Archives for November 10, 2014

‘But the most punitive turnover came with just under 10 minutes to play when Leodis McKelvin fumbled on a punt return when hit by fullback Anthony Sherman, who also recovered.’

‘Instead, they showed, just as they did after three previous seasons with a 5-3 record, that they still don’t know how to take that next step when the stakes begin to climb. Sure, they might figure it out as soon as Thursday night’s AFC East showdown at Miami, or soon thereafter, but right now, they aren’t there. They aren’t ready.’

‘It was far from easy for the Chiefs. They were outgained, 364-278, went just 3 of 13 on third down and watched as Alex Smith was sacked six times and hit 10 times in total. But when their offense needed them, Smith and star running back Jamaal Charles came through.’

‘The problem with following a chronic loser is that the need to believe can become greater than the reality. People are so desperate for a franchise quarterback that they want to see more in Orton than is actually there.’

‘Looking back, there have been so many that it’s hard to keep track. The Bills have a gift for letting games slip away and losing when it matters most. It’s difficult to distinguish one from another after a while. They become one giant loss in one giant game in one giant season of their long and sordid past.’

‘”I knew I’d be able to get out here and compete,” Jackson said. “Unfortunately it wasn’t enough. But I knew I had the ability to play.”‘

‘Fumbling was a weakness of Bryce Brown’s game in Philadelphia, and it reared its head at the worst time Sunday.’

‘”Without watching the film, I’d say our tackles did a heckuva job,” said Bills center Eric Wood.’

‘The Bills, coming off their bye, had two weeks to prepare for the Chiefs and were at home. They were in command much of the game, but gave it away. Head coach Doug Marrone unsuccessfully went for it on fourth-and-10 before the two-minute warning rather than kick the field goal and try an onside kick or rely on his defense to make another stop.’

‘They need it just as bad as the Bills.’

‘”For us, it was more on the quiet side,” said Erie County Undersheriff Mark Wipperman, who noted that Bills co-owner Kim Pegula provided a “morale boost” for deputies and the team’s private security firms by stopping by their morning security briefing.’

‘”It’s a couple plays here or there and they got us,” said Spikes. “I have to take my hat off to them. When you get the chance you’ve got to put a team away. We let them hang around and they seized the moment.”‘

‘Brown and McKelvin were consummate professionals answering the tough questions. Unfortunately for the men who have pulled on a Bills uniform these past 14 non-playoff years, they seem to get a lot of practice at this.’

‘Orton was victimized by five drops and a couple of really ticky-tack penalties that ruined drives, but much of this defeat falls on him. He wasn’t sharp.’