Archives for May 11, 2016

'Will it work? Maybe not. But for once it's refreshing to see Bills invest in resources they should instead of chase at QB (see: Philadelphia, Los Angeles) or get entangled in another identity crisis. It's as if Doug Whaley, Rex Ryan, Greg Roman, Jim Monos and the gang collectively said "We don't know if Taylor is the long-term answer 14 starts in but we do know we ranked No. 1 in rushing," and they made every decision on offense through that lens from January to May.'

'All of Archer's offensive touches came in his rookie season. He returned 14 kicks in eight games with the Steelers in 2015 before being released in November. The Jets signed him as a future free agent in January before placing him on waivers Monday.'

'First it was "all in," the hokey, uninspired new slogan of the Buffalo Bills that was force-fed to fans as a way of showing them "this year will be different, we promise."'

'If Archer hopes to stick with the Bills, he's going to have to do so as a return man. The Bills already added TCU's Kolby Listenbee through the draft to provide speed at receiver, and the running back depth chart is deep. However, the Bills don't have a set return man, so Archer could make his mark there. That said, in a season-and-a-half in Pittsburgh, Archer's longest return was 38 yards. He'll have to find the magic he showed in college to prolong his NFL career.'

'The Bills could use some competition at the return specialist spot. They don't have a set starter at that spot with Robert Woods, Walt Powell, Marquise Goodwin, Mike Gillislee and rookies Kolby Listenbee and Kevon Seymour all possible candidates for the job.'

'A year ago, Bills running back LeSean McCoy and wide receiver Sammy Watkins ranked No. 47 and No. 49 respectively on the NFLPA's list of the top 50 sellers. Taylor could join them with another strong season in 2016. Bills fans have been waiting for a quarterback for a long time and will likely be scrambling to the team store to buy Taylor's jersey the more he proves himself.'

'Archer was a multiple threat at Kent State, where he was used as a running back, receiver and kickoff returner. In four years at college, he combined to score 24 touchdowns rushing, 12 receiving, four on kickoff returns and even had one passing.'

'In 20 games, Archer has totaled 10 rush attempts for 40 yards and seven receptions for 23 yards. Archer has also returned 23 kicks for 515 yards.'

'The addition of Archer now puts the Bills roster at the maximum of 90 they can bring to training camp.'

'With the top two spots at running back already well established with LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams, and with two other promising young players behind them, Archer's best chance at cracking the roster is to take advantage of the opportunity as a kickoff and punt returner.'

'Perhaps it was just a slip of the mind, but they made no mention of Kouandjio as someone that could push for the starting job this summer — which isn't exactly the strongest endorsement for his short-term outlook. Entering his third season, Kouandjio has made only two starts for the Bills since entering the league, and could be in jeopardy of making the roster if the Bills add additional depth at offensive tackle.'

'Archer, 24, was signed by the Jets as a future free agent this past January. He was waived by the Steelers last November after serving as a multi-faceted offensive weapon and kick returner.'