Tag: Lorenzo Alexander

Lorenzo Alexander (again) on potential Bills return: ‘I’m ready, I’m working’

Retired Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander discusses a potential return to the Buffalo Bills once again this offseason.

It’s not over till it’s over.

That’s what one could say about now retired Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander.

At the end of the 2019 season, Alexander, 37, hung em’ up, retiring from the NFL. Not only that, he was pretty definitive with his decision following the Bills’ playoff loss to the Texans.

“I’m done,” Alexander said. “I made the decision a while ago, and so I’m at peace with it. It’s more about choosing my family than not choosing football. … It’s been a great ride. I have no regrets. I’ve loved every minute of it.”

“I’m 100 percent sure,” he added.

But now for the second time this offseason… is Zo throwing some hints out there?

While technically no longer playing, perhaps only for now, Alexander is still involved in the NFL. He’s on the NFLPA executive committee as a vice president. Because of that role, he joined the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday and touched on a number of league topics.

When the discussion was rounding up, Alexander said he thinks the Bills are the favorite in the AFC East heading into the 2020 season, even with Cam Newton’s signing with the Patriots and added if he can help, he will.

“I’m ready, I’m working,” Alexander said. “You never known, you never know. They make that run, call me up Brandon (Beane), you know I’ll be ready for you.”

This is the second time in recent weeks that Alexander has discussed potentially hitting the field once again for the Bills. In May, Alexander left his first very small opening for returning.

“All I was saying to (Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott)…if y’all get in a dire need… injuries, which you never know, I’m staying ready, just in case,” Alexander said. “But it’s only for the playoffs. I’m picking my shot? It’s only for the playoffs. That’s probably all I can handle right now.”

But since making the comment, the NFL has certainly changed. Hell, the entire world has, which requires us to explain the context of the question on the Pat McAfee Show.

As a NFLPA VP, Alexander has been a vocal person in the football community in regard to discussing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. There’s many unanswered questions in regard to the NFL season getting underway. One of the concerning things for players is what happens if the flu strikes a locker room and several players are sidelined due to illness?

That’s the exact context that Alexander was talking about a potential return. Alexander was asked if he would return if a few Bills linebackers went down due to COVID-19. That’s worth mentioning because currently that’s a real possibility and cause for concern. What if that does actually happen?

We’ll never wish for it, but it appears if that is the case, Alexander might be a guy that’s sort of an extra practice squad member for the Bills defense who might just pop out of retirement in a “dire need” scenario, as Alexander previously said.

 

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Lorenzo Alexander expresses COVID-19 concerns for coaches

Former Buffalo Bills LB Lorenzo Alexander expresses concerns for NFL coaches during COVID-19 outbreak.

In regard to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the United States and the return of sports such as the NFL, much of the emphasis for safety has been on players. And that’s for good reason. Lorenzo Alexander,who announced his retirement in January but remains on the NFL Players Association’s executive committee, gets that.

Alexander said he believes there’s a “shot” football returns this fall. Like many of us, Alexander’s probably holding his breath a bit about that, too. But the recently retired player shed some light on an interesting topic in regard to football’s return.

We’ve already seen that the league expects to do what it can to keep players safe. Social distancing at training camp, less players in the building, deeper practice squads to teams have enough bodies to play.

But what about coaches? There’s no practice squad or backups or second-in-command for some of these jobs and Alexander said he’s concerned about NFL coaches just as much as he is about his former brethren on the field.

“I’m thinking of some of the things that are just unforeseen,” Alexander said via WKBW-TV this week. “A lot of the focus has been on players, and I get that… I also look at coaches.

“You can always replace players and have a practice squad, but imagine a world where three or four coaches go down, what does that look like? Who is going to call plays? Who’s going to be on the sideline making adjustments? It’s not like you’re going to have a ‘practice squad of coaches’ or ‘taxi club’ of coaches.”

Earlier this offseason, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott discussed how important that depth is going to be in 2020.

“The reality of this year is, what happens if said player comes down with the virus? You need to have depth… We need to make sure the depth is what we need it to be,” McDermott said.

But to Alexander’s point… depth in the coaching staff? The league is currently going back-and-forth on protocol in regard to getting players back into team faculties. Hopefully coaches on game day are being considered here, too.

Maybe during game week the Bills could still have a sick coach virtually meeting with players, but on Sundays? What’s going to happen then? Something for the NFL to consider and a valid point by Alexander.

