Archives for September 2003

‘On Aggressive Play On Last Drive: "It was very important, we kept reminding each other, players and coaches, to stay aggressive. Over our years here there have been times when I haven’t been aggressive enough and the coaches did a great job of reminding me of that."’

‘On the Play of the Offensive Line: "They played well today. We picked up the blitz well and for the ones I wasn’t able to pick up, I was able to get the ball out to the hot reads and let them turn up field to get some yards. Collectively the O-line played well."’

‘Following a touchback, the Eagles started at their own 20-yard line. Westbrook started the drive with a 3-yard run. Pinkston couldn’t quite hold onto McNabb’s pass on second down. On third down, McNabb fired to the right sideline and Thrash made a leaping grab for a 14-yard gain and first down.’

‘"All game we were just able to keep fighting," said McNabb, who completed 18-of-29 passes for 172 yards. "We never gave up."’

‘CB Sheldon Brown: Thrown into Eric Moulds duty when Troy Vincent went out of the game with a hamstring injury, Brown did a good job. He played tenacious defense, didn’t back down and stayed in Moulds’ face even though Brown prepared all week to see more of Bobby Shaw than Moulds.’

‘On one glorious Sunday, the Eagles used the three-headed running back to absolute perfection. Duce Staley, Correll Buckhalter and Brian Westbrook combined to give the offense dreamy production: 24 carries, 125 yards, 4 receptions and 21 yards. Totals: 28 touches, 146 yards and great blocking when quarterback Donovan McNabb faced the blitz.’

‘The defense did its job. Simon set the tone with an 8-yard sack of Bledsoe on Buffalo’s first play from scrimmage.’

‘But despite the absences of a host of key starters, Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson managed to cook up a gameplan that, for the most part, shut down one of the NFL’s most-ballyhooed offense.’

‘On SS Michael Lewis’ forced fumble before halftime: "That was big. There were a couple of other close calls that could have gone either way. The officials had some tough calls they had to make today, but that helped."’

‘On the Bills getting the momentum back in the second half: "Offensively, we were on the sidelines talking to one another. We said if we got a couple first downs and put the ball in the end zone this game is over. James (Thrash) did a wonderful job of peeling away from the defender and I tried to just put it in a spot where he could get it. And to top it all off was Brian’s (Westbrook) touchdown. We never give up and that’s what this team is all about."’

‘"We came out and set the tempo on the offensive side and the defense was fired up," said quarterback Donovan McNabb. "We were just consistently making plays."’

‘The Bills were totally unprepared to play football on Sunday and deserved the 23-13 loss in Wilson Stadium and the hands of the Eagles.’

‘Bledsoe was effective throwing the ball, but the Eagles completely shut down the Bills’ depleted running game. With starter Travis Henry sidelined by injury, Buffalo managed just 15 yards on nine carries.’

‘Third-string backup Joe Burns carried the ball eight times for 17 yards in his absence.’

‘The Bills were booed off the field at the end of the half, and were booed again when they went three-and-out on their first possession of the third quarter.’