Archives for March 2015

'This is well-worn territory for Ryan. He was asked about the very topic at his Bills introductory press conference back in January. Back then, he said he was more eager to take on the Patriots, the AFC East's top team, than the Jets.'

'Under the experiment, a week 7 matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars—two National Football League teams struggling for relevance—will remain on over-the-air television in the teams’ home markets but will be put up for bidding among nationally digital platforms.'

'"This decision to suspend the blackout policy for the upcoming NFL season is a victory for the millions of sports fans and consumers across the country," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), "and it brings us one step closer to eliminating this anti-fan measure once and for all. This antiquated, anti-consumer rule has for too long served only to protect the NFL's bottom line at the expense of sports fans.'

'It will be the first time in NFL history that a national regular season matchup will be shown on a platform other than a television network. The Bills and Jaguars will kick off in London at 9:30 am.'

'Clay brings a number of assets to the Bills including sure hands. According to Pro Football Focus, Clay had only two drops out of 60 catchable balls thrown his way last season, the fifth lowest drop rate among tight ends. Once he got the ball, again according to PFF, Clay made 12 defenders miss tackles which was also fifth best in the NFL. The Bills are hoping Clay will provide matchup problems where he will be too fast for a linebacker stay with and too big for a cornerback to cover.'

'The league recently softened the policy, allowing teams to choose the ticket sale percentage barrier that fans must cross to avoid a blackout. Teams could choose anywhere from 85-to-100 percent, and the Bills chose to keep it at the 100 marker.'

'From a two-back run game perspective, the addition of Jerome Felton gives Roman the flexibility to incorporate some power plays from a variety of heavy or jumbo sets, with McCoy aligned at tailback. During Felton's time with the Vikings, the hammerhead fullback paved the way for Adrian Peterson with his aggressive blocking at the point of attack. He uprooted linebackers out of the hole and routinely sealed the backside on cut-back runs for Peterson. Felton will have an opportunity to do the same for McCoy when Roman employs the two-back power running game from tight formations. Given McCoy's previous success finding creases in traffic, providing him with a lead blocker could produce fireworks for the Bills.'

'So, are you looking forward to the first meeting with the Jets next season? “No,” he said. “I’m looking to the first time I play New England, like always.”'

'You remember Troup, don’t you? Second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills from Central Florida in 2010. The guy the Bills selected instead of Rob Gronkowski, the All-World tight end who was taken by New England one spot later.'

'According to the report, the Steelers participation in this year’s Hall of Fame Game, thus having an extra preseason game, is one of the reasons for the cancelation.'

'Though Roman’s offensive looks are greatly varied in alignment and personnel groupings, in an ideal world a lot of the same players will remain on the field down after down and series after series. To do that an offense needs versatile players who can serve in a multitude of roles.'

'"We've been lucky the last couple of years," Kyle Williams said. "We've had three of our four defensive linemen at the Pro Bowl. Bringing in (Dareus) was great. I love Marcell. Marcell's got as much talent as anybody in the NFL. I think you're starting to realize that. He's going to have a great career if he continues to do the things that he's been doing. Whether I'm with him in Buffalo for a lot more years or just a couple more or I'm at home, I'm going to be a Marcell fan."'

'The Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Miami Dolphins appear to have improved through additions made since the NFL’s free-agent signing/trading period began nearly two weeks ago.'

'“Percy is a guy that is an explosive athlete, he’s a super talent and what we’re trying to do is take a little pressure off Sammy Watkins as well,” said Ryan. “Sammy got doubled almost every snap. I think with a guy like Percy Harvin, that’s going to be tough for you to do. Percy can catch a slant and take it the distance, he can beat you over the top; he’s a game-breaker.”'

'According to an NFL source, the Bills also were giving serious thought to signing Jermaine Gresham before he underwent surgery Thursday to repair a herniated disc.'