HOUSTON -- Observed and heard in the locker room after the Buffalo Bills' 23-17 loss to the Houston Texans:
Quarterback EJ Manuel, who struggled for most of Sunday's game, was one of the last players to leave the Bills' locker room. While most of his teammates changed and headed for the team bus, Manuel sat facing his locker with his head down. A couple of teammates came over to offer Manuel encouragement, but for the most part he was left alone. The second-year quarterback normally is remarkably even-keeled as he meets reporters after games, but I saw a slightly more beleaguered Manuel on Sunday.
Notably, the Bills won the turnover battle against the Texans but still lost the game. "When you win the turnover battle, it's a must win," cornerback Leodis McKelvin said. "You can look at the percentages of that s---, it's supposed to be real low, as far as other teams, once you get two or more turnovers, you're supposed to win the game." McKelvin didn't pin blame on the offense, however, saying the defense needed to get off the field more than it did.
Coach Doug Marrone was asked directly if there was "any consideration or temptation" to turn to backup quarterback Kyle Orton in Sunday's game. "No, no, not at all," Marrone responded.
