Buffalo Rumblings - Steelers 23, Bills 10: Buffalo's playoff hopes go bye-byeBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2019-12-18T14:00:00-05:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/48364472019-12-18T14:00:00-05:002019-12-18T14:00:00-05:00Nick & Nolan: Josh Allen > Duck Hodges & Patriots Preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2KAWxmNU0nvO6sQkBr18cdKXnVM=/0x342:2048x1707/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65933588/Nick___Nolan_Logo.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The boys are back and talking everything Bills</p> <p id="pJCUMF">In this week’s episode of The Nick and Nolan Show, the guys provide an in-depth look at the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>’ victory over the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. There are plenty of items to discuss including the play of <span>Josh Allen</span>, contract extensions, <span>John Brown</span>, and something called “The Cody Ford Check-in.”</p>
<p id="qMp8Gh">The guys also preview Saturday’s match-up with the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>, and how the Bills can get a victory in Foxborough. Also be sure to share your thoughts on this week’s episode in the comments section below.</p>
<p id="bsJXTL">Come for the knowledge, stay for the soundbites.</p>
<div id="EHHoeM"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP8435349455" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
<p id="872Plw"><em>Editor’s note: If you’re viewing this article on Apple News, the embedded audio will be removed. Click through to the site in your browser or listen on iTunes.</em></p>
<p id="yqTNyv">Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-podcast-news-notes-analysis-radio-itunes-google-play-stitcher">Buffalo Rumblings podcast channel</a> featuring Billieve, Blitzed Bills, Buffalo Rumblings Q&A, Breaking Buffalo Rumblings, Mafia Mavens, Circling the Wagons, and the Nick and Nolan Show:</p>
<h4 id="MFlAKv">
<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fbuffalo-rumblings-for-buffalo-bills-fans%2Fid1260431411%3Fmt%3D2&xcust=xid:fr1570789568141fdh%7Cxid:fr1571396596547ebc%7Cxid:fr1571996556574djb%7Cxid:fr1572605636318fab%7Cxid:fr1573216381699jfi%7Cxid:fr1573762038447hha%7Cxid:fr1574365145530dgj%7Cxid:fr1574893601964dcd%7Cxid:fr1575205366597deb%7Cxid:fr1576237641338cje%7Cxid:fr1576694574610iea" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> | <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/vox/circling-the-wagons-a-buffalo-bills-podcast">Stitcher</a> | <a href="https://play.google.com/music/m/Ivjtsccq6gazhsjabasbemprauu?t=Buffalo_Rumblings_for_Buffalo_Bills_fans">Google Play</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5RYDNBKPj6d2zwdf3tmdmy">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/5wxbp-77203/Buffalo-Rumblings-for-Buffalo-Bills-fans-Podcast">Podbean</a> | <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-buffalo-rumblings-30055079/">iHeartRadio</a> | <a href="http://tun.in/pjbDM">TuneIn</a> | <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/buffalo-rumblings-bills">Megaphone</a>
</h4>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2019/12/18/21028484/nick-nolan-josh-allen-duck-hodges-patriots-preview-buffalo-bills-pittsburgh-steelers-new-englandAnthony MarinoBruce Nolan2013-11-13T06:32:36-05:002013-11-13T06:32:36-05:00Links: Steelers game on All-22
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aPCaCtp4JvrZdlZCxjqbHL7aBMI=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23063305/20131110_sal_bk3_173.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Checking the All-22 from this weekend's game was just as ugly as the contest itself.</p> <h4><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/Upon-Further-Review-Bills-at-Steelers/17747084">WGR 550 SportsRadio - Upon Further Review: Bills At Steelers</a></h4>
<p>Manuel ends up with a 0.7 GPA from Joe Buscaglia after the Steelers game. Not a single offensive player finished above 2.7, while the defensive line had themselves a day - all finishing above that mark. Buffalo's safeties all played well, too.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/pages/17744722.php?contentType=4&contentId=14169401">WGR 550 SportsRadio - All-22 Review - Bills/Steelers - EJ's Return</a></h4>
<p>Jeremy White shows EJ Manuel's ball location problems from Sunday. Also, good stuff from Jairus Byrd and Marcell Dareus on their big plays.</p>
<h4>More Bills-Steelers</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/From-the-Booth-Bills-at-Steelers/6b9041d5-c53b-4c88-ab47-96f28e80e9c4">From the Booth: Bills at Steelers - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"John Murphy's leftover thoughts and observations from Sunday's Bills loss in Pittsburgh."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Bills-Focus-Leodis-McKelvin-Wired-For-Sound/14908722-eba3-4dcb-b747-af5d1a640870">Bills Focus: Leodis McKelvin Wired For Sound - VIDEO - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin takes us behind the scenes while being mic'd up for Sunday's game against the Steelers."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/spillers-touches-are-an-issue-again-20131113">Spiller’s touches are an issue again - Sports - The Buffalo News</a><br>"The Bills’ first four offensive plays were runs by Spiller, for a combined 9 yards. From that point, however, he touched the ball only seven times for the remaining 53 minutes of the game."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/steelers-film-room/2013/11/12/5095440/steelers-gifs-nfl-week-10-buffalo">Steelers Film Room: Steelers take control in the trenches - Behind the Steel Curtain</a><br>Some GIFs demonstrate how the Steelers dominated the point of attack.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.oleantimesherald.com/sports/article_9734864a-4bab-11e3-8a77-001a4bcf887a.html?two-bills-drive">It's the same old problem for the Bills - Olean Times Herald</a><br>Chuck Pollack gets all "hindsight is 20-20" and second guesses a lot of stuff from Sunday.</p>
