Archives for September 2017

'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.'