Archives for September 13, 2005

‘With the surprise emergence of Terrence McGee and the consistent play of Nate Clements, the Bills fielded the NFL’s third best pass defense allowing just 164 yards per game.’

‘”Most important of all, he (Losman) kept the defense fresh,” Lawyer Milloy said. “That’s what we want out of him, nothing more, nothing less. As long as he keeps us fresh, we’re going to keep giving him the ball. Last year, when we were hurt together, I told him, “Look, this league is about winning or losing. It doesn’t matter what your stats are. As long as you’re the quarterback on a winning team, you’re going to be a star. It’s as simple as that.’ “‘

‘”He’s a very intelligent player,” coach Mike Mularkey pointed out. “The transition has been easy for him … though he’d probably say different. But, watching him, he’s very comfortable back there. He made the two (interceptions) he did and had a chance for third if Nate (Clements, cornerback) hadn’t knocked it away. He’s one of those rare players that his age doesn’t seem to phase him … he just keeps on trucking along.”‘

‘”(Defensive coordinator) Jerry Gray feels the same way I feel,” Clements said. “You put your number one guy on their number one guy and call it hand ball and let’s go. That’s what we did.”‘

‘They got away with the win. But failing to get TDs will hurt them against top teams, particularly on the road. They have to be more efficient. They need production from their playmakers – especially Eric Moulds, who was among the worst red-zone receivers in the league a year ago.’

‘”We were pleased with the way we played, but Monday is a new week and we’re looking forward to Tampa Bay,” defensive end Chris Kelsay said. “It’s just the way this league is. You take each game a play at a time and each season a game at a time, and that’s our approach. We’re happy we won that game, but we’ve got to put it behind us.”‘

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Notes, quotes (The Sports Xchange)

Opportunity knocks (HoustonTexans.com)

Voice of the Fan (HoustonTexans.com)

‘”I’m still learning, there’s no question,” Vincent said Sunday after Buffalo’s impressive season-opening 22-7 victory over the Houston Texans. “I think that’s what breathes the life into me, keeps me going. Not that I’m stale, but I’m still learning. I ask a lot of questions, and people might ask why. It’s because I want to know. I take mental notes and I’m very critical of myself because every week I want to be the best defensive back on the field.”‘

‘Everybody’s calm demeanor strikes you. But I agree. Tackle Mike Williams talked at length about how even-keeled Losman was in the huddle, and I’m also shocked. I thought after his many meltdowns during training camp, that settling for field goals on his first four possessions would discourage J.P. But he just kept going back to work and looked like a savvy old pro out there.’

‘So much for baby steps.’

‘Texans QB David Carr called Buffalo’s defense the best he’s faced, and it’s easy to understand why.’

‘OG Chris Villarrial, who suffered a bad ankle sprain last week and could not finish Sunday’s game against Houston, is expected to play against Tampa Bay; given the chance to rest for another week.’

‘At Tiger Stadium, the Saints will be the home team against the Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. In San Antonio, the Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions will be the visitor.’

‘There will be plenty of ups and downs for this team, not just Losman, and we’ll learn a lot more about just how good he and the offensive line are next week at Tampa Bay. But the start was as close to perfection as it gets, no matter which side of the coin you’re looking at.’