Archives for September 1, 2014

‘With the team to be sold, probably this fall, every administrative job is likely at risk, from President/CEO Russ Brandon, to General Manager Doug Whaley down to head coach Doug Marrone and his staff. And that reality seems to be affecting decision-making.’

‘”That’s one of the big things I wanted to do, was come in and help these guys on special teams,” Smith said. “To be able to carve out that role, I think it will help a lot, being able to play all the different phases.”‘

‘Orton is 10 days older than Fitzpatrick. They both turn 32 in November. Orton came into the league in 2005, like Fitz. This is five NFL teams for both. Orton has started 70 games in the league. Fitz 77.’

‘Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone sits at No. 4 on the list of coaches most likely to be fired first and has 8-1 odds, according to America’s Line. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett sits at 3-1, Dolphins coach Joe Philbin has 5-1 odds, and Dennis Allen has 6-1 odds. Mike Smith of the Falcons comes in just after Marrone with 10-1 odds.’

‘But before making the trade, the Patriots had talks with the Bills and Cowboys, according to the Boston Herald.’

‘With Tuel back, the Bills now have a quarterback other than Manuel who has spent time in the offense. He’s also in only his second season, so he still has room to develop.’

‘Wood tweeted in response: “blame that on espn. No one wants the distraction.”‘

‘Buffalo has struggled to identify a backup to quarterback EJ Manuel, cutting Tuel, Thad Lewis, Dennis Dixon and Jordan Palmer during the preseason.’

‘It would not be a shock that if Manuel struggles early in the season, Orton gets the chance to start. With a new owner likely in place before the end of this year, this coaching staff and front office know the teams needs to either make the playoffs or at least stay in contention right to the end.’

‘All seven players were cut on Saturday.’

‘The Buffalo Bills today announced that the team has signed DB Deon Broomfield, LB Jimmy Gaines, WR Caleb Holley, DE Ike Igbinosun, DE Bryan Johnson, DB Kenny Ladler and QB Jeff Tuel to the Practice Squad.’

‘”It’s basically a dream realized,” said Smith. “I’ve stayed down with practice team, going through the league, battling my way through different teams, basically starting from the bottom and battling my way up. To even get these opportunities to be able to even make the 53-man roster, it’s a great feeling.”‘