Archives for April 24, 2014

‘The news of the recurrence of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly’s jaw cancer in mid-March was enough bad news, but that was quickly followed by the passing of 95-year-old team owner Ralph Wilson and the immediate speculation about the team’s future in Western New York. But alas, those two major blows have been followed by a trio of peripheral problems … two lawsuits and a social media gaffe.’

‘The Bills would be in much better shape if Johnson maintained that attitude through the season, but you never know with him. He’s an emotional guy, which is one reason he’s effective. He’s competitive and physical and tough. He’s also been selfish and immature over the years.’

‘Marrone will take the Bills to a place they’ve never won, Chicago, for the season opener at 1 p.m. Sept. 7. Buffalo is 0-5 all time in its previous trips to the Windy City.’

‘”We are using our resources, our contacts, our relationships to do everything we can to ensure the Bills stay in Buffalo,” Jacobs told The Buffalo News on Wednesday in the first interview with a member of the Jacobs family since the death of Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr.’

‘Until they prove they truly are improved and capable of contending for a playoff berth, the NFL isn’t willing to take a chance on them in the key television slots on Sunday night and Monday night. The Bills’ last Sunday night game was in 2007 and their last Monday night game was in 2009.’

‘”Dieruff High School is where my dreams started,” he said. “All of my goals, my aspirations … they began in these hallways. And let me tell you, there ain’t nothing like Husky Pride. I am so happy that the Dieruff band and ROTC will be part of the Hall of Fame festivities. Husky Pride will be alive in Canton.”‘

‘”I’m going to cherish this the rest of my life,” Reed told the crowd. “I’ll never forget this day.”‘

‘Jacobs, however, stopped short of saying his family would be involved in a prospective ownership group. “It’s still early in the process, and it’s impossible to say either way,” he said.’

‘Along with the $2.5 million worth of cards, the Bills will pay $562,000 in legal fees under terms of a class action settlement approved by a federal court in Florida last week.’

‘The Bills released a statement on Wednesday, describing the posting as “an unfortunate situation” and saying they’re looking into how it occurred.’

‘Also, for the first time, a select number of games are being “cross-flexed,” moving between CBS and FOX to bring potentially under-distributed games to wider audiences.’

‘”I didn’t really have a true offseason necessarily. I might have took one week after I left Buffalo to hang out with my family but after that it was pretty much just getting myself back healthy and also still getting smarter,” Manuel said.’

‘Watkins rewrote the school record books in his final collegiate season with 101 receptions for almost 1,500 yards (1,464) and 12 touchdowns. Though only 6-1 and 211 pounds, Watkins plays bigger on the field, and big plays largely summarized Watkins college career.’

‘”That defense can, in my opinion, be really scary,” running back C.J. Spiller said. “Coach Schwartz loves having guys that can do a lot of things, so I’m looking forward to just watching those guys play, and giving us the ball back, giving us an opportunity to score.”‘