Two Bills Drive

‘“The decision I made to retire from football is about coming to terms with the totality of my concussion history and what is asked of me as a linebacker,” he wrote. “My position put me at an elevated risk for further injury with the likelihood that I would be exposed to hundreds of even thousands of similar situations. I understand that in order to continue playing at the level expected of me, I would have had to put myself in those exact scenarios.”‘

‘Bills starters lost a total of 30 games to injuries in 2018. That’s an improvement over the 39 games lost during the 2017 season and ranked tied for fourth fewest in the NFL, according to roster analysis by The Buffalo News. The league average was 51 games lost to injury by starters.’

‘”Any time you can get out there and you can support your local community, wherever it may be, I think is a really fulfilling thing,” offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said. “As a staff, I know among coaches, the support that we have as an organization from the people around this area is important. This is obviously just a very small gesture of appreciation, but any time you can do that, I think it’s important.”‘

‘Long, 28, spent the 2018 season with the New York Jets, with whom he started all 13 games in which he played at center and left guard. Last March, the Jets signed him to a four-year, $28 million contract. However, they decided to release Long on Feb. 5 after watching him struggle, thanks in part to a finger injury that impacted his snapping, and not wanting to pay a $3 million bonus he was owed three days after Super Bowl LIII.’

‘Williams’ role will be similar to the one set for retired Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas. He will be joined by the NFL Network’s Shaun O’Hara in providing analysis of the on-field drills for offensive linemen on March 1.’

‘“Yes, he did improve as the season went on this year, which tells me he is working on these things,” said Kubiak, who also analyzes the Bills’ quarterbacks for The News. “If he understands the footwork, placement and the technique he is striving for he can definitely achieve better consistency and accuracy.”‘

‘There are many reasons the Bills’ short passing game was poor in 2018. And there’s no doubt Allen has plenty of improvement to make in his accuracy.’

‘So my long answer to a short question is I’m not overly concerned about the number of players or coaches with ties to Carolina.’

‘There’s no question that this executive and coaching team have a plan, it’s sound, they know what they’re doing. Sean McDermott is unbelievable. I mean, to get six wins out of the personnel group that they were effectively forced to inherit is amazing. And there’s still a lot of work to be done. I saw Brandon Beane say that the other day; he’s clearly cognizant of that. But it’s the right plan with the right people executing it. It’s just a matter of time before they put it all together. The fact that they made the playoffs a year ago and the fact that they got six wins out of a team that probably shouldn’t have been counted on for any more than three is witness to the fact that the coach coaches the living daylights out of them. He’s tremendous. So stay with it. Good days are ahead.”‘

‘Translation: Cool your jets on thinking the Bills will be cherry-picking other rosters for game-breaking wide receivers, dominant offensive linemen, a reliable tight end, a top-level running back, a transformative edge rusher, and a cornerback who can play as well as the one whose interception sealed the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl victory last Sunday – yup, that former Bill named Stephon Gilmore.’