Archives for December 16, 2013

‘The former Florida State star didn’t do anything spectacular, just dinking and dunking the Jaguars for 193 yards. He also ran for 37 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown in the second quarter.’

‘Johnson’s mother died unexpectedly Saturday at her Northern California home. Rhonda Lewis was 48. Johnson and the Bills had already arrived in Jacksonville when he heard the devastating news. He sat down with coach Doug Marrone, who gave him the option of leaving or staying for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. He didn’t tell anyone else.’

‘”It was a game of missed opportunities,” Jags coach Gus Bradley said. “We didn’t play like we’re capable of playing, whether it was a fumble, interception, things like that. In the locker room, our hearts are broken right now because of this, but I felt like our spirit is not.”‘

‘The Bills sacked Chad Henne five times, bringing their NFL-leading total to 49 this season. It’s one shy of the franchise record set in 1964.’

‘No starters were among Buffalo’s seven inactives. The list included quarterback Jeff Tuel, defensive backs Jonathan Meeks and Brandon Smith, running back Ronnie Wingo, guards Mark Asper and Antoine McClain and tight end Tony Moeaki.’

‘Robert Woods had five catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, Frank Summers caught three passes for 16 yards and a score for the Bills (5-9), who snapped a two-game skid. Fred Jackson added 17 carries for 80 yards and C.J. Spiller rushed 13 times for 67 yards.’

‘Buffalo running backs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller were held to a total of 34 rushing yards on 16 carries last week at Tampa Bay, but they shined Sunday. The duo, who combined to run for 186 yards in Buffalo’s 34-18 home victory against Jacksonville last year, had similar success once again and piled up 147 yards in the win.’

‘Buffalo linebacker Kiko Alonso is making a push for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Alonso, the NFL’s second-leading tackler, was questionable coming into Sunday’s game due to a knee injury, be he not only played, he finished second on the team with six tackles — all of them solo.’

‘In the final frame the Jaguars tied it up on a catch and run by Marcedes Lewis, but Buffalo immediately responded with an 80-yard drive that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown pass to Frank Summers. After the touchdown, Jacksonville chewed up nearly half a quarter of clock with a very long drive. 3rd and goal from the Bills 5 yard line, Stephon Gilmore picked off Henne in the endzone with 3:15 left in the game to help seal the victory.’

‘How did the Bills come away with the victory in Jacksonville over the Jaguars? Let’s take a look at the game that was…’.

‘As it turns out, that interception was the low point of the game for the Bills rookie quarterback, who would bounce back and earn his first ever regular season road win. It was a step in the right direction for Manuel but it settles nothing as the season long evaluation of the Florida State product moves to its final two games. Manuel still has plenty to prove.’

‘What’s confusing to me is the defense. First, where is Mario Williams? After the first half of the season I would’ve named him defensive MVP. He is never noticeable anymore and the sacks are few and far between. It seems like once it looked like the season was over, Williams started going through the motions.’

‘Interestingly, these next two weeks will be better measuring sticks because the Bills will host a Miami Dolphins team trying to secure a wildcard spot at the Ralph followed by a visit to Foxboro against a New England Patriots team that is battling Denver and Kansas City for home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. It would be nice to see solid performances in each of those games by Manuel, who is 4-6 as a starter with 11 TDs and nine picks.’

‘Buffalo’s rookie quarterback just refuses to give Bills fans an easy out. Is he the directionless quarterback tossing Losmans at potential receivers, or is he just an inexperienced rookie showing flashes of his future brilliance by spitting dimes downfield and developing a can’t-miss relationship with fellow rook Robert Woods?’

‘This game went through many ups and downs at times it they just looked terrible but they looked well enough in spots to gain the victory. What does it mean? Not a lot. Don’t think we found out more about Manuel, he was terribly inconsistent once again. Any decent team beats them today but forget all the facts for one night, Sunday nights and Monday mornings are still always better after a Bills win.’