Archives for December 2003

‘The Bills will have to be ready for more blitzes today. The Bills’ offensive line has a rough task even without blitzes. Defensive end Shaun Ellis, who has 11.5 sacks, goes up against Mike Williams. The middle of the offensive line faces good penetrators in defensive tackles Josh Evans and Jason Ferguson.’

‘Unfortunately for the Bills and Jets, a late-season run will only serve as a reminder of what could have been for both teams.’

‘”Well, I know what they mean. “Thanks for keeping the team here.’ That’s what they mean.”‘

‘Jerel Meyers, a 22-year-old wideout from LSU, was signed to the Bills practice squad on Sept. 11, and thus his bumpy ride began. He was released on the 24th, re-signed on Sept. 27, released on Nov. 12 and re-signed again on the 19th. “It’s just part of the game. You have to roll with the punches,” said Meyers, who was teammates with Josh Reed while at LSU. “Everybody wants to be in this league, and you got to get in any way you can. The practice squad is my way of getting into this league and I’m just going to take it from there. Really to me it’s like getting a second chance.”‘

‘Hunter James Kelly will receive the “2003 Good Scout Award for Bravery” on Tuesday from Boy Scouts of America, Greater Niagara Frontier Council.’

‘”Curtis just keeps running, and at the end of the year he has about 1,200 yards,” coach Herman Edwards said. “That’s kind of his deal, who he’s been. He brings a mental toughness to this team.”‘

‘Coach Gregg Williams is 1-4 against his Jets counterpart, Herman Edwards, since both assumed their positions in 2001. In those five games, Edwards’ Jets own a 16-6 edge in sacks, a 16-4 edge in takeaways, and a 149-97 edge on the scoreboard.’

‘What have you found to be the best perk about being an NFL player?

“Mondays when you pick up that check. Boy, that’s lovely. No, the best part is just putting on the helmet, putting on the gear. As a little kid that’s what you dream about, to put on the uniform. I haven’t experienced running out of the tunnel yet (during pregame introductions at Ralph Wilson Stadium), but as of right now it’s putting on the gear.”‘

‘Today, the Bills again play a team from New York with the same record, and this time the question becomes which one will keep its microscopic playoff hopes alive for at least another week.’

‘In his 17 regular-season starts, the Jets are 11-6, and he has completed 67.9 percent of his passes and thrown for 34 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions. Pennington’s passer rating is 102.7 over that stretch, and he is the second-rated quarterback in the league at 99.2 this season, behind only the Titans’ Steve McNair.’

‘Martin, who hasn’t missed a game in five years despite severe ankle, knee and lower-back injuries, is enjoying one of his healthiest seasons.’

‘The Bills are playing better football right now, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, where they are ranked No. 3 in the NFL in overall defense. They, of course, are coming off a 24-7 rout of the Giants last week.’

‘”I know that I’m gonna get past this,” Chrebet says. “That’s not a question, it’s a certainty . . . I’m just looking forward to coming back as good as ever. Mentally and physically healthy.”‘

‘”He is probably one of the toughest guys as a running back that I have been around for his size,” Edwards said. “His pain tolerance is very, very unique. He has done a lot in his career and he generally lines up every week and plays for us.”‘

‘”I don’t even think the Jets knew what they were getting when they drafted him,” he said. “They thought they were getting a punt returner. I knew they were getting much more than that.”‘