Archives for April 18, 2012

‘Kuechly is the consensus top linebacking talent in this year’s draft pool.’

‘”We are very excited to host a prime-time game here at Ralph Wilson Stadium for the first time in three seasons,” Bills CEO Russ Brandon said. “The atmosphere in Orchard Park has been electric for our recent prime-time games.”‘

‘”Eric Berry is a phenomenal football player who will be a Pro Bowler for years to come, but knowing the Bills organization and Stevie as well as I do and hearing Stevie’s very public statements concerning ‘bounties’ as well as his apologies for the legal downfield block made on Eric, there is no doubt that the hit was unintentional. It is unfortunate that Eric suffered an injury during that game and we all look forward to seeing him back on the field in 2012.”‘

‘This is the first time the Bills and Jets have played on opening weekend in New York since the inaugural game for both teams in the AFL in 1960, when New York’s nickname was the Titans.’

‘One thing we can be sure of: Unlike when the Dolphins, Jets and Bears played in Toronto, Seahawks fans won’t outnumber or outcheer the Buffalo fans on Dec. 16.’

‘Other highlights of the Bills schedule, released on Tuesday, include a home opener versus the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 16, a visit from the New England Patriots on Sept. 30, the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 21, the New York Jets to close the season on Dec. 30, and a prime time Thursday night meeting at Ralph Wilson Stadium with the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 15.’

‘Buffalo’s schedule is bookended by games against AFC East rival New York Jets – the Bills open at the Meadowlands on Sept. 9, and close at Buffalo on Dec. 30. The Bills’ home opener will be against Kansas City on Sept. 16, and they are set to play one prime-time outing, hosting Miami on Thursday, Nov. 15.’

‘Eric Berry has his own opinions about whether the Buffalo Bills were out to hurt him in last season’s opener, when a deliberately low block resulted in a season-ending knee injury.’

‘Gilmore is an intriguing case. Numerous reports have him shooting up draft boards. Peter King of Sports Illustrated thinks he could go as high as seventh to Jacksonville. With the Bills in need of a cornerback, he could be on the short list of candidates the Bills could think about for their selection at tenth overall.’

‘The type of value the Bills would get out of a first round cornerback, if they were to stay at tenth overall, would likely outweigh the return they’d get on one of the higher up offensive tackle prospects.’

”The Ralph’ will be roaring the evening of Thursday, Nov. 15 this fall. That’s when the Bills play host to one of their most storied rivals in the Miami Dolphins for an 8:20 pm kickoff.’

‘Cox is widely viewed as the top defensive tackle in what is considered the deepest class of interior defensive linemen in years. Named 1st Team All-SEC in 2011, one out of every four of Cox’s 56 tackles last season went for loss. He also had five sacks.’

‘”He has everything you look for,” said ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay. “It took taking a step back and looking at everything I have on paper for this guy to realize he belongs in the Top 10 and has a chance to be an elite quarterback in the NFL.”‘