Archives for September 20, 2009

‘Wasn’t it nice to see a bunch of those Tampa players in long sleeves? Fellas… come on.’

‘With just one field goal on seven straight possessions for the offense, which included two turnovers, the Bills did not put Tampa Bay away until midway through the fourth quarter when Trent Edwards provided the team’s last big play, a 43-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens in a 33-20 victory.’

‘Injuries were quite prevalent for the Bills. Leodis McKelvin, Brad Butler, Shawn Nelson and Derek Schouman all had their game cut short due to injury. McKelvin left with an injury to his ankle. Both Butler and Schouman departed with knee injuries, and Nelson suffered a shoulder injury.’

‘Edwards finished with 230 yards and one interception on 21-of-31 efficiency for the Bills (1-1). Terrell Owens had 52 yards and one score on three receptions, while Derek Schouman hauled in six passes for 62 yards before being carted off in the third quarter with an apparent right knee injury.’

‘So much for Bills quarterback Trent Edwards’ inability to go deep. After being labeled `Captain Checkdown’ for most of the preseason, and questioned by Owens this past week for overlooking a few opportunities to go long against New England, Edwards responded. He finished 21 of 31 for 230 yards with two scores and an interception.’

‘Each member of the team, including Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, James Lofton, Joe DeLamielleure, Billy Shaw and head coach Marv Levy, were presented with a trophy-like momento from owner Ralph Wilson at midfield.’

‘Butler’s injury appeared to be the most severe after he was carted to the locker room. He was hurt when Buccaneers defensive lineman Stylez White rolled into the back of his legs while attempting to strip the ball from quarterback Trent Edwards(notes). Butler was unable to put much weight on his right leg as he was helped off the field by Bills trainers, before being carted away from the sideline.’

‘Bills cornerback Terrence McGee(notes) was able to play after missing Friday’s practice because of back spasms.’

‘"They’re very fast, very talented," Bills offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said. "Historically that defense is tough for quarterbacks to read. They do a good job mixing in pressure and enough of the Tampa [zone] coverage to keep you honest."’

‘Buffalo, 23-17.’

‘The Bills didn’t bring Owens here to function as a decoy, or so Evans could be a possession receiver. The idea was that getting an elite second receiver would open up things for Evans. No one wants to hear Edwards saying the defense took both of his receivers out of the game, as he did after Monday’s loss.’

‘It seems the Bills have made their decision for 2009. Youth will be served, hopefully not on a platter.’

‘”There’s definitely a need and a want to get that feeling out of your mouth, and to come back and try to put a good feeling in there,” said wide receiver Lee Evans. “So we’ll definitely be amped up for this game.”‘

‘There has been screaming from fans and media for the Bills to throw the ball downfield more frequently, and this may be the week they can get that accomplished. Dallas scored three touchdowns on passes of 42 yards or longer last week, and the Cowboys finished with 344 net yards passing. New England took away Owens and Lee Evans last week, and the Bucs will try to do the same, but they aren’t equipped to do it as effectively.’

‘It’s a lose-lose situation for someone who has, “always been a target.”‘