Archives for December 29, 2001

‘How on earth are these guys 9-5? The Jets rank just 24th on offense and 18th on defense.’

‘Nick Ferguson’s nickname is "Train Wreck," which perfectly sums up the Jets’ backup free safety who hits like a freight train.’

‘The Bills, who have a number of contingency plans in place, are scheduled to leave from a private airstrip next to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport around 2 p.m.’

‘The emergence of Wade Phillips as a top candidate to replace Mike Riley as coach of the San Diego Chargers is yet another clue to how serious the owner-general manager philosophical rift was in Buffalo before Ralph Wilson fired John Butler after last season.’

‘Of the 88 first-year coaches in the league since 1990, only 9 led their teams to the playoffs that first season.’

‘The Jets have a 1 p.m. date with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Giants Stadium. They only hope that the Bills are there.’

‘”Knowing Parcells actually wanted me and sought me out, after that, there’s no coach or no one in this league who can downplay me as a player,” Ferguson said. “The guy is a master at the game of football, winning wherever he goes and finding that diamond in the rough – like me.”‘

‘"If I feel like I can’t play at a level that helps my team, then I am not going to play," Abraham said. "I will take myself out. Rick Lyle is playing well and he can help this team. Me hurting and not being able to chase down the ball is not going to help the team."’

‘There will be Joy in Jetville, because the mighty ghosts will have struck out. Fireman Ed, one of the heroes from September 11, will be hoarse on the euphoric day the Jets defeated the Bills and made it back to the playoffs against all odds with the rookie head coach and 38-year-old quarterback.’

‘Rick Lyle will likely start, but having Abraham around to run around the Buffalo backfield and chase down QB Alex Van Pelt will certainly help.’

‘"He’s very knowledgeable and a good reader of defenses," said Cottrell, who knows Van Pelt well, having been the Buffalo defensive coordinator for the previous three seasons. "He knows how to get rid of the ball quickly and he spreads the ball around."’

‘”(The Bills) have a very productive offense. They’re a team that’s playing very, very hard. That’s the one thing you see on film. They’ll come down here excited about trying to beat us.”‘

‘Jets coach Herman Edwards said Abraham will play against the Bills, but mostly in obvious passing situations. Whether the second-year defensive end will fully resemble the player who is tied for second in the AFC in sacks is another matter.’

‘It’s just intriguing and refreshing to know that coaching with a strong arm and with paranoia isn’t the only way to win.’

‘The Bills, meanwhile, are confident they’ll get to New York on Saturday, enough time ahead of Sunday’s game against the Jets.’