Archives for September 2015

'“But, man, am I proud to be the coach of the Bills.”'

'Say what you will about Rex, but he is no dummy. He knows that if you’re going to try to take down an elite quarterback, you need a quarterback-swallowing defense. Last season, Buffalo ranked in the top five in total defense and pass defense and led the league in sacks per game. The Bills beat Aaron Rodgers in 2014 and opened the season by beating Luck.'

'“I don’t think there’s ever been anything negative about Taylor,” Belichick said during a conference call yesterday. “There’s always been a lot of respect for his skillset and athleticism and playmaking ability at the position. He just played behind Flacco. He just didn’t have many opportunities to do it.”'

'The Bills built a 24-0 lead by scoring on four consecutive possessions into the third quarter. And Buffalo's defense did the rest.'

'Rex Ryan had the Buffalo Bills' defense so fired up before the season opener against Indianapolis that linebacker Nigel Bradham was ready to run through a wall for his new coach. "I sure tried," Bradham said.'

'"They threw everything but the kitchen sink at us," said Colts coach Chuck Pagano. "We knew it was coming."'

'Graham was wobbly as he attempted to get up, and then nearly collapsed.'

'The team kept the honor a secret from Saban's four children, who were visibly emotional in celebrating their father's honor during a halftime ceremony.'

'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.'