Archives for December 30, 2001

‘”Nothing was communicated to me on the field to go to the end zone,” Testaverde said carefully of the critical play to Martin that came up short. “The play came into the huddle and we tried to execute it.”‘

‘New York had possession twice in the final two minutes but fell short of its fifth fourth-quarter comeback of the season. Vinny Testaverde’s rushed pass as time expired went out of the end zone.’

‘Home field has not been much of an advantage for the Jets, who are just 3-4 in the Meadowlands.’

‘The Bills have five [2001] draft picks in the starting lineup, more than any other team in the league, and 11 of their [2001] draft choices still are on the team, also the highest total in the NFL.’

‘"Mentally, I’m a much better player than before," he said. "I’ve been struggling with injuries this year but for the future, I feel really good."’

‘If the Bears remain lukewarm on Miller and Donahoe is not able to reach an agreement on lowering Rob Johnson’s price tag for next season (Johnson is scheduled to get $6.15 million from the Bills in 2002), then the Bills just might be interested in negotiating with Miller.’

‘The Bills are 2-6 in games decided by seven points or fewer, the Jets 7-2 including three one-point victories.’

‘[Q:] You were a Dallas fan growing up, so how much did you enjoy those Super Bowls against the Bills? [A:] ”I hated Buffalo. I was an NFC kid. I loved the Cowboys, so if they didn’t win, I’d root for another NFC team.’

‘The Jets lead the league with a remarkable plus-23 turnover ratio thanks mainly to a league-best 38 takeaways.’

‘The Jets remember all too vividly last year’s collapse, and this game against the 2-12 Bills has all the feeling of a trap, a revisiting of last year’s disastrous loss to Detroit in the penultimate game of the season.’

‘”The Jets have some good players they may not be able to keep because of their salary-cap problems,” a Houston scout said, “and the vultures are circling.”‘

‘Interestingly, the Bills are ranked higher than the Jets in 18 of 34 major statistical categories. So why have the Jets won seven more games than the Bills? They win the close ones. The Jets are 7-2 in games decided by seven points or less, the Bills are 2-6.’

‘Herm Edwards is on the verge of doing something no Jets head coach has ever done: make the playoffs in his first year on the job.’

‘The key will be the Bills’ ability to generate something on the ground. The Bills’ offensive line hasn’t shown the ability to handle the blitz and has unfavorable matchups against both DEs John Abraham and Shaun Ellis.’

‘A win in Oakland next Sunday, coupled with a win today, and the Jets will have a bye in the first round of the playoffs and then have at least one home game.’