Archives for September 15, 2008

‘With young players at too many key positions and playing in a division with the powerhouse New England Patriots, chances for the Bills to make some noise in the AFC appeared to be at least a year away. That’s no longer the case.’

‘Without a new deal, LIN “expects Time Warner to discontinue carriage of WIVB-TV and CW23 WNLO when the contract expires on October 2, 2008." The loss of WIVB, the CBS affiliate, would deprive viewers of the majority of Buffalo Bills games, which are a top draw on WIVB.’

‘The Bills signal caller also posted a career-high passer rating in the Jacksonville game with a 119.8 rating Sunday. It was his second game with a rating of 100 or better.’

‘They were ready to play from the start.’

‘Most notably of all, Buffalo made the weather a drawback for the host. Combine that with the huge patches of Bills fans who didn’t mind a few hours of heat pain if it meant supporting their guys, and this team played like it had the home-field advantage.’

‘It was methodical and efficient. There was not a single moment of panic or confusion. They were calm and organized at the line of scrimmage. It was textbook quarterbacking under pressure against a playoff-caliber defense.’

‘”We look at Fred as just a very valuable 1-2 punch, he and Marshawn,” Bills head coach Dick Jauron said. “We think the world of him. We know he’s got talents in a lot of different areas and you saw them today. He makes plays. He’s got a great feel for the game, a tough guy. He’s just a really good football player.”‘

‘Here we are, two games into a new NFL season, and I can’t think of a single negative thing to say about the Bills’ offensive coordinator.’

‘”It’s easy to say throw it high, but until you’re actually in the situation and have to throw it high it’s pretty hard to do,” Edwards said. “James ran a great route, the two underneath [defenders] dropped off on him. It was just a matter of throwing it up high.”‘

‘Well prepared for the Florida heat, continued to attack on both sides of the ball and showed the mentality of a contender. Biggest road win for the team in many years.’

‘The Buffalo Bills’ offense was not known for flying out of the gate last season. The Bills scored on their opening drive in three out of 16 games last season. They also gave up a sack in six of 16 games. So it was a welcome sign when they marched 82 yards in 11 plays after the opening kickoff to set the tone for Sunday’s game.’

‘Good red-zone defense has been a staple of Dick Jauron’s tenure in Buffalo. The Bills’ defense rose up for big stops inside its own 20 at the start and end of the second quarter.’

‘Bills coach Dick Jauron said special teams coach Bobby April anticipated the tactic during preparations this week. “I can’t tell you how many times we ran it during the week,” Jauron said. “They just do a very good job of it. Jon [Corto] was the first one to it but just couldn’t field it cleanly.”‘

‘The Bills outscored the Jaguars 10-0 the rest of the way and held the ball for 10:44 over the final 15 minutes.’

‘"I just wanted to go up and make the play," said Hardy, who finished the day with the first two receptions of his NFL career, totaling 12 yards. "Trent put it in the right spot and I just wanted to be able to come down with the ball and I was able to do that."’