Archives for December 2, 2002

‘"I’ve played in cold weather for a long time now, since high school. It never has been a real factor as far as throwing the ball." — QB Drew Bledsoe.’

‘Linebacker Zach Thomas felt the conditions worked against Miami’s quick defense, as Travis Henry had 151 yards, just the third time this season a back has exceeded 100 against the Dolphins, and the second time for Henry. "They have a big offensive line, and when you’ve got a surface like that, it slows you down, and they can get up on you," Thomas said.’

‘PASSING DEFENSE: F – They went from in charge in the first half to a total breakdown in the final 30 minutes. The Bills were gifted with some luck. Cornerback Sam Madison got his hand on a long pass in the third quarter, and it tipped to Eric Moulds at the 10 for a 57-yard touchdown. But most of it was Bledsoe’s superior throwing ability in bad weather and the Dolphins becoming increasing fatigued by chasing Moulds and Peerless Price.’

‘Cold?, they seemed to be saying, this isn’t cold. This is Buffalo weather.’

‘Whatever Moulds was saying, he backed it up. He disrespected the Dolphins’ secondary with his deeds and not just his words.’

‘Instead of euphoria, the talk was of an opportunity lost.’

‘It took 24 years, but the Dolphins’ single-season scoring record that Williams held has left him at last. It now belongs to Ricky Williams, who passed Delvin Williams’ mark of 1,258 yards with an 8-yard run behind left guard Jamie Nails in the third quarter of the Dolphins’ 38-21 loss at Buffalo on Sunday.’

‘ It wasn’t as impressive as Ricky Williams’ day, but Travis Henry continued his mastery of the Dolphins’ run defense.’

‘"There’s definite signs of life here," receiver Eric Moulds said. "It’s a great win. Morale is up. It gives us a final push. It gives us optimism knowing we can play with the big guys and get on a winning streak again."’

‘The Dolphins, who turned the ball over six times in a 23-10 loss to the Bills on Oct. 20, committed three turnovers Sunday, which Buffalo converted into 21 points.’

‘"What a waste," Fiedler said, shaking his head.’

‘The coach said the decision to go for it on fourth down rather than punting was his alone. "When you’re on the road, you’re going to have to score points against Buffalo," Wannstedt said. "Drew is going to score points. You can just feel it out there. We’re at the (36)-yard line at fourth-and-4. You’ve got to try to get some points out of that thing. "The worst scenario is to get sacked and fumble the ball and lose (33) yards."’

”’We need to keep winning. That’s the bottom line,” said Bledsoe (15 for 27, 306 yards). ”We’re going to enjoy this one because it’s a big win for us … but the bottom line is if we want to get into this race at the end of the season we need to keep winning.”’

‘Both the Patriots and Dolphins control their destinies.’

‘The Patriots woke up yesterday morning as big Drew Bledsoe fans. By nightfall, the Pats were back to scheming and plotting against their former franchise quarterback.’