Archives for December 2008

‘The Bills know they must effectively run the table to make the playoffs, and in addition to not having Edwards – he left the first half of a 10-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday with a pulled groin and has watched practice all week in sweats and no pads – there is also at least nagging concern about Marshawn Lynch, their sometimes go-to running back, who had limited duty in practice yesterday because of back spasms.’

‘The current Cowboys were built largely by Parcells and Miami general manager Jeff Ireland, who was the vice-president of college and pro scouting under Parcells in Dallas. The fact they hired former Dallas assistant head coach Tony Sparano as the head coach in Miami ensured that everyone would be on the same page with the Dolphins.’

‘Premium seating and visiting team returns do not count against the NFL’s definition of a sellout.’

‘”When you’ve played the game and you’ve played for Buffalo, and you realize how important the rivalry is between the Bills and the Dolphins, you want that to be on your home field,” Kelly said earlier this week. “You want that to be outside, you want it to be in the weather.”‘

Miami Dolphins offensive line must buckle down in the trenches (Miami Herald)

Miami Dolphins rookie kicker nails lead in fans voting (Miami Herald)

Miami Dolphins QB deserves our votes (Miami Herald)

Dolphins CB Goodman rebounds on corner (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Here’s to Old Blue (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dolphins add receiver Hannon (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Q&A with Dolphins RB Ricky Williams (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Q&A with Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dolphins linemen face increased pressure with Justin Smiley out for season (Palm Beach Post)

Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai returns after latest suspension (Palm Beach Post)

Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter a player of the month (Palm Beach Post)

Dolphins sign receiver Chris Hannon off waivers from 49ers (Palm Beach Post)

Pennington is Dolphins’ ‘pied piper’ (AP)

Miami Dolphins Transcripts (MiamiDolphins.com)

Not Your Usual Road Trip (MiamiDolphins.com)

Dan Carpenter Named AFC Special Teams Player Of The Month (MiamiDolphins.com)

‘”It’s just like going down there in September and playing in the heat,” the Bills receiver said. “It’s tough for us.”‘

‘And, to his credit, Gehman doesn’t offer disproportionate coverage of the Bills’ best seasons, which have been covered ad nauseum. He focuses equally on the tough years. He also doesn’t stick with the stars, reintroducing names from Buffalo lore like Merv Krakau, Bill Simpson, Lucius Stanford and Marlin Briscoe. Some of the stories you’ve heard … many you haven’t.’

‘"Four," Wilson said without hesitation, when asked how many of its four remaining games Buffalo needs to win to keep alive its already slim playoff hopes. "We need all four of these, and it starts with this one right here. The three that come after this game don’t even matter if we don’t get this one this week."’

‘Lynch’s back locked up during individual drills early in practice. After spending about 10 minutes trying to stretch himself out while being attended to by a trainer, Lynch returned to practice, but still had severe difficulty bending over. He had particular trouble picking up a ball after he dropped a pass.’

‘”It’s exciting,” said Losman. “From my standpoint, I know when I got to play last week, it was fun. I was having fun out there, having a good time.”‘

‘A limited number of visiting team returns and premium seats remain available for the game. Fans interested in purchasing tickets can stop at Rogers Centre Box Office (Gate 7) or purchase on Ticketmaster.’

‘”It’s just me getting an opportunity to make a play,” said McKelvin. “I was just behind two guys that were playing great from the beginning of the season. Jabari had interceptions and Terrence McGee made plays before he got hurt. I knew my time would come. Coach always tells us you’re one play away. Just keep working hard at practice and things are going to come to you.”‘

‘When Losman flung a fourth-down pass, and Buffalo’s last, best chance at a tying touchdown, to the turf with 10 minutes left, a heavy-set, white-bearded man who looked and sounded as if he has spent many Sunday afternoons in that exact spot issued his verdict. “Oh, yeah,” he said with elongated sarcasm. “He’s a lot better than the other guy.”‘

‘Lynch, who was run into the ground during his rookie season, has faced the other extreme this year: He has been kept curiously holstered at various points, and at strange times, too. He’s not getting chances during obvious situations where he could provide help, especially considering he can provide more than one kind of help. The outrage over his reduced role in Sunday’s final quarter is entirely justified, but fans should also be irritated that he had multiple roles reduced.’

‘Dolphins 23, Bills 6.’