Archives for November 2012

‘Nix went public in backing of Gailey because he wanted to put to rest any doubts about the coach’s future beyond this season. Nix said he maintains confidence in Gailey’s ability, and added that changing coaches after three seasons would only set back the team’s development.’

‘Pears is dealing with a hip injury that forced him to miss practice on Thursday and Friday. He saw a specialist on Thursday.’

‘However, a hip injury that has lingered throughout the season for right tackle Erik Pears may mean a new starting combination is on the horizon. After Friday’s practice, Bills head coach Chan Gailey said the veteran is doubtful for this weekend’s contest.’

‘Brooks, a fourth-round pick out of LSU, returns after having been injured near the end of the preseason and requiring foot surgery. He returned to practice a little over two weeks ago, and has been eligible to be activated for the past few days.’

‘”Listen, we have said from day one, that we want to draft a good young quarterback” Nix said. “I don’t want to leave here without a franchise guy for the future in place. I have not said that before but I’m saying it now because its fact.”‘

‘Wannstedt has come under fire for not being more aggressive but he told Murphy that more blitzing means they would expose young cornerbacks. Wannstedt said the Bills will “live and die” with the front four who he called “our bread and butter”. The Bills are ranked 15th in the NFL in sacks per pass play.’

‘To make room for Brooks on the roster the Bills placed OL Chad Rinehart on injured reserve. Rinehart started the last three games for the club at right guard in place of the injured Kraig Urbik. He suffered a severe ankle injury in the Week 7 game against Tennessee and was carted off the field. Rinehart is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.’

‘”I think our offense is starting to get an identity and come together,” said Nix. “I think we’ll continue to improve offensively. Our special teams are really playing good. We’ve just got to stay the course on defense and get better at what we’re doing.”‘

‘”Erik Pears did not practice and he’s doubtful for the game,” said head coach Chan Gailey. “We’re going to see if he can move around at all around game time and make a decision.”‘

‘The Bills are coming off their best third down conversion game since the opener in their one-point loss to Tennessee. Against the Titans the Bills were 7-12 on third down (58.3%). Houston is stingy on third down as they allow just a 27.5 percent conversion rate to opposing offenses, good for second best in the league. Buffalo has to be around a 45 percent success rate to have a chance in this one.’

‘”It’s a learning experience every week, and I’m working to get better at certain things that I’m asked to do,” Powell said. “I don’t look at the past. Just keep going forward to each new week. I’m trying to be a consistent asset to this team.”‘

‘Hairston will start at right tackle if Erik Pears can’t play, and Pears missed Thursday’s practice to get soreness in his hip and groin area checked. The Bills’ right tackle will be charged with blocking Houston left defensive end J.J. Watt, who leads the NFL with 9.5 sacks.’

‘”We know for us to get where we want a lot’s going to be put on me and Fred,” Spiller said. “We’re both talented guys and we can present some matchup problems for teams and that opens up everything else. We know that load’s going to be put on us and we welcome the challenge.”‘

Sunday’s forecast calls for an Arian Foster field day against the Bills (Houston Chronicle)

With Texans, Forsett knows his job depends on making most of few chances (Houston Chronicle)

Wade Phillips has fond memories of coaching Bills (Houston Chronicle)

ILB Darryl Sharpton expects to practice next week (Houston Chronicle)

Jonathan Grimes back in fold, expected to contribute (Houston Chronicle)

Tate again absent from practice; Grimes signed to fill in (Houston Chronicle)

Daniels solid season gives Texans another threat (AP)

Texans RB Tate misses practice (The Sports Network)

Darryl Sharpton expects to return to practice next week (HoustonTexans.com)

Quintin Demps ready to return from broken forearm (HoustonTexans.com)

Jonathan Grimes happy to be “back home” with Texans (HoustonTexans.com)

Quotes: Thursday practice (HoustonTexans.com)

‘The Bills (3-4) are expected to welcome back starting left tackle Cordy Glenn and starting right guard Kraig Urbik for their game at Houston (6-1) on Sunday. Both players missed three games with sprained right ankles.’