Archives for December 16, 2005

‘Speculation is growing that team owner Ralph Wilson is considering firing both club president Tom Donahoe and second-year coach Mike Mularkey.’

‘Good news for Broncos fans is bad news for the Bills. Led by Mike Anderson’s 871 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, Denver has the second-best rushing offense in the NFL. The Bills’ defense is ranked next to last in the league against the run.’

‘”At Buffalo they really preached technique,” Oglesby said. “Coach (Jerry) Gray (Bills defensive coordinator) is a good defensive coach and I’ve been working hard to improve, so when I got (to Baltimore) I feel like I just fit right in. I really liked it in Buffalo and I thank them for all that they did, but I’m in Baltimore now and I’m focusing on that.” Oglesby’s affection for his team in Buffalo made the decision to go to the Ravens more difficult than some might imagine. “I did need to think about it,” he said. “They called about 7:30 or 8 (p.m.) and wanted me to be in Baltimore first thing Monday morning. So I called my mom Sunday night and we had a good long talk. She told me she was behind me 100 percent whatever I chose, so that really made my decision easier.”‘

‘ It’s extremely frustrating because there are a lot of guys in this locker room that put 110 percent into practice, preparation, film work, meetings and on the field on Sunday. To not have that coordinate into victories that’s frustrating. The coaches work hard as well and to not be able to turn it into victories is frustrating and mind boggling. It’s surreal, so to speak, on how this season has transpired.’

‘Sape, injured during a loss to New England last week, will be replaced by offensive tackle Dylan McFarland in Saturday’s game against the Denver Broncos.’

‘Broncos win 31-13.’

‘For the Buffalo Bills, it has been a tough campaign. A sixth straight season without a playoff birth has resulted in rumors of the demise of the job of general manager Tom Donahoe as well has head coach Mike Mularkey. It all came to a head two weeks ago when the Bills collapsed in giving up a 20-point lead in a 24-23 loss against the Dolphins. Then, they were trampled by the Patriots 35-7. After a one game suspension, the Bills are expected to have Eric Moulds back for the game. The team leader in catches, he was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.’

‘Tucker was coming off back surgery last April, but was ready to go when training camp started. "Very frustrating, very frustrating," he said yesterday. "It was especially disappointing because last year was my best year in the league. To have the back surgery that I had and get released by Buffalo, it was tough to go from (playing extensively in) 13 games for a team that was doing pretty well – we went 9-4 while I was playing. By all accounts, things were going really well, and then the other end of the stick and looking for a job, it’s tough. It’s not an enviable position, that’s for sure. "’

‘To one fan, who wondered what changes might be expected after this season, Donahoe responded: "At the end of the season, whatever Mr. Wilson feels that we should do as an organization, I would whole-heartedly support it. I take full responsibility for the lack of success this season because it is not what we had planned for and it is not what we as an organization talked about coming out of training camp."’

‘When the Bills took highly regarded center Duke Preston in last April’s draft, it fueled speculation that Teague’s days in Buffalo were numbered. While Preston’s playing time this season has been at guard, it is still believed that he’ll replace Teague as soon as next year.’

‘”You want to win each and every game at home,” said middle linebacker London Fletcher. “I think this one, more so than any other football game because of the way we played last Sunday at home. It was a very embarrassing performance by us as a team. And to play that way in front of our home crowd was not good at all. You want to end the home season on a high note and definitely give the fans something that they can feel good about.”‘

‘Why doesn’t the Bills’ offense run more crossing routes? It seems like those might be easier throws for J.P. Losman to complete.’

‘Donahoe’s team is in worse shape than when he took command — “chaos,” one prominent player calls it — and the Bills are a dismal 30-47 during his tenure, a record better than only the Browns, Cardinals and Lions.’

‘Oh, what three months of failed expectations does.’

‘"At this point in the year, you look for any types of wins you can get," Fletcher said.’