Archives for June 8, 2016

'"Coming back, of course, the coaches expect more," Taylor said. "We expect more of ourselves. But it definitely feels different. I like where we're at. We've made a lot of progress this offseason and we're going to continue to keep getting better."'

'However, the times that Jones has played, he has been highly effective. He's 11-0 as a starter for the Buckeyes and led them to a national championship in 2014.'

'“Everybody is out competing," he said. "I’d like to think everything is wide open because every man is looking for a job. You just have to do what you can do. Go out there, make plays, catch the ball and get open.'

'Goodell fully understands that a political fight is looming, because that's what almost always happens in these circumstances. A substantial amount of taxpayer money would be needed, just as it was for the recent $130-million renovation of The Ralph. The Pegulas fully understand that, too, which certainly is at least part of the reason their public stance on a new stadium — as voiced through club president Russ Brandon last March — is that they're in no hurry for hardhats to be donned at whatever location is chosen to break ground.'

'However, at 6 feet 5 and 253 pounds with a cannon for an arm, he is certainly an intriguing talent, provided the Bills can teach him how to play in the NFL, which some believe will be a tall task.'

'"I think Rex breeds competition, and I just saw opportunity where I could come in and possibly earn a starting job," Little said after a recent Bills OTA practice. "When the opportunity is there just seizing that moment and making the best of it. Just making a play. I think that's what this league is really built on is guys who can make plays or extend routine plays and make them unusual."'

'"I got a kick out of it," Ferguson said. "I guess that means I'm doing my job to a certain extent. Being anonymous is a good thing."'

'“It’s always nice to receive compliments for your efforts and dedication and work and the sacrifices and pain you endured. What this will ultimately be is a celebration for Western New York and the fans of the Buffalo Bills and the history and the legacy that all of us have worked so hard to bring a source of entertainment, enjoyment, gratification. It hasn’t settled in, but as it gets closer it will,” said Smith.'

'At 6-foot-5 and 253 pounds, Jones is considered a developmental project in Buffalo because of his limited playing time at Ohio State. He's expected to spend this season in a third-string role behind starter Tyrod Taylor and backup EJ Manuel.'

'"While I did not know the severity of what continuous head traumas would do to an individual and the mind and so forth and so on, I'm not going to sit here and complain," Smith said. "I'd be lying to you if I didn't tell you it hurts on a daily basis. But I'm very thankful."'

'Coach Rex Ryan said, "I'm excited about him because he's a big, raw talent, and does he have to come a long way? There's no question about that. But, shoot, he's almost in a perfect situation and we'll see how he develops.'

'The physical toll is also an issue for a player who played in 299 games — 279 regular season, 20 postseason — for the Bills (1985-99) and Washington Redskins (2000-03).'

'The Bills are in the middle of another week of OTAs then will have a three-day mandatory minicamp for all players next Tuesday through Thursday.'

'“It’s one of the things I've loved about Jim,” Goodell said. “Jim treats me the same as he did when I was, you know, that young intern in the NFL as he does right now as Commissioner, which I appreciate.”'

'"Hey, I don't think new stadiums correlate with competitiveness, or greatness. Green Bay has been playing in Lambeau Field forever and they're in the playoffs every year. And with that great stadium it's not like the Cowboys are good or anything.'