Archives for November 10, 2008

‘”We have to do a better job of putting ourselves in a position to win early and not have to rally the troops and try to make a big play or force a big play late in the game,” said Wilson. “We have to find a way to get the job done early so we’re not having to scramble and try to force something to happen by being overly aggressive to get another opportunity for our offense.”‘

‘The reasons for the collapse have been easy to spot. On offense, the running game is nonexistent, and second-year quarterback Trent Edwards has gone from the toast of the league to a young and confused signal-caller. Defensively, the Bills can’t generate a pass rush let alone a sack, and they haven’t been able to take the ball away. Over the past three games — losses to Miami, the New York Jets and the Patriots — Buffalo has a minus-6 turnover ratio.’

‘Leodis McKelvin’s kick return average looks a lot healthier after his 85-yard return late in the game Sunday. The rookie averaged 46 yards per return in the game and posted his fifth 100-yard return game of the season marking the fifth time a Bills player has had five or more 100-yard return games in a single season.’

‘From my seats in 312, Terrence McGee looked to be the recipient of Patriot abuse, and another subpar game. He did make two Pro Bowl caliber plays, but he also played approximately 34 yards off his receiver. Also, Ko Simpson’s hitting is more responsible for Randy Moss’ below-average game than McGee, who I think is still hurt.’

‘The Bills aren’t even bothering to attempt to establish the run, thanks to a bunch of offensive line fill-ins playing as poorly as expected and a bunch of regulars playing the same way only without an excuse. Notably, guard Derrick Dockery apparently spent a large part of his afternoon counting his money in his head while left tackle Jason Peters was busy being jealous of Dockery counting his money; neither seemed particularly focused on job performance, and that’s how a team with a fine starter like Marshawn Lynch and a backup of Fred Jackson’s caliber ends up with 60 trifling net rushing yards.’

‘The Bills’ offense was miserable, gaining just 58 yards in the second half. Quarterback Trent Edwards completed just 13 of 23 passes for 120 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions.’

‘The key play on New England’s TD drive was a 21-yard pass to Wes Welker along the sideline. Replays showed Welker was juggling the ball and didn’t get in bounds. Dick Jauron threw his challenge flag on the field but did not make sure the officials saw it before the Pats ran the next play.’

‘New England’s defense has struggled in the red zone this season. Not against the Buffalo Bills.’

‘Welker had two catches on the Pats’ 64-yard drive to a field goal that put them ahead, 13-3.’

‘Key drive: The fourth quarter was eaten up by New England’s 19-play, 92 yard TD march. It ate up 9:08.’

‘”Certain universities you get taught exactly how to be a pro, you get taught from the scheme to the routes that you run, and at Indiana, we didn’t learn all that type of stuff so everything is really just a new beginning for me coming here,” Hardy said. “I’m just trying to get adjusted and catch up as fast as I can. It just seems like no matter how good I work, how hard I work, it just doesn’t show the way I think it should show.”‘

‘And it doesn’t matter who quarterbacks the Bills or who calls the plays, Bill Belichick’s New England defense always seems one step – or more – ahead of the Buffalo attack.’

‘The numbers suggest the Bills did a decent job against the Patriots, who passed for 234 yards. But every time New England needed a big completion, quarterback Matt Cassel found an open receiver running through the secondary.’

‘But Edwards was shaken Sunday. You could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He looked like a kid who had just had his baseball card collection stolen away from him by the schoolyard bully.’

‘You thought the Bills had injury problems? The Pats were so banged up that they were longing for Sammy Morris, who couldn’t carry the groceries when he was in Buffalo. New England tapped into its depth chart for BenJarvus Green-Ellis, which sounds like a Wall Street law firm rather than an NFL running back.’