’18. Buffalo Bills (6-10)…19. New York Jets.’
BillsBeat - June 25, 2019
Bills looking for couple to marry during halftime of Patriots game
‘Halftimes at NFL games are usually between 12 to 15 minutes, so it will be a quick ceremony. But at this game the wedding may be the highlight. The Bills have lost the last 5 matchup against the Patriots and have a 5-33 record in the series since 2000.’
Bills' LeSean McCoy predicts comeback campaign in 2019
‘McCoy, who turns 31 in July, will be joined by Frank Gore after the Bills signed him in March but isn’t threatened by the fellow veteran taking up his playing time. In fact, the former 49ers and Dolphins rusher – and the 14,748 career rushing yards he brings with him to Buffalo – have inspired McCoy to play better.’
5 ways the Bills defense made progress this offseason
‘“Ed’s done a really good job up to this point,” Frazier said. “I don’t think it’s been overwhelming for him, with the meetings along with what we’re doing on the practice field. You see his quickness, you see his burst. As he continues to get a better grasp on what we’re asking him to do on defense, I think you’ll see more of his athleticism as well. Up to this point, we’ve been impressed with what we’ve seen and we’ll just keep watching his maturation over the next few months.”’
BillsBeat - June 24, 2019
Buffalo Bills’ LeSean McCoy: It’s hard to replace a guy like me
‘“It’s hard to replace a guy like me,” McCoy told PennLive on Saturday. “I’m a good player and I feel like now, this year, they put a lot of guys around me. The front office got me some big hogs up front. And we’ll see what happens this year. I feel good and hopefully this year will speak for itself.”’
Thurman Thomas believes in Bills
‘“With everything they’ve done through trades, free agency, the draft, it’s Sean McDermott’s third year, so you’re hoping they can get over the hump,” Thomas said. “The first year they kind of backed into the playoffs but they still broke the streak of not going for 17 years in a row. Last year they had a young quarterback in Josh Allen and finally got that guy. I think a lot of people want to see a little bit more improvement from him. With getting John Brown, Cole Beasley and a couple other guys to help him on the offensive side, I think they should be in the mix for a Wild Card spot.”’
BillsBeat - June 23, 2019
With spring practices wrapped up, a Bills 53-man roster projection
‘The Bills continue to stand by McCoy, believing his miserable 2018 season is behind him. For now, we’ll take them at their word, but we reserve the right to change our minds. By signing Gore and Yeldon and drafting Singletary in the third round, the Bills made McCoy expendable. Perry makes the cut exclusively for special teams. DiMarco also is a key contributor on special teams, as well as one of the respected veterans in the room. His usage offensively last year was low, but there are times a fullback is needed.’
Who will be Josh Allen's No. 1 target in 2019?
‘My vote would be Cole Beasley. A reliable slot receiver is something the Bills have lacked since Stevie Johnson left. Beasley has been durable, missing just one game in the last five years. During that time, he’s averaged 75 targets and 53 catches a year. A big part of the reason Beasley signed with the Bills is the role he’s expected to fill. While he would be my pick to lead the team in catches, I predict Robert Foster leads the team in yards. In my opinion, Foster is the most physically gifted receiver the Bills have. He formed a nice chemistry with Allen at the end of last season, and fans should be excited about the potential for them to grow together.’
Jennie Fagen, diehard Buffalo Bills fan, makes pitch for ‘Wedding Experience of a Lifetime’
‘The winning couple will take the field as soon as the Bills and Patriots exit the field at the conclusion of the second quarter of their Week 4 contest. In addition to being married in front of 70,000 strangers, Buffalo will allow the winning couple to invite 20 guests the game and ceremony. The winning couple will receive custom Bills jerseys and a reception to follow at New Era Field. The event, presented by Reeds Jenss Jewelers, will be held during the league’s Fantennial weekend.’
Bills great Kelly keeps up no-huddle pace in life
‘“Being a kid today is totally different from being a kid when I was growing up,” he said. “The thing is to try to be a difference maker, but the bottom line is you are who you hang with. You show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. Your future’s not very bright if you hang out with the wrong people. Be a difference maker for positive reasons.”’
Buffalo Bills’ LeSean McCoy relishes chance to ‘come home,’ give back to Harrisburg’s youth
‘“It feels great to be back home,” McCoy said. “I’ve been in so many different places. I’ve helped out colleges and I’ve helped out NFL teams, but there’s nothing like coming back home where everything started. There’s nothing better than giving back to these kids and showing them the right way how to play football. I want to let them know that I came from the same place that they come from, and I played on the same fields that you play on.”’
Glenn's Hawkins, Carver's Rice are larger than life at youth football camp
‘“It’s been humbling, just knowing that every opportunity could be my last,” said Rice, who played host to two camps previously. “Like I told the kids, I give it my all so they have somebody who really speaks it into existence.”’
