Archives for September 16, 2003

‘”We kind of set the tone at the outset of both games … that’s the thing I’m most proud of,” Gilbride said. “To take (the first possession) down and drive it in, gives your team … the entire team, an overwhelming sense of confidence. It also alters the whole complexion of their game … what their team is going to do defensively now changes and what their team is going to do on offense changes.”‘

‘Yes, Jacksonville scored—but who cares? The Bills had 38 points. The failed fake punt was of no consequence to the outcome of the game. This has to be a horrible time for talk radio. What do you talk about when a team has played as well as the Bills the first two games, and there’s nothing negative to drone on about? The answer– they have to focus on an play that meant absolutely nothing.’

‘After avenging a five-game losing streak to the Jets at the Meadowlands last Sunday, the Dolphins will try to halt a modest two-game winning streak by Buffalo in this series, and prevent the Bills from boasting their first three-game winning streak against Miami since 1993-94 (last of ’93 and both of ’94).’

‘The Bills are 2-0 and have outscored their first two opponents by a composite 69-17.’

‘The Dolphins hold a 25-11-1 lead over Buffalo in games played in Miami during the regular season, while the Bills own a 9-7 advantage in games staged at Pro Player Stadium.’

‘Bills RB Travis Henry surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in both games against the Dolphins last year.’

‘Bills special teams coordinator Danny Smith spent two years coaching his alma mater, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, where he tutored former Dolphins QB Dan Marino.’

‘Buffalo’s Drew Bledsoe passed for 314 yards and two touchdowns in the Bills’ 38-17 win over Jacksonville. Bledsoe completed 19 of 25 attempts and recorded a 144.2 passer rating.’

‘This team is for real.’

‘Now is your chance to ask Buffalo’s quarterback a question!’

‘"That’s what Buffalo is about," guard Ruben Brown said. "That’s what the Buffalo area is about, the Buffalo Bills and how well the Bills do. I’ve been here when we played crappy or we’re not that good, and everybody in town is sad and down and they don’t want to go anywhere."’

‘But it’s funny how a guy that big can get overlooked. He came here 17 months ago as the No. 4 pick in the draft, the Bills’ highest draft pick since Bruce Smith. But he became old news after Drew Bledsoe’s arrival. This year, all the fuss was about the new additions on the defense. It’s reached the point where people take him almost for granted.’

‘Team sources said Wright had his share of problems before his latest arrest. Just this season, he was served with an order to pay a car loan he abandoned in Tennessee. He was given an eviction notice for failing to pay rent on his apartment in Western New York. He also had his furniture repossessed because he failed to keep up with those payments, sources said.’

‘Who is to blame for the poor running game, Travis Henry or the offensive line? Probably a combination, but one would have to lean toward the line. Henry knows how to run, and he usually makes good decisions on picking holes or cutting back. Against the Jags, he had nowhere to go because the line had trouble keeping Jacksonville’s front seven out of the backfield.’

‘Unless the Bills start establishing a ground attack, teams are going to start loading up against the pass and making it a lot more difficult for the gunslinging Bledsoe.’