Archives for December 2006

‘"It’s tough for him and tough for us," said Bills head coach Dick Jauron on Monday. "He was playing well and getting more and more comfortable in the scheme. I’m very disappointed about it."’

‘"There are a lot of things I can fall back on based on my history at that position," he said. "My time right now is going to be spent on learning to play the position in our scheme. That’s what I’m going to focus on and I think I can do a good job filling in for Angelo (Crowell)."’

‘”No, we lost the game, bottom line,” tight end Robert Royal said. “It doesn’t matter. We can match up with anybody in this league. It doesn’t matter what the team’s record is. We’ve shown we can compete.”‘

‘The Bills gained 230 yards, ran for just 63, and had four turnovers. Their longest run all day went for 10 yards. Merriman was the catalyst. It was a suffocation from arguably the AFC’s best team (10-2), and Merriman in the lineup merely validated order.’

‘”We knew what their game plan was and I thought we prepared for them,” Bills defensive end Ryan Denney said. “But they were able to bust a few runs on us. That was very frustrating.”‘

‘Not even a dose of temperature shock could save the Bills’ sorry run defense from Tomlinson’s torment. And, given his take on things, it might be the Bills got off easier than would have been the case if a snowy field had further undermined their pursuit.’

‘The game wasn’t as close as it sounds. The Bills are growing up, but talent-wise, they’re not in the same league as the Chargers, who seemed to lose interest when they took a 17-0 lead to the halftime locker room as a light snowfall began to descend on Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘Crowell, who was carrying a walking boot in his hand in the locker room, is optimistic that he’ll practice this week. “It’s a little sore, but I feel good about my chances,” he said. “I’ll be ready to rock.”‘

‘Clements and fellow cornerback Terrence McGee took plenty of heat early in the season for their play in losses at Chicago and Detroit. But since the bye week, Clements in particular has shown the ability that made him the Bills’ franchise player.’

‘But if you’re looking for a summation of the Jauron era in Buffalo, all you need is a snippet from Sunday’s 24-21 loss to the San Diego Chargers: Three timeouts. Eighty-two seconds. Ug-ly.’

‘So, L.T., would you have any interest in the Western New York climate all-year round? “I would not trade San Diego for Buffalo weather,” he said. “I said every now and then.”‘

‘Leonhard fielded Mike Scifres’ punt at the San Diego 45 and raced to the 13, aided by a spectacular block by Keith Ellison on Chargers tight end Brandon Manumaleuna.’

‘Willis McGahee, four carries, one yard.’

‘There’s plenty of work to be done.’

‘But what Sunday showed was that the last quarterback from the 2004 first-round draft class to attempt a professional pass might be head and shoulders above the rest.’