Eliot Wolf. As frustrating as this 3-12 campaign has been, there are always nuggets of optimism amid the rubble of a losing season; particularly if you want to find them. The Krafts do, and so does Maye, who loves his head coach, by the way; calling questions about Mayo’s job security “BS.” “We’ve got his back,” Maye said post-game. Maye’s voice matters. Certainly more than any number of fans or media members. Ever since media-fueled speculation that Mayo could get canned at the end of his first season began rising, the caveat has always been the same: if, a Gillette Stadium-sized “if,” the Patriots bomb atomically down the stretch, ownership could pull the plug on Mayo. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport became the latest to join that chorus Sunday with this pregame report: “The Krafts want to keep Jerod Mayo,” he said. “They believe he is the leader for the organization for the future, and they knew it would be a multi-year process to get this thing right. Now if things go off the rails, if they really start to struggle and he loses the locker room the last couple games of the season, we’ve seen this thing turn. “But as of now, the Patriots believe Jerod Mayo is their leader for the future.” Well, Mayo hasn’t lost the locker room. That’s a fact. To a man, both in public and from those I’ve spoken to in private, Patriots players believe in their head coach. Mayo might be a players’ coach, yes, in the best and worst senses. But the Patriots were a few plays away Sunday from pulling off their largest upset since Super Bowl XXXVI. “I think we’re building something good,” Maye said. The Patriots also played their best half of football this season against their toughest opponent yet. Another fact. Now, to the frustrated, I am with you. To the shocked, I understand. But to the trigger-happy, lay down your arms. Mayo, by all accounts, is returning in 2025. Alex Van Pelt, however, is another story. In the same vein that the Krafts could have viewed Sunday’s performance as a reason to save Mayo — despite his pathetic punt at midfield, down 10 with just eight and a half minutes left — they could have convinced themselves their offensive coordinator is the real problem. After all, team president Jonathan Kraft was visibly exasperated over Van Pelt’s play-calling during the Pats’ loss at Arizona a week earlier. Four days later, Van Pelt told reporters he had yet to hear from his boss. Well, that time may be coming. Trailing by three in the fourth quarter Sunday, Van Pelt called a pass that resulted in an unnecessary lateral and game-winning touchdown for Buffalo. His offense later operated like it was taking a Sunday drive with the game on the line, using up 3:16 of the final 4:19 en route to its final touchdown. Van Pelt, finally, weaponized Maye’s legs in critical situations, something that arguably should have been done weeks ago. Not to mention, Van Pelt’s top running back can’t stop fumbling, and the offensive line remains a hot mess. Call him Alex Van Fall Guy. Because Van Pelt’s offense, for the first time in a while, under-performed relative to Mayo’s defense. On merit, he deserves to stay; a case that’s harder to make for defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. But it’s not about merit this season. It’s not about what you want. It’s not about what I think. It’s about the Krafts; what they see, what they want, what they believe. Even in defeat. ____ Sent weekly directly to your inbox!
The Buffalo Bills are seeking to bounce back from one of the worst defensive performances of the Sean McDermott era and they have to do it against the NFL’s best offense. In a 44-42 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Bills allowed the third-most points and eighth-most yards (457) since McDermott became head coach in 2017. The Detroit Lions enter Sunday’s matchup first in the league in points (32.1) and second in total offense (394.8). The Bills are also going to have to rebound after going through a walk-through Wednesday, while driving bans in Orchard Park and the surrounding towns led to the team holding virtual meetings Thursday. And, on top of all that, the Bills face the Lions with an injury-riddled secondary. Cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) was ruled out, while safeties Damar Hamlin (back/ribs) and Taylor Rapp (neck/shoulder) are both listed as questionable. Undrafted free agent Ja’Marcus Ingram may be in line for his first NFL start in place of Douglas, while rookie Cole Bishop or practice squad veterans Micah Hyde and Kareem Jackson may have to fill in if Hamlin or Rapp aren’t able to play. But from after the Rams game and throughout the week, McDermott has placed an onus on the defensive line to set the tone, something he didn’t feel happened a week ago. Buffalo had plans for a padded practice Thursday, but McDermott said nothing has changed in his expectations for Sunday. “Our guys know what it’s going to take,” McDermott said. “(The Lions) are a heck of a football team, they’re physical and extremely talented. It’s going to take a heck of an effort as a collective team and that’s where it has to start, is the physicality and the line of scrimmage. They know what’s expected.” The #Bills and #Sabres had a forgettable weekend. @billhoppe.bsky.social and I get into Allen's historic game, McDermott's tough day and postgame comments, the Sabres' skid and Kevyn Adams's press conference. fireside.fm/episode/sMvb... While McDermott’s defenses have been prone to odd performance once in a while, they typically bounce back the following week. Opponents have only scored 30 points in consecutive games once since 2019 and they have allowed 18.3 points per game the week after giving up 30, while they haven’t given up 400 yards in consecutive games since 2020 and are averaging 335.8 yards the week after surrendering 400 during that time. The Lions, however, may boast the most complete offense in the league. They are the only team to score 50 points twice in a season since the Cowboys in 2022, an accomplishment the Chiefs and the Bills — the highest scoring teams in the NFL since 2020 — haven’t even accomplished. The top priority for the Bills is stopping the Lions running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who have combined for 1,787 yards and 22 touchdowns. It may not be feasible to completely stop a team that hasn’t rushed for fewer than 100 yards all season, but the baseline could be 150. The Lions are averaging 151.2 yards rushing per game and when they have rushed for over 150 the last two seasons, they average 36.3 points per game, compared to 25.1 when they are under 150. In the 11 games the Lions have rushed for over 150 in the past 30 games, quarterback Jared Goff has 27 touchdowns, four interceptions and has been sacked 17 times. In the 19 games they haven’t rushed for 150, he has 28 touchdowns, 18 interceptions and 36 sacks. Goff, who is second only to Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa, with a 72.4 completion percentage, has proven to be deadly when he’s hot. But he’s also had some strange outings, with five multi-interception games the last two seasons, including a five-pick game against the Texans this year. “They know the vision and we have to make sure that vision is communicated throughout everyone on the defense,” McDermott said. “It’s all about building alignment. Sometimes you don’t get the results you want so you make a correction, say, ‘Hey, this is where it needs to be corrected.’ ... It doesn’t mean it’s all going to happen right away but you keep moving toward that goal.” Buffalo’s best chance may be to turn the game into a shootout, especially with receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) due back in the lineup and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) being a full participant all week during practice. But the Lions play a lot of man-to-man coverage, something the Bills receivers struggled with early in the year. Plus, McDermott lamented the lack of running game in the immediate aftermath of the Rams loss, despite Josh Allen’s 423 total yards and six touchdowns. James Cook had fewer than 10 carries for the second time in three games, posting season-lows with six attempts for 20 yards against the Rams. The Bills abandoned the run quickly against the Rams, giving Cook just four carries in the first half. Based on last week and McDermott’s tendencies, this may be a game in which the Bills try to squeeze the clock as much as possible. Allen has turned his game up a notch in recent weeks, with 12 total touchdowns in the last three games (without a sack), while running the ball more. Allen has run for 50 yards in three of the last four games after having one such performance in the first nine. The Bills are 18-2 when he has at least 10 rushing attempts and his passing yards go from 229.2 to 252.1 in those games. “(The Lions are) an offense that you got to keep up with,” Allen said. “You're going to have to score points on the offensive side of the ball. We understand that, we know that, but again, we're just trying to go 1-0 and whatever that may be, if it's 3-0, it's 3-0. If it's 42-43 and we got to find a way to score one more point than those guys.”
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