Archives for December 8, 2013

‘The Bills’ defense enters today’s game against the Buccaneers in Raymond James Stadium ranked 24th in rushing yards and 20th in yards per carry. Relative to previous seasons, that’s fantastic. “That wouldn’t be the F-word adjective I would use,” Pettine said after Friday’s practice in Orchard Park.’

‘Here’s some interesting history: The last time the Bills were over .500 at this point was in 2000. They were 7-5, but coming off a crushing, 31-17 loss here in Tampa where they outgained the Bucs by 253 yards and lost Sam Cowart to a season-ending injury. So in a way, you can trace the Bills’ 13-year playoff drought back to that fateful day here in Florida, which was the beginning of the end for Wade Phillips and the Bills as playoff contenders.’

‘The players don’t like it and never are going to like it, because they recognize it doesn’t help them win. After six years, not one bit of progress has been made in making Rogers Centre any kind of home-field advantage for Buffalo, despite the efforts of the Bills and their Canadian partner, Rogers Communications.’

‘”We are a team right now that has quite a bit of players coming back, so how we perform and how we move forward is extremely important to building a foundation of how we may start and be able to get going next year,” Marrone said. “I do believe in a foundation and a philosophy that needs to be in place which we will have after year one.”‘

‘The Bills are paying Porsche money to Johnson, about $7 million season, but getting production worthy of a mid-sized Chevy this season. With 46 catches for 526 yards and three touchdowns, Johnson is 60th among NFL receivers. His team record streak of 1,000-yard seasons will end at three.’

‘Bucs 20, Bills 19.’

‘Let’s look at NFL workplace statistics. The average player’s career is less than four years. The life expectancy of a player is 20 years less than the average American male. They suffer from a significantly higher incidence of early dementia, depression and suicide. Within two years of retirement, 78 percent of NFL players have gone bankrupt or are in serious financial distress. With this track record, a normal company would be visited by our friends at OSHA to discuss workplace safety.’

‘”Yeah, we’ve known each other for a long time,” Glennon said of Manuel, who he will face again today when the Bucs take on the Bills at Raymond James Stadium. “I remember in the state semifinals one year, we played against a school right by him and he came to the game just to watch me.”‘

‘”Yeah, I’m looking forward to getting down there and playing against Mike,” Manuel said on a conference call Wednesday. “He’s been doing well, so I look forward to going out and having a good game.”‘

Bucs’ Glennon, Bills’ Manuel add new chapter to friendly rivalry (Tampa Tribune)

Dotson quickly become well-rounded right tackle (Tampa Tribune)

Tampa Bay takes on Buffalo (Tampa Tribune)

Bucs have improved pass defense (Tampa Bay Times)

Bucs’ lack of edge rush creates several problems (Tampa Bay Times)

If anyone cares about Bucs-Bills, Schiano does (Tampa Bay Times)

Kickin’ back with Tampa Bay Bucs kicker Rian Lindell (Tampa Bay Times)

Scouting report (Tampa Bay Times)

What they’re saying, numbers (Tampa Bay Times)

The winner of Sunday’s Bucs-Bills game might be the loser (Bradenton Herald)

Manuel and Glennon Square Off Again Today (Lakeland Ledger)

Game Day: Bills at Buccaneers (Buccaneers.com)

‘It’s a true coin flip between these two teams. In the end, the edge is given to Tampa Bay because of their run game, their quick and aggressive defense and because EJ Manuel has yet to win a game on the road. The first 15 minutes will be very important for the Bills, because it will determine whether or not they’ve been able to move past their most crushing loss of the season. After the Bills lost to Kansas City in dramatic fashion, they played their worst game of the season in Pittsburgh. If they come out with a strong effort early on they could pull off a road win. But if the Atlanta loss lingers, Tampa Bay will pounce on them.’