Archives for September 11, 2005

‘The Texans knew that Buffalo’s defense would provide a stiff test in today’s season opener. But they probably weren’t expecting the test to be this overwhelming.’

‘Losman was 17 of 28 for 170 yards. Losman also connected with Jason Peters for a one-yard touchdown pass.’

Willis McGahee (Reuters)

Willis McGahee (AP)

Brian Moorman/Rian Lindell (AP)

Bills Fans (AP)

J.P. Losman (Reuters)

David Carr (AP)

London Fletcher (AP)

J.P. Losman (AP)

Lawyer Milloy (Reuters)

David Carr (AP)

Takeo Spikes (AP)

David Carr (Reuters)

David Carr (AP)

Willis McGahee (AP)

‘David Carr ran for Houston’s only touchdown and was dismal throwing the ball, completing just 9-of-21 passes for 70 yards with three interceptions.’

‘The Buffalo coaching staff has been stressing the importance of a fast season all offseason. Apparently the players got the memo.’

‘Who said J.P. Losman needs time to develop?’

‘Latest work: Game of My Life: Memorable Stories of Buffalo Bills Football (Sports Publishing, $24.95) came out in July; Stadium Stories: Buffalo Bills (Insiders’ Guide, $11.95) came out last month.’

‘The Bills likely will face a Houston defense loaded up to stop running back Willis McGahee and eager to unleash a flurry of blitzes on young quarterback J.P. Losman.’

‘Bills 20, Texans 13.’

‘”It’s no secret,” said linebacker Takeo Spikes. “Ten years from now, we want people to be talking about the 2005 Buffalo defense, and what we did as a whole to get to where we needed to go and then win it. Hopefully, it’s the Super Bowl.”‘

‘Am I saying that Losman is going to turn into Favre? Of course not. But who would be shocked if he turned out to be a winning quarterback for Buffalo?’

‘”I would say he’s the top outside linebacker playing in the game right now because he can do it all,” Fletcher said. “If you’re on a winning team, you’re definitely going to get more recognition. If you’re a great player on a team that’s not winning, nobody sees you. He’s been an elite linebacker since he came into the league. Nobody knows because he’s been in obscurity. The joke when he came to Buffalo was, “Welcome to the NFL.’ “‘

‘The top eight teams in total revenue last season averaged about $75 million more than those in the bottom quarter, according to Forbes Magazine figures. The big-market teams were led by Washington, which had $287 million in total revenue, according to Forbes. Vincent said the Bills were about 26th. (Forbes puts Buffalo at $173 million.)’

‘Tasker cherished his time playing for DeHaven but now, eight years removed from his retirement, he admits there’s one other guy he would have liked to have played for: current Bills’ special teams coach Bobby April. “Both great coaches,” Tasker said. “Bruce was linked with Marv (Levy), who was very conservative. We had fakes, but it was only in desperation or at the perfect time to run them. Bobby rolls the dice a little more and I like that. I think it has its place.”‘

‘”We feel we are the focal point, the strong point of the Buffalo Bills,” says Spikes, who is coming off an All-Pro season in which he intercepted five passes – two of which he returned for touchdowns – and forced four fumbles. “So, we take it upon ourselves. We have very high expectations. We want to dominate and get the job done, no matter how many minutes we have to spend on the field, no matter where the ball is when we go out there.”‘