Archives for October 2014

‘”You know, I don’t really know that yet,” Marrone said. “It’s not like we sit down and we say that. We’re going to look at practice and set the plan and see where it goes.’

‘”I’m definitely ready every week, preparing like I’m the starter,” he said. “Being the backup who dresses on game day, you’re always one play away from starting. So I prepare every week like I’m starting, and I’ll be ready.”‘

‘With his move to the starting lineup, Urbik takes the place of rookie fifth-round selection Cyril Richardson. Richardson started the past four games but has largely been inefficient since taking over for the injured Chris Williams.’

‘”He may. He may,” said Marrone of Urbik when asked if he’ll start at left guard on Sunday in place of rookie Cyril Richardson. “We’re trying to get better. We’re looking at a couple of options.”‘

‘His leaping, twisting catch down by the goal line last week to convert a 2nd-and-20 in the waning seconds to set up the game-winning touchdown last Sunday has gained national attention. It was ranked number six on ESPN’s Top 10 NFL plays from Week 7, and ESPN Radio’s ‘Mike & Mike’ show ranked it the number one ‘Climb the Ladder Catch of the Week.’ As a result Hogan’s family is now expecting more than double the support for the upstart receiver and his Bills teammates. Not bad for a college lacrosse player.’

‘Had Buffalo not dropped that game and quarterback E.J. Manuel struggled so mightily, Kyle Orton wouldn’t have taken over as starting QB. And while there’s no definitive proof, it can be easily speculated that the Bills wouldn’t have won at Detroit or on Sunday against the Vikings had the switch not been made.’

‘”It was one of the best moments I’ve had in the NFL,” said Watkins, who still has only a seven-game sample to choose from. “We made the play. We made it happen at the end of the game.”‘

‘Buffalo is eighth in points per game allowed, 11th in yards allowed per game, fourth against the run, first in sacks, tied for third in interceptions and third-down defense and sixth in fewest plays allowed of 20 yards or longer. The defense enabled them to win three games by a field goal or less.’

‘By placing him on this list, the Bills are holding out hope that Spiller will be able to return to the field at some point in 2014, though that’s no guarantee.’

‘Tanner spent his first three seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys after going undrafted out of Tennessee State. He has never rushed for more than 38 yards in a single game but could add value on special teams. Even with the signing of Tanner, Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown figure to be the two running backs to receive most of the carries for the Bills in the absence of Jackson and Spiller.’

‘Robinson, who went to Riverside High School in Buffalo, played 1,380 games in the NBA for five teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons.’

‘The Bills kept their options open with Spiller by placing him on the reserve injured/designated to return list, a day after he had surgery to repair a collarbone injury. The designation means Spiller would have the chance to resume practicing in six weeks, and return to action two weeks later, when the Bills travel to play Oakland on Dec. 21.’

‘Spiller underwent surgery Monday to repair a broken clavicle.’

‘Tanner played in 40 games spanning three seasons for the Dallas Cowboys. The 26-year-old had 149 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 56 carries and nine catches for 93 yards while he was with the Cowboys. ‘

‘The short-term IR designation means the earliest the running back can return to the team for a game will be in Week 16 game on the road against the Oakland Raiders. By rule, the player must miss a minimum of eight weeks but is allowed to return to practice, if cleared by the medical staff, two weeks ahead of their official return to the field.’