Archives for July 27, 2015

'“I got time to let my body heal,” Watkins says. “And I got away from football.”'

'Despite years of lackluster quarterback play, the Bills haven’t invested much into the position that’s often a quarterback’s best friend. From 2000-2014, the Bills’ top tight end had at least 50 receptions only twice. Five seasons, they didn't even have a tight end reach 300 yards. They’ve skated by with the likes of Mark Campbell (2003, trade), Robert Royal (2006, five years/$10 million), Shawn Nelson (2009, fourth round) and Jonathan Stupar (2008, practice squad).'

'That whole females-only party LeSean McCoy was throwing Sunday night? The Buffalo Bills running back is now welcoming… everyone!'

'Bills fans were giddy when the team arrived for this camp. On the heels of the worst season since 1985, the gruesome 3-13 abomination in the first year of the Tom Donahoe-Gregg Williams Era, hopes were high that a turnaround was on the horizon. In the offseason, the Bills acquired quarterback Drew Bledsoe in a trade from New England, giving the Bills their first competent player at that critical position since Jim Kelly in 1996.'

'If you were to go into a science lab and construct, physically, what you’d like an NFL QB to look like, and the physical and mental attributes you’d like him to have, you’d come out of there with something very similar to EJ Manuel.'

'The Bills were disappointed in 2014 because they expected the running game to help lead the efforts. The offensive line was woeful, and the running backs couldn't over-compensate for them — meaning changes were on the way for 2015. The Bills addressed the offensive line, and went for as high-profile an acquisition as you'll find in trading for McCoy this offseason. McCoy will be the leader of the entire offense, and will be the focal point of both the Bills and their opponents.'

'Williams will once again be a part of one of the most talented defensive lines in all the NFL. He'll certainly disappear sometimes, but he also has shown the ability to take over a game when the right tackle in front of him is simply no match. With Rex Ryan at the helm and calling the defense in 2015, there will likely be many opportunities for Williams to put up big production in sacks for the upcoming campaign.'

'- With a brand new contract in hand and a brand new defensive scheme in town, Hughes could have his biggest statistical output since entering the NFL. Rex Ryan is known for packing the pressure and creating unique blitzes, which could turn Hughes into a weapon in this Bills defense. He has the ability to be a stand-up rush outside linebacker in addition to his normal defensive end duties. Over the past several years, Ryan hasn't had a pass rusher as talented as Hughes, which could bring big results. Often thought of as the fourth-best of the four defensive linemen, Hughes will challenge that this year.'

'“I know they want LeSean to get up to 300 carries this year,” said Jackson in a radio interview on Bills flagship station WGR Sportsradio 550. “That’s a guy you’re feeding the ball all the time.”'

'“Percy is a world class athlete that’s a very tough, physical, strong football player that we envision being a big factor for us at the receiver position,” said Roman. “And I personally think his best days are ahead of him as a receiver, down-in and down-out.”'