Archives for September 3, 2013

‘One thing I hope to see Sunday: A lot of touches for Spiller. Last year against New England, he had 23 combined touches in two games. He had a decent game in a six-point loss to the Patriots in November. He rushed nine times for 70 yards and caught four passes for 61 yards. With numbers like that, he should have touched the ball more. But I won’t get into another rant about the Chan Gailey era.’

‘”It was a little bit of an adjustment I can’t lie, playing with one team and against this team two weeks ago,” Burton told Buffalobills.com. “Everything changed in an instant. Within a couple of hours I was heading on a flight. I think I had two hours to pack and get up here on a flight, but it’s a great opportunity for me and I’m glad to be here.”‘

‘Belichick said he’s going to study the Bills’ preseason film as much as he can. “I’m sure they have some wrinkles and things they haven’t shown, but I can’t imagine they’d go through four preseason games and show up at the first game with some completely different offense,” he said.’

‘”I think we’re going to look at different players in that,” role coach Doug Marrone said. “I had Bryan before in New Orleans, and I have all the respect in the world for him. He’s a great pro. … If you’re playing against the run you may go in there with a linebacker. If you’re looking to play the pass, you may go in there with a defensive back. I think there’s different options to fill that role.”‘

‘The Bills have given up three of their four highest points-against totals in franchise history the last three years, with 435 last season, 434 in 2011 and 425 in 2010. Only the 2-14 sad-sacks of 1984 gave up more (454).’

‘After beginning his NFL career with the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2005, Leonhard signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008. He spent one year there, then followed Pettine and coach Rex Ryan to the New York Jets in 2009. Leonhard spent three years in New York, and along with his season with the Ravens, that four-year stretch marks the most productive of his career. During that time, Leonhard started 53 of 56 games, made 254 tackles, four interceptions, 3.5 sacks and 21 passes defensed.’

‘”I know I’m excited about it,” Marrone said. “I’m sure people here who have been interviewing Jeff and interviewing EJ and have watched them on the field in preseason and practice would be excited, too, to see what they’re going to do in a game-type situation.”‘

‘In two years as a varsity starter at Los Gatos, he helped the Wildcats to a 20-4-1 record and helped his club to a Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division championship in 2007. He was a bone-jarring tackler in high school and led the league and the Central Coast Section in tackles with 150 as a senior.’

‘Bills coach Doug Marrone did not announce Hopkins had been injured following practice. The Bills could not be reached for comment.’

”’McCourty, he’s been a Pro Bowl player. But I still think we can take advantage of their defense,” Johnson said. ”I mean, it’s going to be a test. It’s going to be a challenge, but I still ride with my boys over their guys.”’

‘Coughman spent a portion of last season on the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad. He signed with Dallas in May before being cut by the Cowboys last weekend. In 2011, the Shaw University product played nine games with Toronto of the Canadian Football League.’

‘The Bills are in need of safety depth with Jairus Byrd not expected to be ready to open the season against New England on Sunday.’

‘Leonhard, 30, did not make the New Orleans Saints’ 53-man roster out of training camp, but found work quickly by joining the Bills, with whom he signed as an undrafted rookie out of Wisconsin in 2005.’

‘”There’s nothing that seems to slow (Manuel) down,” said Bills head coach Doug Marrone. “These two guys are pretty darn good.”‘

‘According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bills are going to sign free agent kicker Dan Carpenter to an undisclosed contract. The move is in response to a groin injury suffered by Bills rookie kicker Dustin Hopkins during Monday’s practice according to the report.’