Archives for September 2015

'In the third quarter, after the Bills’ sideline was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct – one play after Sammy Watkins was called for pass interference – Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler waved his arms in the air. A Patriots player was imploring the crowd to get louder.'

'Fourth and 3 from the New England 41-yard line, 21-7 New England lead, 9:10 left in the second quarter. Bills’ decision: Punt.'

'“It’s going to be a huge loss,” cornerback Nickell Robey said right after the game. “I don’t know what the deal is right now. It’s very important that we have him.”'

'“We brought noise. We got as high as 124.8 decibels, which is pretty loud. But it just wasn’t loud enough.”'

'Taylor made some plays, but he wasn’t nearly good enough to keep pace with Tom Brady.'

'Tyrod Taylor was inaccurate over the middle on his second-quarter interception, which gave traction to the New England steamroller. The pocket was clean. But Taylor’s first read wasn’t open, and his feet weren’t right when he delivered to tight end Charles Clay, who was marginally open on a 10-yard hook route. The throw over Clay’s head was intercepted by Malcolm Butler and returned to the Buffalo 30, setting up a TD that put the Pats ahead, 21-7.'

'Ryan admitted up front that he was out-coached by Bill Belichick.'

'Give Ryan credit for being himself. He makes no apologies for being brash, for antagonizing his opponent. This style could “build a bully” that wins. But on Sunday, it only built a bully that commits penalties – the Bills had 14 flags in all for 140 yards and multiple players admitted afterward they played with too much of an edge. Over the season, Ryan must strike the right balance.'

'Coming into the season, the Dolphins were expected to compete for a playoff spot in the AFC. A 1-1 start by no means takes them out of the race, but it’s how the Dolphins have arrived at that record that is concerning. The Dolphins squeaked out a victory over Washington in Week One and lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars on a last-minute field goal Sunday.'

'This was supposed to be a potentially monumental day for the Bills, a chance to prove that Rex Ryan and his revamped and improved roster was finally capable of going toe-to-toe with the Patriots, and knocking them out. Dare we say, a changing of the guard in the AFC East? Instead, for much of the day, this might as well have been a Gregg Williams, Mike Mularkey, Dick Jauron, Chan Gailey, or Doug Marrone Bills team because there was nothing different about what transpired.'

'Taylor had a tough day, and it really shouldn't have come as a surprise. The Patriots don't have the best defense in the league, but they have the best tactician in the game and he finds ways to take away the opposition's strengths.'

'One of Marv Levy's favorite bromides was "Don't be dumb, don't be dirty." The Bills were both on multiple occasions and it had almost as much to do with this loss as Brady's brilliance. Buffalo had 14 penalties for 140 yards and four others that were declined. Five came on special teams in the first quarter. The first quarter! It was an unacceptable performance, one that Rex Ryan blamed on himself.'

'It was going to be different this time. New Bills coach. New quarterback. New running back. New hope. Nope.'

'Finally, a tweet from Aaron Williams, which read: "I appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers from family, friends, and just people watching the game. #BillsMafia I owe you."'

'Everyone knew Tom Brady was going to throw, but no one could have imagined he'd put it up 59 times and total 466 yards. Rex Ryan backed off on blitzing because he trusted his front four to generate heat, but the line had only two sacks on 61 dropbacks. With no help up front, the secondary was hung out to dry.'