Archives for December 2004

‘"It seems like I’ve always started at the bottom," Mularkey said. "If we’d have started 4-0, maybe then I’d have been caught off-guard."’

‘Today’s game in Cincinnati will be a demonstration course. The Bengals virtually have been eliminated from playoff possibilities, but they are still a work in progress, a team that is almost certain to insert itself into much more serious contention in the next few years.’

‘Bills survive a shootout with a 34-27 win.’

‘But in reality, it was an 11-round draft for the Bills, because four rookie free agents made the roster. Three of those – safety Rashad Baker, corner Jabari Greer and tight end Jason Peters – also have contributed. That’s an impressive accomplishment for the Bills’ college scouting department, headed by Assistant General Manager Tom Modrak.’

‘The Bills employ five offensive and defensive starters as blockers on the kickoff return team, including 245-pound linebacker London Fletcher as McGee’s fellow deep man and designated blocker. The Bills also are dangerous on punt returns, so the Bengals’ cover team will have to be sharp. Nate Clements and Jonathan Smith have returned punts for touchdowns this season, and the Bills’ five return TDs in one season are the most since the Chicago Cardinals returned five for scores in 1959. Buffalo is ranked in the top five in kickoff return average, punt return average, average drive start (offense) and kickoff return average (defense).’

‘Bengals 24, Bills 23.’

‘Don’t be surprised if the scoreboard resembles a pinball machine. The Bengals will miss the center-QB exchange of Braham & Palmer, but I have faith that Jerry Fontenot and Kitna will get the job done. The Bengals will spoil Spikes’ homecoming. The final: Bengals 38, Bills 31.’

‘And this is a game that could make or break the playoff chances of both clubs.’

More to friends than the job (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Who’s got the edge? (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Isolation booth (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Plenty at stake in Bengals-Bills game (Dayton Daily News)

What you need to know about Bengals vs. Bills (Dayton Daily News)

5 Questions with… (Dayton Daily News)

Off the field with Willie Anderson (Dayton Daily News)

Bengals Mailbag: Will Peter Warrick be back in 2005? (Dayton Daily News)

Daunting defenses (Columbus Dispatch)

Game-day matchup (Columbus Dispatch)

Once more into the ‘D’ (Columbus Dispatch)

Special day on tap (Bengals.com)

Braham to IR; Wilson signed (Bengals.com)

Braham to IR (Bengals.com)

Kitna is back in familiar role: Bengals starter (Seattle Times)

‘During their four-game winning streak the Bills have scored 154 points, the highest four-game production in team history. Meanwhile, the Bengals have scored 113 points in their last three games, with 55 coming against the highly respected defenses of Baltimore and New England the last two weeks.’

‘Anderson said he doesn’t begrudge Spikes’ decision to leave the team. “He’s happy. They’re winning and he enjoys his teammates,” Anderson said. “He made a great decision for himself and his family, an opportunity for him to get out of the Cincinnati market and get the exposure he wants. He’s a great player and has always been a great player. He’s getting a chance to shine right now.”‘

‘You were close to signing with this week’s opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals. Why did you choose the Bills?

“My wife. We just felt this was where I needed to be. I left money on the table in Cincinnati, but it wasn’t about the dollars, it was what would be best for myself long term. I have a tremendous amount of respect for coach (Marvin) Lewis, and coach (Leslie) Frazier was my secondary coach in Philly. We have a great friendship and it was hard to say no.”‘

‘Here are the Bills most likely to be invited (in order of probability)…’.

‘Unfortunately, just what the Bills have left to play for is not entirely in the hands of Spikes and that tough defence and suddenly rejuvenated offence. At 7-6, the Bills must win their final three games beginning with today’s testy road contest against the Bengals (6-7) who are still alive but by mathematics only. They’ll also need varying degrees of collapse from at least a couple of the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars.’

‘He is one of the most stationary targets in the history of the NFL, one of the few guys you would bet against in a race with Dan Marino. Thus, Bledsoe needs receivers who can get open quickly and who can run.’