Archives for October 17, 2005

‘They’re still battling to be average, and they’re a long way from proving themselves as a genuine playoff team. But for now, with New England seemingly back to the pack, average is good enough in the division. The Bills can’t be dismissed as a contender, not if they continue to play the way they have the last two weeks.’

‘”We definitely had our work cut out for us,” said Bills defensive tackle Justin Bannan, a member of the kick return wedge. “We had a big challenge in front of us because in the past the Jets have usually done a good job on us when they kick the ball off to us. They usually mix it all up, and it’s hard for us to pick it all up. But I think we answered the call.”‘

‘”Early on, it’s been good for Duke (Preston) and (Greg) Jerman. They’ve got some starts now. They’ve got that confidence if someone does go down they’re going to be ready to fill in and we’re not going to miss a beat. But it’s nice just to have that continuity there. It was nice to be out there with Mike. It really was.”‘

‘Player of the Game: McGahee. The Jets knew he was running, and they couldn’t stop him.’

‘Getting back to basics with Willis worked well. Harassed Vinny all day. Still too many penalties.’

‘Why did they put the game in Vinny’s hands instead of Martin’s?’

‘”My kids come for the fights, that’s why they are here – it’s a hockey game gone wrong,” said Greg Vanderhorst, a Bills fan. And they weren’t disappointed – one broke out in the upper deck during the third quarter. The Erie County Sheriff’s Department is at minimum staffing levels at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Most deputies are dedicated to traffic control.’

‘But Testaverde also returned because he is confident in his abilities. Those abilities failed to shine through on Sunday, as an attacking Bills defense harassed him from start to finish. Besides the two interceptions, Testaverde also lost a fumble, botched two snaps from center and was sacked five times.’

‘Holcomb also understands what he should do on the field – allow skill players such as Willis McGahee and Eric Moulds to make plays. Seven different receivers caught 18 Holcomb passes totaling 172 yards. Willis McGahee’s 143 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries headlined a ground attack that produced 177 yards. "Everybody out there has a little more pep in their step,"McGahee said of having Holcomb on the field. "Kelly’s a great quarterback. J.P.’s going to be a great quarterback. It’s just going to take some time."’

‘Two weeks ago, coming off a miserable loss to the New Orleans Saints, it would have been impossible to fathom. But in a division that has inched toward mediocrity, the Bills are in the thick of it.’

‘”(McGahee) came out like a beast,” Bills guard Chris Villarrial said. “He can make you miss or he can make you pay for tackling him and he was doing both today.”‘

‘”If it will put everybody at ease, I’m going to start Kelly next week against the Raiders,” coach Mike Mularkey said with a smile Sunday night after watching Kelly Holcomb lead the Bills to their second straight victory, a convincing 27-17 triumph over the New York Jets in front of 72,045 customers at Ralph Wilson Stadium. To which offensive lineman Chris Villarrial said “I’m staying out of that one, but if he said it, then he’s the starter, and he deserves it.”‘

‘What do you know? The line finally starts blocking, and look what the Bills do.’

‘Turns out average is good enough to lead the AFC East, no longer the best division in football, but one not lacking for excitement or storylines.’

‘No one needs to hold up the “Free Willis” signs at the Ralph any more. The Bills offensive coaches have gotten the message.’