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Bills Fall To Bucs As Offense Struggles Again
Bills Preseason Home Opener Debacle: Saturday's game was billed as the best chance to see the real 2014 Buffalo Bills and conditions were near perfect - a home crowd with beautiful weather in a newly-renovated Ralph Wilson Stadium. A few key players sat out, notably Sammy Watkins who was nursing sore ribs, and Kyle Williams who was listed as out with an undisclosed leg injury. All eyes were on the first team offense as the unit had failed to score a touchdown in their first 3 games. The starters took the field and did not look good. Against Tampa's starters for the first half, the Bills were shutout and never moved the ball closer to the Tampa 43. The stats were terrible - 8 drives, 6 first downs, 2 fumbles, 1 interception, 2 sacks, 7 penalties for 53 yards and 82 total yards on offense. E.J. Manuel did nothing to silence his critics as he was hurried in the pocket, looked flustered and was inaccurate. In the first half he was 9-18 for 67 yards with a paltry 3.7 yards per attempt. When the Bills left the field at halftime down 24-0 coach Marrone called the teams' play "awful" and the players were serenaded with boos from the stands. Against Tampa's reserves in the second half the Bills starters turned it around with Manuel going 10-10 and leading 2 touchdown drives but it was too little, too late. The good news is that no major injuries were reported. The Bills will need to do some serious soul searching over the next two weeks if they want to be considered a playoff team - they did not look like one yesterday and it may be time to start worrying.
Branch Released after Arrest: Updating our earlier story, embattled DT Alan Branch was released by the Bills on Sunday afternoon following his Saturday arrest on suspicion of DWI. Police in Cheektowaga stopped Branch after they saw him vomit from the window of his car. A breathalyser showed his BAC at .14, nearly twice the legal limit. Since signing a contract extension Branch skipped voluntary OTAs, arrived at training camp out of shape and failed his physical. His release was widely anticipated and was announced by a simple one-line statement from the front office.
Saturday August 23, 2014
Bills Preseason Home Opener: After three preseason games outside the friendly confines of Orchard Park, the Bills finally return home for their fourth preseason contest when they face the Bucs this afternoon. The game will be aired locally as well as live on NFL Network at 4:30 for out of market fans. The first team offense will try and make a statement afterfailing to score a touchdown through the first three preseason games. Starters are expected to see significant playing time as this is the second to last preseason game. The game marks the debut of new offseason renovations at Ralph Wilson Stadium and is also Kids Day.
Conflicting Bid Information: A story earlier this week in Forbes reported that all of the initial bids for the Bills fell short of the $900 million mark, suggesting that the bids were so low it could be uncomfortable for the NFL. Now a new story by John Kryk of Canadian news site Canoe claims to know definitively that the Bon Jovi Toronto group bid $1-$1.1 Billion as groups were allowed to specify a bid range in initial bids. Forbes reported Terry Pegula's bid was $890, but if Kryk's report is correct it would suggest that Pegula's bid is either not the top offer or that initial reports of the bid being in the $1.3 Billion range may have been closer to the actual mark. At this point the only thing that is certain is that few are privy to the world of sports ownership high finance and there is plenty of speculation and bad information to go around.
Friday August 22, 2014
No Bids Over $900 Million: Forbes reports that the highest bid received in the initial bidding process for the Bills was by the Pegulas for a low amount of $890 Million. The Bon Jovi group bid was reportedly $820 Million while Donald Trump reportedly bid $809 Million. The magazine suggests the low bids means the trust should fire Morgan Stanley and start over. There is no report that will happen. The Associated Press reports that the final bids from all groups is due just after Labor Day. The Toronto Sun is reporting that the Bon Jovi bid is on life support and they are considering dropping out before the final bids. John Wawrow of the AP was on WGR today and said there is a chance of a surprise bidder coming forward but he echoes the sentiments of everyone else that it is the Pegulas' to lose. Tom Golisano also reportedly bid on the team. The bidders are receiving tours of the renovated Ralph Wilson Stadium this week. The Pegulas reportedly toured today along with another potential unnamed bidder. The Bon Jovi group was suppose to tour the stadium yesterday but it was cancelled fueling the speculation that they will drop out.
Thursday August 21, 2014
Marrone Blows Up: Doug Marrone blew up at his players after a couple of more skirmishes as today's closed practice that was open to the media. Marrone screamed at his players and then made them run sprints. Jerry Hughes objected and then he got into a loud shouting match with the coach. Joe Buscaglia of WGR tweeted that this was the biggest blow up he ever saw from a Bills coach since he started following the team in 2009. Kyle Williams sat out today's workout probably just getting a day off but Marrone had a long conversation with his defensive captain during practice. Leodis McKelvin also sat out today's workout after injuring his groin yesterday. Sammy Watkins was dressed for practice again and he took part in individual drills but once again sat out of team drills making it more likely he will sit on Saturday.Injury Page.
Practice Moved Indoors: The final practice of training camp will now be closed to the public. The Bills have moved the practice from 2pm until 10:30am and moved it inside because of bad weather in forecast for the afternoon. So the fans have seen the last of the Bills at St. John Fisher College until next summer. The team is also scheduled to have closed walk through tomorrow morning before heading back to Buffalo to get ready for Saturday afternoon's preseason game and to continue to prepare for the season.
Saturday's Game Soldout: The Bills announced that the game Saturday against Tampa Bay is soldout and will be televised locally. It is the first game at the newly renovated Ralph Wilson Stadium. It is also the annual kids day game. Special events include a youth-themed tailgate party including interactive games, face painting, and a magician.
