Archives for January 2, 2016

'But the luster began to wear off as it became obvious that Donahoe had blundered in his coaching choice.'

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'"Well you know I’m in the room and I have not heard one player say one thing while I’ve been around. OK. I don’t read the paper, OK. I promise you that. Especially the local paper and so I don’t know what’s being said. I don’t really care what’s being said. In that room, when they’re with me, everybody’s on board and everybody’s dong what we’re asking them to do."'

'“So it’s not just the New York Jets,” Marshall added. “It’s around the league, it’s universal, and that’s next man up. You don’t know who’s ready to fill in and take advantage of the opportunity, so you can never look down on any opponent who’s depleted.”'

'The chore will, of course, require the line to again be at the very top of its game. And there is reason to think this gritty group will step up to the challenge. As with most offensive linemen, they thrive on a game plan that calls for them to concentrate more on opening holes rather than protecting the passer. They have the capability, mentally and physically, to take the brawling-style approach necessary to control the tempo of the game. They also feed off of the energy of Williams and Gillislee, who are eager to take full advantage of sharing the rushing stage and reminding the Bills they can perform every bit as well – if not better than – the $16-million back not playing.'

'Man, I always had the confidence and belief in myself. It was just a matter of opportunity. I was in Miami, and they had great backs. Unfortunately, last year I got hurt and was on IR. They drafted a running back, released me and I went to Arizona, they had good backs and then they released me. That's when the Bills called, somebody got hurt and I got an opportunity. I'm taking advantage of it right now.'

'Jets 27, Bills 14. I don't see how the Bills' injury-depleted offense will be able to score a bunch against this Jets defense.'

'Pegula's statement, which effectively said Whaley and Ryan aren't going anywhere despite calls from fans and media for one or both to be fired, included this operative phrase to that effect: "This stable foundation is necessary to achieve long-term success in the NFL." Later, a highly placed team source, in underscoring how entrenched Pegula and Whaley are in their respective jobs, told me, "Stable wins. Look at the NFL."'

'Clearly, this is not an ideal scenario when you have a pair of receivers coming to town who have combined for 176 catches for 2,353 yards and 24 touchdowns.'

'“Very excited. It is kind of cool having my son . . . I don’t care how little he plays. Just the fact he’s out there playing for the national championship is pretty awesome.”'

'However you slice it, 14-19 from Nov. 1 onward is not good. Including Year 1 with the Bills, Ryan's record is now 18-23 in those games, entering Sunday.'

'Defensive end Mario Williams (hand), safety Bacarri Rambo (knee, shoulder), quarterback Tyrod Taylor (shoulder), guard John Miller (ankle) and defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (neck) are probable.'

'Linebacker Nigel Bradham (ankle) and cornerback Ron Brooks (hip) will also sit out for the Bills.'

'"Zero effort,” the player told Dunne. "The tape speaks for itself. … He takes two steps and stops."'

'Buffalo’s offensive line has to win the line of scrimmage battle in the run game, which is easier said than done against the league’s top ranked run defense. The Bills are unlikely to have LeSean McCoy, who made a lot of yards on his own in the first meeting, but the men up front have jelled and been a lot more consistent down the stretch. Karlos Williams and Mike Gillislee have been a productive combination to give Buffalo a chance to grind clock and sustain long scoring drives.'