Archives for March 2016

'"When we had him his last year with the Jets, he was the pied piper," Ryan said at last week's NFL Annual Meeting, per ESPN.com's Mike Rodak. "They all followed him and they all learned the game. And that's why I know this guy's going to be a great coach."'

'So, if the Bills sign Biermann, think bigger than just him. He helps defensive depth, but by no means does it negate the need of the Bills to add another younger impact pass rusher to the fold.'

'Bierrmann, 30, is a nine-year NFL vet, who has played his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons since the club made him a fifth-round pick in 2008. Primarily a rotational player for Atlanta, Biermann is just two years removed from his most productive season.'

'Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of the Bills 2016 opponents and how they’ve fared so far in free agency…'.

'The looming No. 2 quarterback battle in training camp should be heated — whoever’s competing. Buffalo will want Taylor, 6 foot 1, 215 pounds, to make plays with his feet again. That’s what differentiates him from all others at the position, but that’s what also could send him to the sideline. When Taylor suffered a knee injury last season, the Manuel-led Bills lost to Cincinnati and Jacksonville.'

'“I really like Robert Woods," Moulds said. "The biggest thing for all the receivers is to stay healthy. They lost Chris Hogan, a guy who was consistent in what he did. If I’m a defensive coordinator, the first thing I’m going to do is say ‘Sammy Watkins is not going to beat us. Clay is not going to beat us.’ Let’s see if the No. 2 and No. 3 receivers can beat us. They’re going to have to run the football effectively to take the pressure off the passing game. And if they don’t, then it’s going to be a tough year for Sammy. But if they keep Woods healthy and a No. 3 guy can come in and make plays, you’ve got enough weapons on that offense to make a lot of noise and really compete against New England.'

'While it's clear Sammy Watkins is a rare talent with rare physical gifts, it's not so clear if Tyrod Taylor is the Bills' long-lost, post-Jim Kelly savior at quarterback. The two certainly found chemistry the second half of last season, a promising sign. The fact that Taylor hit Watkins on a slew of short-to-intermediate routes in Buffalo's Week 17 win vs. Darrelle Revis is also promising. But there's a reason Watkins was so frustrated a month into last season — he saw the quarterbacks throwing the ball to Odell Beckham Jr., to Julio Jones, to other star receivers.'

'The 6-5, 253-pound Jones was originally the Buckeyes third string QB in 2014, but due to injuries to Braxton Miller and JT Barrett became the starter after the regular season.'

'The 6-3, 260-pound Biermann was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Montana. In eight seasons with the Falcons, the 30-year old Biermann has played 114 games, recording 300 tackles and 23.5 sacks. He also has two interceptions.'

'This is the third quarterback in the draft that the Bills have shown significant interest in. Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott will make a pre-draft visit according to NFL.com, and the Bills have already spoken with Stanford's Kevin Hogan on several occasions.'

'Non-football fans might also recognize Biermann's name because of reality television. Biermann's wife, Kim Zolciak, appeared on The Real Housewives of Atlanta for five seasons before having her own spin-off Don't Be Tardy — which also featured her husband. Zolciak then appeared on ABC's Dancing With the Stars last year.'

'“His discipline. Usually young receivers use a ‘U’ release, when a receiver releases too wide and the defensive back pushes him to the sideline and you can never get a good throw. With Sammy, he uses a ‘V.’ He has a quick release and gets back on the corner — it’s a shorter distance to the go route. It usually takes a guy two, three or four years to learn how to do that. He figured it out.”'

'Under the NFL’s present structure, the Bills would have to make a minimum contribution of $200 million in order to receive the maximum $200-million loan from the league – under its G-4 program and subject to approval by three-fourths of the owners – that is effectively interest free and repaid from stadium revenues.'

'Sorry, if it’s a choice between the Times and the NFL, it’s not a tough call. Alan Schwarz, one of the authors of the story, has been the driving force in media on concussions for well over a decade. The league has lied and denied and been a servant to violence and profit.'

'“New” isn’t always “better.” The fans who pay for such palaces care more about a pure atmosphere. At least that’s the sense I get from folks in Buffalo. One model? The Green Bay Packers. They preserved their bowl at Lambeau Field once occupied by Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr with renovations that include a Packers Hall of Fame. It’s evolved as a 24/7/365 destination. Walk into the Lambeau Field Atrium and you feel the tradition.'