Archives for September 2, 2016

'Even though Buffalo struggled, there were some critical performances to the good. Two were singled out by Ryan, tight end Ryan O’Leary and fullback Glenn Gronkowski.'

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'Player of the game: Inside linebacker Jamari Lattimore had six total tackles, including five solo for the Bills. On a night when precious few bubble players stood out, Lattimore made the most of his opportunity. Lattimore was briefly shaken up in the third quarter, but after trainers paid him a visit, he was able to run off the field and returned to the game.'

'“It was tough at first,” he said, “ but God’s got the last say so. I’ve always believed that, so here I am playing. I just look at it as something that made me into who I am today.”'

'As you said in your rather extensive email, Whaley has made a few solid picks in the draft, most notably Ronald Darby. But he whiffed on too many others, gave up too much for Sammy Watkins, and set back the organization with his stubborn insistence that EJ Manuel is a viable NFL quarterback.'

'There were no reports that Minnesota actually spoke with the Bills, which is understandable. It’s laughable to think a team that went 11-5 last year would place its offense and its hopes in the hands of a failed quarterback who wouldn’t make most NFL rosters. Norv Turner, Minnesota’s offensive coordinator, isn’t partial to QBs who are slow to read defenses. He’d sooner stick with current backup Shaun Hill.'

'The Bills signed Nittmo in 1991 to test Norwood's mettle. What did he remember of Norwood's state of mind? But nobody seemed to know where Nittmo was. I eventually learned we might not even know who he is, that he has been using an alias, living somewhere in the Southwest and probably still reeling from concussions suffered while chasing an NFL career.'

'"Quite honestly, we have about 12 plays off of it," Bills coach Rex Ryan said after the game. "We haven't run any. We went into the game wanting to run all of them just to get it out there because we've been practicing it. It's part of what we do. Obviously Tyrod (Taylor) gives you an excellent athlete out there running it, but when Wilder went down we had no backs. That kind of blew that one out of the water."'

'"Guys like EJ Manuel become very hot commodities," Tasker said. "You can bet that the Bills are fielding inquiries about EJ's availability."'

'"Well now it's time to make a little bet," said Kelly. "Maybe some Maine lobster and I am going hunting in two weeks. Elk hunting and then I go moose hunting. So I can have you some good moose or elk filets."'

'"That was a really disappointing game — just a stinker," Bills coach Rex Ryan said.'

'Bills rookie quarterback Cardale Jones was 12-for-26 for 117 yards and an interception.'

'Glenn Gronkowski got a chance to carry the ball in the first half, rushing four times for 19 yards. Daniel Herron, Buffalo's only healthy and available RB, led the team with 38 yards on 15 carries. James Wilder Jr. left the game due to concussion protocol in the first half and did not return. In addition to Wilder, DL Jerel Worthy, S Colt Anderson (foot) and OL Marquis Lucas (ankle) and TE Blake Annan (neck) also left early. Of those players, only Worthy returned.'

'EJ Manuel struggled to find an early rhythm as he was sacked three times. Cardale Jones played the majority of the second quarter and all the second half finishing 12-for-26 for 117 yards and an interception.'

'Rex Ryan said it ahead of the game in Detroit, someone will make the roster based on how they perform in the fourth preseason game. That man is Glenn Gronkowski.'