Archives for August 14, 2005

‘As for quarterback J.P. Losman and the Buffalo Bills’ starting offense, well, let’s just say both are still a work in progress.’

‘Not only is that style of coaching civilized, it’s smart.’

‘”I really like where they are, and I’m not saying that because I have an affinity for the Buffalo Bills,” said the team’s Hall of Fame former coach, Marv Levy, prior to Saturday’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. “Their defense was magnificent last year, and it came on stronger and stronger. (Running back) Willis McGahee will be much better now that he’s fully healthy. The special teams, in my opinion, were the best in the league and the most dangerous as far as the return game.”‘

‘”It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I knew that by coming up here and being the grand marshal and to be able to spread the word about what we’re doing will help,” he said. “My son, Hunter, wants me to be here because he realized the people we can touch with this. I can’t wait to say, “Gentlemen, start your engines,’ because my son is going to be right with me looking down from above.”‘

‘"I think J.P. just settled down as the half progressed," said Evans. "He was able to get a few completions and get into a rhythm which is what you need to do. I think we were all playing with a little more confidence offensively in the second quarter. J.P. made some plays and got into a nice rhythm and we were able to connect at the end of the half, so I feel pretty good about how we finished the first half."’

‘Leave it to the Buffalo Bills defense and special teams to steal some of quarterback J.P. Losman’s thunder.’

‘But what may have been even more impressive was the way the defense shut down the Colts after Losman fumbled on Buffalo’s first play of the third quarter, giving the Colts the ball in the red zone. Good teams do that. Find a way to pick each other up during times of adversity.’

Colts’ push comes up short (Indianapolis Star)

Confusion reigns on TD (Indianapolis Star)

A night for the reserves (Colts.com)

Backup battle (Colts.com)

Game photos (Colts.com)

Colts Hang Tough Against Bills (ColtPower.com)

‘“The whole night, I really didn’t feel comfortable running or throwing,” Losman said. “The ball just didn’t come out right, sometimes it happens.”’

‘Losman hit on 11-of-19 attempts, which included his five-yard score to Lee Evans in the second quarter. Sape blocked Hunter Smith’s punt in the first quarter and returned it three yards for a touchdown in the opening period to give the Bills the lead for good at 7-3.’

‘The Bills were 2-of-14 on thrid down conversions. They also had 19 penalties for 146 yards.’

‘Special teams played a major role once again. Lauvale Sape blocked Hunter’s Smith punt and recovered the ball for a touchdown to give the Bills a 7-3 lead. Buffalo led 17-3 at halftime.’

‘Kelly made the decision to come after talking it over with his wife Jill. He said that Hunter would have wanted him to be at Watkins Glen, noting that he watched races and football games with his son. Before uttering the words, ‘gentleman, start your engines’, Kelly looked to the sky and asked for Hunter’s help.’

‘“Three thousand babies die every year because they are born in the wrong state,” said Kelly, who ruled out a run for Congress. “This is my lifelong commitment: to make sure every state tests for the maximum (number of diseases).”’

‘”You don’t have to see your own son or daughter suffer the way a lot of these kids are suffering, not just with what my son has, Krabbes leukodystrophy, but other diseases with the universal newborn screening that is so key,” says Kelly.’