Archives for September 13, 2013

‘”It’s going to be nice for me to get back to Buffalo,” Thomas said via phone after the Panthers finished practice Thursday. “For me, it’s always been a great atmosphere. It’s a great football town.”‘

‘This season’s schedule is more favorable for ticket sales, with three home games in September before the weather takes a turn for the worse. The Bills play only one time in Ralph Wilson Stadium in the final six weeks of the season, on Dec. 22 against Miami (one of their “home” games takes place Dec. 1 in Toronto).’

‘”I think we got a lot out of him from the standpoint of big plays,” coach Doug Marrone said. “Obviously those were big plays. He’s been playing well, kind of under the radar a little bit with what’s going on. I think he’s a guy that really works hard.”‘

‘Everyone in the organization – and really throughout the league – respects Rivera, who is a man of dignity and humility. But at some point Rivera has to start winning the close games. The Panthers are 2-13 in games decided by a touchdown or less since Rivera arrived before the 2011 season, and those losses have kept the Panthers from becoming a possible playoff team. With a new general manager in place, Rivera probably needs a winning record and/or a playoff berth to keep his job.’

‘”It will be weird to not be able to stay in my house, but I’m glad to be going back there and seeing my family,” said Edwards, who will stay in the team hotel on the eve of the Panthers’ matchup against his former team. “It’s one of the toughest things I’ve had to deal with in the NFL, being away from them.”‘

Carolina Panthers’ Ron Rivera not sure fast-paced offenses have all the advantages (Charlotte Observer)

Carolina Panthers’ linebacker Chase Blackburn likely to get more action on defense (Charlotte Observer)

Rivera anxious for WRs Hixon, Edwards to step up (AP)

Edwards seeks success in return home (Panthers.com)

Panthers prep for Bills’ up-tempo offense (Panthers.com)

Davis cutting it loose (Panthers.com)

‘Hull, who died at the age of 50 in October of 2011, didn’t seek attention; it sought him. But he loved the role of an offensive lineman. He knew they got little credit for important work. And that’s why he surely would appreciate the idea that the most outstanding college offensive lineman in Mississippi each autumn will receive the Kent Hull Trophy.’

‘Panthers 21, Bills 20.’

‘As for the tempo, the Bills had some pace, but their primary problem is they didn’t have the ball long enough for their up-tempo style to have much of an effect on the Patriots. Buffalo possessed the ball a little more than 22 minutes and ran only 61 plays because it failed to convert on third down, suffered two key turnovers, and committed some costly penalties.’

‘The Panthers were able to stuff Seattle’s ground game with primarily their front seven last week. If Bills RB C.J. Spiller isn’t able to rebound from last week’s slow start, too much pressure is placed on rookie QB EJ Manuel to move the offense.’

‘The Bills remaining home games that are not yet sellouts are October 13 versus Cincinnati, November 3 against Kansas City, the November 17 contest with the New York Jets and December 22 against Miami.’

‘Cornerback Stephon Gilmore (wrist), left guard Doug Legursky (knee), wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (hand), cornerback Ron Brooks (foot) and kicker Dustin Hopkins (right groin) all didn’t get any work in during Thursday’s session. Gilmore, Legursky, Goodwin and Brooks have already been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.’

‘Bills 17, Panthers 13.’