Archives for September 2018

‘Now, you’ve got to make sure — even though in your head you’ve done your research on whatever this player is or made a decision — you don’t just throw that out there because it can influence the room. When you’re the GM, it definitely carries more weight and, fortunately, I saw that when I saw Marty or Dave jumped out there quick. It’s natural to do that, and so you try to remind yourself to let everybody speak. And don’t just be hearing them talk with your mind made up. You’ve got to remind yourself to listen. That’s probably the thing I’ve tried to focus on the most as I go into meetings with coaches, with scouts, whoever.’

‘“Win every game,” Benjamin said in earnest. “That’s possible. Other teams don’t got nothing we don’t got. They wake up and put their socks on, put their drawers on just like we do. What makes them better than us?”’

‘A rather obvious No. 1 on any “what to watch” list for the Bills has to be Peterman, the second-year quarterback who won the starting job thanks to a strong preseason. By now, Peterman’s rookie struggles have been beaten into the ground. Credit him for putting those behind him and looking good over the summer.’

‘Baltimore blitzed defensive backs on 14 percent of pass plays last year, fourth most in the NFL, according to Football Outsiders. The Ravens allowed only 3.5 yards per pass on those DB-blitzing plays.’

‘After that, the team really needs Zay Jones to develop into a reliable receiver. Harrison Phillips had a nice summer and figures to see plenty of playing time in the defensive tackle rotation. It’s unfair to him to say he’s going to replace Kyle Williams, but that might end up being the case after the season. The last one I’d mention is linebacker Matt Milano. He exceeded expectations as a rookie, but the bar is higher now entering his second season.’

‘“It’s a board, just like you would have a draft board,” Beane explained. “Each Friday, we’ll sit in there now that we’re in the regular season, the pro scouts, we have a standing meeting, and we’ll talk through the ‘ready list.’ I’ll have a copy of that, as will (assistant general manager) Joe Schoen, as we go into the game . And should we see an injury happen, we may go and call that agent on a Sunday and say ‘hey, where’s your guy at? Please put me first on the list.’ I’ll make that call now because somebody else may have an injury at the same position.”’

‘They won. They beat the Vikings, 13-10, a score that in its compact nature does justice to the tale.’