Olean Times Herald

‘And while we still don’t know, and won’t for a while, whether the former Wyoming star is the “franchise QB” Buffalo has long been seeking, the early returns are encouraging.’

‘The initial sack of the game was recorded by veteran Buffalo tackle Kyle Williams, who dumped Bortles. Later, Williams (5 sacks on the season) and end Jerry Hughes (team-leading 6) combined to sack Bortles. Buffalo’s final sack was logged by outside linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, giving him 5.5 on the year.’

‘The Bills are second in the league in fewest yards surrendered per game (302) and first in least passing yards by an opponent (202). Meanwhile, the Jags are fourth in yards given up (320) and third in passing yards surrendered (210).’

‘In fairness, part of the Jags’ problem is that their quarterback, Blake Bortles, while a gifted runner, is a substandard passer. That flaw is exacerbated by the NFL becoming even more air-oriented with the Chiefs and Rams putting up otherworldly scoring numbers and other teams sure to follow.’

‘There’s also the benefit of his working with Anderson, a nine-year veteran, for six weeks.’

‘“I liked the look in his eye and his energy he gave our offense and just managing the game. We came close a couple of times (to a penalty), but we didn’t have to burn a timeout with the play-clock running down. That says a lot about the way he managed the game and led the offense.”’

‘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.’