Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘In McDermott’s zone-based scheme, Norman became one of the most reliable cover corners in the league, the guy the Panthers relied on most to shut down the opposition’s top receivers.’

‘“When you look at the fact that he’s just going into his third season and just turning 22, so young, so much promise ahead of him, and he’s achieved so much already,” Buffalo defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said. “I mean, to already be recognized as one of the leaders on our team and on our defense, we’re very, very fortunate to have him.”’

‘“I’m excited on paper, I can’t wait till we get on the field and get a chance to see the guys move around and execute some of the things we’re talking about in these Zoom meetings,” defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said last month. “I think Brandon did a good job in helping us. Now we need to get on the field and try to come together as a unit.”’

‘It was known that New Era has been struggling financially, particularly since the coronavirus shut down the country back in March. The company has reportedly furloughed about 70 percent of his workforce, much of that at its headquarters in Buffalo.’

‘Special teams coach Heath Farwell, who brought much-needed improvement to that phase for the Bills in his first year in 2019, has to find a way to replace stalwarts such as Lorenzo Alexander, Julian Stanford, Kevin Johnson, Senorise Perry and Kurt Coleman.’

‘Bass is not a camp leg, though, he’s a true threat. He will be given every opportunity to win the job because not only did he excel on placekicks in college, he can also boom the ball into the end zone on kickoffs for touchbacks.’

‘Fans love Allen’s chutzpah and willingness to let it fly. Allen, who is entering his third year, was fifth-highest in the NFL last season with 9.4 average intended yards per throw and and had the lowest checkdown percentage in the league (1.3%).’

‘Once that happened, you just had a sense that something special was going to happen on that opening Sunday, and it certainly did, a victory that landed big Sam Adams on the cover of Sports Illustrated a few days later. The Bills laid waste to the Patriots, a thorough 31-0 flogging that seemed to portend big things were to come. Alas, that didn’t happen.’

‘That team, led on offense by Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, and James Lofton, set season team records for most points scored (458), touchdowns scored (58), most yards gained (6,252), and most first downs (359) on its way to a 13-3 record and a second consecutive AFC championship.’

‘“While the possibility exists that no spectators will be permitted at New Era Field for the 2020 season, we continue to work with the NFL and state and local government agencies to establish policies and procedures to create and maintain the safest possible environment for spectators,” Colleary wrote.’

‘Barkley has been less than a mediocrity since entering the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick of the Eagles in 2013. In the five years he has played — he missed two full seasons due to injury — he has appeared in just 14 games and has 10 TD passes and 21 interceptions.’

‘All of the other six draft picks – A.J. Epenesa, Gabriel Davis, Jake Fromm, Isaiah Hodgins, Tyler Bass and Dane Jackson – had signed in the first week of May. It’s uncertain what the holdup was on Moss, but the deal is now official so the Bills will bring their entire team to training camp for the expected start in late July.’

‘“I’ve talked about us being in the same boat (as the rest of the NFL),” the offensive coordinator said Friday on a Zoom call with reporters. “Everybody is behind based on the circumstances. We are in terms of on field work, technique work, chemistry work. There’s no substitute for that.”’

‘One of Fromm’s former Georgia teammates, Terry Godwin, who is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, did not mince words,, saying he had lost all respect for his old quarterback in a tweet.’

‘“We have a strong culture on our team, and those guys are going to sift through what’s real and what’s not real,” Frazier said. “We’re still getting to know Jake as a teammate, but based on what he said to the team today I believe our guys will give him the benefit of the doubt.”’