Archives for December 3, 2000

‘Better yet for the Dolphins they were totally prepared to play. The Bills could hardly say the same.’

‘”I can’t remember anything worse being down what, 27 or 24 at halftime? No, I can’t remember anything worse,” Bills linebacker John Holecek said. “Offensively and defensively, it was all a miserable effort by us.”‘

‘It was not going to make a difference who started at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.’

‘If ever there was a game in which the Buffalo Bills could use a boost from their famous circle-the-wagons mentality, today is it.’

‘"With Ted as the coordinator, he’s the type of guy who’s very into his players," strong safety Henry Jones said. "He exudes confidence. Hopefully he can pass that along to the players who get in there.’

‘The Bills are too banged up. . . . Miami, 17-16.’

‘The Bills’ injury situation is so pronounced head coach Wade Phillips got his squad together for a Rah-Rah session after Wednesday’s practice.’

‘Diving into the deep end today are linebackers Jay Foreman and Corey Moore (for the injured Sam Cowart and Sam Rogers) and defensive backs Donovan Greer and Travares Tillman (for Antoine Winfield and Keion Carpenter).’

‘Healthy is not a word used much these days to describe the Bills. Bruised, battered, decimated — yes. Healthy — no.’

‘"We realize we have to play our best game for ourselves and the team," said quarterback Rob Johnson, whose injury du jour is sore ribs. "But we don’t feel we have to force things or create things that aren’t there and end up playing worse."’

‘Buffalo will be the only AFC East team not to play the potent St. Louis Rams.’

‘Bills can win if … Their play mirrors their situation — do-or-die. This is a must win, the Bills are at home and, despite their injuries, they should put forth a huge effort.’

‘Buffalo, somehow, must make do without the NFL’s leading tackler, linebacker Sam Cowart, who injured his ankle against the Tampa Bay Bucs last weekend. Another linebacker, Sam Rogers, is out with a groin injury as is safety Keion Carpenter (ankle) and cornerback Antoine Winfield, who recently had shoulder surgery.’

‘More than 10 current Dolphins and several former Dolphins accuse the team of not telling players about the full extent of their injuries and risking careers by pressuring players to return before they’re ready.’

‘The Dolphins have allowed only nine pass plays of 30 yards or longer this season — the longest a 42-yarder.’