Archives for July 28, 2017

'“My expectations haven’t changed, we’re going to work hard, we’re going to compete,” McDermott said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. We’re putting together a roster – Brandon and his staff – that’s going to compete, there’s going to be competition at every position and we look forward to it. That’s what training camp is all about.'

'"We've put together … a rep count that will build up and, at times, come down a little bit, just based off of the plan from the outset," McDermott said. "But we've got to be flexible with that and see how he feels. And that starts" Thursday "night."'

'"Obviously Colin, he's had great success in the past," Beane said. "I've not looked into him or anything like that. We've had plenty of quarterbacks here. I like the mesh of the three that we have. We liked Cardale, but our our goal right now is just to let these three go and see how it goes at camp."'

'However, the Bills are going to be careful with Glenn and, as they are doing with receiver Sammy Watkins and his recovery from foot surgery, they are going to "manage his reps," coach Sean McDermott said.'

'"When we got here Tuesday or Wednesday, just to be back around the guys, it took my mind off of it," Washington said. " … I forget about it. I try not to think about it. I'm trying to focus on my team and trying to help us move in the right direction this year for the football season."'

'"We just wanted to hear his version," Beane said. "He had called us … he handled the situation after it happened the way he should, as far as calling us immediately and letting us know. But we have not spoken to him since then and we sat down, the three of us. I'm gonna keep it private what we said, but he understands that we're disappointed the situation happened. At the same time we're thankful no one was injured. It could've been worse. He understands and we're gonna move forward."'

'Pardon me if I'm reluctant to believe the Bills will be decidedly different this year under McDermott and Beane than they were in past seasons. It has absolutely nothing to do with them. They're fine people and appear more competent, more professional, than their predecessors. I'm not questioning their sincerity.'

'Just one player — safety Colt Anderson — is on the active/physically-unable-to-perform list. Coach Sean McDermott said Anderson, who worked out with trainers on the sideline, is week-to-week with a sprained foot. The other 88 players on the roster took part in practice. Offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson left with a trainer, but returned about 10 minutes later, while defensive tackle Jerel Worthy left the practice a few minutes early, possibly for a cramp.'

'My expectations haven’t changed. My expectations are that we’re going to work hard, we’re going to compete. We’ve got a lot of work to do obviously to your point. We’re putting together a roster –Brandon (Beane) and his staff – that’s going to compete, there’s going to be competition at every position and we look forward to it. That’s what training camp is all about. That brings out the best in true competitors. Those are my expectations. We’re going to focus on the process and that’s focusing on us and that’s what we have to do right now, that’s what’s in front of us.'

'The top three of Watkins, Jones and Holmes have separated themselves from the rest, leaving eight players (not counting Powell) competing for five spots.'

'It made sense that the Chargers were the one (only?) team willing to make a deal for him, because their new coach, Anthony Lynn, was the Bills' offensive coordinator and interim coach during Jones' rookie year in 2016. Lynn saw what everyone else saw from Jones: big arm, but rawness everywhere else.'

'But one thing we know the two men have in common: A Buffalo roster with a whole lot more questions than answers, and as maddening as it is, several of the concerns Ryan dealt with last season are now McDermott’s problem as the Bills arrive at St. John Fisher College for their 18th training camp on the Pittsford campus.'

'“With not having traditional two-a-days like we had, when you needed four and five quarterbacks, there’s just not enough time to have four and give them all the reps they need," Beane explained. “We would’ve been doing Cardale a disservice, so we found a win-win situation.".

'It has often been said that no one sells hope better than the Buffalo Bills. It's true, and Rochesterians lap it up when the team comes to our town. But sometimes hope is accompanied by genuine and well-placed excitement, and that's the case this year, because the buffoonery of Rex Ryan has been replaced by the hard-boiled, no-nonsense discipline of Sean McDermott.'

'Village Bakery and Café: Tucked back behind a Starbuck's in the Village of Pittsford, this locally owned gem serves up hearty breakfast fare like open-faced egg sandwiches and stuffed French toast. It also has delicious pastries for breakfast on the run. At lunchtime, there are soups, sandwiches and salads. At 5 State Street, the Village Bakery and Cafe is open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Parking in the narrow lot can be tricky; you may want to park at a public lot nearby and take a short walk through the charming village.'