Archives for September 21, 2008

‘Dick Jauron may have to take a bit of a hit for the sluggish play for three quarters but the poise and character he instills in this team showed up in time to pull out the win. The gameplans were not as imaginative as they have been. May be getting too fancy on special teams by lining out Lindell and Moorman wide.’

‘The Bills weren’t a very smart team on Sunday and three turnovers, four penalties, three sacks and a critical defensive breakdown had them in a 23-14 hole with 6:23 to play. To coach Dick Jauron’s credit, he, his staff and his players kept their composure and pulled out an important, if not pretty, victory. The Bills, who have missed the playoffs eight consecutive years, sit atop the AFC East at 3-0, proving there is light at the end of every tunnel.’

‘Good teams beat the teams they are supposed to beat, so maybe, just maybe, we have a good team on our hands.’

‘After holding Oakland to a three and out the Bills took possession with 2:29 to go in the game and the ball on their own 34 yard line. Edwards and the offense orchestrated a seven play drive culminating in the Lindell field goal to win the game.’

‘A combination of turnovers very poor field position throughout thanks in part to poor special teams play. Add to that one huge pass play put and they were behind the eight ball but they found a way to win the game. That was more impressive, although more heart stopping, than a blowout win would have been. At least now hopefully they’ll learn not to take weaker opponents likely.’

‘The drive capped a wild fourth quarter when the teams combined for 24 points, the Bills’ struggling offense scoring three times to steal the victory from the upset-minded Raiders (1-2).’

‘Buffalo got the final possession of the game as the team started the drive with the ball at its own 34 with 2:29 left and trailing by two points. Trent Edwards connected on passes of 11 and 16 yards before the two-minute warning to get the ball past midfield. Marshawn Lynch then rushed for 19 yards on the next four carries to set up Lindell’s 38-yard attempt, which he hit true for the win.’

‘For the better part of three quarters Buffalo’s execution was lacking. Dropped passes, fumbles lost, busted assignments and a missed field goal attempt were all part of the Bills performance. Fortunately they snapped out of it with just enough time left on the clock to pull out their second straight come from behind win as a 38-yard field goal from Rian Lindell lifted the Bills to a 24-23 walk off victory and their first 3-0 mark to start the season since 1992.’

‘Edwards engineered three scoring drives in the final quarter, helping the Bills twice overcome 9-point deficits in the last 8 minutes.’

‘"In my heart and in my blood, I bleed red, white and blue," Smith said. "I am humbled and blessed by this honor."’

‘Fans will be given a pink ribbon and informational screening card at the entrance gates of Ralph Wilson Stadium. The card provides screening information for nine Western New York counties as well as recommendations for screening and awareness.’

‘Fargas hurt his groin while running a pass pattern in a 23-8 loss at Kansas City last weekend. The Raiders didn’t miss him much after rookie Darren McFadden erupted for 164 yards rushing and a touchdown.’

‘It hasn’t happened in 16 years. Maybe that’s why Bills’ fans are so excited.’

‘Kiffin has admitted he and the Raiders’ owner haven’t spoken in two weeks, including on the plane ride back from Kansas City.’

‘”I think they’re definitely going to try to pound the ball on us,” said Bills linebacker Kawika Mitchell, signed specifically to toughen the Buffalo run defense. “But those are the fun games. So I hope they do.”‘