Archives for December 2015

'Of course I was excited for the opportunity to work with some of the most brilliant minds in the sports documentary business and to be part of the prestigious 30 for 30 brand. But mostly, like any Buffalonian would be, I was thrilled to know my Bills were going to get some love in the national spotlight, and that my childhood heroes would be treated as such. This wasn’t going to be a film that portrayed the Bills as a national punch line.'

'After 12 weeks and 742 touchdowns this season, 55 extra-point boots have missed … about one every 3½ games. That still translates to 93 percent success … but it also means, factored over a full season, there will be nine times as many misses as a year ago.'

'“From there out, all I was hoping was that I would get another chance,” he said. Taylor and offensive coordinator Greg Roman “challenged me” with the touchdown throw, “and guys were confident that I would make the play. That speaks volumes for my teammates and the coaches as well to put that trust in me after a huge drop on third down.”'

'However, Whaley has had some notable misses, beginning with 2013 first-round choice Manuel. In addition, there has been 2014 second-round pick Cyrus Kouandjio, who hasn't even been able to provide even dependable backup help on the offensive line, and 2013 third-rounder Marquise Goodwin, who has contributed little at wide receiver and struggled to stay healthy.'

'“Why would I not be frustrated?” Carpenter said at one point. “I mean, they’re not going through those yellow things. That’s what I’m here to do. I felt like I’ve been kicking the ball really good and it’s not showing up on Sunday. I think that’s why I’m frustrated.”'

'The Bills could win their remaining games. And they could lose their remaining games.'

'“Most definitely,” he continued. “I’m not going to count myself out. But I’ll know later this week how I can cut and everything like that. … I pretty much have to listen to the doctors for the most part but my plan is to try to get out there this week.”'

'If you aren’t moved by the interviews of Norwood and his special teams coach, Bruce DeHaven, you should check your pulse to see if you are alive.'

'"Some things you may say from anger, and I was definitely angry, but I'm not going to change anything I say," McCoy said. "I stand by everything I said before. I don't have no problems with Chip or nothing like that. No hatred. But I stand by it. I don't take it back.'

'The Bills might not have as easy a time offering praise for Alonso this season. The linebacker missed most of training camp and the preseason with a knee injury. He missed five games this season with a knee injury. And since his return, Alonso has been inconsistent while working his way into a larger role.'

'The guy the Eagles got when they traded LeSean McCoy has not returned to the form that made him the NFL's defensive rookie of the year for Buffalo in 2013. In fact, to Eagles fans, that form might seem about as far away and as relevant as Nick Foles' 27 touchdown passes vs. two interceptions, the same year.'

'“I mean, the fact that I got traded for him has no relevance at all,” Alonso said. “It’s really that the guy’s a great player, we’re going to have to be on top of our game, run to the ball and play sound football to stop that guy.'

'"I was surprised," Alonso said when asked what his reaction was when he got the news that the Buffalo Bills had traded him to the Eagles in exchange for running back LeSean McCoy. "That's the best way to describe it. It was the first time I've ever been traded before. I just wasn't expecting it."'

'“I’m not gonna make it a racist thing, a black and white thing,” McCoy said. “That’s old. It is what it is. People can take it however they want. I don’t have no problems with Chip, no hatred. Nothing at all. But everything I said, I stand by it. I don’t take it back.”'

'With Karlos Williams absent due to a shoulder injury, and LeSean McCoy exiting the game briefly to be evaluated for a concussion, Gillislee took advantage of his opportunity. The 25-year-old was cut by the Miami Dolphins before the start of the regular season and spent some time on the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad as well.'