Archives for November 2006

‘It was Simpson’s second career interception and a sign that he continues to get more comfortable in coordinator Perry Fewell’s defensive system. Simpson has started seven of eight games in his rookie campaign, coming into the lineup when Troy Vincent was injured and later released. “He’s had to grow up real quick,” Bills cornerback Terrence McGee said of Simpson. “He’s done a good job of adapting to being a starter.”‘

‘”I don’t like to play my friends and least of all my best friend in football and my mentor,” Polian said in a story that appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. “Playing in the regular season won’t be fun. But as Marv always said, ‘We’ll show up and be on time.’ “‘

‘Watching Peyton Manning dissect defenses must be tough for Evans to stomach. Despite a quarterback that can’t seem to hit him, the third-year receiver keeps finding ways to get open deep. In a system like the one the Colts runs, who knows what numbers he’d post.’

‘The defenses have at least one thing in common, neither is particularly good at stopping the run. The Bills can get trampled at times but the Colts give up an average of 165.4 rushing yards per game. That’s a pretty hefty figure for a team that is 8-0. And therein lies Buffalo’s best hope for success.’

Colts refuse to fall for the ‘trap’ (Indianapolis Star)

Vinatieri’s bad game gets lost in last week’s win (Indianapolis Star)

Game notes (Indianapolis Star)

RCA Dome rowdiness concerns Irsay (Indianapolis Star)

Freeney can’t buy a sack (Indianapolis Star)

He’s a big-picture guy (Indianapolis Star)

Undefeated Colts taking underdog Bills seriously (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)

Colts are ready to face Bills’ stampede (Fort Wayne Journal Gazette)

Indy rookies making big impact (Terre Haute Tribune Star)

Bob Sanders will be game-time decision for Colts (Terre Haute Tribune Star)

‘What the Bills must do is avoid mistakes. Quarterback J.P. Losman finished last week’s game with no turnovers, a major factor in ending the Bills’ three-game losing streak. And with the Colts propensity for scoring points, he must be even better – and more efficient – this week. “We want to keep the ball a little bit, keep them off the field, but we definitely have to score points, and we have to score touchdowns,” Losman said.’

‘”I have to step up and take over the role and do whatever I can do to contribute more to the offense,” Parrish said.’

‘Based on Tripplett’s first seven games in a Buffalo uniform, it was hard to understand what Polian and Dungy were talking about. But after his breakthrough performance last Sunday against Green Bay, the picture is becoming a little less fuzzy.’

‘”I’m really impressed with both of them,” Tripplett said. “When I got the chance to meet with Mr. Levy, I really was impressed and it’s one of the reasons I signed here. Of course, Mr. Polian, you’ve seen what he’s done there. They both are just real smart, intelligent, strong football guys who know how to run an organization.”‘

6th-round pick takes starting role (Indianapolis Star)

Jackson brings in his own fans (Indianapolis Star)

Colts’ talent may still foil Bills’ solid approach (Fort Wayne News Sentinel)

Bob Sanders will be game-time decision for Colts (Terre Haute Tribune Star)

Sanders’ status unknown (AP)

The matchup (Colts.com)

Preparations continue (Colts.com)

Spectacularly routine (Colts.com)

Building in Buffalo (Colts.com)

Colts challenge (Colts.com)

New experiences (Colts.com)

‘”I think every game is a little different,” Jauron said. “I’m sure most people in the business have experience this. You can have what you think are great plays for the game and suddenly, it takes a different course and you’ve got to alter those plans. We play for every game, and we see what presents itself, what’s going well and what’s not, and we try to stick with those things."’

‘Say this for the Bills: They’re going into the RCA Dome with their eyes wide open. The tough part will be making the Colts blink first.’

‘While Buffalo’s defense in the red zone hasn’t been stellar this season, it is still better than the Indianapolis defense in the same territory. The Colts are giving up touchdowns in the red zone more than 70 percent of the time (70.8%). Only New Orleans allows touchdowns inside the 20-yard line more frequently (71.4%).’

‘Indianapolis 34, Buffalo 17.’

‘Fletcher also isn’t one for self-promotion, which might explain why he’s not even the most recognized Bills linebacker. Top-billing goes to Takeo Spikes, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who has a TV contract promoting a national fast-food chain. "For some reason or another, the national media has ignored me," said Fletcher, a five-time Pro Bowl alternate. "All I have is my stats."’