Archives for September 1, 2015

'"There are going to be times throughout the season when you have to use your legs to move the chains and string a play along," Taylor said. "We have a bunch of skill players, so if I can keep a play an extended amount of time and let Sammy get open on a defensive back who doesn't want to cover him that long, it's going to be hard for a DB. You have to pick and choose when that comes.'

'That means Cassel could be on the roster bubble. The Bills would save $4.15 million by cutting him. The team's issues with the salary cap in 2016 are well-documented. That's a big chunk of change it could carry over to next year to assist in re-signing players like Marcell Dareus, Nigel Bradham and Cordy Glenn.'

'“A decision like this doesn’t come lightly,” General Manager Doug Whaley said. “A decision like this is something that we put a lot of thought into.'

'"Waiting four years in Baltimore for this opportunity, and in free agency this is one of the things I looked for, the opportunity to come showcase my talent and get a chance to be a starting quarterback in this league," Taylor said following practice Monday. "Coach Ryan and the Bills' organization gave me that opportunity … I'm excited moving forward."'

'The Bills made several moves to get down to the NFL-mandated 75-man limit, even though that didn't need to happen until 4 p.m. Tuesday. But none of the players released created a ripple in Jackson's ocean.'

'Simply stated, Fred Jackson was still no worse than the second-best back on the team, someone who can get the tough third-down yards, pass protect, and catch passes out of the backfield. Just last Saturday, in a preseason victory over Pittsburgh, he ripped off a 41-yard run to the pylon then scored the touchdown. Afterwards, he talked about how he had to keep proving himself. It was vintage Jackson, setting an example for younger teammates on how to act.'

'It came down to basically that explosiveness that Tyrod brings to us. I think he has a great grasp of our system and again it certainly wasn't an easy decision, all three guys made it difficult. But at the end of the day that is kind of what we went with. I like that explosiveness that Tyrod gives us and the fact that I think he is on top of what we are doing.'

'I mean Fred is a heck of a football player and he is obviously a tremendous person as well. These days…this is probably the toughest day I have had since I have been here as a coach. The decision that go into things it is not always apples to apples. You know in fairness to Fred probably the best case scenario was that he was released today. Gives him an opportunity to look elsewhere to see if it is a better situation. That was rough without question. The respect that I have for Fred as a player goes back to obviously the years of going against him and the fact that I know he can still play.'

'If this is a joke, it's a very bad one. If it's not, and if the football gods are paying attention, Buffalo's playoff drought — 14 years and counting — could well continue. Indeed, Ryan and the rest of the Bills' deciders have chosen to toss Bambi from the forest, and that's hardly the way to court favor from the universe.'

'Williams' move was an honorable tribute to one of the most important Bills players of the last decade. General manager Doug Whaley met with the media before practice and was emotional in discussing the call to Jackson.'

'Jackson finishes his Bills career with 5,646 rushing yards, 2,640 receiving yards and 37 total touchdowns in eight seasons. He was also a four-time captain and twice the recipient of the Buffalo Bills' Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, given to those who do exemplary work in the community.'

'Cutting Jackson before the final cuts of the preseason may have been a blessing in disguise. The earlier move gives Jackson more time to decide his future in regards to signing with another team or retiring.'

'There is a reason why the Bills reached this decision, though. The team has depth at running back, even without Jackson. LeSean McCoy is the obvious starter. Rookie Karlos Williams can contribute in goal-line situations and other short-yardage plays. Boobie Dixon is a big back, but he can also contribute on special teams. And Bryce Brown, when he's not fumbling the ball, can be productive.'

'Fred owns Chris Conte. This happened in last year's season opener. Jackson's 38-yard run set up the game-winning field goal against the Chicago Bears. On the tail end of that long run, Jackson stiff arms Conte — twice. Conte is far from the worst defender in the league. But Jackson made him look silly on this play.'

'“And again, this is not a decision we came to lightly, but we made this decision and it is a tough decision and we will go from there.”'