Archives for December 2014

‘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.’

‘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.’