<p><a href="http://13wham.com/sports/features/local-sports/stories/concerns-ej-disappointment-marrone-653.shtml">Concerns About EJ, Disappointment with Marrone - 13WHAM - Local Sports</a><br>"There has been a lot to be like about what Doug Marrone has done so far with the Bills franchise. But I did not like what I saw Sunday in Pittsburgh. There have been reasons to be encouraged about what EJ Manuel could be someday for the Bills. Sunday in Pittsburgh was the first time I was discouraged."</p>
<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641776&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fblog%2F2013%2F11%2F11%2Frefo-bills-steelers-week-10%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.buffalorumblings.com%2F2013%2F11%2F13%2F5099034%2Fbuffalo-bills-news-pittsburgh-steelers-analysis" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ReFo: Bills at Steelers - Pro Football Focus</a><br>A complete breakdown of the game. "While it may have been in a losing effort, the level of play from the Bills defensive line was the highlight of the day, with Marcell Dareus proving to be the best of the bunch."</p>
<h4>More clicks</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-sign-Igbinosun-to-Practice-Squad/e1dc23a4-20d4-40ec-b5ea-b9c4e77d9234">Bills sign Igbinosun to Practice Squad - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"He spent a portion of his rookie season on the Practice Squad of the Dallas Cowboys and was released during the team’s 2013 training camp."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Fred-Jackson-joins-Thurman-Thomas-in-Bills-record-book/82aa45d7-1c6b-4a18-b538-69a659bc66ea">Fred Jackson joins Thurman Thomas in Bills record book - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"RB Fred Jackson joined Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas as the only Bills running back to gain more than 4,000 yards rushing and 2,000 yards receiving."</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/3991/power-rankings-no-26-buffalo-bills-2">Power Rankings: No. 26 Buffalo Bills - ESPN</a><br>"It's been just nine days since the Bills held a 10-3 halftime lead over the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, they've scored just 13 points in six quarters."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2013/11/12/5095096/philadelphia-eagles-to-sign-brad-smith-according-to-report">Philadelphia Eagles to sign Brad Smith according to report - Bleeding Green Nation</a><br>It official. Brad Smith didn't waste any time.</p>
<p><a href="http://pro32.ap.org/article/jets-nelson-hopes-make-bills-pay-mistake">Jets' Nelson hopes to make Bills pay for 'mistake' | Pro32: Head to Head</a><br>"It's going to be personal," Nelson said. "And I think you'll see that on Sunday."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ganggreennation.com/2013/11/12/5095938/jets-vs-bills-a-look-at-buffalos-john-b-ratio">Jets vs. Bills: A Look at Buffalo's John B Ratio - Gang Green Nation</a><br>"It shows a team's run-pass ratio when a certain running back back, tight end, or wide receiver is on the field. This gives a small hint as to what an opponent's tendency might be." The numbers on Lee Smith, C.J. Spiller, and Frank Summers are remarkable.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Run-game-eager-to-rebound/9a4917d1-afaf-4bd4-9920-d34701897573">Run game eager to rebound - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"Coming off of their most recent rushing performance against the Steelers, Buffalo averaged 4.3 per carry, but managed a total of just 95 yards, their third-lowest output of the season."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/What-to-watch-for-Jets-at-Bills/91a204eb-3856-4770-ba40-6cb7e81ca047">What to watch for: Jets at Bills - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Connections and milestones within reach Sunday.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/11/13/5099034/buffalo-bills-news-pittsburgh-steelers-analysisMatt Warren2013-11-12T09:30:01-05:002013-11-12T09:30:01-05:00Precision play of the week: Jairus Byrd INT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MSp6SUs5Q3d4z5wsV5uYRIgFuOQ=/0x7:3590x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23001509/187586751.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Justin K. Aller</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Ben Roethlisberger was decidedly imprecise on the Steelers' first drive against the Bills, allowing Jairus Byrd to pick off a pass and set up a Buffalo field goal to open up the scoring in Week 10.