Archives for September 2008

‘The heat was a huge factor as the Bills rotated both the offensive and defensive lines with the exception of center Melvin Fowler. “I’ve never been involved in (a game) where the offensive side (was rotated), but it made a lot of sense to us with Jason (Peters, tackle) just three practices into this season (after a holdout),” Jauron said.’

‘But there was something special about the way the Bills rallied past the Jaguars, 20-16, on Sunday afternoon at sweltering Jacksonville Memorial Stadium … specifically, Edwards’ performance.’

‘When asked if he was bothered by temperatures, Peters, who was rested during the game, said, “No way. I just came here from Texas where it was 105.”‘

‘”I just really came in figuring this is what he does, and he’s one of the best at it,” Hardy said of Evans. “If I just listen to what he says and… come in and try to outwork him some days, I’ll be fine, and I’ll be able to contribute to this team and get us to the playoffs and hopefully a Super Bowl here.”‘

‘He’s either the head zombie or vampire depending on one’s geek film preference, but the important factor is that Whitner is leading his henchmen to glory in part because the talent around him is rising. The question of who benefits from whom is ultimately irrelevant; the important point is that everyone is benefiting.’

‘Either Lynch or Jackson were involved in 33 of the Bills’ 51 offensive plays and accounted for 167 of the team’s 285 net yards. Lynch led the way in rushing with 59 yards, while Jackson had team highs in catches (seven) and receiving yards (83).’

‘Edwards gets it just right. He has the quick mind and easy temperament of a successful NFL quarterback. Now, two games into his second season, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that he has the game, too.’

‘”A lot of people are excited about us being 2-0 and we’re excited, too,” said safety Donte Whitner. “But we still have bigger and better things to do. We expected to go 2-0. Now we have Oakland this week. Our expectations are to go 3-0 and that’s what we’re working on. This next game is a huge opportunity for us to keep the momentum and excitement that’s building.”‘

‘"We look at Fred as just a very valuable 1-2 punch, he and Marshawn," Bills head coach Dick Jauron said following Buffalo’s 20-16 victory in Jacksonville. "We think the world of him. We know he’s got talents in a lot of different areas. He makes plays. He’s got a great feel for the game, a tough guy. He’s just a really good football player."’

‘It’s hard to define what ‘it’ is, but when a guy has ‘it’ you know it. Edwards’ demeanor is his strength – calm, cool, unflappable. Face it.’

‘”I think ‘encouraged’ is a good way to describe it,” Edwards said. “But for me, personally, I still feel like we have a lot to prove. It’s Week 2. It’s nothing monumental.”‘

‘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.’