Archives for December 2, 2013

‘Ford wore a Buffalo Bills jersey, that of running back Fred Jackson, No. 22. From his aisle seat he shook hands and accepted back-pats from fans walking up and down the aisle, with his personal security guard sitting with him, a stadium security man stationed next to him in the aisle, and two Toronto police constables at the top of the aisle.’

‘At the Bills game, Ford was treated like a rock star.’

‘Ford did many mundane things that, because he’s him, seemed full of significance. He drank from a cup (“What’s in the cup?”). He ate chicken wings (“This is an odd sort of diet.”). He asked people who stopped for photos if they were voting for him (“If I lie to you, Mr. Mayor, it’s because I’m only human.”). ‘

‘Despite a 149-rushing-yard day by Buffalo running back C.J. Spiller, and a six-sack day by the team’s defence, the Bills couldn’t put away a Falcons squad coming in with just two wins this season (none on the road), a team already eliminated from the playoffs. Instead it was quarterback Matt Ryan’s Atlanta team overcoming the odds for the win, finishing with 28-of47 passing for 311 yards and a touchdown.’

‘And he was very much at home on Sunday, wearing a Bills jersey with running back Fred Jackson’s name and number on the back, posing for pictures until leaving at halftime and getting pats on the shoulders from fans parading by his seat, many of whom were young males wearing the standard-issue NFL fan uniform.’

‘Fourteen years have passed since the Bills last qualified for the National Football League playoffs, the longest active drought in the league. In many of those seasons, the team has found new and more agonizing ways to torment their fans, with new and innovative ways to break their hearts.’

‘It is theoretically possible that Toronto will be forced to really care about this team one day – the news this week that Jon Bon Jovi, an NFL favourite, is talking about a partnership with MLSE minority owner Larry Tanenbaum and possibly telecommunications heir Edward Rogers got the Bills watch revved up for a brief moment before the NHL broadcasting deal swamped the nation. One day Toronto may have to care about the running back rotation, the continuing search for a QB, the fatalistic mistakes, whatever. It would probably be different if the Bills belonged to Toronto, and the building weren’t so bad.’

‘Fans lined up to have their picture taken with him. A stadium security guard took a seat on the armrest of a seat in front of the mayor, trying to usher fans along – to varying degrees of success.’

Falcons persevere, win in overtime (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

McClain fought through tough day to come up with big play (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Falcons safety William Moore could face sixth fine (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

The Falcons actually run the ball – and win, too! (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Falcons quoteboard: What they had to say after the 34-31 victory (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford at Falcons-Bills game (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Falcons show some pride (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Photo gallery (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Desperate for a win, Falcons rally to top Bills in Toronto (Fox Sports South)

Falcons Fight Back For Win Over Buffalo (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Falcons Show Toughness in Gritty Win (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Game Recap: Falcons at Bills (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Transcripts: Falcons at Bills (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Photo gallery (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Photo gallery (BuffaloBills.com)

Photo gallery (Buffalo News)

Photo gallery (Rochester D&C)

Photo gallery (WGRZ-TV)

‘Falcons safety William Moore set up the decisive score in a back-and-fourth game by forcing a fumble on Buffalo’s second play from scrimmage. He punched the ball out of the arms of Bills tight end Scott Chandler.’

‘The Bills are 1-5 during the “Bills in Toronto” series in the Rogers Centre, a game that has traditionally meant a friendlier, warmer late-season climate for the opposition. This time the loss stings even more, essentially eliminating Buffalo’s hopes for a playoff spot for the 14th straight season, extending the NFL’s longest active streak.’

‘At least four Toronto police officers and several stadium security staff were at the entrance to the VIP section where Ford had an aisle seat. They tried to keep fans from approaching for photos and handshakes.’

‘Buffalo took over at its 24-yard line and was driving when E.J. Manuel hit Stevie Johnson with a completion. But Johnson was stripped of the ball and it was recovered by Moore, allowing the Falcons to run out the clock and create the first-ever overtime game in the Bills Toronto Series.’

‘”I thought the crowd today was good. They were on our side,” Marrone said of the announced attendance of 38,969 who were treated to an entertaining back-and-forth NFL game. “They were giving us the boost that we needed. They were trying to help us win. I thought the fans in Toronto did a nice job.”‘

‘C.J. Spiller had his best game of the season, totaling 149 yards on 15 carries with a score, while Fred Jackson and E.J. Manuel also had a rushing touchdown for the Bills (4-8), who have lost four of five to fall out of the wild card chase. Manuel went 18-for-32 for 210 yards and a passed for another score.’