Archives for December 2001

‘”This year has to be different from last year,” running back Curtis Martin said. “I believe it will be.”‘

‘Buffalo rushed for 192 yards against a poor tackling defense that didn’t seem ready.’

‘The Jets drove inside Buffalo’s 20-yard line on four of their 10 possessions yet they had to settle for three Hall field goals against a defense that had allowed the third-most points in the NFL this season.’

‘”They were able to run the football on us and they killed us,” Edwards said. “They ran around the end and they made plays and we didn’t. We had a chance at times to make plays and we didn’t get it done.”‘

‘So much for a 15-year veteran and supposed team leader actually standing up and taking some responsibility. “He can change (a play call),” Hackett said. “That’s happened before.”‘

‘The Jets, who lead the NFL in takeaway/turnover ratio, gave Buffalo the ball four times and had no takeaways.’

‘Do the Jets, who were 3-5 at home this season, really know how to win?’

‘”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.’