Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘So much for McCarron being “absolutely” in the starting discussion per McDermott Thursday night in Chicago.’

‘About 1,100 players are now without a team so Buffalo will still make moves to solidify it’s opening day roster and form a practice squad.’

‘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.’

‘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.”’

‘The Bills were down to fourth-and-23 from their own 3-yard line with under two minutes left but McCarron bought time in the pocket and threw a dart to Keith Towbridge for the winning TD pass with 13 seconds left. McCarron finished 13 of 34 for 156 yards, 3 TDs and 2 INTs and he also scrambled for 54 yards and a TD.’

‘Good for them, though I put very little stock into what happens in the preseason games, be it one-sided losses or miraculous comebacks. Despite the rally and victory, which produced a 2-2 exhibition record, let’s put things into perspective. It came in the second half of the fourth preseason game and I still think it’s a stretch to think that Sean McDermott’s second team is at the same level as his first, which somehow found its way to the playoffs last year.’

‘Logically, that should mean Peterman gets the call against the Ravens, Allen serves as the starter in waiting, and for McCarron, I really don’t know what to make of his situation. He did not sign with Buffalo to be a third-string clipboard carrier, he’s clearly unhappy with how things have played out, and you have to wonder if the Bills might just cut him, or try to trade him (highly unlikely).’

‘”Nathan Peterman, AJ McCarron and first rounder Josh Allen have combined for five regular-season starts, and McCarron’s already banged up. Allen’s upside has been evident in preseason, but inexperience will be an unavoidable issue no matter who plays most this year.”‘

‘“No,” McDermott said when asked if he had settled on a starter. “No further quarterback developments from (Sunday) night at this point. Still coming off the game, little unique practicing the day after and not having a day off. Still going through that, want to get through this practice first and make sure we have our ducks in a row before moving forward.”’

‘Hopefully, McDermott’s two young children were not in the vicinity of the video screen because I can only imagine the language that had to be spewing from the coach’s mouth as he watched the film, or the tape, or whatever he wants to call it.’

‘Hideous.’

‘Pit bulls treat their chew toys better than the Bengals treated Allen as Cincinnati’s talented front seven overwhelmed Buffalo’s sub-standard offensive line on its way to sacking Allen. There were some plays where Allen barely had a chance to get to his designated dropback spot before he was besieged with pressure, but like quarterbacks are wont to do, he covered for his line and shouldered the blame.’

‘First, Dawkins is still young, but he showed tremendous promise last season when he was thrust into playing what is considered the most difficult position on the offensive line when Cordy Glenn couldn’t stay healthy. Second, Dawkins is still adjusting to life without left guard Richie Incognito and center Eric Wood, two excellent veterans who retired in the offseason. Third, it’s the preseason, and now’s the time to get the kinks out, and that’s what Dawkins is doing. Fourth, it was all offensive line coach Juan Castillo’s fault.’

‘McDermott has conducted a fair and extensive quarterback competition among Allen, A.J. McCarron and Nathan Peterman, and since McCarron and Peterman were given starts in the first two preseason games, it’s perfectly logical that Allen gets his chance to play with the first string.’

‘“It’s sticking with, for the most part, our plan and our evaluation to this point,” said McDermott. “He certainly has earned most of, I hope, everything we do here. He’s had a good camp to this point and this is all part of the plan, part of the process at this point in terms of the stage of his development.”’