Archives for August 27, 2016

'The single most flawed aspect of Buffalo’s effort was tackling. Even in the first half, when the top backups were in, there were way too many missed tackles that led to big plays.'

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'Rex Ryan, who has never been one for convention, wasn't having it. He decided to sit most of his starters — including those, such as cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby; defensive lineman Kyle Williams, outside linebacker Jerry Hughes, and inside linebacker Preston Brown — who weren't injured, setting the stage for the fairly sloppy showing the Bills had.'

'They held out both cornerbacks, Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby, and safeties, Aaron Williams and Corey Graham. They also held out defensive lineman Kyle Williams, outside linebacker Jerry Hughes, and inside linebacker Preston Brown. Also held out were running backs LeSean McCoy and Mike Gillislee, offensive tackle Cordy Glenn, tight end Charles Clay, wide receivers Marquise Goodwin and Kolby Listenbee, quarterback Cardale Jones, and cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman.'

'Yet, the Bills actually held up well against Washington's starting offense … until a span of 6:57 of the second quarter, when they allowed the Redskins to score 21 unanswered points.'

'The Bills will still have quarterback Tyrod Taylor and wide receiver Sammy Watkins starting. While the rest of the league uses the third preseason game as a final tune up for the regular season, Rex has seen enough from his team to prioritize rest in the final weeks of the preseason.'

'"I really like the way he played," Ryan said. "I like the way he competes. He has a great look in his face, man, he loves playing. Guys, you know what, sometimes quarterbacks take a little longer to develop, and I think this is the best EJ Manuel that I've seen."'

'"Both of them it looks like ACLs," Ryan said after the game at FedEx Field. "It's a real shame, you know. Sometimes, especially with Gragg's injury, a guy should make a tackle. But I get it, was frustrated, he just had a 15-yard penalty. That was ridiculous in my opinion. But it is what it is."'

'During his time with the Bills, Williams has accumulated 470 total tackles, 35.5 sacks and one interception. He's been a first-team All-Pro once and he's been named to four Pro Bowl teams in his career. Williams has been one of Buffalo's most reliable players over the last 10 years, so it's no surprise that Pro Football Focus named him as Buffalo's best player over the past decade.'

'Socha says his role with the team will include scouting future opponents, breaking down film and working on special projects. In practice, Socha has primarily been assisting with the running backs. During games, he will sit in the booth charting plays and noting opponent tendencies.'

'"I feel pretty good about the guys that I sat, obviously, and I don't think we can afford to get them hurt," Ryan said. "It's as simple as that, and I don't care about the criticism."'

'Buffalo quarterback E.J. Manuel drove the Bills from their own 34 to a first-and-goal at the Washington seven inside the final minute, but a touchdown pass to Greg Little was nullified by an offensive pass interference penalty on Little.'

'Buffalo jumped out to the 6-0 lead on the strength of two Dan Carpenter field goals, the second of which came from 52 yards out. Cousins struggled early on, completing just 3 of 10 at one point, before catching fire against the Bills' defensive backups.'

'"I think [as a team we made] amazing strides, and I think as an offense we made strides," Taylor said on Wednesday following practice. "I'm excited to see what this team can do next year. I have a real good feeling about the players we have out there. We just have to stay healthy as a unit on both sides of the ball."'

'Running back Jonathan Williams continued his dominant preseason, racing 37 yards for his second touchdown of the preseason to pull Buffalo within 21-16. However, his night ended late in the third quarter after being body slammed and suffering a rib injury.'