Archives for September 2002

‘Chicago’s defense will pose quite a challenge for Drew Bledsoe. The Bears, led by magnificent middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, limited New Orleans’ Deuce McAllister to 45 yards rushing and they forced three Saints turnovers. This might mean Bledsoe will have to air it out (again), but that’s a scary proposition with big-play safety Mike Brown lurking in the secondary.’

‘"To me, that was a lack of respect," Prioleau said. "I take it as a slap in the face. I think that’s the kind of bitter taste we need in our mouths this week to come out and play a good game. That will definitely carry over."’

Photos of Sunday's 28-23 loss at Denver.

In particular, we’re talking about weaknesses such as Buffalo’s running game, its inability to stop the opponent’s running game and its inability to force turnovers.

he bottom line for us offensively is that we’ve got to be better at starting games. We’re digging holes for ourselves and leaving ourselves with problems at the end of games. It’s hard to overcome those all the time."

‘Like Kelly two football generations before, Bledsoe has given hope to those fans who need it, and entertainment to everyone else. At some point, he might even provide we mean-spirited columnists with a little fodder.’

‘”I think, when we look at the film,” said Bills’ middle linebacker London Fletcher, “we’ll realize that the Broncos didn’t beat us, we beat ourselves.”‘

‘Tellingly, cornerback Antoine Winfield led the Bills with nine tackles, all unassisted.’

‘Chicago at Buffalo – Two teams that have played very well in every game they’ve been in. This will be a pretty darn good indicator if both teams can contend this year.’

‘But as he’d done in the previous two weeks with his new team, Bledsoe very nearly brought the damn house down. That’s how good this guy still is.’

‘Buffalo rallied three times after falling behind, 14-0, in the first half but was never able to get the lead in a game controlled by the Broncos’ defense.’

‘Today they must come to grips with a sobering reality: An effort as strong as the one they put out against Denver probably won’t get the job done the next two weeks, either.’

‘It wasn’t the first time teams have gone after Watson, and it won’t be the last. Opposing offenses have respect for starting cornerbacks Antoine Winfield and Nate Clements and their ability to lock down receivers.’

‘Greatness? If that’s the case, then the Common Council is on the brink of greatness, too. The Buffalo economy is on the brink of a major turnaround. Mayor Masiello is on the brink of having his likeness carved onto the side of Mount Rushmore.’

‘"It was a sweep to the right and I cut inside and there were some defenders there," Henry said. "I got caught up and they kind of turned me and the ball came out. It was a crucial turnover. But plays like that, you just got to forget about them and come back in and establish yourself."’