Archives for August 2014

‘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.’

‘Rather than being suspicious of Toronto football fans, Knott hopes Bills supporters will see potential allies. “We want Buffalo Bills fans to realize that we’re not the enemy. It’s Rogers and Tanenbaum and Bon Jovi,” said Knott.’

‘Ross Cockrell: The fourth-round pick appears to be getting more and more comfortable in the NFL setting. He looks more willing to trust his instincts now that he has a better handle on the defensive scheme. More plays on the ball in coverage will be an indication that he’s playing faster.’

‘The Bills allowed the fifth-most rushing yards in the NFL last season, so the run defense has been a point of emphasis for them this offseason. The additions of Brandon Spikes and Keith Rivers seem to be helping. Buffalo’s first-team defense has been solid against the run in the first two preseason games and made life tough on the Steelers’ running game during joint practices. Saturday is another good test for this unit.’

‘Buffalo’s first-team offense still is looking for its first touchdown. On five possessions, it has managed two field goals, two punts and a failed fourth-and-short run near the goal line.’

‘A T-shirt was spotted for sale in Buffalo listing the rocker’s name along with Saddam Hussein, Moammar Gadhafi and Osama bin Laden. Each of the latter three has a checkmark. Bon Jovi doesn’t.’

‘”I thought we did a pretty good job throwing the ball last time we played in a game,” Manuel said. “So we want to continue to carry that over. Not sure how much I will play, but the reps that we are in, we want to make sure we look good.”‘

‘In the team’s first preseason contest versus the New York Giants, the starting offense got their feet wet with a pair of uninspiring drives. EJ Manuel completed only two passes and it riled up nerves for some fans of the team. In their second preseason game against Carolina, Manuel looked much more comfortable in the pocket and finished the day with nine successful completions, two of which that went for significant gains (28 and 32 yards). The common theme between both outings, though, resides in the fact that the first-team offense of the Bills failed to convert any of their drives into one that ended in a touchdown.’

‘Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin checks in. He talks with Kyle Williams and Hughes about what sparked the extracurricular activity earlier in practice. Both coaches have been adamant in their support of an environment that fosters competition. Neither wants that competition to spill over, and Tomlin’s visit confirms that all are in agreement.’

‘Perhaps with those memories still in their minds, the Bills have constructed a roster deep at cornerback this year. Buffalo native Corey Graham was added to the mix as a free agent, while the team also selected Ross Cockrell out of Duke in the fourth round of May’s NFL Draft. They join holdovers Gilmore, McKelvin, Brooks and Nickell Robey to give the Bills a strong top six at the position.’

‘”The legacy that is here with the Steelers’ defense, coach Dick LeBeau, I just felt really comfortable with the situation,” he said. “Buffalo will always have a special place in my heart, but this was what’s best for my career.”‘

‘Buffalo Fan Alliance was tipped off last week about the documents, which included a short bio of Rai in a public securities and investment statement filed with the Canadian government, said Matthew Sabuda, a real estate investor and director of the Buffalo Fan Alliance.’

‘Long lines at the gates and crowding in the concourses should be nothing but J.P. Losman-like memories.’

‘”I really can’t at this point,” Brandon said. “There’s no timetable on anything. It’s a process, and that’s why we handed that to the investment bank and to the investment counsel. So we’ll leave it with those two fine firms.”‘