Archives for July 2016

'That’s if he can stay healthy. Sammy Watkins missed most of Buffalo’s spring workouts after having surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot. Earlier this week, Watkins told reporters in Buffalo that he feels good about his recovery and his chances of being ready for the start of training camp.'

'“You’d rather the cycle not have such an exodus,” special teams coordinator Danny Crossman told the team’s official website earlier this offseason. “You’d like to keep some guys and maintain that nucleus, but that’s just how it works sometimes. It’s going to be one of those years with how the situation has worked out that we’ll have a bunch of new faces, but it’s also exciting at the same time.”'

'Is this the year the Bengals finally get over the hump in the playoffs? Cincinnati has won 52 regular-season games the past five seasons, but has lost on wild-card weekend every time. In fact, the Bengals haven't won a playoff game since 1991. The roster is stacked with talent, but so far, coach Marvin Lewis hasn't been able to get the most out of it when stakes are highest.'

'Brown had an excellent rookie season playing in Jim Schwartz's 4-3 defense, but the transition to Ryan's 3-4 in his second year as a pro was not a smooth one. It's only fair to see how Brown adjusts after a full season in the system. He didn't back down from the public criticism and instead responded by showing greater vocal leadership and command of the scheme throughout spring practices. Now he has to carry that over into the season.'

'As we transition from the off-season to the preseason, here are some things I’ll be keeping my eyes on…'.

'The Bills picked up the fifth-year option on Gilmore's rookie contract, guaranteeing him just over $11 million this season on a one-year deal. Gilmore would like long-term security.'

'"The merchandise tent is probably the biggest thing I get asked about," said Harrison. "Still one story, but it's a much more permanent-looking structure and with more space for merchandise."'

'If Watkins misses some or all of camp, there will be an even bigger opportunity for the players behind him on the depth chart. Watkins and Robert Woods are the only two receivers who are locks for the 53-man roster heading to training camp.'

'That decision will ultimately rest with General Manager Doug Whaley. It would be a reversal of Whaley's thinking from a year ago, when the team parted with one of its most popular players shortly before the start of the season.'

'Will Rawls and Graham be ready to start the season coming off major injuries? Rawls, the undrafted free agent who took over at running back when Lynch was hurt, suffered a broken ankle and ligament damage, ending his rookie year early. He led the NFL with 5.65 yards per carry. Graham, meanwhile, tore the patellar tendon in his knee – a difficult injury to come back from. Even though his season was a disappointment when he got hurt, Graham led the team in targets at the time of the injury. It's clear both players are major contributors to the offense.'

'"I thought we had a good offseason last year, but not like this. It's so much different," Ryan said. "I will challenge any team. I think we've won the offseason. But we need to win July."'

'High hopes that followed Ryan's hiring last year have been replaced by skepticism after Bills lacked consistency and looked nothing like so-called bully coach proclaimed he would build.'

'“I love Rex. The biggest thing I can say about Rex is he’s a lot different with the media than he is with us….he is straightforward, fun-loving. His spirit is infectious."'

'The Bills starting safety Aaron Williams and Jackson were extremely close before the runner was released ahead of the 2015 season. As of now, there isn't any reported interest from the Bills just yet.'

'"Aging and Unathletic"'