Archives for September 30, 2017

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'"We don't really worry about proving everybody else wrong," said E.J. Gaines, the cornerback who was largely viewed as an afterthought when he joined the Bills in August from the Los Angeles Rams (along with a second-round draft pick next year) in exchange for wide receiver Sammy Watkins. "I feel like our secondary is full of guys who have really grinded to get where they've been — late-round picks, free agents, and guys who teams said they didn't want and we all met up here.'

'"I’m confident in Dion," coach Sean McDermott said. "He’s only going to continue to get better, just like the rest of our team. That’s what we’re focused on, continuous improvement, whether it’s Dion, or anyone else for that matter, myself included. We’re just going to continue to grow and get better, and learn from our mistakes.'

'Keep pounding on that running rock. After going almost nowhere on the ground the past two weeks, it would be easy to understand if the Bills chose to abandon the notion of trying to run their way to success. But they can't and, obviously, they won't.'

'But there are promising signs of more competent leadership, including Sean McDermott and the new general manager, Brandon Beane. It's too early to say whether this front office has a gift for identifying college talent, but the purge of the old, entrentched scouts was long overdue.'

'“We get their issues and all three of us would go down to wherever they want to (in order) to fight the injustices of the people. Because that’s what we joined for. We joined for everyone to be free and to have the same rights and rights to be able to do whatever they choose; not to be oppressed, not to be beaten.”'

'After a 1-1 start that only fueled lingering doubts about the team's fortunes mainly because of shaky quarterback play, Taylor responded with authority. He made clutch throws. He avoided critical mistakes. He expertly operated a game plan that largely stayed one step ahead of one of the top defenses in the NFL.'

'“This year our event will have a sports theme,” event co-chair Ginny Lyons said in a news release. “The silent auction and raffle will consist of sports related items and we will also have some games and trivia activities prior to our sit down dinner.”'

'Cordy, as it looks right now is probably not going to make it. Shaq, again as it looks right now, will more than likely be a game-time decision.'

'Go win in Atlanta; then we can re-evaluate. If the Bills do that, it would be their best road victory since when? I’m not counting New England with Jacoby Brissett at QB last year. And Rex Ryan getting over on the Jets at New York in 2015 isn’t good enough, either. I’d consider perhaps at Chicago on opening day 2014, or in Arizona in 2012, or in Kansas City on opening day 2011.'

'If Taylor can give the Bills something like this every week, or preferably better, it would go a long way toward unlocking the running game which has been completely stymied the last two weeks, and in turn, that gives the entire offense a better chance to operate efficiently.'

'TV: CBS (Greg Gumbel, play-by-play; Trent Green, analysis, Jamie Erdahl, sideline reporter).'

'"He is an amazing athlete and a great receiver just the way he gets those breaks," Matthews said. "A lot of tall receivers have a hard time when it comes to getting in and out of the cuts. Most of the time they are running D balls, on targets, on third down targets, in the first down game, deep come backs, he has a full repertoire. I think most people would consider him one of the best, if not the best, receivers in the game as far as talent and overall physical ability. I think he has more balance than probably anybody at the position. He is a fun guy to watch, but him, Larry (Fitzgerald), Jordy Nelson, I love watching all those guys."'

'"Before that receiver class, the general consensus was it took receivers usually until their third year," Matthews said. "Nobody tripped when a receiver went for 300 yards and three touchdowns in their first season. Nobody batted an eye. It was just ok, he was getting going. Now everybody expects it to be like, 'Week 4, I need two touchdowns I drafted you on my fantasy team.' Fantasy has killed the game. I think it's just one of those things where you have to be patient."'

'Tyrod Taylor had one of his best games as a Bills in Week 3. He was efficient but took calculated risks in the passing game to help the Bills pick up big plays. He did it all with the absence of a running game. Nobody expects Taylor to out-duel Matt Ryan on his home field, but if Taylor can keep the Bills’ offense moving like he did against the Broncos, that will go a long way toward helping the Bills pull off the upset.'