Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

‘Five interceptions. That’s really all I need to say in defending this grade. Nathan Peterman looked utterly incapable of playing in the NFL, let alone be a starting quarterback. The amazing thing is the Bills only had the ball for 11 minutes while Peterman played, meaning he averaged an interception almost once every two minutes! I felt bad for him because as it turns out, he was put in an impossible situation by coach Sean McDermott. Just because Tyrod Taylor isn’t the answer doesn’t mean Peterman should have been run out there, on the road, against a ferocious pass rush, with a horrible offensive line in front of him.’

‘Chargers 24, Bills 20.’

‘Los Angeles has stumbled to a 3-6 record because it seems to find new ways to blow games every week. But led by pass rushing maniac Joey Bosa, the Chargers rank fourth in the league in sacks, Bosa with 9.5 on his own. And now he’ll get to set his sights on Peterman as the rookie tries to gain his bearings in a game filled with pressure because the Bills can’t afford to lose given the next two opponents they face.’

‘The Chargers won the last meeting 22-10 in 2014 in Buffalo, and have won four of the last five games between the teams.’

‘Now, let’s be clear: Dennison could have called a perfect game, the offense could have rolled up big numbers, and it probably wouldn’t have mattered because the Bills’ defense could not stop the Saints and New Orleans still would have won. But the offense’s repetitive failure gave Buffalo zero hope.’

‘Give this to McDermott: This is his team, he’s calling the shots, and no matter how big or small the issue, he owns it.’

‘“It was pretty emotional, a dream come true to get this opportunity,” Peterman said Wednesday following his first practice as the man in charge of the sagging Buffalo offense formerly guided by Tyrod Taylor. “It’s certainly not done though, at all. Now I have to go work to earn it. It’s only an opportunity, just one step, and I have to keep working.”’

‘But give Taylor his props for being a professional because he certainly didn’t have to stand up and answer any questions about a decision he did not make, a decision he clearly does not agree with, yet the now former starter did so Wednesday morning.’

‘Wednesday’s announcement that Taylor has indeed been benched in favor of Peterman for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers was shocking only for its timing. If you’ve been paying attention to the Bills the last 2½ seasons, McDermott sitting his veteran quarterback with 38 starts and putting his team’s playoff hopes in the hands of a rookie with zero isn’t as big a risk as it seems.’

‘The Bills have struggled to find stability at the position ever since and coach Sean McDermott’s surprising announcement that rookie Nathan Peterman will start Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers brings the running total of starting quarterbacks since Kelly to an almost unfathomable 17 (even though Matt Cassel shouldn’t really count).’

‘After the Blossom Road Pub announced the event, the pub got a message from Lambright’s attorney telling him that Nye had not been dealing with Lambright, but rather a person not authorized to act on Lambright’s behalf.’

‘ “Now that that’s been on tape from a run defense standpoint, that’s what people are going to do (against us). They’re going to test our run defense,’’ he said. “(We) have to do a much better job when it comes to gap integrity along with being able to shed blocks, get off blocks and then tackle. We have our work cut out for us. It’s almost like a training camp mentality when it comes to what we have to do to get it fixed.’’’

‘Let’s not forget, as ridiculous as it may be to consider the possibility given what we all saw Sunday, the 5-4 Bills remain right in the thick of the AFC playoff picture. Their task to stay in it is difficult the next three weeks with road games at the Chargers and Chiefs and a home date with the Patriots, but the math says Buffalo has almost a 50 percent chance to qualify for the postseason.’

‘ The Bills are now full monty, exposed for what they are nine games into the Brandon Beane/Sean McDermott Era: an average team headed for an average record, and maybe worse, if something doesn’t change drastically.’

‘A second person was also arrested for jumping onto the field. Aric Belling, 19 of Clarence, was charged with criminal trespass. He was released on an appearance ticket.’