Archives for June 16, 2015

'“I think we have a good group of guys incoming,” White said. “Rex Ryan, he’ll bring a different culture to the team as a high profile coach. We have all the pieces in place. I think the success of the team all lies in the hands of the developing quarterback. Whether it’s E.J. (Manuel), Matt (Cassel), or Tyrod Taylor.'

'Anyone looking to purchase tickets on an individual basis had better be prepared to shell out plenty of money in the secondary market. For instance, as of late Monday afternoon, tickets on StubHub! for the Sept. 13 season-opener against Indianapolis ranged from $120 for a seat in the upper deck to $526 for a sideline seat in the lower bowl.'

'That’s what makes this rush on tickets so remarkable. These next-generation Bills have not made the playoffs since 1999, a 15-year drought which is the longest active streak in the NFL, and more than double in length the previous drought for the Bills (1967-73).'

'The NFL did away with its blackout policy for the 2015 season, but the Bills obviously aren't concerned about that. The Bills will have a limited amount of individual game tickets available to the general public in the coming months, but it's going to be tougher than usual to get into Ralph Wilson Stadium this season.

'The teams that found a way to overcome poor quarterback play did so with strong defenses. The Bills could have the best defense in the NFL this season, so they check that box. It also helps that Buffalo has LeSean McCoy to lean on in the running game and a trio of weapons in the passing game with Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin and Charles Clay.'

'“I think it is a combination of everything, but the foundation of where we are today squarely is pointed at the Pegula’s buying the franchise,” Brandon said.'

'"I learned that you can't mistakes," Kouandjio said. "You've just got to work really hard in the NFL. In college, you could make a mistake here, make a mistake there. You're stronger, faster, smarter than the other guy. You can get away with it. But here, it's professionals. It takes a lot of work, and this is my job."'

'New owner Terry Pegula says the organization has been "humbled by the fans and their outpouring of emotion when they learned this team would remain in Buffalo."'

'The Bills plan to cap season tickets at 60,000 and institute a waiting list if demand exceeds that number. Individual tickets are sold out for all home games except Buffalo's regular-season finale against the Jets.'

'“We thought we were going to get the record in 2008. We had 56,011 season tickets in 2008, and that was our goal that year. We fell a little bit short. We look back at the analysis over the last seventeen years (since Brandon joined the club in 1997), our average season tickets over that time frame has been 42,944.”'

'Rex Ryan joked that the organization paid Clay so much money he calls him “Cassius Clay.” After the Dolphins placed the transition tag on Clay, giving them the right to match any free agent offers, the Bills signed him to a five year, $38 million offer sheet, and lured him away from South Florida. Ryan and offensive coordinator Greg Roman have made no secret that they want Clay to play all three downs, essentially not coming off the field when the team is on offense.'

'The Bills said they will cap the season ticket sales around 60,000 if they get to that level. At this point, seven of the eight games will have tickets that are very hard to come by if you are not a season ticket holder. Only the home contest with the New York Jets has a limited amount of individual tickets remaining.'

'Graham gets the nod over Williams because of his playmaking ability, but there may not be a guaranteed starter all season. Expect Aaron Williams will be out there all the time (health permitting), but it'd also be fair to look for a healthy amount of switching things up from Rex Ryan with the safety position. All three will have a role.'

'“Since we agreed to purchase the Buffalo Bills in September 2014, we have been humbled by the fans and their outpouring of emotion when they learned this team would remain in Buffalo," said Bills Owner Terry Pegula. “Bills Season Ticket Members passionately support this team year after year and are the most loyal fans in the National Football League. We truly thank them for their commitment to this franchise. Like our fans, we are looking forward to a great 2015 season with our Head Coach Rex Ryan, the coaching staff, the players and the entire organization.”'