Archives for December 2009

‘The Bills were flat out fortunate to edge the Jets with an overtime field goal in October and will need a much better offensive game to earn the series sweep. The Jets held a 414-296 edge in yardage, including 318-142 on the ground, but they gave the game away with 14 penalties and six interceptions. QB Mark Sanchez will be much more careful with the ball this time around and coach Rex Ryan a lot less likely to abandon the run if it’s working. As it proved against Miami last Sunday, Buffalo’s defense can take a game over in the fourth quarter if it has been rested. Putting together some well-balanced, clock-eating drives early by the offense will be critical. The Jets are without star NT Kris Jenkins, who was injured against Buffalo, and establishing the run will be a lot easier. Buffalo still needs to be sharp as the Jets still boast the league’s No. 2 overall defense that beat up Carolina last Sunday with four interceptions.’

‘After playing two games in Toronto last season, including a preseason contest, the Bills have their Toronto routine down, which is about the only "home-field" edge they have. Otherwise, this is a neutral-site game with the majority of fans in Toronto NFL fans and not necessarily Buffalo fans. That was clearly evident last year when Miami had just as many supporters during their 16-3 victory. "We know that there’s a lot of fans up there that are pulling for us but there’s also a lot of fans up there that are just fans of the league and fans of the game, so we’ll just have to see how it works out," WR Lee Evans said.’

‘"We’re here to set a new future. And, our new future is the New York Jets and this (AFC East) divisional game."’

‘Peter Morris, OFSAA’s project coordinator responsible for football, said Wednesday the tickets were made available through sponsors and were intended for players, coaches, volunteers and others involved in the recent series of high school Bowl games.’

‘”If we can get the New York Jets, we’ll move on to the next one. The past is the past for us. We’re here to set a new future.”‘

‘What also is true is that Wilson has no succession plan for the Bills. He is 91 years old. As much as he seems to defy time, he will not live forever. He has no plans to will his team to a member of his family. Word is, when he goes, the estate, by law, will auction the team to the highest bidder. In other words: The man who fought against moving franchises is basically leaving his own up for grabs.’

‘”This is nothing against Toronto or the CFL – I’m a big CFL fan – but this is where I’m at right now,” said Mace, the Buffalo Bills’ defensive lineman, whom the Argos acquired the rights to in the controversial trading away of Arland Bruce. “Im just trying to make the best of the opportunity I’ve got now.”‘

‘”If you see him on the sideline [in tonight’s game] you’ll see a guy that’s getting everybody fired up and running up and down the sideline. I think probably the biggest thing is the energy he brings.”‘

‘But perhaps the list that says the most is of the starting quarterbacks since Kelly, all of whom at least temporarily inspired belief among the faithful, all of whom were eventually found wanting: Todd Collins (Marv Levy’s hand-picked choice as Kelly’s successor); Doug Flutie (at least fun while it lasted); Rob Johnson; Drew Bledsoe (remember that 31-0 win over New England to open the 2003 season?); J.P. Losman (last seen leading the Las Vegas Locomotives to the first UFL championship); Edwards (who seems to have become a lost soul).’

‘”When I was at Harvard, if you had told me that I would be the quarterback of the Bills, I’d probably find myself a little surprised,” said the former economics student from the famed Cambridge, Mass., school. “It’s not really known as a football powerhouse.”‘

‘"You certainly have to get the crowd into it and give them something to cheer about," said receiver Lee Evans. "Come out with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, make plays, get them on your side and hopefully carry that momentum into the fourth quarter."’

‘Bills, 19-16.’

‘"That’s just the nature of the business," Owens said. "When you’re a big-time star like Tiger, those things kind of make headlines. I’m sure he’s going to handle it and try to keep it in-house as much as possible."’

‘"Yes, it’s been an adventure," Hangartner said. "I have never been on a team that’s had this many injuries on the offensive line. It’s the first time, and hopefully it’s the last."’