Archives for August 21, 2016

'However, I did find general manager Doug Whaley’s explanation of the events a bit shallow. Dareus was referred to as a “family member” while Williams was given the ugly step-child treatment, even though their transgressions were quite similar in immaturity and stupidity.'

'Dareus, of course, was suspended one game in 2015 for violating the substance abuse program, then missed a test recently and that triggered a four-game suspension. Clearly, Dareus has some off-field problems, and it seems that given the fact he can’t play the first four regular-season games, the timing of his choice to enter rehab is a good one.'

'Williams, a second-year pro considered a key to the team's running game, was going to miss the first four games of the season anyway for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. He had arrived at off-season workouts overweight, which didn't sit well with the coaching staff and team management.'

'It's nice to know Rex hasn't lost his edge, because he's going to need it if this team is going to overcome the offseason adversity and improve on its 8-8 record from a year ago. If the Bills do find a way to take a step forward, Rex will get every opportunity to throw it in the critics' faces. Based on his remarks on Saturday, it's obvious he still has it in him, too.'

'On Tuesday, the NFL announced that Dareus would be suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. It was the second such violation he's had in his career. He was seen leaving the stadium in street clothes on Saturday prior to the Bills' preseason game against the New York Giants.'

'Karlos Williams was a fifth-round pick by the Bills back in the 2015 draft. He had multiple red flags due to off-the-field behavior, but the Bills took a gamble on the physical running back from Florida State.'

'"As a football team, we came together as a family. We support Marcell 100 percent. Our thoughts are with him. No question about it. And it's more important than four games or whatever it is.'

'"Every decision that's made — whether you get tired of me saying it or not — every decision is made on three factors, and those three things are the team first, the team second and the team third. That's all I'll say about it."'

'"I think it's just all on the field. If he's not out there being able to perform and he can't perform at the level we expect him to then that's on him. It's not a question. I always say the information makes the decision, and the information was he wasn't ready to play and guys underneath him surpassed him."'

'Shortly after the news of his release broke, Williams reacted to the release on Instagram and thanked the Bills organization for the opportunity.'

'"This is very upsetting," Hall said. "I have a 3-month-old kid and a 2-year-old, plus his 2 boys. This is the way we live."'

'Despite losing starter after starter, the Bills defense shined again. In the first quarter, the Giants offense gained only 15 yards of offense in total. Out of their first 11 drives, seven went for either no yards or negative yardage.'

'Defensively the Bills kept Eli Manning and the Giants no huddle offense in check, only allowing the Giants to gain 15 yards combined in the first quarter.'

'Reports indicate the move was a performance based decision. Williams passed his physical this past Monday, the first day he took part in full practices with the team.'

'Tyrod Taylor zipped a 13-yard touchdown pass over the middle to LeSean McCoy to cap his fourth and final series. Backup EJ Manuel then secured the win by leading two touchdown drives. Rookie running back Jonathan Williams scored on a 1-yard plunge and Manuel completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Greg Little.'