Archives for September 26, 2012

‘The National Football League has a real perception issue and if the negative public reaction hasn’t already offset the money it hoped to save by hard-lining its regular officials, it soon will.’

‘In games played in September from 2011-2012 Buffalo leads the league in points per game with an impressive 33.3 points per outing in those six games with one to go this Sunday against New England. The Bills also have a 5-1 record during that span, which is tied for best in the NFL with Houston.’

‘Bills special teams coach Bruce DeHaven advocated bringing in a highly credentialed rookie to challenge Moorman in training camp after last season, in which Moorman ranked fifth in gross punting and 21st in net punting. The Bills again turned to more directional kicking to try to prevent big returns last season, and they have had some trouble getting consistent production from their gunners, the outside coverage men on the punt team.’

‘"I’m pretty sure they’re going to do something to get him his touches," McGee said. "He’s definitely a tough guy. He goes in there, he’ll make blocks. Outside of all the catches he makes, he’ll put his head down when he gets the ball to try and get those extra yards. He’s one of those receivers you can tell who’s worked to get where he’s at."’

‘”But my thing is, I just feel bad for the fans. They pay good money to watch this. The game is being tarnished by an NFL that obviously cares more about saving some money than having the integrity of the game diminished.”‘

‘But don’t be shocked if it only hardens Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Scrooge-like owners he represents in negotiations with the officials union. Tuesday’s statement in itself seemed to send a message that no amount of buffoonery by the replacement officials or outrage by fans, players or coaches is going to matter. The pressure to bend, amazingly, could then shift to the union.’

‘I’ve suffered through some pretty upsetting officiating in my years as a Buffalo sports fan. The Bills lost a playoff game when no one could agree whether a ball that wasn’t thrown backward actually went forward. I’ve sat and watched as a foot in the goal crease in triple overtime of a decisive Stanley Cup game cost my beloved Sabres a shot at our first title.’

‘Wannstedt seldom likes to blitz, though he is doing that more this time around with linebacker rushes. The cornerbacks are asked to play press coverage a majority of the time, with safety help over the top. And the tackles have to take up blockers to keep the linemen off the linebackers, who are asked to clean up against the run.’

‘Moorman has been with the Bills since 2001 and twice was selected to the Pro Bowl. But he had struggled this season with a net average of 32.7 yards per punt.’

‘Moorman was the longest-tenured player on Buffalo’s roster after winning the punting job in 2001 following a successful stint in NFL Europe.’

‘It’s been quite a nice start for the Bills second-round pick. Cordy Glenn has stepped right in to the left tackle position and has shown the ability to stick with whoever his assignment may be.’

‘Nix would not confirm if Powell would be replacing Moorman in handling the holding duties on field goal attempts. He also said the money owed to Moorman for the season ($1.675 million total) in the last year of his contract did not factor in to the decision. Nix also said that Moorman did not ask for the release.’

‘The throwback jerseys are white with red and blue stripes, and have blue lettering with red outlining. The jersey, which players will wear December 9th vs. the St. Louis Rams, are modeled after the uniform the team wore during their 1965 AFL Championship season.’

‘The company held a contest using the hashtag #AtTheRalph on Twitter, challenging their followers to explain why they deserve a chance for the special tour at Ralph Wilson Stadium given by Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson.’

‘A team captain for each of the last seven seasons, Moorman, a two-time Pro Bowl punter saw his career with the Bills come to a close Tuesday two days after appearing in his 179th career game at Cleveland, good for sixth most in franchise history.’