Archives for September 4, 2017

'"I'm going to build through the draft, first and foremost," Beane said recently. "You have to draft well and sign those guys. If you draft well, you sign them. You're not going to see the big splashes of free agency. Free agency sets you up for your draft."'

'Without Williams, the Bills are now expected to use veteran Mike Tolbert as their top option behind McCoy. The team also kept running backs Joe Banyard and Taiwan Jones, whose main contributions are expected to come on special teams, on their 53-man roster.'

'According to Rapoport, the Bills aren't releasing Williams due to an injury or a looming suspension. They're just cutting him for football reasons.'

'None of the players waived/released by the Bills Saturday was claimed by any other NFL team. The addition of McDermott, Lacey, and Lee means the team must make three roster moves to return to the 53-man limit.'

'Gerald Hodges was signed during the offseason and appeared to have won the backup middle linebacker spot behind Preston Brown, especially after the team traded Reggie Ragland to the Chiefs.'

'Shortly after three players were claimed off waivers and three others released, the Bills announced the signing of seven players to their practice squad, all of whom were originally with the club but released this past weekend as part of the final roster cuts.'

'Those three moves were necessary because the Bills claimed three players off waivers on Sunday. That includes rookie offensive lineman Conor McDermott, linebacker Deon Lacey, and tight end Khari Lee.'

'Williams, who was slated to be the No. 2 back behind LeSean McCoy, played in 11 games as a rookie in 2016 and rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown.'

'Daikiel Shorts, who was also battling for one of the few spots at wide receiver on the active roster, was also signed to the practice squad.'

'The Bills wide receiver group was a mystery for most of August. Guys were signed and traded and retired. What’s left? We’ll the bills acquired Jordan Matthews from Philly. He had 800 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. He will join rookie 2nd round pick Zay Jones. After those two, there are a ton of question marks.'

'This year the Bills are running a one gap scheme. Each member of the front 7 is responsible for a gap. This frees the defensive lineman to attack their gap and try to get up field to make a big play.'

'We asked him about being drafted and having his son born within a two day period, whether or not he has purchased the home he promised for his mom yet, and why he puts ice cubes in his cereal with the milk.'

'The Bills waived a couple of players most thought would stick on the 53-man roster Saturday parting ways with RB Jonathan Williams, WR Philly Brown and LB Gerald Hodges to make room for their three waiver claim players.'

'All seven players came from Buffalo’s previous training camp roster. Wide receivers Brandon Reilly and Daikiel Shorts headlined the list on the offensive side of the ball. Many thought Reilly had a shot at making the 53-man roster, but he and Shorts, who both had pretty consistent preseasons, will develop on the practice squad.'

'Matthews is the unquestioned number one option based on his production in the league, and figures to work mainly out of the slot. Jones and Holmes will be the primary outside receivers with Tate and Clay helping as deep threats and as special teamers.'