Archives for May 8, 2016

'These are the three forces of nature Rex Ryan handpicked to reignite his defense. Politically correct, they are not. When Ryan’s defenses in Baltimore and New York were at their punishing best — finishing in the top 10 nine of 10 seasons as a coordinator/head coach — they were driven by such brutal punishers.'

'This has nothing to do with Lawson. What do you want me to say, that he looked fabulous while running around in his first practice with the Bills? Sorry, but Friday wasn’t my first rookie camp. I’m inclined to kick back and watch a season of careers unfold before fawning over the Bills’ draft performance.'

'The Bills can’t afford to extend both Taylor and Gilmore now, and they can’t franchise both next season. They’d like to extend Gilmore, who will make $11 million this year. But he’d rather wait, knowing he can test the waters next summer if the Bills are forced to tag Taylor.'

'"He’s got the physical gifts you look for, there’s no question about that," Ryan said. "You notice the stature and he’s got a big arm and all that, but you also notice that he’s just going through everything, like, it’s spinning right now. He’s throwing behind guys – he doesn’t know where he’s going with it right now. He’s got a long way to go."'

'Instead, Buffalo has to move forward with Jordan Mills, Seantrel Henderson and Cyrus Kouandjio at right tackle. The three will compete for the starting job unless Buffalo manages to add someone else to the mix between now and the start of the season.'

'The Bills have just over $14 million in cap space heading into the 2016. They still need to sign their draft picks and use some of that space to make signings during the season. However, they have some flexibility to sign another free agent or extend the contract of cornerback Stephon Gilmore or quarterback Tyrod Taylor, as both players are entering the final year of their respective contract.'

'"I'm used to staggering my left foot and then taking a fall step, and that's even worse," Jones added Friday, when the Bills opened a three-day rookie camp. "Just trying to break the habit. It shouldn't be too hard just because I learned the habit three months ago."'

'The Buffalo Bills is, obviously, a football organization, but to some it’s their hometown team. This season, the team has brought in two local players. Glenn Gronkowski from Kansas State, who signed as an undrafted rookie, and Joe Licata from University at Buffalo, who is participating on a tryout basis this weekend during rookie training camp.'