Archives for February 2017

'"I wouldn't try to pigeonhole us just yet that we're going to try to be ground and pound," Roman said, via the Ravens' website. "Who really wins big doing that? I think you have to have balance. But that doesn't mean we're not going to make people respect us in that phase of the game."'

'Bryant made roughly $1.7 million last season after being kept as a Restricted Free Agent. A 2-3 year deal starting at $2 million/year and bumping up slightly each year could work for both sides.'

'Normally, the decision to keep Gilmore around wouldn't be that much to think about, but given the Bills' poor management of the salary cap over the last few years, it doesn't lend itself to keeping both… unless a lot of restructuring and/or the cutting of unexpected players with a high cap number, gets them some more room under the cap.'

'Cooper was Kansas City’s rookie of the year in 2013 when he made four interceptions, but was squeezed out of their rotation. The fourth-year pro made the most of his opportunity in Arizona as he led the team pass breakups (11) and interceptions (4) despite being a frequent target with Peterson on the other side. Cooper also finished fourth on the team in tackles.'

'“McCoy was kept in to block 92 times this season, and earned a pass-blocking grade of 37.1 — the worst mark of any running back in the NFL. On those 92 snaps, he allowed 13 total QB pressures,” Monson wrote. “McCoy was certainly in the conversation in the latter stages of the list, and would be among the next few names to go on it, but was ultimately kept off by his blocking performance.”'

'Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus sits at the top of the payroll, one spot above Taylor, with a $16.4-million cap number. Given his less-than-stellar production the past two seasons, and off-field conduct/injuries that resulted him missing more than half of the 2016 campaign, Dareus is one player whose deal would figure to offer ample opportunity for restructuring.'

'McCoy has a right to be angry about not being recognized as one of the league's best players, but calling the graders "nerds" won't help his cause.'

'Here's a look at the last 10 drafts to get an idea for the type of player the Bills could land and the standard they have to live up to.'

'Of course, finding a comparable player — to have this kind of signature pass rush season at this stage of his career — isn't particularly easy. Alexander's agent, Peter Schaffer, surmised his client will land "between $5 million and $10 million per year" on a short-term free agent deal, understanding this is a unique case which explains that wide range.'

'Make Woods an offer of $5-6 million per year knowing full well he will most likely get much more elsewhere. Then don't match.'

'These days Kelly is busier than ever. He is deeply involved in his charitable foundations, he travels the country as a motivational speaker and has his own company handling his appearances and other ventures.'

'“I think you don’t have to play the position to be a good coach at it, but when you played the position, you get a lot more respect a lot quicker from your players,” Mitchell said. “And when you get that respect a lot quicker, you can get past a lot of the silly things early.".

'A year ago, when he was defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers, his top cornerback, Josh Norman, was about to enter free agency. Now, as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, his current top cornerback, Stephon Gilmore, is also about to become a free agent.'

'"McCoy was kept in to block 92 times this season, and earned a pass-blocking grade of 37.1 — the worst mark of any running back in the NFL. On those 92 snaps, he allowed 13 total QB pressures. McCoy was certainly in the conversation in the latter stages of the list, and would be among the next few names to go on it, but was ultimately kept off by his blocking performance."'

'"Until this team finds its quarterback, management will keep making shortsighted head-coaching hires every two or three years. Tyrod Taylor is not the solution," Benoit writes. "He's mobile — and that's it. He doesn't have the anticipatory instincts or accuracy to compensate for mediocre throwing velocity. Taylor's also not comfortable in the pocket, which leads to his breaking down before the pressure even arrives and renders him unable to see open receivers. If the Bills wind up riding Taylor one more year — unlikely, given they'd save $13 million in cap space by cutting him — then he'll need weapons. Every receiver except Sammy Watkins is now a free agent."'