Archives for December 1, 2014

‘Welcome to Mike Pettine’s suddenly upside down world.’

‘The Bills’ offense was pathetic most of the game, and going against Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodger, and Tom Brady in the final month, it will need to be about 1,000 times better. All that matters in this game is that the Bills found a way to win, and they’re still breathing in the playoff chase.’

‘”It was good,” he said of the win, “(but) I thought in all three phases, we didn’t play well in the first half. There’s no doubt about that.’

‘In fact, in two full series, he both displayed the ability that had many pundits believing he was worthy of the No. 1 pick and demonstrated that he may have a ways to go before being a dependable NFL starter.’

‘”We came out kind of flat in the first half,” he admitted. “We challenged ourselves during halftime to come out firing on all cylinders and make sure we communicated all across the board, and it paid off. When we knew he was going to throw it in front, we jumped routes. “It was more our preparations to recognize certain routes and formations. Once we picked up on those tendencies, it made easier to jump routes.”‘

‘Buffalo scored the two fastest touchdowns in franchise history.’

‘”It didn’t change too much,” said Searcy, of the Bills approach after Manziel took over with 12:01 left. “Coming on the field, we knew he was in there. We just told each other to look for (bootlegs).”‘

‘”We are the same defense, just a different coach,” Williams said. “Schwartz did a great job of getting us prepared. He puts up a great gameplan. When we had Pettine it was great and all, and he’s doing his thing in Cleveland, but today was a statement game, and that statement was that we are a better defense. Point black period.”‘

‘”I think it was right,” Browns safety Donte Whitner said of the decision to bring in Manziel. “We want to see what Johnny can do. Johnny did a pretty good job when he was in there. That first drive he was in he moved the offense down and scored a touchdown. You see how special he is with all of those different attributes. When a play breaks down, he can make it with his legs, he can escape the pocket when it’s a pass, make sure the guy is open downfield and put it in there.”‘

‘”It wasn’t tough. He’s a very versatile quarterback. He makes the play extend but, at the same time, I feel like nothing that they could have done to try to miscue us on defense.”‘

‘”No back-and-forth from me (with the fans),” Whitner said. “I think it was all fans towards me. 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, it’s what you expect. My hat goes off to them with the win.’

‘What is there to say about the Buffalo Bills’ defense that hasn’t already been said?’

‘Yeah, I know. Some are thinking why should anyone feel sorry for someone who made millions playing a football game?’

‘”You know we really didn’t make that many adjustments,” Williams added. “It was really just a focus on your job and really being on top of everything. I think we played a little bit loose in the first half with what we were supposed to do and it led to them making some plays and having a couple of drives. We really tightened it up in the second half.”‘

‘Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett needs to figure out his unit’s red zone woes. They have been a real problem this season and it’s not getting any better. If the Bills are going to compete with teams like Denver and Green Bay in December, Hackett will need to address that problem.’