ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Here are my five thoughts on the Buffalo Bills ’ game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium:

1. An NFL team’s bye is typically valued most for providing an opportunity to rest and heal. As the Bills try to escape a two-game losing streak, it served as much more.

They used the time for reflection and soul-searching. They did the football work on the field and in meeting rooms, but they also talked plenty about doing some work on themselves.

The focus wasn’t only on what led the Bills off course from a 4-0 start and trajectory to a sixth consecutive AFC East title. It was how they have handled it.

Josh Allen, for one, shared a poignant conversation with his grandmother.

“My grandma called me and was like, ‘I just want to see you smile,

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