Archives for August 2006

‘Spikes wanted to play against Cleveland because it was Buffalo’s preseason home finale. Spikes doesn’t intend to play in the final preseason game at Detroit on Thursday.’

‘Two of the candidates for the job have bounced around the league on NFL practice squads and played in NFL Europe. Josh Cooper, who was on San Francisco’s practice squad last year, also played for World Bowl champ Frankfurt this past spring. "I think I’ve progressed real far in terms of learning what they like and what they want me to do and the tempo they want to play at," said Cooper. "I think there are a couple of things I need to brush up on and correct but for the most part I think I have everything down."’

‘"I think the third preseason game is definitely the most important," said Bills linebacker London Fletcher. "It’s your last, so to speak, long dress rehearsal before the season opener. As a starter you know you’re going to have a lot more snaps and more than likely play into the third quarter. So it’s as close to a real game situation as you’re going to get in the preseason."’

‘The Bills will sport their 1960s-era royal blue jerseys in their regular-season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 24. They will wear them again at home against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 3, according to the NFL.’

‘The third game is when teams traditionally play their starters for much longer stretches so that they can get some continuity together as offensive and defensive units.’

‘"You hate to drop balls, but you’re going to drop them," Reed said. "You don’t want to, but it’s going to happen and it’s all about how you respond."’

‘”Certainly the people have been tremendous and the fans have been tremendous,” Jauron said. “So we thank St. John Fisher. It really was an outstanding camp.”‘

‘With the next cutdown date being Tuesday, the Bills need to make some tough decisions in regards to bubble players such as Coy Wire, Andre Davis, Martin Nance and others before they trim their roster to 75. Tonight will be a chance for the players making comebacks and the bubble players to show the coaches that they can compete either at full strength or just simply for a roster spot.’

‘Tucker is scheduled to make his second start as the Browns’ No. 1 center, against the team that cut him Sept. 4. He’s still slightly in shock over losing his job. “I had an injury issue,” he said. “I wasn’t able to stay on the field. I’ll just leave it at that.”‘

‘The Bills are 0-2 in the preseason; opposing defenses have scored three touchdowns against them in two games. They’ll look to Willis McGahee in the running game and use Cleveland native and speedburner Lee Evans in the passing game to test the Browns’ injury-depleted cornerbacking crew. The Browns held Lions starting running back Kevin Jones to 7 yards on 6 carries last week.’

‘"It’s going to be a game time decision," said Jauron. "We’ll keep looking at it and talking about it. We’ll keep it open right up until game time and see how he feels and how we feel and go from there."’

‘Spikes then reiterated what he’s said throughout training camp: he doesn’t need a preseason game to prove he’s ready for the regular-season opener against New England on Sept. 10. The Bills, however, think otherwise. Coach Jauron suggested earlier this week it would be important to see Spikes play this preseason — however briefly — for him to get accustomed to game speed.’

‘Also of intrigue for the Bills on Saturday night will be the receiver situation, as five wideouts – Sam Aiken (5 receptions in the preseason), Jonathan Smith (3 receptions), Andre’ Davis (2 receptions), Martin Nance and Chris Denney (2 receptions) – are believed to be fighting for at most two backup jobs.’

‘And if he is not an opening day starter? “Even during the season there could be a change, so I’m going to prepare and I’m going to be ready,” he said.’

‘”The time here is so critical, particularly for a team that’s got a lot of question marks. So in a lot of ways, you kind of wish you had another month to get ready,” he said.’