Archives for September 29, 2014

‘Moments after Bills linebacker Nigel Bradham picked off Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on the first play of the second half, Watt stepped between an E.J. Manuel pass intended for running back Fred Jackson. Watt made a leaping catch and sprinted unencumbered for the sixth-longest interception return by a defensive lineman in NFL history.’

‘Despite his ongoing struggles, quarterback EJ Manuel is projecting an air of confidence. Manuel was guilty of several poor throws and in the postgame presser, coach Doug Marrone was asked if he considered inserting backup Kyle Orton. When taken to task over his performance, Manuel was mature and unshaken. “I think it’s part of maturing as a man and as a quarterback. Nobody said it was going to be easy, plain and simple.”‘

‘The Bills would get one final shot as they moved the ball into Texans territory, but an interception by EJ Manuel ended any hopes of a comeback, and the Bills fell 23-17.’

‘With that disclaimer out of the way, there is another simple truth from the team’s loss to Houston: the Bills should have won that game, and the poorly timed and inaccurate passes from Manuel’s arm played a big role in preventing the team from starting the season 3-1.’

‘As for me, I have maintained the Bills should let Manuel play the entire season and then evaluate his future with the team. I’ll be honest with you. I’m having a real hard time trying to make the case to stay with that plan.’

‘Obviously what matters more is how the team feels about Manuel. There were some examples on Sunday of receivers gesturing towards Manuel about ball placement on throws. He threw passes last week that put his guys on the train tracks.’

‘With all these stupid, stupid rules to help receivers, how is Woods not being held or interfered with there? Didn’t deserve it, but man.’

‘Another year with a good start only to see it come crashing down quickly. All the good vibes with the 2-0 start have washed away thanks to back to back losses with tough matchups ahead the next two weeks. Yes there is optimism with the ownership change but that change alone can’t wash away 14 years of disappointments. This was just another Sunday that felt very similiar to so many losses over the years. We were allowed to think for a minute that the Bills may pull it out as they crossed midfield in the final 90 seconds of the game but as this team has done so often over the years they let us down with a terrible interception as the poor play at quarterback over the years continues.”

‘Nathaniel Hackett fell in love with the passing game as they threw way too much. The play calling is too conservative and they are playing not to make a mistake. This week they made those mistakes.’

‘The Bills lost a pair of defensive starters to knee injuries. Both Nigel Bradham and Kyle Williams left the game in the second half and did not return. Ron Brooks also left the game with a shoulder injury.’