‘“We’re going to go back and look at some things we did prior to the last couple weeks. When looking at the tape, it’s purely us not being where we need to be on certain occasions. Our tackling wasn’t bad … much better than the week before (against the Jets). But, being in and out of our gaps was a big problem. We played a lot of eight-man front (against New Orleans), which means you think you’re going to be fine against the run, but it didn’t turn out that way for us. That’s the biggest culprit.”’
Archives for November 18, 2017
DL coach Mike Waufle does more teaching than chiding in trying to fix Bills’ run woes
‘”No, no, no, no, no,” Waufle said in a quiet, measured tone. “We’re a brotherhood of men in there. I challenge them, no question, but I teach them, too. I’m more of a teacher than I am Hard Knocks.”‘
Bills Notebook: Glenn, Tolbert, Miller out; Rivers questionable
‘His foot/ankle issues, which have been chronic, now will have kept him out of four games and contributed to his missing five starts. Rookie Dion Dawkins will start in Glenn’s place for the fifth time.’
Sully’s Mailbag: A Trent-like day would be fine for Peterman
‘Despite Taylor’s flaws, it’s hard to believe McDermott felt Peterman gives them a better to chance to win road games against the Chargers and Chiefs. If there’s desperation here, it’s management’s urgent need to audition Peterman, so they have a clearer idea what to do in the draft.’
Vic Carucci’s Take Five: Keeping pocket-passing Peterman upright key to Bills’ success vs. Chargers’ pass rush
‘The Chargers also can be expected to utilize stunts and games designed to generate pressure from various spots on the line. Look for a decent amount to be aimed at the middle, challenging center Eric Wood and guards Richie Incognito and Vlad Ducasse to try to keep the front of the pocket from collapsing.’
What They Said: Transcript of Bills coach Sean McDermott at Friday’s practice
‘I looked at everything. You know me by now, I’m thorough in my approach, [and a] methodical decision maker. I weigh everything. Like I said before, it’s not about one person or one player. It’s never about that. It’s about us as a team, we have to get better. You mentioned the defense, we have to get better. There’s a lot of guys that [have] taken ownership of that, I’ve taken ownership of that. We’re hard at work at that right now.’
Peterman start could be a boost – to Bills TV ratings
‘The Bills’ 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints last Sunday on Fox was the lowest-rated Bills game in three seasons and resulted in the ratings this season to be down 7 percent from a year ago. The first nine games of the season have averaged a 35.8 rating. Peterman’s start and the fact that the game starts at 4 p.m. should mean Sunday’s rating should be above average if the game is competitive.’
Voice of The Fan: The Fan vs. fan vs. fan debate on QB change
‘Pete Rosen is a screenwriter in Los Angeles, lifetime Buffalo fan, and may be found blathering daily at twobillsdrive.com.’
Is Peterman up to the task? He sure was last year for Pitt when he beat Clemson
‘Los Angeles has stumbled to a 3-6 record because it seems to find new ways to blow games every week. But led by pass rushing maniac Joey Bosa, the Chargers rank fourth in the league in sacks, Bosa with 9.5 on his own. And now he’ll get to set his sights on Peterman as the rookie tries to gain his bearings in a game filled with pressure because the Bills can’t afford to lose given the next two opponents they face.’
Bills vs. Chargers: How to watch, listen, plus things to know before kickoff
‘The Chargers won the last meeting 22-10 in 2014 in Buffalo, and have won four of the last five games between the teams.’
‘Bills organization won’t do what it takes’ to end drought, says Chris Hairston
‘Los Angeles Chargers offensive lineman Chris Hairston will watch his former team and current team face-off in Week 11. Hairston, a former fourth round pick of the Buffalo Bills, is currently on the Chargers’ reserve/non-football illness list. Although he won’t be playing on Sunday, it’s clear that Hairston feels his current team is the clear favorite after the Bills benched Tyrod Taylor.’
Football Friday: Bills – Chargers injury report
‘Notes: Probable is no longer an official NFL injury designation, however, Matthews, Hughes, and Clay were all described as “heading in the right direction.” Hughes said on Wednesday he expects to play on Sunday.’
Saturday’s Los Angeles Coverage
Chargers’ inability to get the football to tight end Hunter Henry is a losing proposition (Los Angeles Times)
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers cleared to play Sunday against the Bills (Los Angeles Times)
Chargers QB Philip Rivers clears concussion protocol, set to start against Bills (Los Angeles Daily News)
5 reasons the Buffalo Bills will beat the L.A. Chargers* (San Diego Union Tribune)
Chargers QB Rivers practices again, questionable for Sunday (AP)
Philip Rivers out of concussion protocol; starting streak to stay intact (ESPN)
Philip Rivers cleared to play against Bills, likely will keep iron man streak alive (CBS Sports)
LA Chargers Week 11 Injury Report: Rivers Listed As Questionable Heading Into Meeting With Bills (KCBS-TV)
Philip Rivers Medically Cleared to Play vs. Bills (Chargers.com)
Keys to the Game: Bills vs. Chargers (Chargers.com)
Bills haven’t earned enough trust to make quarterback switch
‘But the timing? It reeks of dysfunction. I understand thinking there may almost have been an internal sense of a plan that the Bills would have “not minded” a 3-13 season to reset their quarterback future at the draft. We all would have shrugged our shoulders if Taylor had been cut, traded or benched at any point in time in 2017 before the first 2 or 3 weeks of the regular season.’
News & Notes from Friday’s Bills practice
‘McDermott added that rookie quarterback Nate Peterman has been progressing with the Bills three days after being named the starter.’