Archives for September 2, 2014

‘”I think you’d be surprised of what he can do. I think we’ll go work during the week and see how much he feels comfortable with handling,” Bills coach Doug Marrone said. “Probably more than what most people think because of his experience.”‘

‘Does anybody remember, or even care, who the Bills’ captains were during the ’90s? Of course not. But you wouldn’t have to go too far to find someone who could run down the list of Sabres’ captains. So it’s a bit of a different animal by the nature and tradition in the sport. In fact, the NFL didn’t even start its practice of captain patches until 2007.’

‘”We’ll try just about everything; whatever helps me. We’re just going to see how far I can go. I think it’s just pain tolerance I have to get through and be prepared for,” he said.’

‘”If you’ve got kids I think you kind of know that they just like being around you, but this was the right decision for me,” said Orton, who signed a one-year contract with the Bills, with a one-year player option attached, to serve as EJ Manuel’s backup. “When this opportunity arose, I jumped at it. This was the right team for me. This was the right organization for me.”‘

‘”No, not in my mind because of the fact that the players did it,” Marrone said. “If you look at it, it’s mostly veteran guys that have been around. I think that position has leadership qualities in it just by the position itself.”‘

‘”It’s better,” Marrone said after practice Monday. “Kyle is much better for us. He’s an experienced veteran. He’s what we were looking for and we were fortunate to get him.”‘

‘”Of course,” Watkins said when asked whether he expects to play against Chicago. “I’m hoping I’ll be out there playing.”‘

‘This is the second straight season Moeaki has reached an injury settlement. Last year, he fractured his shoulder and reached a settlement with the Chiefs during the season before signing with the Bills. He hasn’t caught a pass since the 2012 season in which he had 33 catches for 453 yards. Moeaki also spent the 2011 season on injured reserve.’

‘The first-round draft pick practiced fully Monday, and says he is preparing to play Sunday, when Buffalo opens the season at Chicago.’

‘In the matter of a week, Marrone has gone from being concerned to expressing confidence after Orton practiced Monday, two days after signing a one-year contract.’

‘Moeaki missed most of training camp due to an assortment of injuries and was been placed on the Bills reserve/injured list on Friday. The Bills were giving the oft-injured player a second chance after signing Moeaki late last season.’

‘Cornerback Corey Graham, running back Fred Jackson, linebacker Brandon Spikes, defensive tackle Kyle Williams, defensive end Mario Williams and center Eric Wood were selected by their teammates as captains for the 2014 season.’

‘The wideout was joined on the field by a few other players returning from injury. Guard Chris Williams, tight end Scott Chandler and cornerback Stephon Gilmore all were able to participate during positional drills Monday.’

‘”This week, and I think I’ll be ready to go. I’ve really put a lot of work in the last 48-72 hours mentally,” Orton said. “Physically it went really good today and I’ll be ready to go on Sunday.”‘