Taylor was a favorite of Rex Ryan, who convinced the team to sign the former Baltimore Ravens backup before last season. He went 15-16 in almost two years with Buffalo and failed to end this franchise’s 17-year playoff drought. “Offensively, on this team we have enough pieces to win”, Incognito said. “These decisions are never easy”.
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In the Bills locker room, News 4 sources tell us there is a renewed sense of excitement for the team.
Ryan had three years remaining on his contract.
Obviously, the move to hire Quinn has paid dividends as Atlanta captured their first NFC South title since 2012 returning to the playoffs this season. There is a ton of youth in Jacksonville despite an obvious need at quarterback and Buffalo, boasting a solid defense in place, is closer to winning now than Jacksonville, with a number of proven pieces in place. They likely chose to cut Ryan loose early so they could begin vetting possible replacements. He wished his former boss, who was let go just shy of two full seasons with the Bills, would have had more time to lead the team.
The 54-year-old Ryan appeared emotionally drained during a 20-minute news conference on Monday.
Most of the players learned of the news through the media on Tuesday, but spent Wednesday communicating with their new head coach. Ryan is now fair game, but so is Buffalo. He said he hoped the loss wouldn’t become his defining moment in Buffalo.
Throughout Rex Ryan’s career as a head coach, many of his players admired his “players-coach” approach and mentality. His response? “I’m not saying that I wouldn’t leave my options open to be head coach somewhere else”.
Worse yet, the Bills had just 10 men on the field when Ajayi broke free, the final nail in the coffin of Ryan’s regime.
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His promises eventually fell short, particularly on defense. Buffalo took a minor step back in 2015, finishing 8-8 in Rex Ryan’s debut season. Buffalo has allowed 30 points five times and given up 400 yards four times – both matching last year’s totals. “That’s the best way for me to make my case, is put a team out there on Sunday that’s going to play hard, fast and furious and make plays”. He has 813 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. RB LeSean McCoy has 13 TD runs, tied for second most in franchise history. I would like to thank my mom for being here for me through whatever: “(Wyoming head coach Craig) Bohl, (running backs coach Mike) Bath and the rest of the coaching staff for believing in me; and my teammates who are all my brothers for life – I couldn’t have chosen a better family”.
