Archives for July 2015

'Despite years of lackluster quarterback play, the Bills haven’t invested much into the position that’s often a quarterback’s best friend. From 2000-2014, the Bills’ top tight end had at least 50 receptions only twice. Five seasons, they didn't even have a tight end reach 300 yards. They’ve skated by with the likes of Mark Campbell (2003, trade), Robert Royal (2006, five years/$10 million), Shawn Nelson (2009, fourth round) and Jonathan Stupar (2008, practice squad).'

'That whole females-only party LeSean McCoy was throwing Sunday night? The Buffalo Bills running back is now welcoming… everyone!'

'Bills fans were giddy when the team arrived for this camp. On the heels of the worst season since 1985, the gruesome 3-13 abomination in the first year of the Tom Donahoe-Gregg Williams Era, hopes were high that a turnaround was on the horizon. In the offseason, the Bills acquired quarterback Drew Bledsoe in a trade from New England, giving the Bills their first competent player at that critical position since Jim Kelly in 1996.'

'If you were to go into a science lab and construct, physically, what you’d like an NFL QB to look like, and the physical and mental attributes you’d like him to have, you’d come out of there with something very similar to EJ Manuel.'

'The Bills were disappointed in 2014 because they expected the running game to help lead the efforts. The offensive line was woeful, and the running backs couldn't over-compensate for them — meaning changes were on the way for 2015. The Bills addressed the offensive line, and went for as high-profile an acquisition as you'll find in trading for McCoy this offseason. McCoy will be the leader of the entire offense, and will be the focal point of both the Bills and their opponents.'

'Williams will once again be a part of one of the most talented defensive lines in all the NFL. He'll certainly disappear sometimes, but he also has shown the ability to take over a game when the right tackle in front of him is simply no match. With Rex Ryan at the helm and calling the defense in 2015, there will likely be many opportunities for Williams to put up big production in sacks for the upcoming campaign.'

'- With a brand new contract in hand and a brand new defensive scheme in town, Hughes could have his biggest statistical output since entering the NFL. Rex Ryan is known for packing the pressure and creating unique blitzes, which could turn Hughes into a weapon in this Bills defense. He has the ability to be a stand-up rush outside linebacker in addition to his normal defensive end duties. Over the past several years, Ryan hasn't had a pass rusher as talented as Hughes, which could bring big results. Often thought of as the fourth-best of the four defensive linemen, Hughes will challenge that this year.'

'“I know they want LeSean to get up to 300 carries this year,” said Jackson in a radio interview on Bills flagship station WGR Sportsradio 550. “That’s a guy you’re feeding the ball all the time.”'

'“Percy is a world class athlete that’s a very tough, physical, strong football player that we envision being a big factor for us at the receiver position,” said Roman. “And I personally think his best days are ahead of him as a receiver, down-in and down-out.”'

'“It’s more about building chemistry than actual X’s and O’s and execution and stuff like that,” says Bart Scott, who played linebacker for Ryan on the Jets and when Ryan was defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. “It’s really more about building a cohesive unit.”'

'Ryan says he understands fans’ frustration about the never-ending search for Jim Kelly’s successor as the organization’s franchise quarterback, but feels that a three-man competition is a reason to be excited.'

'He’s electric. He’s elite. In six seasons, McCoy has already rushed for 6,792 yards and 44 touchdowns with another 2,282 yards and 10 touchdowns receiving. As other teams invest in $100 Million Dollar Quarterbacks, the Bills paid up for a 27-year-old running back.'

'As for Dareus, he has a strong case to make. His sack total has increased from 5.5 (twice) to 7.5. to 10 last season. Demanding double-teams at a nimble 331 pounds, he has helped free up both Williams and Jerry Hughes. Further, he might be the No. 1 reason the Bills’ run defense has finished 11th and fifth the last two years. Wider than Suh, with a motor that doesn't flicker as much, he'll control a gap with more regularity.'

'Here are the five biggest stories I’ll be watching in training camp – any one of which could be the dominant theme in an ordinary summer…'.

'Maybin knows many people consider him a football failure and one of the worst draft picks in Buffalo Bills history. Fans grew to loathe him for his colorful personality and wee production. Many fans would say: “I would have given my right arm to have his opportunity.” But fans might lop off their left arm to have Maybin’s life now.'