Archives for June 2017

'Here is where the Bills are: They still aren't good enough to compete with New England for the AFC East title, and unless several things fall into place, coupled with a few healthy doses of luck and good fortune, they probably won't make a serious run at a wild-card berth in the AFC.'

'Wide receiver Sammy Watkins continued to increase his workload, getting more reps in 11-on-11 work against the defense. In one of those sessions, Watkins caught back-to-back passes, including a wide receiver screen. Bills fans have been clamoring to see the team throw Watkins screens, something he was highly successful dong in college, but hasn’t been used for much at the NFL level.'

'“If the opportunity comes along, I’m going to try and take advantage of it,” Jackson said live in studio. “If it doesn’t happen, I still have 10 years to hang my hat on and I’ll be fine with that.”'

'The Bills open training camp with a 5:30 p.m. practice on the 27th that will require a ticket for fans to attend. The Bills will hold one other 5:30 p.m. practice during training camp back in Orchard Park at New Era Field on Friday August 4th.'

'It all kicks off on Thursday, July 27 at 5:30 pm, one of three practices at the college that will require a ticket for entry for fans. In a bit of a change from previous years, the Bills will hold an open practice for fans — with a ticket for entry — at New Era Field in Orchard Park on Friday, August 4. Training camp is scheduled to break on Tuesday, August 15.'

'Through six workouts that the media has been able to view during the spring offseason sessions, the best day we’ve seen from starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor was saved for the last day of school, so to speak.'

'“Cordy remains week to week with the ankle,” he said. “That’s just all part of his rehab process, just trying to protect the area there. We expect him, anticipate him to be ready to go for training camp.”'

'“It was hypercompetitive out there,” said Eric Wood after his ninth career minicamp. “There were a lot of guys trying to get better, a lot of guys competing. I would say it was the most competitive one I’ve been around. A lot of guys fighting for jobs. That happens when there’s a lot of turnover. Guys see openings and it paid off. We saw big strides from a lot of players out here and I thought it was run incredibly well.”'

'“The start of training camp is right around the corner and we are excited to return to St. John Fisher College, the summer home of the Buffalo Bills since 2000,” said Bills Managing Partner and President Russ Brandon. “We appreciate the hospitality that St. John Fisher and our fans in Rochester continue to provide us on a yearly basis.”'

'“He’s not just a running back. He can run the ball between the tackles. He can run outside. He can line up outside and threaten a defense there,” said Williams. “LeSean is a great guy, a great professional on and off the football field, so I’m just learning from him. He’s a playmaker.”'

'“There’s obviously value in continuity, and that comes through years of being able to do things the right way where you can acquire, you can develop, and then you look to retain those players,” McDermott said. “It’s our first year in this situation. That said – we’re not looking for any excuses, we’re looking to get the job done and be ready to play when that time comes.”'

'"This is something that can happen during the season," he told reporters. "You never know with the running back position, how physical it is. It could be an injury, or it could be an illness, or something like that and the guys have to step up."'

'Jones is at a disadvantage in terms of knowing then offense when compared to Taylor and Yates, both of whom have previously played under offensive coordinator Rick Dennison. He was also drafted under a different front office and coaching staff than currently is in place, so Peterman is ahead of him in that regard, too. Considering all that, it's fair to put Jones squarely on the hot seat at training camp.'

'"To be able to take part in something like this, enjoy it, but don't let it feel like the icing on the cake. One day maybe you'll end up back here doing the same thing I'm doing right now and you'll see how fun it is."'

'The first-team defense has been a step ahead of the first-team offense this spring, and that continued on Wednesday. Tyrod Taylor led the first-team offense during the two-minute drill portion of practice and the group went 0-2. The offense went four-and-out on their first attempt thanks to a drop from Zay Jones. The group's second attempt was a bit more successful. Jones caught three passes but a sack stalled the drive. '