 

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3 major questions for Bills defense ahead of training camp

Here are three questions to consider for Buffalo’s defense before the team comes together for training camp.

NFL players are gearing up for training camp. With the disjointed offseason, the hope is that training camp will add a level of normalcy to the league’s activities.

Ahead of the players returning for team activities, there are various question marks the Bills may have prior to seeing players hit the field.

For the purpose of this mini-series, the questions will focus on roster issues and defensive side of the ball. Here are three questions to consider for Buffalo’s defense before the team comes together for training camp.

Panthers’ Mario Addison. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

1. How do the additions to the defensive line impact the unit?

The Bills signed several players to bolster their defensive line unit this offseason. Buffalo signed Mario Addison, Quinton Jefferson, and Vernon Butler. The team also drafted Iowa defensive end AJ Epenesa, who has the versatility to play the interior of the line if necessary. While not an offseason addition, the team will also have the services of Harrison Phillips in 2020, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury early last year and missed most of the year. He had gotten off to a good start.

On the flip side, Buffalo allowed defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and Shaq Lawson to leave via free agency.

Addison looks to bring a stronger pass-rush perspective to the fray. Butler will eat double teams in the interior, while Jefferson has the flexibility to play in multiple places. How these free agent signings meld with the incumbents will be a story to watch throughout training camp. Addison is paid as a starting end, so where does that leave Trent Murphy? Will Butler spell Star Lotulelei? How much larger of a role does Ed Oliver play in his second season?

One question leads to so much more. Yet, it all comes down to the following: Is this unit better than last year’s? If they are not as good, then the defense as a whole will take a step backward this year.

 

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11 takeaways from Sean McDermott’s pre-summer presser

Takeaways from Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott and his final press conference before summer.

The Buffalo Bills have finished their recent “minicamp.” Well, actual minicamps were cancelled by the NFL this offseason due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But the league still held weeks of “virtual”meetings over video chats.

The Bills just wrapped those up and following that, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott wrapped up his media availability for this summer as he virtually chatted with members of the western New York media on Wednesday.

Here are 11 takeaways from McDermott’s final pre-summer press conference:

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Virtual reflections

McDermott would’ve loved to be seeing his players in-person during minicamps, as would any coach. In fact, we’d all love to not have to change our lives due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Alas, we have. But McDermott gave his evaluation on how his team’s “virtual” offseason has gone. The coach thought things went well.

Here’s what McDermott had to say:

“To sit here now, if you would have asked me, ‘Would we be able to get this done?’ Back, four five months ago, to execute what we’ve been able to execute, and at the level we’ve been able to execute it at, I would have said that’s going to be a very heavy lift, and it has been. That said, it’s just been incredible to watch our team come together, not just our players, but the staff, the support that we get from our IT department, everyone in our building has had to do things, to make what used to be easy, become reality.”

 

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Lorenzo Alexander ready to return if Bills in ‘dire need’

Buffalo Bills LB Lorenzo Alexander on the small chance he has of returning to the Bills.

Lorenzo Alexander hung em’ up after the 2019 season. After more than a decade in the NFL, playing all over the field, he retired as a member of the Bills after last year.

Alexander, soon to be 37, was stern about his decision following the Bills’ playoff loss to the Texans in January.

“I’m done,” Alexander said. “I made the decision a while ago, and so I’m at peace with it. It’s more about choosing my family than not choosing football. … It’s been a great ride. I have no regrets. I’ve loved every minute of it.”

“I’m 100 percent sure,” he added.

But via West Herr, he spoke to Bills Wire’s Bradley Gelber on Friday and while every so slightly, Alexander did, in fact, leave the door open for a return. Again, it’s a very small opening.

“All I was saying to (Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott)…if y’all get in a dire need… injuries, which you never know, I’m staying ready, just in case,” Alexander said. “But it’s only for the playoffs. I’m picking my shot? It’s only for the playoffs. That’s probably all I can handle right now.”

Alexander said that decision would have to do with what he described as a tight-knit relationship he has with McDermott and the team. So if they really, really needed him, he’d see what he can do. But Alexander did also admit that he’s feeling very relaxed and content with his retirement from football currently.

Check out the full interview here:

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Tyler Matakevich took impromptu trip to Buffalo months before joining Bills

Tyler Matakevich on Buffalo Bills, Lorenzo Alexander and a trip he took.

