Archives for September 2003

‘"We just didn’t play well," Belichick said. "We didn’t play well, we didn’t coach well, we didn’t do anything well. We just got beat."’

‘Was the new defense overhyped? It was better than anyone imagined.’

‘"I’ll be honest," said safety Pierson Prioleau. "I didn’t know he could move that fast. But I did know he was a fierce competitor. I knew that when there’s a play to be made he has the ability to make those plays. So it didn’t surprise me that he moved that fast when it was time to make a play."’

‘How far has Marques Sullivan fallen from grace? The former starting right guard did not dress for Sunday’s game.’

‘Unsung Hero: WR Bobby Shaw might creep up the depth chart following his performance on Sunday. Shaw caught three passes for 51 yards and did most of his damage early when the Bills built a 14-0 lead.’

‘"It’s been a great ride," Miller said. "The Bills have been very, very supportive. I’ve enjoyed the heck out of it."’

‘In the end, Buffalo beat New England 31-0 – the worst season-opening loss in Patriots’ history – and the game really wasn’t that close.’

‘The Patriots insisted Milloy’s departure and consequent signing with Buffalo was not a distraction this week, that they had moved on. Well, he was certainly a distraction on the field.’

‘"It was important for us to hold them to no points," said defensive tackle Sam Adams. "Because if you hold them to no points, we can win every game."’

‘” When the ball is thrown and a 370-pound defensive tackle picks it out of the air and runs it into the end zone, things were going our way.”‘

‘On Sunday, this good-looking-on-paper Bills defense became good to the touch, putting action behind all those words.’

‘Bills LB Takeo Spikes: How about that for a debut? Two interceptions, a pass deflection when he leveled Troy Brown on a play over the middle, enough raw energy and emotion to light up the dark side of the moon. He is exactly what the Bills have lacked since the departure of Cornelius Bennett – a playmaking linebacker.’

‘Intercepted four times, Brady finished with a 20.4 passing efficiency rating.’

‘” Having my name called out and getting the fans going with my hand thrusts, it felt like I had always been here, my whole career,” Milloy said. ” At that point, I knew that I was going to be OK. I was playing football for fans that really appreciate it. I was in an atmosphere where they make the player feel like he is needed and not the other way around.”‘

‘Week 1 couldn’t have been better for the Bills. Not only did they crush New England 31-0, but Miami, New England and the New York Jets all lost and looked lousy in the process.’