Archives for August 2015

'While it was a preseason game and one against a terrible defense, Jackson reminded anyone who had forgotten that he is in fact ready to contribute when called upon.'

'"He's got his confidence back," Bradham said with a smile. "He's got his confidence and you can see it. Obviously you can tell he's not going to make it an easy decision. That's the main thing, he's out there competing and just playing football. He's showing his talent and what he's capable of."'

'Tyrod Taylor was the last of the Bills' three quarterbacks to take the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers in their third preseason game Saturday, but he made the strongest impression.'

''Taylor's mobility wasn't a secret. What has been the biggest surprise is his throwing ability. He has proven to be an effective passer and his legs help him make plays with his arm. Yes, it's the preseason. But he led the Bills on two touchdown drives and made a throw to set up a field goal at the end of the first half.'

'And yet the picture is even more muddled, four weeks later, after each of the trio played about as well as anyone could have expected of any quarterback in a trio of preseason games.'

'"This is the ideal situation we had talked about. This is exactly what I wanted. And all three guys played to their abilities," Ryan said, upon announcing he intends to spend Sunday having a lengthy discussion with his staff to determine whether Manuel, Tyrod Taylor or Matt Cassel will be the team's season-opening starter. "The decision will be made and we'll move forward."'

'Goodwin lay on the turf for several minutes while being treated by trainers. And he eventually needed to be helped up by running back Fred Jackson before Goodwin was slowly taken to the Bills locker room.'

'The Bills did not escape the win unscathed. Stephon Gilmore (shoulder), Marquise Goodwin (ribs), Tony Steward (knee), and Austin Willis (concussion) all exited early. Aaron Williams and Stefan Charles were also banged up, but both returned to the field. Marcell Dareus (calf) sat out for precautionary reasons, according to head coach Rex Ryan.'

'The decision on who will be the Bills starter in game one against the Colts will be made by tomorrow. Rex Ryan said it’ll be done, but he is not going to announce it. It should be interesting.'

'“I talked about the problem I wanted. I think I got it,” Ryan said after the game. “But to me it’s not a problem. All three guys had a tremendous preseason and that’s all you can ask. I think we’ll address it at the appropriate time. But, obviously, I feel really good about all the quarterbacks.”'

'After stepping aside for Taylor and Cassel, Manuel returned in the second half and fired a touchdown to Tobias Palmer to open a 36-19 lead for Buffalo.'

'Manuel has secured his spot on this roster, and proved to the coaching staff that maybe there still is something left.'

'Buffalo’s defense held the Steelers to under 50 yards rushing in the game (43) and just a 27 percent conversion rate on third down (3-11). Preston Brown, Corbin Bryant and Manny Lawson all logged sacks in the game.'

'“I was going to go two series and two series and two series,” said Ryan of his plan with his three quarterbacks. “But then they scored (quickly) and I’m like, shoot I’m going to go back to EJ because he had only thrown two balls albeit one for a zillion-yard touchdown. That’s why I wanted to get him a little more work too. He did a great job.”'

'“I’m going to continue bringing it,” Incognito said. “The easy narrative is ‘Oh, he’s this changed man.’ I’ve definitely changed for the better, but I think what you see is a guy who’s just really focused.'