Archives for December 25, 2004

‘If the Bills make the playoffs one season after finishing 6-10, it will come as a surprise to many but not first-year coach Mike Mularkey. "There was never anybody showing signs of waver when we were down," said Mularkey, 43, who came to the Bills after three years as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator. "I think these guys realized that we had to overcome ourselves before we could overcome our opponent. They saw it and recognized it and there was no panic."’

‘The reason behind the Niners’ demise is long and complicated: A cost-cutting owner, salary-cap agony, draft-day blunders and injuries just to name a few. Montana to Rice? A warm, but fading memory. A one-way ticket out of town might do wonders, but there’s no place to hide.’

‘Mularkey balks at saying he strictly adheres to Walsh’s West Coast offense, but he does abide by some of its principles — throw quick, short passes, run the ball and eat up the clock. Mularkey spent the previous three years as the Steelers offensive coordinator. “He is a players’ coach,” said 49ers running back Ken Simonton, who played for the Bills last season and was cut by them after this year’s training camp. “He hasn’t lost connection with what it’s like to be a player and guys respond to that.” “He knows a lot about football,” Bills running back Willis McGahee said in a conference call this week. “He knows we can be a dominant run team and pass team.”‘

Young wins fifth Eshmont award and first Walsh (San Francisco Chronicle)

Mularkey is borrowing from Walsh’s playbook (Contra Costa Times)

Peers, coaches heap honor on 49ers’ Young (San Jose Mercury News)

After delay, injury ends Adams’ season (San Jose Mercury News)

Young given 2 awards by team (Sacramento Bee)

As 49ers sink, Bills rise in AFC playoff race (Oakland Tribune)

Young Adds Fifth Eshmont Honor (SF49ers.com)

B.Y. Wins Inaugural Walsh Award (SF49ers.com)

Kosier Wins McKittrick Award (SF49ers.com)

49ers Join With S.F. Firefighters (SF49ers.com)

‘”I’m not proud of what happened that day, but it wound up being a good thing,” Adams said during a recent break from preparations for Sunday’s game against the 49ers in San Francisco. “I learned that Jerry’s door and mind are always open, and all I had to do was walk in and talk to him. I wanted to play more and I wanted some opportunities to go after the quarterback because that’s one of my strengths, and Jerry was willing to compromise with me. I put myself out there, and then it was up to me to respond accordingly.”‘

‘McGahee is listed as questionable after bruising and hyperextending his right knee in Buffalo’s win over Cincinnati last Sunday. Coach Mike Mularkey said after Friday’s workout that McGahee’s availability will be a game-time decision.’

‘Bills, 34-14.’

‘The 49ers, who have allowed 23 passing TDs, must tighten up the secondary. The Bills can be expected to emphasize the passing game this week.’

‘With a game at 2-12 San Francisco on Sunday before a finale against 13-1 Pittsburgh, Buffalo’s first winning season since 1999 is almost certain. With only defensive tackle Pat Williams and offensive tackle Jonas Jennings heading for free agency, a decent amount of salary cap room available and just six starters in their 30s, the Bills’ future is much brighter than it appeared two months ago even if they don’t make the playoffs.’

‘McGahee is still questionable and will be a game time decision. Jason Peters took part in individual drills, but missed team practice. He’s questionable with his hamstring problem.’

‘Last year the Bills D was also highly ranked, but did not have as many turnovers as it does this Year. What was done in the off season to create a more ball hungry mentality in this year’s D?

TS: I think just more emphasis on it day-in and day-out as far as practice situations made it able to transcend over to game days.’

‘”More and more, I think players have come to realize the significance of a non-offensive touchdown, how much effect it can have on a game,” acknowledged Pro Bowl weak-side linebacker Takeo Spikes of the Buffalo Bills, after last Sunday’s victory at Cincinnati, a game in which his club scored just one offensive touchdown but won by 16 points. “It’s such a boost to your own team, and a comedown for the (opposition), maybe because of the instant nature of the (non-offensive) score. You don’t expect the defense or special teams to score. But we expect them to, man, and it’s a big part of what we’re doing.”‘