Archives for December 10, 2017

‘Bills rookie quarterback Nathan Peterman will start Sunday against the Colts, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.’

‘Over the past five games, opposing offenses have used “running personnel groups” on 115 plays, gaining 642 yards (a 5.6-yard average) and breaking 25 runs for 10 yards or more, according to News statistics.’

‘Sorry, it’s over. That’s why you could get a ticket for $4 on the secondary market, or the price of a good craft beer at the local tavern. So rather than trot out the usual cliches about winning the turnover battle and establishing the run, I’ll revisit other dreary December games when they were clinging to playoff hope.

‘Who plays quarterback? Obviously No. 1 on the list. Coach Sean McDermott on Friday said it would be a “game-time decision” whether the team goes with Tyrod Taylor or rookie Nathan Peterman. My hunch is that Peterman gets the start. Taylor didn’t get much practice time in this week, and while coach Sean McDermott downplayed the importance of that at this point in the season, Taylor’s mobility is critical to his game. If it’s compromised, starting Peterman is a logical move. I’m not convinced McDermott ever wanted to go back to Taylor after benching him in the first place, but had no other choice after Peterman failed in such spectacular fashion in Los Angeles. Giving Peterman a chance to get some of his confidence back against the league’s worst passing defense would be an added benefit of him starting Sunday.’

‘Bills 23, Colts 18.’

‘The Colts’ defensive line has played well. But the linebacking corps took a big hit this week with the loss of John Simon for the season to a neck injury. Former Browns top pick Barkevious Mingo takes his left outside spot, and he has been productive rushing the passer. But he’s not as good against the run. Second-year inside starter Antonio Morrison has been a big liability against the run. Maybe the Bills can take advantage of those two in both the run game and the short pass game to McCoy.’

‘The Colts lead the league in sacks allowed. They have young inexperience on the offensive line and at skill positions. It will be interesting to see Sunday how much the Bills test the Colts’ pass-protection communication with blitzes and stunts by the defensive line.’

‘Hilton is only 5-foot-9 and 178 pounds. The Colts will use him in the slot or send him in motion a lot to allow him to get a free release and avoid getting jammed at the line of scrimmage. Bills cornerbacks must be careful not to bite on Hilton’s double-move routes. This was a big play for the Colts against San Francisco in Week 5. He went in motion, then beat cornerback Dontae Johnson on an out-and-up route for a 46-yard gain in overtime.’

‘I’d stop short of pulling a Mike Ditka and trading my entire draft class, but I’d be willing to pay a significant price. I’m convinced General Manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott set about acquiring as much draft ammunition as they have for that very reason. Of course, it depends on how far the Bills are trying to move up.’

‘That’s a pretty good summary of what Kerner’s job entails. Part mentor, part sounding board, and part tour guide, Kerner’s role with the Bills is as much about getting players ready for life after the NFL as it is assisting the with the everyday challenges of living in a new city.’

‘Although the specifics of Goodell’s deal have yet to be revealed, it’s clear that in order to continue making the sort of money he received from his previous contract, he must keep the league’s prosperity at the stratospheric levels that owners currently enjoy. That undoubtedly will be put to a stern test during the next round of negotiations for new television contracts to replace the ones that expire after the 2022 season, especially with millennials shifting away from traditional means of viewing of sports and other television programming. It’s hard to fathom the ratings dip inspiring network executives to pony up more money than they’ve already been paying and easier to anticipate those and other revenue streams to lose some of their steam.’

‘The program is labeled a “biographical” documentary but writer and executive producer John Grant concedes the more proper description would be that of a “tribute.” It plays like a love story between Wilson and the city he chose to place a team in and also includes a few minutes of the real love story between the owner and his widow, Mary.’