Archives for October 1, 2015

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'With 714 passing yards and seven scoring throws to three interceptions (all against the Patriots), he has the NFL’s fifth-best passer rating of 116.1. Taylor’s 96 rushing yards also have contributed significantly to the Bills having the league’s top-ranked run game. There was one run against Miami that resulted in Taylor’s foot getting caught in the Sun Life Stadium grass as he slid and twisting awkwardly, which resulted in an injured ankle. He finished the game, and was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.'

'Incognito has been the team’s best offensive lineman. Linebacker Nigel Bradham is being used as more of a playmaker, than a placeholder. Wide receiver Percy Harvin is becoming Tyrod Taylor’s go-to receiver with a team-high 18 targets. Left tackle Cordy Glenn’s penalties are up, but Miami defensive end Olivier Vernon (one tackle, no sacks) also was MIA last week.'

'Once again, the history: In the 2014 draft, the Bills traded the ninth overall pick and their first- and fourth-rounders in 2015 to the Browns for the right to pick Watkins at No. 4 overall. The Giants happily took Beckham with the 12th overall pick.'

'“He’s certainly not 100 percent,” Ryan said. “There’s a real possibility that he won’t play this week.”'

'Bills 27, Giants 16.'

'"We have a ton of playmakers out there that are winning their one-on-one matchups and it's up to me find those matchups," said Taylor. "Coach (Greg) Roman gives me an opportunity to pick a side on certain plays that we call based on the look we get, so you have to find the open guy and they're doing a good job of winning."'

'That appears to be the fate that awaits running back LeSean McCoy, and right guard John Miller, too. Bothered by a pulled hamstring since the middle of August, McCoy was clearly hampered against the Dolphins, and the prudent move may be to sit him out to give the muscle a little time to heal. Miller is almost certainly out after suffering a groin injury.'

'"I remember how close a football game it was … It came right down to what most people didn't recognize the fact that that was not an easy field goal. Forty-seven yards is not an easy field goal. It was just barely wide right, and obviously I was in the press box at the time, ecstatic. In the Desert Storm Super Bowl, a short week, we were able to come in from San Francisco after another incredible win and have an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl and win it."'

'"(Cruz is) his go-to-guy," Ryan said. "That's what's interesting about it. He's got this Beckham, who is obviously a phenomenal talent, but Cruz is really his go-to-guy for years."'

'"What I loved is how we battled back when a team was clearly trying to embarrass us," Ryan said. "We stood up to them and said, 'Here we are. We're going to give you our best shot, regardless of what the scoreboard is.' So we'll see. Again, we'll play that one down the road. I think the thing you realize, when we talked about building a team that represented our community and the pride that we would take in playing 60 minutes, that showed it right there if anybody ever doubted it."'

'"We have a lot of guys out," Ryan said. "Will Sammy play? I'm not sure. Shady doesn't look good."'

'Both setbacks seem only minor inconveniences to a club that has been explosive offensively. The Bills have an NFL-leading 17 offensive plays of at least 20 yards. After ranking 30th in red zone touchdown percentage last season, Buffalo ranks second this season at 83%. Only Arizona at 92% is better.'

'This is just the warm-up act for Ryan. He comes back to face the Jets for a Thursday night prime time game on Nov. 12. He should be in rare form by then.'

'Not that the Giants 'D' can disregard the Bills run game, though, because rookie backup Karlos Williams is equally dangerous. Williams actually leads the Bills with three rushing TDs and 186 rushing yards.'