Archives for November 18, 2001

‘”This is the greatest thing that could ever have happened in my life, and it took everybody pulling together in this city,” Kelly said. “This is one big family. Thank you very much, I love you all.”‘

‘The Bills (1-8) are off to their worst start in 16 years, and they have lost seven straight at home going back to last season. It’s Buffalo’s longest home losing streak since dropping eight straight spanning the 1983-84 seasons.’

‘With the Seahawks shutting down the run, Van Pelt was forced to throw often in his fourth NFL start. He was 28-of-42 for 316 yards and two TDs but could not prevent the Bills from suffering their fourth consecutive loss.’

‘The Bills will surely counter by bolstering their defensive front seven with an eighth defender near the line of scrimmage. Williams, in his first season with the Bills, employed such a strategy regularly as defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.’

‘With nine more penalties last week, the Bills have committed 63 on the season, compared to only 37 for the Seahawks.’

‘"He’s got a great presence about him. I think the players like playing for him."’

‘Opponents have outscored the Bills, 59-16, in the first quarter and 59-17 in the third.’

‘Which should make it interesting to chart Jonas Jennings and Marques Sullivan, the two highest-picked linemen from the 2001 draft, for the next two months.’

‘"I want to be part of bringing this team back to a winning level."’

‘If we were directing a video of Kelly’s 10 greatest performances, here’s how it would look…’.

‘For those who must decide who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year, this one should be easy.’

‘"You get the feeling he’s in control when he’s in there," said receiver Peerless Price. "He knows the offense. He knows the timing everybody has."’

‘"I don’t know if I see things better (than Johnson)," Van Pelt said. "But that’s one thing in this offense: I do have experience in it and I can anticipate some things."’

‘Sheppard, who has taken a lot of heat for his inconsistent play-calling, has been limited in his ability to open up his offense because of injuries to the line. His unit is coming off a futile display against New England. Wouldn’t a victory today be a sweet way to bounce back?’

‘If the Bills can slow down Alexander and force Hasselbeck to the air, they stand a much better chance of pulling the upset.’