Archives for September 2015

'"I have no idea what reception to expect," Incognito said, noting he remains close with several former teammates and members of the Dolphins organization. "I'm amped up for every single game. This one just has a little more meaning. There are obviously bigger things at play here."'

'Miami’s had a really hard time running the ball so far this season, especially out of conventional sets. Part of the reason has been injuries. RB Lamar Miller, LT Branden Albert, and TEs Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims have all been hurt and missed time. But even with those issues, their inability to run the ball effectively has been a major concern. Miami ranks 30th in rushing yards per game (58.0) and 26th in yards per play (3.41).'

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The Bills loss to the Patriots was very predictable but it is also a good storyline because it shows that New England is still the class of the division and the Bills aren’t ready to challenge them. They may not ever be ready to challenge them as long as Tom Brady is the quarterback.

Bills 17, Dolphins 13

'“Blueprint?” defensive lineman Corbin Bryant said Wednesday with a chuckle about future Bills opponents using mostly a spread offense with an empty backfield and having the quarterback throw as frequently and quickly as Tom Brady did in New England’s 40-32 victory Sunday. “I don’t think that statement is valid.”'

'After running the ball down the Patriots’ throats, the Bills then dropped back to pass on 10 of their next 13 plays. And this came one week after coach Rex Ryan tried tapping the brakes on his “Ground and Pound” reputation, saying he never used those words and that with the Bills’ talent at receiver, they wouldn’t be “as one dimensional as people think.” Passing too much, however, backed this Tyrod Taylor-led offense into a corner they couldn’t escape against New England.'

'But this isn’t about my judgment, or the average fan’s. It about the coaches, who clearly determined that Cassel was the superior option on more than one occasion. QB coach David Lee said Cassel was the best he ever saw in meetings, a savvy veteran whose insight was an invaluable asset to the younger QBs.'

'“Obviously, I’m in the second position now,” Manuel said on Wednesday, “so I know I’m one play away from getting back on the field. I’ll obviously do my job as a backup right now and be prepared and ready to go if my number gets called any of these Sundays.”'

'Bills 25, Dolphins 17.'

'"I've been through a lot since I've been down there. There's been a lot of time taken for personal growth and a maturation process. Just kind of figuring out who I am and what I wanted out of my career and what I want out of life. I've definitely made some big improvements, definitely made some strides from the situation in Miami, and just really thankful for the opportunity to be playing again."'

'"How we feel about EJ Manuel is why a move like this is made," Ryan said Wednesday morning of the deal that sent Cassel to the Cowboys in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2017. "At this spot, this was more done by how we view EJ Manuel than Matt Cassel. EJ will develop more as the two than the three."'

'Believe it or not, Vaughan, undrafted in 2014 out of West Texas A&M, was a popular draft sleeper back in 2014. Matt Waldwan of Football Outsiders said Vaughan "displays the pocket presence, poise, and aggressiveness that many of his more-heralded classmates lack." He's also 6-feet-4-inches tall, 220 pounds and has a strong enough arm to make every throw. In other words, he is an ideal developmental quarterback.'

'"Well, I put it on myself first," Ryan said. "I think if I have to … do a better job of staying in control, too, and this team's very much like me. .. I have to hold myself accountable just like I hold the team accountable, and so it starts with me. I'm gonna be not as animated or whatever if you will. You know, I gotta control my language I think a little bit sometimes on the sideline. I think that'll help. That's gonna be the first thing, and then our team as well. We want to be the least-penalized team in the league, and that's kind of a goal we're shooting for moving forward. Probably dead last in the league right now, but we want to be the least-penalized team."'

'"That was certainly a discussion at the time when we decided to go with Matt. It was certainly a discussion because I thought EJ played extremely well and things. To say EJ's inferior … he's not inferior to any quarterback. I think that's a really strong comment, but I don't think it's warranted."'