Archives for September 1, 2015

'But as play at the United States Open began Monday morning on Court 7, several fans in Buffalo Bills attire rallied around the 21-year-old qualifier Jessica Pegula as she sought her first victory in the main draw of a Grand Slam event.'

'Rex Ryan has endeared himself to Bills fans all offseason, but his latest shake-up has Buffalo faithful fuming.'

'"It came down to the explosiveness Tyrod gives us," Ryan said.'

'With nine seasons in Buffalo, the 34-year-old Jackson had been the second-longest serving active player and one of the team's most popular players among fans. The move came as a slight surprise, though Jackson's tenure was in question because of his age and the team's moves to restock its running backs this offseason.'

'"I don't have any regrets," Taylor said after completing 12 of 13 passes in Buffalo's 43-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night. "That is one thing I told myself going into the competition is to leave everything out on the field, practice field and on the game field. At the end of the day I don't have any regrets. Like I said I am pleased with the way that I played. There is still some things to correct, there is still ways to get better.'

'Last week, coach Rex Ryan said he was excited that Jackson was ready to play in his first preseason game. Jackson said he wasn't surprised by doubters. Being released now gives him a chance to sign with another team before rosters are cut down to 53-man rosters on Saturday. One team to watch is the New England Patriots. Head coach Bill Belichick has long praised Jackson for his professionalism and do-it-all, no-nonsense approach.'

'"But we brought him in because No. 1 — it's a brand new offense — but how he grasps our offense, and then his ability, not just his mobility, but his ability to throw the ball was the overriding thing. And I think he did a tremendous job of that."'

'"We also let everybody know that everybody was on board. Reluctantly, because of the magnitude of this player and what he means, not only to the Buffalo Bills, but to the community of Buffalo — him and his family. So we talked to [owners] Terry [Pegula] and Kim [Pegula] and conversed with them and decided that this was the best time to make that decision."'

'Kyle Williams was the only player that had been in the Bills’ dressing room longer than Jackson. He said, “It’s a hard day, I think bigger than playing football, over a decade we were really together having families and living life together, it makes it tough.”'

'Buffalo Bills players hit the practice field Monday for the first time in the post-Fred Jackson era, and safety Aaron Williams honored his former teammate by wearing his white jersey number-22.'

'Whaley wouldn’t go into specifics on why Jackson was released but did say, “We all know the NFL is a great business and a great sport, but there are some detriments to this business and a day like today, cut down day is always rough for everybody involved.” Whaley added, “A decision like this doesn’t come lightly, a decision like this is something that we put a lot of thought into. It makes it tough, not only with everybody you cut because they’re being rejected, but it also makes it tough when you’re talking about a guy like Fred Jackson.”'

'Taylor represents the go-for-broke, swing-for-the-fences mentality that the Bills have been operating with the entire offseason. They've added multiple questionable personalities into the locker room, they've let go of the status quo, and they now have decided to make the biggest wildcard of the quarterback competition their starter.'

'The Bills, despite having as run-heavy an approach as you'll find in 2015, did not have enough room to keep five running backs on the active roster heading into the season. LeSean McCoy is the bellcow, Karlos Williams is the impressive rookie that has received rave reviews, Anthony Dixon is a versatile special teams player, and Bryce Brown has flashed some ability despite fumbling problems. They couldn't afford to keep five, and Jackson was the odd man out.'

'Not only a mainstay of the organization, Jackson was known by many in the locker room as both a leader, and as a mentor to some of his younger teammates.'

'“You guys have seen over the course of training camp all offseason long he’s a dual threat quarterback, but he’s very good with throwing the ball, very accurate, can extend plays and you could see it over the last couple of games,” said Marcus Easley. “We’re all happy for Tyrod. It’s a big day for him so congrats to him.”'