Archives for December 28, 2003

‘“When we are spread out like that with four or five guys to throw to, that puts the defense back on its heels a little bit. It makes the offense more effective in the fact that guys are out there getting open and any pass play can go to a different guy.”’

‘“(Offensive coordinator) Charlie Weis decided early on that he wanted to spread (the receivers) out and see if they could cover all our guys. . . . We took advantage of the fact that we saw their coverages, our guys knew the coverages, and our guys knew how they were going to get open in those routes.”’

‘“The irony is crazy,” Milloy said. “We got them and they came right back and got us the same way. There was no doubt they beat us pretty badly.”’

‘And what a play, Larry Izzo! The ace special teamer, in as a sub on Buffalo’s final drive, intercepted a pass in the end zone with 13 seconds to play to give under bettors a very extra, and financially beneficial, Christmas gift.’

‘ It wasn’t a trap game after all. Not even close. Actually, it was more like a statement game.’

‘The pair could also draw interest from Buffalo general manager Tom Donahoe, who is expected to fire Gregg Williams this week. While Donahoe is thought to be seeking a candidate with head coaching experience (Jim Haslett?), he has also shown a penchant for picking off Patriots personnel (Drew Bledsoe, Lawyer Milloy, Sam Gash).’

‘Truth be told, yesterday’s game was over in the first five minutes.’

‘Brady completed 21 of 32 passes for 204 yards, setting a season-high and matching a career-high with his four TD’s.’

‘Givens caught seven passes for 80 yards and a touchdown to lead the Patriots corps of receivers in the 31-0 trouncing of Buffalo.’

‘He was supposed to be their savior.’

‘"During the week, I really didn’t think about it too much, but on the way here just driving down the highway, seeing some familiar sites and stuff, it really did start to get weird for me," the safety said following the Bills’ 31-0 loss to New England. "I had to hold back the emotions a little bit. I didn’t want my teammates to see that. It was just a surreal experience."’

‘Yet, in the midst of what has been a stunning and dazzling run, New England fans have been more fixated on whether A-Rod would be coming to Boston than whether the Pats would be going to Houston for the Super Bowl.’

‘After two Travis Henry runs, the Bills had a first down at its 33. Henry motioned out of the backfield, leaving Drew Bledsoe alone. Obviously, he would throw.’

‘ The first-team defense held the Bills to 102 yards through the first three quarters.’

‘"You saw the energy," said linebacker Matt Chatham. "In the stadium. On the field. You looked around and 11 guys were jacked. It could have been the first play of the game or the last play of the Super Bowl. It was pride. You had 53 guys who bought into the team thing and the number 31-0 was symbolic. Sticking it to them the way they stuck it to us was important."’