Archives for October 21, 2004

‘Mularkey is receiving a lot of kudos for not deviating from the plan he concocted for the Bills and the personnel he inherited from Gregg Williams last off-season. Even when Wilson said he was tired of “smash-mouth” football, Mularkey stuck to the run against Miami, and wore the Dolphins down by controlling the ball a whopping 13:22 of the fourth quarter.’

‘Gray said he didn’t sit Adams to punish him or because he was playing poorly, although Miami ran the ball well in the first half. He did it because Edwards (four tackles, two sacks) got hot and he wasn’t tiring. Gray said he wouldn’t scrap his rotation system because he wants his defensive linemen to stay fresh and he also doesn’t hold a grudge against Adams for confronting him. Adams, who was back with the first-unit defense on Wednesday, wasn’t fined and there is a good dialogue going on.’

‘The Bills, who were averaging eight penalties per game, got it down to seven against Miami. The team began using two ex-Arena League referees at each of their practices last week. The refs toss flags at anything they see wrong. “We learned some things even in that game that happened with some of the calls (from practice). I see no negative about having these guys out there helping us out,” coach Mike Mularkey said.’

‘Before this season, Milloy has started all but six games in his nine-year career with New England and Buffalo.’

‘Travis Henry practiced and his bad arch is questionable. Mularkey didn’t think Henry looked all the way back yet, but felt it’s the best he’s looked since the injury happened against the Jets. Trey Teague rode the bike, but isn’t expected to play and is doubtful. J.P. Losman and Troy Vincent are still out.’

‘Milloy’s presence bolsters what’s been a banged-up defensive backfield that will be minus starting cornerback Troy Vincent, who will miss his third straight game with a right knee injury.’

‘"Some of these kids haven’t smiled all week and today they’re grinning from ear to ear," said Deborah King, a child life specialist at the hospital. "We really enjoyed Takeo’s visit. Seeing him gave the children incentive to get out of bed."’

‘"He’s just reliable," said Head Coach Mike Mularkey. "Guys have confidence in him and it just seems that if we need a punt at a critical time he’s come through with it."’

‘”What I was pulled for is a family affair. We keep those things in house,” Adams said. “But it had nothing to do with my performance and it had nothing to do with play time.”‘

‘Adams played down what happened, saying, ”We keep those things in-house.” Except for calling it ”a passionate game,” he wouldn’t say what led to the outburst.’