Archives for October 2001

‘"We did our job tonight," cornerback Ken Irvin said. "The last couple of games, the defense hasn’t been doing what they were told to do. We were able to regroup after they scored their only touchdown, whereas sometimes in the past we would crumble."’

‘While the rest of the nation was able to watch the Jaguars and Bills on ESPN, people in Jacksonville got a black screen. As it turned out, this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.’

‘Brunell attempted 26 passes against the Bills and only two — both on the team’s lone touchdown drive — gained at least 15 yards.’

‘The Bills came in threatening the NFL record for fewest sacks in a season, but the Jaguars made them look like a collection of Bruce Smiths last night. Buffalo had just five sacks combined in its first four games, all of them losses. The Bills nearly matched their season total in the first half alone against Jacksonville, sacking Mark Brunell twice before intermission. Buffalo didn’t stop there, though, adding two more sacks in the second half.’

‘Walk-up ticket sales were down last night compared to the previously blacked-out game at Alltel Stadium when Cleveland came to town. About 700 walk-up tickets were sold, said Jaguars Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bill Prescott. About 2,000 walk-up tickets were sold before the Browns game, which was played during the afternoon.’

‘Turning Point – Early in the fourth quarter, with the Jaguars trailing 10-7, they lined up for a 27-yard field goal. Holder Chris Hanson couldn’t handle a high snap from Joe Zelenka and it resulted in a 26-yard loss. Though the Jaguars wound up tying the game later, the missed three points proved to be a difference-maker in the end.’

The Buffalo Bills broke a four-game losing streak with a last-minute, 46-yard, clutch kick by Jake Arians to down the Jacksonville Jaguars, 13-10. Arians had previously missed two field goal attempts out of three earlier in the game, but he came through to lift the spirits of the Bills with his dramatic finish.

Week 6 gets off to an early start, and the Bills get into the win column with a 13-10 victory over the hapless Jaguars. Buffalo QB Rob Johnson leads a fourth-quarter drive that culminates in Jake Arians go-ahead field goal with 1:03 to play. Travares Tillman’s interception seals the victory

‘”Hopefully, this will springboard us the rest of the season,” said Johnson, who completed 23-of-30 for 238 yards and a touchdown. “The first one is always the toughest, especially with how young we are and how banged up we are. Once you get one, you prove you can win.”‘

‘A TD for RJ, a sack by Williams, Schobel, Foreman & Flowers, Moulds leading receivers with 60 yards and a TD. Irvin caught a spectacular interception (upheld by instant replay) and Tillman caught one as well to end the game. The defense front four were without Hansen and Larsen but pressure was constant on Brunell. The WCO was efficient and ball was spread out well with Centers, Moulds, Riemersma and Henry all getting multiple balls. Pity anyone who chose to start Brunell in their fantasy football league.’

‘RJ had two sacks vs Brunell having 4. RJ had no interceptions but Brunell had 2. Jaguars got NO punt returns in 4 kicks. Bills dominated everything except rushing yards and kickoff returns.’

‘Arians had missed field goals of 41 and 39 yards, but coach Gregg Williams didn’t hesitate to put the game on his foot [Bills were currently tied with Jaguars] on fourth-and-inches. The kick sailed through and Arians jumped into the arms of Dan O’Leary, who carried him halfway to the sideline.’

‘”Naturally, I’m disappointed in a ruling that awards money to Wade Phillips for his departure from the Bills,” Bills owner Ralph Wilson said before the team’s game in Jacksonville, Fla. “Phillips claims he was fired. I reject that. He forced his dismissal with unreasonable behavior.”‘

While the Buffalo Bills are rebuilding, it’s hard to tell what the Jacksonville Jaguars are up to. Jake Arians missed two FGs early but made the last one in the clutch and the defense stopped Brunell final effort with an interception.