Archives for October 9, 2017

'Through five games, quarterback Tyrod Taylor has had only 24 completions for 316 yards — an average of 13 yards per reception — to his wide receivers with a mere four TDs and that won’t get it done in a pass-happy league.'

'The crowd of 52,367 at the 65,535-seat stadium appeared to be considerably less than the announced turnout.'

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'The Bengals tried, repeatedly, to give them a second road win in a row and the Bills simply refused to take it.'

'“Just trying to take what the defense was giving us,” coach Sean McDermott said when asked after the game whether there was a concerted effort to keep Taylor in the pocket. “We’ve got to take a hard look at the film and learn from it as coaches, as players, and use it to our advantage moving forward.”'

'The receivers were the problem. The Bills' wideouts are a marginal group to begin with, perhaps the worst in the NFL. They were further compromised with Jordan Matthews injured. And when their top receiver, Charles Clay, went out with a knee injury in the first quarter, they were in deep trouble, indeed.'

'Since the NFL started tracking targets in 1992, the lowest percentage of passes to Bills wideouts happened in 2011, when they fielded a roster with the likes of Stevie Johnson, David Nelson, Donald Jones, Naaman Roosevelt, Derek Hagan and Ruvell Martin.'

'They were hearing all sorts of national and local media types (like this type) praising them for a 3-1 start and having the look of a contender. The Bills' defense, which had three takeaways, definitely gives them that look. Their offense? Abysmal.'

'Credibility damage: After grabbing the NFL's attention with last week's victory at Atlanta, prompting many (including me) to call them a contender, the Bills turned right around and laid a big egg against a bad opponent. You can say the Bills were too banged up to succeed, especially after their best offensive weapon, tight end Charles Clay, left the game early with a knee injury. But the Bengals had three turnovers – more than enough for the Bills to come out on top even after Tyrod Taylor's ugly fourth-quarter interception. They couldn't. Now, the Bills, at 3-2, are tied for first in the AFC East with the New England Patriots and New York Jets.'

'But too many times, Taylor took the sack. Too many times, he didn’t feel the pressure behind him. Too many times, he made the wrong call in the pocket.'

'There are a handful of players the Bills simply cannot afford to lose this season. Tight end Charles Clay is on that list, but unfortunately for the Bills, that’s what happened. Clay suffered a left knee injury late in the first quarter after being tackled by Bengals safety Shawn Williams at the end of a 24-yard gain. If Clay’s injury is long term — and seeing him carted off wasn’t a good sign — the Bills will be down to Nick O’Leary, Logan Thomas and little-used Khari Lee at tight end. That’s trouble.'

'If Clay’s absence is long term – McDermott said after the game that “it’s still under evaluation” – the Bills will be down to O’Leary, Logan Thomas and Khari Lee at the position.'

'Who’s going to catch passes? Top wide receiver Jordan Matthews is expected to miss the next couple of weeks after having thumb surgery. If tight end Charles Clay, who suffered a knee injury Sunday, has to miss time, the Bills would be without 46 percent of their season receiving yards … just like they were in the second half against Cincinnati, when they gained 39 yards through the air. Zay Jones has the most yards of active wide receivers, with 66 in five games. Andre Holmes is second with 35. Is this a bad time to mention they really could’ve used Anquan Boldin?'

'What must Tyrod Taylor be thinking right now? How frustrated must he be that the team traded away Sammy Watkins and chose not to re-sign Robert Woods this offseason, sending him into a potential contract year with a group of receivers who look like they belong in the CFL right now? The Bills’ passing attack is painful to watch. Taylor completed three passes to wide receivers Sunday. After tight end Charles Clay went out, the Bills accomplished next to nothing through the air, save for a nice TD grab by Brandon Tate. That Tate is even in the game is a sign of just how dire things are at receiver right now.'

'Let's face it: Even with Jordan Matthews and Clay, the Bills' cast of receivers is among the bottom four in the NFL (with the Jets, Browns and 49ers) if not the worst in the league. Matthews is out indefinitely after thumb surgery.'