Archives for September 6, 2016

'“I see him getting better and better and I think that’s just, he’s playing more,” Ryan said recently. “He actually looks quicker. He’s definitely taking to the defense. I love the temperament he has. I think that’s a real positive.'

'Taylor had a breakout season in 2015, grading out among the top 10 overall in the league at the quarterback position. Despite his high grade, Taylor does show weakness in his short-passing game. Of all starting QBs, Taylor had the second-worst passing grade on passes less than 10 yards downfield. But on throws of 20 yards or more in the air, Taylor ranked fifth in passing yards and tied for the second-most touchdowns in the league.'

'Blandino's point about teams wanting to evaluate their kick coverage and return games in the preseason holds merit, but it's also very possible that teams will continue to kick the ball short of the end zone in the regular season. Many teams may prefer to kick it short and give their coverage a chance to stop a returner shy of the 25-yard line, the spot where touchbacks will go in 2016.'

'In a strange twist of events, the Buffalo Bills signed fullback Dan Vitale and released him just as quick. In a not so strange twist of events, the Bills have begun putting together their practice squad.'

'But the Bills' doctors Monday saw a torn labrum, his agent said, and he'll go back on waivers. If he clears waivers on Wednesday at 4 p.m., he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team's practice squad, and the Bucs would be interested in bringing back a prospect they spent the past four months developing. The Bills were 19th in the NFL's waiver order, so he had been passed up by more than half the teams in the league before there were any injury concerns, so it's reasonable to think he would clear waivers this time.'

'Winning the regular season won't be easy, either, for a team seeking to snap a 16-year playoff drought. It's the NFL's longest active streak, and sixth-longest in league history.'

'Do the players still believe in Ryan and his defensive scheme? Too many complained publicly that the defense didn't fit their skills the way Jim Schwartz's did in 2014 to expect a change of heart. But Ryan delivered a clear message in the offseason by having his players wear shirts with "ALL IN" on the front.'

'Grant, a 5-11, 192-pound Ohio State product, originally entered the NFL in 2015 as a fourth round pick (121st overall) of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Grant appeared in three games in 2015 for the Steelers. Grant, 23, is a native of Akron, Ohio.'

'The Buffalo Bills today announced that the team has signed CB Doran Grant, WR Matt Hazel, G Gabe Ikard and LB Max Valles to the team’s practice squad.'

'But what unfolded at Bills training camp was almost shocking. Day after day Goodwin was making plays. He was in sync with the quarterbacks. His route running was sharp, he was getting separation and he was executing his assignments consistently even when he wasn’t targeted.'