</p> <p><b style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><i>Test how precise you<span>r</span> football knowledge is by playing the <a style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/gillette?sk=app_485586504865678" rel="nofollow">Precision Play of The Week</a> for a chance to win <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Super Bowl</a> tickets – brought to you by Gillette Fusion ProGlide, precision comfort, even on sensitive skin.</i></b></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> didn't make many great plays in Sunday's 23-10 loss to the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. They did, however, open up a 3-0 lead in the first quarter when free safety <span>Jairus Byrd</span> intercepted a <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> pass and returned it 57 yards to set up the score. Here's how the play happened:</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3555507/byrd1_medium.png"></p>
<p>Above, you can see the route combination that the Steelers had called. With three receivers to the left side of the formation and a single-high safety (Byrd), Roethlisberger keyed in on the throw to the right side of the formation, where it looked like he'd have rookie speedster <span>Markus Wheaton</span> one-on-one against <span>Leodis McKelvin</span>. All Roethlisberger had to do was keep Byrd off the route long enough to have a winnable matchup.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3555499/byrd2_medium.png"></p>
<p>Roethlisberger does nothing to either move Byrd to the left side of the offensive formation, or even to freeze him in center field. Byrd can see that the three routes to the left aren't moving vertically, so he has no reason to move to his right, and there's nothing doing in center field, either. Roethlisberger is clearly going to be throwing the go route up the right sideline.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3555491/byrd3_medium.png"></p>
<p>Here, Byrd has already started breaking down the 15-yard line on the route that Roethlisberger hasn't even set up to throw yet. The play is already over; all Byrd needs to do when he arrives is catch the football.</p>
<p><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3555483/byrd4_medium.png"></p>
<p>Byrd makes the catch - he's helped a bit by the fact that Roethlisberger doesn't get the ball downfield far enough - and is off to the races up the left sideline. This was a nice play by Byrd, a bad one from Roethlisberger, and fortunately for Pittsburgh, the inept Bills offense couldn't turn this into seven points despite the great drive start.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/11/12/5095204/buffalo-bills-precision-play-of-the-week-week-10-jairus-byrd-intBrian Galliford2013-11-12T06:33:45-05:002013-11-12T06:33:45-05:00Links: the polarizing EJ Manuel
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NAlqkbQiB3SIAZjQDhXwnPT7CYs=/7x0:3992x2657/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22993797/20131110_sal_bk3_175.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>EJ Manuel is proving to be a lightning rod very early in his professional career.</p> <h4><a href="http://www.thegoosesroost.com/2013/11/week-10-gif-recap-bills-at-steelers/">Week 10 GIF Recap: Bills at Steelers | The Goose's Roost</a></h4>
<p>My favorite post of the week, every week.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-need-production-from-graham-20131112">Bills need production from Graham - Sports - The Buffalo News</a></h4>
<p>"I don’t mind him," Graham said of Manuel. "We just need to get the ball to the right person. Execute and make plays. We all pull for each other in that room. … It’s just a matter of making him comfortable and picking out his favorites and getting the ball to where he needs to feel comfortable." Doesn't sound like Graham likes Manuel too much, does it?</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2013/11/jets_david_nelson_found_out_bills_parted_ways_with_him_on_twitter.html?two-bills-drive">Jets' David Nelson found out Bills parted ways with him on Twitter | NJ.com</a></h4>
<p>"Recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee suffered in Week 1 of the 2012 season, Nelson was at a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game last February. Someone alerted him on social media that the Bills decided not to tender a one-year offer, parting ways with the restricted free agent."</p>
<h4>Manuel clicks</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Manuel-ready-to-press-forward/9d20c92e-9627-4d60-979a-8baf5e849b61">Manuel ready to press forward - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Fred Jackson and Stevie Johnson come to Manuel's aid, but the quarterback isn't making any excuses. Doug Marrone also weighs in.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/EJ-Manuel-the-best-remedy--is-to-win/58d7f5e9-bbd1-4afc-a604-568bd819c2d3">EJ Manuel: "the best remedy ... is to win" - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>EJ Manuel says everything you're supposed to say. It's like he's a robot sent from the future to answer questions the "correct" way.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/ejs-play-sparks-debate-20131112">EJ’s play sparks debate - Sports - The Buffalo News</a><br>I hate when Jerry Sullivan does his back-and-forth column with his drinking buddy. If you're super interested in debating EJ Manuel in this manner, take a look.