Archives for November 2008

Which Bills fit? (Boston Globe)

QBs, pursuers have tightened grip (Boston Globe)

Bills a special challenge (Boston Globe)

Short-term play bodes well for Patriots QB long term (Boston Herald)

Dominance just one of those things (Boston Herald)

Larry Izzo keeps Patriots’ eyes on Bills’ return units (Boston Herald)

Challenging first half to season, but Patriots are still in the hunt (Providence Journal)

Buffalo’s big offensive line to be tough test of Pats’ defense (Providence Journal)

Bills’ Jauron impressed by play of Cassel (Providence Journal)

Bills can expect to see more of Faulk (Brockton Enterprise)

Bills believe in Edwards (Worcester Telegram and Gazette)

Pats have mental edge over Buffalo (Worcester Telegram and Gazette)

Cassel has Patriots speak down pat (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)

QB clash a contest of youth (Springfield Republican)

Faulk could play key role again vs. Buffalo (Quincy Patriot Ledger)

By the numbers (Quincy Patriot Ledger)

Newcomer Webster knows the Bills (Manchester Union Leader)

Patriots just one of gang in wide-open AFC East (AP)

Young Bills could be due; Thursday notes (Patriots.com)

Matt Cassel Locker Room Interview (Patriots.com)

‘Schobel had the cast placed on his foot to protect a sprained ligament in his big toe after the player was examined by a specialist in North Carolina, a person familiar with the injury told The Associated Press on Thursday. It’s possible Schobel, who has already missed three games because of the injury, could be back by the end of the month, the person said.’

‘Patriots 23, Bills 17.’

‘”It’s going to be different,” said cornerback Jabari Greer, who has been one of the few bright spots on the defense with two interceptions returned for touchdowns this season. “Donte is the captain and leader on our defense, and is someone that is inspirational and motivational.”‘

‘"We’re in first place, no matter how you look at it," punter Brian Moorman said. "And so are they."’

‘”You have to study and that is what our division is,” said offensive coordinator Turk Schonert. “They are a match-up zone and may send some man coverage teams, pressure team. The Jets pressured us and we were open downfield. We had some opportunities to get some big plays. We missed, we missed some throws, and we ran the wrong route. Our protection didn’t hold up a couple of times and guys were open downfield for big plays.”‘

‘In other words, I’m staring a long, cold, dismal winter in the face.’

‘While it’s fantastic that Bryan Scott has bloomed as a relentless safety for the Buffalo Bills, it would be nice if he behaved on punts: His holding penalty against the New York Jets was beyond frustrating for a team that could have used the momentum instigated by a fake-out. It’s hopefully the last time fans have to cheer for a challenge to go their team’s way just so they’re allowed to punt, and it represents how Buffalo’s special teams have gone from being dynamic to unexceptional.’

‘”I think we always find a way to win,” Seymour said in a conference call from Foxborough, Mass. “Obviously it helps to have a guy like Tom behind center making decisions. But we always find a way to get the job done, no matter who’s out there. … We play tough, smart football and try to not beat ourselves.”‘

‘But the most troubling issue is the run game. The linemen couldn’t block a doorway. The Bills are 26th in the NFL in rushing, 30th in yards per carry. They don’t have a run over 22 yards. Marshawn Lynch is averaging 3.5 a crack.’

‘Defensive end Aaron Schobel will not need season-ending surgery on his injured left foot, a team source told The News. Schobel visited a specialist in North Carolina on Wednesday to assess the injury, which has kept him out of the lineup the past three games.’

‘"I was glad that they didn’t put me on IR because I wanted to play," Fine said. "That’s why I want to do whatever I can to bring as much to the team as possible to try and make up for the lost time that I wasn’t around."’

‘"Obviously Donte and I are two different players. I have a little more size on me, but playing the strong safety position – going down stopping the run – Donte and I are similar in that we have a lot of experience. I think I bring leadership and experience to the secondary, so hopefully I can fill in his shoes, and they are big shoes to fill."’

‘”The fact is that they have dominated the division and certainly beaten us handily a number of times,” Bills coach Dick Jauron said. “We’re trying to gain ground on them.”‘

‘”The nose tackles the last two weeks have been the strengths of the last two defenses,” said Edwards. “I’d say that’s one of the strengths with the Patriots – their defensive line. That’s why teams run that 3-4, to try and keep the run game inside. Don’t let the speed get to the outside and funnel it into the strength of their defense.”‘