Archives for December 15, 2013

‘”I trust Dave will bring in the guys to make us better. We improved the roster from the bottom up.”‘

‘It’s all about EJ Manuel over these last three weeks. Doug Marrone can talk about laying the foundation and finishing strong, about the players not feeling sorry for themselves. Fans can ponder the virtues of losing out and getting a higher draft pick.’

‘Jaguars 23, Bills 16.’

‘If there’s such a thing as a must-win game for a team that is no longer in playoff contention – and, let’s be honest, never really was – this is it.’

‘The Bills should be motivated to win. If they don’t … well, let’s not think about that.’

‘But while Jacksonville has yet to beat a winning team – Tennessee (5-8), Houston (2-11) twice and Cleveland (4-9) – there’s little doubt the Jags are playing their best football of the season.’

‘On Manuel not being consistent, Marrone said, “I think it takes something away [when a quarterback is hurt]. You start and you stop. You start and you stop. I think that’s very difficult, especially for a rookie quarterback. Everyone knows when you’re a rookie quarterback, everything you do is under a microscope different than any other position.”’

For reserve QB Blaine Gabbert, days with Jaguars likely dwindling (Florida Times Union)

Bills believe QB Manuel will be more than just ‘the last FSU QB before Winston’ (Florida Times Union)

Brunell, longtime face of franchise, deserving of honor (Florida Times Union)

Bills at Jaguars (Florida Times Union)

Four downs (Florida Times Union)

Jags add Rackley to injury report with concussion (AP)

Jaguars G Rackley questionable vs. Bills (The Sports Xchange)

Jaguars activate TE Reisner and LB Reynolds (Jaguars.com)

‘Despite the fact that the Jaguars have won four of their last five games, a combination of both their injuries and roster weaknesses make it into a winnable contest for the Bills. While yes, the Bills allowed Bobby Rainey to rip off an 80-yard touchdown to start off the game last week in Tampa Bay, their run defense actually performed very well after that play. Tampa Bay’s offensive line is far superior to Jacksonville’s, which conceivably takes away the run game from the Jaguars. If the Bills can manage that aspect of the game, they can pin their ears back and make Henne uncomfortable, keying better field position and possessions for Buffalo’s offense. EJ Manuel has a chance to bounce back with a huge effort against a pass defense that leaves much to be desired. All in all, the matchup favors the Bills.’