Archives for October 2006

‘The Bills’ front office says that 10 to 15 percent of the team’s fans at home games come from Canada. One of them, Mike deBenedictis of Mississauga, Ontario, said he attended several Argonauts games each year but was making the trip to see a game in Buffalo for the first time. “The tailgating, the excitement, it’s electric here,” he said. “You can sense it before you’re two miles from the stadium.”‘

‘Jauron is knee-deep in a reclamation project that has moved faster than expected.’

‘With a white towel wrapped around his waist and a silver cellphone pressed into his right ear, Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman had settled into his dressing-room stall for a live radio interview when an intruder tapped him on his shoulder.’

‘Coaching: B-plus. This is a well-prepared team that is exceeding expectations.’

‘Bills right guard Chris Villarrial hurt his right leg in the second quarter and did not return. Tests revealed he had a high ankle sprain.’

‘The two joined together Sunday to fight for legislation that would increase screening for potentially fatal diseases in newborns.’

‘”I remember walking back to the line of scrimmage and I looked at the clock and it was 4 ticking to 3 and I knew they wouldn’t have time,” Kelsay said, recalling the final frantic seconds when the Vikings pushed deep into Buffalo territory but simply ran out of time in their quest to rally for a win.’

‘Where were all of you going? Did you have something better to do?’

‘”J.P. is coming along,” an impressed Price said afterward. “I mean, there is a lot of negative stuff being said about him, but he just keeps pushing his way (forward). He goes out there and plays and he gets better each week and we are going to need that from our quarterback.”‘

‘Yes, coach Dick Jauron was not pleased with his team’s 15 penalties. But not backing down from this fistfight more than made up for it.’

’15 – Bills penalties, tied for the third-most for a single game in team history. The teams’ combined 27 penalties tied for second-most in Bills history. The Buffalo record for most penalties in a game is 19, and the combined team record is 34.’

‘Coaching: Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, formerly of the Chicago Bears, used his knowledge of the Vikings’ personnel to devise a very effective game plan that stopped the run and generated pressure. Offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild’s commitment to running the ball was vital in hammering out an ugly win. Dick Jauron’s decision to go for long field goal into the wind wasn’t wise, but he deserves credit for having his team emotionally ready to take back its home turf, overcoming 15 penalties in the process. B’

‘The Bills are still working to find an identity, not only throughout the league, but within their own locker room. Takeo Spikes, McGahee and Lee Evans are prized pieces, but beyond that, one GM’s trash has been Levy’s treasure. For now, he keeps getting premium value.’

‘”It’s huge,” he said. “We needed this win. We got some work to do getting ready for next week, but this was great.”‘

‘Bills running back Willis McGahee and Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams certainly did their part in giving the crew some good clips. McGahee and Williams seemed to have something to say to each other after almost every play in the first half.’