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/3968/would-the-bills-consider-lewis-over-manuel">Would the Buffalo Bills consider Thad Lewis over EJ Manuel? - ESPN</a><br>Marrone: "If EJ Manuel looked like he was hurt out there or that prior injury was hurting him to be productive or he was taking too many shots where he was being put in a situation where we couldn’t protect him and those things were going on? Then yes I would have put Thad Lewis in there and that was the situation I was looking for, which didn’t occur [Sunday]."</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/3919/teammates-try-to-shield-manuel-from-blame">Teammates try to shield EJ Manuel from blame - ESPN</a><br>"Consider this: Of the 297 single-game quarterback performances this season in the NFL, Manuel's 3.97 yards per attempt Sunday in Pittsburgh ranks 292nd, according to ESPN Stats & Information."</p>
<h4>More clicks</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/bills-fans-could-be-facing-blackouts-on-both-remaining-orchard-park-games-20131111">Bills fans could be facing blackouts on both remaining Orchard Park games - City & Region - The Buffalo News</a><br>"As of Monday afternoon, the Bills had about 5,500 tickets remaining for this Sunday’s game with the New York Jets, and approximately 20,000 for the Dec. 22 game against the Miami Dolphins."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Doug-Marrone-Our-entire-focus-is-on-winning/80ae8924-fcf6-42d5-be29-5e8ce17249ef">Doug Marrone: "Our entire focus is on winning" - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Marrone opened with a 1585-word statement before taking any questions. He also cusses.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/AP-Marrone-taking-responsibility-holding-Bills-accountable/7c8f4f27-ff21-443a-b89e-19acaef1f92e">AP: Marrone taking responsibility, holding Bills accountable - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"I asked each player and coach and myself, 'Did we do what we needed to so to win that game yesterday?' And obviously, the answer is 'No,'" the first-year coach said. "At the end of the day, my job is to lead this team and this organization to winning. And I have to do a good job of that."</p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2013/11/11/spillers-touches-product-of-game-plan/">Inside The Bills | Spiller’s touches product of game plan</a><br>"Game plan, how we’re putting those guys in there," said Marrone as to why Spiller only saw four first-half carries. "It doesn’t have anything to do with his ankle. It could increase, it could decrease, we’ll see week to week. But it’s not a knock on injury or what we do, it’s what we’re trying to get done."</p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2013/11/11/marrone-leaning-toward-sitting-woods-again/">Inside The Bills | Marrone leaning toward sitting Woods again</a><br>"Marrone confirmed it’s a high ankle sprain, and that the ankle is still swollen. "</p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2013/11/11/stevie-injury-update-2/">Inside The Bills | Stevie injury update</a><br>"It probably feels a little worse [than the earlier injuries]," Johnson said. "It’s one of those things where I seem to get hurt on anything. I’ve probably done more (this offseason) than any other season and I’m having these wild injuries and it’s happening on plays where I’m getting positive yards. It’s no fluke type deal. It’s football."</p>
<p><a href="http://bills.buffalonews.com/2013/11/10/bills-winning-jerry-hughes-trade/">Bills winning Jerry Hughes trade - Bills Blitz</a><br>"Hughes also has [6 sacks,] 31 tackles, two tackles for losses and two forced fumbles this year. Sheppard has 18 tackles and one sack for the Colts. The Bills drafted him in the third round in 2011."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/Spiller-s-workload-could-increase-could-decrease-f/17736873">WGR 550 SportsRadio - Spiller's Workload "Could Increase, Could Decrease" For Bills</a><br>"Since suffering his injury during the team's Week Four contest against Baltimore, the running back has participated in no higher than 33-percent of offensive snaps during a game. In fact, the Pittsburgh game was just the first time since the onset of the injury that Spiller went over 30-percent."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/Both-Bills-starting-WRs-could-be-in-jeopardy-for-S/17737011">WGR 550 SportsRadio - Both Bills Starting WRs Could Be In Jeopardy Of Missing Sunday</a><br>"In the time that the two were both healthy and on the field, Woods pulled in 16 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns from the arm of Manuel in four-and-a-half games. Once the first-round pick went down with an injury Woods was limited to just 10 catches for 84 yards, also in four-and-a-half games of work."</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/3928/fiery-marrone-not-asking-for-patience">Fiery Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone not asking for patience - ESPN</a><br>Doug Marrone was on fire yesterday. Read some of his most heated comments here.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/11/12/5094880/buffalo-bills-news-ej-manuel-strugglesMatt Warren2013-11-11T13:00:06-05:002013-11-11T13:00:06-05:00Snap counts: Spiller's workload a problem again
