Archives for September 22, 2014

‘And, with the exception of the special teams, which had a third straight solid game, though exerting little impact on the outcome, Buffalo’s defeat was a collective effort.’

‘”I love winning, so whatever it takes to win, that’s what I’m here for and that’s what I’m here to do,” said Brown, who ran for 261 yards and a touchdown against another Buffalo team, the UB Bulls, in the 2009 Independence Bowl, in his final game at Connecticut. “Whether it’s one carry or all the carries, whenenever your number’s called, just make the most of the opportunity.”‘

‘The Chargers three sacks of Manuel were recorded by linebacker Dwight Freeney, the former Colt, and ends Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes. It was the second of the year for both Freeney and Liuget, tops on the team, and the first for Reyes.’

‘I see Manuel float and overthrow passes. I see an awkward delivery. I see spotty accuracy. I see a guy who always takes the safe route instead of taking a shot.’

‘A Buffalo defense that had given up only one play of more than 20-plus yards in its first two games gave up six such plays Sunday.’

‘”I always felt like I belonged in the NFL, since I was a little kid,” Oliver said in the Chargers’ locker room after San Diego’s 22-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills. “Nobody could tell me that I wouldn’t be here. It’s something I always desired it in my heart, and God knew that. He got me here, and I wouldn’t be here without him.”‘

‘Tens of thousands of people saw Sunday’s game, either at home or in the windy confines of The Ralph. I’d suspect no one had any problem distinguishing between the two quarterbacks.’

‘”Honestly, I think it’s our fault, secondary-wise,” Bills safety Aaron Williams said. “I think we gave him too easy a look, and when you give a good quarterback like that easy looks, he’s going to find weaknesses in a defense.”‘

‘Manuel, meanwhile, resisted pulling the trigger on a number of occasions and was off target on several other key plays. He also did not react well when rushers flashed into the pocket.’

‘The Bills had a semi-drive going on the possession after the Jackson TD. But on third and 5 from the Buffalo 43, the Chargers once again were unafraid to blitz. Pears was beaten by Reggie Walker, and Manuel couldn’t scramble away, spinning backward and taking a 17-yard sack.’

‘Marrone said the Chargers’ defense gave the Bills looks they didn’t expect. Corey Graham bemoaned the Chargers’ offense unexpectedly ran pick plays all over the field, and the secondary couldn’t adjust. The Bills’ offense also showed how feckless it can be when playing from behind. Fans started streaming to the exits with eight minutes left and the Bills down only 10 points because it felt like they were getting blown out.’

‘Then again, why should anyone be surprised by the Bills’ thorough 22-10 loss to the San Diego Chargers? After all, this is a performance we’ve come to know quite well in these parts as we have watched this team burst the bubbles of hope and optimism far too often.’

‘ was not a good day for Manuel. He finished with 238 passing yards, 75 of which came on the final possession when the Chargers were already thinking about which movie to watch on the long flight home.’

‘Take away an atrocious total of 11 penalties for 101 yards and maybe the outcome is different. The Bills convert that fourth down at the San Diego 43-yard line with less than nine minutes to play, who knows?’