Archives for July 2017

'"I certainly acknowledge that's been the case out there and everyone's got their own opinions," the first-time coach and former Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator said. "I don't really focus on that. I focus in on what's in front of us and right now that's this practice."'

'“Yeah, that was kind of odd, yeah it really was,” he said after Saturday’s practice at St. John Fisher. “It was kind of odd because I knew I wasn’t a fit for that defense. They thought I was and I just tried it and see. But I wasn’t very comfortable in it. This year I’m just so excited because it’s something I do, been doing. That’s what we did at Clemson, the same defense. Same scheme, same everything.”'

'CB Ronald Darby left the playing field early-on and stood on the sidelines for the rest of practice. McDermott said afterward he is day-to-day with an ankle injury. He said WR Brandon Tate is also day-to-day with a calf injury and that DE Ian Seau’s foot was still being evaluated. Sean was seen after practice in a walking boot.'

'"He puts the team first. He wants to play special teams, which he's a phenomenal special teams player and that really typifies our football team," McDermott continued. "In terms of unselfish, he's going to do whatever's asked. He understand the importance of special teams and how important winning games is."'

'Defensive end Jerry Hughes continued his yearly assault on Bills training camp practices on the third day of work. Year in and year out, he has been one of the absolute best players at practice for the Bills — clearly putting his talent on display.'

'“Anytime players miss time you get concerned,” said McDermott. “But I’m going to stay positive and he’s done a great job of being in shape at this point in camp and has really handled things well. We’ll see how this unfolds. We’ll attack the treatment the way we would attack any treatment and try to get him back on the field as soon as possible.”'

'“He’s done a nice job,” said head coach Sean McDermott. “He came in in the back third of the offseason and did a nice job acclimating himself to our system and really put the team first which to me is important. He’s played multiple positions both outside and inside. He’s got more history inside in the 3-4 there in San Fran. He’s a physical football player. We do need that attitude on the defense and we’re looking for that from him and other players on the defense and this football team.”'

'“Anquan is a good football player, certainly a well-established football player in this league,” said McDermott. “We all know that. I had a nice visit with Anquan. We’re always going to look to add good football players, no different in this case.”'

'Cordy Glenn made a pit stop on his way to Bills Training Camp, presented by Connors & Ferris, this year, at Riverdale High school in Riverdale, Georgia to drop off cleats to the Riverdale Raiders. Glenn, a Riverdale alumni, began his career on the Raiders as a two-way lineman before he attended University of Georgia and was later drafted by the Buffalo Bills. Ninety pairs of Nike cleats were given to the Raiders football program for the players to use this season.'

'“As now a GM – one of 32 – you know how hard it was for him to get there, how long it took, and it was tough to see (but) it’s the business we’re in. We understand that when we sign up for it, you’re not the owner. You’re the GM and it’s their call when it’s time to make a change.”'

'"I feel good," he said. "I feel the same. I feel young. I feel about 25. Making the same runs, same cuts that feel good. I feel explosive. That's my game — being explosive, quick. So when that kind of turns, and that leaves, then I'll be in trouble, but for now I feel fine. I can keep doing this until I'm about 33 man."'

'"It’s funny. I was talking to a couple guys just yesterday, last night, and I was telling them how much difference a year can make," Williams said after Day 2 of training camp on Friday. "Last year I was coming out here and I was still kind of dealing with a foot injury and it was new. It was my first year coming back off of an injury. I didn’t play the year before and now coming out here, being able to take those "two" reps and learn from Shady, feel like I’m more a part of the team."'

'LeSean McCoy is by far the most talented player on the field. You really only need to see him run once, exploding into the open field and cutting away from would-be tacklers in a blink, to recognize how much better he is than everyone around him on both sides of the ball. It says something about McCoy's long-standing status as an elite running back, but also says something about the fact the Bills have no other truly elite players on their roster. McCoy's running and receiving are what give the offense any hope for success, so the trick will be making sure not to overwork his 29-year-old legs.'

'Dareus wasn't required to answer to the media, but he'll need to answer for the six-year contract worth $96 million he signed two years ago. For the mathematically challenged, that's $16 million per season, or $1 million per game, over the life of the deal. They're paying him to be an integral part of their defense, but he has grossly underachieved for various reasons since getting his money. It's hard to fathom a worse contract in football.'

'The pressure is already there, mostly from the league. The most influential owners (and even the less influential ones) see New Era Field as being woefully outdated and substandard when compared with the state-of-the-art facilities popping up throughout the NFL. They, along with Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league executives, are pushing extremely hard for this to happen.'