Archives for September 14, 2015

'For Buffalo, running back Bryce Brown is inactive because he's the odd man out behind backups Boobie Dixon and rookie Karlos Williams.'

'Taylor, the former Baltimore Ravens backup, was 14 of 19 passing for 195 yards and a touchdown in his first career start. He also rushed for 41 yards.'

'Graham took a knee to the head while tackling Colts running back Frank Gore on the first play from scrimmage.'

'Buffalo is no longer searching for answers at quarterback. Even though Tyrod Taylor lined up at wide receiver on the Bills first offensive play — backup Matt Cassell took the snap on a trick play — he provided a stable presence in the pocket for the rest of the game, something Buffalo has lacked in recent years.'

'Quarterback E.J. Manuel, running back Bryce Brown, linebacker Tony Steward, center Gabe Ikard, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, tight end Chris Gragg and defensive tackle Andre Fluellen are inactive for Buffalo.'

'At that time he drew immediate interest from the Patriots and Steelers, both of whom scheduled visits with him. Pittsburgh was to be his first stop and the sides had effectively worked out a one-year deal that was agreed to pending Jackson passing a physical (which he would have; he was and is fully healthy). Both sides were very excited about the prospect and Jackson was en route to Pittsburgh when he received word that he was not going to receive his actual release after all.'

'What's scary is this unit suffocated Indianapolis without the help of two-time Pro Bowler Marcell Dareus. Dareus, who is serving a one-game suspension, signed a $100 million contract extension earlier this week and figures to be a centerpiece of this defense.'

'Any chance of a Colts comeback was put to an end on the next Colts drive as Luck was picked off on 4th down. Aaron Williams nabbing the second interception of the day for the Bills as they kneeled on the ball to take home to 27-14 victory.'

'I should also mention the crowd of 70,319. Ryan didn't have to remind them to be loud, they have a lot of experience when it comes to that but it was REALLY loud at the stadium on Sunday. It made life more difficult on the Colts offense and you could see the Bills team feeding off the energy from the fans.'

'Taylor was very solid leading the Bills offense. Of course there were some mistakes, but he looked good quite a few more time than he looked bad. He went up against a defense that game planned against him and passed the test easily.'

'The Indianapolis Colts, simply put, had no answer for Rex Ryan’s defense.'

'Defenses will come more prepared as the season moves on, but Taylor sent a message to the NFL on Sunday: I've arrived.'

'With fifteen-sixteenths of the season remaining, I’m not ready to utter the p-word. Been burned too many times in the past 15 years with false starts. But it does appear things are moving in the right direction at One Bills Drive. And if Buffalo can continue to build upon the formula they followed vs. the Colts, that eternal post-season drought might be coming to an end. (Emphasis on the word “might.”)'

'I didn't think they would win this game but they proved me wrong. Taylor looked very poised and the defense played a solid game against one of the best in the league in Luck and they did it without Marcell Dareus. It was a fired up crowd and the Bills came through and beat the team that was the second best team in the conference last year. Next up is the best team in the conference from last year and I suspect the crowd will be fired up to see Tom Brady. This season sure looks like it will be fun.'

'Tyrod Taylor was ready to play. He was accurate on his passes especially the 50 yard bomb down the right sideline to Percy Harvin for his first career touchdown pass on the last play of the first quarter. He finished for 14 of 19 passing for 195 yards and added 41 yards rushing including a magnificent 31 yard run. Grade A: Great first start.'