Archives for January 4, 2015

‘Dareus not only was the Bills’ best run-stuffing force, but also finished tied for second on the team with 10 sacks.’

‘The honeymoon is over, folks. One week after the end of the regular season, there’s blood in the water and the Pegulas are in over their heads. There’s utter chaos at One Bills Drive and no telling what they’ll do to repair the damage.’

‘It’s hard to envision Manuel, whose game needs plenty of work, becoming the franchise quarterback the Bills thought they were getting when they made him a first-round draft pick in 2013. Besides, who knows if the team’s next offensive system will even fit his skill set?’

‘The play not only propelled the Texans to a 23-17 victory, but it also served as a reminder that the Bills simply weren’t ready to close the sale on a game that factored into their inability to make the playoffs.’

‘This season will ultimately be judged as a failure because the Bills did not make the playoffs. Yes, they cobbled together their first winning record since 2004, but they aren’t playing this weekend, and what’s left of the team’s hierarchy flatly acknowledged that close doesn’t cut it.’

‘The Bills’ new head coach is going to report directly to Pegula, and that type of structure will likely appeal to Shanahan, who had full control over football decisions in Washington. The future of the Bills’ front office isn’t entirely settled at this point, but a hire like Shanahan would shake things up a bit.’

‘The Seahawks’ offense has improved quite a bit under Bevell, and this season, Seattle finished fifth in offensive DVOA on the advanced statistics site Football Outsiders. Wilson has become one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Seahawks continue to run the ball effectively. Like Carroll, Bevell understands how to best utilize his players’ abilities.’

‘Anytime a coach directs a defense as dominant as Seattle’s has been over the last two years, he’s going to get some attention. The Seahawks’ defense has been the best in the NFL for two straight seasons, and Quinn deserves plenty of the credit.’

‘McDaniels is currently in his second run as Bill Belichick’s offensive coordinator in New England. Belichick obviously has an affinity for McDaniels, and that’s not a bad guy to have in your corner. Belichick also failed in his first shot as a head coach before making it work in New England. Maybe McDaniels can follow a similar path.’

‘Meanwhile, the Bills have also requested permission to interview Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, according to Schefter. Hamilton has been Indianapolis’ offensive coordinator for the past two seasons in which the offense has taken a step forward with Andrew Luck at quarterback.’

‘Jets owner Woody Johnson took strong interest in Marrone as soon as he became available, and now that Johnson and his consultants, Rob Wolf and Charley Casserly, have returned from interviews in Seattle, they are set to interview Marrone.’

Doug Marrone Is Said to Interview With Jets (New York Times)

NY Jets waste no time, interview former Bills coach Doug Marrone on Saturday just three days after leaving Buffalo (New York Daily News)

NY Jets interview Doug Marrone, and with Bills, the ‘average’ ex-coach rubbed many in organization the wrong way (New York Daily News)

If Doug Marrone is next NY Jets coach, he will be stark contrast to Rex Ryan’s player-friendly ways (New York Daily News)

Jets interview Marrone for coach job; Saints’ Pace on GM radar (New York Post)

Jets interview Doug Marrone for coaching job (Newsday)

Jets interview ex-Buffalo coach Doug Marrone (Bergen Record)

Jets interview former Bills coach Marrone (AP)

Jets to interview ex-Bills coach Marrone (The Sports Xchange)

‘The heavy interest in Gase is no surprise. He is a bright offensive mind who got the best out of Peyton Manning last season, and he adjusted midseason to scheme a Denver running game this season.’

‘Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase was already scheduled to be interviewed in Denver on Saturday. Gase is available to be interviewed during the Broncos’ weekend off before they prepare to host an AFC Divisional playoff game on Jan. 11.’

‘So after a review of the 2014 Bills season we can all agree there are plenty of positives and negatives. It’s now up to GM Doug Whaley to put the right people in place, starting with a new Head Coach and competition at starting quarterback. With Russ Brandon’s role with the team in question, Doug Whaley will have a lot to do with whether or not the Bills can break the NFL’s longest playoff drought.’