Archives for August 26, 2017

'The most urgent concern is at quarterback where Tyrod Taylor has been underwhelming in his first two starts, struggling with accuracy and timing. To date, Buffalo’s offensive starters have not scored a preseason touchdown … settling for a field goal in each game.'

'Can Tyrod Taylor put together a solid showing? We need to keep in mind that it's the preseason. Results don't matter. The Bills aren't game planning. That said … Taylor didn't look very good last week against the Eagles. His protection failed him, and when he did throw, he was picked off twice while completing just 8 of 18 passes. Clearly, the Bills aren't showing much of their offense, but what we have seen hasn't been promising. The starters, led by Taylor, need a solid performance to take some momentum into the regular season.'

'It’s no secret the Bills offense will go as far as running back LeSean McCoy can take it in 2017. But Taylor’s adjustment to the new system, his decision-making and his accuracy will make all the difference going forward. And tonight will be another opportunity for him to showcase the chemistry between him and his new crop of receivers.'

'But for Taylor, this third preseason game should carry a bit more weight than others in which he played the previous two years as the Bills' starting quarterback. After an ugly showing against the Philadelphia Eagles last week, Taylor must make amends. He can't have two stinkers in a row, especially with this being his last game until the Bills open the regular season Sept. 10 against the New York Jets. Taylor doesn't necessarily need to be great, but he can't be awful, especially with the Bills' starters are expected to remain in the game into the third quarter.'

'"Having the officials at practice is a big deal," defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. "That’s something that really kind of puts this on the players’ mind that it’s important to us beyond our just talking about it or penalizing guys in meetings or on the practice field about it. The fact that the officials are there and actually throwing the flags at practice kind of brings the point home that it’s not going to be tolerated.'

'Brandon Tate's value is limited to his return skills. Whether that's enough to secure a roster spot, especially with him entering his ninth NFL season, remains to be seen. Undrafted rookies Brandon Reilly and Daikiel Shorts got the attention of coach Sean McDermott with their strong showings at Philadelphia last week, but will they be able to gain some traction?'

'I think you're right. If Boldin had signed with a better team, one with the overall talent and receiver depth of New England, he probably would have waited another six months to devote himself fully to his community work.'

'Reggie Ragland has spent most of the summer working with the third-team defense. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said Ragland isn’t where he needs to be. Ragland knows he’s not where he’s supposed to be. The 2016 second-round pick is running out of chances to show he’s worthy of a role on this team.'

'The Bills' starting offense has struggled in two preseason games. Buffalo desperately needs to show some offensive chemistry on Saturday night. It'll be important for Tyrod Taylor to lead the team on some long drives against the Ravens in their dress rehearsal.'

'Kevin McMullen, founder of Oogie Games, posted on Twitter that every copy of Madden 18 sold in his store would have an Oogie Games sticker placed over Tom Brady's face.'

'Offensive line rotation: With left tackle Cordy Glenn (foot) out, rookie Dion Dawkins will start at left tackle. Glenn is expected to start opening day, but until recently, Dawkins has played right tackle. Also starting is Vlad Ducasse at right guard, in a bit of a surprise, because he hasn’t exactly impressed. Additionally, John Miller has played well the past few years there. McDermott said it’s still an open competition. Who will step up?'

'Two games in, so far, the end zone has been a place that has evaded the Buffalo Bills first-team offense.'

'Nearly one in five Bills fans said they would rather give up sex for a year than date a fan of a rival team.'

'“Every time (Zay) gets to go out there and create plays and make plays, it’s definitely important for him, a young guy in this league getting confidence early in the preseason. It’s big,” Taylor said. “I told him (Monday) he’s kind of like a rookie and a vet in the same year. A lot is being thrown at him. He’s taking it in stride, challenging himself to be better each and every day.”'

'“This is our full-dress rehearsal for the season. I'd like to see the offense find a rhythm,” said Richie Incognito. “I'd like to start picking up some chunks in the pass game and get the run game going. Everything kind of complementing one another. The defense has been putting us in a great position. We were killing ourselves with penalties and on special teams, starting backed up. I'd really like to start seeing the foundational pieces come together.”'