Archives for September 20, 2006

‘"You watch film and there are eight, nine, 10 guys in the frame when the guy’s tackled," Pennington said Wednesday. "That’s pretty impressive. You have to be fundamentally sound. You always have to know where those guys are."’

‘Takeo Spikes and Matt Bowen both worked out with the team. Spikes said it’s the hardest effort he’s given since suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him last week.’

‘Buffalo Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes and strong safety Matt Bowen participated in a full practice today and, barring any setbacks, should be cleared to play in Sunday’s home opener against the New York Jets.’

‘Coach Dick Jauron cautioned that Spikes — nursing a pulled right hamstring — is progressing, but he did not take part in full team drills and is still listed as questionable.’

‘Downtown is quiet no more. The Portland United Bills Supporters erupt into the "Shout!" song. One man hoists a Bills helmet-shaped umbrella, and PUBS’ co-founder, 68-year-old Tom Miller, hops up, waving a Bills flag more zealously than a caffeinated teenager auditioning for color guard. To the uninitiated, this is sheer insanity. But to anyone who’s ever been in Buffalo during football season and seen the glut of wings, jerseys, beer and super-fandom, this is what we call "Sunday."’

"I just happened to be in the right place at the right time," said Wire of the play. "It comes down to hard work and preparation. I just tried to come hard and felt he wasn’t going to be able to hold me up all day long. I thought that I would get through and I did. I was fortunate."’

‘Coach Tim Wade of East Aurora High School has been named the Buffalo Bills High School football “Coach of the Week” for the third weekend of the 2006 season (September 16-17).’

‘The line is the largest in the Bills’ favor in this rivalry since they were 9½-point home favorites over the Rich Kotite Jets in 1996.’

‘"It’s funny you ask that question," Bills right guard Chris Villarrial, who started all 16 games for those ’01 Bears, said Monday. "Because I kind of thought of the same thing last night flying back."’

‘Bills 17, Jets 14.’

His own Mangini (New York Post)

Jet ‘D’ paying through nose (New York Daily News)

Mangini-Belichick rift Branches out (New York Daily News)

Running in place and losing ground (Newsday)

Pressure is off for Jets’ line (White Plains Journal News)

Jets confidential (Newark Star Ledger)

Jets getting exposed in their new defense (Bergen Record)

Looking ahead: Jets at Bills (Bergen Record)

Faster Cotchery catching on for Jets (AP)

Big plays not enough for Jets against Pats (The Sports Network)

Jets Look to Bounce Back (NewYorkJets.com)

‘Obviously, it’s hats off to Buffalo’s 81-year-old G.M, Levy, and those helping him make the decisions, mainly Modrak.’