Archives for December 8, 2002

‘New England has taken the last five meetings between the teams.’

‘New England jumped out to a 20-0 lead and cruised from there, winning its eighth game of the season against five losses, 27-17.’

‘The Patriots dominated Buffalo for the second time in barely a month.’

‘[Bledsoe] completed 32-of-51 passes, but threw four interceptions in a game for the first time since 1999 and was one shy of a career high.’

‘”This team is real tight chemistry-wise and we’re healthy,” Williams said. “Our confidence is obviously buoyed some from the last ballgame (the win over Miami), and we have to go out and execute.”‘

‘While Bledsoe’s return to Foxboro certainly adds suspense to this matchup, it is merely a footnote to the real drama – the 7-5 Patriots have a chance to eliminate the 6-6 Bills from AFC playoff contention with a victory. If Buffalo wins, the playoff picture gets further muddled, with Miami and the New York Jets still hanging close and the increasing likelihood that only the division winner will advance to the postseason.’

In the offseason, what do you fell will be the most important transaction to be made? Offensive (Peerless) or Defensive (D/Lineman)? – Nick F. Schneider

"I think all of the above. Hopefully we can resign Peerless but at the same time sure up our defensive unit and get those guys stronger and I think we'll have more of a complete team."

New England quarterback Tom Brady has been successful this season by using short passes for small gains. So, give them to him. By maintaining tight zone coverage on the Pats' receivers, the Bills defense can relegate Brady to tiny tosses. If the defenders collapse on the receiver and bring him down almost on the spot-sort of like other teams were doing to Buffalo's offense last month-then those mini-passes will move the Pats nowhere.

vs. MIAMI (12/1): Recorded 1st rushing touchdown as a Bill (3rd of career) on 2-yd plunge in the 2nd qtr…had two touchdown passes of 50+ yards (73 yards to Peerless Price, 57 yards to Eric Moulds)…13th time in Bills history that a quarterback had a pair of 50-yd TDs in the same game (Last: Alex Van Pelt vs. MIA, 11/25/01)…threw for three touchdowns for the 3rd time this season (23rd in career).

‘He calls himself a big Bledsoe fan. I call him an idiot.’

‘The Bills defense, however, remains porous and defensive mad scientist Belichick has had 10 days to prepare a fresh batch of anti-Bledsoe serum. That’s nine more days than he needs. Prediction: Patriots, 27-20.

‘Buffalo’s playoff hopes are flickering, but a loss to the Pats would probably snuff the flame.’

‘Whether the Bills’ coaches can throw a few kinks in the Patriots’ game plan will be a key factor in "Bledsoe Bowl II." New England has a distinct edge in defensive talent. But the Bills’ defense needs to find some way to contain Brady better than in the first meeting.’

‘"I’m being consistent, but I’m not making enough of the big plays," Robinson said.’

‘He has Pats quarterback Tom Brady attacking the defense horizontally, with high-percentage, rhythm throws, many within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage.’