Archives for January 2016

'The man is 68 and has been coaching somewhere — in high school, college or the pros — in 47 of the last 49 seasons, which bears witness to both his skills and stubbornness. And today, in (a) Colorado and (b) among all those coaching lifers out there, he is pretty much a football hero.'

'Wood is making his first appearance in the Pro Bowl following his seventh season in the league. He made a big jump forward, along with the rest of the Bills' offensive line, under new offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Buffalo led the league in rushing in 2015, and Wood played a part in that.'

'This was Taylor's first season as a starter after spending the previous four years as Joe Flacco's backup in Baltimore. He set a Bills quarterback record with 568 yards rushing while throwing 20 touchdown passes versus six interceptions.'

'Bryant was a key member of the defense this past season. He started week one while Marcell Dareus sat out for his suspension. He then became the full-time starter in place of Kyle Williams after he was lost for the season. He's regarded as one of the smartest players on the team, able to pick up the defense very quickly and understand his roles and responsibilities. That's very valuable for this team going forward, considering last year's issues in that department. Although he came into the league in 2011, Bryant hasn't played enough to qualify for unrestricted free agency, so the Bills have a great opportunity to keep one of their own here without overspending.'

'Running back LeSean McCoy was voted in, but pulled out so he can continue to recover from a late-season injury. Chris Ivory of the Jets will take his place.'

'But Incognito and Glenn are only two of what will be eight unrestricted free agents come the middle of March. There are also seven restricted free agents the team has to make decisions on, as well. The Bills obviously can't keep them all.'

'Along with QB Tyrod Taylor, RB LeSean McCoy and C Eric Wood, this marks the first time the Bills have had four Pro Bowlers on the offensive side of the ball since 2002 when four Bills (QB Drew Bledsoe, G Ruben Brown, RB Travis Henry, WR Eric Moulds) earned Pro Bowl honors.'

'Taylor and Wood were two key pieces to Buffalo’s resurgence on offense in 2015. Under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Wood led an offensive line that rebounded from a ranking of 25th in rushing in 2014 to lead the league this past season. A Pro Bowl alternate in 2014 as well, this will be Wood’s first opportunity to play in the game.'

'Over the last two games, evidence of that new approach showed on the field with Buffalo, despite being severely shorthanded in terms of injured starters, posted a pair of victories to end the 2015 campaign. Yes, it was too late to qualify for the postseason, but young players helped to chart a new course for future success.'

'“When you look at it with that kind of wind, you have got to be able to run the football in those conditions and we are able to do that,” Ryan said. “So I think it is a great thing. I think it speaks volumes about our football team, where you go in your first year you implement a system and be No. 1 in the league in rushing. I think that is a great thing moving forward. And I think it is only going to help our passing attack.”'

'The last time the Bills made the playoffs, in 1999, Phillips was their head coach and DeHaven was their special teams coordinator. Phillips fired DeHaven after Kevin Dyson ran “Home Run Throwback” for a touchdown in Tennessee in the playoffs, giving the Titans a 22-16 win.'

'And so, for once, Rex being Rex is not just a cheeky commentary on one of the NFL’s true characters. It’s a respectful one for a man who showed true character.'

'Whaley's words do indicate a stark change in tone. The 2016 Bills could certainly use a deep threat opposite Watkins, who emerged as a star the final nine weeks of the season. While there's a good chance Buffalo looks to the NFL draft to find that player, it's not time to completely rule out Harvin. Whoever plays on the other side is bound to see one-on-one coverage.'

'"I think overall — when you look at this being his first year playing — I think there’s some encouraging signs," former NFL MVP Rich Gannon said of Taylor. "I think the guy’s in the right system. I think he’s with the right coach. Greg Roman is fantastic in terms of formulating a game plan that takes advantage of his strengths. They’re going to run the football and that includes the quarterback. I think his accuracy is something you can get excited about and build on."'

'Folks, to have wisdom, one must have experience. I think a player going into his third year with a team is a fine time to assume a leadership role. The thing that convinced me is that during his “rant,” he said, “You’ve got to go out there each week and play for the guy next to you.” He gets it.'