Gameday Grades: The defense got run over all day as Rex Ryan's defense continues to disappoint while the offense continues to be a total failure. Gameday Grades.
Ryan Presser: Rex Ryan's post game press conference was the most anticipated one I can remember with the rumors swirling around about his job and the terrible performance most of the game by the Bills. He would have no comment on the report that he would be fired but he did say this is the first he's hearing of it so it sounds like he is being blindsided by this news. He has not had any conversations about his future with the Peguals. On the field, he said Pittsburgh played better they established the run to say the least and that was the key to the game. They did a lot of seven man spacing on defense to help with pass defense but when they went to eight man they got burned. It's disappointing when they get run on like that. They are a tough offense with a lot of weapons. He wouldn't say his defense has failed them praising the 37 QB rating Roethlisberger had but obviously wasn't happy with the run defense. When asked if Tyrod Taylor was going to be the starting quarterback going forward he said "we'll see." He said he will do what's best for the team. He did say there is no movement from the front office to start Cardale Jones.
Bills Blitz: Le'Veon Bell ran for a Steelers club record 236 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Steelers to a 27-20 win over the Bills killing their faint playoff hopes. Bell's dominating day was also the biggest rushing day against the Bills ever. He had a whopping 298 total yards from scrimmage. The game wasn't nearly as close as the score indicated. If Ben Roethlisberger didn't throw three interceptions and the Bills didn't score two garbage time touchdowns it would have been much worse. The Bills got their first touchdown thanks to a Stephon Gilmore interception that setup a Tyrod Taylor touchdown pass to Sammy Watkins. Lorenzo Alexander and Zach Brown also had interceptions but it wasn't nearly enough as Bell just took control of the game against a defense that looked disinterested most of the game. Charles Clay had a 40 yard touchdown catch and run in the fourth quarter followed by a LeSean McCoy touchdown in the final minutes. Dan Carpenter missed an extra point and his last minute onside kick only went three yards before going out of bounds to end any hopes at a comeback. Bills Blitz.
Injury Update: Cordy Glenn aggravated his back injury in the first quarter and was immediately listed as questionable to return. He did come back in the game in the 2nd half. Zach Brown was shaken up and left briefly before returning. Injury Page.
Ryan Out? There was an interesting report from CBS's Jason LaCanfora this morning that said Rex Ryan could be fired as early as Monday. LaCanfora hasn't been the most reliable of sources when it pertains to Bills news but it is an interesting report to say the least. Others are also hearing similar things including that Anthony Lynn would replace him on an interim basis. He can possibly save his job with a hot finish. The report also says the team has lost faith in Tyrod Taylor and may be getting ready to see what Cardale Jones can do. Another report this morning from Ian Rapoport speculated that the Bills could be a darkhorse candidate to land Tony Romo next year if they decide to move on from Taylor.
Gameday Inactives: Kyle Williams is inactive for today's game which is a big blow for the Bills defense. His back locked up Thursday night and it obviously is not better enough for him to play. Lerentee McCray is inactive after being ruled out on Friday. The healthy scratches are Logan Thomas, Gerald Christian, Dez Lewis, Jonathan Williams, and Cardale Jones.
Gameday Weather: There is snow in the forecast for the first of three December games at New Era Field this year. After lake effect snow overnight their is a chance at 1" to 3" of snow on Sunday afternoon. The gametime temperature will be close to freezing. Despite being close to 32° the wind out of the south at 8mph gusting to 13 will make it feel like 20°.
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Saturday December 10, 2016
Bills Activate Albright: As expected the Bills have activated Bryson Albright from the practice squad. He fills the open roster spot created when Percy Harvin was placed on the reserved/non football illness list. He will likely fill the hole created with Lerentee McCray being sidelined with a concussion. Albright is a solid special teams player who turned heads in training camp as an undrafted free agent. Front Office Page.
Friday December 9, 2016
No Kyle Williams: The Bills practiced outside in the stadium today with piles of snow surrounding them on the sidelines. The big story from today is the absence of Kyle Williams from the practice session. Rex Ryan said his back locked up on him last night and he is now questionable for the game. The coach said he's very concerned about his availability on Sunday. Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods practice again and Ryan said they are both ready to roll. Injury Page.
