Archives for August 2, 2017

'"He's making strides and we have to continue to expose him to certain situations, game-time situations. But he's done a nice job so far in camp, as has the other running backs."'

'It's clear four practices into training camp that Ragland will have to raise his game if he's going to beat out Brown for the starting job. McDermott and his coaching staff analyzed the tape from Brown's first three NFL seasons, which included one year in Jim Schwartz's 4-3 scheme and the last two playing in Rex Ryan's 3-4.'

'The coach said cornerback Ronald Darby, who practiced on a limited basis Sunday after suffering an ankle injury Saturday, was back to full speed.'

'"You saw some of that last year and the mental part of the game, he seems to have a pretty good handle on in terms of that inside position and the outside," the coach said. "He’s got strength, he’s got speed, he does a nice job."'

'"I have a meal plan," Henderson said after a recent training camp practice at St. John Fisher College. "Meats and greens every day, protein shakes, a lot of fruit. As long as I keep gulping up a lot of everything, and getting my calories in, I'm good to go. I can keep my weight up."'

'"I like how he’s catching the football and you watch him get better and better each day in understanding the system and understanding what it’s going to take to play at this level," McDermott said.'

'"It's not any tougher than the situation I was in last year going to Miami in midseason," Rambo said Tuesday after the Bills wrapped up their fifth training camp practice. "No OTAs, no training camp, and learning the playbook and communication and fundamentals on that team — I don't think it's no different than that.'

'"I have something to prove to myself and to my teammates and the fans," Dareus said. "I just want to do my best. Me doing my best I know is good enough."'

'With strong-side linebacker Lorenzo Alexander getting a "veteran's day off," as coach Sean McDermott put it, rookie Tanner Vallejo saw action with the starters.'

'Zay’s done a nice job. I like what Rick [Dennison" target="_blank"> and Phil [McGeoghan" target="_blank"> have done with him in terms of bringing him along. He’s working at two different positions – he’s working outside and then he’s working inside in the slot. You don’t find a lot of young receivers that can manage the mental part of the game that way. He’s had a nice camp to date. I like how he’s catching the football and you watch him get better and better each day in understanding the system and understanding what it’s going to take to play at this level. He’s done a nice job.'

'McDermott said he has been pleased with Dareus’ attitude, effort — and waistline. Dareus, who is listed at 331 pounds, arrived in Rochester looking to be in his best shape in years.'

'At Tuesday morning’s practice, the distribution of McCoy, Watkins, and Taylor jerseys in the crowd blended with a plethora of Kelly, Thomas and Smith apparel. Of course, there was still a sprinkle of not-yet “so old it’s cool” JP Losman, EJ Manuel and Roscoe Parrish gear that seems to come out of the woodwork every football season.'

'It’s far too early to predict what might happen, but that’s exactly the type of tight end the Bills have never had, someone who could be a legitimate down-the-seam threat with catch-and-run ability. Charles Clay has a similar skillset, but he hasn’t wowed anyone his first two years with the Bills.'

'Frankly, there seems to be an inordinate amount of hate for Dareus. Sure, he hasn't lived up to the $96 million contract he signed. But who among us wouldn't have signed the deal? If you want to be bitter at someone, make it Doug Whaley and Jim Overdorf, who failed to include any offset language that would negate guarantees in the event Dareus was suspended.'

'The Bills' depth at defensive end was questioned entering training camp, but Eddie Yarbrough is doing what he can to be an answer at the position. Yarbrough had been working with the third team defense, but was working with the second team defense at defensive end on Tuesday.'