Archives for September 2014

‘Not only did the Buffalo Sabres spend big in free agency during Pegula’s first offseason as owner, but he has shown a willingness to spend his money to upgrade the First Niagara Center and give the fans the best game experience. The fact that Pegula was willing to pay $1.4 billion to buy the Bills is another sign that money won’t be an issue under the new ownership.’

‘Obviously it’s an exciting time for all of us. First of all, it gives us an opportunity really to say thanks to Mr. Wilson and what he has done for the region, the organization, the fans and the league, really, when you think of it. I think the person that might get lost in this, I know personally I want to thank Mary Wilson. During this time, she’s been outstanding. I can only imagine what she’s going through, the emotion. She’s been great with me and great with the coaches. It’s really been outstanding.’

‘We’ve got to go on the field and win. From the standpoint of players and coaches, which I can speak for, that’s how we feel. We need to go on that field and win for ownership and for the organization, but more importantly, for the region and the fans.’

‘There was a bit of good news for the Bills. Stephon Gilmore was a full participant in practice after missing the Week 1 game with a groin injury. He said after practice that he feels much better than he did a week ago. Rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins also practiced in full.’

‘”I’m pretty sure the stadium is going to unreal,” cornerback Corey Graham said. “The fans are going to be going crazy, I’m sure it’s going to be a little louder than normal. So we’re looking forward to that. It’s an important day for the Buffalo Bills, and it’s going to be an important week for us.”‘

‘But all this good news about Kelly and the Bills sale has me feeling happy for Bills fans. I want the Bills to stay in Buffalo, few communities care for their team as much as they do. I want them to be competitive because it feels better to beat them that way.’

‘The pending sale puts increased heat on Whaley and coach Doug Marrone, each one game into their second season in charge. The trade that brought wide receiver Sammy Watkins to town, while costing the Bills their first-round draft choice next year, means they need to get to the playoffs or come awfully close for Whaley and Marrone to keep their jobs.’

‘We’ll see where this goes, but Henderson could be the steal of the draft if he plays to the talent level he never did at Miami. He beat out second-round pick Cyrus Kouandijo of Alabama, and the Bills higher-ups talked to Buffalo reporters like you rarely hear regarding a rookie.’

‘Lindy Ruff, who coached the Sabres for 1 1/2 seasons after the Pegulas came on board, said he enjoyed his working relationship with them. “They were energetic and hands on,” said Ruff, who now coaches the Dallas Stars. “Their enthusiasm for Buffalo and the Sabres was incredible.’

‘”Run, run and more run,” defensive end Cameron Wakesaid. “This week may be a little different type of game, but at the end of the day you’ve got two tremendous football players, guys who can definitely when they get the ball in their hands eat up a lot of yards in one play. It’s goint to be a tremendous point of emphasis for everybody to be on their keys. Whatever your job is, you’ve got to be there and we’ve got to work together as a unit to try to corral these guys.”‘

Miami Dolphins linemen Branden Albert, Ja’Wuan James relish challenge of Buffalo Bills defense (Miami Herald)

Victory at Buffalo would help validate Miami Dolphins’ resurgence (Miami Herald)

Miami Dolphins’ Randy Starks dealing with injured toe; Cameron Wake named AFC defensive player of week (Miami Herald)

Dolphins’ passing game was good enough, but not good (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dolphins rookie linebacker Chris McCain misses second consecutive practice (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The curious case of Seantrel Henderson starting for Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

A healthy Cameron Wake gets fast start for Miami Dolphins this season (Palm Beach Post)

Purchaser of Buffalo Bills is a billionaire Boca Raton resident (Palm Beach Post)

Randy Starks the latest injury on Miami Dolphins’ defense (Palm Beach Post)

Good times get rolling for Dolphins (Fox Sports Florida)

Dolphins DE Cameron Wake named AFC Defensive Player of the Week (Fox Sports Florida)

Tannehill looking for fewer mistakes in Week 2 (AP)

Dolphins’ D gets good passing grade, now must stop run (The Sports Xchange)

Leaders Of The Pack (MiamiDolphins.com)

Dolphins Look To Stop The Running Of The Bills (MiamiDolphins.com)

Dolphins-Bills Wednesday Injury Updates (MiamiDolphins.com)

Cameron Wake Named AFC Defensive Player Of The Week (MiamiDolphins.com)

‘If Gov. Cuomo ever gets around to making a decision – and assuming it’s the proper one – our upstate counties will finally see real economic growth (and New Yorkers may see cheaper energy). Until then, we’ll have to be content to thank fracking for preventing the Bills from shuffling off from Buffalo.’

‘”I want to play today, really,” defensive tackle Kyle Williams said Wednesday. “It’s such a good week news-wise for the Buffalo Bills, for Buffalo Bills alumni with Jim Kelly, for our region with the Pegulas and going on the road and winning a football game and coming back and playing the Dolphins of all teams. I’m excited about Sunday.”‘

‘”We’ve always had that cloud hanging over our heads,” said 30-year season ticket holder Allen Knaszak of the Buffalo suburb of Boston. “I texted my daughter at school last night and said, ‘It’s so nice to know that long after I’m gone, you and your kids will be here,'” Knaszak said Wednesday at Ralph Wilson Stadium after a stop at the Bills store.’

‘”As far as the Pegula family acquiring the team, you have to be excited. They’re great advocates toward the region. It’s great for our organization and it’s great for our fans. It’s an exciting time and people should be excited, as they are.”‘