Archives for June 2015

'Many players and coaches have talked about the difficulty of playing in Orchard Park with the rabid fans here. Ryan said that’s why they’re buying tickets in record numbers, “I’m excited about it because of the commitment from out fan base is tremendous and I get it, there’s a lot of good teams on our schedule that we’re playing here, but our fans aren’t coming to see the opponent, they’re coming to see the Buffalo Bills, they’re seeing their football team.” Ryan added, “When you come here, you aren’t just playing the Bills, you’re playing this entire fan base, you’re playing the community and was I excited about that? You’re darn right I was. Come on in here and get a piece of this.”'

'Manuel worked mostly with the second-unit, but looked confident in the pocket and took chances. A couple of those chances resulted in big plays. However, he also short-armed a couple passes to the sideline, which has been a theme several times during these practices.'

'Ryan, when asked for his reaction to Henderson missing due to travel issues said, “you always tell guys, especially when you’re coming up, heading north and all that type of stuff, always try to prepare a little bit. But I’ll talk to him about that.” Ryan went on to say he expects Henderson at practice tomorrow.'

'Of the three, Manuel had the strongest day, but all have a long way to go.'

'Tyrod Taylor also delivered some good throws. His throwing motion looks very effortless as he can just flick the ball 40 yards downfield or from the far side hash to the sideline without much of a wind-up. His best work came during red zone work when he threw a pair of touchdowns on two consecutive snaps.'

'The 6-2, 280-pound Florida State product originally entered the league in 2008 as a third round pick (87th overall) of the Detroit Lions. Fluellen has spent the majority of his career with the Lions, with the exception of two games in 2012 with the Dolphins. The eight-year veteran has played in 77 career games totaling 65 tackles (39 solo), 4.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss. Fluellen saw action in eight games for Detroit in 2014.'

'“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.'