Archives for July 13, 2014

‘Offense requires precision, especially on third down and inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. The Bills ranked 29th in both categories last year. Manuel & Co. need as much practice on those situations as possible in Year Two of coach Doug Marrone’s regime.’

‘”Billionaires don’t go into something without a plan in mind about their operation.”‘

‘So while patience is always advisable with a young quarterback, the clock is ticking on Manuel. There is enormous pressure on EJ to make clear strides this season and justify management’s decision to draft him 16th overall in 2013.’

‘Golisano still wants to bid on the team, the source told The News.’

‘What I’ve been a part of all these years through watching my dad at football camp has taught me much about being a football fan as well. And I’m convinced it’s about more than just the game. Don’t get me wrong, the game is amazing and when football season ends I’m already counting down the days until the NFL Draft and minicamp. But, the older I get, the more I realize and learn that there’s got to be more. For those of us fans who live here in Western New York, it’s an investment in not only our entertainment and joy but in the community that we call home.’

‘Nigel Bradham might get first crack at the weakside spot, but the Bills could also flip Keith Rivers over there and let the battle play out on the strong side. Bradham could be in that mix, along with Ty Powell. Another option is moving rush end Manny Lawson back to linebacker where he played last year. No matter what happens, the Bills aren’t as formidable a defense without the Legend of Kiko.’

‘So you see, the Bills do not have a long history of drafting and developing quarterbacks, so one has to wonder how this is going to turn out for Manuel, who, like Losman, has all the tools to be very good but also, like Losman, has so many variables out of his control.’

‘”How could I say no?” Northern said. “Cool people asked me to come out for a good cause.”‘

‘”There was speculation I had trade value and that I might have a chance to go somewhere else, I just didn’t know when it was coming and that it was going to be Buffalo,” Bryce said. “My wife and I, when we found out, we were both excited. Philly has a special place in our hearts, but in this business you need to go where you have the opportunity.”‘