Archives for March 2013

‘Recovery from a torn Achilles can take up to a year, though he told NFL Network morning show NFL AM last week that he is “a little bit” ahead of schedule.’

‘Even though last year’s quarterback class had a pair of top flight athletic quarterbacks in Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson, who successfully ran the read option, Manuel comes from a pro-style system yet has the athleticism to run read option if necessary.’

‘”I think there’s a term I’ve heard which I like, and it’s slow eyes,” Cosell said on the NFL Network. “One thing about Geno Smith, and you see it consistently, is that when throws are there that are clearly defined and the ball needs to come out on time with anticipation, I think he has a tendency to be late with those throws. I think in the NFL where the coverage is tighter, the defense is quicker, you have to be an anticipation thrower.”‘

‘A person familiar with what happened told The Associated Press that Smith’s workout took place on campus in the morning. The person added the former Mountaineer had dinner the previous night with general manager Buddy Nix, assistant GM Doug Whaley, coach Doug Marrone and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.’

‘The private workout does not count as one of the Bills’ 30 allowed official visits for the draft season, because it will not be held at team facilities.’

‘They could sit back at 41st overall, and hope their quarterback will be there. Or, they could attempt to trade back, either into the first round, or ahead of the other quarterback-needy teams lining up in the second.’

‘Most NFL draft analysts have tabbed Smith as the top quarterback prospect in this year’s draft class. Whether he will even be on the board for Buffalo when they’re on the clock with the eighth overall pick has been a topic of much debate.’

‘Cuomo administration officials told the Times on Thursday that they would, under some circumstances, require public officials who use the stadium’s luxury box to pay the face value of a seat in a suite. The specific details of when officials would be charged and how much they would pay haven’t been worked out.’

‘Included in a lengthy stadium lease agreement is a requirement that the state have access to a 16-person suite for all Buffalo Bills games that it can use as its “I Love New York Hospitality Center” for economic development, tourism and public awareness of the region and the state.’

‘The primary argument for a new stadium is to entice the next owner to keep the team here. Unfortunately, the basic premise is flawed. A new ballpark only sufficiently pads an owner’s wallet if there are enough rich folks and big corporations to buy glitzy suites, club seats, overpriced season tickets and advertising, pay licensing fees. Our spirit is willing, but our bank accounts are weak.’

‘The Cuomo administration says that because the stadium is publicly owned, using one of the luxury boxes to promote the state is legitimate. But critics have seen such deals as perks for elected officials or their top aides.’

‘The vote, taken Thursday, comes days after NFL owners approved the terms and condition of the agreement the Bills reached in December with county and New York State officials. The final step for the deal to take effect is approval from state lawmakers, which the Bills anticipate to happen soon.’

‘And you wonder why Bills’ fans aren’t excited?’

‘”I would do anything I was asked to do by the Bills to help them stay in Western New York,” Dyster said. “I don’t want to do anything that would make it look like I was fishing in troubled waters.”‘

‘Nevertheless, there still are plenty of ways the Bills can help their roster by doing some bargain shopping of veterans now that the first wave of big-money free agents have signed.’