Archives for September 2015

'"We will see at the end of this game where we stack up against the very best," Ryan said.'

'Bills coach Rex Ryan remains "cautiously optimistic" about McCoy's chances of playing. The running back got off to a slow start in Buffalo's 27-14 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1, rushing for 41 yards on 17 carries.'

'At the front of their team store is a large display prominently featuring air pumps, a comic touch for a New England team embroiled in a football deflation scandal the past year.'

'McCoy, acquired in an offseason trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, had 41 yards on 17 carries in his Bills' debut last week.'

'“He’s gonna go. He’s going to be able to go,” Williams said after practice Friday. “It’s Shady. He’s a big-time player, he makes big-time plays. He’s not going to miss a game like this. So there’s no doubt in my mind he’s going to go.”'

'Bills running back LeSean McCoy was on the field with his teammates to start practice Friday during the opening portion of the session the media was allowed to watch. McCoy was seen stretching then running over and around bags and cones during individual session, along with the other running backs. The Bills held practice inside Ralph Wilson Stadium in preparation for the New England Patriots Sunday here in Orchard Park.'

'After practice, head coach Rex Ryan said he was “cautiously optimistic” for McCoy to play against the Patriots, but, his teammate threw caution to the wind. Backup running back Karlos Williams told reporters after practice, “He’s not going to miss a big game like this.”'

'“I’m expecting it to be extremely loud,” he said. “We’ll see what happens, but if last week was any indication, we don’t even need to sell seats because our guys stand the whole time anyway. I’m looking back, and I’m thinking, ‘Golly, take a little breather if you want.’ Our fans are into it. I have a feeling they’re going to be into this one.”'

'There is a rhythm and synchronization to New England’s passing game and Tom Brady is the conductor. Buffalo’s defensive scheme and blitz packages have to be effective in throwing off the timing of the Patriots offense. Whether it’s disguising coverage, disrupting receiver routes, or collapsing the pocket, Buffalo’s defense has to put stress on different elements of New England’s passing attack. That should make long, sustained drives difficult and hopefully keep the Pats from piling up points.'

'“You can fight a hot day in camp,” Williams said. “You can fight a minor surgery. You can fight pain. You can fight all of that when you see a kid go through chemo, go through treatments and still keep an up-tempo spirit about life. Every time I felt bad, every time I was sore, I look at my wrist and ask, ‘Would Kase want me to quit?’ No. Would Kase want me to give up? No.'

'“Whatever is going to help the team win, I’m all for it,” he said. “I’m not a stats guy, I’m not a guy who’s looking for stuff for me. I just want to win. I want to go to the playoffs and I want to go to the Super Bowl. If I gotta ride the bench the whole season and we go to the Super Bowl, I’m fine with it.'

'“I know the first thing is going to be, whoa, whoa, whoa, what’s up with McCoy’s hamstring,” Ryan said. “It was a little tight, a little sore, so I think that’s where it is. Do I expect him to play? I certainly hope so. He just felt sore, so we backed him out.”'

'There’s certainly cause for concern. The Bills are already about $6.8 million over next year’s projected $150 million cap after wrapping up Dareus. Terry Pegula, welcome to the high roller room of the NFL, where showering huge bonuses eventually comes back to haunt you.'

'The world record of 142.2 decibels – louder than a jet plane flying 100 feet overhead – was set last Sept. 29 at Arrowhead Stadium, during a Monday night game when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Patriots.'

'This guy sure knows how to make a debut. Scoring on his first carry in both college and the pros is certainly unique, and it's something — at least in the NFL — that doesn't happen all that often. Williams became the first player since Michael Westbrook of the Redskins in 1995 to score a touchdown on a play of at least 20 yards on his first career NFL touch. Amazingly, the feat was matched later on Sunday when Detroit rookie Ameer Abdullah ran 24 yards for a touchdown on his first NFL carry.'