New Buffalo Bills linebacker Tyler Matakevich loves special teams. We’ll get to that.

What’s much more interesting about Matakevich is perhaps how something came full circle for him.

Matakevich did the rounds with western New York media on Wednesday and did a quick chat with the team’s website and media. While chatting, the former member of the Pittsburgh Steelers discussed that he took a random, impromptu trip with his girlfriend to wine country which led him straight to what would be his future home.

“It’s funny, me and my girlfriend had a weekend off last year during the season and we made a pit stop in Buffalo before we went up to Niagara-the-lake on the Canadian side. We were eating some wings and we were like, ‘how cool would it be if we lived in Buffalo?’ Fast forward like year…few months later, and we’re going there,” Matakevich said.

Matakevich added those wings have him excited to get up to Buffalo and try the popular regional food. But while discussing his new home, he also gave a very “process” answer that would have had Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott smiling.

Matakevich was asked what the first thing he’s going to do when his current quarantine from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic ends. Answer: a very culture-friendly one.

“Well, besides go up to Buffalo…” Matakevich started. “I definitely gotta go to a beach or something, put my feet in the sand or something, I feel like I’ve been stuck in this house, you know? It’s driving me nuts… but I definitely am excited and I can’t wait to get up to Buffalo.”

In terms of on the field in Orchard Park, it’s widely expected that Matakevich will be an ace on special teams. He’s going to continue that role in Buffalo. McDermott touched on just that earlier his offseason.

“Him playing for Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh. When you face teams and you know who their top special-teams players are, that’s a good thing. Tyler comes with a decorated resume as a special-teams player. Also I’ll say I think he’s an undervalued line-of-scrimmage player at the linebacker position,” McDermott said.

And Matakevich doesn’t have a problem with that at all. That third phase of the game is something the linebacker loves. He explained via conference call that he actually molded his game on special teams after a familiar face to Bills fans, Lorenzo Alexander, who was a very highly-touted special teams player himself. In addition, Matakevich just simply has a passion for doing his job there.

“Special teams is so important. They always just think offense, defense. but shoot, it’s a third of the game. That’s how guys make a living, it’s very important,” Matakevich said. “You want to be out there every play on offense and defense. You want to be out there every snap and stuff. But unfortunately you can’t, you know? So it’s like, ‘how am I going to make an impact on the field?’ Special teams is a great way to do it.”

“You only get so many plays so you have to go so hard each opportunity you get. It’s awesome, I love everything about it,” he added.

 

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Bills’ Mario Addison credits Lorenzo Alexander helping him along the way

Buffalo Bills DE discusses former LB Lorenzo Alexander.

Defensive end Mario Addison joined the Bills this offseason after a successful spell with the Carolina Panthers. Buffalo is hoping to get the player who turned into a successful sack artist there. Over the past four-straight seasons, Addison had at least nine sacks every year.

But the 32-year-old wasn’t always a picture-perfect prospect. He once was an undrafted rookie who was unlikely to find a 10-year career in the NFL, but here he is.

Addison will be the first to admit that he didn’t get to this point without some help. He had plenty of support along the way, while bouncing around from team-to-team early in his career. While doing so, he crossed paths with former Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander in 2012 while with the Redskins.

Like Addison, Alexander bounced around early in his career, and even changed positions and became a special teams ace to extend his career. The new Bills defender said during his brief time with Alexander, the recently retired linebacker was a guy who helped mold him into a double-digit sacker.

“I know a lot about Lorenzo. I played with the him when I was with the Redskins. He was one of those guys, one of those veteran guys that… he wanted to help others. He was one of the guys I talked about to a couple of guys that like… you always have got to find that guy [in the locker room],” Addison told the Bills radio show on WGR-550. “You’re trying to find those guys that want to help you. He’s one of those guys that helped me along the way.”

It appears the Zo-effect is coming full circle in Buffalo. Now perhaps Addison will pay that veteran leadership forward for some of the Bills’ younger prospects playing alongside Addison for the forseeable future. The first name that comes to mind is second-round rookie AJ Epenesa.

Speaking of his teammates, Addison has some new ones, although Alexander won’t be among them with the Bills anymore. But despite not being able to get together for spring workouts because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic with his new teammates, Addison mentioned he’s feeling something special with his new defensive line. Even if it’s through virtual workouts.

