Archives for October 2005

Led by backup QB Kelly Holcomb, the Buffalo Bills scored on their first three possessions…

‘The Bills jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half before the Dolphins’ defense adjusted by blitzing more often. “We finally honed in and settled down [in the second half],” said Miami safety Sam Madison. “They did a lot of shifting to try to get us out of what we normally do. But we were able to settle down, figure out what they were doing, and play Dolphins football.”‘

‘Dressed in red, white, and blue supporting both her country and team, 17-year old Kayleen Follman, winner of Bills Anthem Idol, kicked off the Buffalo vs. Miami game. Follman performed the National Anthem in front of 72,160 screaming fans at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park where the Bills defeated the Dolphins 20-14.’

Postgame Notes (MiamiDolphins.com)

Photo Album (MiamiDolphins.com)

‘The second half scoring woes continued for Buffalo, only managing a field goal, allowing Miami chances to come back. The Fins scored twice with two touchdown passes from Gus Frerotte, but a possible Miami win was haulted after Ronnie Brown fumbled away the ball deep in Buffalo territory with under two minutes to play.’

‘The Dolphins (2-2), coming off a bye week, couldn’t overcome their undisciplined play. Miami committed a franchise-record 18 penalties for 108 yards. The costliest was a holding call against linebacker Donnie Spragan that negated Vonnie Holliday’s 8-yard sack on third down. The penalty gave Buffalo a first-and-goal at the Dolphins 3, setting up Moulds’ 2-yard touchdown catch.’

‘A Rian Lindell field goal with 4:35 to play gave Buffalo a six-point edge, but the Dolphins quickly moved from their own 29 to the Buffalo 25. Frerotte then hit Ronnie Brown with a pass out of the backfield for 11 yards, but the rookie was stripped of the ball as he was tackled and former Dolphin Troy Vincent recovered the fumble with 1:37 remaining.’

‘"It’s something special," Thomas said. "It lets me know that I did something right for the organization."’

‘It was Holcomb’s first start since last January for Cleveland in the Browns’ season-ending 22-14 win against Houston. Signed by the Bills as a free agent in March, Holcomb is 4-9 in 13 career starts over nine years.’

‘Holcomb will be able to recognize fronts and coverages better, and that should help the Bills both running and particularly passing. Saban would have loved to have faced the young kid.’

‘”We’ve got to go out here and prepare like this is the Super Bowl,” said Bills guard Chris Villarrial. “Miami has had a week off and had two weeks to prepare for us. They’re going to come in here with some good schemes. We have to be ready for everything.”‘

‘Thomas will be the 22nd inductee into the Wall of Fame and the fifth member from the Bills’ Super Bowl era, joining Jim Kelly, Kent Hull, Darryl Talley and Jim Ritcher.’

‘Bills 17, Dolphins 13.’

‘Buffalo fans will remember Sam Cowart, a pro bowl linebacker until he ruptured his Achilles tendon in 2001. In three subsequent seasons with the Jets and three games with the Minnesota Vikings, he has fewer sacks than he had in 2000 and has not intercepted a pass since the injury.’

‘But they’ve changed the game now. They’ve raised the stakes. By pulling Losman and replacing him with Kelly Holcomb, the Bills have made it all about the present, about winning right away and making a run at the Super Bowl.’