Archives for October 2013

‘”When he came in, right away it was like he’s moving a lot faster than everybody else,” Bills coach Doug Marrone said. “Our expectations are high and we’re excited about him. He’s actually getting better and better each week, too, all little things that maybe people can’t see.”‘

‘What he lacks in distance these days, the 37-year-old makes up for in hang time and accuracy. Yes, he hit a few line drives last year that ultimately cost him, so the Bills have to hope that was just an aberration and that he can get them through the rest of this season. My hunch is that Moorman will be just fine, and punting is the least of the Bills’ many worries.’

‘RBs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller: The Bills lead the AFC in rushing due to both backs. Jackson has 462 yards from scrimmage (309 rushing, 153 receiving), which is fourth in the AFC, and scored two touchdowns against the Browns. His 28 first downs are tied for third in the league. Spiller is sixth in the AFC in rushing and averaged a league-best 6.0 yards per carry last year.’

‘The return of former Daphne High School football and baseball star Pat White to the NFL has taken a turn – a western one. Several media outlets reported the Buffalo Bills were ready to add White to their roster on Monday. Instead, he’s scheduled to work out for the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday.’

‘Dixon had three starts in four games over three seasons in Pittsburgh, who selected the Oregon product in the fifth round of the 2008 draft. He has completed 35 of 59 attempts with a touchdown and two interceptions.’

‘Dixon, who worked out for the Bills over the weekend, has started three of four games played in the NFL in three years with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2008-11) and completed 35 of 59 passes for 402 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Oregon product entered the NFL as a fifth-round (156th overall) draft selection of the Steelers in 2008. He spent the 2012 season on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad and the 2013 training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles before being released prior to the regular season.’

‘The play of this group can best be defined by the age-defying Fred Jackson who somehow seems to just keep playing through injuries like someone who is ten years younger.’

‘Lewis showed some good things in NFL action. All in all, it’s not all that surprising to see that he was given another shot to play. It’s certainly not an ideal situation, but it could be worse. His arm isn’t great. Accuracy is good, considering his place in the quarterback food chain. He timed out at approximately 2.2 seconds per dropback to throw. His number would have been even lower if he weren’t spending so much time running play action.’

‘Powell was on the practice squad of the New York Giants after being selected in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He’s a 6-foot-2, 249-pound linebacker that played college football at Harding.’

‘The Bills’ passing offense, by any reasonable measure, has been below average in 2013. The Bills are running plays at about the fastest pace in the league, yet their production is light — especially through the air. EJ Manuel is the quarterback.’

‘With a win over Cincinnati on Sunday, Buffalo will win three home games in a row for the first time since 2011.’

‘”It’s kind of a difficult situation,” he said. “You want to hurry up and get out there, but you don’t want to put the team in a bind. If you get out there and you’re not at your best and something happens and then I’m out for the rest of the year. I’m just going to continue to work on getting treatment every day, rehabbing and just getting my hand strengthened back up and getting used to the contact of the ball. I’ll see how everything goes this week. Hopefully I’ll be back out there for the Cincinnati game.”‘

‘To make room on the roster for Powell and Smith, the Bills released LB Marcus Dowtin and CB Johnny Adams.’

”Dixon, who had a workout in front of the Bills pro personnel department and offensive coaches over the weekend, was most recently with the Philadelphia Eagles in training camp. The 28-year old is a former fifth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2008.’

‘”When you look around the league, it’s difficult when you get down to your third or fourth quarterback. The thing with Thad is he’s been in a game before,” Marrone said.’