Archives for October 2013

‘”It was a good punt, we’ve just got to do a better job in coverage, especially in a situation like that,” said Marcus Easley, who’s one of the gunners on a unit that ranked 29th in the league coming into Sunday’s game. “We know a deadly return can cost us a game and that’s what happened. You have to give credit to the returners, to Benjamin last week and Tate this week, but I’m out there, and I have to make a play.”‘

‘But hope is not lost. For it appears Thad Lewis, who played his college ball at Duke and has a grand total of two NFL starts under his belt, can play a decent game of football.’

‘Lewis didn’t remind anyone of Peyton Manning, but he sure didn’t remind anyone of Christian Ponder, either.’

‘The decision to start Lewis over Jeff Tuel was a good one by offensive coordinator Mike Pettine, as was running the ball 32 times. The effort came up just short as it was a tough day for the defense, which allowed Dalton to hit nine different receivers and set the game’s tempo. Cincinnati finished with 483 yards offense and 43 minutes of possession time.’

‘After the game, the quarterback was wearing a walking boot on his right foot. While he didn’t know when he sustained the injury, Lewis said it was a foot sprain and x-rays were negative. “We checked it out,” he said. “I should be fine.”‘

‘Thad Lewis certainly exceeded expectations for someone coming off the practice squad. In his second NFL start, Lewis completed 19 of 32 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a short score. He completed a pair of gorgeous deep throws too. Lewis did check the ball down a few too many time though and showed poor ball security on the fumble. Grade: B’

‘”I had some great sleep (Saturday) night,” Lewis said. “At the end of the day it’s football. It’s a game I love to play. It’s a game I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old. I wasn’t nervous at all because I knew the coaching staff and the guys there with me had my back. It’s not a one-man sport. It is 11 guys on the field at one time.”‘

‘”We knew, based on the situation that we were in, we were going to rely on our defense and we didn’t answer the call,” said Byrd. “No one area was exempt, it was all three phases we have to get better, and it showed at the end.”‘

‘”I’m thankful to be here, to be a part of this organization, have the opportunity to be a Buffalo Bill again and finish my career here,” he said after Sunday’s game. “That’s my plan and I’m looking forward to that.”‘

‘Overall, Lewis was fine in his second career NFL start. He wasn’t great, but he didn’t play poorly. He made a few mistakes — he lost a fumble in the third quarterback and took some sacks when he could have made a play — but for the most part, he didn’t hurt his team.’

Bengals grind out win in Buffalo (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Bengals still working on winning pretty (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Reedy’s game ball: Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Zimmer alters game plan at half (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Nugent makes most of second chance (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Photo gallery (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Bengals Report Card vs. Bills (Dayton Daily News)

Bengals overcome flinching for OT win (Fox Sports Ohio)

Bengals win in OT on Nugent FG (Bengals.com)

Nugent gets last laugh (Bengals.com)

Bengals-Bills Postgame Quotes (Bengals.com)

Photo gallery (Bengals.com)

Photo gallery (BuffaloBills.com)

Photo gallery (Buffalo News)

Photo gallery (Rochester D&C)

Photo gallery (AP)

Photo gallery (WGRZ-TV)

‘The Bills (2-4) were led by quarterback Thad Lewis, starting in place of injured rookie EJ Manuel. Lewis went 19 of 32 for 216 yards and two touchdowns after being promoted off the practice squad last week. Both touchdown passes came in the fourth quarter, including a 40-yarder to Marquise Goodwin with 1:08 remaining.’

‘”We knew what was at stake, especially at that point,” said Bills gunner Marcus Easley. “Punt coverage needed to make a play. I’m on the punt team, so I’ve got to do better.”‘

‘Lawson was hurt in the first half. He was facing his former team after signing with the Bills this offseason. Lawson made three tackles Sunday.’

‘Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd (plantar fasciitis) and cornerback Stephon Gilmore (broken left hand) will both make their season debuts for the Bills.’