‘“For us, it actually allows us to review some of the past game films,” said Hughes. “See where the other areas where we can certainly improve the most. And know it’s when you hear a call, or when the linebackers make a check it’s just second nature. It’s not too much thinking, it’s just muscle memory. It’s just, ‘Ok, now I can do what I know, or I can stay within the scheme and still be able to make plays and not be wrong.’”’
Archives for May 2018
Rejection fueled Josh Allen’s desire to play football at the college level – and beyond
‘Fresno State wasn’t alone in whiffing the first time. Allen received zero four-year college offers out of high school, slipped to a modest Central Valley community college, sent roughly a thousand emails to every Division I head coach and offensive coordinator and received one opportunity – only after a priority recruit pulled out.’
Examining cap ramifications of Incognito’s release for Bills
‘When Incognito announced last month that he was retiring – part of a bizarre few days that included him firing his agent on Twitter – the Bills saved at least $3.75 million off his 2018 cap hit – the amount of his base salary and workout bonus. However, it would stand to reason that the Bills would ask for the $1 million signing bonus that he received in March back, given that he “retired” less than a month later. If the team got that back, they would save $4.75 million off the 2018 cap.’
Steve Tasker thinks changes to kickoff rule will add safety, excitement
‘”The hope is they get something out of this that really helps the game and makes it more important rather than takes it off the table,” said Tasker, who was part of a select NFL panel that discussed the proposed changes. “I think it opens the door for a safer and yet hopefully more exciting return.”‘
Mailbag extra: Can a change in scheme on Bills’ offensive line improve its play?
‘The Bills are expected to go to more of a “power” blocking scheme rather than the “zone” scheme that was favored by former offensive coordinator Rick Dennison. That should help. The Bills led the NFL in total rushing yardage and yards per rush in both 2015 and 2016 playing that scheme.’
Meet Harrison Phillips, a ‘train-wrecking’ lineman born to play for Buffalo Bills
‘Phillips worked tirelessly to make it a reality long before the Buffalo Bills drafted him in the third round last month. He played football in the fall, wrestled in the winter and threw shot-put and discus for the track team. Before school and during lunch, he would lift weights. He would hit the gym after practice, too.’
Buffalo Bills’ Dion Dawkins poised for breakout season, says Pete Prisco
‘With Cordy Glenn bothered by foot and ankle injuries most of last season, Dawkins started 11 games as a rookie at left tackle. Dawkins did a nice job in protection and was especially good in the run game, which led to the Bills trading Glenn to the Bengals in the spring. Dawkins’ ability to move players off the ball helped LeSean McCoy run through big holes. Dawkins also improved in pass protection the more he played. He did have a few rough spots, but he has the look of a player who will be a longtime starter.’
Thomas worthy of Bills’ jersey retirement ceremony
‘Whether at OSU or in the NFL, Thomas always turned in tireless, consistent, hard-nosed efforts – efforts worthy of recognition.’
Bills offense filled with questions
‘But I digress. The story of the Bills 2018 season will be about the quarterback position. I wouldn’t read much into the depth chart as OTA’s open up. I’d expect Allen to be third right now because that’s what general manager Brandon Beane said after the draft. I don’t think the workouts over the next few weeks will solve anything at that position. The only possibility would be Allen showing enough positives that the Bills decide to make the QB competition in the pre-season a two man race between Allen and AJ McCarron, leaving Nathan Peterman as the odd man out. The more likely scenario is the Bills giving all three guys a fair shot in August.’
Buffalo Bills Top 20 Talents in 2018: No. 19 – DT Harrison Phillips
‘As a one-technique defensive tackle, Phillips will be the primary backup to free agent signing Star Lotulelei — with the principal responsibility being to occupy blockers so that the rest of his defensive linemen and linebackers can get open to make plays.’
Bills Today: McDermott praised by NFL analyst Steve Wyche
‘“Fantastic coach… You think about last season when they got rid of Sammy Watkins and all these playmaker-type guys, and they get to the playoffs,” said Wyche. “So, they’re a tough physical team. And you look what he’s doing, they’re doing it organizationally with their coaching staff up there. Then they go out this year and make themselves as the Carolina Panthers North. They go out and they get Star Lotulelei and they’re beefing up that defensive front.”’
From Pop Warner to Bills, playing QB was ‘only thing’ Josh Allen ever wanted to do
‘”You got a lot of kids like that who don’t get chances, and they just give up,” Tate said. “In life, you really don’t know what’s going to come your way. You just got to keep on pushing.”‘
Bills grant Richie Incognito his release
‘Incognito also expressed anger over the fact the Bills cut his pay in March. He had his salary reduced by a reported $1.75 million to $4.7 million, which included a base salary of $3.65 million, roster bonus and $100,000 workout bonus.’
5 Things to Watch as Bills begin OTAs
‘Nobody should draw many conclusions from spring practices on how the quarterbacks are looking. It’s about learning the scheme and getting comfortable with the teammates. Nevertheless, everyone will ask the inevitable: How are AJ McCarron, Josh Allen and Nathan Peterman looking?’
Peter King’s farewell includes thanks to Steve Tasker and Frank Reich
‘Thank you, Steve Tasker, the most decent great player I have covered.’