Dunkirk Observer

‘After so many atrocious decisions had been made before the current regime took over in Buffalo, fans had countless reasons to doubt the vision of GM Brandon Beane and Head Coach Sean McDermott. After the way things turned out last season, however, it’s fair to give them the benefit of the doubt with the moves made this offseason. Now, it is up to the players on the field to put together a streak of results that will be respected around the league and by its fans.’

‘Keeping six receivers is pretty traditional for NFL teams, but this is another position I can see the Bills keeping an extra with. One, because as a whole, they really lack depth. Two, because I really think a young guy like Robert Foster, Brandon Reilly, or even Malachi Dupre could step up and impress in camp. McCloud appears like he could be the team’s punt returner and Proehl made a lot of nice plays during the spring, and if that continues, I can see both of the Bills’ late round draft picks sticking around. If not, I can see those young guys landing on the practice squad.’

‘DeLamielleure, currently a resident of Summerville, South Carolina, said it was a simple matter getting him to Dunkirk: Wendy Harrington of Lake Shore Savings, one of the event’s organizers, called him. Hearing that the tourney benefits scholarships for Dunkirk High School seniors intrigued him, and the use of Dunkirk native Miller’s name raised his interest even more. In fact, he noted he was a little worried about what he’d say about the longtime Bills play-by-play announcer.’

‘Unfortunately, the “next man up” for the running back position is either a slow, trucking back who ran for 3.7 yards a carry or a practice squad signing that took seven handoffs this season.’

‘Buffalo owns the title … the one it never wanted. Out of the four major sports, the Bills have the longest active drought, 17 years, of not making the playoffs. For 2017 to be the year that snaps the streak, Buffalo needs to defeat Miami on the road and get some help from other teams.’

‘The New York Times playoff simulator gives Buffalo around a 96-percent chance to make the playoffs if it sweeps the final two games with wins. However, a loss to New England and a win over Miami puts the Bills at odds ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s, due to the possibility of upsets in the simulator.’

‘The Bills have three weeks to go as they host the Dolphins, travel to Boston and travel to Miami, in that order. To have a chance for postseason play, Buffalo has to follow the script and give it to McCoy.’

‘These situations were commonplace. In third-and-long downs, Taylor hesitates to throw for the sticks and settles with a higher completion percentage. The offense as a whole fell apart after the first drive that mustered its only points except for the final drive that was led by rookie Nathan Peterman in garbage time.’

‘With four of the remaining nine games being against the New York Jets (3-5), the Indianapolis Colts (2-6) and two games versus the Miami Dolphins (4-3, who just got drubbed 40-0 against the Ravens), it’s easier to Billieve than doubt.’

‘Both sides have massive risks, but what Taylor continues to prove is that he has the legs to make big plays, the arm to throw the deep ball (despite that lacking this year) and the durability to play.’

‘This was a win that could have been one-sided, if the 4-2 Bills played and were coached like they should have.’

‘The Buffalo Bills were the top rushing offense the last two seasons. So far through six weeks, Buffalo ranks 17th in rushing yards per game, with 106.6. With the passing game only getting 165 yards per game, ranking 30th, the dependency on a McCoy grows.’