Archives for October 12, 2013

‘”I was blown away when I first started talking to him,” Hackett said. “I started asking him all these questions, and he knew the answers. I said, ‘How’d you know all this stuff? He said, ‘Well coach, this is my job. I’m learning it just like I’m the starter.'”‘

‘The team also ran a promotion Friday in which a limited number of tickets were put on sale for $20 for a pair. Proceeds of that sale went to benefit breast cancer awareness and survivors, and that allotment of tickets sold out. In addition, some of the remaining tickets were donated to local charities and medical professionals who serve those affected by breast cancer.’

‘”I think he provides great leadership,” said head coach Doug Marrone, a former offensive line coach himself. “Obviously I’ve always believed the center position, just like the quarterback position, is a position of leadership. Whether you like it or not that’s where you are. I couldn’t be happier with him. I do see him progressing and see him getting better each week. I’m excited about that.”‘

Q&A: Buffalo Bills and former Elder center Eric Wood (Cincinnati Enquirer)

After streak of injuries, everyone at full-go in Bengals’ practice (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Bengals’ Hall, Johnson questionable for Sunday (The Sports Network)

Finding a home (Bengals.com)

Hall, M. Johnson have full Fridays, listed as questionable; Byrd returns for Bills (Bengals.com)

Bengals-Bills Preview (Bengals.com)

‘Not only was Jackson flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct in an Oct. 3 loss at Cleveland, the NFL fined him $7,875 for flipping the ball to defensive tackle Phil Taylor on the Browns sideline.’

”’It feels like I never left,” Moorman said this week, after re-signing with the Bills. ”Just glad to be here. Glad to be home.”’

‘Gilmore, Buffalo’s top cornerback, is hoping to return from a broken left hand he suffered in the preseason. He was limited in practice throughout the week.’

‘”Well, I don’t care where he came from,” Lewis said. “It matters what you do once you’re here.”‘

‘Buffalo sold out its first three home games but has thousands of tickets remaining for the final three games to be played at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo’s Dec. 1 home game against Atlanta will be played at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.’

‘Johnson, who left last Thursday’s loss to Cleveland early with a back injury, has been away from the team this week attending to a death in the family. He has 20 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns this season.’

‘Running back C.J. Spiller was also listed as questionable for the contest, although he was not labeled as a game-time decision by Marrone. Spiller suffered an ankle injury against Baltimore in Week Four, and was only able to take limited snaps against the Browns. Marrone said the running back has progressed much better this week than he had ahead of the Cleveland game.’

‘”He was one of the main reasons why we started to win,” said Hughes of Dalton. “The offense really picked up once he was able to take control on that side of the ball. We’ve always had a great defense at TCU, but anytime they could score points like they did it was always helpful.”‘

‘Johnson missed the entire week of practice due to a death in the family. The Bills top receiver traveled back to his native California to grieve with his family. He’s due to arrive back in Buffalo early Friday evening. He’s also trying to rebound from a lower back strain that he suffered in the first quarter of last Thursday night’s game at Cleveland.’

‘The Bills offense should produce on the ground again, but big plays may not be easy to come by against a Bengals defense that doesn’t surrender them. Cincinnati has a stingy defense in the red zone as well so Buffalo might need points from either special teams or on defense to post a victory.’

‘”Mr. Wilson has generously guaranteed the purchase of the remaining tickets for this weekend’s game,” said Bills President and CEO Russ Brandon. “Through their energy and enthusiasm, our fans create an unparalleled home field advantage. It’s great to share that experience with the entire region.”‘