Archives for September 2016

'Taylor had a breakout season in 2015, grading out among the top 10 overall in the league at the quarterback position. Despite his high grade, Taylor does show weakness in his short-passing game. Of all starting QBs, Taylor had the second-worst passing grade on passes less than 10 yards downfield. But on throws of 20 yards or more in the air, Taylor ranked fifth in passing yards and tied for the second-most touchdowns in the league.'

'Blandino's point about teams wanting to evaluate their kick coverage and return games in the preseason holds merit, but it's also very possible that teams will continue to kick the ball short of the end zone in the regular season. Many teams may prefer to kick it short and give their coverage a chance to stop a returner shy of the 25-yard line, the spot where touchbacks will go in 2016.'

'In a strange twist of events, the Buffalo Bills signed fullback Dan Vitale and released him just as quick. In a not so strange twist of events, the Bills have begun putting together their practice squad.'

'But the Bills' doctors Monday saw a torn labrum, his agent said, and he'll go back on waivers. If he clears waivers on Wednesday at 4 p.m., he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team's practice squad, and the Bucs would be interested in bringing back a prospect they spent the past four months developing. The Bills were 19th in the NFL's waiver order, so he had been passed up by more than half the teams in the league before there were any injury concerns, so it's reasonable to think he would clear waivers this time.'

'Winning the regular season won't be easy, either, for a team seeking to snap a 16-year playoff drought. It's the NFL's longest active streak, and sixth-longest in league history.'

'Do the players still believe in Ryan and his defensive scheme? Too many complained publicly that the defense didn't fit their skills the way Jim Schwartz's did in 2014 to expect a change of heart. But Ryan delivered a clear message in the offseason by having his players wear shirts with "ALL IN" on the front.'

'Grant, a 5-11, 192-pound Ohio State product, originally entered the NFL in 2015 as a fourth round pick (121st overall) of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Grant appeared in three games in 2015 for the Steelers. Grant, 23, is a native of Akron, Ohio.'

'The Buffalo Bills today announced that the team has signed CB Doran Grant, WR Matt Hazel, G Gabe Ikard and LB Max Valles to the team’s practice squad.'

'But what unfolded at Bills training camp was almost shocking. Day after day Goodwin was making plays. He was in sync with the quarterbacks. His route running was sharp, he was getting separation and he was executing his assignments consistently even when he wasn’t targeted.'

'Fans tend to disparage this unit, but McCoy, Karlos Williams, Taylor and Gillislee weren’t the only reason Buffalo led the league in rushing. Center Eric Wood is coming off a less-than-stellar year, but is solid as is the left side of the line — guard Richie Incognito and tackle Cordy Glenn — both of whom signed generous contract extensions. Right guard John Miller struggled a bit as a rookie and the right tackle spot is a contest between Seantrel Henderson, fresh from a bout with Crohn’s disease, and veteran Jordan Mills. In reserve are center Patrick Lewis and guard Ryan Groy.'

'"I can’t tell you the last mistake he’s made. I think he’s made one or two the entire camp. Veteran player, but it wasn’t the role that I wanted for him, and I’m not going to put him there," coach Rex Ryan said a couple weeks into training camp. "I want some of these young guys to see if they can’t step up and do it."'

'Vitale, 21, is a 6-foot-2, 225-pounder, who was a sixth-round draft choice by the Buccaneers this year. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors last year as he led Northwestern with 33 catches for 355 yards and four touchdowns. For his career, he had 135 receptions for 1,427 yards and 11 touchdowns. While he's listed as a fullback, Vitale figures to be more of an H-back.'

'Football Perspective referred to Vitale as the champion of this year's NFL combine. It will be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Greg Roman utilizes the versatile Vitale.'

'Lewis was drafted by the Bills in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft. He spent the majority of his rookie season on Buffalo's practice squad and was promoted to the 53-man roster late in the season. Lewis looked strong during OTAs this year, but failed to pick up where he left off during training camp. Buffalo is currently carrying just five receivers, so an early injury in the regular season could elevate Lewis to the main roster.'

'Vitale can line up as both a tight end and a fullback. As a senior, he led Northwestern in receiving with 33 catches for 355 yards and had four touchdowns.'