Archives for September 2005

‘The Bills might have a better chance to beat the Falcons with a gimpy Vick than with a completely healthy Matt Schaub.’

‘I like the Bills to win 20-13.’

‘Q: What are your preparations like for Vick compared to Matt Schaub?

Mularkey: We are preparing that Michael is going to be healthy. We can adjust from there, but I don’t know if you can adjust the other way. We’re going to go like he’s (Michael Vick) is 100 percent and adjust if need be.’

‘But with an offensive line that averages 327 pounds per man and a star ball carrier that weighs 228 pounds, Mularkey said it’s inexcusable for the Bills to average 2.8 yards per carry and total one rushing first down, sins they committed in last Sunday’s 19-3 loss at Tampa Bay.’

‘”I said it from the beginning, this team is not waiting for some young quarterback to mess up in games and give the excuse, ‘He’s a young quarterback.’ This team is ready to win now and I have to be ready for it.”‘

‘Two of the NFL’s youngest head coaches square off Sunday. Buffalo’s Mike Mularkey and Atlanta’s Jim Mora are each 43 and born on the same day (Nov. 19, 1961). Only Tampa Bay’s Jon Gruden and Jacksonville’s Jack Del Rio, each 42, are younger.’

Vick’s status may be game-time deicision (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Wiliams trying to get his bearings (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Vick still in doubt for Buffalo (Macon Telegraph)

Inside slant (The Sports Xchange)

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Notes, quotes (The Sports Xchange)

Game preview (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Series history (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Buffalo Bills Head Coach Mike Mularkey / Linebacker Takeo Spikes Conference Calls (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Jim Mora and Michael Vick Press Conference (AtlantaFalcons.com)

‘This is the first meeting between the teams in Buffalo since a 23-17 victory by the Bills on Nov. 12, 1995. That defeat was Atlanta’s first in six visits to Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘Linebacker London Fletcher was also held out of drills with a hamstring injury. If unable to play, Angelo Crowell, who subbed for Fletcher last week, is waiting in the wings to make his first career start. “I prepare any week like I do regular. Prepare like I’m a starter and if they call my name I’ll be ready to go,” said Crowell.’

‘Mike Mularkey says Rashad Baker and Coy Wire would share the SS plays, but he added that Milloy may be able to play with a cast.’

‘Both Fletcher (hamstring) and Williams (ankle) suffered injuries that forced them to miss the second half of the Buccaneers game. But Milloy’s injury (thumb) went unnoticed, partly because the 10-year veteran was able to play through it and lead the Bills defense with 15 tackles (eight solo).’

‘”Sometimes those negative things that happen in games may be a positive in the long run,” Mularkey said. “It obviously was a positive in practice, the way he was hitting the hole. … It was a noticeable difference.”‘

‘Monetary donations and non-perishable food items will be collected at all gates by volunteers headed by Fan Food Drive chair, Mary Wilson. Mrs. Wilson will team up with the Bills Women’s Association, Buffalo Jills, Monday Quarterback Club Blue Coats, Student Leaders, and Food Bank staff who will be at collection points outside every gate of the stadium.’

‘Safety Lawyer Milloy had surgery to repair an injured right thumb, leaving his status uncertain for Buffalo’s game against Atlanta on Sunday.’

‘His status may not be determined until pregame warmups Sunday. “I’ve got to be able to move around,” he said. “It’s a big part of my game and a big part of our package and what we do.”’