Archives for August 2016

'"We're going to have to come together as a unit and hold it together until he gets back," said Washington. "I'm pretty sure when he gets back it's going to be real fun to watch."'

'Powell made a strong statement in his quest to earn a roster spot with his performance in the preseason opener against Indianapolis as he caught four passes for 88 yards, returned three punts for 25 yards, and four kickoffs for 78 yards.'

'The deal is believed to be worth roughly $35 million over seven years, according to The Associated Press. The New Era Cap Co. also has the right of first refusal to extend the deal under a new lease or a new stadium. An agreement was first announced late last week.'

'On Thursday, Ryan doubled down. Since the league and the team had already confirmed it, he stuck with his initial story.'

'The details surrounding the investigation are unknown at this time. Lawson talked with the media after yesterday's practice and said he's reached out to the league.'

'"Now I am very cognizant that we have some big shoes to fill with our agreement to rename this stadium," Koch said. "Ralph Wilson has been a respected figure in the NFL and in our community for a long, long time. We all know he was responsible for bringing the Bills to Buffalo in 1959 and keeping them here for so many years. And for that we are eternally grateful. I'm really looking forward to continuing the high standards and the legacy Mr. Wilson set and what's been sustained by the Bills for so long."'

'The Bills didn't provide any further details in releasing a one-sentence statement Thursday.'

'It happened near dusk on June 15, when the New Era Cap Co. president and CEO was whisked by police escort to the Bills' headquarters and ushered to midfield where he was greeted by team owners Terry and Kim Pegula. That's when the west-end scoreboard began displaying a three-minute video highlighting the legacies of Koch's late father, David, and Bills late Hall-of-Fame owner Ralph Wilson, and emphasizing what both meant to Buffalo.'

'"I'm frustrated and disappointed, as is everybody in this organization, every teammate from top to bottom, and I'm sure our fans are feeling the same way," coach Rex Ryan said. "We all know the kind of player Marcell is, and he's a good person, too, but he's got to make better choices, better decisions, and understand that it affects the whole football team and not just himself."'

'The team released a statement two days after the Buffalo News reported that Lawson is being investigated by the league. Lawson on Wednesday told reporters that he was "shocked" to learn of the probe.'

'"It was important to the Bills organization that a stadium naming rights agreement made sense. In joining New Era today for this landmark announcement, we have a partner that makes sense on so many levels," said Terry Pegula, owner and CEO of the Bills. "New Era is a company recognized for its integrity and quality on a global platform, while at the same time, representing the very fabric of Western New York. In partnering with our organization and the opportunities associated with the NFL brand, we feel that this agreement showcases two of the more recognized local brands not only for the benefit of our two franchises, but one that reflects well on our entire community."'

'Taylor was good once again in redzone 7-on-7 work. On one play, he floated a beautiful TD pass to Reggie Bush in the back corner of the end zone over Manny Lawson. However, on another play, he would have been sacked and hit hard cleanly by Jerry Hughes who went unblocked off the right side of the offense.'

'It was probably just a down day, but Taylor uncharacteristically was turning the ball over, and generally inaccurate with his throws.'

'New Era Cap Company and the Buffalo Bills came to a $35 million, seven-year agreement.'

'"I couldn't think of anyone better to be a part of this because it's local. When you hear major changes anywhere, you'd like it to stay local and New Era is local. And, the naming rights: New Era: this is a new era not only for the stadium but hopefully a new era for the Buffalo Bills," Kelly said shortly after Thursday's announcement.'