Archives for August 17, 2014

‘”We just have to finish,” tight end Scott Chandler said. “We have to get in the end zone.”‘

‘Watkins, the fourth overall pick in the draft, walked off the field clutching his side during Buffalo’s initial drive of the game after Pittsburgh linebacker Ryan Shazier went over his back during a pass play. Watkins spent a few minutes on the sideline before being taken to the locker room.’

‘E.J. Manuel finished 17-of-27 for 148 yards and one interception for the Bills. Anthony Dixon rushed 10 times for 26 yards and Buffalo’s lone TD, a one-yard run in the third quarter. Fred Jackson led the club with seven grabs for 28 yards.’

‘The Bills appeared to be taken by surprise by the Steelers’ no-huddle offense and took a while to adjust defensively. “We came out a little slow,” Buffalo cornerback Nickell Robey said. “We definitely could have come out with a lot more intensity.”‘

‘Watkins was hurt when he was hit by Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier and cornerback Cortez Allen while attempting to make a first-quarter catch. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game, the Bills announced.’

‘Manuel and most of the Bills’ first-team offense played out the half, running 45 total plays, but failed to record a touchdown. Two incomplete passes in the end zone, one intended for Robert Woods and the other for Chandler, ended Manuel’s final drive of the day.’

‘EJ Manuel and the first unit, for the third straight outing, failed to perform a function that is essential to the survival of most offenses in the NFL. After a total of 10 drives in the preseason, the Manuel-led Bills have yet to score a touchdown.’

‘Graham’s story, appearing on The Buffalo News’ website Saturday evening, says multiple sources informed him that Bon Jovi and the Toronto group reached out to Kelly, and that the quarterback has, “at least considered the possibility.”‘

‘Tied at 16 with 1:56 remaining the Steelers tried to mount a drive to break the deadlock. Rookie S Deon Broomfieldfoiled that effort with an interception with under a minute remaining at the Bills 29. But just three plays later Jeff Tuelwas sacked and fumbled. Pittsburgh recovered as Howard Jones returned it to the one-yard line. Two plays later Shaun Suisham kicked a 20-yard field goal as time expired to give the Steelers at 19-16 victory.’

‘Buffalo’s run defense was facing a power run game for the first time this preseason and they responded just as effectively as they did in their previous two preseason outings. The first team defense held the Steelers to just 11 yards on seven carries not counting Landry Jones kneel down at the end of the half. The 1.6 yards per carry average was even better than the 1.72 yards per carry average the first team defense came into the game with from their first two preseason contests.’

‘Watkins was injured on a 3rd-and-3 play on Buffalo’s opening possession. The receiver was targeted by EJ Manuelon a quick slant. The pass was low and incomplete. The cornerback in coverage Cortez Allen fell to the ground on the play trying to make an attempt at the pass. Converging on the play was Steelers LB Ryan Shazier, who jumped to avoid the fallen Allen. As he lifted his legs to avoid his teammate, his right knee collided with Watkins’ rib cage.’