Archives for October 2005

‘The Bills, who played very poorly in a 38-17 thrashing at Oakland last week, are one of the most disappointing teams in the league. We constantly hear that there is no carryover in the NFL from week to week — good or bad — but how can you not see worse things ahead for the Bills.’

‘Call it music to the ears of the struggling Patriots secondary: Buffalo’s downfield passing game has been so anemic under the direction of quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe, J.P. Losman and, most recently, Kelly Holcomb, that the Bills have gone an astonishing 37 straight games without surpassing the 300-yard passing plateau. Perhaps even more striking, the Bills have now gone 11 straight games without even cracking the 200-yard mark. The Bills, who visit Gillette Stadium Sunday night, rank 31st in the NFL in passing.’

After the bye, the Bills — it’s two good breaks (Boston Globe)

Bruschi status, role unclear (Boston Globe)

Poole tackles criticism (Boston Herald)

Takeaway troubles (Boston Herald)

Patriots and Bills, long-time rivals, have plenty of incentives (Woonsocket Call)

Patriots looking to stop big play (Springfield Republican)

When it comes to the Bills-Pats rivalry, there’s some history there (Brockton Enterprise)

Patriots pondering defensive changes (Quincy Patriot Ledger)

No quit in Rodney (Lawrence Eagle Tribune)

Pats vs. Bills: Quick Hits (Patriots.com)

Ask PFW: By the bye (Patriots.com)

‘So far, I still think Mularkey and his staff can coach, and the Bills do have some talent. Which makes it so ironic, that the Pittsburgh team Mularkey wants his Bills to be, was put together by the man who is now putting this Bills team together. While I’m still convinced owner Ralph C. Wilson, who at 86 doesn’t feel especially patient, should stick with Donahoe even if this season goes down the drain as it might, it’s only because making a front office change is usually a setback for any organization. That is hardly a vote of confidence.’

‘Buffalo is dead last in the league in allowing runs over 10 yards, giving up 30 percent of their rushing yards – more than 10 yards past the line of scrimmage. A year ago, that number was 15 percent.’

‘Buffalo, which despite everything is still just a half-game back of the lead in the AFC East, also remained winless in three road games this season and has not won away from home since defeating the San Francisco 49ers on December 26 of last year.’

‘Donahoe in my mind is out of mulligans, but in Ralph Wilson’s mind, Donahoe is a complete success. The stadium is filled for every game and the team is marketed well. Donahoe does get credit for that, but he missed on selecting a head coach in Gregg Williams and has a grade of incomplete for Mike Mularkey. I would think after five seasons of missing the playoffs, he’d realize that building a football team starts with the big men up front. He should be held accountable for taking a large step back on the football field this year, but that is just not going to happen. I sometimes wonder if he spent as much time worrying about football as he does worrying about what is written and said and how he will get back at certain media members, this would be a better team.’

‘The offensive line battled all day but has yet to find the consistency to play to their full potential this season.’

Milloy brings memories (Boston Herald)

Patriots Open Divisional Play Against Buffalo (Patriots.com)

Raiders Report Card (Oakland Tribune)

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

‘It would help if the opponents weren’t converting nearly half of their third downs against the Bills. While the Bills’ defense ranks 12th in time of possession (29:19), opponents are 37 of 81 on third down against Buffalo (45.7 percent). Only San Francisco (48.2) and the New York Giants (49.4) are worse. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rank No. 1 at 28.2 percent. Last season, opponents converted only 36 percent of their third downs against Buffalo.’

‘The year the Bills win the Super Bowl, Tom Brady is drummed out of the league after being exposed as a Satanist, the entire Miami Dolphin team is suspended for substance abuse violations and/or jailed for criminal activity and the Bills send all 22 starters to the Pro Bowl. Hope springs eternal.’

‘”I don’t know what happened, I’ll have to look at the film,” Teague said. Why Teague and the Bills would want to watch the film of this debacle is beyond comprehension. What could Teague possibly learn that everyone who watched the game doesn’t already know?’

‘Dillon has been dinged up and ranked 23rd in rushing heading into the weekend, but his statistics are destined to get healthy fast against this Bills defense. The Raiders’ LaMont Jordan ranked 26th in rushing and look what he did. For seven games Buffalo has struggled stopping the run, so how do they suddenly start doing it? Watch more film?’

‘Buffalo is an early 8-point underdog against New England and I’d give Kelly Holcomb one more start at quarterback. If the Bills lose, any reasonable playoff hopes would be erased and I’d hand the starting job back to J.P. Losman. He’d resume his on-the-job training during the bye week for extra preparation before facing Kansas City at home on Nov. 13.’