Archives for September 23, 2012

‘The Browns chopped the deficit to 17-14 late in the third quarter and had one possession with a chance to take the lead but could not move the ball downfield. The Bills responded with a 68-yard drive that culminated in a TD pass from Fitzpatrick to WR Stevie Johnson, who burned CB Dimitri Patterson. The Browns proved they simply don’t boast enough offensive weapons to overcome a 24-14 deficit in nine minutes. The Johnson score sealed the Bills victory.’

‘Bills officials have taken measures to curb rowdy behavior in the stands and team-owned lots. But they must be careful not to alienate this large bloc of the fan base, or the calls to “Make Mom Proud” will bounce off empty rows of seats in the stadium’s upper bowl. On the other hand, those fans need to do their part by showing up for every game, not just a select few.’

‘"We always say it’s the best play in football," Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said, "because you know if you’re in that formation you did something right to win."’

‘Bills 30, Browns 20.’

‘”Whatever it is we need to turn it around, this is the week to do it,” Barnett said. “We need to be focused. I like road games, personally. It’s a great opportunty to be in an uncomfortable atmosphere and fight with your guys in someone else’s home. We’ve got to have that mentality of going to someone’s home and going in the refrigerator and drinking all the milk.”‘

‘The fact the Bills will not reach for that potential extra Canadian revenue shows they’re sensitive to the wishes of their season-ticket base, which for the most part has been understanding of the Toronto regionalization campaign but which also doesn’t like the idea of giving up more than one regular-season game.’

‘”Now we feel there is room to work and that there is good faith on both sides,” a state official said Saturday morning.’

‘”This is really a financial business transaction,” Collins said. “And while the emotions run high, I’m not sure that the negotiators on the side of the county and the state should back off making sure that the taxpayers are protected.”‘

‘In one of the few games this year where the Bills appear to be the better team on paper, not to mention more experienced, they cannot afford a slip against a young, rebuilding Browns team, especially with the most difficult segment of their schedule on the horizon.’

‘”His amazing ability to get open one-on-one,” Buffalo coach Chan Gailey said.’

‘Contain Spiller.’

‘Browns 20, Bills 13.’

‘Fort said Spiller has the type of speed and vision to hop from gap to gap and get to any spot on the field whenever he wants. It wasn’t always like that with the second-year back out of Clemson, but Bills coach Chan Gailey said Spiller has made the biggest leaps in his ability to see the field.’

‘Browns, 24-20.’

‘Browns 24, Bills 23.’