Archives for December 23, 2001

‘Before Sunday, Feely was 11-for-18 at the Georgia Dome and 12-for-12 on the road. The game-winner was his second-longest kick of the season; he had a 55-yarder at Arizona.’

‘Chris Chandler set a club record with a career-high 432 passing yards, and rookie Jay Feely made it an especially memorable day for the Atlanta Falcons.’

‘In other words: Who is worse on third-down defense?’

‘"I can be the best safety that I want to be because I’m around people who believe in me."’

‘Atlanta trails New Orleans and Tampa Bay by one game in the race for the final NFC wild-card spot.’

‘"I’ve been against this from the beginning," the Buffalo Bills’ general manager said. "I don’t like it. I think it takes the human element out of the game, which I think is part of sports."’

‘Seven rookies routinely start for the Bills, and inexperience has been a dilemma all season.’

‘Vick, the first overall pick of last year’s draft and considered the team’s quarterback of the future, likely will spend most of today’s game against the Buffalo Bills watching from the sidelines as 14-year veteran Chris Chandler continues his role as quarterback of the present.’

‘The [Bills’] defence hasn’t allowed a touchdown in six quarters.’

‘"It’s been real tough going from playing a lot to not playing hardly at all," Bryson said. "But I’m just glad I’m in a position to help the team any way that I can."’

‘[Q:] The man you replaced, Henry Jones, started for 10 seasons and was among the NFL’s best-ever strong safeties and one of the Bills’ most popular players. How did Henry help you? [A:] ”I learned a ton from Henry, not only how to play on the field but how to act off the field, because he was a good person. He had a good reputation, a guy who handled himself like a true professional and I admired that a lot.”’

‘Dan Reeves is 2-7 lifetime against the Bills.’

‘The one encouraging aspect of an otherwise awful year has been the performance of several young players with whom the Bills will build their future.’

‘"Losing always makes it seems longer and tougher," linebacker Mark Simoneau said. "You have to focus. . . . And keep grinding."’

‘Lately, teams have had surprises for the Falcons, and they haven’t adjusted well. They’d better today. The Bills have lost five games by a touchdown or less.’