Archives for November 2015

'The game had everything else, huge runs and touchdowns by Karlos Williams and McCoy, dynamic extended plays by Taylor, acrobatic catches by Watkins and solid play by the secondary. There was a proposal in the end zone and a no-question illegal, too-low flyover which no one reported and everyone cheered during the anthem.'

'“We think we have a lot of talent. Unfortunately we’ve had so many injuries, we haven’t necessarily seen that,” Bills head coach Rex Ryan said. “But today we got a chance to see a healthy Sammy Watkins out there … all those type guys, and they all contributed.”'

'“This kid did everything he could to play,” Ryan said. “That’s the sad part about it. He wanted to play in the worst way. He’d be here all the time, throughout the break. You know, cold tubs — whatever we thought could get him better, this kid tried.'

'The Bills' defense came up big at the end of the first half. The Dolphins, down 19-7, ran a play from Buffalo's 1 with 2 seconds left rather than kick a field goal. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore knocked down Tannehill's pass intended for Charlie Sims a few steps into the end zone.'

'"I messed up," Grimes said. "They can make big plays, so I take the blame for it. I didn't bring my 'A' game today. And hats off to the Bills. Sammy Watkins had a great game."'

'Bills rookie running back Karlos Williams rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor returned after missing two games with an ankle injury and completed 11 of 12 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown.'

'McCoy was having a big day before the injury, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown.'

'The defense may not be dominating, but it is making plays. Edge rusher Jerry Hughes wreaked havoc lining up on the same side as defensive end Mario Williams. Hughes had two sacks and a tackle for loss, including a huge strip sack that led to a touchdown in the third quarter. The Bills also had a goal line stand for the second game in row, with cornerback Stephon Gilmore breaking up a pass in the end zone on the final play of the first half.'

'"But that's really what it is. And it's no more than that — I can promise you. It'll be the same way I'm answering it right now until at the end. Now after the game, that might change."'

'Miami appeared to be driving en route to another score but Jerry Hughes made a huge defensive play and sacked Ryan Tannehill on third down. Tannehill lost the football and it was Hughes, himself who recovered it, setting the Bills up in Miami territory. Buffalo would capitalize three plays later as Tyrod Taylor hit Watkins in the back of the end zone to put the Bills up by 12.'

'If the Bills are going to find their way into the playoffs, Taylor has to be healthy for the rest of the season. In his first game back after missing the last two, Taylor looked good throwing the ball although he had a very easy task. Just find number 14. Of Taylor's 12 pass attempts, all but four targeted Watkins who accounted for eight of Taylor's 11 completions and 168 of Taylor's 181 passing yards.'

'The Bills ran for 266 yards and over seven yards per carry. McCoy had 112 yards on 16 carries. His first few runs were C.J. Spiller specials, try to beat everybody outside and get ushered out of bounds for very little yardage.'

'Someone had to throw Watkins the ball. But that’s not the sole reason why Taylor makes this list. After missing his first pass of the day, the Bills QB nailed his next eleven – the only other eleven he threw in the game, finishing 11/12 for 181 yards and a touchdown. He had a 146.5 passer rating, then contributed another 44 yards on 10 carries with his legs. With Taylor at the helm, the Bills have so many more options available to them on offense, and the ability to get out of bad situations, which he did several times Sunday.'

'We’re working on it and we need to play better so this is a great teaching stone, something for us to build on and kind of see how we can get better and just figure out a way to get off the field more on third down.'

'The rush attack took some of the heat off Tyrod Taylor in the pocket, who flourished in his first action since an MCL injury a month ago.'