Archives for October 2005

Game 6 Press Release (NewYorkJets.com)

‘“Yeah, I’d be frustrated, I’d be disappointed,” Holcomb told The Associated Press. “But I’ve been disappointed before in my life. I would certainly hope that I am starting,” he added. “I think that right now, I’m going into it as thinking that, but who knows?”’

‘The Bills opened the game in a five-wide set. Eric Moulds became Holcomb’s favorite target on Sunday. Moulds, a 10-year veteran from Mississippi State, caught a season-high seven passes for 59 yards and one touchdown against Miami. For Moulds, he extended his club-record receiving streak to 115 games, the fourth longest among active players. His touchdown reception in the second quarter was the first of the season and 45th receiving touchdown of his career.’

‘And as much as the defense struggled again against the run – the Dolphins averaged nearly six yards per carry – it did force four turnovers, not including the bobbled punt snap that would have changed possession anyway. In addition, Miami’s last bid for victory was foiled by the Bills’ only two sacks of the game.’

‘Quarterback = B-. In his first start of the season, Kelly Holcomb did a solid job and his ability to avoid mistakes was instrumental in the Bills’ victory. However, he didn’t look as sharp as he could have. Against a better defense, he likely would have struggled mightily.’

‘The way Mularkey sees it, the Dolphins most likely spent their bye and the early part of last week preparing to face Losman. Once word got out that Holcomb was starting, the Dolphins may have been forced to alter their defensive game plan.’

‘The turnovers were huge, as was holding Miami to 14 points. But just enough went wrong in this game to remind the defense that there is still a lot of improving to do. “You can never get comfortable,” Fletcher said. “We had a couple of lulls in different series of the game, especially in the second half. We still have a lot of work to do.”‘

‘What he saved was coach Mike Mularkey’s backside, at least for a week.’

‘The Bills, who opened the year with five takeaways against Houston, forced only one turnover in their three-game slide. The difference against Miami was playing with a big lead for a change, Milloy said.’

‘Mike Mularkey’s decision to start Holcomb was the worst kept secret in the NFL, but it paid dividends and helped the Bills snap a three-game losing streak to keep pace in a wild-and-wooly AFC East. The move to Holcomb was important, but so was giving the rock to McGahee 31 times, allowing for ball control that helped give the defense rest. Defensive coordinator Jerry Gary nearly got burned for blitzing Frerotte so much, but his defense held on and came up with four turnovers, its most since Week One. Give an assist to Miami coach Nick Saban, who did a poor job preparing his team after its bye week. With five turnovers overall and a team-record 18 penalties, the Dolphins did everything they could to lose this one. The Bills won’t look a gift horse in the mouth.’

‘Moulds didn’t lobby the coaches to change QBs, but he was honest with them. He wanted the veteran Holcomb to play because he feels it gives the team the best chance to win and the clock is ticking on his 10-year career. He said he doesn’t regret speaking his mind. "If you think people deserve better, and that you feel we have a good team, well, somebody has to speak up and say something," Moulds said. "Why not me? I’m a team leader. Some people may not like it, but I’m going to be honest and say what’s on my mind. You’ve got to say what’s on your mind. I think people respect honesty rather than watch somebody mope around here."’

‘As I see it, it isn’t going to hurt Losman to regroup for a few games on the sidelines, where he will remain as long as Holcomb continues winning. The AFC East isn’t the impossible dream it seemed to be now with injuries to the Pats and Jets.’

‘Many thought it was too soon to give J.P. the hook, I for one want to know why it took this long.’

‘"I’m going to leave it as it is," Mularkey said, adding he believes the lack of an announcement will keep the Jets guessing.’

‘Our staff has not been disappointed at all in the play of J.P. Losman this year. J.P. seemed to be the focal point because our team overall did not play well in some of the early games. Even in games where J.P. struggled, he had some very good moments. We like his talent and attitude and we like his future as the Buffalo Bills quarterback.’