Archives for September 22, 2006

‘Best advantage: Bills defensive ends vs. Jets offensive tackles.’

‘CSC and The Apex Group have handled security and event management for Buffalo Bills games since the 2004 season. In an effort to improve the game day environment and ensure the safety for all fans, CSC and Apex were chosen for their proven record of service through enforcement. Their combined efforts during the past two seasons, coupled with their ongoing employee training and customer service philosophies have contributed to an improved atmosphere in Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘"We had so many people bombarding us with support," Ferguson recalled. "Prayer groups, e-mails and phone calls. You’ve got to believe that support works and I believe it does because it gave me comfort."’

‘Bills linebacker Takeo Spikes didn’t practice on Friday, putting his status in doubt for Buffalo’s home opener against the New York Jets on Sunday.’

‘”We have seen a change in our game-day setting over the course of the past two years and that can directly attributed to our relationship with CSC and The Apex Group,” said Russ Brandon, Bills’ executive vice president.’

‘”I was told a long time ago, what the players are looking for is not necessarily how old you are but that you can put them in a position to be successful,” Mangini said. “That’s what I’ve always worked to do. I think the age issue becomes irrelevant at that point.”‘

‘The average age of the Bills’ 53-man squad is 26.24 years. Only Green Bay, Indianapolis and Jacksonville have a younger average.’

‘It was not even a remotely close call between Kingsbury and Holcomb. Kingsbury had a great college career. But he did not show the arm strength or physical tools to make a strong run at making the roster.’

‘"Our organization is proud to have Marv Levy promoting our cardiac program," said James Kaskie, President and CEO of Kaleida Health. "Having an endorsement from a Hall of Famer who is noted for his dedication to his personal health speaks volumes about the confidence that he has in our physicians and clinicians."’

‘”What I love about that whole defensive group is their energy, their passion, the way they pursue to the football,” said Jets coach Eric Mangini, himself a former defensive coordinator at New England who knows the importance of a disruptive pass rush. “It’s really impressive.”‘

‘Despite coming off a 5-11 season and missing the playoffs for six consecutive years, despite being without a marquee player to put fannies in the seats, despite operating in one of the league’s smallest and poorest markets, the Bills are succeeding.’

‘According to Schumer, the eight-member owners committee to study revenue sharing will meet Oct. 24th. The senator also said Wilson will meet one-on-one with new NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in November.’

‘The Bills, under the first-year defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, have relied on frequent substitutions, creating opportunities for several players who may otherwise be buried on the depth chart. The defense has also relied on aggressive blitzing and stunts, playing to one of Denney’s strengths: speed. Linebacker Takeo Spikes said, “If you want this scheme to work, you need guys up front coming off the ball, being unselfish, and develop some depth,” so there is not a drop-off when a starter is out.”‘

‘McGahee, 6-foot, 228 pounds, is the engine that drives the Bills’ offense, having put together back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons the past two years. He has the speed to turn the corner and the power and toughness to run inside. He has rushed for 388 yards and two touchdowns on 88 carries (4.4-yard average) against the Jets.’

These Aren’t the Same Old Bills, as a Speedy Defense Spurs a Turnaround (New York Times)

Jets’ Special Teams Coach Looks to Get Back to Top (New York Times)

Glass calf full (New York Post)

Rhodes making strides (New York Post)

McCareins ready, Justin case (New York Daily News)

Jets should run to Smith (New York Daily News)

Mangini takes high Rhodes (New York Daily News)

Awaiting opportunity (Newsday)

Rhodes on right path (Newsday)

Jets’ Coles remains questionable for Sunday (White Plains Journal News)

Bills’ McGahee load of a problem for Vilma, Jets (Newark Star Ledger)

Looks like Barlow will carry the load (Newark Star Ledger)

Finding new Rhodes to success (Bergen Record)

Jets notebook (Bergen Record)

Jets’ Coles questionable for Bills game with calf injury (AP)

Inside the Locker Room (NewYorkJets.com)

The Rhodes to the Top (NewYorkJets.com)

Fantasy Final: Week Three (NewYorkJets.com)

On the Road Again (NewYorkJets.com)