Archives for December 9, 2003

‘“Really it’s way too early in the week to be able to determine how he’s going to be,” Fisher said.’

‘An MRI on the Titans quarterback’s ankle Monday revealed an old bone spur as well as a slight crack in the spur, ESPN’s John Clayton reports Tuesday. McNair is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. He will not practice at all this week, and his status will be determined closer to game time.’

Smith’s club finished the season with a 9-2 record and captured the Monsignor Martin Association AA Championship. He was also honored at the Monday Quarterback Club’s luncheon meeting held on Monday, December 8 at HSBC Arena.

‘”Since he was an old center and I was about 33 years old at that time, I thought he would understand my concern. We weren’t even talking money, I just wanted another two years. I’d never been hurt, never missed any games, never caused any trouble. I told Ringo I was concerned if it didn’t go well and he got fired, I would be a 34-year-old center and a new coach would come in and the first thing he’d say is ‘we’ve got to get rid of these old guys.’ I just wanted a little assurance. I thought Ringo would say, ‘Sure, Mike. I understand. I’ve been there before.’ Instead he said, ‘You’re playing here or you aren’t playing anywhere.’ So I just told him ‘I retire.’ Then later in training camp, he ended up trading me to Denver. I never figured that would happen, and then Denver winds up going to the Super Bowl. Outside of getting caught up in politics, I loved playing in Buffalo. The fans, the people. You just couldn’t get a better atmosphere for football than what they have in Buffalo.”‘

‘Buffalo Bills running back Travis Henry is among the finalists for FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week honors.’

‘If Steve McNair’s mobility is limited Sunday, the Bills would be wise to test him and see just how well he can function on the move. Bills head coach Gregg Williams, as Titans fans know, isn’t afraid to bring the pressure from anywhere in order to chase a quarterback, and McNair will be no exception.’

‘The Titans have lost two in a row and haven’t really played well in a month. They’ll need a strong effort this week against a much-improved Buffalo defense in order to get back on track and build some momentum heading into the playoffs.’

‘I think Gregg Williams has handled himself with more class than any coach on the hot seat in the NFL.’

‘”This is obviously good to see our hard work pay off,” he said. “It’s nice to see the defensive pride be what it is and play with the effort and contact that you have to play to be a big-time defense. . . . Our defense doesn’t hesitate whenever they have to take over on the field to go out and play and turn the offense away. That’s their mentality right now and it’s fun to go out and watch them play.”‘

‘If the Bills do finish 9-7, it is mathematically possible for them to finish ahead of the other four contenders – Tennessee, Miami, Denver and Cincinnati – for one of the two wild-card berths.’

‘”I never lost confidence in myself,” Sullivan said. “I still prepared every week and tried to hone in on my skills. I’m a mentally tough person and whatever was thrown my way I felt I could overcome it.”‘

‘This season boils down to the Bills’ Texas mis-step, that 10-6 loss to Dallas and the 12-10 loss to Houston.’

‘They believe they can sweep the last three games, get some help from other teams, and squeeze into the postseason party. More power to them.’

‘Buffalo is allowing only 15.4 points per game, second only to Tampa Bay’s 15.2 points per game. That’s impressive and proof that the Bills have a talented defensive unit in terms of stopping opponents and forcing punts. But it has not been an opportunistic defense and that’s a huge part of the game.’

”’He has significant swelling in his ankle and is having difficulty walking,” Fisher said. ”You guys know Steve like I like I know Steve. I am going to say he is doubtful. He is probably not going to practice (this week). If he can play, he’ll play. … But it’s way too early in the week to be able to determine how he is going to be.”’