How rookie linebacker Vosean Joseph’s motto aptly fits his profession
‘“I love my family, I love my friends, and I’m going to ride for them until my death,” Joseph said. “If I had been there through all the tragedies I probably wouldn’t have made it.”’
BillsBeat - June 22, 2019
Will Josh Allen be a better passer in Year 2? 5 biggest concerns about 2019 Buffalo Bills
‘So what are realistic expectations for Allen in Year 2? Mitchell Trubisky is a nice blueprint to use because he had a mundane rookie season followed by a significant jump in production in his second year, followed by a trip to the playoffs. Trubiski completed 66.6 percent of his passes for 3,223 yards in 14 games with 24 touchdowns to 12 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 95.4.’
How group outings are helping Bills rookies bond and adjust to NFL life
‘“We just wanted to get them to really understand what it means to be a part of this organization,” said Kerner. “[It’s also important that they know] what we stand for, and what this community means to the Bills and what the Bills mean to the community. We wanted them to see the blue-collar work ethic mentality and really get them to understand [that] win or lose, our fans are always going to have our back. So, [it] was really good for those guys to get out there and see.”’
BillsBeat - June 21, 2019
Ray-Ray McCloud knows he needs to show more urgency in second year with Bills
‘“You can say that about almost any rookie,” offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said. “That’s usually a common statement from a lot of those guys. There are a few exceptions here or there, but there’s just so much to learn in your rookie year, and then on top of that, you’re in competition, and the competition you’re facing is much better than the competition that you faced. There are so many different things that you have to do on your own.”’
Buffalo Bills to miss playoffs in 2019, NFL Network’s Adam Rank predicts
‘Rank put out his record prediction for all 32 teams this week and he has the Bills finishing 8-8 and missing out on the playoffs in the second consecutive season. After a 7-4 start and the playoffs in their grasp, the Bills drop four in a row against Dallas, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and New England, in Rank’s prediction model. A win against the New York Jets on the final Sunday of the regular season puts the Bills at 8-8.’
Buffalo Bills rookies find out what it's like to be a firefighter, explore city
‘Players got to meet Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and tour city hall.’
How Christian Wade gave up everything for his NFL dream
‘“I reached a stage in my career where I felt like I kind of reached a point where it was just time for me to explore other options,” Wade said. “I was looking at going abroad in the southern hemisphere or throughout Europe but the opportunity with the NFL I couldn’t let go.”‘
Bills Today: Sean McDermott details the three R’s heading into summer break
‘“We spent a lot of time this offseason trying to improve our processes in terms of making sure there’s three areas that we really wanted to improve on,” McDermott said. “Recovery and rest were one area, so we’re starting a bit later and for retention we’re making the most of our meeting time and then reps on the field.”’
BillsBeat - June 20, 2019
E.J. Gaines happy to be back with Bills after lost year with Browns
‘“It was mutual interest,” McDermott said. “We were interested in him and he was interested in coming back to us. I think it goes back to … guys that have played for the Bills since we’ve been here and knowing that something is different – knowing that they enjoy one of the better years of their career here and then they go somewhere else and say, ‘Hey, maybe the pasture isn’t always greener.’ And so, I think guys like being around this place, they like playing for this fan base and they like what we’re doing.’”’
Bills like idea of practicing in heat against Panthers
‘“Sometimes we play some September games that are hot,” Beane said. “It can be quite humid in New Jersey when we play there in Week 1 and 2. It usually is hotter there than here in terms of humidity.”’
Bills, Panthers to hold joint practices in August
‘The two teams will practice against one another on Tuesday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 14 on the campus of Wofford College, where the Panthers hold their training camp. Both practices will begin at 9:25 a.m. and will be open to the public with no ticket required to attend.’
Bills announce joint practices with Carolina Panthers in South Carolina
‘The Panthers hold their training camp at Wofford College, just over the state line in South Carolina. The two teams will hold a pair of practice sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday of their preseason game week before meeting in Buffalo’s second preseason game Friday night at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Practices will begin at 9:25 am.’
Bills Today: Former teammate believes John Brown can be No. 1 wide receiver
‘Palmer knows that the chemistry between Brown and Josh Allen will take time and probably won’t fully develop over their first year together. Palmer feels that whether it was year one or year ten with a guy he couldn’t get enough reps with them.’
BillsBeat - June 19, 2019
Mo Alexander aims to show versatility as hybrid defender for Bills
‘“You’ve got running backs that are receivers now – James White, Theo Riddick, Chris Thompson from Washington,” said Alexander, referring to pass-catching backs from the Patriots, Lions and Redskins. “There are a lot of guys who come out of the backfield, you need that body type and skill set to cover those guys. It’s definitely up my alley. I’m all about competition.”’
