Archives for October 27, 2003

‘So much for making a powerful statement. This was more of a pathetic whimper.’

‘That’s why McFadden’s – and other “Bills bars” in cities around the country – is packed every Sunday. There are people in their 20s, there are people in their 80s. They range from a Bible salesman to Bernie Tolbert, the former FBI guy who now works in NBA security. All are infected with the Buffalo state of mind. They were there Sunday night. The game brings them together. But it’s Buffalo that won’t let go.’

‘The Bills head to their much-needed bye week faced with the unenviable task of having to live with this dreadful performance for seven extra days before they get to play another game, and they also head there as a team in disarray.’

‘On another national TV stage, in one of the NFL’s toughest venues for visiting teams, Buffalo had the perfect stage to prove once and for all its worthiness as a playoff contender. Instead, the Bills showed they are anything but.’

‘Turning point: Kansas City’s defensive stand on the Buffalo series after Pierson Prioleau’s blocked punt, which resulted in a safety. Antonio Brown returned the ensuing free kick 23 yards to the Buffalo 46, setting up an ideal drive start. The Bills managed one first down, but then Drew Bledsoe was sacked on a third-and-eight play, which forced a punt. Four plays later, Hall made his touchdown catch and the rout was on.’

‘Coaching: Another road dud for Gregg Williams, who was taken to school by the grandfatherly Dick Vermeil.’

‘The Bills, meanwhile, wasted great starting field position in the first half. They started each of their seven possessions outside of their 30 but managed only a 20-yard Rian Lindell field goal.’

‘”We knew that Bledsoe is the type of guy that will turn the ball over if pressured,” lineman Eric Hicks said. “That’s exactly what he did tonight.”‘

‘”Whatever my role is, whether it’s returning kicks, playing wide out, I just want to be able to contribute,” Hall said.’

‘”They came with some real exotic blitzes, but we were able to pick them up and give Trent time to get the ball downfield,” offensive tackle John Tait said. “Our receivers like to run double moves and get upfield, so it was our job to let those plays develop.”‘

‘Hall sprinted 67 yards for a touchdown. And it was electrifying. Suddenly, it was Mardi Gras at Arrowhead Stadium. Fans were freaking out. Everybody waved signs.’

‘Things got so ugly in the second half and Buffalo coach Gregg Williams made so many weird decisions that you could easily make the mistake of thinking Kansas City’s dominance was a product of Buffalo’s ineptitude.’

‘”He knew the hospital didn’t have a satellite,” said Hunt’s son, Clark, “so he had to have the surgery when there were two national games, so he wouldn’t miss them.”‘

‘The Kansas City Star brought a hand-held sound-level meter to Sunday’s contest. The opening kickoff sent the needle past 108 decibels at front-row level near one end zone, similar to the volume of a rock concert. Halfway up Section 116, cheers for the Chiefs’ first touchdown – a 67-yard pass play to Dante Hall – reached 117 decibels with celebratory music piped in. Fireworks made the meter peak out: 126 decibels.’

‘Perhaps Williams meant that Holmes wouldn’t get 50 yards in a quarter.’