ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills president Russ Brandon opened 2013 vowing to transform what he called the franchises "tarnished" reputation. On Monday, Brandon closed the year with the job still incomplete. Though pleased with the direction the team has taken under first-year general manager Doug Whaley and first-year coach Doug Marrone, Brandon expressed disappointment with a 6-10 finish and the Bills extending the NFLs longest active playoff drought to 14 seasons. "I have all the faith and belief in (Marrone) and (Whaley) to keep continuing to get this ship pointed in the right direction and see significant progress as we enter 2014," Brandon said. "What we dont feel good about is sitting here and talking to you at 6-10. And that needs to change." Change was the operative word last off-season, when the Bills went through a near top-to-bottom overhaul. Buffalo purged much of its roster, and began a rebuilding plan that included drafting quarterback EJ Manuel with the 16th pick out of Florida State. The transition has yet to start paying dividends. In closing the season with a 34-20 loss at New England on Sunday, Buffalo finished with six wins for a third consecutive year, ended fourth in the AFC East for a sixth consecutive year, and extended its string of losing seasons to nine dating to a 9-7 finish in 2004. "With youth comes inconsistency," Whaley said. "So all those guys that contributed this year, we expect them to take a bigger step next year, play more consistent and be more productive." And that includes Manuel, who struggled with his consistency, and had his development stunted by injuries to both knees since August. Manuel missed the final two preseason games with a left knee injury. He missed four regular-season games after spraining his right knee in a 37-24 loss at Cleveland. And he then closed the year missing the final two games after tearing a ligament in his left knee. Manuel finished with a 4-6 record, completed just 58.8 per cent of his attempts (180 of 306 for 1,972 yards) and finished with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Marrone maintains confidence in Manuel, and has already informed the quarterback hell be the teams starter entering next season. Dismissing his critics, Manuel called his rookie season a learning process. "Obviously, youre going to have ups and downs as a rookie," Manuel said. "Ive had some good games, and theres a lot I can take and build from. I dont really know whos questioning things. But as far as me, Im just continuing to get better." Marrone announced hes already made one change to his staff by firing receivers coach Ike Hilliard because of "a difference in philosophy." Hilliard, who spent 12 seasons in the NFL playing receiver, was responsible for overseeing a young group that included rookies Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin. On the personnel front, Whaley intends to make an offer in a bid to re-sign three-time Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd. And Whaley didnt rule out the possibility of using the franchise designation for a second consecutive year to retain the players rights even if it risks the possibility of having the player miss the entire off-season as he did this past year. Byrd is open to re-signing, and also braced for possibility of the Bills retaining his rights once again. "Im at peace with everything. I know what to expect," Byrd said. "Ive gone through it once. And itll be good. However it works, itll be good." Statistically, the Bills showed improvement on several fronts. Their defence, though inconsistent in stopping the run, finished second in the NFL with a franchise-record 57 sacks. The defence ranked 10th in the NFL in yards allowed -- the units best finish since placing second in 2004. Byrd, defensive tackle Kyle Williams and defensive end Mario Williams all earned Pro Bowl selections this year. The defence also featured linebacker Kiko Alonso, a second-round pick, who is regarded an NFL defensive rookie of the year candidate. On offence, the Bills running attack finished second in the NFL with 2,307 yards -- the most since 1992. Running back Fred Jackson was among numerous veterans who expressed confidence the team might finally be turning the corner. "If you watched us play this year, youll know that were not the same team that weve been," Jackson said. "But theres no moral victories. We know that. We know that for us to be relevant, we have to win more football games." ---- NOTES: The Bills retained the rights to seven practice squad players: QB Dennis Dixon, DB Mario Butler, OTs Edawn Coughman and Jamaal Johnson-Webb, DE Ikponmwosa Igbinosun, WR Brandon Kaufman and LB Jacquies Smith. ... Whaley said hes open to re-signing PK Dan Carpenter and P Brian Moorman. Lynn Williams Jersey . -- David Freese is starting to pick up his run production, which is something the Los Angeles Angels have been waiting half a season to see. Allie Long Jersey .com) - Joique Bells touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave the Detroit Lions a 20-14 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. http://www.uswntproshop.com/c-24-rose-la...a-jersey.aspx.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills have fired receivers coach Ike Hilliard. Julie Ertz Jersey . -- Chris Jones and Louisville have done a tremendous job protecting the basketball this season and thats led to easy victories. Becky Sauerbrunn Jersey . Notes on Bergeron, Marchand, Gorges, Vanek, Gaborik, Doughty, Hiller and more. BRUINS STORM BACK TO TAKE GAME TWO The Boston Bruins rallied from a 3-1 deficit, scoring four unanswered goals, to win Game Two, 5-3 over the Montreal Canadiens.Jamie Redknapp has endorsed the FAs decision to select Sam Allardyce as Englands new manager. The 61-year-old was confirmed in his new role on Friday, and Sky Sports football analyst Redknapp says he has the nucleus of a really good group to work with.Allardyce has managed eight different English clubs, since ending his playing career in 1992, and Redknapp has given his appointment the thumbs-up. The former England midfielder told Sky Sports News HQ: There wasnt an abundance of choices this time but if you look at the contenders, he was the best at the moment.Having played against his teams and met him a few times, I like him. Hes got something about him.When youre the England manager, youve got to have someone who is not afraid of these players and will enjoy the challenge. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp has given Big Sam the thumbs-up And I think Sam can be that man. His ego will be as big as any of the players, and I mean that in a nice way. Its exactly what we need.England have not produced the goods in the last three tournaments. Weve got good players, some really good young players coming through, and this is a really good opportunity.John Stones, Ross Barkley, Marcus Rashford, Dele Ali, Harry Kane... We have the nucleus of a really good group. Kevin Davies, a former player of Sam Allardyce, believes he can be a sucess with England We need a manager who can bring the best out of them and make them the team of the people.We need those whoo will really enjoy playing for the country again and make the fans proud as well.ddddddddddddTheres been a real fear factor in the last few tournaments for English players. I dont subscribe to the fact were not good enough. I watch these players week-in, week-out. I dont subscribe to the fact were not good enough. I watch these players week-in, week-out. Jamie Redknapp on England Harry Kane won the Golden Boot last year, then went to a major tournament and didnt produce. I hope Sam finds a way for us to play, and do it every game, and every player knows his job.We mess about with systems, changing them around and scared about what the press will say. But we do have the players to build a really good team and Sam can be that person. Former England defender Jamie Carragher believes Sam Allardyce was the best candidate for the job Over the last 10 to 15 years, how often have we spoken about playing players out of position? We must get the right system for the players.In the Euros, we had Wayne Rooney in midfield but hes not a midfielder, hes a forward. Either play him as a forward or not at all.But most of all, we need to get rid of the fear factor and make them enjoy playing for their country again. Also See: England appoint Allardyce Bruce leaves Hull City Dortmund thrash Joses United England fixtures Wholesale USA Soccer Jerseysdiscount uswnt jerseyWholesale AC Milan JerseysWholesale Arsenal JerseysWholesale A.S. 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