Archives for November 2002

‘After amassing a season-high 189 yards on the ground against the Detroit Lions last week, the Jets torched the Buffalo Bills’ 26th-ranked run defense for 155 yards in yesterday’s 31-13 triumph.’

‘The same team that had blown a 21-3 lead and lost to the Browns a month ago was now trifling with the Buffalo Bills, who can score points in a hurry.’

‘TURNING POINT: With the scored tied early in the second quarter, Bills cornerback Chris Watson flattened Jets kicker John Hall on a successful field-goal kick. The Jets, with new life and a first down, scored on their second try from the 1.’

‘”I think it’s just a reflection upon our team, the type of mentality we have right now,” Pennington said. “Whatever it takes to get the job done. Pretty, ugly, it doesn’t matter.”‘

‘The Jets didn’t laugh their way through their 31-13 win over Buffalo, though they dominated the Bills with one of their most complete games of the season.’

‘The Jets limited Bledsoe to 181 passing yards while sacking and intercepting him twice. “The key to football is not giving up the big plays,” said Jets cornerback Aaron Beasley, who made one instead.’

‘After watching Bills’ quarterback Drew Bledsoe repeatedly team up with receivers Peerless Price and Eric Moulds in the season-opener, the Jets shut the trio down yesterday.’

‘The Jets now appear to be the team that they – and many others – believed themselves to be coming out of training camp.’

‘People say the defense is better, but it didn’t change players. The offense did. It changed quarterbacks, and the Jets simply aren’t beating themselves as they did two months ago.’

‘”I would’ve thought that, as a team, we would have a bit more of a sense of urgency,” said Buffalo guard Ruben Brown. “We didn’t overcome. But we know we have talent. We know we have good players. We just have to start getting the job done."’

‘The Jets (6-5) completed a sweep of their AFC East rivals and remained in second place, one game behind the Miami Dolphins (7-4). The loss was the second in a row for the Bills (5-6), who fell into last place in the division and host Miami next week.’

‘The Jets really sealed up Bledsoe and his receivers most of the day. Bledsoe passed for only 181 yards and Eric Moulds, one of the best receivers in the NFL, was held to two catches for 24 yards. Defensive tackle Josh Evans recorded his fifth sack of 2002 and continues to be a force. On the other side of the ball, the Bills let Coles (7-78-1)victimize their secondary.’

‘Pennington, however, made the most memorable move of the game. He sent linebacker Eddie Robinson tumbling to the turf with an inside fake on a rollout, then trotted into the end zone for a 1-yard TD to make it 31-13. On fourth down, no less.’

‘Meanwhile, Buffalo’s Drew Bledsoe was intercepted twice and fumbled once. Both of his interceptions led to touchdowns.’

‘"We don’t need any extra motivation for this one," quarterback Drew Bledsoe said. "This is a pivotal game in our season. All three (division games) will determine for us where we stand. If we go on a three-game win streak right here, then we’re firmly in control."’