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YWQzq5MyJWng0DxFgK2-wzN1IcQ=/163x80:3027x1989/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22943839/20131110_pjc_al8_085.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>C.J. Spiller is averaging 22 snaps per game this season playing through a high ankle sprain, and has played just 29.8 percent of plays this season - down from 57.6 percent a year ago.</p> <p>Snap count numbers are officially in from the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a>' 23-10 loss to the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> yesterday. Rather than abide by our usual breakdown methodology, in which we list and then make general observations about the numbers, we're going to spin this off today into a short blurb about <span>C.J. Spiller</span>, with a few of those general notes tossed in at the end. But first, we'll direct you to our snap counts page with tallies for the full season, which we update every Monday. That's where you'll find this week's numbers, plus every other week's.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/pages/buffalo-bills-snap-counts-year-to-date">Bills snap counts: 2013 year to date</a></h4>
<p>Spiller, who has been nursing a high ankle sprain for the past six games (and lost a smaller chunk of time to a different injury before that), played just 22 of the Bills' 67 offensive snaps in Pittsburgh, and has played just 29.8 percent of snaps so far this season. That's compared to 56.7 percent of snaps in 2012, when Bills fans already thought he wasn't seeing enough playing time and touches.</p>
<p>Of his 220 snaps this season, 81 came within the Bills' first two games of the season, when he was the starting tailback and seeing more playing time than <span>Fred Jackson</span> (who played 56 snaps in the same time frame). Since then, Spiller has averaged about 17 snaps per game, compared to 46 for Jackson (and 12 per game for <span>Tashard Choice</span>).</p>
<p>Granted, circumstances favored Spiller heavily a year ago, when he saw an increased workload with Jackson banged up (and eventually on IR late in the season). This year has been the polar opposite; Jackson has stayed healthy, while Spiller has been beat up for most of the season. That said, Jackson has nearly double the reps Spiller does to this point (423, which works out to 57.2 percent of total snaps), and the massive disparity speaks to a much larger problem than simple injury circumstances. (Spiller wasn't on the Week 10 injury report, for the record.)</p>
<p>Every-down running backs are not easy to find. Jackson is the Bills' every-down back; he's capable of handling a full rushing workload, and far more importantly, he can handle pass protection duties. Now in his fourth season, it is readily apparent that Spiller will never be viewed in that light. The mistake the Bills may be making, however, is using that rationale to conclude that Spiller isn't an every-down back.</p>
<p>Spiller is one of the most explosive athletes in the NFL. He is a game-changing talent, and he can hurt defenses more ways than simply running him out of the backfield or on screen passes. If the Bills don't want to use Spiller in pass protection roles - and they have every reason to not want to do that - then they need to start exploring other ways to get him onto the field on obvious passing downs, when Jackson is needed to protect. We've seen Spiller play a little wide receiver before, for example; why not cross-train him a bit out wide to see if he brings more utility to the offense?</p>
<p>The Bills' playoff hopes are all but kaput, leaving the remaining six games on the 2013 schedule as a time for intense self-evaluation - and perhaps even experimentation. If Spiller is healthy - which he may not be, even though he was no longer on the injury report this week - it's time for Doug Marrone and Nathaniel Hackett to start trying Spiller out in different roles, with specific personnel pairings, to expand his role in their offense. We can all agree that the more Spiller touches the ball, the better this offense is going to be - and the old-school mentality of running back committees needs to go away. Spiller's too valuable an asset to keep off the field simply because he can't pass protect effectively.</p>
<p>Some more thoughts from this week's rep counts, specifically:</p>
<p><span>T.J. Graham</span> played every snap at receiver with <span>Robert Woods</span> sidelined. <span>Marquise Goodwin</span> saw a season-high 46 snaps, as well, aided by <span>Stevie Johnson</span> leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a groin injury.</p>
<p><span>Jerry Hughes</span> packed his productive day into just 28 snaps, as <span>Manny Lawson</span> saw more playing time (44 snaps) for a second straight week now that the veteran is healthy. Teams are starting to run the football more frequently against Buffalo, and it's hurting Hughes' snap counts while elevating the numbers for <span>Arthur Moats</span> and <span>Nigel Bradham</span> (who both played 23 snaps in Pittsburgh).</p>
<p><span>Kiko Alonso</span> had company in the 100 percent club defensively this week, as both <span>Stephon Gilmore</span> and <span>Jairus Byrd</span> played a full game, as well. That was a routine circumstance for the Bills in 2012, when both Gilmore and Byrd eclipsed 1,000 snaps played on the season, but it's the first time either had accomplished the feat in 2013.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/11/11/5091422/bills-steelers-snap-counts-cj-spiller-fred-jacksonBrian Galliford2013-11-11T10:15:02-05:002013-11-11T10:15:02-05:00Marrone: Manuel needs work on footwork
