Archives for September 2016

'General manager Doug Whaley would only say, "what we always do is whatever we think is best for the team," when asked about Lawson being released.'

'It's unclear if the off-field incident played a role in the team's decision to part ways with the veteran.'

'Lawson, 32, was expected to start opposite Jerry Hughes in the Bills' 3-4 defense until first-round pick Shaq Lawson (shoulder surgery) returns from the physically unable to perform list. The earliest Lawson is eligible to return is Week 7.'

'Lawson, 32, has spent the past three seasons with the Bills after signing a four-year deal with the team in 2013. In the three seasons with Buffalo, Lawson played in all but one game for the team with 104 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. Lawson is currently under investigation by the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy over a possible domestic violence issue.'

'In what is considered maybe the upset of the roster, the Western New York native was kept over Jerome Felton, one of the best blocking fullbacks in the NFL. But Gronk won’t be asked to totally replicate that blocking. It will be part of his job, but he was held on to due to his versatility to be able to play H-back and tight end, if needed, but also for his special teams play. Felton wasn’t going to be able to contribute as much there and was making over $2 million the team now saves against the salary cap.'

'The Bills announced all the cuts on Friday shortly ahead of their last practice of the week. Among the biggest surprises, the team parted ways with veteran fullback Jerome Felton.'

'That’s why undrafted rookie Glenn Gronkowski made the final roster. A strong performance Thursday night along with the versatility to be a move tight end and operate in space earned him a spot on the 53-man squad.'

'“You know I mean I was definitely excited. I wasn’t surprised just because I put in a lot of hard work. I just put in a lot of overtime and made sure I made plays when my number was called. Just doing what I need to do to make this team.'

'Buffalo went with fewer wideouts than they have in the past. Salas is expected to be the primary slot receiver. Goodwin and Powell had strong camps. Unfortunately none of the size receivers fared well enough to make the roster leaving Salas at 6-2 as their tallest receiver.'

'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.'