Archives for October 22, 2014

‘Had Buffalo not dropped that game and quarterback E.J. Manuel struggled so mightily, Kyle Orton wouldn’t have taken over as starting QB. And while there’s no definitive proof, it can be easily speculated that the Bills wouldn’t have won at Detroit or on Sunday against the Vikings had the switch not been made.’

‘”It was one of the best moments I’ve had in the NFL,” said Watkins, who still has only a seven-game sample to choose from. “We made the play. We made it happen at the end of the game.”‘

‘Buffalo is eighth in points per game allowed, 11th in yards allowed per game, fourth against the run, first in sacks, tied for third in interceptions and third-down defense and sixth in fewest plays allowed of 20 yards or longer. The defense enabled them to win three games by a field goal or less.’

‘By placing him on this list, the Bills are holding out hope that Spiller will be able to return to the field at some point in 2014, though that’s no guarantee.’

‘Tanner spent his first three seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys after going undrafted out of Tennessee State. He has never rushed for more than 38 yards in a single game but could add value on special teams. Even with the signing of Tanner, Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown figure to be the two running backs to receive most of the carries for the Bills in the absence of Jackson and Spiller.’

‘Robinson, who went to Riverside High School in Buffalo, played 1,380 games in the NBA for five teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons.’

‘The Bills kept their options open with Spiller by placing him on the reserve injured/designated to return list, a day after he had surgery to repair a collarbone injury. The designation means Spiller would have the chance to resume practicing in six weeks, and return to action two weeks later, when the Bills travel to play Oakland on Dec. 21.’

‘Spiller underwent surgery Monday to repair a broken clavicle.’

‘Tanner played in 40 games spanning three seasons for the Dallas Cowboys. The 26-year-old had 149 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 56 carries and nine catches for 93 yards while he was with the Cowboys. ‘

‘The short-term IR designation means the earliest the running back can return to the team for a game will be in Week 16 game on the road against the Oakland Raiders. By rule, the player must miss a minimum of eight weeks but is allowed to return to practice, if cleared by the medical staff, two weeks ahead of their official return to the field.’

‘In the New England game, Watkins was primarily lined up outside the numbers, and stayed away from the middle of the field so that Kyle Orton could find Scott Chandler, and other WRs. To a degree, the game plan worked. However, after the game that Watkins just put up Sunday, it’d be a crime for the Bills to ever give him another three-target game.’

‘And so we look forward to what has become a huge test for the Bills. Win this and the other games the Bills should win and the Bills could see the postseason, especially if they can win a game you think they’ll probably lose. Lose against the Jets and the team could freefall back to its normal near the bottom of the division spot.’

‘During a preseason game against the Chargers in his rookie season in Dallas, Tanner went on a run so explosive that his helmet came off en route to the endzone. Unfortunately it didn’t count because of a new NFL rule that play is called dead once the ball carrier’s helmet comes off, but it was legendary in its own right and showcases Tanner’s athletic ability.’

‘The Buffalo Bills also announced that the team has placed RB C.J. Spiller on the Reserve/Injured, Designated for Return list.’

‘All nine of Watkins’ receptions accounted for a first down or a touchdown.’