Archives for September 2013

‘”We all understand it is a condition. It’s a condition that he’s working extremely hard to get better, and it is getting better,” head coach Doug Marrone said on Friday. “It’s always going to be tough for me because I think it’s going to be one of those points where when he says ‘I’m ready to go,’ he’s going to go. So I don’t want to misinterpret where he’s at.”‘

‘Following Friday’s practice, head coach Doug Marrone officially declared that cornerback Stephon Gilmore (wrist), wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (hand), kicker Dustin Hopkins (groin) and cornerback Ron Brooks (foot) will not play in the first road game of the season. Even though Gilmore, Goodwin and Hopkins got some work in this week with team trainers, they still have some time to go before they return from their respective injuries.’

‘The Bills improved their third down efficiency last week converting on 43 percent of their opportunities (6-14), but they face a top five third down defense in the Jets. New York opponents are converting just over 29 percent of their third downs (29.4%).’

‘Manuel went 27-of-39 for 296 yards and the game-winning TD to lead a 24-23 fourth-quarter comeback against the Carolina Panthers at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Trailing 23-17 with 1:38 remaining, Manuel led an inspiring eight-play 80-yard drive, capped by a two-yard touchdown to Stevie Johnson with two seconds to go.’

‘”I think they’ve been playing well, I think they’ve done a nice job,” Marrone said of his tackles. “They’re going to be challenged each week. They need to get better and develop. I feel fortunate that I’m able to work with them every day in individual and watch that development personally.”‘

‘Marrone is bound to make mistakes, but there’s an admirable authenticity to him that leads you to believe he’s the right fit for Buffalo, N.Y., even if he fails for the Buffalo Bills. He was born and raised in the Bronx, but he’s not pushy and arrogant like many New Yorkers who roll into town thinking they have the answers for us bumpkins.’

‘”I always supported him in college,” Smith said this week. “When he got drafted by the Bills, I gave him a handshake and a hug and congratulated him. It was a great night for us both and our families.”‘

‘The state’s recent announcement that it would transform land on the outer harbor into a state park hasn’t stopped proponents of a sports stadium and entertainment complex from pursuing an option on the land.’

‘”That was one of the things we talked about when he got here, him being able to come in right away and contribute,” said Bills running back Fred Jackson. “I talked to Ike (Hilliard, the Bills’ receivers coach) and he said, ‘This guy’s going to be really good for us.’ “‘

‘The fact the Jets did not pounce on Smith with one of their first-round picks is a clear indication they were not 100 percent sure of him as their future quarterback The Bills, however, never wavered on Manuel, whom they targeted all along.’

‘”I don’t want to set that precedent and I told the players that. I said the reason why I’m doing it is I’m needed by a wife and kids and the players were like, ‘Coach, we’ll practice in the afternoon. Do what you have to do.’ ”

‘”Mario’s one of those guys that kinda has it all, one of those dual guys who can give you a good speed rush from the outside, get your edge, as well he’s strong, so he can give you good power,” Howard said. “He has a lot of mobility, a lot of strength.”‘

‘”I’m familiar with Spiller,” Allen said. “He’s still talented to this day. He’s still the same guy to me (as he was in high school). I think you’ve just got to hit him in the mouth. Nobody likes to get hit in the mouth. Be aggressive with him, be physical and that should take care of it. You’ve just got to hit him in the mouth. Since high school, he’s been that type of guy. If you hit him in the mouth, he’s always looking for you once you lay that wood on him one time. He’ll be looking for you next time.”‘

‘”The way he gets off the line, he just has nice, subtle quickness,” said the Jets safety Antonio Allen. “You’ve just got to keep your eyes on him at all times. He’s real slippery.”‘

‘”C.J. Spiller uses his speed to get around the edge,” S Jaiquawn Jarrett said. “We have to do our job as a defense and make sure that we know our assignments, we’re in the right position, and we make the plays.”‘