Archives for January 6, 2016

'The Bills didn’t make the playoffs this season, but a few of their tailgating fans seem to have set the standard for outrageous behavior captured – and spread virally – across the social media world.'

'There have not been any official meetings between owners Terry and Kim Pegula and the team since the Bills defeated the New York Jets, 22-17, on Sunday to finish the season at 8-8. The owners, Whaley and rest of the Bills brass were planning on meeting this coming weekend to recap the 2015 season and set a plan for 2016.'

'“This is for a lot of guys,” Hogan said, “but people don’t know how much pain people are in when they’re out there. But I’ll still go out there every single week, the best we can. It got to a point yesterday … they did do a good job with it during the week, so that I could at least lift my arms up and try to catch it.”'

'A team source told The News that Pegula met with Whaley and Ryan about a week ago, prior to the end of the season, to review the season up to that point and look ahead.'

'Paying up for Ryan Fitzpatrick backfired badly. Believing in JP Losman and Trent Edwards and EJ Manuel all backfired badly. You're all well aware of the curse at this position here. Despite Taylor's solid first year on the job, Whaley is right to show some restraint into the quarterback's contract year.'

'Pegula just signed Ryan to a five-year, $27.5 million contract prior to 2015. To fire him after 2016 if the Bills don't make the playoffs is counter-productive both fiscally, and organizationally. I don't care how rich you are, $16.5 million is a lot of fuel for the private jet and yacht. And for the Bills to hit the reset button after just two years and hire a new coach and staff would only serve to set the team back. Again.'

'The issue here is the definition of “problem.’’ It’s true the media can take an ember and fan it into a flame, but only the most irresponsible reporter not long for a notebook and iPhone would fabricate a story to see if it “sticks.’’ There were enough chirping birds inside One Bills Drive this season to keep the stories of “problems’’ flowing.'

'Put aside your notebook. Paint your face blue and red. Go out to Ralph Wilson Stadium; squirt some ketchup, chant some chants. Sure, the Bills won't have made the playoffs for 116 years, but things will change. Really. You gotta Bill-ieve.'

'Whaley has one year left on his contract, while Ryan has four years remaining on a deal that will pay him a total of $27.5 million when it's all said and done. At their end-of-season press conference Monday, Whaley said he wasn't expecting an extension on his contract because that's not how he approaches his job.'

'The biggest and most stunning cause for frustration is how Ryan, with an established track record as a defensive specialist, failed to prod much production from a high-priced and talented unit that returned mostly intact. The defense finished fourth in the NFL in 2014 and had a league-leading 54 sacks.'

'“It’s just embarrassing, it makes the community look bad,” Poloncarz told WIVB Channel 4.'

'Sixteen years, no playoffs. Their last playoff game and its incredible ending are themselves a nightmare. And their one Week 17 live-and-in-color look at the playoffs was a disaster too.'

'There were reports that owners Terry and Kim Pegula had laid down and ultimatum for Whaley and coach Rex Ryan that if they did not make the postseason, they would be fired. However, a source tells WGR that is "absolutely not" the case.'

'Grade vs. Jets: A-'

'“Honestly, I think that it’s going to be an interesting thing for me because I mean it’s just something to look forward to, seeing where you’re going to be,” said Bradham. “Hopefully I’m still here, but if not, I mean, it’s just one of those opportunities where you got a great chance to go out there and make a name for yourself.”'