Archives for September 2013

‘In years past, that was a game Buffalo usually falls on the wrong side of. They vowed as a franchise to become a more aggressive, attacking group to force the issue on their opponents. Two weeks in, the Bills seem as though they have a new identity they’re trying on for size.’

‘Yes, I’m a neutral observe in the media, but how can you not enjoy talking to an emotional Manuel afterwards. It was his Dad’s birthday and he was up for the game. Manuel embraced him after the game, “I think we were both crying and just elated about the situation, being that it’s the first win and like I said, it’s his birthday. My dad has been to all my games since I was six years old so nothing’s changed. To see his face up in there before the game is awesome. Like I said, to have him in this opportunity and this situation is great.”‘

‘I was preparing for a Buffalo Bills Football Monday where I’d be saying something like “you knew there’d be days like this” or “its part of the growing pains process with a rookie quarterback” but instead I get to talk about an energizing week two triumph and a rookie quarterback who is injecting life into long suffering Bills fans. As Bart Scott would say “can’t wait.”‘

‘Marrone went on to say that Manuel had stretches where he made poor decisions but “he has a quality where he is able to get back on track and that is a good quality.” Marrone added “He’s our quarterback, we expect him to lead us down the field and score.”‘

‘Marrone also said that while he is thrilled with the victory, there is a lot to work on and correct. “Offensively, we moved the ball at times, but there were some criticals [errors], you know again a penalty came up that really hurt us, we made a couple of tough reads and I don’t think we made the best decisions.”‘

‘It’s funny how much changed during the late 1:36 drive to close things out. Manuel played like a young quarterback early and often on Sunday. He missed receivers. His two turnovers in the second half appeared to all but bury the Bills. Still the first round pick shook off the growing pains of a rookie to show the poise of a veteran when it mattered most.’

‘Manuel already has formed a bond with Kelly, who texted him words of encouragement during the week and was there to share a hug in the locker room after the victory. Manuel also hugged his coach and his father. Eric Manuel Sr. has followed his career since he was a six-year-old PeeWee League player. Through high school, through Florida State, to the NFL, his pops hasn’t missed a game. And what made this one even more special was that it occurred on his father’s birthday.’

‘Buffalo had to kick off with two seconds left and squibbed it, leaving a second on the clock. But Kiko Alonso sacked Cam Newton on the game’s final play to thwart a last second pass attempt. The win evened Buffalo’s record at 1-1.’

‘”I think we were both crying man,” said Manuel. “We were just elated about the situation. Being that it’s our first win, then it’s his birthday and my dad has been to all my games from when I was six-years old and nothing has changed. To see his face up there before the game and to have him in this situation was great.”‘

‘”I’m having a difficult time, it’s a personal situation,” Marrone said. “Syracuse University and Central New York lost a dear friend. Rob Edson, who I worked with for quite a long time, he became the athletic director of Onondaga Community College. I know that Rob was watching and I can’t stop thinking about that. When that game was coming down to the end, my prayers just go out for him and his family. I apologize.”‘

‘”It was a play we ran earlier and we missed on it,” said Johnson. “Like I said the defender was yelling check the corner to the outside guy, but with Chris Hogan in there you’ve got to respect him. When he comes underneath you better jump on ‘7-Eleven’ and they just left me wide open. It was a play where we took advantage of their miscommunication.”‘

‘”I felt great. Physically I feel great and mentally I’m better than ever,” he said. “I’m just going out there and playing ball, staying calm. I’m probably one of the calmest persons you’ll ever meet. I just go out there and try to make it happen.”‘

‘”Every time I walk into the stadium, I look around at all the names and realize how privileged you are not only to be on the Wall, but to be associated with all the other guys that are on there,” Kelly said.’

‘Honestly it was all happening fast and blurred. I could tell you probably tomorrow or the next day whenever I talk again. I think the biggest thing was just making a play. You have to keep the play alive. You don’t want to take a sack obviously in that situation, you have no timeouts. The biggest thing was to be elusive and get the ball down field.’

‘I feel like it can’t be negative at all especially after a win. But then a win like that, new staff, it’s their first win. We invest so much into this game as far as being on the sideline, talking, communicating with each other coming from last week and how things went. I think we grew up in a week. I’m proud of this team.’