Archives for September 7, 2016

'Attempts Tuesday to reach Ryan, now an assistant coach with the Buffalo Bills, were unsuccessful.'

'“I mean, it’s coming from a Hall of Famer so I hope and pray to God that I’m listening,” Williams said. “He watched me over the offseason – and this was before we even talked – he said, ‘We’ve got you in the game; you like to hit too many times for unnecessary reasons.’'

'The Bills also signed cornerback Marcus Roberson to the practice squad Tuesday. Roberson, 23, has 25 games of NFL experience, all with the St. Louis Rams. An undrafted free agent in 2014, Roberson played in 16 games last season, including four starts. For his career, he’s made 36 tackles, one interception and seven passes defensed.'

'Well I think number one, I think we’ve had a lot of work together. All through training camp, in regards to first, second, third team up until our last preseason game. Whew, that was ugly. But up until that point I thought we played really well and the communication was good. In regards to who we put in there, you know I think we have a lot of depth at some positions, not as much at others obviously. We got to get a couple of new guys, you know, up to speed. But I feel pretty good about, you know, going in, where we are communication wise.'

'“It's always great to be back with my teammates, it's always great to be back playing the game I love,” he said. “I had a freak accident, it kept me back for a little bit, but in between those times where I couldn't come I was lifting and running, trying to keep in shape and keeping my head in the playbook.”'

'"I just remember being hit and then getting up and being in the training room," Williams said. "So I couldn't really tell you what I was thinking because I wasn't thinking. That was one of those things that it just happened. I can't even tell you what I was thinking or what was going on in my mind because my head was ringing. I was just trying to make sure my neck was actually good."'

'Now that the regular season is underway, the Bills have a plan for Cardale Jones. If all goes well, Jones won't have to play in a regular season game as a rookie, but Rex Ryan plans on giving the quarterback special projects and getting him involved in the game plan. "Let's put it this way, we're trying to build a quarterback," Ryan said.'

'No one is confident of anything in Buffalo. Tyrod Taylor is a bit like Minnesota's Teddy Bridgewater in that little was asked of him in 2015. His 20 touchdowns and six interceptions indicate the Bills could ask more. Will they? And if he goes down, it's unclear whether EJ Manuel has any tricks left.'

'Yes, Rex Ryan, Rob Ryan and some of the star players on the team got the unfiltered opinions of the fans who pack the stands each week. Among those featured in this video are the Ryan brothers, wide receiver Sammy Watkins, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, guard Richie Incognito, safety Aaron Williams, defensive end Jerry Hughes and cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Stephon Gilmore.'

'"But am I thinking about that? No. I can't think about that because if I think about it, it's going to happen," he added. "I love this game to the bottom of my heart, and would do anything to keep playing."'

'In Buffalo, Tate gets the opportunity to take over the return job ahead of veteran running back Reggie Bush, who was signed last month. Tate has returned two kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns, and has 57 catches for 901 yards and six touchdowns.'

'Tate, who turns 29 next month, will likely get a chance to become Buffalo's main kickoff returner. Veteran running back Reggie Bush has secured the punt-return duties.'

'"I just remember being hit and then getting up and being in the training room," Williams said of the "freak accident" with Lewis. "I couldn't even tell you what I was thinking, probably, because I wasn't thinking. It was just one of those things that just happened. I couldn't really tell you what I was thinking or what was going on in my mind because the whole time, my head was ringing. I was just trying to make sure that my neck was actually good. I was more concerned about my neck than my head."'

'In terms of a player and team’s style marrying up to one another, you can’t do much better in the draft than Reggie Ragland and the Buffalo Bills. It’s a shame the second-round rookie suffered a season-ending ACL tear in camp.'

'Safety Aaron Williams, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, running back Mike Gillislee, offensive tackles Cordy Glenn and Seantrel Henderson, and cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman all participated without limitations. Williams, Goodwin, and Gillislee were all in concussion protocol recently, while Henderson has been dealing with an illness. Glenn missed most of training camp with an ankle injury and Robey-Coleman was out with a quad contusion.'