Olean Times Herald

‘With only 11 days to prepare Barkley became Buffalo’s fourth starting quarterback in nine games but, playing in place of injured first-round draft choice Josh Allen, performed as if he’d been with the team since training camp.’

‘“I’ll be ready to play. This quarterback situation (for the Bills) seems to be fluctuating. In whatever role I can help this team, that’s my goal … whether it’s to win or be the best backup I can.”’

‘McCoy, 26 carries for 113 yards, notched his first 100-yard game since going for 156 against the Colts in the snow last December.’

‘That Barkley is the more likely starter with less than two weeks preparation speaks to how far Peterman, who has three touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in eight regular-season games for Buffalo, has fallen on the depth chart.’

‘When general manager Brandon Beane finally did what he should have done before the roster cut to 53, veteran Derek Anderson’s signing came too late for him to replace Allen, who injured his throwing elbow at Houston. In came Peterman, again the lone remaining QB, and, after throwing a pretty touchdown pass to put Buffalo ahead, tossed a late pick-six that gave the Texans the game.’

‘Then there were the penalties … 10 for 163 yards, the next closest being 104 against Houston. Six were against Buffalo’s offense including two for 22 yards against tackle Dion Dawkins.’

‘So much of this debacle reflects back on coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane who, despite last season’s miracle playoff berth, have assembled a roster that’s worse than the one Rex Ryan and Doug Whaley left when they were shown the door.’

‘At the season’s midway point, the Bills (2-6) are headed nowhere, and Peterman carries the burden of 10 interceptions (including the playoff loss at Jacksonville) in a mere 84 passing attempts. Two of his picks have been returned for touchdowns.’

‘It’s a certified mess and if circumstances put Barkley on the field this afternoon, it will exponentially increase the embarrassment for Buffalo’s reeling front office.’

‘Just when we thought things couldn’t possibly get any worse for the Bills … well they did. In front of a national TV audience no less.’

‘Indeed, it was a three-point game with just over two minutes to play in the third quarter. But these are the Bills after all.’

‘The halftime ceremony to retire Thurman Thomas’ No. 34 began with the stadium lights turned off and the only lighting provided by the fans cellphones. ESPN’s Chris Berman was emcee with team owners Terry and Kim Pegula on the stage. Fireworks accompanied the ceremony with the number 34 projected on both ends the darkened field. There was also a recorded scoreboard message from former Houston and New Orleans running back Earl Campbell, who wore a No. 34 Thurman jersey. The two Hall of Fame backs shared the same number.’

‘Buffalo (2-5), which has lost three of the last four by an average of 20 points, is last in the NFL in both points scored (just under 12) and passing yards (129) and second-to-last in average offensive yards (234) and third-down conversions (27 pct.)’

‘Thurman was a great “talker,” one of those rare human beings almost incapable of lying. Thus, when asked a tough question, he invariably gave an unexpectedly candid answer. After he got over his early-career hubris, Jim Kelly tended to rely on politically-correct responses. Bruce Smith’s comments were usually peppered with self-promotion. But Thurman was unfailingly honest and enlightening.’

‘Start with the fact that, since he assumed the job, the Bills have lost seven games by at least 21 points and via an average of a shade under 30 points in those defeats.’