‘The first minor surprise is Coleman failing to make the team. Based on his performances since coming over in a trade with Cleveland, it’s hard to argue he deserves a spot. His one saving grace might be his speed, since that’s an element the team wants more of. McCloud was one of the final players to make the cut. A strong performance Thursday as a returner helped his case. The top four separated themselves a while ago at this position.’
Archives for September 1, 2018
A ‘legendary’ comeback: Why Bills QB AJ McCarron savored playing preseason finale
‘“Some of the guys that played today, it’s no secret – you know, me, anybody – we might not be here tomorrow or whenever they make their final cuts,” McCarron said after leading the Bills to a 28-27 victory at Soldier Field. “I just wanted everybody to know they were special to me. We’ve been through a long process to get here, and I wanted to take that upon myself to show them my gratitude to them.”‘
Jim Kubiak: Lessons learned from McCarron comeback, and about that pick six
‘McCarron rushed for 54 yards in the game, more than he has rushed for in his entire NFL career, which is an enormous accomplishment considering the fact that he is not “fast” in football terms. McCarron scrambled for a touchdown to start the Bills’ 25-point quarter as he shuffled and stepped up in the pocket against man-to-man coverage. He charged ahead into the opening and across the goal line. This was great awareness and movement by McCarron.’
The Bills came back; the TV rating did not
‘The game had an 18.1 rating on WKBW-TV (Channel 7), making it the lowest-rated of the four preseason games and the only one to get a rating lower than 21.9.’
Bills’ 53-man roster projection includes keeping 3 QBs, cutting Corey Coleman
‘McCloud hurt his knee Thursday, and depending on the seriousness, he may be unavailable. Too bad because while he’s not ready to help on offense, he showed kick return ability. If he’s out, I’d keep Brandon Reilly who I think has potential. If nothing else, the Bills should be able to get Reilly back onto their practice squad, as well as Cam Phillips who showed production in practice.’
Bills bobblehead marks the end of an era
‘Phil Sklar, co-founder and CEO of the National Bobblehead HOF and Museum, said in an email: “Given that the bobblehead commemorates last season, it’s more appropriate for it to be the version of Billy Buffalo from last year. And from the sounds of it … fans prefer the old Billy Buffalo.”’
Bills Today: GM Brandon Beane on establishing the final 53-man roster
‘“We think it is important for them to hear from us,” Beane said. “We want to answer any questions they have and try to shoot them straight. I feel the best thing to do is to be as honest as you can be.”’
Sources: Buffalo Bills WR Ray-Ray McCloud’s knee injury not believed to be serious
‘McCloud was utilized in the run game and on special teams on Thursday night. He carried the ball once for five yards and showed that he could be a dangerous return man if given the chance. McCloud had one kick return for 32 yards and three punt returns for 44 yards. With a few wide receiver spots up for grabs, McCloud was well on his way to making his case for a spot before he exited the game with a knee injury.’
AJ McCarron completes comeback: 9 Buffalo Bills who helped or hurt themselves vs. Bears
‘Corey Coleman is not a lock to make the Bills’ 53-man roster. The wide receiver saw time on the field in the preseason finale and was targeted three times by McCarron. The two were not able to connect on any of the targets and his status is still up in the air leading up to roster cut downs.’
Pizza Hut, official pizza of the NFL, places Buffalo Bills in wrong division
‘Leading up to the start of the regular season, Pizza Hut released a pizza box that features all 32 team logos. The box was split up by AFC and NFC teams. Within the two conferences, the logos were put together by division with the exception of the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.’
After ‘legendary’ comeback, what’s next for AJ McCarron?
‘The Bills’ decision to let McCarron play the entire preseason finale while Peterman and Allen sat seemed parsed in every possible way by Buffalo followers. But after the game, Bills coach Sean McDermott said he hadn’t decided who will be Buffalo’s starting quarterback in its regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 9, and he said McCarron “absolutely” remained in the competition.’
Cosell: “My sense is if McCarron didn’t get hurt, he would probably be at the top of the depth chart”
‘”I think that McCarron was signed with the idea that he could well be the starting quarterback and then obviously they drafted Josh Allen. I think that in this case, it makes sense to keep three because you just don’t really have any idea about Nathan Peterman. You have a sense of what he can be, but he’s started one game in the league and Josh Allen has started no games in the NFL”‘
Billy Buffalo featured in “Drought is Over” Bills bobblehead
‘The “Drought is Over” bobblehead features Bills mascot Billy Buffalo standing on a newspaper that reads “The drought is over! Bills earn first postseason bid since 1999!” On New Year’s Eve 2017, the Bills beat the Dolphins and the Bengals upset the Ravens. The wins put an end to what had been the longest active playoff drought in major pro sports in North America. The Bills hadn’t made the playoffs since the 1999 season, when their run ended with the “Music City Miracle.”‘
Who will make the final roster?
‘*This battle for the final 2 roster spots at WR came down to the very end of the preseason. I’m sure this will be one of the most discussed topics between Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott leading up to the cuts.’
One year after Hurricane Harvey destroys Bills Backers bar, owner is ready to open new restaurant
‘One year ago, Racks Bar and Grill was inundated by six feet of water, after the wrath of Harvey beared down on the Houston Area. The space was an official Bills Backers bar, which is a location where Bills fans can feel at home, and watch the games. Ray Jones, the owner of the bar and grill, is from Lockport.’