Archives for November 3, 2005

‘"But I know this," he added. "We still feel we have a legitimate chance to compete for the division title. And our players believe that and our coaches believe that. And really, that’s all that matters."’

‘Thomas, Buffalo’s sixth-round pick in the 2002 draft, has been out since he had surgery last spring to repair a broken bone in his right knee. He aggravated the injury before training camp and was forced to have surgery a second time in September.’

‘Approximately 3,500 seats remain for the November 27 contest versus the Carolina Panthers, while the other three contests against Kansas City (Nov. 13), New England (Dec. 11) and Denver (Sat. Dec. 17) have only limited single seats available.’

‘"J.P. could go back in next week or he could go back in three weeks from now," Bills President/General Manager Tom Donahoe said during a chat with the media Thursday. "I don’t know when it’s going to happen, that’s Mike (Mularkey’s) call. When he does put him in I wouldn’t interpret it as we’re trying to get ready for 2006."’

‘J.P. Losman = D-. The former starting quarterback isn’t necessarily to blame for his struggles. The coaching staff never put him in a position to succeed as their play calling was horrible and the general manager didn’t build a good offensive line around him. Young quarterbacks need those things to be successful. Look for Losman to be reinstated as the QB of this team soon enough.’

‘Mularkey also downplayed the significance of defensive tackle Sam Adams sitting out the second half Sunday. “We had a good talk,” Mularkey said. “He was in working out. I think he has a very good mind frame. So I’m anxious to see that carry over to the playing field. . . . We took him out to give those younger guys a chance to play, and I’m anxious to see Sam go this next game.”‘

‘Holcomb has the full support of his teammates, particularly fellow veterans, who don’t want to see the coaching staff turn the final eight games into a glorified development ground for Losman. Maybe when the Bills are mathematically eliminated from the playoff picture, but not now.’

‘DT Sam Adams, who was benched for the second half in last week’s loss at New England for play unacceptable to the coaching staff, will be back in the starting lineup when the Bills host Kansas City on Nov. 13, coach Mike Mularkey said. “I’m anxious to see how he responds,” Mularkey said.’

‘”I don’t like being 3-5. I don’t like being the butt of jokes among NFL teams. That’s not amusing. I don’t take it lightly and I hope my teammates don’t. But you correct it by performing and winning and getting that ‘W’ in the victory column.” – Bills veteran FS Troy Vincent.’

‘”It’s really (a question of) ‘What gives us the best chance to win?'” said Mularkey, who is spending his bye week evaluating every position. “That’s why we did what we did before with the switch to Kelly, and the same thing goes (now). It’s what gives us our best chance.”‘

‘Worst coaching move: Offensive coordinator Tom Clements’ refusal to take advantage of Buffalo’s corps of capable receivers. The primary wideouts – Eric Moulds, Lee Evans and Josh Reed – have made just four receptions that have gone for at least 20 yards.’

‘”I’m actually proud of these guys,” the coach went on. Proud of what? Losing a game that was eminently winnable?’

‘We need to continue doing what we are doing and that is running the football well. At the same time, we have to be able to throw the ball deep a little more and get some big plays. When we were successful last year and made that big run we made a lot of big plays and put the defense in the situation where when the opponents offense came on the field they were trying to play catch-up. We’ve got to make more big plays and not put the defense in a bad situation.’

‘“It’s tough to take a guy out that’s played as well as he has,” tight end Mark Campbell said Wednesday. “I understand the situation. J.P.’s obviously the future here. I don’t know at what point that is, but we don’t feel like we’re close to that point.”’

‘I think they should use the bye week to start getting JP ready. Let Holcomb start against the Chiefs, but don’t be afraid to put Losman in the game. If they can steal a win or two, it would be tough to take Holcomb out of the game. But if it goes south, the last 6 weeks should be JP time for the Bills with an eye towards 2006.’