Bills
A Buffalo Bills quarterback has made the Pro Bowl. No, this isn’t 1991, and Jim Kelly did not lead Buffalo to yet another playoff and Super Bowl run. This time it’s the new kid on the block: Tyrod Taylor. Back in training camp, it was a battle with three guys (Taylor, Matt Cassel, and EJ Manuel) for the starting position, and no one seemed to have a clear edge. Then Taylor separated himself from the pack. In Taylor’s first season as a starting quarterback, he gave fans hope that they indeed have found the “franchise quarterback” they have been so desperate for since the late 90’s. Even though there were several QB’s who passed on going to the Pro Bowl or were hurt so they couldn’t play (Dalton, Rivers), Taylor deserves to be recognized for what he did this season. Other Bills that qualified for the Pro Bowl include center Eric Wood, Running Back LeSean McCoy and guard Richie Incognito. It is the first time the Bills have had four pro bowlers on offense since 2002, according to buffalobills.com
Sabres
For a few games, it appeared as the Buffalo Sabres we going to start digging their way out of the Eastern Conference’s basement. After winning four out of five games and having Robin Lehner return to the main roster, it appeared as the Sabres were ready to start winning games on a regular basis. That is not the case as the team has lost three of their last four, and in the span of those four games, they have been outscored 13-7. That includes being shutout by Detroit and giving up six goals to the New York Rangers. But with all the low points the team continues to experience, Sabres fans still have Jack Eichel to brighten their day. Eichel’s terrific play, including two goals against the Senators, has made him second in the team in points. Behind only Ryan O’Reilly in that category, Eichel’s play reminds us that, even though this isn’t the year the Sabres win the Stanley cup, let alone make the playoffs, the future is bright for the young team.
