Archives for February 2017

'Seventeen years have come and gone since the last time the Buffalo Bills made the playoffs. It’s also been 17 years since the Bills practiced at SUNY Fredonia.'

'The Bills should bring Bryant back this offseason because he is a known commodity that can work in this scheme as a rotational player at least.'

'The other two quarterbacks on the Bills schedule with top 10 passer ratings also come to Buffalo in Oakland’s Derek Carr, who had a better than 4:1 touchdown to interception ratio last season. Andrew Luck will lead the Colts into Buffalo this coming fall as well after throwing for more than 4,200 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2016.'

'“I spoke with Sean (McDermott) and my (coordinator) as well,” said Ihedigbo in an appearance on the John Murphy Show. “I would definitely love to be back in Buffalo. I think I meshed well with the guys. This team is a young team and so talented. I think we’re so close to winning. The talent is there. I think we have to continue to solidify that leadership.'

'In addition to Byrd, the Bills announced the hiring of Bobby Babich as the assistant defensive backs coach. Babich is the son of Bills linebackers coach Bob Babich. They younger Babich spent 2016 as the secondary coach/defensive pass game coordinator for Florida International. Prior to that, he worked as the assistant secondary coach for the Cleveland Browns from 2013-15. He also spent two years on the Carolina Panthers' coaching staff as a defensive assistant while McDermott was the defensive coordinator there.'

'Safety figures to be a big priority for the Bills this offseason. Aaron Williams' playing future still has not been determined, and fellow starter Corey Graham is heading into the final year of his contract. Playing under his father could have some appeal to Byrd, but if history tells us anything, that decision will come down to money.'

'“True to my prediction, I would be in the Super Bowl,” said Ryan. “I guaranteed I’d be there and here it is … I guess it is a little different.”'

'Byrd is entering his 13th season as an NFL coach, though he was out of football in 2016. Byrd coached cornerbacks for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014-15, and prior to that coached for the Chicago Bears from 2006-2012 and started his coaching career with the St. Louis Rams in 2003.'

'"I'm just a strong Bills fan and I'm just like disgusted with the Super Bowl," said Brian Holloway, a driver for Rochester Pedal Tours. "I wanted to show up to protest with a lot of other upset Americans. Even though it is only me, one is better than none."'

'The most important decision, however, concerns quarterback Tyrod Taylor. The Bills have to decide whether to pick up the option on his contract by March 11. Monday marked the first day the Bills could release Taylor, who is currently rehabbing from offseason groin surgery. He started 29 games the last two seasons and would have a cap hit of just under $16 million if the Bills bring him back in 2017.'

'"The Bills have moved on to their eighth coach since they last made a playoff appearance in 1999," Seifert said. Sean McDermott has a defensive background — much like Rex Ryan, Dick Jauron, Gregg Williams and Wade Phillips before him — but what the Bills really need to focus on is their offense. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has shown some promise, but the front-office decision to bench him in Week 17 suggests the team will commence yet another offseason search for a quarterback. The cycle continues in Buffalo."'

'The Bills also announced Tuesday they hired Bobby Babich to serve as an assistant defensive backs coach. Babich spent last season as an assistant at Florida International, and previously worked with McDermott on the Carolina Panthers staff.'

'The entire organization understands this past season was a disappointment and we share in your frustration. While we did not achieve our goals, we remain steadfast in our commitment to bring a championship to Buffalo.'

'While the Bills don't have much behind Sammy Watkins, they also don't have much cap room to do all the things that they likely want to do. With so many questions on the defensive side of the ball, and still with some other free agent wide receivers (Marquise Goodwin, Justin Hunter) that can be brought back on lesser deals, it likely makes the most sense for the Bills to initially inquire on Woods, but to ultimately pass if his price tag is going to be in the $8 million per season range.'

'Byrd will enter his 13th season as an NFL coach in 2017. Byrd coached cornerbacks for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014-15. He coached for the Chicago Bears from 2006-2012 and started his coaching career with the St. Louis Rams in 2003. Prior to coaching, Byrd enjoyed a 10-year NFL career with the San Diego Chargers from 1983-1992. He was named All-Pro in four seasons (1989-92) and is the Chargers all-time leader in interceptions with 42. Byrd was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame in 1998.'