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AfpJS_x9JH8HKTBEHiwK5Iq31Fo=/0x190:2666x1967/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22932369/20131110_sal_bk3_122.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Doug Marrone didn't need to watch the film to figure out why EJ Manuel struggled so badly in Buffalo's blowout loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday.</p> <p>Following yesterday's 23-10 loss to the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> head coach Doug Marrone was asked about the struggles of rookie quarterback <span>EJ Manuel</span>, who had his worst game as a pro in his return to the starting lineup after a four-week absence with a knee injury.</p>
<p>Heading into the Bills' final possession of the game, trailing 23-3, Manuel had completed 11-of-25 passes for 79 yards with one interception, three sacks taken and a quarterback rating of 35.3. He ended up completing 11-of-14 passes for 76 yards with a touchdown on that final possession, elevating his rating nearly 30 points in garbage time, but the drive did nothing to erase the memories of a horrible performance for an angry and frustrated fan base.</p>
<p>Marrone's response was what you'd expect - he mentioned Manuel's youth, exacerbated by his two stretches out of the lineup with knee injuries, then continued to talk the first-round pick up as a long-term project - but was candid about one area of Manuel's game that is currently lacking.</p>
<p>"Really at the end of the day, if you want to know exactly what happened out there, he’s going through his footwork too quick and not as slowed down to see things develop as quick," <a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Doug-Marrone-We-didnt-play-well-today/a2f623b7-2c2d-49b7-b10e-060e55567eb7">Marrone said Sunday afternoon</a>. "That happens to young quarterbacks."</p>
<p>Marrone was also quick to point out that at no point did he consider benching Manuel in favor of <span>Thad Lewis</span>, citing Manuel's need for as many reps as possible as his rationale. Manuel's next game comes at home against Rex Ryan and a <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Jets</a> defense that forced him into 23 incompletions and sacked him eight times in a Week 3 loss. Things will not get easier for Buffalo's rookie quarterback for at least one more week.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/11/11/5090750/buffalo-bills-doug-marrone-ej-manuel-footworkBrian Galliford2013-11-11T09:49:21-05:002013-11-11T09:49:21-05:00Links: Bills a dumpster fire in Pitt
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ds9hZg6xTxKnN-tGEiIuZKV68bQ=/0x94:4000x2761/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22932123/20131110_pjc_al8_372.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Buffalo Bills have a mess on their hands. See all the game recaps you can stomach.</p> <p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-offense-struggles-in-loss-at-Pittsburgh/41777dd8-53f1-4054-a4e2-d2c34a495473">Bills offense struggles in loss at Pittsburgh - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Marrone: "We have to find a way to make plays on offense. When we’ve done that, we’ve been in it. We’ve had a good chance to win. Some of those games we won. When we don’t have those types of situations where people are able to do that, it’s very difficult to win right now with the way we’re playing."<a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Doug-Marrone-We-didnt-play-well-today/a2f623b7-2c2d-49b7-b10e-060e55567eb7"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Doug-Marrone-We-didnt-play-well-today/a2f623b7-2c2d-49b7-b10e-060e55567eb7">Doug Marrone: "We didn't play well today"<br></a><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/EJ-Manuels-return-wasnt-the-way-I-wanted-to-come-back/d1b3ee5e-7a15-4b31-a3c6-3c373dec3311">EJ Manuel's return "wasn't the way I wanted to come back"<br></a><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Stevie-Johnson-My-frustration-level-is-a-10/217dcd86-9164-4f88-b135-def73340db34">Stevie Johnson: "My frustration level is a 10"</a><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Doug-Marrone-We-didnt-play-well-today/a2f623b7-2c2d-49b7-b10e-060e55567eb7"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Hughes-raises-personal-bar/ce6c41c8-2fd3-44da-a2fc-e2ee0dd1db18">Hughes raises personal bar - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"Sunday’s production brought him to six sacks this season a new single-season career high. He’s also racked up 33 tackles — 21 solo and 12 assisted."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Bills-Focus-Bringing-the-Pressure/90ce7f76-bbec-412d-bf43-a0f2f3600203">Bills Focus: Bringing the Pressure - VIDEO - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"For the first time in 13 years, the Bills have four players with at least five sacks after bringing down Ben Roethlisberger 4 times on Sunday."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/video/videos/Bills-Roundup-Offense-Struggles-in-23-10-Loss/4c2e45df-e0ae-41ad-bf58-0a37b75eb491">Bills Roundup: Offense Struggles in 23-10 Loss - VIDEO - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"EJ Manuel's return to the lineup did not help Buffalo's struggling offense, as Pittsburgh scored 23 straight points in a 23-10 win over the Bills."