OAKLAND, Calif. -- Observed and heard in the locker room after the Buffalo Bills' 26-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders:
Bills got "whooped" up front: Tight end Lee Smith was blunt when asked about the Bills' dismal rushing performance, which saw them gain just 13 yards on 13 carries. "I don't even know if we rushed the ball for even 20 yards, which is flat-out embarrassing," he said. "We're grown men. We all work very hard. We all dedicate ourselves to this game, and when you get your ass whooped up front for four quarters, it's embarrassing. We take it personal, and there's no excuse for it." Doug Marrone said Sunday was the worst showing by the offensive line this season.
Marrone's parting shot: At the end of his postgame news conference, Marrone was asked about a CBSSports.com report in which Marrone was said to be "on the radar" for the University of Michigan's head coaching vacancy. "No, not right now," he said. "I have nothing to do with that job." Marrone then walked off the podium and added with a laugh: "You're stuck with me, fortunately or unfortunately."
No indication on EJ Manuel's status for finale: With the Bills now eliminated from the playoffs, the possibility of the Bills evaluating quarterback EJ Manuel moves onto the radar. Marrone made it clear two weeks ago that he would stick with Orton even if the Bills were out of the playoffs, but he was less firm when asked the question after Sunday's loss. "We'll look at the film and see what we have to do and play who gives us the best chance to win next week," he said.
