Archives for January 2016

'“I think the first was more emotional,” Ryan said. “There’s no question about it. Whether it was the first time going against the Jets or whatever, it was there, I’m not real sure. But I know it was real emotional for me then.'

'“I mean, it’s hard to even think of right now,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am proud of everyone in that locker room right now, but it hurts. It hurts me a lot. After this interview, I have to walk back in there and just the feeling of not playing your best and not making the plays we needed to make to win. It’s part of the game I love, too – the adversity and being able to walk back in there and look everybody in the eye and give them a hug and shake hands.'

'Fitzpatrick, who had thrown just one interception in the Jets' winning streak, was picked off by Leodis McKelvin in the end zone early in the fourth quarter with New York driving.'

'"You guys know me, I have a horrible resume as a defensive coach," Ryan said, sarcastically referring to his critics in the media. "You guys try to point it out all the time. But the facts don't back you up a whole lot."'

'"I've got a lot of friends over there, and I want them to be successful," Ryan said. "But not at my expense."'

'Linebacker Manny Lawson made a diving interception with 1:51 remaining and linebacker A.J. Tarpley's interception with 11 seconds left sealed the Bills' second straight win.'

'Despite being depleted by injuries, the Bills defense put together two of its best performances over the last two weeks of the season. The 300 yards allowed was the third lowest of the year, 15 first downs allowed tied the previous Jets victory for second lowest this season, and it was just the fourth time they forced three or more turnovers. The Bills gave up 307 yards and 14 first downs and generated two turnovers in last week's win over Dallas.'

'Williams was injured while scoring a 2-yard touchdown that put the Bills ahead 13-0 early in the second quarter.'

'Buffalo would once again control the pace of play, slowly driving down the field taking large chunks off the clock en route to a field goal. This one a 42 yarder, the exclamation point of a 13 play, 56 yard, 6:54 drive. On the Jets ensuing possession, Ryan Fitzpatrick once again threw an interception, this one to Manny Lawson, and the Bills offense took over. New York would get one final shot, but yet another Fitz pick ended the game and sealed the Jets fate.'

'It has been a depressing season as the Bills stretched their playoff drought to an unbelievable 16 years but on this day, the Bills made me feel good.'

'So while the overall passing numbers for Taylor don't jump off the stat sheet and Watkins didn't get in the end zone, I'll take the signs of progress in the form of the variety they displayed in their connections into the off season. Ultimately if the Bills are going anywhere with Taylor as their quarterback it will be with more days like the one he and Watkins proved capable of against the Jets.'

'Amazing that penalties are being listed in this column and not the "Arrow Down" section, but the Bills were great at staying disciplined and not hurting themselves with flags. A total of four for only 45 yards on the day really helped them sustain long drives and not give the Jets any unnecessary yardage.'

'With one final game at Ralph Wilson Stadium, it likely puts an end to one player’s stay with the organization: Mario Williams. The drama surrounding Williams has encapsulated his season, and instead of being thought of as a strength for the defense, and whether it’s right or wrong, he is now the poster child for everything that went wrong on that side of the ball.'

'Ryan’s Bills, although weary from a long season with many injuries along the way, were able to cobble together a respectable game of football against a New York Jets team that came to Buffalo hot on a five-game win streak.'

'Foremost is the development of chemistry and leadership between the players on the team. It’s indisputable — Tyrod Taylor will be the starting quarterback into next year, and Sammy Watkins will be the main receiver. Each will develop leadership and confidence, with the relationship they build off each other serving as building blocks for success on the offense.'