Archives for December 2013

‘But while Jacksonville has yet to beat a winning team – Tennessee (5-8), Houston (2-11) twice and Cleveland (4-9) – there’s little doubt the Jags are playing their best football of the season.’

‘On Manuel not being consistent, Marrone said, “I think it takes something away [when a quarterback is hurt]. You start and you stop. You start and you stop. I think that’s very difficult, especially for a rookie quarterback. Everyone knows when you’re a rookie quarterback, everything you do is under a microscope different than any other position.”’

For reserve QB Blaine Gabbert, days with Jaguars likely dwindling (Florida Times Union)

Bills believe QB Manuel will be more than just ‘the last FSU QB before Winston’ (Florida Times Union)

Brunell, longtime face of franchise, deserving of honor (Florida Times Union)

Bills at Jaguars (Florida Times Union)

Four downs (Florida Times Union)

Jags add Rackley to injury report with concussion (AP)

Jaguars G Rackley questionable vs. Bills (The Sports Xchange)

Jaguars activate TE Reisner and LB Reynolds (Jaguars.com)

‘Despite the fact that the Jaguars have won four of their last five games, a combination of both their injuries and roster weaknesses make it into a winnable contest for the Bills. While yes, the Bills allowed Bobby Rainey to rip off an 80-yard touchdown to start off the game last week in Tampa Bay, their run defense actually performed very well after that play. Tampa Bay’s offensive line is far superior to Jacksonville’s, which conceivably takes away the run game from the Jaguars. If the Bills can manage that aspect of the game, they can pin their ears back and make Henne uncomfortable, keying better field position and possessions for Buffalo’s offense. EJ Manuel has a chance to bounce back with a huge effort against a pass defense that leaves much to be desired. All in all, the matchup favors the Bills.’

‘Take last week’s game in Tampa. The Bills held the Bucs to 2.4 yards a carry on their last 35 rushing attempts. But Tampa’s first went for 80 yards and a touchdown.’

‘If Alonso can’t play, Marrone said Arthur Moats would play the middle linebacker spot.’

‘”It’s a huge honor and it comes with a lot of responsibility as well,” Moats said. “I’m humbled by it. I feel like I’m in a position where I can influence people and touch a lot of lives. My family and I understand the spot we’re in and want to help people out and let everyone know that we’re in Buffalo to be a part of the community.”‘

After 14 years, signs point toward finale for Jaguars center Brad Meester (Florida Times Union)

Late again: Jaguars release defensive end Jeremy Mincey (Florida Times Union)

MJD, Cyprien doubtful (Florida Times Union)

Jaguars’ Jones-Drew doubtful for Bills game (AP)

Jaguars release veteran DE Jeremy Mincey (AP)

Jaguars RB Jones-Drew doubtful for Sunday (The Sports Network)

Jaguars release DE Mincey (The Sports Network)

Jaguars RB Jones-Drew doubtful vs. Bills (The Sports Xchange)

Jaguars release DE Mincey (The Sports Xchange)

Jaguars release DE Jeremy Mincey (Jaguars.com)

Inside the Jaguars: Bradley on Mincey (Jaguars.com)

Open Locker Room: Jones-Drew, Shorts remain uncertain (Jaguars.com)

Ten Things: Jaguars-Bills (Jaguars.com)

‘After having a few bowls of our host’s special chili, we made our way to the stadium surrounded by throngs of young people in a drunken stupor. Entering the stadium, we saw several signs stating that “the Ralph” is a smoke-free stadium. We noted the irony of Erie County’s concern for its football patrons’ respiratory health while immersed in a human sea of insobriety.’

‘Bills coach Doug Marrone says that Alonso, who was limited in practice earlier in the week, “tweaked” his knee on Friday.’

‘Buffalo has lost five of its last six games, and the slide has a lot to do with quarterback play. Rookie first-round draft pick EJ Manuel has been inconsistent at best, and has really struggled on the road. “I’m sure there is something,” Manuel said. “Whatever the reason, we need to do something differently going into these away games and combat the crowd not being in our favor and things like that.”‘

‘Though Jones’ NFL career is over, what matters more to the former Buffalo Bills receiver is knowing he has a father willing to sacrifice anything – even a kidney. And that leaves Jones, who turns 27 on Tuesday, thankful for a second chance.’

‘Alonso was a limited participant on both Wednesday and Thursday, and then suffered a setback on Friday according to head coach Doug Marrone. The knee injury is bothering the rookie, but the coach remained upbeat.’

‘What needs to happen: 1) Buffalo (4-9) has to win out the rest of their games; 2) Baltimore (7-6) must lose their final 3 games; 3) Miami (7-6) must lose their final 3 games; 4) San Diego (7-7) must lose their final 2 games’

‘”I’m just worried about the next three games and what I can do. You can really only take it one kick at a time,” Carpenter said. “When you look ahead, that’s when you’re going to screw up and have something happen that you don’t want to happen. All I can worry about is what I’m doing today and what I’m doing tomorrow.”‘