Archives for January 2, 2006

‘Sunday’s loss was a fitting end to a terribly disappointing and frustrating season for the Bills. The coaching was awful and the handling of the player personnel on the field was awful. After the game, Bills’ owner Ralph Wilson said that there would be some structural changes within the organization. If he wants to win, that will signal the end of the Mularkey era in Buffalo. At the moment, the chances of that happening are about the same as me actually keeping a New Years resolution. In other words, forget it.’

‘Regardless of who takes over as general manager, the fact Donahoe will be gone is a major blow to Mularkey’s future. There is a good chance any new general manager would want to start fresh with his own coach.’

‘The Jets had no answer for McGahee, who had several good runs, including a long of 17 yards. He ran so well you wondered why the Bills didn’t give him more than 22 carries.’

‘The Bills go to Indy to play the Colts, who are one of four AFC South teams on the schedule. Buffalo also visits the Houston Texans, while the Jaguars and Tennessee Titans come to Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘The Bills are 1-8 under Mularkey in games decided by five points or fewer. They were 1-7 on the road this year. They were outscored by 96 points overall. Entering Sunday’s game, they had the NFL’s worst red-zone defense and 30th red-zone offense.’

‘”I never imagined we would give up the game-winning touchdown, especially with the way we’ve been playing,” said linebacker Mario Haggan. “We had high hopes and a lot of respect for what we do. To give it up like that, it really hurts.”‘

‘Quote of the Day: Mark Campbell on the Bills’ inability to establish a power running game near the goal line: “I think that’s when you get your true identity – when you’re in a situation where they know what you’re going to do, you know what you’re going to do, and you still succeed. We’re not there yet.”‘

‘Mularkey should have gotten Losman in game. Bills talked tough but didn’t call physical game most of year.’

‘Nice job by Herm of getting young QB to manage game. Jets went for broke on fourth-and-1 at own 33. Why not?’

‘Bills quarterback Kelly Holcomb had a rough outing, as he was intercepted four times, three of those were by Ty Law, as he finished 23-of-37 for 184 yards with two touchdowns.’

‘His Bills lost to New Orleans, a team that finished 3-13, and it lost to these Jets who wound up 4-12. It lost by 21 points to an Oakland team that finished 4-12, lost by 38 to a San Diego team that missed the playoffs, and lost to Miami despite holding a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Pass the Advil, please.’

‘On his way to the team bus Sunday Donahoe was asked to assess his five-year performance and he said, “Not today.” When asked about this season, he replied “You are what you are and it’s not good enough. Our record is 5-11, that’s what we are.” Finally, regarding his job security, Donahoe said, “It’s not my decision, it’s up to Mr. Wilson. He’ll do what’s best for the team.”‘

‘When a coach won’t let the starting quarterback listed as probable (75 percent chance of playing) on the injury report for the final two games suit up and take back his team, does that QB really have a future?’

‘With 331 yards in offense, the Bills established a team record for fewest yards in a 16-game, non-strike season at 4,122.’

‘Kelly Holcomb ran hot and cold; mostly cold. He was 23 of 37 for 184 yards and threw two nice touchdown passes. But his season-high four interceptions, the result of inaccurate throws that resulted in tipped balls on three of his picks, doomed Buffalo’s chances against a good Jets defense led by cornerback Ty Law, who had three of the thefts. J.P. Losman looked thoroughly miserable in his ski cap.’