Archives for February 2015

'In Ryan, Pegula has ultimate trust not only to lead his locker room, but to lead the Bills back to the playoffs for the first time since 1999 — beginning a once-toxic player Ryan is convinced will be the last guy to let him down.'

'The Bills have a need at guard, after they went through numerous starters last season.'

'Incognito, a 10-year veteran with 102 career starts to his credit, spent the entire 2014 season out of football, essentially black-balled from the NFL for his participation in the infamous Miami Dolphins bullying scandal in 2013.'

'With Ryan expected to rely heavily on the running game, Incognito could fill a need on the offensive line. The Bills ranked 25th in the NFL in rushing yards per game last year.'

'He had established a reputation for having a mean streak even before the bullying scandal. Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus once called Incognito "the dirtiest player in the NFL," following a game against Buffalo's AFC East rival Dolphins.'

'Incognito has played nine seasons in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams, Bills and Miami Dolphins, starting in 102 games over his career.'

'"We're looking at rituals and other activities that involve harassment, abuse and humiliation," Marrone said. "When you use the word hazing, those things come to mind. I've talked to the team constantly about respect. That's the word I use quite a bit about respecting each other, treating people like you want to be treated."'

'“Bud, Greg, Chris, Shone and Jon are among the most professional and highly-trained certified athletic trainers in the National Football League,” Bills General Manager Doug Whaley said. “Day-in and day-out they provide excellent support to our players and our football staff throughout the year. It is great to see them recognized for their excellence.”'

'Pro Football Focus graded the 78 guards who played at least 25 percent of their teams’ snaps. Kraig Urbik, who finished the season at left guard, ranked 53rd. Rookie left guard Cyril Richardson ranked 60th. Right guard Erik Pears was 76th.'

'Incognito's suspension was lifted in February of 2014, but he was unable to find work last season despite getting tryouts with a handful of teams. The Bills are a bit desperate for help at guard, though. Chris Williams spent the season on injured reserve, while Kraig Urbik and Erik Pears both ranked among the worst guards in the NFL on Pro Football Focus this season.'

'The interior of the offensive line was an issue in 2014. Chris Williams will return from injury in 2015, and Doug Whaley has talked about the possibility of Cyrus Kouandjio moving from tackle to guard, but either way the Bills need some insurance at the position.'

'"(Gilmore)'s playing at a high level," Thurman said. "You don't to compare athletes one versus the other. You want to give each athlete his due. Gilmore played at a high level a year ago and we anticipate he'll continue to play at a high level. Can a player improve? Sure they can. Our expectation is that all the guys on the defense with the Bills, matter of fact every guy on this team, will look to improve and become a better football player for 2015."'

'"I love football," Hackett said. "I love being around it, every aspect of it. It's the only thing I know. It's what I've been a part of my whole life, ever since I was born. It's something everyday you sit back and realize, 'Wow, I get to coach in the NFL. I get to work with a great organization with a bunch of great people.' And that fires me up, just to be able to walk in a building like this and a stadium like this, which is even cooler because now I get to come to the stadium every day. It's just about bringing that energy and making sure everybody around you from you guys to the community to the players is just fired up to be working. Fired up to be working football and having fun."'

'The Buffalo Bills will host controversial free-agent guard Richie Incognito on Saturday, a league source tells ESPN.com.'

'"The former coach was someone that I had to let go, that I've worked with twice," he said. "To say that I didn't expect something like that to happen would be naive on my part. I think that sometimes when you have to make decisions that better whatever situation you're in and you're in that role, sometimes when you have to move on from people, they look to get you back.'