Archives for November 2016

'Rex Ryan and his assistant coaches wisely spent part of their bye taking a much-needed hard look at the shockingly bad play on the back end of the defense.'

'From the moment it was revealed that Watkins was injured in the offseason, there have been plenty of head-scratching moments, starting with him saying he didn't know how he got hurt. The Bills' decision to play Watkins in Week Two, just four days after the season opener in Baltimore, also didn't make much sense if he was hurting. If it's a pain-tolerance issue, the Bills would be right to expect Watkins to get on the field. But if it's something else, the chances he doesn't play again in 2016 will go up.'

'Bills defensive end Leger Douzable tweeted "We need @Uber in Buffalo. ASAP" Sunday night after a 15-minute taxi ride cost him $50. Douzable even petitioned Governor Andrew Cuomo to bring Uber to Buffalo.'

'Thomas, who currently serves as president of the 3480 Group, will receive the Legacy of Service Award.'

'Williams started 10 games with the Bills since joining the team in 2013. He mainly served in a reserve role, but also contributed on special teams. Williams was responsible for allowing a 66-yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. Williams thanked Buffalo for his opportunity with the team.'

'The Bills are on a three-game losing streak despite scoring exactly 25 points in each game. That's tied for the longest losing streak in NFL history in which the losing team scored at least 25 points in each of those games, according to Elias. The Bills' defense will look to hold down Cincinnati this week.'

'The Bills' secondary has been a huge weak spot in 2016. Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby spent the offseason in the conversation about the league's best cornerback duos. Both have failed to meet expectations. Teams are starting to realize Darby and Gilmore can be beat deep given some sloppy technique.'

'The eight-year NFL vet did not start at safety under Ryan, but did appear in 15 and 14 games, respectively. Ihedigbo could also see time playing special teams.'

'To make room for Ihedigbo, the team released safety Duke Williams. Williams had been with the team since being selected 105th overall by Buffalo in 2013. He played mostly on special teams and his role on defense had diminished in recent weeks.'

'Buffalo has been searching for a starting safety since Aaron Williams (neck) was placed on injured reserve Nov. 1. Veteran Robert Blanton has started in Williams' place over the last two games.'

'He and Glover Quin were considered one of the best safety tandems in the league in 2014, but Ihedigbo was replaced in the lineup by Isa Abdul-Quddus midway through the 2015 season. It was a season Ihedigbo called "humbling," and he told ESPN "without a doubt" he believes he can still be a NFL starter.'

'Ihedigbo, 32, is a nine-year veteran of the National Football League. Ihedigbo started his career as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets and has spent time with the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions.'

'The play of the linebackers. Going into the season I thought this was the unit with the most question marks but they've played very well as a group. Like the rest of the defense, the play has tailed off a bit in the last three games(more on that later) but they still get a good grade. Jerry Hughes has been..well..Jerry Hughes. Zach Brown turns out to be a tremendous "dust settler" signing by Doug Whaley and no one could have predicted what Lorenzo Alexander has done. Preston Brown looks more comfortable in the Rex Ryan scheme in year two.'

'Over the last three seasons, Ihedigbo has started 37 games, and amassed 235 total tackles, three sacks, and eight interceptions. Ihedigbo also spent two seasons with head coach Rex Ryan as a member of the Jets in 2009 and 2010. Terms of the contract are not yet known at this time.'

'"I want to play one more year. If it doesn't happen, I know I played nine solid season in Buffalo and a year in Seattle last year and it's something that I can be ok with," he said. "But, I'm staying in shape and if team does reach out I'll be able to go in and contribute as soon as I hit the ground."'