Archives for September 2015

'In his eight years in Buffalo, he rushed for 5,646 yards — placing him third on the franchise's rushing list behind O.J. Simpson and Thurman Thomas.'

'"He's been a very good pass-catcher and [an] adept pass protector," Carroll said. "He's always been a good runner. He's got great feel and sense. Had a big run in the game last week. Had a 40-yard run in the game last week and scored a touchdown. But he's been a very adept pass-receiver, and I think that's something that maybe he could fit in."'

'Predicted finish: No. 3 in AFC East, No. 9 in the AFC, No. 17 overall in Around the NFL's Power Poll.'

'"I feel good. It’s just a matter of time,” he said. “We’ll wait and see how everything plays out. I’m going to control what I can control and that’s working hard and getting treatment so I can get out there. It’s a waiting process, just got to wait it out and see how I feel. ”'

'McKelvin’s new designation (he had been on Active/PUP) means that he no longer counts toward a roster spot. The earliest he could return to the active roster would be the Tuesday after Week 6 (Oct. 13).'

'But the Bills shouldn't give up on Carpenter just yet. In his first two years with the team, Carpenter has put up career highs in field goals made. Last year, he made six field goals of 50 or more yards. His performance since 2013 has made him one of the best kickers in the NFL.'

'“We did some of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen in football,” Ryan said. “That was awful. … Just some dumb things, so I’m not real happy.”'

'What’s more critical, in my view, is how they play against Miami, Cincinnati and Kansas City, teams they could be fighting for a wild-card spot. Remember, a home loss to the Chiefs seriously damaged their playoff hopes a year ago.'

'“Let’s put it this way,” Whaley said. “I gather information from everybody, from the running backs coach to the offensive coordinator to the head coach and the owners. I wouldn’t be in this position – especially with new ownership – I’m going to include them.'

'But the son of Phil, the former Giants star, didn’t look good against the Lions reserves, particularly in the critical area of decision-making. His passing stats were OK — 22-of-38 for 223 yards and a 74.8 passer rating — but he was also sacked three times and had a trio of fumbles, losing them all.'

'"I'm tired of missing field goals," Ryan said. "We have a kickoff guy and we miss field goals. I don't get it. So we'll certainly be looking out there. I don't know if there's any out there, but nobody gets this job by default. You have to earn your way out here. I'm very disappointed in that, and I don't care who knows it."'

'"No, it's not an easy move," Whaley said. "It wasn't. He's been the heart and soul of not only our team but the community. It's one of those things where we decided it something we had to do and especially the timing we thought would be best for him and obviously look, he went out to Seattle and everything. But to say I acted alone … that would be irresponsible for me to do something without informing the coaches, the owners, the running back coach, the offensive coordinator."'

'Ever since Ty Powell went down with a torn ACL, A.J. Tarpley has stepped into the backup MIKE linebacker role. While his adjustment wasn't completely smooth, Tarpley had a strong finish to the preseason against the Lions. He led the Bills with eight tackles, including two for loss, and looks like a lock to make the roster.'

'All Simms proved is that he is, and likely always will be, a practice squad-level quarterback. His stats were somewhat respectable at 22 for 38 and 223 yards, but his yards per attempt was mediocre at best and he looked like the type of quarterback you would expect to play the majority of a meaningless preseason game.'

'“It was tough. We played in a stadium we called the Old Rockpile and practiced in horse arenas among the manure, and parking lots,” Cunningham recalled. “We had to walk through the stands to go to and from the locker room. It was important to keep your helmet on and your chin strap buckled. Buffalo had great fans, but they weren’t too friendly during losing seasons.”'