Archives for July 12, 2014

‘But sources for several weeks have been telling The Buffalo News that the work involved is highly complex, involving a series of financial, zoning, environmental and other considerations that have pushed back the original release date of the plan.’

‘Here’s a look at the team roster along with Mark Gaughan’s scoop on each player.’

‘”I don’t know. We’ll see,” Reed said. “What they do on the field is up to them. All we can do is support them and be there. Once a Bill, always a Bill.”‘

‘”Hell no,” Reed responded as the campers burst into applause. “Look, Richard Sherman is a really good player. But he isn’t a Deion (Sanders) or a (Rod) Woodson yet, even if he thinks he is.”‘

‘Beyond just the volume of plays, though, Hackett and Marrone showed a willingness to be flexible with their offensive scheme and adapt to the personnel at their disposal. In Watkins, they have a player who is dangerous after the catch, can stretch the field vertically and is even capable of taking a hand-off and doing some damage with it. Some offensive coordinators might not fully appreciate Watkins’ versatility, but that shouldn’t be an issue with Hackett.’

‘”To come back and get a key to the city, and to have my family here to watch it, it’s an honor,” Watkins said. “It’s a blessing to have all these (athletes) here to support this foundation. It’s great to get this award. It’s a great achievement for me.”‘

‘Watkins, the former South Fort Myers High and Clemson star, will leave Tuesday for the start of Bills camp. He said he’s been in regular contact with quarterback E.J. Manuel. “He’s excited, I’m excited,” he said.’

‘AECOM, a California architectural and design firm, was expected to identify three to four sites across the region and report back July 11, but a person familiar with the Los Angeles firm told The Associated Press that the large volume of information being sorted through has delayed the findings. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and only spoke to The AP on the condition of anonymity.’

‘Hughes is likely in line for an enhanced role with the Bills in 2014. They didn’t really know what to expect from him last year, and got a more than competent pass rusher that could chip in on the run on occasion. It might not be fair to expect Hughes to be an every down player, which likely paves the way for Manny Lawson to get some snaps on run downs. However, with another big season against the pass Hughes can not only put to rest his “bust” status from Indianapolis, but he can go into free agency next March as a hot commodity.’

‘Jackson will once again split time with C.J. Spiller in the backfield, but now the Bills added two other pieces at running back (Bryce Brown, Anthony Dixon) that could cut into the 33-year old’s snaps as well. He’s entering the final year of his contract with the team, but is a very important person to the locker room. Many of his younger teammates look up to him, and with quite a young core group of starters, the veteran presence Jackson provides is essential. Regardless, the question that will be asked once the season is over is how much Jackson has left in the tank as regular contributor. If he plays like he did in 2013, though, it will go far to prove that he has a bit more left.’

‘Corbin Bryant, Stefan Charles

– While Bryant hung around through camp last year, Charles was a mid-season addition that helped provide the Bills not only with depth, but with a player that has a fair bit of upside as well. There really isn’t much clarification as to whether or not Dareus will get suspended for his off-the-field transgressions and that could directly impact the job status of one of Bryant or Charles. Even if he isn’t suspended, there is still a completely plausible scenario of all five making the roster outright. However, if the Bills decide they only have room for four, it will be a battle between these two.’

‘The New York Bills of Buffalo. Heck, they are the only NFL team that plays in the state. Why not brag about it?’

‘”I think we’re deeper at every position on offense,” said Manuel. “I think our offensive line is working very hard to keep me healthy and I have to do my part too to stay healthy, but we’re deep at all the positions, especially the skill positions.”‘

‘Tickets are complimentary but are required for entry to night practices.’