Archives for July 2017

'There's no doubting that the Bills have excellent starting talent at defensive tackle, but what about the depth behind Williams and Dareus? Jerel Worthy and Adolphus Washington will compete for playing time behind the starting duo and Bleacher Report's Sean Tomlinson recently named one of the players as Buffalo's secret weapon for 2017. Washington, the former Ohio State Buckeye and second-year pro, will emerge as the team's secret weapon this season according to Tomlinson.'

'Reed will participate on the NFLPA legend team against current NFL stars on Celebrity Family Feud. Joining Reed will be Derrick Brooks, Marshall Faulk, Anthony Munoz and Rod Woodson. The current NFL all-star team will include Le'Veon Bell, DeAndre Hopkins, Derrick Johnson, Patrick Peterson and Joe Thomas.'

'“There’s some that I still have to get used to,” said Ragland. “I never played in a 4-3 before, but I’m getting there and taking my time with it. I’m just asking all the questions that I can. It’s different from being out there and then just being in the classroom, learning. I’m just taking my time.”'

'Rather than throw a heaping pile of cash at a singular difference-making force, the Dolphins invested in retaining some of their best players while using free agency, trades, and the draft to enhance the defense around Suh.'

'Entering 2017 with a new offensive coordinator in Rick Dennison, the prospects for Clay to have an even more productive campaign this fall are encouraging. Here’s why…'.

'The rich didn't just get richer. They managed to achieve unparalleled wealth in a system supposedly designed to promote parity.'

'"Shannon (Sharpe), you know, barring any major injury, you can play as long as you want" said Incognito. "And we were just talking about how guys are playing not only longer but they're playing better. And what I think Tom has going right now is he has his complete ecosystem supporting him, and he'll be able to play as long as he wants. He does the nutrition. He does the body work with his guy up there in Boston. He's going all the little things that will enable him to do that guys maybe 10 or 15 years ago didn't know about. So barring a major injury, he keeps playing at a high level like this, he'll play as long as he wants."'

'While Hyde may not be the front-runner, he provides experience and depth. He has just a good shot as the others. Versatility is something that coach McDermott has repeatedly stated as important throughout his time in Buffalo and Hyde is an example of that.'

'Hauschka was integral part of the Seahawks' 13-3 season in 2013, which ended with 43-8 victory against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. He is the Seahawks’ all-time leader in field goals (175) and their No. 2 all-time producer of points (759).'

'Groy started the final seven games of the season for the Bills, filling in for Eric Wood in the middle of the offensive line and playing largely well over that span, particularly in the final two games of the season against tough divisional rivals on the defensive line in the Dolphins and Jets. Groy didn't allow a sack all season, and surrendered just nine total pressures – seven across those final seven games.'

'It wasn't supposed to be this way. When the Bills chose Ragland out of Alabama in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he was supposed to play alongside Brown as Buffalo's inside linebackers, stepping into the same position in Buffalo that he'd played with the Crimson Tide.'

'“Before every rep where I know it’s a run play called or a pass play where I could get the ball, just in my head I’m thinking, ball security high and tight and put two hands on it in traffic,” said Williams. “That ball is everybody’s money out there. I’ve made a conscious effort to work on my ball positioning.”'

'It's hard to expect immediate improvement with a cornerback pairing of Ronald Darby — who did not play as well last season as he did in his rookie year in 2015 and his transitioning to a new defense — and a rookie, first-round draft pick Tre'Davious White. It's also hard to expect immediate improvement with two new safeties — free-agent acquisitions Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer — who have yet to be starters for a full NFL season and who are also learning a new scheme.'

'"I think it hinders it a little bit, but until you go out there and make a couple mistakes, you got to learn," Kelly said. "Right now, I'm kind of just visualizing everything, pretending like you're calling out the MIKE even in your hotel room every day. You got to pretend like you're out there doing exactly what those other quarterbacks are doing so when you're out there, you can't miss a beat."'

'"Sammy Watkins can't stay healthy, Robert Woods is gone, Zay Jones is a rookie, and Andre Holmes is the definition of meh," said Wagner-McGough. "For as loud as critics of Tyrod Taylor are, critics of the Bills' receiver group should be even louder. The Bills are depending on someone who's appeared in 21 games the past two years and someone who's never played a down of football in the NFL.'