Archives for September 2008

‘Even after 32 years in the NFL as a player and coach, Jauron still feels butterflies before each kickoff, particularly on opening day. “I do. I definitely do. I get very nervous,” Jauron said. “I always felt that when I don’t, that should signal the end and I should do something else. But I enjoy the feeling. Sometimes it gets maybe a little too much but for the most part, I like the nervousness.”‘

‘”I’ll say this, the offense has a lot to prove and that, in particular, starts at the quarterback position,” Edwards said. “There’s a lot of expectations, a lot of work that has gone into this season, and it will all show on Sunday.”‘

‘”(Former Bills starter) Jim Kelly is a dear friend. You don’t ever want to see a city lose a franchise, especially one with the history that a team like the Buffalo Bills has with going to all those Super Bowls. Hopefully that won’t happen.”‘

‘The onus for avoiding such a season-snuffing tumble falls largely on Edwards. The second-year quarterback’s quest to erase memories of the dismal final month of his rookie year won’t be helped by the absence of Pro Bowl tackle Jason Peters. Peters’ rather bizarre holdout-his representatives and the team reportedly have not negotiated or even talked since early winter-showed no sign of ending as of press time, forcing the Bills to shuffle an offensive line that wasn’t particularly strong to begin with.’

‘”It’s the same question every year, ‘is he getting better?’ (With Chris), he’s made a lot of improvement so far,” Kollar said. “We still need him to get in a little bit better of a swing in our practice tempo. Like most rookies, he needs to get quite a bit stronger and quicker, but he’s working.”‘

‘Buffalo is coming off a dreadful year in which it finished 30th in the NFL in yards gained, had nine games in which it produced fewer than 250 yards offense and scored a mere 20 touchdowns (not including returns), the fewest during a 16-game season in franchise history.’

‘Who’s giving Jason advice … Marshawn Lynch’s vehicular attorney?’

‘”I like being down there,” he said. “I like looking guys in the eye, talking to them communicating face to face and not over the phone. You get a better feel for the game I think being down there as opposed to being up in the box.”‘

‘Monetary donations and non-perishable food items will be collected at all RWS gates by volunteers headed by Fan Food Drive chairperson, Mary Wilson, wife of Ralph Wilson, Bills owner. Mrs. Wilson will team with the Bills Women’s Association, Buffalo Jills, Student Leaders, and Food Bank staff for the collection efforts.’

‘Lee Evans, Chris Kelsay and Brian Moorman were all co-captains in 2007 and will all serve again this fall after being voted to those same leadership roles by their teammates.’

‘Prior to the game, the Bills will host tailgate activities in Lot C in front of Ralph Wilson Stadium from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The free event will feature an interactive games area, Jills cheerleaders, Billy Buffalo the Bills mascot, souvenir photo opportunities, vendor displays and giveaways, a food and concessions village, a live radio broadcast, and live music featuring country/rock group Halfway to Hazard brought to you locally by Time Warner Cable and Country Music Television.’

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‘Bills 17, Seahawks 13.’

‘The Bills will rely on their offensive potential to try to make the playoffs for the first time since the 1999 season, when Tennessee stunned Buffalo in the first round with the Music City Miracle.’

‘I have them at 9-7, staying in the hunt for the wild card all season long. But in the AFC, that might leave them one game short.’