Archives for January 20, 2017

'The key free agent is Gilmore, a source of vehement disagreement among Bills fans. Some see him as a near-Pro Bowl talent, others view him as pedestrian and point to the way he and fellow cornerback Ronald Darby were absolutely embarrassed by former Buffalo QB Ryan Fitzpatrick in a 37-31 nationally-televised loss to the Jets at New Era Field in the season’s second game.'

'In all, Dennison has been on three Super Bowl-winning coaching staffs, also serving as special-teams coach for the Broncos' victories in XXXII, XXXIII.'

'“I'm a believer in franchises with new head coaches starting fresh with new quarterbacks, and it appears likely the Bills move on from Tyrod Taylor after hiring Sean McDermott,” Kiper wrote on ESPN.com. “That leaves Buffalo with a huge hole and a top-10 pick to fill it. I wrote last week that I didn't think Watson would get a post-title game draft bounce, but I've heard differently from people around the NFL.”'

'Dennison broke into the NFL as a player in 1982 with the Broncos and played through the 1990 season, mainly as a backup linebacker and special teams player. He did start 52 of the 128 games he appeared in and he had five fumble recoveries and 6.5 sacks. During his time, the Broncos played in three Super Bowls and lost all three.'

'Other wide receivers dealing with foot injuries have had second surgeries in their respective careers. Julian Edelman, Julio Jones and Dez Bryant are just three examples of players who needed second foot surgeries.'

'This hiring could mean good news for Taylor, who is facing an uncertain future. The Broncos were interested in Taylor when he hit free agency in 2015, and he is a strong fit in Kubiak's offensive system. It remains to be seen whether Dennison will use similar concepts or want Taylor as his quarterback, but this is one of the better hires Taylor could have envisioned.'

'Former Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and former assistant Rob Ryan have both interviewed for Washington's defensive coordinator opening. Dennis Thurman, Buffalo's defensive coordinator from 2015-2016, is the latest coach to reportedly interview for the job.'

'"I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that they would take a quarterback," Kiper said on a conference call with reporters Thursday. "I needed a spot for him, and I needed one that made sense. New coach, new quarterback is always a good scenario."'

'"There are not a lot of strong candidates for defensive MVP this season. The best defense in the division — the New England Patriots — is more team-oriented with its success. Alexander had the most impressive individual season. He led the Bills and the division with 12.5 sacks in addition to 76 tackles, three forced fumbles and an interception. Alexander, 33, came out of nowhere to produce a Pro Bowl season. He'd been mostly a backup and rotational player but produced the best season of his career after a decade in the NFL. Alexander deserves kudos for that alone."'

'The offensive assistant’s first coaching stint with Denver lasted until 2009 in various roles including special teams, offensive line coach, and offensive coordinator. From 2010 until 2013, Dennison was the Houston Texans offensive coordinator.'

'Dennison was the Ravens' quarterbacks coach in 2014 when Taylor completed his fourth and final season in Baltimore as Joe Flacco's backup. Taylor signed with Buffalo the following offseason and has a 15-14 record as the team's two-year starter.'

'The Broncos did not retain Dennison this month after Kubiak retired and was replaced by former Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Denver hired former Chargers coach Mike McCoy to replace Dennison as offensive coordinator.'

'Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins underwent a second foot surgery earlier this month, performed by specialist Dr. Robert Anderson, and is expected to be ready for training camp, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation.'

'Making matters even more interesting, there is a history with current Bills starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor — albeit a brief one. Taylor was the backup to Joe Flacco in Baltimore when Dennison was the quarterback coach in 2014, and the Broncos also tried to sign Taylor as a free agent in 2015 — when Kubiak and Dennison went to Denver the same offseason.'

'Dennison comes to Buffalo after spending the past two seasons as the Denver Broncos' offensive coordinator. A 22-year NFL coaching veteran, Dennison began his coaching career in 1995 with the Broncos–going on to fill a multitude of roles including an initial stint as the team's offensive coordinator from 2006-2008. In addition to the Broncos (1995-2009, 2015-2016), Dennison has spent time with the Houston Texans (2010-2013) and Baltimore Ravens (2014).'