Archives for December 1, 2016

'“They’re fourth in the league in passing, 10th in rushing. We know it’s an outstanding offense,” Ryan said. “They have a lot of weapons; we’re going to struggle to match with them regardless.”'

'Buffalo's six turnovers are the fewest through 11 games in NFL history. The previous low over that span was eight shared by five teams, most recently Kansas City last year. The single-season record is 10, set by New England in 2010 and matched by San Francisco the following season.'

'The severity of the injury is unclear and it's not known whether it will affect his status for Sunday, when Buffalo (6-5) plays at Oakland (9-2). Watkins declined to speak to reporters during a brief appearance in the locker room.'

'The Bills become Thomas' second team in three days. He was signed Monday by the Lions, who listed him as a tight end. Thomas played quarterback with the Giants in the preseason.'

'"Everybody in the league is trying to protect the football and take it away on defense, but I think our quarterback in particular is vastly underrated in that area," Ryan said.'

'Buffalo has not won a road game in December while still in playoff contention since 2004. The Bills were 8-6 when they traveled to Oakland two years ago and were knocked out of playoff contention with a 26-24 loss to the 2-12 Raiders.'

'The development is potentially concerning for Watkins, who missed nine games because of lingering foot soreness stemming from offseason surgery to repair a broken bone in the left foot.'

'Typically, both lists are longer on Wednesdays as players recover from minor ailments the previous game and rest anything that may be bothering them at all throughout the season. But the names and numbers this week were still eye-catching.'

'We had a caller this week say this about Tyrod Taylor. While I’m not ready to lock Taylor in as the starter for the next few years, I have to agree (on a much smaller level obviously). The Bills are a more fun watch than they’ve been in other years of the drought. I know most would take boring and playoffs, but its worth noting that simply wanting to watch your team play is something a sports fan needs. Hey look! Someone exciting or good! Why did we support the tank? Why do I still have about 3,000 people on a text list that just loved the tank? Because of last night. A Tuesday game in Ottawa was infinitely more interesting and exciting because of one player. Building around him is the tough part. It’s having him that will truly engage so many fans in the rest of the building process. Thurman Thomas and Eric Wood tweeting their excitement during pregame should tell you what you need to know. The opening night shell shocked performance should tell you. That’s Jack’s team.'

'Right after the practice let out, the Bills announced that Watkins had been changed his practice status to 'did not participate,' and said that Watkins talked to trainers and complained of soreness in the same foot that he had surgically repaired.'

'DL Marcell Dareus: Snaps on the Field: 43/68: Grade vs. Jaguars: A.

'The Buffalo Bills weren’t sure what they were going to get when the practice week started with stud defensive lineman Marcell Dareus. Against Jacksonville, Dareus suffered an abdominal strain late in the third quarter and didn’t return to the playing field for the rest of the afternoon. On Monday, all Rex Ryan would say was that the team was hopeful that the defensive lineman would be able to play, but offered up no real definitive statement on his outlook. On Wednesday, though, it was a different story.'

'“It was tough, believe me,” Ihedigbo said. “I’m a competitor. That’s the part of the game I love the most, just competing at a high level. So it kind of irked me a little bit, but it was patience and trusting in the Lord in everything that he was going to give me an opportunity.”'

'The Bills also announced that the team has signed G Isame Faciane (pronounced I-sem FA-shawn) to the team’s practice squad.'

'It’s the matchup of strong suits—Buffalo brings the NFL’s top pass rushing team to play against the number one pass protection unit in the league. The Bills have 33 sacks so far this season. The Raiders have allowed just 13.'