Archives for December 2014

‘The Bills (9-7) were eliminated a week earlier from the playoffs for the 15th consecutive season, the longest current drought. But after winning just 28 games the past five seasons, they matched their record in 2004.’

‘”It’s important to some people,” Buffalo coach Doug Marrone said. “There were a lot of lessons that we’ll reflect on. … If we don’t understand that after this season, then all will be lost.”‘

‘Orton was 16-of-23 for 176 yards as the Bills (9-7) finished a campaign with a winning record for the first time since 2004.’

‘The Bills came in leading the NFL in sacks with 50 and had four. ‘

‘That they can sack as well as anyone in the NFL. They came into Sunday’s game leading the NFL in sacks and added four in the finale, three on backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who was running for his life.’

‘Tom Brady’s day was done as Jimmy Garappolo took over in the second half. The Patriots could not muster more than a field goal though, as Gostkowski kicked two more to make it 17-9 late in the fourth.’

‘The Kyle Orton led offense managed to produce just 13 touchdowns over the final eight games of the season. The Bills need to move on from the statuesque veteran quarterback this off season. As far as a replacement, that remains to be seen based on what other veteran QB’s might be available via trade or after being released. The free agent crop is awful.’

‘As you guys know, every day is not perfect when it comes to decision making, but, they’re incredible collaborators. They work together on everything. There hasn’t been a roster move in the time that Doug Whaley has been the GM that he hasn’t worked hand in hand with Coach. So, I don’t know where that comes from. I know there was that report in the beginning of the year and I don’t know if it’s the residue of that. And yeah, there was some tension relative to some last minute roster moves. I think it was because we were at camp for six weeks and we were all ****ing tired of each other.’

‘Before Sunday’s game against New England had even started, most opinions had been formed and it likely would have taken a Herculean effort from Kyle Orton to persuade the public perception that he is the guy for the job in 2015. A simple, low-stress 176-yard and one touchdown performance didn’t do much for his cause, mostly because the Bills didn’t need Orton to have a humongous game. However, he lacks in key areas that the Bills need out of the quarterback position.’

‘The at-time baffling play-calling of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and Doug Marrone’s penchant for punting on fourth-and-short certainly contributed to the Bills scoring difficulties. But an even bigger problem was the inconsistent play of the offensive line and Buffalo’s failure to establish a dependable ground game.’

‘I really wanted to write a lengthy diatribe on the end of the Bills season, and how Buffalo showed us what could’ve been, blahblahblahBillsyblah. But this game didn’t deserve it. This offense didn’t deserve it. This defense deserves a ton of credit, but whatever.’

‘As we wrap up another NFL season all too soon we are disappointed that the Bills once again are not invited to the post season party. There is plenty to feel good about besides their first win at Gillette Stadium in a meaningless game. Many thought this team would not win more than five or six games but they were never below .500 on the season and finished above it for the first time in a decade. That is progress in my book as there is much to look forward to in the 2015 season and much work to be done in the offseason. Rest assured, Bills Daily will be on top of the news all offseason long.’

‘Kyle Orton was very efficient in the first half before losing some of his accuracy in the second half. He did fumble the ball away once but threw no interceptions and hit some big pass plays in the first half including the touchdown pass to Robert Woods. Grade B: Solid win but not enough to bring him back although he was 7-5 as the starter.’

‘Meanwhile Buffalo’s defense held the Patriots without a touchdown in the game for the first time since Oct. 26, 2003 when New England won a 9-3 game against Cleveland. Tom Brady and rookie Jimmy Garappolo each played half of the game for New England at quarterback.’