‘This season boils down to the Bills’ Texas mis-step, that 10-6 loss to Dallas and the 12-10 loss to Houston.’
BillsBeat - December 9, 2003
Buffalo Bills replay
‘They believe they can sweep the last three games, get some help from other teams, and squeeze into the postseason party. More power to them.’
Don't be fooled by rank of Bills defense
‘Buffalo is allowing only 15.4 points per game, second only to Tampa Bay’s 15.2 points per game. That’s impressive and proof that the Bills have a talented defensive unit in terms of stopping opponents and forcing punts. But it has not been an opportunistic defense and that’s a huge part of the game.’
McNair MRI to determine injury severity
”’He has significant swelling in his ankle and is having difficulty walking,” Fisher said. ”You guys know Steve like I like I know Steve. I am going to say he is doubtful. He is probably not going to practice (this week). If he can play, he’ll play. … But it’s way too early in the week to be able to determine how he is going to be.”’
Fisher's focus on playoffs, not loss
‘The Titans (9-4) can clinch a playoff spot Sunday with a victory over the Buffalo Bills, as well as a Cincinnati loss to San Francisco and a Miami loss to Philadelphia. As a Wild Card team the Titans would have to travel in the first round, most likely to Baltimore.’
Titans to dwell on foes, not fumbles
‘”On my way in this morning, I stopped to get a cup of coffee really early and when I was walking to my car, an individual said, ‘Hang in there. We’re still behind you,'” Fisher said. “When I got in the car, I thought, ‘We’re not 4-9, we’re 9-4.’ … We were 8-5 last year and were tired at this point last year, just scratching and clawing to get back to 8-5. We’re 9-4, and we’re going to be OK.”‘
Quite a letdown
‘DEFENSIVE LINE – F
NT Jason Ferguson had a sack, but said he played his “worst” game. DT Chester McGlockton had two penalties on one play. Tackling was atrocious across the board.’
How Jets Let It All Slip Away
‘The turning point came when the Jets failed to score after cornerback Ray Mickens’ interception on the second play of the third quarter, when the Bills led 7-3.’
Inside slant
‘”It got to a point where the Jets wanted nothing more to do with you,” Wilson said to Henry.’
Strategy and personnel
‘The joke going around Ralph Wilson Stadium is that someone must have kidnapped Kevin Gilbride on his way to the game. The embattled Buffalo offensive coordinator has been on the hot seat all year for his suspect play-calling that put too much emphasis on the passing game, but he wisely stuck to the ground against a weak New York rush defense and the results were dazzling.’
Notes, quotes, anecdotes
‘CB Terrence McGee is making a strong case to become a starter in 2004 if the Bills are unable to re-sign Antoine Winfield. McGee made the first interception of his career against the Jets and has been a solid cover man in nickel and dime packages.’
Three Buffalo Franchises
‘They can talk all they want about circumstances, and execution, but the bottom line, IF Travis Henry had carried the ball more, earlier this season, the Bills would be in the middle of the playoff race.’
The Bills Earn Another Monday Off
‘Williams said Drew Bledsoe called the quarterback sneak on third and five on his own. Bledsoe had noticed a lot of alignment confusion during the game and thought he could take advantage of it. The QB was wrong and Buffalo had to punt.’
Two-game losing skid hasn't hurt Titans' optimism
‘“I got in the car and thought, ‘We’re not 4-9. We’re 9-4. It’s OK,”’ Fisher said. Maybe so, but what a difference a week makes.’
McNair has MRI on sprained left ankle
‘Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher said his quarterback won’t practice this week.’