Archives for September 6, 2017

'"No, we didn't win, ultimately, the games that we wanted to win. But we were two games outside of the playoffs the first year and a game outside last year. Yes, it definitely hurt, but it's also motivation moving forward and I take that with me each and every day I step on the field."'

'The team also released defensive tackle Deandre Coleman. To fill the open roster spots, safety Colt Anderson was re-signed after being released Monday so that the team could add quarterback Joe Webb. Additionally, defensive tackle Cedric Thornton was signed to the 53-man roster.'

'Lee, a South Florida product, was released recently by the Houston Texans. Stewart was released recently by the Denver Broncos. He had 12 interceptions in his college career at Baylor, including six in his final collegiate season, earning All-Big 12 honors for the third straight year. Wesley is a former undrafted free agent of the Baltimore Ravens who appeared in seven games as a rookie in 2015. He spent 2016 on Baltimore's injured reserve.'

'Before that moment of truth arrives, however, there is a season to be played. It’s easy to look at some of the moves made this offseason as signs the team is in the middle of a rebuild. Trading away players like Sammy Watkins and Ronald Darby last month sent shockwaves through the NFL, and showed no job is safe. The continued purge of players drafted by former General Manager Doug Whaley – including 2016 second-round pick Reggie Ragland – also spells r-e-b-u-i-l-d.'

'Tasker stayed on to chat about the strengths of the Bills' roster and focused on the defensive line, with a nod being given also to the special teams and the starting safeties. Finally, Tasker chatted with callers and talked about the nuances of the 2017 return game overall in the NFL, citing the importance of situational awareness returning kicks out of the end zone and giving up 30-plus yards as a result.'

'Inspired by the roundtable format popularized by Sports Illustrated media columnist (and University at Buffalo graduate) Richard Deitsch, Mixed Media has assembled the inaugural Buffalo Bills Media Roundtable.'

'Here is what the Bills have planned for each home game this season…'

'Game temperature: 68 degrees.'

'Coming home is always thrill for Irwin. He grew up in North Buffalo, just off Hertel Avenue, and graduated from Bennett High School in 1951. After a few years in the Army, he opened a women’s shoe store called the Cobbler Shop in University Plaza across from the University at Buffalo, where he eventually went to college, graduating in 1958. Two years later, the Bills became an official football franchise.'

'As fans descend on New Era Field again this year, no matter how pessimistic the team's fans might be, DeMarco will be waiting to greet them with a smile on his face. While he is contemplating a future retirement, he’s not ready to throw in the towel just yet – on the business or the team. He sat down at the Big Tree’s bar to reminisce, talk football and more.'

'ESPN's Field Yates reported Tuesday that Taylor had been cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol, but Chris Brown of the Buffalo Bills was more cautious. On the team's website, he wrote, "Knowing he was able to participate in practice Monday, it would appear that he was at step 4 (of the five-step protocol), and need(s) only clearance from the Team Physician and Independent Neurological Consultant assigned to the Bills to be a full participant in practice and cleared at some point, hopefully, later this week."'

'According to ESPN's Field Yates, quarterback Tyrod Taylor passes the concussion protocol on Tuesday and is on track to start in Week 1. The team also put quarterback T.J. Yates on injured reserve as he deals with a concussion. Meanwhile, the Bills signed safety Colt Anderson and defensive tackle Cedric Thornton and cut defensive tackle Deandre Coleman.'

'After going unclaimed on waivers, Williams signed with the Denver Broncos' practice squad and will receive a $510,000 salary. The minimum salary for a practice squad player is $122,400, so Williams is making a decent chunk of change.'

'"They made me play center and linebacker," Peterman said at his locker this week. "Even with everything that happened in college, (being the underdog)'s always been my role and it's something I've kind of embraced."'

'Clay didn't provide any analysis as to why he's low on Buffalo's cornerbacks and safeties. White's inexperience and Gaines' struggles in 2016 probably played a role in the cornerbacks making the list, but both starters have a skill-set that fits Sean McDermott's zone defense.'

'"Hell no, I'm not going to watch that game," Rex said. "There's a lot better games than that one."'

'If the Bills can't beat the Jets at home, 2017 could get ugly fast. Buffalo is a heavy favorite to win Sean McDermott's first game as head coach. The Jets' roster has been stripped of most of its veteran talent in what is a clear rebuilding effort.'

'According to reports, starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor passed the final stages of concussion protocol on Tuesday and will take the field against Buffalo’s AFC East rival.'