“It was very different when I first started, not only for me but everyone,” Addison said. “It’s been good, it’s been very fun, it’s been interesting. The D-line, talking to the D-line every day, I felt the bond that we’re going to have.”

If the Bills can get a nine-sack season out of Addison, that’d make the veteran a successful signing for the 2020 season. At the defensive end position, Buffalo’s Shaq Lawson led the Bills with 6.5 sacks last season, a stat that has to improve.

 

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Lorenzo Alexander fine with AJ Epenesa taking number

On Thursday the Buffalo Bills announced which numbers their rookie draft class would be wearing. AJ Epenesa had an interesting one, it was No. 57.

On Thursday the Buffalo Bills announced which numbers their rookie draft class would be wearing. AJ Epenesa had an interesting one, it was No. 57.

That number was most recently dusted off by now retired linebacker Lorenzo Alexander.

But no worries, Alexander said he approves of the choice soon after the team announcement.

Via his social media account on Twitter, Alexander responded to a Bills fan that mentioned Epenesa taking his number. Alexander said he’s happy about the player that took it:

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Really the toughest pill to swallow here is the one for Bills fans.

In some cases, a rookie comes in and takes the number of a more… forgotten player in team history. That allows fans to bust out the duct tape on their jersey. After four seasons in Buffalo which saw Alexander rise to Pro Bowl and fan favorite status, Bills Mafia is probably stuck buying two No. 57 jerseys instead.

Hopefully Epenesa will make that a worthwhile investment.

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Bills players react to Leslie Frazier’s promotion

Buffalo Bills players react to Leslie Frazier’s promotion

The Buffalo Bills gave defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier a promotion this week. The defensive coordinator had the title “assistant head coach” added to duties.

Frazier has been the Bills’ defensive coordinator since Sean McDermott took over as head coach in 2017. During most of that time, he’s also been the team’s defensive play-caller.

Throughout Frazier’s tenure, he’s often received praise and respect from Bills players. While the defense is viewed as McDermott’s scheme, players often times have expressed Frazier’s importance to the unit’s successes. They showed their gratitude when he signed his extension this week as well.

Some players took to social media to show their excitement for Frazier’s promotion. Here’s what a few had to say:

DE Jerry Hughes

DE Shaq Lawson

DT Jordan Phillips

CB Tre’Davious White

LB Lorenzo Alexander

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Best Saints options from the Bills

Starting Buffalo Bills guard Quinton Spain may be headed for unrestricted free agency, making him an ideal fit for the New Orleans Saints.

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With NFL free agency nearly a month away, we are going to take a look at every team’s free agents in the days ahead. We will highlight which players could be potential options for the New Orleans Saints from every other team, with today highlighting the Buffalo Bills. We will continue following the list in alphabetical order. Here’s who the Saints could target from the Bills:

  • DT Jordan Phillips
  • OLB Lorenzo Alexander
  • CB Kevin Johnson
  • DE Shaq Lawson
  • G Quinton Spain
  • RT LaAdrian Waddle
  • RB Frank Gore
  • OLB Julian Stanford
  • LB Maurice Alexander
  • FS Kurt Coleman
  • DT Corey Liuget
  • RB Senorise Perry
  • SS Dean Marlowe
  • C Spencer Long (Club Option)
  • G Isaac Asiata (RFA)
  • WR Isaiah McKenzie (RFA)
  • TE Jason Croom (ERFA)
  • CB Levi Wallace (ERFA)
  • WR Robert Foster (ERFA)

Buffalo has 19 free agents heading into the 2020 offseason. There are a couple of options that the Saints could pursue in free agency that would make sense for the club.

Again, New Orleans biggest needs lie at guard, wide receiver, linebacker, and tight end.

The first name that pops out is that of Shaq Lawson.  In 2019, Lawson recorded 6.5 sacks in 15 games, and was given a PFF grade of 68.3. Furthermore, his snap count has steadily increased each year as his role in the Bills defense has expanded culminating in a 47% snap count share this season. Buffalo has declined his fifth-year option which allows Lawson to be an unrestricted free agent. At just 25-years old, Lawson will be looking to cash in on a lucrative, long-term deal that may be a deal breaker for the Saints.

If New Orleans decides to go outside the organization for another guard, the Quinton Spain could be an option. Spain played in all 16 games in 2019, and played in 100% of offensive snaps for 15 of them. 2019 represented a down year for the interior offensive lineman, but would still represent a marked upgrade from Andrus Peat and Nick Easton.

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