Kelly News Encouraging: Dr. Peter Costantino of New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital released a statement regarding the results of Jim Kelly's tests from yesterday. It said, "the treatments have so far completely eliminated Mr. Kelly's pain, and his level of function has essentially returned to normal. Further, on physical examination, there is no evidence of the cancer." He did stress that he is not out of the woods yet and confirmed they will do biopsies next week to see if further treatment is needed or not. If it is needed it could include focused radiation and surgery. We continue to pray for Jim and his family.
Wednesday August 20, 2014
Sylvester On IR: The Bills have placed Stevenson Sylvester on injured reserve with a knee injury. He was a candidate to start at weakside linebacker on opening day while Nigel Bradham serves his one game suspension. This injury will help players like Randell Johnson and Ty Powell who are likely on the bubble but at least one of them will be needed to possibly start on opening day at the very least be a backup. Depth Chart.
McKelvin Hurts Groin: Leodis McKelvin came out of practice early today with a groin injury. No word on if the injury is serious enough to keep him out of the game on Saturday. It was looking good that he would make his preseason debut against Tampa Bay before the latest setback. Doug Marrone said team doctors haven't decided yet on if Sammy Watkins will be cleared to play on Saturday there may be no sense in pushing him back on the field in the preseason. T.J. Graham limped off after one play in practice. Near the end of the session there was the biggest fight of camp with Eric Wood battling it out with undrafted free agent DE Bryan Johnson. Injury Page.
Kelly Has Scan: Jim Kelly underwent a scan yesterday in New York City to determine if the chemotherapy and radiation got rid of his cancer. There has been no official word on results but WKBW and WGRZ are reporting the results are encouraging but he has to go back next week for some biopsies to determine if the cancer is gone. Our prayers are always with him and his family.
Dareus Speaks: Marcell Dareus spoke to the media for the first time since May but would not address his legal issues. He said he is prepared to help the team win and praised the support he has received from the organization. He said he has not heard anything from the league office yet regarding any possible disciplinary action he may receive. He said failing the conditioning test was a mental hurdle he had to get over not really physical.
Regular Season Practice: Yesterday's practice was as close to a regular season practice as you get in training camp. EJ Manuel completed all 15 of his pass attempts but it was against mostly 3rd string defenders as he was going against the scout team. Sammy Watkins took part in individual drills yesterday but not team drills. Others sitting out yesterday were Stevenson Sylvester, Mario Butler, Jonathan Meeks, and Bobby Felder. Tony Moeaki continues to be limited with his hamstring injury. Injury Page.
Tuesday August 19, 2014
Watkins Back: Sammy Watkins was back on the field today with his teammates when they took the practice field this afternoon. He was in pads and it is unknown at this time how much work he would get. He sat out last night after injuring his ribs during Saturday night's game. His agent said it is just a bruise and he could have finished the game. Injury Page.
Bills Release Coughman: The Bills have announced that they have released OT Edawn Coughman and WR Kevin Elliott. Both were with the team last last season. Coughman was injured for part of training camp. He was getting few reps during the preseason games and it was apparent he wasn't going to make the club. Elliott just couldn't make headway in a very crowded receiving corps. Depth Chart.
Watkins Ok: Despite the fact that Doug Marrone was vague when referencing the ribs injury Sammy Watkins has, the Associated Press says he is ok. His agent told the AP that it is just bruised ribs and he could have come back in the game if necessary. He was riding the stationary bike in practice last night and was one of just three players sidelined. Cordy Glenn doing team drills was a welcome site and created a huge shuffle on the offensive line from first to the third team. Leodis McKelvin took more team reps than he has since the beginning of camp. Corey Graham took his first reps at safety this camp as the coach keeps looking at all potential combinations. The Bills are back on the practice field today at 2pm. Injury Page.
Monday August 18, 2014
Watkins Sit Out: Sammy Watkins is not practicing with the team tonight as they get back on the field for their final night practice of training camp. Today the Bills updated the injury situation just calling it a ribs injury. They had called it a contusion on Saturday. Doug Marrone will not put a timetable on his return. He said he learned his lesson last year when he guaranteed EJ Manuel would play in the finale. Watkins was dressed and on the sidlelines. Also not practicing today are Jonathan Meeks and Bobby Felder. Cordy Glenn was cleared for team drills and took his first reps at left tackle tonight. Chris Williams was one of many returning players today after missing a week with a back injury. He was back at left guard with Seantrell Henderson getting reps at right tackle and Erik Pears taking reps at left guard.
Bills Back To Work: The Bills return to St. Johns Fisher College for their final four practices of camp this week. It begins with a 6pm practice tonight. They will hit the field tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday morning, and Thursday afternoon before breaking camp. They will then finish preparations for the season at Ralph Wilson Stadium including their final two preseason games.
No Kelly/JBJ Partnership: Tim Graham of the Buffalo News is reporting that Jim Kelly and Jon Bon Jovi won't be teaming up to bid for the Bills. Graham reported on Saturday that Bon Jovi reached out to Kelly. Graham says a meeting did take place in Buffalo last week but Kelly and his partner Jeffrey Gundlach have decided not to partner with the Bon Jovi group according to an email from a source. The email stated that Kelly and Gundlach do not feel like the Bon Jovi group's apsirations match their desire to keep the team in Buffalo.
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