Archives for November 2016

'You’re left wondering how much faith the Bills truly have in Taylor. Anthony Lynn’s answer, with the Bills down six points and facing a third-and-20 situation from the Seattle 43, was a draw play for LeSean McCoy rather than a pass from his quarterback.'

'Despite winning the time of possession battle by an overwhelming 40:17 to 19:43, the Bills allowed too many big pass plays that ultimately did them in. The Seahawks were able to move the ball effectively through the air, with Russell Wilson completing 20 of 26 passes for 282 yards and a pair of touchdowns to tight end Jimmy Graham.'

'The loss was the Bills' third in a row, dropping their record to 4-5 and extending their losing streak on Monday Night Football to six games.'

'Of all the games left on the Buffalo Bills' schedule, the one they could most afford to lose was Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks. What they could not afford to lose were center Eric Wood, a series of misguided verdicts from the officiating crew and their composure.'

'Then the game went from wild to feral before my eyes.'

'It was an outstanding quarterbacking exhibition. Taylor was 27 of 38 for 289 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Wilson was 20 of 26 for 282 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Taylor rushed for 43 yards and one TD. Wilson rushed for 10 yards and one TD. Call it a draw.'

'About those “elite” cornerbacks the Bills are supposed to employ … what happened to them? It was Ronald Darby’s turn this week to get beat on a bomb, which he did when Doug Baldwin got behind him for a 50-yard gain to set up the Seahawks’ first touchdown. His pass-interference penalty also set up the Seahawks’ go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter, earning him a spot on the bench. The secondary desperately misses safety Aaron Williams, but that’s not enough to explain away that first half.'

'The Bills were severely hampered in the fourth quarter by center Eric Wood leaving the game with an ankle injury. Backup center Patrick Lewis was inactive for the game, so reserve guard/tackle Ryan Groy had to take over. He struggled.'

'The play also ended Taylor's streak of passes without an interception at 190, which is the second-longest run in team history. Taylor set the record last season at 222.'

'He started the second quarter in style by hauling in a 17-yard touchdown with just his right hand, using his left arm to hold off safety Robert Blanton. With a minute to go in the half, Graham got just enough separation on Nickell Robey-Coleman to make a one-handed snag while falling to the ground.'

'The Bills took the lead back with a 10-minute, 17-play drive that was arguably their best of the season. Taylor was 5 of 6 for 32 yards on the drive while LeSean McCoy, Mike Gillislee and Taylor all picked up good yards on the ground.'

'"I’m not concerned at all," the Buffalo Bills' receiver said. "I’ve played this game more than half my life. I understand there’s a 100-percent injury rate. A lot of people who play it are going to suffer head trauma or a head injury at some point. I just don’t really worry about it. I pray about the things that I have in life, wake up thankful I’m able bodied and leave the rest up to God. I don’t really focus on that aspect of the game."'

'The streak, dating to 2010, was the second-longest for active wide receivers in the NFL, trailing only Atlanta's Eric Weems (127). The 49ers' Torrey Smith is next at 88.'

'Also inactive for the Bills are quarterback Cardale Jones, offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson, center Patrick Lewis, tight end Gerald Christian and wide receiver Brandon Tate (concussion).'

'This egregious performance by Rex Ryan’s beleaguered boys, allowing the heretofore struggling Seahawks offense to roll up 28 points, ultimately doomed the Bills in their gut-wrenching 31-25 loss to in front of a record, full-throated-as-always crowd of 69,084.'