Archives for September 2009

‘Owens was asked if, after missing substantial time during the preseason, he’s brought a swagger to the Bills locker room, “Well, if I haven’t,” he said, “I’ll bring it Monday.”‘

Monday will be showtime for Patriots secondary (Boston Globe)

Pressure point for Pryor (Boston Globe)

Trade a Giant adjustment for Michael Matthews (Boston Herald)

Ultimatum for Big Sey (Boston Herald)

Rookie on rehab trail (Boston Herald)

New England Patriots elect 5 teams captains, including Tom Brady, for 2009 season (Springfield Republican)

Bodden still has a short memory (Providence Journal)

Raiders send ‘five-day letter’ to Seymour, according to report (Providence Journal)

Taylor-made start to the Patriots’ season? (Brockton Enterprise)

Simmons admits he’s in a catch-up situation (Brockton Enterprise)

Owens has mouth in midseason form (Worcester Telegram and Gazette)

Moment of truth almost at hand (Worcester Telegram and Gazette)

RB Taylor geared up to get started (Attleboro Sun Chronicle)

T.O. still firing away (Nashua Telegraph)

Inside slant (The Sports Xchange)

Strategy and personnel (The Sports Xchange)

Notes, quotes (The Sports Xchange)

Game Advisory: Patriots vs. Bills (Patriots.com)

Patriots-Bills Injury Report (Patriots.com)

Pats offense feeling no pressure; Thu notes (Patriots.com)

Patriots elect five team captains for 2009 season (Patriots.com)

‘It’s not that the moves weren’t warranted after the first-team offense stumbled and bumbled its way through the summer, failing to score one touchdown in five preseason games. But the timing is peculiar, in essence rendering an entire offseason of planning and preparation worthless.’

‘In time, the Bills could have a very good line (Wood and Levitre are first- and second-round picks) and Bell could be another Peters. But it’s a big gamble given QB Trent Edwards’ development is at stake and most observers will argue the Bills have written off the season.’

‘New offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt confirmed that he will work from the press box, relaying plays to backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on the field, who in turn will get the word to Trent Edwards. “I think it’s just better for me to be up there in an atmosphere away from everything,” Van Pelt said. “You can see it so much better upstairs. When I did call it in Germany (in NFL Europe), I felt really comfortable up there. You take some of the communication you just have to put it through somebody else and that guy on the sideline’s going to be (QB) Ryan Fitzpatrick, so it’ll be a similar voice that we hear in our room all week. We’ll talk the same language and Ryan will pass it on to Trent and that’ll allow me to get upstairs and remove myself from the sideline and focus on the field.”‘

‘But Guy’s role in signing veteran players – even if he didn’t have final say – had to be one of heavy input. And the record is not good … especially on offense, particularly the line.’

‘”He’s got the ability,” Jauron said. “Clearly he doesn’t have the experience, and he’s going to quickly get some.”‘

‘Patriots 34, Bills 13.’

‘Patriots 24, Bills 3.’

‘Coach Dick Jauron said Thursday he’s “a little bit optimistic” that Johnson will be able to play in Buffalo’s season-opener at New England on Monday night.’

‘”Shawn’s a great cornerback,” said Owens. “We’ve had some great matchups. He’s a physical guy. He presents a challenge.”‘

‘”He had a good OTAs with us,” said coach Dick Jauron of spring practice. “He had a good training camp until the injury. He was doing really well. He’s athletic. He has a great desire to get it done. He’s got the ability. He clearly doesn’t have the experience. He’ll quickly get some.”‘

‘Forecast: 5-11.’

‘He’s presumably on a one-year leash. When Ralph Wilson decided to retain Jauron last January, the owner acknowledged his head coach had one more season to produce a winner.’

‘A taxi pulled up and out stepped a tall man with a physique that made Superman look like a 98-pound weakling. Johnson’s companion asked "who’s this guy?" Johnson himself was puzzled. The American Football League had a 35-round draft that year. "I drafted him," he answered, "but I don’t recognize him."’