'Record: 4-12.'

'It’s up to Beane and McDermott to make both of those things happen. If they can’t, Pegula will be back at the podium in a year or two, speaking hopefully about the next round of changes.'

'Late Tuesday afternoon, ESPN’s Field Yates reported that Taylor had passed the concussion protocol on Monday and practised that day. Barring a setback — that is, a return of any concussion symptoms — Taylor presumably is cleared to continue practising this week, and start Sunday’s regular-season opener against the visiting New York Jets.'

'The moves freed up space for Buffalo to sign safety Colt Anderson, who was released a day earlier, and defensive tackle Cedric Thornton.'

'Proceeds from the Buffalo Bills Foundation 50-50 raffle held during the game against the New York Jets will go toward hurricane relief organizations.'

'"I think it's hard for any organization to prepare for seasons to come, but I think we still have so much left here in Buffalo talent-wise that a tank really isn't in our vocabulary," Wood said Tuesday on Good Morning Football. "No one's thinking that. We're focused on going 1-0 this week. We've got the Jets at home and one of our goals is to win all of our home games. So, we're gearing up for this week and we're not too concerned about the outside chatter.'

'Taylor is now on track to start Sunday's season opener against the New York Jets. He returned to practice Monday after suffering a concussion in an Aug. 26 preseason game in Baltimore.'

'If Taylor hadn't been able to play, starting duties likely would've fallen to Nathan Peterman, the Bills' fifth-round pick. While it would've been exciting for Bills fans to catch a glimpse of their potential future quarterback, the Bills didn't draft Peterman to start immediately. He's a developmental prospect and rushing him out there Week 1 of his rookie year against an NFL team (even if it's the Jets) probably wasn't the best thing for his development.'

'"I think it's hard for any organization to prepare for seasons to come, but I think we still have so much left here in Buffalo talent-wise that a tank really isn't in our vocabulary," Wood said Tuesday on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football." "No one's thinking that. We're focused on going 1-0 this week. We've got the Jets at home and one of our goals is to win all of our home games. So, we're gearing up for this week and we're not too concerned about the outside chatter. Throughout my career here we've had a lot of negative chatter and we've been close the last few years, 9-7, 8-8, 7-9 so we're on the verge. We're looking to take that next step this year."'

'Taylor showed signs of progress, practicing yesterday with the team. Now cleared, Taylor will likely get the start under center.'

'Taylor playing over Nathan Peterman might upset some fans, but the Bills have to be happy because they will have their first true chance to see what Tyrod Taylor is made of, and without limiting the playbook from the things they'd like to do with him. Considering the lack of talent on the Jets roster, Taylor being available could be enough to secure the victory.'

'If Taylor can do that, he’s got a shot. If he doesn’t, and the Bills have a down season with him, that could be the end of the Tyrod Taylor era in Buffalo.'

'A day after practicing in a limited role due to restrictions involving players in the NFL’s concussion protocol, quarterback Tyrod Taylor passed concussion testing according to ESPN’s Field Yates.'

'Here’s a thumbnail sketch on each of the team’s new practice squad members.'

'Buffalo Bills tight end Logan Thomas and his wife, who are already parents to four boys, are expecting another child this April. Thomas shared photos cleverly announcing the news on twitter stating, “The Thomas’s have decided to add a 5th player to their team.”'

'To make room on the roster for Thornton the Bills released DT DeAndre Coleman and placed QB T.J. Yates on injured reserve.'

'The Bills will open the 2017 season at New Era Field on Sunday, Sept. 10 against the New York Jets, presented by BlueRock Energy. During kickoff weekend, the Bills will honor the team’s alumni. Bills Alumni Weekend will include a VIP Gala, VIP Tailgate Party and a Celebrity Charity Golf Classic. In conjunction with Alumni Weekend, the Bills will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Comeback Game during a special halftime ceremony. Located in the Bills Game Day program, fans can collect a commemorative 25th anniversary Comeback Game ticket. The gate giveaway is a rally towel.'

'Also charitable proceeds from the Buffalo Bills Foundation 50/50 Raffle will benefit the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.'

'The Bills will win 10-plus games if …'.

'It will be interesting come Sunday to see who will be under center for the Bills. Hypothetically speaking, if Taylor and Yates aren’t ready to go, it will be Peterman starting and Webb serving as the backup for the home opener. How quickly Webb will be worked into the game plan remains to be seen, but don’t be surprised if you see number 14 on the field elsewhere as the season moves along.'