Archives for December 1, 2014

‘”They’re kind of living on their defense now,” Browns seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Joe Thomas said. “They do so many things that make it difficult for anybody on offense and, down the stretch, playing good defense can get you a long way and get you into the playoffs.”‘

‘”No really back and forth with me,” said of his interaction with the crowd. “I think it was all fans toward me, I didn’t say anything to them. It’s part of the game, it’s the nature of the National Football League. Fans are passionate. When you have a passionate fan base like this, that’s what you expect. Hat goes off to them with the win.”‘

‘Still, the team I saw at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday didn’t look like a playoff team. Resourceful, yes. Resilient, certainly. The possessor of a proud defense that can make life difficult for any quarterback who doesn’t qualify as elite? Sure. They’re still not good enough.’

‘Manziel was unassuming about his performance. “It wasn’t perfect by any means,” he said. He admitted being nervous during his first few plays and relieved after completing a pass. He blamed himself for the botched play. He was sure to thank his teammates for supporting him. He left Johnny Football on the field.’

‘At this rate, $10 million a year might be a bargain for the Bills.’

‘The Bills limited the Browns to just 3 of 12 third-down conversions (25 percent). Cleveland entered the game ranked 31st in the NFL on third downs, converting 32 percent. Buffalo’s defense entered the game ranked No. 1 in the NFL, holding foes to 33.9 percent conversions. Browns QB Brian Hoyer does not have the size and athleticism to extend plays and consistently make big plays downfield.’

‘Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes closes fast, hits hard and flies to the football.’

‘The Bills’ defense never allowed Cleveland’s offense to get anything going in any phase, but its dominance started with the fact it didn’t allow the Browns to run the ball effectively. Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell combined for a mere 61 yards on 24 carries, an average of 2.5 yards per rush.’

‘Ten seconds completely changed the complexion of Sunday’s game in the third quarter. That’s how long it took the Bills to erase a 3-0 deficit and take a 14-3 lead.’

‘The Bills haven’t had a routine week since they played the Jets at home Oct. 26. Doug Marrone has kept his team focused through a minefield of potential distractions. Jim Schwartz’s defense enjoyed one of its finest games. But Nathaniel Hackett’s offense continues to struggle in the red zone and on third downs, converting only two Sunday.’

‘They are a different team at home and on the road. Heading into Sunday night’s game at Kansas City, the Broncos were averaging 11.3 fewer points per game on the road than in Mile High Stadium. Manning has thrown seven of his nine interceptions on the road, while the team has reached 31 points just twice. Unfortunately for the Bills, they must travel to Denver.’

‘Football fans who ventured to a table set up outside Ralph Wilson Stadium before Sunday’s game were urged to inform themselves about child abuse and to sign a petition encouraging Erie County leaders to do more to help eradicate abuse and domestic violence.’

‘All the arrests were for disorderly conduct and several involved excessive alcohol consumption, officials said.’

‘A home game against the New York Jets scheduled for last week was moved to Detroit due to a historic blizzard. But the stadium was cleared of every last snowflake, allowing the Bills-Browns game to take place on a comfortable day to cap Thanksgiving Weekend.’

‘As was the case far too often during his five years with the Bills, Whitner was generally a non-factor.’