Archives for December 16, 2004

‘You have to wonder if it’s worse than Mike Mularkey is letting on.’

‘The old knock against the Bills offense was that its ineptitude was placing too much of a burden on the defense to keep the game close. Now, it doesn’t seem to matter how many points opponents score. The Bills offense is suddenly believing it can keep up with anyone.’

‘Williams practiced for the second straight day Thursday, and his status was upgraded from questionable to probable. He was hurt in Buffalo’s 42-32 win at Miami on Dec. 5, and missed last weekend’s game against Cleveland.’

‘The Bills have scored a record amount of points in the past four games. The offense is just rolling and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Drew Bledsoe is going to have a big challenge against the Bengals corners. The defense may be ranked in the mid-20s in the league, but they can make big plays and cause a lot of turnovers. Drew needs to be aware of where those guys are and how they break on the ball. Eric Moulds and Lee Evans are going to have to get open and beat the corners. If Eric and Lee get open early, it may cause the Bengals to commit more defenders to the pass which should open lanes for Willis McGahee. Buffalo should be able to keep a balance on offense and should be able to score some points.’

‘Bills 27 Bengals 20.’

‘"He is everything people talk about," head coach Mike Mularkey said. "He’s a disruptive player. He’s a smart player. A physical and aggressive guy. I’m just glad he’s on our side."’

‘Vezina and the rest of the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati Bills Backers meet every week at Barleycorn’s in Lakeside Park, KY. The restaurant makes sure that the club is comfortable for every game. "We have a loft area reserved just for the Bills Backers," Vezina said. "And there’s also a big screen TV downstairs that usually has the Bengals game on, we’ll be cheering if Buffalo does something great and half of the group tries to watch the Bengals game too. That place is probably going to be wild Sunday."’

‘"We know we’re going to be tested," said Bills defensive backs coach Steve Szabo on Wednesday. "This is one of the better offenses we’ve faced."’

‘”We’re going to work our tails off in the rooms and practice field,” he said. “If we don’t win it, run out of time I should say, then we’ll come back we’ll find a way to do a little better next week, work a little harder, do it a little smarter and get after the next opponent."’

This is the single biggest of game of the year for the Bills. Every game is a must win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive but this is the toughest one with the exception of the finale against Pittsburgh.

‘The Bills have rushed for 133 yards a game since Teague came back from a four-week absence. They’ve allowed only eight sacks in those six games and scored 30.3 points a game. It’s no coincidence that Teague has been healthy and playing some of the best football of his seven-year career.’

‘The Bills, however, are wary of Kitna’s ability to run a wider-ranging offense than Palmer. "What they’ve done offensively is give just enough to Carson to get his feet wet," Bills coach Mike Mularkey said. "I think they’re grooming him to be a more efficient quarterback, but the experience and some of the things Kitna did . . . I know we’ll be ready for him."’

‘It will be a tough, hard fought, playoff-like game…but I see the Bills winning 31-24.’

‘”Personnel wise, they’re the best defense we’ve played,” said Pro Bowl right tackle Willie Anderson. “I know we’re going to vote for their two big tackles for the Pro Bowl. I think everybody is. They’ve got speed on the outside, smart athletic linebackers, and their DBs are making plays.”‘

‘”I appreciate the opportunity I was given to play as a Cincinnati Bengal. If I could take the days back, I wouldn’t,” he said. “Not only as a player, but as a person, it made me grow into the man I am now. I have no regrets or hard feelings. “It’s a business. As much as you hate to say it – it’s a kid’s game you love to play – it’s a business decision.”‘