</p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2013/11/10/bills-still-maintaining-resolve/">Inside The Bills | Bills still maintaining resolve</a><br>"Of course, it always hurts," said Marcell Dareus. "But we’re going to continue to stay together and do the best we can, because eventually it’s going to turn for us. Once it does, I don’t think nobody’s going to be able to stop us."</p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2013/11/10/stevie-my-frustration-is-a-10/">Inside The Bills | Stevie: My frustration is a 10</a><br>"I’m just frustrated," said Johnson. "I’m not discouraged by anybody on the team. It is a loss. It’s very frustrating. My frustration level is a 10. When you’re losing games nobody should be happy."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/columns/jerry-sullivan/manuel-on-tight-leash-takes-big-step-backward-20131110">Manuel, on tight leash, takes big step backward - Sports - The Buffalo News</a><br>"They were outplayed in all three phases. The defense played soft against the run and gave up big plays in the passing game. The offense was terrible. Punter Brian Moorman was dreadful. The play calling was uninspired and amateurish. The players gave in to discouragement after getting off to a slow, non-opportunistic start." At least good ol' Jerry is back. No more sunshine from him!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/week-10/bills-gilmore-has-a-day-to-forget-in-coverage-20131110">Bills’ Gilmore has a day to forget in coverage - Sports - The Buffalo News</a><br>Jay Skurski goes through Stephon Gilmore's difficult season.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/week-10/bills-notebook-a-hobbled-johnson-bemoans-latest-loss-20131110">Bills notebook: A hobbled Johnson bemoans latest loss - Sports - The Buffalo News</a><br>"Johnson has been dogged by groin, lower back and hip injuries much of the year. He will need to get hot over the final six games to record a fourth straight 1,000-yard season. He’s on pace for 754 yards as it is."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/week-10/report-card-steelers-had-bills-on-the-run-20131110">Report card: Steelers had Bills on the run - Sports - The Buffalo News</a><br>It's bad.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/week-10/steelers-run-game-is-on-the-money-against-bills-defense-20131111">Steelers’ run game is on the money against Bills’ defense - Sports - The Buffalo News</a><br>"'Nickel-and-diming' is how Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus described the Steelers’ run game Sunday. All that loose change, however, added up to 136 yards on the ground in a 23-10 Pittsburgh victory at Heinz Field, a loss that dropped the Bills to 3-7 on the season."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/week-10/qb-manuel-comes-undone-with-faulty-footwork-20131110">QB Manuel comes undone with faulty footwork - Sports - The Buffalo News</a><br>"During the first 55 minutes of the game – before the Bills managed a garbage-time touchdown drive – Pittsburgh held Manuel to just 79 passing yards and 10 completions in 25 attempts. Buffalo’s offense had only 140 total yards in the first 55 minutes."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/Sideline-Reactions-Steelers-23-Bills-10/17731381">WGR 550 SportsRadio - Sideline Reactions: Steelers 23 - Bills 10</a><br>Joe Buscaglia's views from the sideline are spot-on. "The loss against the Steelers could be seen as the game that got away of the season. Buffalo was in perfect position to potentially come away with a victory with the way their defense started the game and how they frustrated Pittsburgh in the early going."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/Should-the-Bills-be-worried-/17731865">WGR 550 SportsRadio - HAMILTON: Should The Bills Be Worried?</a><br>Paul Hamilton's meandering thoughts.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/pages/17733326.php?contentType=4&contentId=14159523">WGR 550 SportsRadio - Discouraging Day For Bills' Manuel</a><br>Chris "Bulldog" Parker gives his thoughts on how bad EJ Manuel was yesterday and what Bills fans need to see moving forward.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/3899/upon-further-review-bills-week-10">Upon Further Review: Buffalo Bills Week 10 - ESPN</a><br>"A review of four hot issues from the Buffalo Bills' 23-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers"</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/3888/struggling-gilmore-says-wrist-still-isnt-right">Struggling Stephon Gilmore says wrist still isn't right - ESPN</a><br>"Injury or not, that hasn't happened lately. Under Mike Pettine, the Bills' defense requires strong man-to-man coverage to support blitzing and pressure, and if Gilmore isn't playing as well as he or the team would like, they will need to adjust. "</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/3869/rust-to-blame-manuel-marrone-split">Rust to blame? EJ Manuel, Doug Marrone split - ESPN</a><br>Manuel refuses to take the excuses that Eric Wood and Doug Marrone are shelling out for him.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/3863/locker-room-buzz-buffalo-bills-8">Locker Room Buzz: Buffalo Bills - ESPN</a><br>Doug Marrone explains his decision to punt from Pittsburgh's 36-yard line.