Whaley On WGR: Bills GM Doug Whaley had his regular appearance on WGR this morning and spoke on a variety of topics. He spoke about the loss in Oakland and how they didn't play 60 minutes in all three phases. It was a learning experience for the team in finding ways to finish games. They don't like being in the place where they don't hold their own destiny. They need to handle their business starting this week with Pittsburgh. Whaley feels a lack of focus and consistency has contributed to the 6-6 record. They have showed they can play with anyone but they need to put all three phases together for 60 minutes. If they can do that Sunday they will show the league what they can do. On Tyrod Taylor they have to wait for the end of the season to evaluate him. They will sit down with the management and the coaches after the season to decide if they will pick up the option on him. He has done some things really good to get them to six wins but there are plays he wishes he could do over. In the last four games of the season they would like to see improvement from him. They would like him to eliminate plays he would like to have back down the stretch and of course he would like him to help them run the table. The GM believes Cardale Jones is on track but still has development to do. They are highly encouraged with where he is at and they really like what he's doing off the field in his preparation. He has a natural feel where to go with the ball and his command of his arm is very impressive. He does not want to see him hit the field this year because that would mean things aren't going well. Whaley feels Charles Clay may not have the stats but they feel this has been his best season in Buffalo. John Miller has been a bright spot and they see a big future for him. On Shaq Lawson he is excited what he has done and what he will do in the future. He will continue to grow and get better as he gets more time on the field.
Thursday December 8, 2016
Watkins Practicing: As expected, Sammy Watkins is practicing today after getting a day off to rest his foot yesterday. This will likely be standard operating procedure the rest of the year. Robert Woods is also on the field today for a second straight day as he tries to come back from a knee injury. If Woods and Watkins both play then they will both be in a game together for the first time since week 2. Cordy Glenn and Lorenzo Alexander also both returned to practice after missing yesterday. Glenn has been sitting on Wednesdays to rest his back. Alexander had a veteran rest day yesterday. The only player that didn't practice was Lerentee McCray who is sidelined with a concussion. Rex Ryan said the team will likely use their open roster spot to call up Bryson Albright from the practice squad. He's a good special teams linebacker and is the perfect choice to replace McCray. Injury Page.
Game Preview: The Bills come home for the first of a three game homestand. This is the toughest game left on the schedule for the Bills as the red hot Pittsburgh Steelers come to town and will be bringing thousands of their legions of fans with them up the I-90. A loss and the fantasy of the Bills making a run at a playoff spot will be gone for even the most optimistic of fans. Game Preview.
Wednesday December 7, 2016
Woods Returns: The Bills came out of Sunday's game with only one new injury (Lerentee McCray suffered a concussion and sat out practice today). They seem to be slowly getting other players back. Robert Woods and Ronald Darby returned to practice today on a limited basis. Rex Ryan admitted that this is a good sign. There was a report they were targeting next week for Woods to play but the magnitude of this game may be pushing up the timeline. Darby his out of concussion protocol. Also limited today is Charles Clay. The coach said Sammy Watkins came out of the Raiders game healthier than he came out of the Jagaurs game. He sat out today's practice to rest his foot and they will see how he does the rest of the week. Lorenzo Alexander and Cordy Glenn also sat like they normally do on Wednesday. Tyrod Taylor is listed as a full participant. Zach Brown limped off of the practice field very early on but returned quickly. Injury Page.
Tough Matchup: Rex Ryan said in his press conference that they know if they lose the playoffs are not possible. He talked about how hard it is to bring Ben Roethlisberger down and he joked the smaller players may not be able to do it. He said they will have a gameplan for that situation and will try to knock the ball out instead of going for the tackle. The coach re-iterated his support for Tyrod Taylor saying he has a chance to become an outstanding quarterback but stated everything will be evaluated at the end of the year and that their focus right now is only on Pittsburgh.
Bills Add Practice Squader: The Bills filled the open spot on their practice squad by signing CB Charles Gaines. He was a 6th round pick of the Browns in the 2015 draft. He had 15 tackles, two passes defensed and one forced fumble while in Cleveland. He's a converted wide receiver. The Bills still have an open roster spot that was made when Percy Harvin was put on the Reserved/Non-Football Illness list. Front Office Page.
Monday December 5, 2016
Harvin Season Over: The Bills have placed Percy Harvin on the reserve/non-football illness list ending his latest stint with the Bills. That opens up a roster spot. Rex Ryan spoke to the media today and said the team just imploded in all three phases after getting the 15 point lead. Robert Darby is now out of concussion protocol but Lerentee McCray is now in it after developing concussion symptoms today. John Miller is fine after being cleared of a concussion during the game yesterday. Injury Page.
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