‘”It’s pretty much pulling out all the stops,” Spikes said earlier this week. “You are not holding back. You are throwing everything in, the kitchen sink and everything. I know they are not going to sell out. They will be there every play.”’
BillsBeat - October 12, 2003
Back-to-basics mindset for Jets
‘Like running the ball? Stopping the run? Scoring points? The Jets haven’t done any of those things well in 2003.’
Bills made error not picking WR
‘The Bills must hope Reed is a late bloomer like Moulds, who only had 49 catches in his first two seasons before becoming one of the league’s elite receivers.’
BillsBeat - October 11, 2003
Two worst running teams square off
‘”This past game we progressed a lot, especially in the running game,” Henry said. “That was the area we were kind of soft at the first four games. I feel very confident and comfortable going into this week.”‘
Bills also feel frustrated
‘Part of the problem has been the lack of a running game, something they obviously will try to correct against a Jets’ defense ranked last in the league against the run. Travis Henry is averaging only 2.7 yards on 78 carries, although he had his best game this season against the Bengals with 85 yards rushing on 25 carries. He had missed the game against the Eagles because of a rib injury.’
Jets odds and ends
‘The fact that Abraham has been practicing leads one to believe that he will play Sunday, at least for part of the game. When asked why he hasn’t announced a decision, Edwards intimated that gamesmanship could have something to do with that, as he attempts to keep the Bills guessing.’
Jets hold to flight plan
‘"All I can do is be positive, like I generally am every day, and let them know we can get out of this," Edwards said during a conference call with the Western New York media. "It’s a long season. Things happen. But we have to win games to get out of it."’
Moulds looks doubtful, for now
‘"He did more working out on the side today, and we will work him out on Sunday morning," Williams said of Moulds. "He’s a remarkable athlete (considering) what he’s been able to do this week. . . . I wouldn’t hesitate to play either one of those guys if they can answer the bell on Sunday."
After a Fast Start, the Bills Are Singing a Different Tune
‘”We understand the hype, especially after you win two games right off the start,” Spikes said recently. “The thing is, as a pro athlete, you deal with expectations every day. But what we’re trying to do, what we’re doing, is dealing with our own expectations.”‘
Jets look for Carter's warp speed
‘The second-year wide receiver is being moved into the offensive scheme for a planned 10 to 15 plays this week because he’s probably the fastest man on the team. With wide receiver Santana Moss moved into the starting lineup, the Jets are looking to stretch out their offense with speed.’
Ellis stands out
‘”Shaun Ellis . . . wow, he’s playing good football now,” Herman Edwards said. “He’s fun to watch. He’s the guy that’s flashing. Shaun is very consistent. He’s playing well in the run game, too. He is playing his heart out.”‘
Light in the Dark
‘ In five games against Bledsoe, Ellis has 3 1/2 sacks.’
Brien is on firm footing
‘”He kicking well,” coach Herman Edwards said. “I think (special teams coach) Mike Westhoff has done a good job with him, getting his confidence up. He feels comfortable here. I think he has been a good fit for us. It’s hard when you’re trying to get a kicker now. Kickers are a different breed of cat.”‘
Ferguson has plans to test Henry
‘”His ribs hurt so we’re going to test them out,” Ferguson said with a smile, “see how those ribs are.”‘
Deep thoughts
‘After being inactive for the final 11 regular-season games and two playoff games a year ago and the first four games this year, wide receiver Jonathan Carter is expected to make his Jets debut this week. A former fifth-round pick of the Giants, Carter will be counted on to help Moss spread the field for quarterback Vinny Testaverde.’