Archives for September 2017

'They're still the Patriots and they're still the most talented team in the AFC East and better than most, if not all of the rest of the NFL.'

'McCoy's 4.72 yards per attempt rank fifth among the crew of 31, behind Hall of Famers Jim Brown (5.20), Barry Sanders (4.92) and former Bill O.J. Simpson (4.82). McCoy, who has 8,954 career rushing yards, also trails 32-year-old Saints running back Adrian Peterson (4.86 yards per attempt). Peterson last played a game Dec. 18, 2016, and last rushed for 100 yards in a game Dec. 27, 2015.'

'Cosell talked to Murphy and Jones about the dearth of quarterbacks throughout the league, as well as his view of the differences between the NFL and college game. Cosell also discussed Pats-Chiefs, noting that on the coaching tape the touchdown attributed to former Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore seemed to be a blown cover-2 call, where Gilmore was to stay in the flat and his safety didn't get over the top in time.'

'Sometimes I'm amazed that we still have to have a discussion about what tanking is after two years of going through it with the Sabres. Tanking involves management – not players or coaches – making moves to willfully and shamelessly drive a team to the bottom of the standings for a desired purpose, whether it be acquiring high draft picks, slashing expenses or relocating to a warm-weather city.'

'The sports book rated the Bills as having the fifth-worst chance of winning the championship, tied with the Bears at 150-1.'

'The VR masks will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at four stations: two at the Fan Zone inside the ADPRO Training Center, and two at the new Billevard area off Abbott Road, near gates 3 and 5.'

'Flash back to 1946.'

'“It’s a little disappointing that I’m not going to be there, but perspective is what we need to keep in this hurricane game, so to speak,” Tasker said in a phone conversation this week. “ … With what happened in Houston, I think that takes precedence over what happened 25 years ago, despite my love and respect for the guys that I played with and the fans that are going to be there.”'

'The rules, as spelled out by the Pegula company, include…'.

'Game temperature: 68 degrees. Warmer in the sunshine.'

'The contest winner and guest will arrive at New Era Field on Oct. 28 for VIP experiences like a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium, a catered dinner by 716 Food and Sport and overnight stay in the suite, said Pegula Sports and Entertainment.'

' “Philadelphia is unapologetically truthful,’’ he said. “It’s all good. You know when you have to play better and you can’t let that stuff hurt you. At the end of day, Philly has great fans and I’m playing now for one of the best fan bases in football, if not the best. My goal is to help this team win so the fans can have a great time.’’'

'“Mike was always a tough guy,” said Fran, who owned a popular restaurant in Hornell named Marino’s until he sold it last year. Asked for his description of his famous cousin, Mike Marino said simply, “High intensity.”'

'This is a roster that has some nice pieces in place. LeSean McCoy is one of the best running backs in the NFL; the offensive line run-blocks as well as any in the league; Charles Clay, when utilized properly (and hopefully that will begin this year) can be a playmaker at tight end; rookie cornerback Tre’Davious White and wide receiver Zay Jones, the top two draft picks, show a lot of promise; the defensive line has a chance to be outstanding in McDermott’s 4-3 defense; and the new kicker, Steven Hauschka, is very good.'

'Tyrod Taylor didn't have the best preseason. The quarterback suffered a concussion early in the third preseason game, threw two interceptions and only completed 48.3 percent of his passes for 100 yards. Unlike the preseason, the Bills will have an offensive game plan for the Jets. In his first regular season game under Rick Dennison, all eyes will be on Taylor. Quarterbacks coach David Culley says the team cannot wait to unleash the quarterback and if there's one game Bills fans expect to win this season, it's on Sunday. Taylor's performance will go a long way in determining the outcome of the game.'