Archives for September 7, 2017

'"A team that plays hard. A team that plays fundamentally sound. A team that plays as a team and plays together. That's a team a fan base can get behind," McDermott said. "(The fans) are invested in this football team and we're invested in them. Our players' love for each other has to show up on the football field. That's what connects (with the fans)."'

'“I’m glad to be back on the field. Even though it was a couple of days being off you take that away from a guy where it’s what he does for a living it’s definitely tough watching your guys go out there and you can’t participate. And having fun with those guys.”'

'“Yes, he has been cleared from the concussion protocol and we do expect him to start on Sunday,” McDermott said. “As a player you go out and watch him execute. We’ll continue to do that and to this point he’s done a good job with that.”'

'McDermott and the Bills made it through four preseason games without any “mechanical” issues concerning game management. They worked through replay challenges, time outs, clock management, and other issues seamlessly with what appeared to be an orderly approach. There were no penalties for too many men on the field, and no instances where they had less than 11. It’s not advanced coaching strategy, but it’s encouraging.'

'Gaines was given a cumulative grade of 87.4 for the entire preseason. Considering how topsy-turvy the offseason was for the fourth-year corner, the figures are very impressive. Gaines’ first game for the Bills came against the Eagles, and he had three tackles, two pass break-ups and an interception. His second game against the Ravens was equally notable. He ended with a tackle and a pass break-up, as he started to garner more starting time.'