Archives for November 2002

‘Q: So was that really the worst quarterbacking performance in the history of professional football against the Bills last time? Lucas: If it wasn’t, it had to be pretty damn close.’

The Bills and Dolphins have played at least twice every season since 1966, with Miami holding a 47-29-1 overall series lead (46-26-1 in the reg. season). The home team has won 8 of the last 12 in the series and the club leading in turnovers has won 11 of past 12,

Book your reservations for the Ultimate Sports Weekend.

Saturday, December 28

Minnesota Wild vs. Buffalo Sabres

Sunday, December 29

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Buffalo Bills

Even with the limited time to practice with his new teammates, Carlton led the Bills with seven carries (for 13 yards) in the first game; a 27-3 loss to the New York Titans. The following week in Buffalo’s home opener, a 27-21 loss to Denver, he made history in the second quarter when he scored the team’s first touchdown on a one-yard run.

‘The Bills have forced just 11 turnovers this season – six fumble recoveries and five interceptions – fewest in the NFL.’

‘Through 11 games, the Dolphins are second in overall defense in the AFC behind Denver, compared with third last season.’

‘The Dolphins have made several changes to their playoff ticket policy in an effort to avoid a repeat of the past two postseasons, when two first-round games did not sell out in time for the television blackout to be lifted.’

‘After going undrafted in the supplemental draft, the two-year letterman at Auburn had a chance to make the team as a kick returner in 1999 before a knee injury, which he calls the most frustrating part of this process. In 2000, he was cut in late August, signed to the practice squad, then released again.’

‘Both have been cleared by the medical staff to return to practice today, though it’s unlikely either will play Sunday at Buffalo.’

‘Despite being the only team in the past two years to fail to sell out its playoff games in time to lift the television blackout, the Dolphins are hopeful that will not be a problem this season if they qualify for this post-season.’

‘Buffalo Bills assistant coach Tommy Kaiser and Texas Tech running backs coach Art Briles are among those that Houston athletic director Dave Maggard wants to interview for the Cougars’ head coaching job, according to a Houston television station.’

‘The Book: If you take away the deep ball to Moulds, you’ll force Bledsoe to throw underneath and you will contain Buffalo’s offense. To wit, after averaging 32 points through the first eight games, the Pats, Chiefs, and Jets have held the Bills to just 12 points per game.’

‘Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler and receiver Cris Carter were cleared Tuesday to return to practice. Fiedler has missed the past five games with a broken right thumb and will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Buffalo. Carter, who has missed three games because of a kidney problem, will also return to practice Wednesday.’

‘Over the last two weeks, the Dolphins have put forth the type of performances in all phases that will be needed heading into the final five games of the season. All that will be on the Dolphins’ minds this week, however, is their game this Sunday in Buffalo, as they try to even the season series with the Bills after Buffalo bettered the Dolphins in the first game this year, 23-10, back on October 20 at Pro Player Stadium. Revenge, though, will not be Miami’s primary motive. A Dolphins triumph would guarantee them at least a one-game lead in the AFC East with four to play, while also allowing them to keep pace with the conference front-runners.’

If the Buffalo Bills were a puzzle, it appears that the opposition has just fit the final piece.

Or so it would seem. How else can you explain the Bills' inability to finish big plays? The red zone is icy blue. They're serving up tastier turnovers than a pastry chef.