Archives for September 2014

‘Tens of thousands of people saw Sunday’s game, either at home or in the windy confines of The Ralph. I’d suspect no one had any problem distinguishing between the two quarterbacks.’

‘”Honestly, I think it’s our fault, secondary-wise,” Bills safety Aaron Williams said. “I think we gave him too easy a look, and when you give a good quarterback like that easy looks, he’s going to find weaknesses in a defense.”‘

‘Manuel, meanwhile, resisted pulling the trigger on a number of occasions and was off target on several other key plays. He also did not react well when rushers flashed into the pocket.’

‘The Bills had a semi-drive going on the possession after the Jackson TD. But on third and 5 from the Buffalo 43, the Chargers once again were unafraid to blitz. Pears was beaten by Reggie Walker, and Manuel couldn’t scramble away, spinning backward and taking a 17-yard sack.’

‘Marrone said the Chargers’ defense gave the Bills looks they didn’t expect. Corey Graham bemoaned the Chargers’ offense unexpectedly ran pick plays all over the field, and the secondary couldn’t adjust. The Bills’ offense also showed how feckless it can be when playing from behind. Fans started streaming to the exits with eight minutes left and the Bills down only 10 points because it felt like they were getting blown out.’

‘Then again, why should anyone be surprised by the Bills’ thorough 22-10 loss to the San Diego Chargers? After all, this is a performance we’ve come to know quite well in these parts as we have watched this team burst the bubbles of hope and optimism far too often.’

‘ was not a good day for Manuel. He finished with 238 passing yards, 75 of which came on the final possession when the Chargers were already thinking about which movie to watch on the long flight home.’

‘Take away an atrocious total of 11 penalties for 101 yards and maybe the outcome is different. The Bills convert that fourth down at the San Diego 43-yard line with less than nine minutes to play, who knows?’

‘The Bills had a chance to go 3-0 with a win over a good team playing in their stadium. But as is so often the case, in a big spot, they fell flat on their collective face. Been there, done that. Now, Doug Marrone’s task is to get his team to bounce back next week.’

‘The game was every bit as one-sided as the 22-10 final and, from the time San Diego went 75 yards for a touchdown on its opening possession after a Bills three-and-out, you just had the idea this was a game coach Doug Marrone’s crew wasn’t going to win.’

‘Fred Jackson scored the Bills’ only touchdown late in the third quarter. Buffalo had several chances in the fourth quarter to cut into the lead, but the offense sputtered.’

‘Somebody else did make a play for San Diego. A few somebodies, actually.’

‘The focus wasn’t as sharp for the Bills as it was in first two weeks of the season. But penalties have been an issue in each of the first three weeks. Buffalo had eight penalties in Week 1 and six in Week 2. Not only did they have even more penalties in Week 3, but they were coming in worse spots and negating big plays. And defensive penalties helped San Diego keep a few drives alive.’

‘”That was a dangerous throw for sure, but given the situation you’ve got to take some chances,” Tasker said on the broadcast. “I know it’s hard and Sammy Watkins has been protecting some bruised ribs for a couple weeks, but he’s going to get told in that meeting tomorrow morning, ‘Hey, listen, you’ve got to go get that football.'”‘