Olean Times Herald

‘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.’

‘BUT THE biggest casualty in this loss might have been attitude.’

‘On the Bills’ second offensive snap, running back LeSean McCoy was hit on the sideline and hurt his head and his ankle. He didn’t return.’

‘But this game might well determine the direction of the rest of the season for both teams.’

‘“I told (offensive coordinator Brian Daboll) if I can’t see the picture in my brain (the play) is not in. By (today), I see a picture of an overlay on the field, that visual, and if I can’t see that picture, I don’t feel comfortable with it, I’m just going to (tell him), and he’s OK with that.’

‘A player with no discernable ego, he never lusted for a starting job but rather approached the game with a coach’s mind … being that was his father’s occupation. The two quarterbacks had a remarkable relationship, Kelly the unbridled party guy, Reich the religiously-committed homebody.’

‘How do you go over 30 percent of the season without a veteran in reserve at that position knowing you’re one injury to your first-round draft choice from replacing him with a second-year pro whose most obvious flaw is a penchant for throwing interceptions?’

‘Ever since the roster cut to 53, plus the practice squad, I’ve been critical of the Bills’ folly of going with only two quarterbacks … especially a pair of young ones. Beane and McDermott determined that rookie first-round draft pick Josh Allen and Peterman, who came into this season having thrown exactly 49 passes — five of them intercepted — with the worst one-half performance by a Buffalo quarterback in franchise history on his resume, were adequate to man pro football’s most demanding position.’

‘uffalo sacked Watson seven times with veteran tackle Kyle Williams getting two, 1 ½ of those on consecutive plays. Backup safety Rafael Bush, shared the sack with Williams, the first of his NFL career.’

‘But Watson has been dumped 18 times – he’s thrown 70 more passes than Allen – but the concerning number is that he has been hit over 50 times by pass rushers. That combined with the sacks and his 34 rushes, means the second-year pro has absorbed an average of 21 blows per game … hardly a prescription for longevity.’