Archives for September 2004

‘"It’s not the sole nucleus of what’s going to make this thing run, but they are a large part of any team," Mularkey said. "But I’m not going to put all the pressure on them. We have other positions that need to play at a high level. Receivers, tight ends and fullbacks doing their part will help the offensive line."’

‘Mularkey, former offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, was hired to score points, not prevent them, and he has made it clear he trusts Gray to do the job he hired him for without meddling.’

‘Now, here are 10 things the Jaguars have to do to beat the Bills this Sunday…’.

Injury information to come from Del Rio, not players (Florida Times Union)

Leftwich grabs leadership role (Orlando Sentinel)

Time for ’10 things’ (Jaguars.com)

Jags have ambassadors (Jaguars.com)

One more time (Jaguars.com)

‘Bills 23, Jaguars 20 OT.’

‘Predicted Outcome: Bills 28, Jaguars 20.’

‘"We’re going to continue to pound on people," said quarterback Drew Bledsoe. "I think you’ll see that at times it may not be efficient in the first quarter, it might not even be efficient in the second quarter. But as the game goes on, with the big dudes we have up front and with Travis Henry running the ball and pounding on people, late in the game that’s where you can kind of start to wear them down." Jaguars second year quarterback Byron Leftwich can make things exciting, but stopping running back Fred Taylor is the key for buffalo’s defense."

‘Adams was injured late Wednesday during practice. Adams did participate in Friday’s workout and was slightly limited, but coach Mike Mularkey said he expected him to play Sunday.’

‘Mike Mularkey said he hurt it near the end of Wedneday’s practice. He did not participate fully in practice on Friday.’

‘DH: Everybody knows what Travis brings to the table, but what about Willis-has he looked good in practice?

EM: He’s looked great, I think he came in and he’s picked up the offense well and I think he’s going to do great things for us. I think right now we know Travis is our guy, but Willis is going to get some of the carries also. At the same time we feel that we have 2 quality backs and like I said before, it’s a long season and it’s very hard for guys to stay healthy.’

‘”They’re not strong enough to win the division … I can see them going 8-8″ he said, before hedging, “but they could get a wild card spot."’

‘"There’s no emotional high and low that you get that you can compare to any other job in the world," said Mularkey, who at 42 is the third-youngest coach in the league. "I know that no matter how many software programs I marketed, I didn’t get any experience like I did on the football field."’

‘As a first-year NFL player, Ritzmann will earn the league minimum of $230,000 per year, but said he knows he’ll have to prove himself before he’s able to command a salary comparable to the $98 million quarterback Peyton Manning will earn in seven years. "Of course it would be great if I could sack one of the big quarterbacks like Donovan McNabb or Peyton Manning," Ritzmann said. "And I’m sure that’s going to happen in the future."’

‘"As a fan, the 1980 season opener when they beat the Dolphins and ended the streak of the 1970s stands out. They didn’t beat the Dolphins in a decade – 20 straight losses. To beat the Dolphins in the season opener for most long-time Bills fans, that’s everybody’s most memorable opening game."’

‘"Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney have been doing a great job," defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said. "They’re real good friends but they know they need to compete against one another at a very high level. It’s not like one is a good run stopper and one is a good pass rusher, it’s not that at all. When you look at their production, it’s about the same. They’re both playing good enough to start, so they’re both going to play."’