Archives for October 21, 2005

‘But ESPN.com has learned that negotiations were ramped up this week when Buffalo proposed a four-year extension that would run through the 2009 season, and include a $4.5 million signing bonus and a total of $16.75 million in so-called "new money."’

‘After giving up only three 100-yard rushing games last season, Buffalo has already allowed three in six games this year.’

‘The Buffalo Bills should earn their first road victory of the year and the Oakland Raiders should fall deeper into the abyss of the NFL’s worst teams.’

‘Raiders 22, Bills 16.’

‘”All the employees lined up, got their pictures taken,” she said. Simpson autographed menus and was friendly.’

‘”Wow,” Jasper said when the laughter subsided. “He needs to put it on paper like LaDainian Tomlinson’s got it on paper. Then we’ll believe him. Wow. He thinks a lot of himself, don’t he? You’ve gotta give him kudos for not underrating himself. Then again, he’s got to know where his boundaries end, too.” And it was pretty clear where Jasper drew those boundaries. “He ain’t no LT,” the nine-year veteran said.’

‘”I’d anticipate them trying to run,” Bills coach Mike Mularkey said. “I think he’s a good runner. That offense does run the football. It hasn’t as of late because they’ve had to play catch-up. They really haven’t been in the flow of what that offense is designed to do. I would anticipate having to stop the run, even without his comments.”‘

‘”He’s probably the best nose tackle ever,” said Bills center Trey Teague. “It’s definitely a challenge. It’s just hard to move a guy like that.”‘

‘I think the team will keep the throwbacks as their third jersey and wear them twice a year, maybe three times if the league will give in. (Teams are only allowed to wear their third jersey twice a season.) I don’t see the throwback replacing the modern home jersey. I don’t think the NFL would want a team to wear home and away jerseys of unmatched styles.’

‘”He was at the Miami game, and he was at the Jets game,” said Scott Berchtold, the team’s vice president for communications. “He’s a fan. It had nothing to do with us.”‘

‘McGahee, when asked how he compared with L.T., didn’t flinch. “I’m the best back. Case closed,” McGahee said Wednesday during a conference call with Bay Area media.’

‘Call it false bravado, supreme confidence, delusional thinking, whatever you want, McGahee isn’t backing down from his stance that he is the measuring stick by which all running backs are compared.’

McGahee is next hurdle for Raiders (Oakland Tribune)

Raiders ownership suit settled (Oakland Tribune)

Lechler’s punting is No. 1 (Oakland Tribune)

Williams is catching on to new role (San Francisco Chronicle)

Simply the King of all broadcasters (San Francisco Chronicle)

What you can’t see won’t hurt (San Francisco Chronicle)

McGahee high on skill, confidence (Contra Costa Times)

Raiders, family of co-founder settle suit (Contra Costa Times)

Tireless Cooper strives for big special-teams hit (Contra Costa Times)

Gannon still firing away (San Jose Mercury News)

Moss better but still listed as doubtful (Sacramento Bee)

Holy Toledo, he stayed local (Sacramento Bee)

Bills’ RB McGahee is no joke (Santa Rosa Press Democrat)

Moss returns to practice but still doubtful (AP)

Bills at Raiders Game Notes (Raiders.com)

Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer (Raiders.com)

‘Pack Your Passion’ Drawing Friday (Raiders.com)

‘”He’s one of those guys, when you’re on the sideline, you get off the bench and watch him,” Bills quarterback Kelly Holcomb said. “He’s one of those guys that you pay to come see play. He makes some unbelievable plays.”‘

‘Buffalo quarterback Kelly Holcomb has won his last two starts since given the nod by coach Mike Mularkey. However, the vertical passing game is not the reason why Buffalo has won the last two games. They have come out with two victories as a direct result of their running back, Willis McGahee, and their defensive secondary. In week five’s victory against Miami, the Buffalo secondary forced three interceptions on quarterback Gus Frerotte. In the following week, McGahee took matters into his own hands by rumbling for 143 yards and a touchdown. The defense also came up with two interceptions and five sacks on the game.’