Could the Buffalo Bills get cheerleaders again?
‘At first it was a matter of money. The Jills cheerleaders were compensated for corporate appearances only. Practices, games and charitable appearances were all unpaid, a point that is central to the lawsuits. The most immediate way to address the problem at hand would have been to start paying the cheerleaders minimum wage for all their work beginning with the 2014 season. It may not have made the litigation go away, though it would have been a constructive step. But Jills director Stephanie Mateczun and her company, Stejon Productions, apparently didn’t have the funding to do that.’
Bills great Thurman Thomas supports United Way fundraiser
‘“I grew up in little towns like this right outside of Houston,” Thomas said. “Then I went to Oklahoma State and the town of Stillwater was 30,000 folks, and 20,000 of them went to the school. I love little towns like this. It gives me an opportunity to come somewhere I’ve never been before. You see all the Bills fans here. It’s great. I’m glad I got the invite.”’
Bills Today: Buffalo’s surprise offseason standout according to ESPN
‘Levi Wallace still has a hold of his starting spot opposite of Tre’Davious White but it’s unknown if he will be able to hold off Johnson if he continues his high level of play. The key for Johnson this season will be to remain healthy and show why he was drafted as high as he was in 2015.’
BillsBeat - June 18, 2019
Bills' John Brown driven by memory of brother, who helped him believe
‘”You know, wrong place, wrong time,” Brown said. “His friends were fighting, he was sitting in the car. But the story we got, the dude ended up running up to the car and he just shot in the car. Shot him in the head and two times in the chest. They rushed him to the hospital, he ended up walking in by himself. We actually saw that on camera. He walked in the hospital and fell in a doctor’s arms.”‘
Buffalo Bills post minicamp 53-man roster projection
‘David Sills is a fan favorite but he’s likely headed for the practice squad unless he absolutely kills it in August.’
Buffalo Bills looking for couple to get wed in ‘Halftime Wedding Experience of a Lifetime’
‘Think you’re exactly what the Bills are looking for? All you have to do is complete a form on the Bills’ official website that asks for the following information…’
Bills announce training camp schedule; Rochester dates down from 17 in 2015, to 11 in 2019 - just one night practice this year
‘A big reason for the reduction in practices held at SJF is the fact that the Bills have decided not to return to Rochester following their first preseason game, against the Indianapolis Colts on August 8. Instead, the Bills will head to Spartanburg, S.C. on August 13 and 14 for joint practices with the Panthers.’
Solak: Allen wasn't great his first year, but that's alright
‘”What we’re worried about with Allen is that while there were positive signs from him on his feet and on the move, in the pocket and within structure, when you want him to take a three step drop and throw an accurate ball, we’re dealing with a very inconsistent quarterback. He has some nice throws… but accuracy typically isn’t something that’s gained, it’s something that’s hidden. When you have inaccuracy, you conceal it, you push it off to the side, you survive it. And Allen has always been, and probably continue to be, generally inaccurate.”‘
Buffalo Bills to give away wedding at 50-yard line
‘Among the questions couples must answer on the online nomination form : “How long have you been a Buffalo Bills fan?” and “What is your favorite Buffalo Bills memory?”‘
Jon Feliciano Perseveres Through Triumph And Tragedy
‘”The first day we got there, they didn’t have enough pads for everybody,” said the offensive lineman. “I got pads because of my size. I’d never played football before but my friend Cody, we rode bikes together to the school, he actually played, so he showed me how to put my pads on.”‘
Bills fans have the chance to get married on the 50-yard-line of New Era Field
‘The Bills are hosting a wedding at halftime, giving fans a chance to exchange their vows on the 50-yard-line.’
Bills Today: Tre’Davious White motivates kids in his hometown
‘“We need to do it as a community — continue to do great things and motivate the kids. It’s all about the youth. Whatever they see, that’s what they’re going to do. They will do positive things and have a positive attitude.”’
BillsBeat - June 17, 2019
Wyatt Teller finds Bills' heavy additions to O-line 'definitely crazy'
‘”But they’re always trying to get the best talent, the best players out there. If you look at that as a negative, you’ll never go anywhere. But if you look at it as competition, and it’s only going to get you better, then the sky’s the limit. And I think that our offensive line is good. I mean, we have a lot of great parts, we have good communication. It’s just putting it all together and having the best five out there.”‘
Bills community huddles in celebration of Pancho Billa’s life
‘Huddling for a good cause, Bills players such as Harrison Phillips, Stephen Hauschka, Dion Dawkins, Lorenzo Alexander and Reid Ferguson, joined staff and over 250 volunteers to stuff 5,000 bags. Of the finished backpacks, 3,000 will be sent to Texas, Castro’s home state, and the remaining allotment will be distributed throughout Western New York.’