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/3849/rapid-reaction-buffalo-bills-6">Rapid Reaction: Buffalo Bills - ESPN</a><br>"Stock watch: Falling: Punter Brian Moorman. Signed to replace Shawn Powell, who struggled in five games to start the season, Moorman had a tough afternoon. While wind was a factor, Moorman seemed to struggle no matter which direction he was punting."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/11/5090344/steelers-week-10-win-buffalo-bills-stats-recap-highlights">Monday Takeaways: Steelers romp Bills 23-10 in Week 10 - Behind the Steel Curtain</a><br>"Bills OLB Jerry Hughes couldn't have been happier with himself for notching a sack, his team down three scores in the fourth quarter. He beat Kelvin Beachum around the offensive left side, and was able to take down Ben Roethlisberger. He proceeded to celebrate as if he just got his team the ball back in a tight playoff game."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/10/5088904/steelers-gifs-lawrence-timmons-hit-ej-manuel-bills-week-10-nfl">Lawrence Timmons delivers big hit on Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel - Behind the Steel Curtain</a><br>This GIF looks so bad.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/11/10/5088270/steelers-bills-recap-nfl-week-10-score-highlights">Bills vs. Steelers final score: Pittsburgh thrashes Buffalo 23-10 - Behind the Steel Curtain</a><br>"The Bills (3-7) are among the NFL's worst teams this year, and the Steelers (3-6) aren't much better. Just half a game record-wise, actually, but there is more talent on the Steelers. That was evident during the team's clinching drive late in the third quarter."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2013/11/11/Buffalo-offense-didn-t-show-up/stories/201311110053">Buffalo's offense doesn't show up vs. Steelers - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a><br>"An optimistic 3-4 start for the Bills has quickly turned to 3-7. Manuel has shown flashes of being franchise quarterback material early in his career -- and it did appear he has learned how to slide and avoid contact while running -- but performances like Sunday's are a reminder that his growing pains will be tough."</p>
<p><a href="http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/5039904-74/yards-bills-run#axzz2kAKtn7E1">Run game fails Bills vs. Steelers | TribLIVE</a><br> "Jackson had 55 yards on 12 carries. C.J. Spiller had 23 yards on eight."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalo.com/sports/blog/immediate-reactions-steelers-23-bills-10/53479">Steelers maul Bills: Nick Mendola reacts to the mess | www.buffalo.com</a><br>"Were Jairus Byrd's INT and Chris Gragg's first career touchdown the only highlights? Probably. Nick Mendola weighs in on the dumpster-fire at Heinz Field."</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/11/11/5090720/buffalo-bills-news-bills-steelers-final-score-analysis-recapMatt Warren2013-11-11T08:45:03-05:002013-11-11T08:45:03-05:00Teammates of the Week: Bills pass rushers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lZ1oZdPsIm22DjSzdW5MVv1D7Go=/0x102:4000x2769/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/22928071/20131110_pjc_al8_379.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The 3-7 Bills don't have a lot going for them right now, but one bright spot for the team is the continued production from its much-improved pass rush.</p> <p>Not much went as expected for the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> in Sunday's 23-10 loss to the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. The team's offense was inept from top to bottom, the special teams units had several breakdowns, and even the usually solid run defense had a horrible first half en route to a big loss. The one area of the team that held up its end of the bargain was the pass rush.</p>
<p>Coming into the game, the Steelers had given up 31 sacks of quarterback <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span>, the second-highest total in the NFL. As expected, the Bills spent most of the day rushing four players in an attempt to keep Roethlisberger in the pocket, with mixed success; without much in the way of exotic rush looks, the Bills still managed to take Big Ben down four times.</p>
<p><span>Jerry Hughes</span>, acquired in a trade with Indianapolis in May, recorded two of those sacks. He recorded a forced fumble for a second straight week (it's worth noting that the Bills haven't recovered either of them), and has now set a personal best with six sacks this season. He ranks second on the team in that category, one sack ahead of the team's defensive tackle tandem of <span>Kyle Williams</span> and <span>Marcell Dareus</span>.</p>
<p>Speaking of Williams and Dareus: they each sacked Roethlisberger once on Sunday, as well. Both players now have five sacks this season; that's one off of tying a career high for the veteran Williams, and a half-sack behind the 5.5 that Dareus recorded in each of his first two seasons. Hughes is the breakout player for the Bills' pass rush this season, but Williams and Dareus are having career years, as well.</p>
<p>The 3-7 Bills have a lot of problems right now, but getting to the quarterback isn't one of them.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2013/11/11/5090506/buffalo-bills-teammates-of-the-week-nfl-week-10Brian Galliford