Archives for September 26, 2005

‘At the start of the season, the Buffalo Bills defense was talking about making history. If the defense continues to play as it has the last two weeks, the season may soon be history.’

‘If the Bills are looking for another corporate sponsor, Mister Softee might be a good choice. The Buffalo run defense resembles custard, just melting away when the heat is turned up.’

‘But Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman, whom team officials felt so strongly about in the offseason that they traded Drew Bledsoe (363 passing yards Sunday) to Dallas, continued to struggle as a starter. He completed 10 of 23 passes for just 75 yards, failed to see several open receivers, threw a slew of bad passes and was poorly timed much of the game.’

Vick, offense roll in victory (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Falcons turn weaknesses into strengths (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

New cornerbacks prove fast learners (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

A cold start to season for Bills (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Vick’s road to maturity begins (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Reserves get starting roles (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

The game’s 5 key moments (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Game Photos (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Buffalo soldiers (Macon Telegraph)

Hall holds secondary together (Macon Telegraph)

Vick, and hamstring, look OK in win (Savannah Morning News)

Vick uses a little more arm than usual (Savannah Morning News)

Gameday (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Photo Gallery (AtlantaFalcons.com)

‘”I’ve been here 10 years,” wide receiver Eric Moulds said, “and when there are corners out there playing who are not starters, you have to go after them. The coaching staff said that we should run the ball a little bit more, and I didn’t want to second-guess what they wanted to do, but at some point, we have to be able to take shots down the field and make some plays.”‘

‘The Buffalo defense uncharacteristically gave up 236 yards rushing. To make matters worse, they might have lost Takeo Spikes for the season. The linebacker hurt his right achillies tendon and did not return.’

‘Third downs were not a happy place for the Falcons in their first two games, as they converted just five of 26, a 19.1 percent success rate that was the NFL’s worst. Sunday, though, they converted 7 of 12 – seven of their first nine – and several were critical. Facing third-and-10 at Buffalo’s 39-yard line early in the fourth quarter, Vick quickly fled the pocket, scrambling to his right and outrunning defensive end Ryan Denny to the corner. With a first down already gained, Vick put on the brakes, cut back inside (faking free safety Troy Vincent) and picked up another 15 yards on a 27-yard scramble to Buffalo’s 12-yard line. Running back T.J. Duckett plowed up the middle for a touchdown on the next play, giving the Falcons a 24-16 lead that all but sewed the game up with 9:46 left.’

‘After chasing Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick on a second-quarter play, Spikes fell to the ground and remained there for several minutes. He had to be carted off the field and did not return to the game. It is unknown at this time how much time Spikes will miss.’

‘Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. kicked off the 8th annual Food Bank of Western New York fan food drive by placing a few hundred dollar bills into the collection bucket his wife was holdling outside the stadium gates.’

‘He required help getting to the sideline, unable to place much weight on his right foot, and appeared to be in tears when he was carted off the field.’

‘“I was able to bounce back in the second half,” Hall said. “I feel real good right now.”’